Commission candidate Jordan, FAMU grad, pushes for change

 

Alexander Jordan (right) and his tech personnel Louvens Merilien (left)

Alexander Jordan has been diligently working to earn his “seat at the table.”

A candidate for the Tallahassee City Commission Seat 3, Jordan often can be heard referring to “the people.”

Considering his upbringing, it isn’t a surprise.

Born on the south side of St. Petersburg, on Aug. 27, 1971, Jordan was raised by his grandparents after his mother died. His grandmother, an advocate for the homeless, became an inspiration to his social character, he said.

Since moving to Tallahassee in 1992, Jordan began to get involved in organizations such as Alpha Education Leadership and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, both with focus points on positive first-hand youth leadership.

With the support of his wife, Annie, and his two daughters, Paulette and Allie, he received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2013 and master’s degree in public administration in 2015 from FAMU, pledging to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in the process.

But his drive for success didn’t stop there. Jordan wanted to touch the people with more of an impact. Although he never attempted to politically campaign for anything, this mentality influenced his decision to run for Seat 3.

One may wonder what will happen now that Mayor Andrew Gillum is running for governor. The mayor’s campaign run isn’t a concern for Jordan. “By him leaving, like how (John) Marks left and like how Scott Maddox left, it shouldn’t matter. Because the individual that comes behind him, that’s the mayor, should be all about the people.” 

Roselyn Jasmin, a resident of Tallahassee, also believes that the only way for something to change is if the individual pushing for change is for the community. “With the amount of things happening in the neighborhoods, it’s about time for someone to push for more change,” Jasmin said.

Jordan has also gained support from attorney Don Pumphrey Jr., who has known Jordan for 20 years.

“When I think about Alex Jordan, I think above service above self,” Pumphrey said.

The primary takes place Aug. 28 and Jordan is set to face off against Lisa Brown, Richard Garzola, Jeremy Matlow and Bill Schack.