For Your Kids and Mine, Help Me Restore the Public Trust in Tallahassee

What expectations do we have of our local officials? Fair, just, honest? Good looking, wealthy, obnoxious? While we spend a lot of time talking about the President and all of his shenanigans, the local level is really where our city is impacted by decisions, by leadership, and by image. It can't always be quantified, but we know who we'd want to tell our kids about. I sincerely don't think Commissioner Maddox is going to be able to hold on until 2020. With the latest news that he has plowed all of his campaign contributions into paying for his attorneys, that tells me two things. One, is that he expects to get indicted any day. Two, that the personal wealth he has amassed while predominately in public service, is more important to him to keep than your contributions. WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS. There are many choices to be made this year. John Dailey is a good guy with a good heart. Jeremy Matlow is the same. Both are very accessible family people with servant leadership qualities. And if you believe like me that yet another seat is going to be opening up soon, please share your support at the link below. Thank you.

AN OPEN LETTER TO TALLAHASSEE CITY COMMISSIONERS
 by Daniel Parker 

Dear Commissioners, Should Commissioner Maddox step down, I would like the opportunity to fill this particular seat. I am familiar with the issues and the community. I've served six years as a Planning Commissioner and I've run for this particular seat before.  

But I realize that might not be enough.  

We have numerous individuals of ability in our community and it might be hard to distinguish among all of the capable people. Hence, I would like to offer some additional criteria for your consideration.

Find someone less attractive. I am closer to the rugged side of the looks scale than the handsome. The old adage to not judge a book by its cover has gone astray when it comes to politics. While it has become more common to look for the polished and the manicured, we could make more use of a little more ugly and awkward. That's me. 

Find someone who reads. The world is changing at a rapid pace. The one who knows that they don't know everything will not be afraid to learn and to ask questions. If a potential prospect can't tell you the last five books they've read, move along. 

Find someone who has to balance a budget. By now we should know that wealth doesn't always equate to leadership. I've had the privilege of owning my own home but I also know what it is like to live month to month. I have teenagers who would sell me for a Little Uzi concert ticket in a second. I know how to prioritize needs, pay bills, say no, and plan ahead. 

Find someone a little eccentric. I've milked a cow, jumped from an airplane, and sat in the Back to the Future DeLorean. Curiosity about life is important to deal with the day to day of a city and its competing needs. 

Find someone who can pass an American history quiz. If they can't name the last ten presidents or the difference between the axis and the allies, they need a seat in the classroom, not on the commission. 

Find someone who likes to laugh. There is a lot of absurdity in life and democracy can be messy. Laughter is good medicine, even when laughing at yourself. 

Find someone who has got some endurance. I've dealt with personal and professional loss. I've lost more times than I've won. I've sat in too many meetings to count and been turned down for dozens of jobs. I've got some determination to make a difference regardless of being uncomfortable. 

Find someone who listens. I'm more concerned with doing what is right than being right and that takes listening. I can be persuaded, but I can't be bought. 

Find someone who knows how to live with others. My wife has put up with me for 23 years. Making a winning selection in a mate, staying married, and raising good kids used to be a sign of having some sense. I'm confident my family, my co-workers, and those that know me will vouch for my abilities.

Unless you have a Little Uzi ticket for a teenager.  

None of this is a surprise, and I don't revel in it. I'll leave that for people with too much time on their hands. I feel for the families. I know some of the kids. Great kids. After Mr. Maddox steps down, let's move on. For the sake of the kids.

http://www.tallahassee.com/sto...

Hello everyone, I've had some questions related to how this pledge campaign works. Your pledge will not fund until the goal is hit. The goal is $35,000. We won't be that close for awhile. The more contributions and endorsements I receive from those of you that know me, the better it will be to those who don't know me if and when this goes wider. Thank you again and have a great Thanksgiving. Hug your kids!