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After Ironman competition injury, Loranne Ausley is returning to politics with a purpose

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 8:16 GMT by Tallahassee Democrat
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Loranne Ausley Calls for “Respect” and “Common Sense” at Tallahassee City Hall

On a brisk September afternoon, the Tallahassee City Hall lobby buzzed with more than the usual hum of paperwork. City officials, council members, and a handful of local residents had gathered for a public forum that was quickly becoming the center of attention for the city’s political community. At the heart of the event was councilwoman Loranne Ausley, a longtime resident of the area who has long been an outspoken advocate for transparency and civility in government.

Ausley’s remarks, recorded in the Tallahassee Democrat on September 24, 2025, were the product of a broader frustration that many Tallahassee residents share. The city council has been mired in heated debates over the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, a proposed redevelopment plan for the historic Southside District, and new regulations aimed at streamlining public safety services. In her speech, Ausley urged the council—and the public— to put “respect” and “common sense” at the forefront of their deliberations.

A Call for Civility in Heated Discussions

Ausley opened by reminding attendees of the city’s history of community-driven change. She referenced the 2018 landmark decision to remove the “Redesignation Ordinance,” a measure that had been widely criticized for its discriminatory language toward minority neighborhoods. “That was a moment when we showed that we can do the right thing, even when it’s not easy,” she said. “It was a triumph that relied on honest, respectful dialogue.”

She then pivoted to current concerns. The city council has been embroiled in a clash between two factions—one advocating for an aggressive budget cut that would reduce services to underserved neighborhoods, and another pushing for an increased allocation to public parks and youth programs. Ausley cautioned that “when we start yelling, we lose sight of the people we’re supposed to serve.”

“We need to remember that the language we use shapes policy, and policy shapes lives,” she emphasized. “If we let emotion override common sense, we risk alienating the very communities we’re here to help.”

The Southside Redevelopment Debate

One of the most contentious items on the council’s agenda is the proposed redevelopment of the Southside District, a historic area that has faced blight for decades. The council is considering a plan that would bring in mixed-income housing, a community center, and a new small-business incubator. Critics argue that the plan will displace long-time residents and erode the district’s cultural heritage.

Ausley, who grew up in the Southside neighborhood, took a stand in favor of “phased, inclusive redevelopment.” She said that the council must involve local residents in the planning process, and that “the city’s resources should protect the neighborhood’s cultural fabric while also providing new opportunities.” She also cited a successful partnership from 2022, when the city had collaborated with the nonprofit “Southside Voices” to refurbish the community’s old library.

The council members present at the forum—Councilmembers Maria Delgado, Tom Ellis, and Lisa Nguyen—expressed a range of views. Delgado, an ally of Ausley, praised the councilwoman’s emphasis on respect, while Ellis, who supports the budget cuts, argued that the city’s fiscal health was paramount. Nguyen, who had previously voted for the redevelopment plan, suggested that the council adopt a “middle ground” approach that would incorporate more public input.

Links to Further Information

The Tallahassee Democrat article contains a link to the city council’s official agenda, which details the specific items on the board’s calendar. Additionally, readers can find a link to Ausley’s campaign website, where she outlines her platform on issues such as public safety, affordable housing, and community engagement. The city’s open-data portal is also highlighted, offering residents easy access to council minutes, budget documents, and project updates.

The article also references a recent press release from the City Clerk’s Office, which announced a public hearing scheduled for October 10. This hearing will focus specifically on the Southside redevelopment plan, and Ausley’s message suggests she will likely be a vocal participant.

A Broader Message for Tallahassee

While Ausley’s call for “respect” and “common sense” was rooted in specific policy debates, it resonated far beyond the agenda items on the table. She reminded the audience that the city’s strength lies in its community’s ability to come together, even when opinions diverge. “We are a city of ideas, of hope, and of hard work,” she said. “Let’s keep those ideals at the heart of our decisions.”

The city’s mayor, whose office is located adjacent to the council chambers, expressed support for Ausley’s message. In a statement, she underscored the city’s commitment to “inclusion, transparency, and collaborative governance.” She also hinted at upcoming initiatives aimed at improving public communication, such as a new “Community Insight” platform that will allow residents to submit comments on council decisions in real time.

As Tallahassee moves forward, the tone set by Ausley’s remarks may prove pivotal. Her insistence on civility and reason may help temper heated exchanges and foster a more constructive environment at City Hall—an environment that, she believes, will ultimately benefit the city’s diverse population.