Candidates for Leon County Commission District 3 set the record straight during a candidate forum Monday.
The incumbent Rick Minor and his opponent, political newcomer C.B. Lorch, discussed the economy, public safety and important decisions voters will have to make come the general election.
Minor is seeking a third term for the position and has worked in local politics for more than 20 years in both public office and the private sector as a political consultant.
Economically, Lorch says the people of District 3 aren't doing any better than they were four years ago. He claims the economic state of the community is in decline.
Minor disagrees, touting efforts by the commission to bring new businesses and more jobs to the area.
"I think we've been able to bring in new businesses into this community. The Amazon fulfillment center is a great example of us bringing in thousands of jobs, as well as the new Buc-ee's, which is coming into District 3. That is going to bring in 200 jobs," Minor says.
Both candidates agree that families are being hit hard financially. Minor blames a national economic crisis, but Lorch says poor planning from the commission deserves part of the blame.
"We need to have packages in place; we don't need to be deciding what we can offer or what the plan is after we know what potential company is coming into town; we need to have those plans in place long before the opportunities are there," Lorch says.
Voters will soon decide on Amendment 3, a proposed property tax cut which would mean savings for homeowners, but that officials warn would drastically reduce local government budgets and could lead to a reduction in services.
"If Amendment 3 passes, we will have about $3.5 million to fund about $70 million in services that exist right now," Minor says.
Lorch says he is against the ballot proposal. Minor didn't publicly share his stance.
Another big ticket item for the district is public safety.
Minor says property theft is a big issue in the district but also points out that crime has gone down in the area.
" Over the last few years both TPD and the sheriff's office have said crime on North Monroe has been reduced by 25% to 35%, so great successes there," Minor says.
Lorch says mental health issues also need more attention from law enforcement in the region.
"I think we've seen a little bit of progress on both Leon County Sheriff's and Tallahassee Police Department in terms of units to address those folks in our community with mental health issues and our homeless, but I think we could put some more resources there," Lorch said.
The candidate's names will appear on ballots for residents in the boundary of District 3 for the general election Nov. 3.
The forum was hosted by the Capital Region News Collaborative and the League of Women Voters. To watch the full forum, visit WFSU's YouTube.
