Tallahassee native and local business owner Jeremy Matlow, widely recognized for his successful Gaines Street Pies restaurants, has announced his candidacy for City Commission Seat 3. Matlow filed his paperwork on Friday, challenging incumbent Nancy Miller for the position.
“Having lived in Tallahassee my entire life, I know our city has the potential to be even better,” Matlow stated. He emphasized a feeling of disenfranchisement among many residents, adding, “A significant portion of our community feels their voices are not adequately heard within city government, and I believe they are correct.”
Further Reading: Jeremy Matlow’s Vision for a United Tallahassee
Matlow, who moved to Tallahassee at the age of three, aims to inject “bold new leadership” into City Hall. His campaign will prioritize the representation of under-served communities, guided by progressive principles.
The election for Seat 3 is shaping up to be competitive. William Schack is also vying for the seat. While Nancy Miller had initially registered for re-election in April, she has since declared she will not be seeking a third term.
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According to Ryan Ray, a Democratic communications strategist working with Matlow’s campaign, Matlow did not consult with Commissioner Miller before announcing his candidacy. Ray explained to the Tallahassee Democrat, “We believed this was the opportune moment to initiate a public dialogue, through the democratic process, about strategies for city improvement.”
There’s speculation that Lisa Brown, President and CEO of Tallahassee Leon County Credit Union, might also enter the race. She has reportedly been seen with Drew Jones, a campaign consultant associated with Miller and other city and county commissioners, suggesting a potential candidacy.
Seat 3 has been held by a woman for the past 30 years, with Debbie Lightsey serving for two decades before Miller took office.
Matlow’s campaign platform will heavily focus on addressing Tallahassee’s pronounced economic disparities.
“The stark economic divide and persistent poverty within Tallahassee are critical issues that seem to be consistently overlooked,” Matlow asserted. “Growing up here, I’ve witnessed these issues firsthand, and unfortunately, not enough has changed since my childhood.”
He also pledged to overhaul the city’s permitting processes and challenge what he describes as an “insider establishment” at City Hall. He contends this establishment is responsible for “dysfunction and corruption,” issues that have recently garnered national media attention.
The city-county Community Redevelopment Agency and several business individuals who secured bids for city-funded projects are currently under federal grand jury investigation. Subpoenas related to this investigation have also included City Commissioner Scott Maddox and two of his former business associates.
As the founder and managing partner of Gaines Street Pies, The Wilbury, and the Warhorse Whiskey Bar, Matlow has been a key figure in the revitalization of Tallahassee’s Gaines Street district. Across his various establishments, including Midtown Pies and Northside Pies, Matlow employs approximately 75 individuals, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Additionally, Matlow serves on the city’s Code Enforcement Board, which is responsible for reviewing building code violations. He resides in Midtown Tallahassee with his wife, Sarah, and their young son, Declan.
“The status quo must change,” Matlow declared. “Tallahassee City Hall needs a fundamental transformation, and we aim to achieve this with the active participation of everyday citizens throughout our city.”
Contact Jeffrey Schweers at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @jeffschweers.
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