Leon County Commission, Seat 5: A voter's guide to the 2022 primary election
Basic info
Type of race: Non-partisan
Who can vote: All registered voters residing in Leon County, District 5
What's next: Any candidate who wins 50% plus one of the vote will be elected. If no one tops 50%, the race will proceed to a run-off election in November.
How much does this position pay: $83,945
Campaign coverage
Going for the vacant seat: Candidates debate future for Leon County Commission District 5
Jay Revell joins already crowded race for Leon County Commission District 5
David O'Keefe joins packed field for Leon County Commission District 5 race
Candidates
Paula DeBoles-Johnson
Age: 53
Profession: Leon County government, employee engagement and performance manager, founder/executive director of the Capital City Youth Development Corporation
Qualifications: Longtime resident of Leon County ready to use my passion and experience for the betterment of our neighbors in District 5 and in Leon County.
Website: ImWithPaula.com
Column from the candidate: I’m not a newcomer. I’m here for the challenge. | Paula DeBoles-Johnson
Q: What makes you the ideal candidate to tackle the problems of the moment?
A: With the right leaders, Leon County is positioned to reimagine how we want to live going forward. I am confident that I am the right leader for this moment. I bring a wealth of direct experience in my service to the county and through my involvement with other organizations in the area. I have the ability to resolve conflicts, find common ground, and seek practical solutions that achieve desired results. My work with Leon County Government and this position are an extension of my commitment to ensuring others have the ability to become contributing members of our beloved community.
Q: What is the biggest issue facing Leon County and how, specifically, would you work to fix it?
A: I see our issues as opportunities to move into a better direction. We can't ignore our issues but must address them head-on with a determination and willpower to sustain this community for our children and their children. Our issues are compounded issues that must be addressed holistically. There are areas where we've improved such as private sector jobs, poverty, and property crime, and we must sustain our forward momentum while also focusing on areas of low performance such as education and violent crime. It is a balancing act that requires input and resources of many with diverse opinions and ideas.
David O'Keefe
Age: 37
Profession: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer for WFSU Public Media.
Qualifications: Fifteen years overseeing the finances of public nonprofits and government organizations, with a proven track record of ensuring resources are used in the public interest.
Website: davidforleon.com
Column from the candidate: Want to know what a candidate stands for? Follow the money | David O’Keefe
Q: What makes you the ideal candidate to tackle the problems of the moment?
A: My aim is service to others. I know what it is like to struggle to get by, because I grew up watching my family do that. I have a 15-year background in public finances, enough to know that we are not doing the most we can with our resources. Those experiences made me realize that business-as-usual politics have not worked for Leon County. I left my career to run for this office. I plan to only serve as a County Commissioner, with no outside employment – we need more leaders who are focused full-time on solving our issues.
Q: What is the biggest issue facing Leon County and how, specifically, would you work to fix it?
A: The affordable housing crisis is dire at the moment. The market has failed to provide enough affordable housing units for renters and homeowners alike, and it is keeping our community from thriving. I would immediately push the County to invest more in attracting income-based housing developments. This would help relieve the supply issue in the short term. I would look at what barriers to the construction of affordable housing could be changed to speed up future projects. When we address the housing crisis locally, we’ll see downstream benefits in other areas – retaining talent, neighborhood safety, economic development, and much more.
Jay Revell
Age: 35
Profession: President, Revell Media, a boutique branding and communications agency
Qualifications: 15 years of community focused advocacy including work at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority, and the Leon County Commission.
Website: votejayrevell.com
Column from the candidate: The time to tackle our big challenges is now | Jay Revell
Q: What makes you the ideal candidate to tackle the problems of the moment?
A: Leon County is a special place, but we do have some big challenges to tackle. I believe the time to do that work is now. I've spent my career working to make our community an even better place to live. I believe that with increased public engagement, bold strategies, and clear thinking, we can change the trajectory of our community for the better. I know how to bring people together, build consensus, and think creatively about the problems we face today. I hope to earn your vote and represent your interests on the Leon County Commission.
Q: What is the biggest issue facing Leon County and how, specifically, would you work to fix it?
A: We've got to make sure that Leon County grows in a way that works for everyone. Right now, too many of our neighbors don't feel like that is the case. District 5 is where the majority of growth is happening now and in the future. Our neighbors are feeling this on many fronts. How we manage our growth affects affordable housing, job creation, poverty, and crime. I’ll bring a new way of looking at these problems that ensures you are able to enjoy a safe, high quality, and thriving place to live. You can read my full plan at votejayrevell.com/issues
Dustin Rivest
Age: 35
Profession: CEO & Founder of four companies
Qualifications: I’m a lifelong citizen of District 5; a family man who owns several local businesses. I genuinely believe I can make a positive impact while serving the community I grew up.
Website: DustinRivest.com
Column from the candidate: We need problem solvers, not problem pushers | Dustin Rivest
Q: What makes you the ideal candidate to tackle the problems of the moment?
A: I am a consensus builder and problem solver at my core. Leading a team of close to 20 employees, there are problems to be solved every day. Be that with a client, vendor, employee, or project; these issues must get solved with timely and creative solutions. I grew up in District 5 attending three public schools and have witnessed firsthand what our community has transformed into today. Lastly, my experience working with companies in the trades and healthcare sectors for the past decade has given me a unique perspective on the needs and issues revolving around the workforce.
Q: What is the biggest issue facing Leon County and how, specifically, would you work to fix it?
A: Poverty. One of the ways we can start to address poverty is through the expansion of workforce educational opportunities so we can help people obtain the resources and education that will land them a career job in either the trades or healthcare. Both sectors have numerous job openings right now, but we don’t have enough people trained people to fill these positions.
Contact Karl Etters at ketters@tallahassee.com or @KarlEtters on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Election 2022: Leon County Commission, Seat 5: A voter's guide
