Did you know Tallahassee has a Campaign Contribution Refund Program (CCRP)? Registered voters in the City of Tallahassee can get a refund of up to $25 when they contribute to a city commission or mayoral candidate.
The Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board, which oversees the CCRP, was also approved by voters in 2014. On Speaking Of, board Executive Director Dwight Floyd and board Vice Chair Patrick Kelly join us to talk ethics and the CCRP.
"We have an ethics code in the City ordinance, and it relates to misuse of position and gifts and bribery, corruption, things of that nature, and that's what we focus on," says Floyd, who served as bureau chief at FDLE for decades. "Ethics, to me, reminds our government (employees) that they are there to serve the people and not themselves."
Kelly is an appointed volunteer member of the board. He has served as a police chief in three jurisdictions in Florida.
"In all of my chief of police positions and even some board positions I've been appointed to over the years, people thought they had the power to influence me. It occurred, and I always said no," Kelly says. "There were times where it cost me my job, but I walk away knowing I did what was right...Independence is very critical for this board to do the things it needs to do without any political influence."
Speaking of politics, one of the responsibilities of the board is to administer the CCRP, which officially got off the ground in early 2016.
"This was established through the City Charter. It allows for a $25 refund," Floyd says. "As a voter, you can give $5 to each of the candidates or you can give $25 to one candidate, but the important thing is that you be heard...This is an opportunity to have a voice and get a refund."
Click LISTEN above to hear the full segment of Speaking Of.
