K WO R ET US AT OD AY N HE FT P AR TO .CO M SS EE HA LA T AL ER 4, 2 020 CT OB ND AY ,O SU KYLE SLAGLE/USA TODAY NETWORK; GETTY IMAGES State’s election supervisor says voting by mail is safe ..................... 2 Florida has six constitutional amendments on the ballot ................ 4 Referendum would impose a property tax to help children ............ 4 Candidate bios and Q&As ..................................................................... 6-13 Court debts will keep some former felons from voting .................. 15 It’s ‘safe’ Supervisor of Elections encourages vote-by-mail Jeff Burlew Tallahassee Democrat USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA It’s  been  a  heady  time  for  Republi­ cans — and a long four years for Demo­ crats  —  since  Donald  Trump  won  the White House in 2016. On Nov. 3, voters finally get to decide whether  to  extend  Trump’s  time  in Washington another four years or hand the presidency to former Vice President Joe Biden. Other key contests, at the state and local level, will be decided, too, includ­ ing  races  for  state  House  and  Senate, two  County  Commission  seats,  school superintendent and circuit judge, along with a referendum on a proposed Chil­ dren’s Services Council. As usual, voters have three options to cast ballots: vote­by­mail, early and in­ person voting or Election Day voting. But with no end yet to the pandemic, Supervisor  of  Elections  Mark  Earley  is encouraging people to vote by mail, just as he did during the August and March primaries. “Regardless  of  what  you  might  be hearing  ...  voting  by  mail  is  safe,  and elections  in  general  in  Florida  are  very reliable even though they are often very close  and  contested  and  end  up  in  re­ counts,” he said.  All  of  the  results  might  not  come Election  Night.  In  addition  to  possible recounts, overseas ballots have ten days to come in. And while the office will be­ gin  tabulating  mail  ballots  Oct.  7,  any last­minute  deluge  of  envelopes  will take time to process. “It  may  take  a  few  days,  but  that’s fine,”  Earley  said.  “That’s  the  way  the system was designed to work.” Three ways to vote Voting by mail ballot: Voters can re­ quest mail ballots by going to www.Le­ onVotes.org  and  filling  out  an  online form,  emailing Vote@LeonCountyFL.gov or  calling 850­606­VOTE (8683). Ballots must be Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley works Aug. 17 while canvassing workers open and sort vote-by-mail ballots before they are counted. Earley is encouraging voting by mail, as he did then. TORI LYNN SCHNEIDER/TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT received  by  the  elections  office  by  7 p.m.  on  Election  Day,  Aug.  18.  Voters can mail them or drop them off at early voting locations. Early voting: Early voting runs Oct 19  through  Nov. 1  at 10  locations:  B.L. Perry Library, 2817 S. Adams St.; East­ side  Branch  Library,  15833  Pedrick Road;  FAMU  Student  Union  Multi­ Purpose Room C, 1628 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; FSU Tucker Center (east entrance),  505  W.  Pensacola  St.;  Fort Braden  Community  Center,  16387 Blountstown  Highway;  Ion  V.  Sancho Election  Center,  2990­1  Apalachee Parkway;  Lake  Jackson  Community Center,  3840  N.  Monroe  St.;  Leon County  Courthouse,  302  S.  Monroe St.;  Northeast  Branch  Library,  5513 Thomasville Road; Woodville Commu­ nity Center, 8000 Old Woodville Road. The times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all lo­ cations except the courthouse, which will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Election Day voting: Voting runs 7 a.m.  to  7  p.m  Tuesday,  Nov.  3.  Voters are required to vote at their voting lo­ cation  in  their  precinct  on  Election Day. Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tal­ lahassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter. 2 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT ELECTION SPECIAL SECTION Now is When Leadership Matters the Most! Deuelcped and implemented a sehnal renpening plan keeping children safe and giving parents and families chaices. "New is the time far all at us ta get hustler again. Teachers teaching students learning." - Hack? Hanna "Thcse at us in public educaticn have said many 1gears we sheuld be ccnsidered essential warkers. This is cur chance tn press it. We must meet the challenge. Dur children are depending an us.? - Husky Hanna Llcal - puid lul hp Haul-:1: 'qu ,?Jarlisurl. iur Luurl ui Eclluul Ccmment students an the recpening cf "It was Magical and Heucluticnaw" Fur mere infurmatinn, 1uisit Property tax tied to welfare of children Referendum would launch Services Council TaMaryn Waters Tallahassee Democrat USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA The six Florida Constitutional Amendments all require a 60 percent majority for adoption. DAVID P. GILKEY/DETROIT FREE PRESS Your guide to Florida’s six constitutional amendments Election rules, minimum wage among referendums Bill Cotterell Tallahassee Democrat USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA The  politicians  in  Florida’s  elections come  and  go,  but  the  constitutional amendments are probably forever. There was one statewide referendum on high­speed rail service between ma­ jor cities that passed a few years back — only to be rescinded in the next election, when  voters  realized  the  multibillion­ dollar cost of the bullet train. And some­ times  federal  judges  will  contradict  the will of the voters, nullifying an amend­ ment, or state legislators will pass imple­ menting legislation that thwarts the pur­ pose of the people. But  when  voters  set  limits  on  class size  in  public  schools,  restricted  indoor smoking,  required  waiting  periods  for gun purchases, mandated minimum di­ mensions  for  pig  pens,  capped  legisla­ tive terms at eight years in the House or Senate  —  or  did  many  other  things  by statewide referendum — a change in the state’s  fundamental  governing  docu­ ment is here to stay. This  year,  we’ve  got  a  half­dozen  on the ballot. Half of them would affect how Florida runs elections — one doing noth­ ing, really, while the other two would re­ quire  major  tactical  changes  for  candi­ dates and issues in future elections. An­ other  would  raise  the  minimum  wage and  the  other  two,  both  property  tax measures, face no known opposition. They all require a 60 percent majority for adoption. Here’s a rundown of what they’d do: AMENDMENT 1: Citizenship for voting The Constitution now says “every citi­ zen” can register to vote, as provided by law.  The  change  would  say  “only  citi­ zens” can vote. Pro: Purely semantics. “Every citizen” leaves the Constitution silent on wheth­ 4 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT After two years of intense communi­ ty debate, voters will decide in Novem­ ber whether now is the time to impose a new property tax aimed at addressing children’s issues.  A proposed referendum to launch a Leon County Children’s Services Coun­ cil  has  been  met  with  both  sweeping support and sharp scrutiny.  Here’s  a  snapshot  of  what  voters should know.  What’s a Children’s Services Council? If approved, this one would phase in a $15 hourly minimum wage by 2026 — $1 a year, starting in September of next year.  A  Monmouth  University  poll showed 67 percent support for raising the minimum wage. Pro: Famous  Orlando  lawyer  John Morgan,  who  financed  the  petition campaign for medical marijuana a few years  ago,  contends  that  people  can’t live  on  Florida’s  current  $8.56  hourly  It’s a special taxing district with the power  to  levy  ad  valorem  taxes  no greater  than  .5  mills.  Florida  has  nine independent CSCs, and if approved by voters, Leon County would be the 10th.  Created in 1945, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is the oldest. The newest CSC to be created was the The Children’s Trust of Alachua in Nov. 2018. By  Florida  statute,  CSCs  generate revenue to tackle children’s issues tai­ lored to individual counties. Each one has a 12­year lifespan that goes before voters for renewal.  They  are  managed  by  either  a  33­ member or 10­member council; the lat­ ter is proposed for Leon County. The local option calls for five statu­ torily  mandated  members,  including the  Leon  County  Schools  superinten­ dent, a school board member, a Depart­ ment of Children and Families district administrator, a county commissioner and a judge assigned to juvenile cases. The  governor  appoints  the  remaining  See AMENDMENTS, Page 5 See CHILDREN, Page 5 er  non­citizens  can  vote.  “Only  citi­ zens”  clears  that  up,  if  anyone  is  in doubt. Anti: Opponents see it as unneces­ sary at best, and xenophobic at worst. Non­citizens already can’t vote and re­ jiggering a couple words in the Consti­ tution  might  increase  conservative turnout  to  benefit  Republican  candi­ dates elsewhere on the ballot. AMENDMENT 2: Minimum wage hike ELECTION SPECIAL SECTION Amendments A Children's Services Council Planning Committee meeting. The CSC is on the ballot. JEFF BURLEW Children begin receiving money in November or December of 2021. Continued from Page 4 What proponents say five members.  In  April  2018,  Lee  County  commis­ sioners opted to not allow a referendum to go on the November ballot to create a Children’s  Services  Council,  while  Or­ ange  County  commissioners  decided  a needs  assessment  was  in  order  before going  to  a  referendum  (Leon  County Commission did the same thing in 2018).  Main points: Supporters  say  Leon County is approaching a tipping point that warrants intervention.  They say the COVID­19 pandemic is only making current conditions worse for  children  in  need.  In  addition,  as Florida looks to improve its workforce for the future, an increasing number of business leaders say early intervention is  paramount  in  helping  children  suc­ cess in school. Business and communi­ ty leaders also are calling for more tar­ geted  efforts  to  reduce  youth  violence by tackling the root causes.  Endorsements: They  include  the Tallahassee  Chamber  of  Commerce, Big  Bend  Minority  Chamber  of  Com­ merce,  Capital  City  Chamber  of  Com­ merce,  United  Way  of  the  Big  Bend, United  Partners  for  Human  Services, Whole  Child  Leon  and  Institute  for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence. What will a CSC  do in Leon County? Specifics aren’t clear at this time — a gnawing detail that fuels criticism.  A Leon  County  CSC  Planning  Com­ mittee finalized its recommendations in a 118­page report in 2019. The report does not advocate for or against the proposal.  Instead,  it  outlines  areas  of  concern surrounding local children, including ar­ rests, infant mortality and school readi­ ness  and  potential  consequences  if  left unchecked. The report offered three gen­ eral priority areas: success in school and life;  healthy  children  and  families;  and stable and nurturing families and com­ munities. Keeping things general, it said, allows a CSC to work from a road map provided by the now disbanded planning commit­ tee.  The  Leon  County  CSC  would  fine­ tune and execute the plan. An executive director would be hired to drive the plan forward. What’s on the table for Leon County? It could impose a property tax rate of up to half a mill or $42 per $100,000 in taxable property value per year — repre­ senting up to $8 million per year. If approved, a Leon County CSC will What opponents say Critics: They include the Network of Entrepreneurs  &  Business  Advocates and a loosely formed grassroots group called  the  “No  Blank  Check  Commit­ tee,” consisting of concerned citizens.  COVID-19 pandemic: While  Leon County’s  5.6%  unemployment  rate  in August is an improvement from July’s 8.5%,  critics  say  businesses  are  hurt­ ing. They  say  a  pandemic  is  an  absurd time to raise taxes and voice sustained concern over how new tax revenue will be  effective,  adding  efforts  to  address children’s issues can be achieved with existing groups or revenue sources.  Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter. Continued from Page 4 wage  minimum.  Organized  labor  and virtually  all  Democratic  candidates support the raise. Anti: Business  organizations  con­ tend that, in the current COVID­strick­ en economy, employers can’t cut bigger pieces  of  a  shrinking  pie.  Mandating more would close some small business­ es, they say, and mean fewer jobs avail­ able for people barely getting by now. Neutral: The  Greater  Tallahassee Chamber  of  Commerce  has  not weighed  in  on  the  issue  and  member business  owners  remain  split  on  the proposal AMENDMENT 3: Blanket primaries Registered Democrats vote in Demo­ cratic  primaries  and  Republicans  vote in  GOP  primaries  in  Florida.  That means  about  4  million  independents and members of splinter parties have to wait  until  the  November  general  elec­ tions (except for non­partisan races or local ballot issues.) Amendment  3  would  create  a  top­ two elimination process in contests for governor, Cabinet offices and state leg­ islative races. All candidates would go on the same ballot in the primary and, if none gets more than 50 percent, the top two  finishers  would  have  a  runoff  in November. That  might  be  two  Democrats,  two Republicans, or one of each. Pro: Florida is one of only nine states with  “closed”  primaries,  and  no­party voters  are  a  fast­growing  segment  of the electorate. Most offices are won or lost  in  the  primaries,  and  proponents say it’s not fair that you should have to join a party in order to choose your leg­ islator, governor or state Cabinet mem­ ber. Anti: Both  the  Democratic  and  Re­ publican  Parties  oppose  the  change, not wanting non­members meddling in their selection of candidates. The Leg­ islative Black Caucus came out against it,  too,  saying  a  primary  free­for­all makes it harder for minority candidates to get nominated. AMENDMENT 4: “Are you sure?” referendum A political  committee  called  “Keep Our  Constitution  Clean”  came  up  with this one, which would require all future constitutional amendments to be voted on twice. Whether  put  on  the  ballot  by  public petition initiative or passed by the Legis­ lature,  amendments  would  still  have  to get 60 percent of the popular vote. If they do, they would be put before the voters a second time for a confirmation ballot in a subsequent election. Pro: Supporters of the Mulligan vote say it would keep the Constitution from being  cluttered  with  special­interest items,  like  that  mandate  of  gestation­ pen sizes for pregnant pigs.  Anti: It would probably wipe out the petition method of amending the Consti­ tution. It’s not cheap or easy to get nearly 800,000 validated voter signatures and finance  a  campaign  to  pass  a  proposal now. Having to run a second ratification campaign would probably mean only the wealthiest  of  special  interests  —  or  the state Legislature, at taxpayer expense — could run a successful campaign. AMENDMENT 5: Property Tax Portability Increases from two years to three the time  for  accrued  “Save  Our  Homes” property tax benefits that may be trans­ ferred from a prior home to a new one. Pro: Florida  TaxWatch,  a  non­parti­ san government study group, calculates a tax savings of $1,730 per $100,000 val­ uation on the average Florida home. Rev­ enue loss to local governments would be relatively minor. Anti: Any  reduction  in  homestead taxes  shifts  the  burden  to  non­home­ stead properties — or means a commen­ surate cut in revenue available for local government and school districts. AMENDMENT 6: Veteran survivor benefits The property tax discount received by combat­disabled veterans age 65 would be transferred to surviving spouses. The discount  would  continue  until  the spouse remarries or sells the property. Pro: Florida has more than 1.5 million veterans, the largest such population in the country, and about 800,000 of them are over 65. TaxWatch estimates a small revenue impact, more than offset by the benefit  of  keeping  Florida  an  attractive retirement destination. Anti: No  visible  opposition.  The amendment  passed  the  Legislature unanimously. TALLAHASSEE.COM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 5 Leon County Commission at-large Type of race: Non-partisan h Who can vote: All registered Leon County voters h What's next: The race will be decided in the election; the winner will be sworn into office two weeks later. h Salary of the position: $80,289 h Q1: What is your vision for Leon County and what would you do to achieve it? h Q2: What is the biggest issue facing Leon County and what would you do to address it? Kelly Otte Carolyn Cummings Age: 59 h Profession: Interim executive director and founder, The Oasis Center for Women & Girls h Qualifications: Twenty-five years of leadership and service in Leon County; master’s degree in public administration and bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Experience in nonprofits, business and government. h Website: KellyOtte.com Age: 70 h Profession: Attorney and business owner h Qualifications: Local attorney, mother of one son, property and small business owner. Has lived and practiced law in Leon County for over 37 years. h Website: CummingsforCommissioner.com A1: I envision a Leon County where disparities of affordable healthcare, housing, equitable wages and educational access are nearly nonexistent. Lower crime rates, where the racial divide and social injustice are all but alleviated, are achievable goals. I will advocate for jobs that provide livable wages and benefits, including health insurance, sick and annual leave and retirement benefits and for strengthening and incentivizing local businesses, including women and minority-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide the same level of wages and benefits. A2: The dire economic effect of COVID-19 is the biggest issue facing Leon County. Citizens have lost jobs, businesses have closed and Leon County government projects budget deficits in the millions for the current and next fiscal year. Revitalizing the economy is my top priority. All stakeholders, including elected officials, community leaders, the faith-based community, local business and industry owners, nonprofit organizations and interested citizens must engage in discussions to seek traditional and non-traditional approaches to jump start the economy. A1: I envision a county where every person can feel safe in their homes, find jobs that pay living wages and feel respected for their differences, not tolerated because of them. I ask that we address poverty using a collective impact model and will lead an effort to reduce economic segregation. I will work to reduce crime through prevention and reducing recidivism. I will promote creating jobs that pay living wages by growing our local talent and enticing new talent to move here. I will stand up against injustice and fight for equal access to safe housing, neighborhoods and needed infrastructure. A2: The devastation of the pandemic is our biggest issue. As an elected leader, I will work to ensure that the county is looking for every opportunity to identify state and federal funding to help. I will support the chambers as they provide training and leadership to assist small businesses identify creative solutions. I will be a visible leader in encouraging people to shop locally, and would support local efforts to create a hub for small businesses which would allow customers to shop from one location and receive fast delivery – all from locally owned businesses. The Leon County Commission has two seats in play. ALICIA DEVINE/ TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT FILE 6 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT ELECTION SPECIAL SECTION Leon County Commission District 4 Type of race: Non-partisan h Who can vote: All registered Leon County voters h What’s next: The race will be decided in the election; the winner will be sworn into office two weeks later. h Salary of the position: $80,289 h Q1: If you can accomplish just one thing in office what would it be? h Q2: What is the biggest issue facing District 4 and what would you do to address it? Bryan Desloge Age: 60 h Profession: Business investor, owner of Desloge Solutions consulting firm and former owner of Desloge Home Oxygen. h Qualifications: “I have an extensive background as a small business owner and have volunteered extensively in local non-profits giving back to the community that I love.” h Website: bryandesloge.com A1: Northeast Leon county needs an active park. I’ve helped grow the parks in the NE through the acquisition of land on Proctor Road and we’ve developed some pocket parks along with a dog park but all of these are passive parks. Preliminary discussions have begun to acquire land closer in to the Killearn neighbors and it’ll be the one thing I intend to accomplish during my final term in office. A2: Managing growth — I’ve spent most of my time as commissioner trying to correct the wrongs of growth. Northeast Leon County was wrongly allowed to grow organically, and we continue to try to correct those mistakes. Roads, stormwater, sewer, sidewalks were all inadequate, and we’ve only begun to catch up. Providing adequate infrastructure and planning will ensure that the next generation of leaders isn’t playing from behind. Welaunee will be only the third development in our community to be master planned (Southwood & Canopy), and it’s about time we plan for our future growth rather than let it happen to us. Brian Welch Age: 41 h Profession: Classroom teacher, Chiles High School h Qualifications: “My career as an educator, two decades getting to know the hardworking families of this district, and widespread support from residents all across Northeast Tallahassee.” h Website: welchforleon.com A1: Bringing common sense back to the County Commission for our district. For the last 14 years, we have had a largely unchallenged incumbent who has focused on his personal political career making backroom deals with fellow insiders, while neglecting the interests of our community. Bringing the perspective of a dedicated family man and working parent who resides full-time in District 4 to the table instead of a career politician more responsive to lobbyists, big-money developers and special interests would accomplish a lot for needs of our neighborhoods. I would also work to build a long-promised but never delivered Northeast Park. A2: The major underlying problem is our representation at the county — all the other big issues flow downstream from that. The plague of reckless development decisions hurting our quality of life and overrunning our community stems from that issue. I will truly listen and act for the good of District 4 instead of taking you for granted. The crime and public safety issues we see today also stem from that general problem of focus and presence. The Big Bend PBA has put their trust in me to to help bring change, and I look forward to working towards safer streets and neighborhoods. TALLAHASSEE.COM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 7 City Commission Seat 2 Type of race: Non-partisan race h Who can vote: All registered voters in the Tallahassee city limits h How much does this position pay: $39,588 h What's next?: The winner will take the bench on Nov. 16, beginning a four-year term. h Q1: What is your vision for the city of Tallahassee and what would you do to achieve it? h Q2: What is the biggest issue facing the city of Tallahassee and what would you do to address it? Bill Schack Curtis Richardson Age: 64 h Profession: Retired h Qualifications: 40 year resident of Tallahassee. Served on the City Commission for almost six years, two of those as Mayor Pro-Tem h Website: curtisforcitycommission.com A1: My vision for the City of Tallahassee is evolving. We all have long range goals about how we would like to see our city grow and thrive. But my job now is more immediate. As your city commissioner, my focus is on our immediate future. Emerging from this pandemic better than we were before. Restoring our economic engines, getting our neighbors back to work and making certain our vital city services are available to every neighborhood. I’ll be using the leadership, experience and steady hand to make certain we keep moving forward. A2: There is not one most important issue. Reducing crime, restarting our economic engine and investing in our long-neglected neighborhoods are not three separate issues. They are all related and achieving positive outcomes require continuing to work on all three. Without reducing crime, our neighborhoods will not flourish. Without good paying jobs, our our residents will continue to struggle and when neighborhoods are in disrepair and people are out of work, crime takes hold. Understanding the relationship among these problems is critical to solving them. Age: 52 h Profession: Food Services Director, the Kearney Center h Website: BillSchack.com A1: My vision for Tallahassee is to reduce crime to a point where residents, businesses, students, the elderly, and our children feel safe. Our city’s economic prosperity and community well-being depends on it. What I will do to achieve it is to facilitate our law enforcement and our neighborhoods becoming bonded as it once was. Police officers need the most advanced training and tools to make community policing a success once again. Neighborhoods and community leaders also need assurance their concerns are heard. We accomplish this, we will attract commerce and organic growth. A2: The biggest issue facing the city of Tallahassee in the short term is postcoronavirus recovery. We must begin planning now so we are prepared to channel resources and support for small businesses who provide the bulk of our local jobs and contribute a great deal to our economy. However, reducing crime, particularly violent crime, and making sure law enforcement has all the tools necessary to meet our community need, is priority No.1. Our growth and prosperity ranging from jobs creation, to affordable housing, to improved community partnerships, to increased economic opportunity, hinges upon our ability to renew and forge new law enforcement partnerships. Florida Congressional District 5 Who can vote: Registered voters in eight counties that include Baker, Gadsden, Hamilton and Madison, and parts of Columbia, Duval, Jefferson, and Leon. h What's next: The winner will take office in January as a member of the United States House of Representatives for Tallahassee, Jacksonville and six rural counties. h How much does position pay: $174,000 h Q1: Do you think law enforcement reforms in how neighborhoods are policed need to be implemented? h Q2: If you can accomplish one thing in office what would it be? Democratic Nominee Al Lawson Age: 72 h Profession: Small business owner, incumbent. h Qualifications: "My work ethic, problem-solving approach, and ability to build collaborative working relationships, regardless of political party, has served me well in Florida and Washington." h Website: AlLawson.com A1: Yes, we need a standard to deal with policing across this country. It’s not going to be overnight, be we must rebuild the trust between police departments and the communities they serve – particular communities of color. I sponsored the Justice in Policing Act, which establishes public safety innovation grants for community-based organizations that create local commissions and task forces to help communities develop concrete alternative policing practices. While the issue of policing can’t be solved by Congress alone, members of Congress have a critical role to play in setting national standards for policing practices. A2: Like Shirley Chisholm, I firmly believe, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” I would hope to be remembered for providing the necessary resources for the people of this district to not just survive, but to 8 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT thrive. I always said when I got to Congress, I wanted to enhance and protect the Affordable Care Act, and guarantee everyone has access to affordable health care – including lowering prescription costs and protecting those living with pre-existing conditions. Republican Nominee Gary Adler Age: 60 h Profession: Businessman h Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University; owner of multiple small businesses in Congressional District 5; served the community on multiple boards and in charitable organizations h Website: ElectAdler.com A1: Law enforcement is a very local issue and is dealt with on the local level. Each community is different and local law enforcement officials and elected leaders know best how to keep law and order. If individuals are unhappy with their police force or sheriff’s office, they need to push for reforms at the city or county level. A2: The most pressing issue facing our nation in the short and long term is our debt. We must get our debt under control and set up plans to eliminate our massive debt, without raising taxes. ELECTION SPECIAL SECTION Leon Soil and Water Conservation District 5 supervisor Type of race: Non-partisan h What the position does: The Leon County Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of 5 elected, unpaid supervisors who work together to promote public health through the protection of natural resources. h Who can vote: All registered Leon County voters h What's next: The race will be decided in the election; the winner will be sworn into office Jan. 5, 2021. h Salary of the position: None h Q: What is the biggest issue in the race and how would you address it if elected? James Billingsley Age: 44 h Profession: Government h Qualifications: Eighth generation, lifetime resident of Leon County. Avid sports and outdoors person. Former member of Canopy Roads Citizens Committee and employee of the Florida House and Senate. h Website: None An egret glides above alligator grass, an invasive species found in Lake Killarney. GLENN A: My primary goal is to promote conservation while ensuring a good working relationship between developers, conservation interests, private land owners and local government. Kyle Frost Age: 26 h Profession: Software engineer h Qualifications: 23year resident of Leon County and consistent advocate for our environmental well-being. h Website: facebook.com/KyleJFrostFL A: One of the most important issues facing our community is the BEIL/TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT FILE ever increasing development with little to no consideration for the environmental impact being made on the areas it is occurring in and around. This includes the Canopy development, the Bannerman development, and countless others around the county. As a supervisor, I’d work with other local officials to advocate for better implementations and enforcement of waste water control, sustainable growth practices, and an environment-first approach to any new projects being proposed that could possibly be a detriment to our trails, lakes, and nature areas. TALLAHASSEE.COM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 9 Leon County Schools Superintendent Type of race: Partisan h Who can vote: All registered Leon County voters. h What’s next: Winner takes the position the second Tuesday after the Nov. 3 general election. h How much this position pays: $141,989 h Q1: If you can accomplish just one thing in office what would it be? h Q2: What are three specific actions the Leon County School district should take or can take during the school year to catch students who are at risk of falling behind academically because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Pam Hightower Rocky Hanna Age: 56 h Profession: Current Superintendent of Leon County Schools h Qualifications: Bachelor’s in business administration; master’s in educational leadership/administration from FSU. A commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, 1984-1990. Previous LCS hall monitor, teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, divisional director and current superintendent h Website: RockyHanna.com A1: The one thing I would like to accomplish during my tenure is to make good on the promises I made to our community and more importantly to our children. The satisfaction of knowing that every decision I made started with the question: What’s best for our students? Over the last four years, we have poured resources back into our schools and classrooms, increased graduation rates, raised salaries for teachers and support staff and reduced capital debt. Honestly, after an amazing career with our school system, I just want to be able to walk away and say “job well done.” A2: Three initiatives we have implemented as part of our reopening plan: 1. “Intervention Team” — This five-member team works in conjunction with individual school administrators and the school social worker to identify and offer assistance to students and families who are having difficulties engaging academically. Age: 67 h Profession: Retired educator h Qualifications: Bachelor’s, master’s degree in elementary education from Florida A&M University; a doctorate in educational leadership from FAMU. Served 40-plus years in the public school system. h Website: HightowerCampaign.org A1: During the Sept. 8 Leon County School Board meeting, there was much concern about teachers’ morale. Teacher morale directly impacts teacher self-efficacy and, in turn, impacts student learning. As superintendent, I will place a significant focus on improving teacher and staff morale. I will prudently create a culture of employee appreciation, promote honest and open communication, and provide relevant professional development. Although globally, COVID-19 sparked more value for teachers, many of our teachers and staff still are feeling less valued. Our teachers and every LCS’ employee matter! I hear you, and I appreciate you! A2: 1. Conduct assessments to identify students’ needs, followed by developing a learning recovery plan. The plan will include making resources available for use at home and recording lessons for students needing repetition. 2. “Student Support Team” — A team of academic coaches serve as after-hour tutors for students in the core subjects of English, math, science and social studies. 2. Provide extended learning opportunities through virtual after school programs at school sites and utilize community facilities to hold in-person learning, according to the CDC safety guidelines. Provide ongoing professional development for teachers and workshops for parents to assist with distance learning. 3. “Parent Academy” — Helps and supports parents in their role during online learning. This academy assists with everything from device installation and connectivity to navigating the technology necessary for students to access CANVAS and other learning tools. 3. Provide resources and social services to K-12 schools to close learning gaps. Schools with large populations of low-income, Exceptional Student Education, and English Language Learners will receive additional funding and support as needed. Godby High School students walk to their classes on the first day of school Aug. 31.  TORI LYNN SCHNEIDER/ TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT 10 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT ELECTION SPECIAL SECTION Florida House, District 7 Type pf race: Partisan h Who can vote: Registered voters who live in House District 7, which takes in a section of Leon County south of Fred George Road and west of Capital Circle. h What's next: The winner of the Nov. 3 election will be sworn in as a member of the Florida House during the Legislature's Organization Session, Nov. 17. h How much does position pay: $29,697 h Q1: Do you think reform of how law enforcement police neighborhoods is needed? h Q2: If you can accomplish one thing in office what would it be? Republican nominee Jason Shoaf Age: 41 h Profession: Natural gas/propane industry - business owner h Qualifications: Incumbent Florida House representative h Website: Jasonshoaf.com A1: I fully support the men and women in law enforcement and intend to help them in any way I can. Law and order is a fundamental principle of our freedom. A2: My goal is to help create an environment that every Floridian has an opportunity to have a better life through great job opportunities and to enjoy the natural resources of our amazing state all while protecting the freedoms we hold dear. The old Capitol. GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE Democratic nominee Taymour Khan Age: 26 h Profession: Realtor h Qualifications: Small business owner who regularly works with the community. "I strive to help my clients and community thrive, while making sure they have full trust in me." h Website: Facebook.com/Khan4Florida A1: Yes, I believe major police reform needs to be implemented. All neighborhoods have different demographics and everyone should be catered to individually. Better training and a diverse police force will allow the community to feel safer. A2: Bringing the Florida Green New deal to the forefront will be one of my main objectives. Climate change has been put on the back burner for far too long and we are slowly starting to see the consequences. District 7 thrives on its springs and fishing. The deteriorating environment is going to have a catastrophic effect on the water quality and the oyster/fish population. We need to implement rules, regulations and technology that will curb the rapid deterioration. I want to protect the environment and create skilled jobs while in office. TALLAHASSEE.COM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 11 Florida House, District 9 Type of race: Partisan h Who can vote: Almost all registered voters who live in Tallahassee and Leon County except for a small section of the county bordered by Fred George Road in the north, east of Capital Circle and south of Old St. Augustine Road. h What's next: The winner of the Nov. 3 election will be sworn as the Tallahassee representative in the Florida House during the Legislature's Organization Session, Nov. 17. h How much does position pay: $29,697 h Q1: Do you think law enforcement reforms in how neighborhoods are policed need to be implemented? h Q2: If you can accomplish one thing in office what would it be? Republican nominee Jim Kallinger Democratic nominee Allison Tant Age: 59 h Profession: Community activist and former chair of the Florida Democratic Party h Qualifications: Founder of KEYS, Independence Landing, ACE Summer Institute and impetus behind TCC Eagle Connections; decades of community work across Tallahassee. h Website: AllisonTant.com Age: 60 h Profession: Consultant h Qualifications: State certified general contractor/small business owner. Served two terms in the Florida House. Florida’s first Chief Child Advocate. Consulted state/ local governments on public-private partnerships. h Website: jimkallinger.com A1: Yes. Public safety is paramount and community trust is critical. Consulting leading law enforcement expertise, utilizing citizen review boards, independent review of officer training and hiring practices with an eye towards enhancing standards, conducting ongoing reviews and support throughout careers of officers, not just at the time of hiring will intertwine officer support, public safety and community trust. Neighborhood community policing, accountability, and community initiatives like the Tallahassee Peacemakers program, in addition to existing neighborhood crime watch programs, will lead to better policing policies, citizen investment and relationships. A1: Like any institution, there is always room for improvement. In this case, I am confident that our police chief and sheriff, along with their unions, are up to the task and will thoroughly explore and put in place any appropriate and necessary reforms. Defunding the police is nonsense, because it would hinder their ability to implement any meaningful improvements to better serve and protect our neighborhoods. In addition, there are Florida Statutes related to law enforcement that could be addressed next legislative session. It is paramount that our police are empowered to maintain law and order in our community. A2: As the mother of a child with significant disabilities, I intend to focus on human services issues, funding, state program integrity and initiatives to encourage innovation in addressing human needs. Having initiated several programs for people with disabilities here in Tallahassee with measurable results, I intend to be purposeful in making sure that people who need help, get it. COVID brings humanitarian needs in sharper focus as we work to recover from this public health and economic crisis. A2: Educate legislators to better understand the original intent and timeless principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, which provides the foundation from which all posture and policy ought to emanate, including the precepts of sacrifice and self-restraint, altruism over personal ambition, limited government and autonomy. To preserve our republic and keep our precious freedom, citizens and their representatives must know and embrace the core values of the American tradition. This is more important than ever, especially in a factionalized political environment that ebbs and flows on subjective passions. The result will be more robust debate, increased consensus and better public policy. Florida Senate, District 3 Type of race: Partisan h Who can vote: Registered voters in 11 counties that include Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Hamilton, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla. h What's next: The winner will be sworn in as the senator from the largest geographical district in the Florida Senate during the Legislature's Organization Session Nov. 17. h How much does position pay: $29,697 h Q1: Do you think reform of how law enforcement police neighborhoods is needed? h Q2: If you can accomplish one thing in office, what would it be? Democratic Nominee Loranne Ausley Age: 56 h Profession: Attorney/legislator h Qualifications: 12-year member of the Florida legislature. Active community volunteer. Champion for children, public employees and our natural resources. Mother of special needs child. h Website: www.ausleyforsenate.com A1: Yes, and it is my hope that our state and nation are finally at a point to start a real conversation about addressing the centuries of laws, policies and practices that have resulted in racial inequities in every facet of our society — starting with our criminal justice system. I support real investment in front end and diversion programs along with sentencing reform to give discretion back to judges. I also support state investment in local government efforts to create collaborative partnerships between law en- 12 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT forcement and mental health professionals to include comprehensive implicit bias training for all first responders. A2: The single most important thing we can do is to eliminate inequities for children by making a real investment in early learning. 90% of brain development takes place before the age of 5, yet we spend 90% of our education dollars after the age of 5. If there is one thing we have learned through hurricanes and COVID-19, it is that our economy is reliant on a strong system of child care. The success of our children depends on the quality of their early learning experiences, including child care in whatever setting. Every child deserves a chance of success no matter the ZIP code they are born into and success starts with early learning. Continued on page 13 ELECTION SPECIAL SECTION Florida Senate District 3 — continued from page 12 Republican Nominee Marva Harris Preston Age: 66 h Profession: Retired law enforcement h Qualifications: Sworn police officer with the City of Miami Police Department for 27 years and Bachelor's degree in public administration. h Website: MarvaPreston.org A1: The first paragraph of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics instilled in me “My fundamental duties are to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception; the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice." I worked for a police department where community policing, citizen review boards, and internal/external investigations provided a seat at the table for “open dialogue.” Improvement begins with a willingness to speak and to listen, by members of the department and members of the community. A2: Working with and for the citizens of Florida Senate District 3 to protect our values and Constitutional rights. Once again, I borrow a line from the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, “I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.” Circuit judge, Group 4 Type of race: Non-partisan race h Who can vote: All registered voters in the Second Judicial Circuit can vote. Ballots will be cast in Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. h How much does this position pay: $160,688 h What's next?: The winner will take the bench on Jan. 5, beginning a six-year term. h Q1: What is your vision if elected circuit judge and what would you do to achieve it? h Q2: What is the single biggest issue facing the court system in the Second Judicial Circuit and what would you do to address it? Tiffany Baker Age: 35 h Profession: Criminal defense and family law attorney h Qualifications: Qualified by petition with over 3,000 signatures; worked as a criminal defense, personal injury and family law attorney for the past 7 years. h Website: www.tiffanybaker2020.com Amanda Wall Age: 56 h Profession: Former magistrate, lawyer, mediator h Qualifications: 31 years legal experience. As magistrate presided over 3,000-plus cases. Former criminal prosecutor. Former assistant attorney general in civil litigation. Private practice, family law litigation and mediation h Website: Amandawallforjudge.com A1: My vision is to build trust in the judiciary so that every member of this community can feel confident in our justice system. I will serve as a judge who is mindful of criminal justice reform. It is a national, bipartisan issue that addresses the importance of rehabilitation over incarceration. I will push for mandatory implicit bias training for all judges in the second judicial circuit. I will treat every member of our community with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ZIP code. I will afford every person who stands before me a fair opportunity to be heard. A1: My vision is focusing the conversation about the courts on children and families, our most precious assets. Family law is the largest percentage of cases and affects the most people. After being in private practice in family, and hearing over 3,000 cases as a family magistrate, I know firsthand how critical it is to have substantial experience litigating, teaching, and presiding over these cases. After listening to the needs of people around our six counties, I will continue to address trauma, domestic violence, addiction, and many more critical issues that result in children and families being before the courts. A2: The biggest issue facing our court system is the lack of trust. When there is a lack of legal information and transparency, it fuels distrust in the legal process and system. As your next circuit judge, I will use my influence to realize my vision and to achieve justice for ALL. This includes not sitting idly by when I see injustices resulting from a lack of access or services that are constitutionally guaranteed to Americans. After all, the court belongs to the people and I want to serve the people. A2: I am deeply concerned about the public’s trust that there is access to fair and independent courts. Our courts are founded on the principals of independent judges, and that the law is applied equally to everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, economics, or political party. My experience as a prosecutor, in private practice, and as a magistrate taught me that it is important to be fair, and never favor one party or issue over another. I respect and care about our community and our courts. I will remain impartial, follow the law, and instill trust in every case. TALLAHASSEE.COM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 13 Help Keep Local Business Going. support local. Now is the time to rally behind local business. LISA Support Local initiatiye is spa ricing communities across the country to take action anti maice it happen. Say ?thanlt you? to the local businesses you one lay purchasing gift cards and online services, or add your own business to our free listings to receive support from your community- Please visit supportlocal.usatoclay.com tojoin the cause. Giants Locauo 14 I SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 I TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT ELECTION SPECIAL SECTION Fraction of Fla. felons will be able to vote Scramble on to clear up outstanding debts, issues Dara Kam The News Service of Florida With  Florida’s  Oct.  5  voter­registra­ tion deadline looming, convicted felons and  their  advocates  are  scrambling  to clear  up  outstanding  court­related debts or take advantage of special pro­ grams  so  that  people  who  have  served their time behind bars can cast ballots in this year’s presidential election. The race against the clock intensified after an Atlanta­based appeals court in September upheld a controversial Flori­ da law requiring felons to pay “legal fi­ nancial obligations” — fees, fines, costs and restitution — associated with their convictions  before  they  can  be  eligible to vote. The  2019  law  was  aimed  at  imple­ menting  a  constitutional  amendment that  restored  voting  rights  to  felons “upon completion of all terms sentence including parole or probation.” Backers of what appeared as Amend­ ment 4 on the state’s 2018 ballot main­ tain  that  it  affects  more  than 1  million Floridians  who  lost  their  voting  rights after  felony  convictions  and  who  have completed their time in lock­up. But  just  a  fraction  of  the  so­called “returning  citizens”  targeted  by  the measure will be able to participate in the Nov. 3 presidential election. “The  Legislature  purposely  set  up  a system that was designed for voter sup­ pression, and it has worked,” Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, a former  Democratic  state  senator,  told The News Service of Florida. A few hundred marchers converged on the Capitol Thursday to support the restoration of voting rights for felons in the state of Florida. DEMOCRAT FILE Supporters of the amendment blame the dearth of felons’ registering to vote on  the  coronavirus  pandemic,  uncer­ tainty about voting eligibility and a se­ ries  of  contradictory  court  decisions culminating  in  a  Sept.  11  ruling  by  the 11th  U.S.  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals  that upheld the 2019 law. Gov.  Ron  DeSantis  and  Republican lawmakers  said  the  2019  law  followed the  wording  of  the  constitutional amendment, pointing, at least in part, to the  phrase  “completion  of  all  terms  of sentence.” Siding  with  DeSantis,  the  Atlanta­ based appellate court overturned a rul­ ing  by  a  district  judge,  who  said  the state cannot deny voting rights to felons who  are  “genuinely  unable  to  pay” court­ordered debts. The 11th Circuit’s decision means that felons  must  clear  up  financial  obliga­ tions to be legally eligible to register and vote. But determining how much they owe and  how  much  they  have  paid  can  be what some lawyers have called a “Kaf­ kaesque nightmare.” Court  records  are  missing,  incom­ plete or contradictory, and information about  payments  to  collection  agencies can  be  difficult  or  impossible  to  track down. “There’s  no  way  for  most  returning citizens who owe costs and fees to know how  much  they  owe,”  Aronberg  said. “This is a system that was designed to fail and as a way to suppress the vote in the  2020  elections  and  beyond,  and  it has worked. It’s really unfortunate.” Coming  just  weeks  before  Florida’s voter­registration  deadline,  the  appel­ late court ruling created a tsunami in the civil­rights  community  and  legal  cir­ cles,  with  hundreds  of  lawyers  volun­ teering  for  efforts  already  underway  to help  felons  discover  the  amounts  of fees, fines, costs and restitution ordered at sentencing. “A lot of people were outraged by the (court)  decision,  by  the  way  that  our Legislature  undermined  a  democratic process,”  Miami  lawyer  Aidil  Oscariz who trains other attorneys to help with a felon  voting­rights  program  in  Miami­ Dade County. “A lot of people have been disappointed, but lawyers have stepped up.  They  found  it  really  egregious  and stepped  up  and  want  to  find  a  way  to help.” The Miami­Dade program and a sim­ ilar  one  in  Palm  Beach  County  were crafted by public defenders, state attor­ neys, clerks of court, judges and others to allow sentence modifications for vot­ ing purposes. Meanwhile, a group that pushed the constitutional amendment has taken a different approach. The Florida Rights Restoration Coali­ tion has amassed more than $23 million for  its  “Fines  and  Fees”  fund  aimed  at zeroing out felons’ financial obligations. Neil  Volz,  deputy  director  of  the  or­ ganization,  told  the  News  Service  that as of Thursday, his group had spent $5 million to clear up court­ordered debts for 5,000 felons, who are now eligible to vote. It’s  unclear how  many  felons  have registered to vote since the amendment went into effect in January 2019. The state doesn’t keep a record, but Florida elections officials said during a court  hearing  this  year  that  they  had flagged 85,000 voter­registration appli­ cations of felons who may have had out­ standing  financial  obligations.  They said they hadn’t taken action to alert lo­ cal  elections  officials  to  remove  the flagged voters from the rolls, however. Volz — whose group is also engaged in  voter­registration  activities  —  ac­ knowledged  that  he’d  like  to  see  more felons  participating  in  the  upcoming presidential election. Volz registered to vote this year thanks to Amendment 4 and  had  other  civil  rights,  such  as  the right to serve on a jury and run for public office,  restored  by  the  Board  of  Execu­ tive Clemency this week. Sen.  Jason  Pizzo,  a  North  Miami Beach  Democrat,  helped  craft  a  provi­ sion in the 2019 law that allows judges to alter financial penalties included in sen­ tences. The provision is designed to al­ low  courts  to  clear  off  debts  for  voting purposes but keep felons on the hook for what they owe to victims. Pizzo,  a  former  prosecutor,  praised Miami­Dade County’s process. “They  have  a  wonderful,  efficient, competent  system  set  up  that’s  just woefully underused,” he said. TALLAHASSEE.COM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 15 Last call to register to vote It’s not too late to register to vote in the presidential election. The registration deadline in Florida is Oct. 5. Make sure you’re registered and make your vote count. Go to vote.usatoday.com for more information. Your online election HQ For even more coverage on the candidates, issues and races, go to tallahassee.com/elections. You’ll also find a collection of videos of our online debates with most of the candidates listed in this guide.