A group of Black Tallahassee pastors is endorsing candidates in two city commission races. Reverend Joseph Wright talks about what the group is looking for in Tallahassee’s leaders.
Wright has been the pastor of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church for 30 years. He also heads the Tallahassee Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. The group is backing Rudy Ferguson in his race against incumbent Commissioner Jack Porter. Wright says Ferguson came to him 20 years ago, wanting to run for office and seeking his support.
“But at that time, I didn’t feel like he was qualified to run and he would not make a good candidate," Wright said. "So I said, ‘Son, just take your time and build yourself up, build yourself up in the community. Let people know who you are. Do something.’”
Ferguson did, Wright says, and is now active on issues like gun violence and affordable housing.
The group is also backing Commissioner Curtis Richardson in his race against opponents Dot Inman-Johnson, Donna Nyack and Bernard Stevens Jr. Wright says he appreciates Richardson’s loyalty and leadership.
“I like to keep people in place that has demonstrated the kind of loyalty and leadership -- and has the influence to get the monies in the areas where we need it," Wright said. "And so I don’t have nothing to say against Dot Inman. She has been a nice young lady, done her work well at the time she was there. But I think this is an opportunity to keep in place what we have.”
