A prominent local attorney has joined the race for Mayor of Tallahassee. Daryl Parks filed to run on Thursday. The 57-year-old civil rights lawyer told WFSU in an interview that he is focused on economic development.
“We need a mayor who understands we need a way to grow our economy and find a way to expand opportunity to all people," he said.
Parks joins city Commissioner Jeremy Matlow in the race to replace outgoing Mayor John Dailey. Parks wants to see economic development become more equitable, focusing on places like the southside.
"That means you have to come in with a vision and an idea of trying to work every day to find ways to attract new businesses and help the ones that are here find new ways to expand opportunity within their own businesses."
Other potential contenders include former state Representative Lorrane Ausley who is considering a bid but has not yet made an announcement. County Commissioner Christian Caban recently confirmed to the Tallahassee Democrat that he is not running for mayor this cycle.
Parks is joining city commissioner Jeremy Matlow so far in the race. Matlow reacted to Parks’ entry in a Facebook post saying “we officially have an opponent that wants to follow in the footsteps of our current Mayor and pick up where he left off. Our campaign wants to take us somewhere better. Together, we can end the backroom deals, the anger and intimidation and the control of local government by the powerful and give voice back to the people and our neighborhoods.”
Civility in city hall has become a big issue. Parks did not address Matlow’s statement directly. Speaking generally about the local political climate, Parks told WFSU “I’ve always been the type of person who talks to people and I will bring that to the commission.”
Parks most recently challenged North Florida Republican State Senator Corey Simon for his senate seat.
