Decision 2024

DECISION 2024

TO TODAY’S TEACHERS AND TOMORROW’S LEADERS

ENDORSED BY

• United Teachers of Monroe

• KW Firefighters Local 1424

• Teamsters

Represent City of Key West Public Works, Monroe County Public Works and UPS

• Communication Workers of America

Represents AT&T Workers and Public Works

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority

PRIORITIES

• Strengthen and retain our teachers and staff

• Increase student achievement by providing the necessary resources to ensure their success

• Make the Career and Technical Education Program a priority. Collaborate with the business community to offer more job training opportunities

• Continue to maintain a safe and secure campus for our students, teachers and staff.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & LEADERSHIP

• BOARD MEMBER

Wesley House Family Services

• MEMBER

- Key West, Lower Keys and Marathon Chamber of Commerce

August 20th

- Upper Keys Business and Professional Women

• Small business owner for over 30 years

FORMER

• MENTOR - Take Stock in Children

• PRESIDENT - Rotary Club of Key West

• FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER

College of the Florida Keys

• EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Key West Chamber of Commerce

• FOUNDING MEMBER

Key West Symphony Orchestra

HollyRascheinMerrill

Dedicated to Monroe County HOLLY MERRILL RASCHEIN

County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein has dedicated herself to serving on the county commission with honor and integrity, tirelessly working to help improve the lives of Monroe County's families, businesses and students. With two decades of public service representing our community, Holly's unwavering commitment is focused on making Monroe County the best it can be.

Address

Preserve

Tackle

VOTE FOR CASEY SCHEU

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Since 1983, I’ve proudly called the Florida Keys home. As a lifelong resident and employer, I've witnessed our community's strengths and challenges firsthand. As a candidate for Republican State Committeeman, I proudly support the diverse and resilient characters of the Keys community and will ensure our values and concerns are heard across all government levels.

MY PLAN

• Engage the Keys Republican community through polling & surveys.

• Develop a Keys Republican Legislative Agenda using community feedback.

• Advocate with elected officials on key issues and support candidates aligned with Keys' values.

• Create a bipartisan Citizens Oversight Committee for transparency and accountability.

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Your Republican Candidate

and 2023 Monroe County Republican of the Year!

My fellow Monroe County voters,

I’m very proud of my record of service to my Florida Keys community, to our Monroe County Republican Party, and as a hard-working candidate. As the candidate who is 100% prepared to serve as your next Supervisor of Elections, I humbly ask for your vote in the Primary and General elections.

I invite you to learn more about me and my commitment to serve every voter of Monroe County with Transparency and Integrity - PROMISED! by visiting my website or reaching out to me directly at sherri@electsherrihodies.com.

My dedication to transparency and integrity means I will answer your questions and your calls, both as your endorsed Republican candidate and as your next Supervisor of Elections. Let’s unite together and Get Out The Vote for this primary!

I look forward to connecting with you!

Election 2024

MONROE COUNTY VOTER STATS

Monroe County Population: 81,708 (2022)

50,938 Active Registered Voters (as of June 28, 2024)

Democrats: 14,410

Republicans: 23,292

Others: 13,236

EARLY VOTING

Early voting sites will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting begins on the 15th day prior to the election and ends the Saturday before the election. (Aug. 5-17 for primary; Oct. 21Nov. 2 for general election.)

EARLY VOTING SITES FOR COUNTY ELECTIONS:

Supervisor of Elections Offices:

• 5200 College Rd., Key West

• 10015 Overseas Hwy., Marathon

• 102050 Overseas Hwy. #137, Key Largo

Other Locations:

• Big Pine Key Community Park, End of Sands Road, 31009 Atlantis Dr.

• Islamorada Branch Library, 81830 Overseas Hwy., MM 81.7

VOTE BY MAIL

Requests for ballots by mail for the November general election can be completed at keyselections.org, in person at an Elections Office, by calling 305-292-3416 or by emailing absentee@keys-elections.org.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day at your nearest Monroe County Supervisor of Elections office. They may NOT be dropped off at polling locations on Election Day. If you received a vote-by-mail ballot but are planning to vote in person, bring your mailed ballot with you to make voting quicker.

For more information on absentee voting, visit keyselections.org/voterinformation/vote-by-mail

ELECTED OFFICIAL SALARIES

U.S. House of Representatives

Salary: $174,000

2-year term

U.S. Senate

Salary: $174,000

6-year term

State Representative

Salary: $29,967/year

House members may be elected for up to four 2-year terms (8 years total)

Monroe County Commission

Salary: $58,948/year

4-year term

Monroe County Supervisor of Elections

Salary: $141,737

4-year term

Monroe County School Board

Salary: $38,626

4-year term

Marathon City Council

Salary: $21,000/year 3-year term

Key West City Commission Salary: $20,000/year 4-year term

Key West Mayor Salary: $22,500/year 2-year term

Islamorada Village Council

Salary: $12,000/year (pending November referendum)

Village Council members may be elected for up to four consecutive 2-year terms (pending November referendum)

20

VOTING August 5 - August 17

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 5

VOTING October 21 - November 2 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

Supervisor of Elections Offices

5200 College Rd., Key West 10015 Overseas Hwy., Marathon 102050 Overseas Hwy., #137, Key Largo

Other Locations

Big Pine Key Community Park End of Sands Road 31009 Atlantis Dr., Big Pine Key Islamorada Branch Library

U.S. Hwy, 1, MM. 81.7 Islamorada Scan for a complete list of

Key Colony Beach is voting at the City Hall Auditorium “Marble Hall”

Precinct

Nueva

ABORTION, POT & PARTISAN SCHOOL BOARDS ON THE BALLOT THIS NOVEMBER

THREE OTHER MEASURES INVOLVE PROPERTY VALUES, HUNTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE

By Mandy Miles

Should Florida legalize marijuana for people over 21? Should abortion be allowed up until fetal viability (usually around 23 weeks)? And should school board elections become partisan races as of 2026?

Those are three of the six questions that will appear on ballots from the Keys to the Panhandle in November. These questions are in addition to any local referendums placed on ballots by county or city governments. These ballot measures need 60 percent approval to pass.

Marijuana legalization

If passed in November, then Florida Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2024) will legalize marijuana in Florida for people over 21. According to Ballotpedia, “The initiative would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Individuals would be allowed to possess up to three ounces of marijuana (about 85 grams), with up to five grams in the form of concentrate. Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would be authorized under the initiative to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. The Florida State Legislature could provide by state law for the licensure of entities other than existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to cultivate and sell marijuana products. Medical marijuana was adopted by Florida voters in 2016 by a vote of 71% to 29%.”

Partisan school board elections

Florida Amendment 1, Partisan School Board Elections Amendment (2024) would make school board elections partisan beginning in 2026, states Ballotpedia.com.

Candidates would be nominated for the general election through partisan primaries and be featured on the ballot with partisan labels, such as Democrat and Republican.

Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters supports the amendment, saying, "There’s no such thing as a nonpartisan race anymore. These

Abortion access

Florida Amendment 4, Right to Abortion Initiative (2024) is a proposed change to the Florida constitution that would override the state’s current ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and guarantee the right to an abortion up until the point of fetal viability, when the fetus can survive outside the mother's uterus. The current six-week ban was enacted by the Florida Legislature, and the proposed initiative to allow abortions until viability was initiated by a group of citizens known as Floridians Protecting Freedom. The campaign to protect women’s access to abortion spent a year gathering the required number of signatures to put the proposed constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot.. The group collected 996,512 signatures — more than 100,000 above the 891,523 that were needed by Feb. 1.

races are partisan, and the only ones that aren’t informed are being tricked. And what happens is, there are games that are played all the time in these races. And what I’m trying to do is pull the bag off of the voters’ heads."

On the other hand, Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon has said, "I believe this bill is not about transparency at all. This bill is about making our school-board elections and our school boards more contentious, more like D.C., which (Republicans) honestly always try to oppose."

Right to hunt & fish

Florida Amendment 2, Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment (2024) “would provide a state constitutional right to hunt and fish and declare that hunting and fishing are the preferred means for ‘responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife’ and ‘shall be preserved forever as a public right.’ The amendment would not limit the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's constitutional powers,” according to Ballotpedia. The legislator-initiated amendment comes in response to about 12 states that have recently attempted to enact bans on hunting and fishing.

Infl ation adjustment for homesteaded property

Florida Amendment 5, Annual Infl ation Adjustment for Homestead Property Tax Exemption Value Amendment (2024) asks voters whether they approve of an annual infl ation adjustment to the assessed value of property that has a homestead exemption.

Repeal of public funding for statewide campaigns

Florida Amendment 6, Repeal of Public Financing for Statewide Campaigns Amendment (2024) would cancel the availability of public campaign funding for statewide candidates who agree to the spending limits, according to Ballotpedia.org. Currently, public campaign financing is available for candidates for governor, attorney general, chief financial officer and commissioner of agriculture.

ELECT MARGARET ROMERO SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

THE RACE FOR U.S. SENATE A REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT AND A FIELD OF CHALLENGERS

By Jim McCarthy

The incumbent Republican, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, is seeking another term to represent Florida in Washington, D.C. To do that, he will need to prevail against two Republican hopefuls who seek an August primary victory to represent the party in the November general election. On the Democratic side, former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who represented South Florida and the Keys, hopes to secure a primary win against three other hopefuls in order to challenge the Republican candidate. The general election will also feature two candidates with no party affiliation, a Libertarian and a write-in.

THE CANDIDATES

REPUBLICANS

Rick Scott — A two-term Florida governor, Scott was elected to the Senate in 2018. He’s running for re-election to continue fighting for Florida families while holding the Washington establishment and Democrats accountable, per his campaign website.

John Columbus — A modern millennial, the 40-year-old Columbus is running because “more than ever before we are in desperate need of change in Washington, D.C,” according to his campaign page.

Keith Gross — A businessman, Gross believes in freedom and stands against government control. Per his campaign page, “The U.S. Constitution is the greatest governing document in the world by far.”

DEMOCRATS

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell — A former Congresswoman, Mucarsel-Powell is running because “our democracy, our economy and our rights are all on the line,” per her campaign page.

Stanley Campbell —A native Floridian raised in Liberty City, Stanley offers a “refreshing blend of experience, integrity and vision,” according to his campaign page.

Rod Joseph — Born in Haiti, Joseph served in the U.S. Army. A war historian and entrepreneur, Joseph “is poised to navigate complex challenges and advocate for American interests,” per his campaign page.

Brian Rush — A former representative in the Florida House, Rush worked on many important fiscal issues and social issues.

OTHER CANDIDATES ON THE GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT

Feena Bonoan Libertarian

Ben Everidge No party affiliation

Howard Knepper Write-in candidate

Tuan Nguyen No party affiliation

U.S. HOUSE

DISTRICT 28

Two unopposed candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives District 28 seat will bypass the primary and head straight to the November general election. Incumbent Republican Carlos Gimenez was fi rst elected to Congress in 2020 after an extensive career as a fi refi ghter, Miami city manager, Miami-Dade County commissioner and mayor of Miami-Dade County. His Democratic challenger is Phil Ehr, a former Navy commander with a 26year active duty career. Ehr previously announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate race in 2023 before pivoting later that year to enter the U.S. House of Representatives race.

District 28 encompasses all of Monroe County as well as Miami’s southwestern suburbs, along with Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas National Parks.

CARLOS GIMENEZ (R)

Member of Congress

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. With unprecedented migrant events in recent years, many Keys residents are unsure about what happens to those who reach our shores. What can you do to ensure transparency about current procedures and the reality for those who cross our borders?

2. What is your plan to ensure federal funding (please include any specific grants or federal programs) for pressing infrastructure needs in the Keys as our islands combat aging bridges, sea level rise and saltwater intrusion?

PHIL EHR (D)

Former Navy Commander

1. I have used my experience, relationships and seniority in Congress to deliver results for our Florida Keys. As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation & Maritime Security, I oversee all Coast Guard operations across the nation and have worked together with our federal, state and local partners to increase patrols, staffing and employ the use of the most cutting-edge technology to protect our community. The Biden-Harris Administration’s open border policies have threatened our Florida Keys community, which has experienced a dangerous, exponential increase in illegal migrants crossings, including from Haiti and even as far as communist China. I will continue to fight for our community and use my role to bring continued media attention to the unique crisis facing the Florida Keys.

2. As our member of Congress, I have delivered more federal funding for the Florida Keys than anyone else in history. Including, $1.75 million for the Keys Aqueduct Authority critical water supply repairs, $2 million for Key West International Airport, $2.5 million for the Key West Housing Authority, $3 million for Card Sound Road, $5.4 Million for the Twin Lakes subdivision, $6 million for the Army Corps of Engineers Keys water quality improvement, and worked with Southern Command for approval of a brand new $70 million headquarters for the Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West. As the first Member of Congress from South Florida to serve on the Armed Services Committee, I’m working tirelessly to deliver much-needed military improvements.

1. In the face of increasing migration events affecting the Keys, my commitment is to enhance transparency and communication regarding the processes governing those who reach our shores. To achieve this, I plan to work closely with federal agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure they provide regular, detailed updates to the community. I will advocate for the establishment of an online portal that offers real-time information on migrant status statistics and procedural steps. Additionally, I intend to organize quarterly town halls in the Keys, allowing residents to receive updates, ask questions and engage directly with federal representatives to foster a well-informed and engaged community on this critical issue.

2. I will focus on securing federal funding tailored to the unique environmental and structural needs of our islands. My approach includes actively pursuing funding through the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocates billions for transportation and climate resilience projects. Specifically, I will target grants from the FHA to rehabilitate and strengthen aging bridges and from the NOAA for projects combating sea level rise. Additionally, I will work to leverage resources from the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which supports states and communities in implementing resilience measures against natural disasters.

FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 120

REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT SEES DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER

A race for the Florida House District 120 seat will see Republican incumbent Jim Mooney facing Democrat Michael “Erika Rose” Travis in the November general election. Mooney, a realtor who lives in Islamorada, was first elected to the post in 2020 and reelected in 2022. A Key West resident,

JIM MOONEY (R)

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. There has been much discussion about state preemption, overturning several crucial decisions that shape our community (vacation rentals, etc.) Do you believe there should be an effort to restore home rule?

2. The arts and culture community in the Keys suffered a blow this year with the exclusion of longstanding funding from the state. What can you do to help emphasize the importance of arts funding, not only in the Keys but throughout the state?

Travis is a drag performer and a newcomer to the political scene.

The Florida House District 120 seat represents residents in the Florida Keys and south Miami-Dade.

1. I have seen numerous preemption bills put in motion. Most do not get much traction, but they get tons of media due to the topic. What I have gleaned from hearing some of those bills that make it to a committee, is in many cases some areas of the state simply are not doing what they should be doing or they are doing things that are negative to the citizens by placing ordinances that are not in the best interest of the communities as a whole. The fact that I work with the League of Cities and Counties on these issues allows me to fight these bills from a position of strength. (Unfortunately, we don't win them all).

2. The veto of the arts funding was a shock to me as well as most across the state. The importance of the arts, both on a social level and a fiscal level is so important to our communities. From programs designed for children to our elderly, and all of us in between, the arts provide an opportunity to engage in areas we don't engage in daily. What we do know is that each $1 given to the arts returns around $7 back into our coffers. So the social impact and financial impacts are intertwined and we must make sure we don't have this setback next year. I am sure that across the state we are all working to get this message across.

MICHAEL “ERIKA ROSE” TRAVIS (D)

1. Recently I’ve used the term “The HR Candidate” when talking about myself. My two big motivations for running for office are Human Rights and Home Rule. My first priority is to re-establish local government’s power to limit the amount and density of vacation rentals. This will free up housing for workers to live locally and enjoy the paradise they work so hard to provide for our guests. After this my focus will be on the preemptive laws negatively affecting our environment.

2. The weaponization of the governor’s power to line item veto is an affront to our peaceful, healthy, livelihood. Art imitates life. Many aspects of life are not always pleasant. Art exists to convey and evoke emotion. Not everyone is able to openly communicate about their emotions and this starts at a young age. It has become customary to not have conversations about politics or religion (or sports); for decades we have lost the ability to have meaningful conversations because we are afraid of our own feelings, or hurting others. By bringing back the art of meaningful conversations, we can acknowledge our differences and potentially move forward away from violent rhetoric and political tantrums.

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

The Aug. 20 primary will close the book on the hotly-contested Republican side of the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections race, as Sherri Hodies and Margaret Romero will vie to face former State Rep. Ron Saunders, a Democrat, in November.

RON SAUNDERS (D)

1. I am the only candidate running for Supervisor of Elections who has been employed by that office. I volunteered to work in the 2022 Primary and General Elections. I attended training sessions, assisted with early voting and vote by mail, and worked at a poll on both election days. After working closely with the office, I don’t have any specific concerns or changes to be made at this time.

2. Just as I did when I served the Keys in the Florida Legislature, I will speak to as many civic groups and government bodies as possible to educate voters on election laws and procedures.

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates: 1. All of the candidates running are new to this position. Do you have any specific concerns, factors you wish to investigate, or changes you wish to make in our local elections process?

SHERRI HODIES (R)

1. If it is not broke, why break it? If it needs broke, I can do it! But, we must follow the state election laws! I will get current associates together to utilize their knowledge on improvements. They are the experts! Evaluate voter rolls to ensure we have the cleanest voter rolls in the state. Walking door to door, meeting voters, I am hearing of potential issues. Choosing best accommodations for all voters, especially disabled, elderly, military and veterans. Per state law, we must use ballot machines, I will investigate and choose the right machine for Monroe County.

2. If elected, what form of orientation and education do you plan to seek regarding Florida's election laws, voting apparatus, requirements, etc.?

MARGARET ROMERO (R)

1. My concern is to maintain the integrity of the elections office with impartiality, accuracy, and adherence to all election rules, laws, and guidelines. Anything that seems awry, questionable, or problematic will be looked into for actual facts and details. Such “investigations” will result in answers, ways to resolve, potential solutions, and required actions taken. Other county departments and agencies will be asked to assist as necessary, as well as outside local and state officials. The laws are the laws to be followed by all. Things have to be fair and secure for ALL.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates.

2. I have already read and understand the Florida Division of Elections, Supervisor of Elections Handbook. I will immediately join the Florida Supervisor of Elections, a professional membership organization, where they specialize in election education, laws, voting machines and requirements. They also offer certification programs up to a Masters level in Election Administration. I will enroll in the Florida Institute of Government Ethics for Supervisor of Election training. In addition, I will begin my Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) certification. This is a professional education program focusing on an array of election subjects; specializing in voter registration.

2. If elected, I will ask to shadow Joyce and team until sworn into office in January. I will take the new Supervisors courses and continuing education as available. In the past 4 years, I researched the elections process as a citizen voter. Now it will be at a higher level. I will reach out to Joyce and others for their insight and experiential knowledge. I will communicate with the Division of Elections and the Bureaus of Election Records, Voter Registration Services, and Voting Systems Certification for matters requiring clarification, and our county legal team.

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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, DISTRICT 5

Three Republicans will vie for the District 5 seat on the Board of County Commissioners in the Aug. 20 primary. Incumbent Holly Rascehin, current mayor, will square off against newcomers Melissa Ptomey, owner of the environmental consulting firm BioBenthic and Island Music School, and Paul Wunderlich, a retired county employee who worked in the engineering department. District 5 serves Tavernier north through Ocean Reef.

With no Democratic challengers, the primary winner will take the seat.

HOLLY RASCHEIN (R)

1. We are currently in the process of developing that vision, gathering input from residents, as well as municipalities within the county, and I encourage robust public participation in this process. Please, take the surveys, make your voice heard. The Florida Keys, thanks to our status as an area of critical state concern, has had growth regulations in place for decades that have been largely successful in maintaining our small town character and preventing massive, overdevelopment that has occurred in other parts of coastal Florida (we don’t want to become Miami Beach). So regardless of what the state’s Department of Commerce decides about new ROGO units, at the local level we must maintain our commitment to limited, targeted, slow development that takes into consideration our infrastructure constraints and sensitive environment. And if any new development rights are granted, the focus should be on workforce housing and protecting taxpayers from takings liabilities.

2. All of these audits highlight the value of the audit process in identifying issues when they do exist and outlining corrective actions. A regular and consistent audit schedule of county-affiliated agencies, undertaken by the clerk’s office and/or independent auditors, is one way to restore confidence and ensure public trust between the agency and taxpayers. Some agencies already do this (congratulations to the sheriff ’s office on their 21st consecutive perfect financial audit) but more consistent audits could reinforce an expectation of transparency in financial operations. Then there also must be accountability if issues are identified, and the corrective recommendations of the audit need to be implemented. Sometimes this requires changing the leadership, leadership structure (or both) of an agency to ensure the audit findings can be addressed and faith in the integrity of the institution can be restored, like we are currently experiencing with the TDC.

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. What is your vision for the number of ROGO units Monroe County should request from the state Legislature in 2025?

2. Audits released in recent years have heavily criticized the operations of county-affiliated agencies like the Tourist Development Council. What is your plan to restore confidence in the county’s ability to maintain the fiscal integrity of agencies that rely on tax dollars?

MELISSA PTOMEY (R)

1. The current method of collecting feedback for continued vacant lot build-out is incredibly disingenuous. This is one of the most important decisions our community is making in our lifetimes. It has been reduced to an anonymous survey, instead of a roundtable discussion or an advisory board representing many local professions, businesses owners, contractors, and government employees. I have asked the BOCC on several occasions, if all participants are forced to remain anonymous, won't we have vested interests filling out the surveys multiple times? As such, the BOCC already knows it will be asking for 2,200-3,000 ROGOs (don't be fooled that they actually care about local input, the Tavernier Publix vote showed us otherwise). The number should be as small as possible, 100-300 max spread out for the next 30 years with higher ROGO points assigned for those that dedicate vacant land to encourage land dedication to limit future litigation cases.

2. I believe that audits of the BOCC budget and expenditures should also be included in the audits being done. The county budget has exploded since my opponent has taken office in 2021. It went from $465 million to the current approved budget yesterday of $715.7 million. That is for a county of 82,000 residents. The BOCC always says how proud they are of all the federal and state grants they bring in. Yet, the budget remains hard to find where all that money goes. I believe a forensic audit of the BOCC in the last three years would be eye opening and that 20% cut of spending would be easy to find and come off the top, not from any staff cuts. There have been many workshops, events and large contract bids that are significantly eating away our tax dollars. The public is entitled to a current BOCC budget audit.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates.

PAUL WUNDERLICH (R)

1. Originally called the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan and established in 1986 the main focus was to control the growth of the county to ensure the safety of its residents and their quality of life. In 1992 ROGO was implemented to control hurricane evacuation and every year the state seems to find ways to navigate around it. Before inquiring about more ROGO units for 2025 I would like to focus on exactly how many affordable housing units or vacation rentals can be evacuated between 25 and 48 hours before a storm as the state maintains but have not mentioned exactly how many workers can be evacuated in that time frame. Also, I would like to focus on how the state and county officials plan to evacuate all these individuals for weeks at a time with their family and pets to the mainland when the majority of these individuals’ only mode of transportation is a bicycle or electric bike. Before we continue the trend of overdeveloping the Florida Keys we should take a good look at what the counties present state is and when to say enough is enough.

2. In 1981 the TDC was formed with the goal of helping tourism by improving the Florida Keys environment and community services. Though I have questions about how any tourism benefits the environment the TDC does help restore some of our treasured landmarks. When it was first created it was controlled by individuals with good intentions and ideas, like Fantasy fest. But over time has become a complex and well-funded organization. As such it requires more of the county's attention as to where the funds go. In order to do this the county can either create a new department within the county to oversee the daily operations of TDC funds or hire an outside firm to do so with semi-annual audits of TDC funds. Regardless of which avenue the county chooses, the financial records of the TDC should be available for public scrutiny as to where the funds are spent and how much goes for improving our key's environment and how much is used for community services for tourism.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, DISTRICT 3

The final open seat on the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners will be decided in November, as Republican incumbent Jim Scholl, a Navy veteran and former Key West city manager appointed to the commission in 2022, will face off with Democrat Chris Massicotte, co-founder of the marketing firm Duval Street Media. District 3 serves the western portion of Key West.

JIM SCHOLL (R)

1. Our planning director along with the legal staff are looking at the number of potential buildable lots that aren’t environmentally sensitive or are limited to commercial use. They still have to do some more homework to figure out a real number. So many of them are already labeled as environmentally sensitive and there are wetlands and conservation lands. Those won’t ever be built on. The reality: We’re still doing the research through our planning department and our legal department to see what a reasonable number would be. The state and the county would have to have an agreement on the rate at which the state would provide the units to us and rate at which we would issue them out. My own personal opinion: It should be prioritized towards workforce housing, not just unrestricted market rate permits. It should be for workforce housing.

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. What is your vision for the number of ROGO units Monroe County should request from the state Legislature in 2025?

2. Audits released in recent years have heavily criticized the operations of county-affiliated agencies like the Tourist Development Council. What is your plan to restore confidence in the county’s ability to maintain the fiscal integrity of agencies that rely on tax dollars?

CHRIS MASSICOTTE (D)

1. I appreciate the effort the BOCC is putting into this decision and involving the community. There are surveys on the county website and I encourage residents to take them. I’ve attended two ROGO workshops. Safety must come first along with our ability to sustain and protect our environment. It's clear from the hurricane evacuation models and traffic studies that U.S. 1 is at capacity. The aqueduct is also near capacity. There are 2,997 buildable lots that don’t have ROGO allocations. If we decide to accept any more, how we use them is just as important as how many we ask for. The focus MUST be on full-time residents and workforce housing. I am opposed to accepting any more market rate ROGOs to build more vacation rentals and second homes than we need to in order to mitigate our takings liability at the county level.

2. I’m not aware of any large number of criticisms of agencies. The Visit Florida Keys board is a separate organization with its own board. However, they are responsible to follow all the financial rules and regulations that the county has. It’s kind of a hybrid. Any organization, they have to be 100 percent accountable to the taxpayers. I’m not directly responsible, but county staff and the clerk need to ramp up and be very strong in support of independent audits. My rule was very simple at the city: We’re audit-ready every day. We’re inspectionready every day. It’s not something you prepare for. If you’re doing everything right, you’re ready every day. That’s the mindset that needs to be filtered down countywide. Whether it’s ad valorem or the shared state revenues, we have to be able to account for every penny every day and follow all the procedures.

2. As a former auditor and accountant, I was shocked to learn that the TDC had not undergone any kind of audit in over 20 years. One commissioner publicly said that the BOCC was “asleep at the wheel” and I couldn't agree more. The BOCC is ultimately responsible for the TDC, and for no one to suggest an audit for 20 years is unconscionable. If elected, I will be relentless in looking for ways that our county government can be more efficient and reduce wasteful spending. The proposed 2025 budget is a staggering $715 million, up $49 million from last year's record increase, and yet the BOCC meetings continue to get shorter. That kind of money deserves a lot more attention than it gets now. If elected, I’m going to come prepared with a lot of questions to ask PUBLICLY about where your hardearned tax dollars are being spent.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

thanks all of Monroe County public servants & candidates for their time and sacrifice.

NO MATTER THE RESULTS, WE STAND UNITED AS ONE.

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 2

The School Board District 2 seat of Monroe County’s longest-serving elected official, Andy Griffi ths, will be filled by one of two candidates this November: thirdgeneration Conch and current light tackle fishing guide Zach Bentley, or fi fth-generation Keys resident and businesswoman Yvette Mira-Talbott, who previously ran against Griffi ths in 2012.

District 2 encompasses the eastern half of Key West through Boca Chica and the western portion of Big Coppitt Key.

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates: 1) What is your view on the statewide referendum to create partisan school board elections? Please be specific.

2) The school board will soon be tasked with finding a new superintendent following Teri Axford’s retirement. Would you favor a promotion from within or a national search? Why?

ZACH BENTLEY

1. The litmus test for this answer is “does it help the children?” I do not see how the creation of a partisan school board election helps the children. Therefore, I am not in favor of creating a partisan race for Monroe County School Board.

2. I am in favor of grooming and searching for talent from within. Monroe County possesses a certain uniqueness that is often hard to appreciate unless one has had ample time to assimilate to our island community. Outside disciplines

YVETTE MIRA-TALBOTT

1. Partisanship should not play a role in the education of children. It would cause a prioritization that is not aligned with what is best for our children. This should be one place where partisanship plays no role.

from other parts of the country tend to dilute or lack rapport with our challenges and our charm. Furthermore, the cost of living in the Keys tends to be appalling for newcomers. which in some cases creates a change of heart. This is why we tend to trust and seek our leaders from within for long term stability. We are not looking for a proxy but rather a stable leader who can effectively communicate with all of our stakeholders for years to come.

2. I believe a nationwide search to include local candidates is the right choice. It is the obligation of the board to hire the very best candidate to lead our schools, regardless of where they are from.

5th GENERATION CONCH

PROVEN LEADERSHIP YOU CAN TRUST

FIGHTING FOR OUR LOCAL INTERESTS

TENACITY TO SEE US THROUGH TOUGH DECISIONS

MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

GETTING STRAIGHT TO THE ISSUES

LOCAL CANDIDATE FORUM WILL FEATURE UP TO SIX RACES

By Alex Rickert

Mark your calendars for Thursday, Oct. 10.

For 14 years, the Keys Weekly has been proud to partner with the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce to present a candidate forum for local races ahead of the November general election.

As usual, thanks to the ongoing support of Monroe County, the forum will be held at the Marathon Government Center in the county commission chambers from 6 to 9 p.m. Candidates from up to six local races will debate the most pressing topics facing elected officials in our islands today.

“Most people do not realize how much time, effort and money goes into running a campaign,” said Keys Weekly publisher Jason Koler. “Many hours that could’ve been spent with family, working or running their business are diverted into campaigning. We appreciate their dedication to Monroe County and are extremely grateful for the democratic process.”

The following races and candidates will be invited to participate:

• U.S. Representative: Carlos Gimenez (R) and Phil Ehr (D).

• U.S. Senate : Candidates TBD

• State Representative: Jim Mooney (R), Michael “Erika Rose” Travis (D).

• Supervisor of Elections: Ron Saunders (D); Margaret Romero (R) or Sherri Hodies (R).

• County Commission, District 3: Jim Scholl (R) and Chris Massicotte (D).

• Marathon City Council: Dustin Huff, Kenny Matlock, Mark Senmartin, Lynny Thompson, Ray Wood, any additional candidates following August qualifying period.

Additional details for a live broadcast will be available in the Marathon Weekly in the weeks leading up to the forum.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Have a topic you’d like to see addressed? A question you want answered? It’s always our goal to create an eye-opening forum for Keys residents. Email alex@keysweekly.com with your suggestions and the local race(s) they apply to.

Voting is undeniably one of the most sacred rights we enjoy as Americans. It’s a right that shapes our country, and most agree should only be taken away in serious circumstances. But in so many ways, the Keys are unlike everywhere else in the U.S. When you choose to live here, you either “get it” or you don’t. And with that said, here are our…

TOP 10 WAYS TO LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN THE KEYS

10. Tell people vacation rentals are “saving the Keys economy.”

9. Ask the state to change hurricane evacuation models from 24 to 96 hours.

8. Campaign for extra days of mini-season.

7. Register under the name “McLovin.”

6. Steal your friend’s GPS numbers.

5. Tell people you believe the movie “Road House” was “the most accurate depiction of the Keys ever portrayed on film.”

4. Shrink the traffic lanes in Islamorada.

3. Tell people you’re a Democrat.

2. Ask “How far until I’m in the Keys?” at the drive-through in Tavernier.

1. Remind everyone how you plan to magically change the Keys to be like the place you moved from 6 years ago (and haven’t visited since).

Community First - Unity, Diversity, Transparency and Civility. Protect the Environment - It's Our Future. Experienced - Knowledgeable about Past and Present. People-friendly Approach - I Listen to Fellow Citizens. Teamwork is Key - Important to Work with Other Agencies to Accomplish Goals Support Necessary Public Services - Law Enforcement and Fire/ Rescue for a Safe and Secure Community. I'll Do the Work - I Read Agendas, Meeting Materials and Sta Reports; I Ask Questions.

Elect Deb Gillis Islamorada Village Council Seat 3 www.debgillisforislamorada.com, learn more at www.ballotfy.com/deb-gillis DebGillis@att.net, Facebook.com/electdebgillis, 305-393-7486 Together we make it happen!

Register. Be Informed. VOTE. November 5, 2024. Serving Islamorada

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Deb Gillis for Islamorada Village Council, Seat 3

JOYCE GRIFFIN

By Mandy Miles

Joyce Griffin has been involved with Florida Keys elections since Ronald Reagan was reelected in 1984, with the first George Bush as his vice president. It was the year of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A” and “The Karate Kid.”

That was 40 years ago, for any of you fellow English majors who struggle with subtraction. Forty years.

From Reagan to Bush (the first one), then Clinton, back to Bush (the second one), from Obama to Trump, now Biden and soon someone else.

Joyce Griffin knows elections — campaign rules for candidates, financial disclosures, voter registration, precincts and poll workers, vote-bymail, mandatory recounts for close races, qualifying periods, canvassing boards and more. And she’s happy to share that knowledge and those details, having worked hard to make much of the information available to the public on her website at keyselections.org, a priceless resource for candidates, voters, campaign managers and yes, local news reporters.

More important than knowing election laws, Griffin respects them, because she loves the entire democratic process, its history and its future.

“I love my job,” she said. “I come from a long line of patriots who have loved this country. I was asked one time what makes my job so special, and I said,

‘Soldiers have died and are still dying for our democracy. I’m the seed of that democracy, where it all begins with our elections, and I hope I’ve made those soldiers proud, because real heroes don’t wear capes; they wear dog tags.’”

A bedazzled cowboy hat lives in Griffin’s office, a tribute to her father’s Texas roots.

Carl Griffin was a Coast Guardsman who met Joyce’s mother, a Conch, when he was stationed in Key West.

“I didn’t grow up rich, far from it,” Griffin said, smiling at the memory of the silverware in the family's kitchen drawer.

“I remember doing the dishes one night after dinner. I asked my mom where my dad — Carl Griffin — had gotten our monogrammed silverware, and she just giggled.

“I don’t know how long it took me to realize that the C.G. on all our forks and spoons meant Coast Guard and not Carl Griffin,” she said, laughing.

Born and raised in Key West, Griffin has watched the county and its electorate evolve over the decades, with changes in technology, ideology and demographics. Once a reliably blue, or Democratic-leaning, county, the island chain is now an arcing line of red Republicanism swinging off the tip of mainland Florida, punctuated at the very end by the still-blue Key West.

40 years in the Keys elections

and has spent the past 12 as the elected supervisor.

Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin, in her trademark cowboy hat, has worked for

office,

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

“My staff is amazing, and I stand on their shoulders,” she said, giving them as much credit as she gets for conducting fair, lawful, impartial and legitimate elections in Monroe County for decades.

But for Griffin, one thing has never changed.

“I don’t do anyone any favors. Ever,” she said recently from the new supervisor of elections office on College Road. “I don’t care if it’s a friend you’ve known since kindergarten and they want to vote without an ID. Nope. Sorry, bubba. I’d be breaking the law.”

The same holds true for candidates who come to depend on Griffin’s office for deadlines, timelines, rules and reminders. A candidate may be the most likable, qualified and committed for an office, but that doesn’t mean Griffin will overlook a noon deadline to file some piece of paperwork when the candidate comes running in, breathlessly, at 12:20 p.m.

“Once you do one favor, you’ve broken the law, and where does it end?” Griffin asked rhetorically, leaning back in her chair while wearing a supervisor of elections golf shirt embroidered with the nickname her staff gave her — Mama Bear.

“My staff is amazing, and I stand on their shoulders,” she said, giving them as much credit as she gets for conducting fair, lawful, impartial and legitimate elections in Monroe County for decades.

“Joyce don’t play,” she recalled one candidate telling another in the elections office one day. Two of her staff members have worked with Griffin for more than 30 years. Another has been with her for more than 20.

Joyce Griffin steals the show at the Keys Weekly’s 2024 Bubba Awards, satirically questioning the legitimacy of the vote that saw Tax Collector Sam Steele win Best Elected Official. RALPH De PALMA/Keys Weekly

But things are about to change in the elections offices countrywide, because Griffin is hanging up her cowboy hat, having decided not to seek reelection this year.

Keys voters will elect a new supervisor of elections on Nov. 5, and Griffin will pass the reins to Margaret Romero, Ron Saunders or Sherri Hodies.

“I want someone in here who can walk down the middle of the road, who is strong, who can say no when they need to, and most importantly, someone who can follow the law and fight for my voters — all 51,081 of my voters, regardless of party or politics. That’s what I want.”

Whoever that successor is has big shoes to fill. And we at the Keys Weekly tip our hats to Joyce Griffin, in gratitude, respect and admiration for a job well done.

“The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.”

– Ross Perot

"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."

– Will Rogers

“One

of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

– Plato

"BAD OFFICIALS ARE ELECTED BY GOOD CITIZENS WHO DO NOT VOTE."

–

George Jean Nathan

"Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters."

– Abraham Lincoln

“If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain.”

–

George Carlin

“Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards. If you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.”

– Ronald Reagan

Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least."

– Robert Byrne

ISLAMORADA VILLAGE COUNCIL

FIVE SEATS ARE UP FOR GRABS

All seats for Islamorada Village Council are on the line in the November election. The official candidate qualifying period isn’t until noon on Aug. 6, meaning more candidates could enter the race for one of the five seats. As of press time, seven candidates filed the necessary paperwork to run for office. The qualifying period officially ends at noon on Aug. 13.

SEAT 1

BUDDY PINDER

1. The lack of affordable workforce housing plagues our community has detrimental effects on our residents and businesses. Continuing our work with the Florida Department of Commerce and nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys to find comprehensive solutions will be my top goal.

2. As a multi-generation resident and a successful private business owner, I bring experience and knowledge to the council. I will continue to work tirelessly for the residents of Islamorada. Residents first.

SEAT 2 ANNA RICHARDS

1. As our community continues to evolve and expand it is crucial to strike a balance between development and preserving the unique character and natural beauty of our village. Sustainable growth planning is essential to ensure our infrastructure, resources and environment are protected while meeting the needs of residents and businesses. As the closest position to the residents, the decisions made by the council have a direct impact on the daily lives of our citizens, so it is imperative for local officials to be responsive to the community they serve. Having open communication and collaboration with residents, Village staff and the council can effectively address issues with confidence.

SEAT 2

ANGEL BORDEN

No responses were received before press time.

2. I promise my full commitment to our community by partnering with everyone to bring continuity, and striving to be effective by actively seeking to have a positive impact while pursuing meaningful goals.

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates: 1. What’s the single most important issue facing Islamorada? How would you address it, if elected?

2. What’s your message to the voters of Islamorada?

SEAT 3

MIKE MURPHY

1. The most important issues in Islamorada are traffic and water quality. I was a traffic signal coordinator technician through FKEC. We can eliminate daily traffic by presenting to the tourist industry a big parking lot on County Road 905 and allow shallow water ferry boats which have the ability to pick up 300 people and transport them to Islamorada, Marathon and Key West.

2. I’m Mike Murphy and I’m going to do the best for our village as a whole. It’s my turn to serve my community in a positive way because we need to get this town toward the future.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates.

SEAT 3

DEB GILLIS

1. There are several issues in the Village and with my prior experience, I can help solve them. There needs to be a middle road between over development with no conservation and no growth with nothing getting improved. I will represent the entire population, not a select few. will work at lowering the cost and saving money where possible through smart, thought out decisions. I want to be fair to those who followed the rules and not change the rules on the ninth hour but give notice that rules may be changed. I want Islamorada to make some headway on solving the housing crisis and understand that we do not have to have all the answers first (before taking some initial steps). Making a decision at least moves something forward. Decisions can be changed. A no decision council action is a decision but that simply slows down everything for the community.

2. I have no agenda except what is best for Islamorada. I am open to listen to all groups. I want to represent you, all 6000 residents; you who are working 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet, you who are here part time because you love Islamorada, you who have children and want to give them a future in Islamorada, you who are trying to grow your careers and futures, you who retired to Islamorada and you who grew up here and want to remain. I want to keep Islamorada from becoming unrecognizable, but understand that change must happen. There needs to be limits as to what our island home can handle. I won’t let you down, I will act in your best interest. This is about you, the citizens and not me personally. I want to help make your life better. Together we can make it happen.

SEAT 4

DON HORTON

1. We need to stop talking about affordable housing and create opportunities to build affordable housing (workforce housing). The current system makes it darn near impossible to build affordable housing. There hasn’t been active enforcement or verification of the current stock we have. For several years our town has been stagnant. Our strategic plan is expired, our charter has not been reviewed for many years and our staff has not had a stable environment. Previous councils had made bad choices on key staffing, such as planning directors and managers. There were bad choices on sewering, affordable housing allocations and code changes. Thankfully, we currently have a responsible, fair and reasonable building and planning departments, a well trained and equipped fire rescue, a great relationship with our sheriff and his deputies and dedicated village staff. We also have a new manager and I have high hopes for his success.

2. I want to hear from the voters and the citizens of Islamorada. I want voters to know that as a fiscal conservative I will work to lower costs in village government. I will be a hardliner during the budget cycle and ask the hard questions to get the right outcome. I believe in a clear code that protects the rights of our citizens, while protecting owner’s property rights. Most importantly I want to work for the good of the citizens of the village. My hope is to do the right thing while in office so my great-granddaughters can enjoy Islamorada as much as I have for the past 47 years.

SEAT 5

SHARON MAHONEY

1. Trying to pick one area to work on is a hard question. There are issues that are intertwined with each other. This would include housing, traffic, wastewater and clean water; working together with Marathon and Key West to address this is also a very important issue.

2. My main message to the voters is change is possible to get involved to voice your opinion and to never think twice about reaching out to your elected officials as we do listen.

VILLAGE REFERENDUMS

Voters in Islamorada will also vote on two referendums during the November general election. The language will read as follows:

Term limits

The village charter currently provides for an eight-year consecutive term limit. It is proposed that the village charter be amended to provide for an eight-year lifetime term limit, whether consecutive or not, beginning with the 2024 village election. Shall the above described charter amendment be adopted?

Council compensation

It is proposed that the village charter be amended to provide for the amount of monthly compensation to councilmembers be increased from $1,000 per month to $1,500 per month and that council compensation be subject to annual cost of living adjustments commensurate with such adjustment given to village staff in the same fiscal year. Shall the above described charter amendment be adopted?

KEY LARGO FIRE & EMS DISTRICT

Seat 3

KENNY EDGE

TWO INCUMBENTS FACE CHALLENGES

Two Key Largo Fire & EMS District board seats are up for grabs in the November general election. The nonpartisan races will see incumbent Kenny Edge facing Ron Mobley for seat 3 and incumbent Danny Powers squaring off against Michael Jenkins for seat 5.

The winners will serve a four-year term on the five-person board, which oversees the Key Largo Fire Department and Key Largo Ambulance Corps.

1. I have been a part of Key Largo EMS & Fire for 28 years running on rescue as an EMT. I would like to stay on the district board to see projects and goals completed.

Currently we have a diversified group of commissioners. It has been an honor, and a privilege to be a part of this. I want to continue on.

2. I would say the biggest issue facing the district is our consolidation study and fire & EMS going under the district. This study will be led by J. Angle Group, LLC. Once this study has been completed we can make an informed decision. On the best course of action.

RON MOBLEY

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. What led you to enter your name for a seat on the board?

2. What’s the biggest issue facing the district and how do you look to

1. I have been involved with the Key Largo Fire and EMS services since I graduated from Coral Shores in 1974. I was the Fire Chief for Key Largo for 10 years in the late 1980s to 1990s. I also worked for Miami Dade Fire Rescue as a firefighter/ paramedic for 26 years. I feel serving on the fire and EMS board is the next step for me to continue serving and that my experience and local knowledge will benefit me and the community.

Seat 5 DANNY POWERS

1. Having 30 years of experience with fire and EMS services, I feel that I can be an asset to serve the community. I want to provide the best possible service for reasonable tax dollars to the people of Key Largo.

2. The biggest issue facing the district at this time is the rebuilding of Station 24. We need to decide how it can be rebuilt with the finances that are available. I would also like to work on combining EMS and fire under one contractor to better serve the community.

MICHAEL JENKINS

1. I have been in the fire service in the Keys since 1987. I can no longer be a combat firefighter so this is the way I can continue to help.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates.

2. The availability of volunteers in the community to serve with the volunteer fire and EMS departments that provide the service to our community have been an ongoing concern for some time. Several programs have been put in place to attract volunteers and retain them with only some success. For this reason, several paid firefighters and paramedics have had to be hired to ensure coverage and service. I feel cross training volunteers and paid personnel in both fire and EMS services will allow the limited number of volunteers and paid personnel in the two departments to work better together and better serve the community.

2. I think the biggest issue is employee retention. The firefighters of Key Largo are not eligible for the Florida Retirement System the way they are currently employed.

FIVE IN THE RACE FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

As of press time, fi ve hopefuls are set to vie for two open seats on the Marathon City Council: one from incumbent Kenny Matlock, who will seek re-election, and the other from termed-out councilman Luis Gonzalez.

DUSTIN HUFF

KENNY MATLOCK

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. Should the Keys request additional ROGO/BPAS allocations from the state in 2025? If so, how many should we request and why?

2. There is growing community concern that the interests of developers are overriding the needs of locals and the environment in our city. Do you agree with this concern, and if so, what can be done to remedy this?

3. In the past few years, issues like our deep wastewater injection well settlement, sewer backups and fl ooding on Sombrero Boulevard have highlighted a reactive, rather than proactive, approach to pressing infrastructure issues. How can Marathon ensure a proactive approach in the future?

1. I do think we should request more BPAS allocations but the distribution needs to be more restricted until city infrastructure is in place. I think 90% of our permit allocation should go to locals that qualify to build a house. That would be a big diversion from our current process. I would also like to see the city of Marathon add transparency to the permitting process more like the county. Marathon is currently facing several critical issues such as wastewater management, water supply and fl ooding that need to be addressed before we consider normal distribution of BPAS.

2. This is the main reason I decided to run for city council. I have been a lifelong resident and I have noticed a significant infl ux of unfamiliar contractors in the past four years. The rate of construction has become unmanageable. There are individuals from outside of the city who show no concern for our community but are profi ting greatly from it only to disappear. Moving forward, the needs of our residents should be given top priority, and receiving positive treatment from city staff should not feel like an unusual occurrence.

3. These are the exact reasons why I believe we need to have better control of ROGO/BPAS allocations. Our infrastructure has to be able to handle our current needs first. Residents are currently experiencing fl ooding issues, the water supply is often inadequate and our sewer system is struggling during peak times. The Sombrero Country Club property has my head spinning. In the future, we need to pull back on the reigns before these issues arise, not continue to compound the problem. Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates.

1. I would like to not request additional ROGO/BPAS, but that could financially burden taxpayers with takings cases. If we do take more ROGO/BPAS, the BPAS system first needs an overhaul. I would like any local homesteading to be awarded BPAS points, giving a big advantage over non-homesteaded or development applicants and reduce the number given out each year. Allocations should be on hold until our infrastructure is updated, and we get an unbiased evacuation plan, including real world factors. This is a huge decision.

2. Yes, I do, and I have been very vocal about this issue. There is a big difference between single family homes and these large developments aimed at vacation rentals. Part of the remedy is to stop facilitating these builds by allowing special exceptions. Let’s face the facts - we need the city to stop giving special treatment to developers. When I have staff presenting a “standard policy change” that changes our LDR (Land Development Rights) code that only benefi ts one privately owned property, we have a problem. I have pushed very hard on holding a higher standard with little to no support.

3. With little to no support I have tried to hold the city to a higher standard for these issues. The Sombrero BLVD fl ooding has been a problem for many years and should have been addressed years ago. As soon as the large swale was filled in and the berm was built it amplified the problem and should have been addressed at that time immediately. From what I have seen on the Sombrero sewer plant we have to fi x the leaks in the system. I have been told that is happening, but the speed of government can be ridiculous.

FIVE IN THE RACE FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

MARK SENMARTIN

1. Marathon should request and accept as many BPAS units as we can possibly get from the state. It would be foolish not to. If the City doesn’t have them, we have no control over the lawsuits property owners will file (commonly called “Takings Cases”) which would be very costly to the taxpayers. However, if we have the units, we can decide how and when to give them out at a reasonable, responsible, and sustainable rate where preference is given to the local that is going to live and work here.

2. Development is always a concern, and rightly so. But it’s not always bad. There are 126 much needed affordable housing units being built on Coco plum right now. Whether it’s building of new houses, commercial spaces, or redevelopment of aging properties, we must balance the needs and desires of our community with protecting the environment and available resources. The City Council does this through strict adherence to the comprehensive plan and applying the existing codes impartially. But that plan is a living document and must be updated to refl ect our needs and change any ineffective or deficient codes.

3. Proactive and Reactive are campaign terms. The Council’s responsibility is serving Marathon’s needs. You want them reactive after a Hurricane. An example of proactive thinking involves our infrastructure. Marathon has a finite number of properties. That capacity is called build out. It’s something I have spoken about for years. I thought we should have designed the sewer system, roads, and general infrastructure to accommodate build out. This is information the city should be using going forward and insure we can handle the capacity, even if we never get there. I will make sure, if elected, that it’s something we prioritize.

LYNNY THOMPSON

1. FIRST we need to look at our infrastructure! Before we determine how many more permits to allocate, can our water, sewer, electric roads ect. along with land density handle and determine the growth in our community before we re-calculate the amount of permits going forward.

2. YES I DO AGREE! The City Council must lead and instruct the staff to support the locals and not the developers. The developers have the resources of moving forward on getting permitting and knowing the system. The local small landowners, homeowners as well as small contractors need assistance and a user friendly experience to keep and maintain their property. efficiently lessening the frustration because they are the back bone of our community.

3. Pay attention to my answer to the first question! Infrastructure!! Needs to be our FOCUS..Proactive approach to the sewer system is keeping up with the maintenance and service of the system we have and take care of it. The sewer system is a must for life on this Island home of ours and to protect our environment and if we need a new and improved way of handling our waste I do believe we must do so!

RAY WOOD

1. I have asked the people of Marathon this question, the citizens I have spoken with about increasing ROGO believe we do not need anymore building than what we already have scheduled for 2025. Many citizens citing the fact they are more concerned with our infrastructure, traffic congestion, and workforce housing. Tallahassee has even stated they believe moving hurricane evacuation notice from a 24 hour notice to 30 hour. That concern alone is enough to pump the brakes on increased growth. I feel the same way unless the building permits are for workforce housing, affordable housing, or owner-occupied housing.

2. The growing concern of developers over locals is a very real fear of most of our community, there are other concerns related to growth that many locals have. Most locals believe we are loosing a lot of the natural resources and small town feel that makes our community great. The best and fastest way to handle this is limiting BPAS and only approving that which is necessary for our community to continue moving forward with state of the art planning, improvement of roads, infrastructure. Citizens can make their voices known with a BOCC survey about ROGO.

3. First Identify the problem areas which are now beginning to grow or may grow in the future. Second take action on these areas now. Procrastination is the worse thing we can do thinking the issue will heel itself or go away. Making a plan before the issue becomes a major concern with our citizens. Citizens can attend more council meetings and make council members aware of their issues. Our concerned citizens are by far the best weapon we have to stop future problems.

KEY WEST CITY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 1

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. On Aug. 26, the city commission will consider a proposal to rehire city manager Al Childress. If elected on Aug. 20, what factors will you weigh most heavily when deciding how you vote?

MONICA HASKELL

1. It’s difficult to be put in this position, especially since the outgoing commission deferred decisions on other items, saying it would be unfair to incoming commission members to not have input. I would consider: a.) the voices of my constituents; b.) my professional interactions with Mr. Childress; c.) the performance reviews and feedback from staff.

2. This election transforms the city commission, replacing 4 of 7 members. What else needs to change in city government and Key West in general? Be specific.

2. The City can do a better job of communicating, both internally among departments, and externally, between the City and its citizens. I would hope that increased, clear communication would lead to less confusion, misunderstanding and resentment, and improved efficiency and satisfaction.

BEN HENNINGTON

1. The staff, in my opinion, will be the deciding factor. Al Childress’ position as city manager affects our city staff that handles all the projects and day-to-day operations of the city. I will take my time to talk to the department heads and as many staff members as I can between the time I am elected and the start of the meeting on Aug. 26..

2. The biggest thing that needs to change is what I have been saying from the beginning of my campaign, and that is People Before Politics. This is the time for the people of Key West to elect me, Ben Hennington, who will listen and work with them, not just for them, to make a difference within this great community on Aug. 20.

FOR MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

I promise to bring good government to District 6.

I will listen to the residents. I will follow best practices for any expense of taxpayer dollars. I will support policies that protect our nearshore waters and I will work hard to maintain and restore community assets and respect and protect our history.

As your Commissioner, I will put public service back in politics.

KEY WEST CITY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 6

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. On Aug. 26, the city commission will consider a proposal to rehire city manager Al Childress. If elected on Aug. 20, what factors will you weigh most heavily when deciding how you vote?

AARON CASTILLO

1. There is only one consideration to be made in the potential rehiring of Mr. Childress, and that is: Is he the best person for the job? If he is, I will certainly vote to rehire him. The position of city manager is crucial for the operation and management of our city. If Mr. Childress can demonstrate that he has the support of staff and that he clearly understands the uniqueness of our little city, he will get my vote.

MARCI ROSE

2. This election transforms the city commission, replacing 4 of 7 members. What else needs to change in city government and Key West, in general? Be specific.

THADDEUS COHEN

2. Political discourse is healthy and normal, but the city commission must work together for the benefit of all our citizens, whether you were born here or came from Chicago three weeks ago. Your voice is important and deserves to be heard. If elected I will, of course, represent District 6 to the best of my ability, but I fully understand District 6 does not exist in a vacuum, even though we are elected by district, the decisions of the commission should be made in the best interest of all the citizens of our unique and remarkable community.

1. Factors that will weigh most heavily when deciding how I vote: majority of my constituents’ opinions, efficiency, transparency, expediency, responsibility, abiding by the rules, professionalism, fairness, productivity and work product, cause for termination (if any), reviews by the majority of the commissioners just before his termination were favorable, direct experiences with Mr. Childress have been positive and the support Mr. Childress has from our police department is outstanding.

2. No nepotism in government, open and transparent government, return public service to politics (ie. politicians are servants to constituents), cleaner nearshore waters, clean, safe sidewalks/streets, residents’ quality of life balanced with safe, clean business/tourism, create enforceable and enforced ordinances re: sound, e-bikes, littering, prohibition of Styrofoam and plastic grocery bags, accountability, cooperation among city departments, truly affordable housing, support for public sector (ie. police, fire department, teachers, healthcare workers), support for homeowners to remain, affordable and quality property insurance, carrying capacity for Key West & Florida Keys and the resulting ability to vacate during disaster(s), good health care.

1. I believe the new commission would benefit from developing a consensus on the role of the manager in relation to the citizenry, commission, the city attorney, the city clerk and staff. What do we expect from a manager in developing important internal and external relationships etc. The commission should assess an individual’s leadership qualities, management style, attributes and achievements in order to lead our organization in a positive direction. The proposed special session seems to me to deprive the commission of Its ability to use their independent judgment to make a hiring decision.

2. These are challenging times. Some issues — affordable housing, transportation, medical care, infrastructure, the environment — seem intractable. To meet the moment, we will need an open mind to test ideas, expand our collaboration with public, private and non-profit partners, as a force multiplier to solve problems and lean into cooperative efforts that bring out the best in all of us. I am not sure this is change, per se, but principles that can take us from where we are to where we want to be.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates.

KEY WEST UTILITY BOARD, SEAT C

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates:

1. What’s Keys Energy’s level of reliability with service and repairs? What could the utility do better to maintain or improve services and what are they doing best?

TIM ROOT

1. Keys Energy has been storm hardening poles and breakers and our levels of reliability are as good against most all utilities in Florida. Customer service has been rated excellent . We are working on grants to do more storm hardening through the infrastructure legislation 15 million and the joint action initiative for another 15 million we must match dollar for dollar but the two grants are big for our territory and the whole Florida keys. Also AMI which is advanced metering infrastructure that has been started all over the mainland . This is a meter that tells you how, why and when to work efficiently and save money on your bills. This also is part of the grant.

2. The utility rates in the keys are better now than in 2011. The energy costs last year skyrocketed because of the European conflict causing the price of natural gas to skyrocket. The energy charge has gone down and we are looking good down the road with the cost of natural gas down to all time lows. Living on this island and keeping our local staff of linemen is a cost that pays itself 10 fold when we are in storm recovery and reliability.

2. Are you concerned about the current utility rates in the Florida Keys? What could the Utility Board do to rescue customers’ bills?

RACHEL OROPEZA

1. Keys Energy has reliable and proven plans in place when it comes to service, repairs and hurricanes. I recently had the privilege of touring the Keys Energy facilities to include the William Arnold Service Building, Stock Island generation facility, planning, warehouse, and TandD. There are nine substations. I was impressed with the amount of inventory that the warehouse staff oversee, they strive to have everything that is needed daily and for the aftermath of a hurricane. Their excellent customer service is on display every day. Keys Energy is looking to the future through solar, and advanced metering infrastructure. There are approximately 14,000 poles throughout the Keys area and approximately 180 are changed out yearly as needed.

2. Keys Energy is a not-for-profit business, they periodically conduct a Cost-ofService study. Rates are set to cover all expenses. There is a Power Adjustment that is passed on through a line item on our bills that is collected through the actual cost of energy based on our FMPA bill. Keys currently has cost savings plans in place for all local customers. There is a rebate program, they offer discounts for qualified senior citizens and veterans. They focus on conservation through a biannual tree give away and ongoing Public Service Announcements to educate consumers. I would encourage energy efficiency – continue the focus on maintaining the infrastructure and regular maintenance.

VIDAL

1. Keys Energy's level of reliability with service and repairs is a 10 out of 10 - this team of experts are dedicated to bringing us repairs as soon as time will allow! What they are doing works because of the wonderful morale and the way Keys Energy treats their employees like family! Keys Energy and the board work hard to maintain good benefits and employee wages, retirement packages, so their employees want to stay and work together as a Team! Continuous maintenance of certain equipment prevents outages at times. So you see making sure that policy and morals are in place so people enjoy their jobs and therefore bring us better service.

2. They are reasonable. I am more concerned that the board needs new energy to keep making good decisions that affect all of our rates. People made promises they couldn't keep and are still on the board! The board cannot change your bill, but with proper representation through board members can make the best decisions based on community not on self! A better question would be who would be the best person to sit on that board - not what the board can do to rescue customers' bills! The board should have a diverse set of members. If I'm blessed to win this seat I will be the ONLY one that represents all facets of Key West: young, old, black, white, LGBTQ, Jewish, Latin.

UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES GET EASY WINS

KEYSWIDE, 20 PEOPLE WON

OFFICE JUNE 14

IN UNCONTESTED RACES

By Gwen Filosa and Alex Rickert

Across the Florida Keys, 20 political races were settled outright on June 14, when the qualifying period for county and state races ended with no other opponents on the ballot. The uncontested races handed many Keyswide officials automatic victories.

Monroe County Commissioner Craig Cates of Key West won another term, along with Monroe County Judge James Morgan III and school board member Mindy Conn.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, who enters his fourth term as sheriff, said he’s thankful he was unopposed.

“Coming out uncontested only shows a sign of support and confidence from the community and the work my team and I are doing to keep you safe and secure,” Ramsay said in a video posted on Facebook. “I’m proud of this agency and this community, the men and women I work with and the people I work for.”

Property Appraiser Scott Russell, County Clerk Kevin Madok and Tax Collector Sam Steele will all return to their posts, having gone unopposed.

Key West’s next mayor is Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez, succeeding current Mayor Teri Johnston, who chose not to seek reelection.

In another uncontested race, Donald “Donie” Lee, the former Key West police chief, won the City Commission District 3 seat to succeed Commissioner Billy Wardlow, a former fire chief. Patrick Labrada will serve on the Key West Utility Board.

The small city of Key Colony Beach followed months of extreme staff and city commission turnover with stability this election cycle, as all four currentlyseated commissioners up for reelection – Mayor Joey Raspe and commissioners Doug Colonell, Tom DiFransico and Tom Harding – were unopposed at the close of the qualifying period. A fi fth candidate, Linda Walsh, had previously registered to run but did not qualify.

“When elected officials truly listen to their constituents, great things can happen,” Raspe told the Weekly. “This is what is happening now in Key Colony Beach.”

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board’s Jill Cranney-Black, Brandon Pinder and Dr. Stan Zuba will all return, having seen no challengers. Nick Rodriguez and Philip Schwartz will return to the Key Largo Wastewater District, and Tony Allen will serve in Seat 1 on the Key Largo Fire and Emergency Medical Board.

Michael McDonald, a professor of political science at the University of Florida, said small jurisdictions are much less likely than big cities to hold contested elections.

“You’ve got people fairly satisfied with how local government is being run,” McDonald told Keys Weekly. “Without controversy, you’re not going to get a lot of interest. Local elections aren’t particularly ideological. They’re not about abortion. They’re more about filling potholes. They’re not going to really rouse a lot of passions.”

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay went unopposed to secure his fourth term. Ramsay is pictured greeting crowds during the Key Largo Fourth of July parade last year. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

candidate forum

Thursday October 10th 6-9pm

MONROE COUNTY POLLING PLACES

Precinct 1: Elks Lodge #551, 3825 Flagler Ave., Key West.

Precinct 2: Key West High School Auditorium, 2100 Flagler Ave., Key West.

Precinct 3: Key West High School Auditorium, 2100 Flagler Ave., Key West.

Precinct 4: New 2024: Frederick Douglass Gym, 111 Olivia St., Key West.

Precinct 5: Keys Energy Utility Board Room, 1001 James St., Key West.

Precinct 6: Gato Building, 1st Floor Conference Room, 1100 Simonton St., Key West.

Precinct 7: Moose Club, 700 Eisenhower Dr., Key West.

Precinct 8: Glad Tiding Tabernacle Assembly of God, 1209 United St., Key West.

Precinct 9: New 2024: Senior Citizens Plaza Auditorium, 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West.

Precinct 10: New 2024: Senior Citizens Plaza Auditorium, 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West.

Precinct 11: Bernstein Park, 6751 5th St., Stock Island.

Precinct 12: Big Coppitt Fire Station, 28 Emerald Dr., Big Coppitt.

Precinct 13: Sugarloaf Baptist Church, 260 Crane Blvd., Sugarloaf Key.

Precinct 14: Sugarloaf Baptist Church, 260 Crane Blvd., Sugarloaf Key.

Precinct 15: New 2024: Exit Realty, 24171 Overseas Hwy., Summerland Key.

Precinct 16: New 2024: Community Center, 179 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key.

Precinct 17: New 2024: Community Center, 179 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine Key.

Precinct 18: American Legion, 4115 Overseas Hwy., Marathon.

Precinct 19: First Baptist Church, 200 62nd St. Ocean, Marathon.

Precinct 20: Presbyterian Kirk of the Keys, 8877 Overseas Hwy., Marathon.

Precinct 21: Marathon City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon.

Precinct 22: New 2024: Key Colony Beach City Hall. 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach.

Precinct 23: Marathon City Hall Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy., Marathon.

Precinct 24: Islamorada Branch Library, 81830 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada.

Precinct 25: Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada.

Precinct 26: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 108 Ocean Dr., Tavernier.

Precinct 27: Elks Club, 92600 Overseas Hwy., Bayside, Tavernier.

Precinct 28: Key Largo Civic Club, 209 Ocean Bay Dr., Key Largo.

Precinct 29: Key Largo Civic Club, 209 Ocean Bay Dr., Key Largo.

Precinct 30: Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo.

Precinct 31: Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo.

Precinct 32: The College of the Florida Keys, 106040 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo.

Precinct 33: The College of the Florida Keys, 106040 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo.