Recent votes and statements by Tallahassee elected officials indicate there is a growing split be- tween progressive politicians and traditional Democrats on how to handle the issues related to homelessness.
Leon County Commissioner David O’Keefe, Tallahassee City Commissioner Jack Porter and Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow have teamed up to provide a united front against policies that have attempted to address camping in public, trespassing and other issues related to homelessness.
During the last Leon County Commission, the Board voted 6-1 to schedule a public hearing to consider adopting a proposed ordinance prohibiting unauthorized solicitation on private property.
The proposed ordinance would allow law enforcement to enforce the prohibition of unauthorized solicitation on private property.
O’Keefe voted against the issue citing is concern over how law enforcement would implement the ordinance. O’Keefe then reposted a social media a post by City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow’s aide – Ryan Ray – that stated the ordinance was championed by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.