City of Tallahassee reaches out to college students
Tallahassee Democrat –By Ashley Ames
February 16, 2010
Those student body representatives who were hoping to get a true dialogue with Mayor John Marks on Monday may have been a little let down.
Fifteen student representatives from Tallahassee Community College, Florida A&M, and Florida State
met with the mayor as part of a week-long series called “Students’ First Week.”
The goal was to hold the first of many sessions planned this week to identify issues of importance
to college students and to create a dialogue between students and city officials.
“This is the first time this has been done,” Marks said of the gathering. “But not the last, assuming I win re-election,” he added with a laugh.
The mayor then spoke for the better part of an hour about his plans for the city (better marketing,
increasing tourism), the city’s needs (better transportation, lower unemployment rate) and what
he hopes to see in the future (creating “a sense of place” for Frenchtown, Midtown and Market Square.)
Student concerns included: the lack of transportation to the airport, the dearth of outlet malls, getting the mayor and city officials more
involved at TCC’s community efforts, high utility rates and a proposal to construct a pedestrian zone
near Tennessee and Dewey streets.
Gallop Franklin II, student body president of Florida A&M, asked what the city was doing to regulate tow
companies.
“Towing companies seem to take advantage of the students,” Franklin said. “It seems like the towing
companies are really focusing on students.”
To this, the mayor mentioned an ordinance from two years ago and looked at his aide, Ramon Alexander,
and said, ” let’s take a look at it.”
In response to a student’s perception about a disconnect between the city and university students, especially in term of promoting cultural activities,
Marks said there are plenty of opportunities but “we’re suffering from an inability to get the word
out. Let’s figure out a marketing strategy.”
He proposed a student session with Lee Daniels, Leon County’s director of tourism and economic development.
“I hate to shove it off,” Marks said, “But he can do a lot more than I can.”
Today the city will host the Capital City Student Dialogue from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
“Tomorrow will be more interactive,” Franklin said.