Tallahassee mayoral candidate Daryl Parks’ criticism of opponent Jeremy Matlow’s campaign tactics has drawn the support of a group of local conservatives who say Parks offers a different style of leadership for the city.
Parks held a July 27 press conference outside City Hall to condemn what he described as “deceptive” campaign tactics connected to Matlow’s campaign. The controversy centers on a Facebook page that had been renamed “Tallahassee Conservatives” and was used to publish material critical of City Commission candidate Talethia Edwards.
According to reporting, the page had previously been titled “Pause the TMH Deal—Vote No on December 10th.” The report also found connections between the page and Matlow’s campaign operation. Matlow has denied involvement in the page’s renaming.
Parks said the episode went beyond normal political campaigning.
“No one in our community should be subjected to misleading tactics or online manipulation designed to confuse voters or divide our city,” Parks said at the press conference.
Parks argued that the use of a page carrying the name “Tallahassee Conservatives” could give voters the impression that conservative activists were behind attacks on Edwards. He called for community leaders and Democrats who have endorsed Matlow to condemn the tactics.
“Mayors lead people, not parties,” Parks said. “Mayors lead communities, not ideologies.”
The controversy has now prompted a group identifying itself as “Conservatives for Daryl Parks” to publicly endorse Parks in the Aug. 18 mayoral primary.
In a statement issued Aug. 10, the group said conservatives — including both Democrats and Republicans — are supporting Parks because they believe he offers a pragmatic alternative to career politicians.
“As a Tallahassee native, I have watched for many years the shenanigans that have gone on at the Tallahassee City Commission,” longtime City Hall political watchdog Erwin Jackson said. “We do not need another career politician as Tallahassee Mayor. We need a fresh voice of pragmatism and common sense.”
Former Leon County Commissioner Emanuel “Manny” Joanos, the first Republican elected to the County Commission, also endorsed Parks.
Joanos said Tallahassee voters are willing to elect non-politicians when they believe a candidate is sincere, has fresh ideas and is willing to listen to differing viewpoints.
The group’s support for Parks is based in part on three policy priorities: regional economic development, enhanced public safety and zero-based budgeting.
Parks has proposed using Tallahassee International Airport and city utilities to help support existing small businesses while attracting new industries, including manufacturing, logistics and health care research and development.
On public safety, the group said Parks supports continuing support for the Tallahassee Police Department while addressing gangs, homelessness and unsheltered residents.
The third priority is a zero-based review of the city budget aimed at keeping taxes competitive while maintaining essential services.
Barney Bishop III, a Tallahassee businessman and former CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, said he reviewed Parks’ positions on 17 key local issues before deciding to support him.
“He is not a rigid ideologue,” Bishop said. “He is an affable individual who wants to take Tallahassee to the next level.”
The conservatives’ statement also emphasized Parks’ business background in hospitality management at international airports and said he understands the challenges faced by small businesses.
The group said Tallahassee needs to take a different approach to economic growth, noting that the city is adding only about eight net residents per day, according to its statement.
The initial list of supporters includes Bishop, Joanos, Jackson, James “Jim” Brainerd, Ed Moore, Christopher Campbell, Tom Napier, Buddy Dewar, Roger Osborne, Katina Galsco, Roger Wynn and Jackie Wilson. The group said additional names may be added.
The endorsement adds another dimension to a mayoral campaign in which Parks is attempting to position himself as a candidate who can appeal beyond traditional political divisions.
For Parks, the controversy over campaign tactics has become part of a broader argument about the kind of leadership Tallahassee should have.
“My commitment to the people of Tallahassee is simple,” Parks said. “I will always tell them the truth. I will always respect their intelligence, and I’ll always put the people of Tallahassee first.”
The Tallahassee mayoral primary is Aug. 18.
Be the first to leave a comment on this article.