Decision 18

MONROE COUNTY VOTER’S GUIDE

VOTE

RE-ELECT

FOR MONROE COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 4 ABOUT DAVID

Community Involvement

• Wife Mary

• Founding Member Pigeon Key Foundation

• Children Lisa and Michael

• The Historic Florida Keys Foundation • Marathon Economic Development Council

Education

• South Florida Resource Conservation and Development Council

• Lived in Keys since 1973 • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology • Certified County Commissioner (2005) • Leadership Monroe Class IX

• The Monroe County Housing Authority • The Rural Health Network • Masonic Lodge #323

Experience • Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (2002 to 2006) (2010 to 2018)

• Sanctuary Friends Foundation of the Florida Keys • Fishermen’s Hospital Board

• Mayor (2012-2013) and (2017-2018)

• South Florida Regional Planning Council

• Founder and former Executive Director of the Guidance Clinic Middle Keys - 32 Years

• Monroe County Land Authority

“ I have devoted my life to public service. Choose the candidate you know and trust. Vote for David Rice.”

Political advertisement paid for and approved by David Rice, Republican for County Commission District 4.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

IN THIS ISSUE:

JOYCE GRIFFIN TALKS ELECTION NEWS

By Sara Matthis Address changes Hurricane Irma changed a lot of things in Monroe County, not the least is where voters live. Some have found temporary lodgings elsewhere while they wait for their home to be repaired.

“If you are living in a different precinct now, and arrive at your old polling place, the volunteers will send you to your new precinct,” said Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin.

Voters should remedy this as early as possible. The easiest way is to log on to the election website at keyselections.org, and click on the button second from left titled Update Voter Info. “But voters can also call us or email us,” Griffin said.

Two polling place changes Again, courtesy of Hurricane Irma in at least one instance, there are polling place changes. Voters in Marathon — precincts No. 21 and No. 23 — who used to vote at the Moose Lodge will now be heading over to Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway. There is plenty of parking in the rear of the building.

The other polling place change is in Key West. Voters from precinct No. 5 who used to vote at the Key West Old City Hall, are now headed over to Keys Energy “Utility Board Room,” located at 1001 James St. Early voting to begin soon Early voting will begin on Monday, Aug. 13 at noon and will run through Saturday, Aug. 25 at noon. There are five places to cast an early ballot in the Florida Keys.

• Supervisor of Elections Office in Key West at 530 Whitehead St., No. 101 • Supervisor of Elections Office in Marathon at 10015 Overseas Hwy. • Supervisor of Elections Office in Key Largo at 12050 Overseas Hwy., No. 137 • Big Pine Key Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Dr., Big Pine Key • Islamorada Branch Library, 81830 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada MM 81.7

6 | U.S. Representative, Dist. 26 10 | Key West Mayor 14 | Monroe County Commission, Dist. 2 16 | Monroe County Commission, Dist. 4 18 | Marathon City Council 20 | Unopposed members elect 22 | Advice from departing officials 24 | A guide to 12 amendments 26 | Mosquito Control Board, Dist. 2 28 | Monroe County School Board, Dist. 4 30 | Village of Islamorada 32 | Key West Utility Board, Seats A & D 36 | Key West City Commission, Seat 4 37 | Key West City Commission, Seat 5 38 | State Representative, Dist. 120

Managing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Editor Sara Matthis sara@keysweekly.com Staff Writer Kristen Livengood kristen@keysweekly.com Katie Atkins katie@keysweekly.com Account Executive Lesley Aaron lesley@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Nola Acker nola@keysweekly.com Evan Schaffer evan@keysweekly.com Office Manager Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Art/Design Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Keys Weekly Newspapers 9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL. 33050 P. 305.743.0844 F. 305.743.0866 Key West office 5450 MacDonald Ave. No. 5 Key West, FL. 33040 P. 305.453.6928 F. 305.509.7347

Early voting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published MMXVIII

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Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Tavernier office 91760 Overseas Hyw. Tavernier, FL 33070 P. 305.363.2957 F. 305.743.0866

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U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 26 Position salary: $174,000 + health care subsidy

CARLOS CURBELO*, R Incumbent Carlos Curbelo was elected to represent the Keys in the U.S. House in 2014. He has a master’s in public administration from the University of Miami and founded a media and public relations firm. He lives in Kendall.

Curbelo believes the U.S. immigration system is “fundamentally broken” and needs to be modernized.

He supports the rights of young people brought to this country by parents, as well as border security. “I will not stop working until we have a bipartisan solution that will make Americans more secure while honoring our long tradition of welcoming immigrants who want to work and contribute,” he said.

FEMA’s process of refunding Keys governments for money spent on Hurricane Irma cleanup can be improved, Curbelo said, while guaranteeing “the integrity of the reimbursement process.”

He said the state, too, must also examine how to alleviate delays in the reimbursement flow.

Curbelo said billions of dollars from the local, state and national economy are at risk if Congress does not address water quality issues in South Florida before it’s too late. He said the Florida delegation has built strong bipartisan support for the Everglades and South Florida environmental projects which he will continue to support.

Top three issues: climate change, immigration, infrastructure.

Website: www.carloscurbelo.com * Incumbent

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SOURAYA FAAS, R Fluent in three languages (English, Arabic and Spanish), Souraya Faas has a myriad of degrees including a master’s in political science and sociology. The South Florida resident is a public school teacher, and parishioner at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. This is her first bid for office.

Faas has a hard line against illegal immigration. “The United States has gone from being the land of opportunity to a land where it is a free for all and those who arrive illegally seem to have more rights and advantages than the hard-working American citizens who were born here,” she said. She proposes a common sense, case-by-case review to establish new laws, as well as secure the borders and look at the reasons why people are leaving their home countries.

She blames bureaucratic “obstacles” that prevents the flow of FEMA funding to Keys municipalities who have spent millions on cleanup after Hurricane Irma. She vows to expedite funds to the Keys.

While she applauds the White House Office of Management and Budget to fund a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee, Faas said the fight doesn’t end there. “It doesn’t address the congressional obligation to allocate the necessary funds … or the duty members of Congress have to pass a budget that is representative of the needs of the people.” She said she will always vote to protect the environment.

Top three issues: National security/ immigration reform, education/school security, and healthcare.

Website: Souraya Faas on Facebook

DEMETRIES GRIMES, D A retired commander of the United States Navy, Grimes slogan is “I’m not done serving.”

He has various degrees in international relations, security and a master’s in business from the London Business School. He is both an experienced aviator and diplomat, serving as naval attaché in Greece and Israel. This is his first run for office.

Grimes said the best way to deal with the country’s immigration problems is to address security and process at the same time. “Simplifying the path to legal residency and citizenship will alleviate the pressure on the borders.” He said legalizing undocumented citizens will allow them to become contributing members of the community and also serves to treat all people humanely. However, he places emphasis on a “cyber firewall” over a physical wall.

While securing the FEMA reimbursement approvals at both the federal and state levels, Grimes said the claims should be paid directly to a city or local government once approved. “Local governments, which don’t have large cash reserves, should also be authorized to claim interest on lines of credit paid while waiting for claims to be processed,” he said.

Grimes said he will push for Everglades restoration as a means to protect both drinking water for the tri-county area as well as the Keys, and to protect the pristine environment so closely linked to the state’s economy

DEBBIE MUCARSEL-POWELL, D With a master’s in international political economy, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is employed at Florida International University. Over the last 20 years, she has also worked for local non-profits. In 2015, she was unsuccessful in her bid for a state senator seat.

She supports protecting immigrants who already reside in the U.S., “especially DREAMers, people with Temporary Protected Status and all those whose lives are immediately threatened by Trump’s policies.” She also supports reform that benefits immigrant families and ensures border security.

Mucarsel-Powell said the state and federal agencies demonstrated a “lack of hurricane preparedness … [and] local volunteers in our community in the Keys have been the ones to take on the heavy task…” If elected, she said she would make sure state and federal governments use resources quickly and efficiently.

The blue-green algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee is one of the most urgent issues facing South Florida today, Mucarsel-Powell said. “I would make sure all my colleagues in Congress understand the environmental and public health implications of their inaction, because this is a problem that needs to be solved immediately,” she said.

Top three issues: Healthcare, gun reform and environment.

Website: www.debbie2018.com

Top three issues: Healthcare, economy and environment.

Website: www.GrimesForCongress.com

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“

I care about people, and I want to improve the quality of life for my family and my community. I love this country, and I want to help make it stronger. I have fought for the Florida Keys every day in Congress, and I look forward to continuing my work.

Fiercely Advocates to protect Florida Bay by accelerating Everglades Restoration programs Works with both political parties in favor of common sense solutions Secured $9 million for Florida Keys Sewer Projects to promote clean water Introduced bipartisan legislation to protect all Keys citizens from future flood insurance rate hikes Champion of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit to promote more affordable housing options Authored legislation that was signed into law to hold foreign oil companies 100% responsible for cleanup costs of any spill affecting Florida’s shores Dedicated to finding a comprehensive solution to immigration that will make Americans more secure while honoring our long tradition of welcoming those who want to work and contribute Lowered and simplified taxes for working families

TO LEARN MORE OR VOLUNTEER, CALL TEAM CURBELO (305) 733-9717

Paid for by Carlos Curbelo Congress

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KEY WEST MAYOR Position salary: $22,500 per year

SLOAN BASHINSKY A perennial candidate, Sloan Bashinsky is a blogger, watchdog, lawyer and resident of Key West since 1956.

Bashinsky proposes cracking down on illegal vacation rentals. “Thirty-day rentals are allowed here. Transient rental ordinance violators, landlords and tenants, should be jailed and landlords fined the max and no negotiating down the fine,” he said.

Workforce housing is ideal for the property on Stock Island, he said, as nearby residents would object to placing a homeless shelter in the same spot.

He said he believes that no professionals want to take on the management of the amphitheater when recent events held there were “financial disasters for the promoters and the city.”

Bashinsky said City Manager Jim Scholl is doing a good job. “I would try to entice him to stick around a while longer,” he said.

As far as reducing traffic jams in Key West, he said “more Key West residents could get out of their motor vehicles and walk, ride bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and use city buses.”

Top three issues: environment, cost of living, and fewer people.

Website: www.afoolsworkneverends.blogspot.com

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RANDY BECKER Randolph “Randy” Becker came to Key West in 2007 to become minister at the Unitarian Universalist congregation. He is now retired and has served on numerous local boards. He previously ran for Key West Mayor in 2016.

A proponent of a homeless shelter on Stock Island, he envisions a one-stop center, “… a 24-hour facility which could provide both shelter and supportive services to help people move to selfsufficiency and into their own housing.”

Becker likes alternative transportation ideas like car-sharing as well as improved bus service and safer bicycle lanes. He favors an extensive search for top city managers who are familiar with issues facing similar type and size cities. “The search committee should … [visit] their current place of employment to gain a sense of the quality of their performance.”

He also favors leasing out the amphitheater to a professional group who can realize a profit and return revenues to the city.

Top three issues: Affordable housing, support for seniors, and economic diversity.

Website: www.randybeckerformayor.com, and “Becker for Mayor” on Facebook

The last time Key West voted in a new mayor was 2009. Since then, Craig Cates has firmly held the position of Key West Mayor with three successful reelection bids. But on Aug. 28, Key West will take a step closer, if not the final step, towards naming the city’s newest chief.

What was once a field of 17 candidates, has now “dwindled” to seven men and women — all making their cases on why they are best suited to lead the Southernmost City in the U.S. Should one of these seven receive 50 percent (plus one) of the Aug. 28 vote, he or she will be the next mayor of Key West. Otherwise, two of these seven candidates will move into a final runoff.

GEORGE BELLENGER A 19-year resident of Key West, George Bellenger owns and operates Key West Eco-Tours and has a 100-ton captains license. He is married, and his son attends Key West High School. He is a first time candidate.

Bellenger suggests eliminating shortterm rentals that erode the inventory of workforce housing. He said needed protections go beyond basic needs and speak to mental health. “Currently, the number one factor in Monroe County suicides is anxiety of yearly renters,” he said.

Bellenger would support a parking garage on Stock Island to shuttle service workers to lessen traffic on Key West streets.

The Truman Amphitheater, he said, should be rented to concert promoters for big events, while the city could still maintain control for local bookings. Bellenger said he would seek local candidates for Key West’s top city positions, “someone … who understands the needs of the community and the difficulties associated with living in the Keys.”

BILL FOLEY A Clemson University graduate, Bill Foley is an agent supervisor at Key West Express and has lived in the Keys for 18 years. He is a first-time candidate.

Foley supports enforcing existing vacation rental laws, and possibly expanding them to cover the use of boats as rental properties. “If these operations are following Key West laws and harbor rules while in our waters, and anchoring over 3 miles out; then they are currently in compliance.”

Foley said he supports workforce housing at Trumbo Annex and the idea of moving the homeless shelter to Marathon. He is in favor of the Duval Loop bus route to lessen traffic woes, and proposes to expand it to include Stock Island. He supports a wide search for Key West city top managers, and also for the management of the Truman Amphitheater.

Top three issues: affordable housing, traffic, and fiscal responsibility.

Website: “Bill Foley for Mayor” Facebook

Top three issues: workforce housing, road/ sidewalk repair and safety, and locals’ quality of life.

Website: www.bellengerformayor.com

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TERI JOHNSTON As the co-owner of Affiliated Design & Construction Managers LLC, Teri Johnston has spent the past 20 years active in this city, including serving on the Key West City Council from 20072015.

CARIE NODA Having studied many subjects ranging from public policy to psychology, Carie Noda has been educated around the world including the Sorbonne and Harvard. She is a Keys native and this is her first run for office.

Johnston said one way to alleviate the housing crunch in Key West is to partner with Monroe County and use city permits on county lots. She said she is watching other cities’ efforts to curb excessive vacation rentals to see what works.

She is for a wide search to replace retiring top city managers, but proposes to keep management of the Truman Amphitheater as a city responsibility. “I don’t believe that we have an abundance of amphitheater management resumes filed away anywhere,” she said.

“… We are virtually starting over,” Johnston said regarding whether to put low-income housing or a homeless shelter on Stock Island. “Many will remember that the decision to relocate [the shelter] to the Easter Seals property was a three-year debate with extensive community involvement, zoning modifications and a great deal of work by staff.”

Noda said the affordable housing crisis is nothing new. She also said the “same people already proven to not be effective as commission leaders [are] attempting to spearhead the entire city as mayor.”

Johnston said she would support hiring a professional management team for the amphitheater, and would give equal consideration to local and nonlocal candidates for top city manager applicants.

Well-placed parking lots “away from central areas” that produce revenue are needed, Noda said. “By the way, welltraveled, savvy tourists would not be overwhelmed by this expectation,” she said.

Top three issues: clean ocean and shores, school security, and housing.

Website: none

Top three issues: Key West quality of life, economy, and environment.

Website: www.teriformayor.com

KEY WEST MAYOR 12

MARGARET ROMERO With a degree in mathematics, and consulting certifications and training in strategy and organizational management, Margaret Romero retired from IBM as an executive consultant and returned to her hometown of Key West. She is the current Key West Commissioner representing District 5.

Romero said all rentals — transient and short term — should have licenses, require commercial insurance, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, require yearly fire inspections, mandate a local owner or manager and have those records on file at the city and posted in the unit. She proposes fees based on property type and zone; for example, highest fees in single-family neighborhoods.

Romero said the city should build a parking garage on Simonton Street to increase the number of off-street parking spaces and reduce traffic.

She also supports a combination management for the Truman Amphitheater — both city staff and a professional team. “The city cannot just relinquish total control because the amphitheater is a portion of the entire park area with ramifications and spillover effects …”

Top three issues: financial responsibility, accountability, and transparency.

Website: www.margaretromero.org

RE-ELECT MONA C. CLARK UTILITY BOARD SEAT A • Utility Board since 2004 • Past (Vice) Chair and member of the FKCC Board of Trustee • Retired teacher and administrator for Monroe County Schools (35 yrs)

“Don’t gamble with our future”

MARATHON CITY COUNCIL VOTE

VOTE AUGUST 28!

WITH MY EXPERIENCE AS A UTILITY BOARD MEMBER, I WILL CONTINUE TO REMAIN COMMITTED TO OUR CUSTOMERS, OUR COMMUNITY AND KEYS ENERGY SERVICES. Political advertisement paid for and approved

by Mona C. Clark for Utility Board Seat A campaign fund.

FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Political Advertisement Paid and Approved by Mark Senmartin for Marathon City Council

Get MORE with Wally MOORE Get MORE affordable housing Get MORE public safety staff Get MORE feeling like a part of the community & not just a taxpayer

Vote WALLY MOORE August 28 FOR THE PEOPLE WITH THE PEOPLE ONE OF THE PEOPLE

PAID FOR BY WALLACE “WALLY” MOORE KEY WEST CITY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 5

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COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 2 Position salary: $46,945 + Monroe County Group Health Plan + Florida Retirement System

MICHELLE COLDIRON, R Elected to Marathon City Council for a three-year term in 2015, Coldiron has been mayor for the last year. She has graduated from Florida League of Cities’ Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. Coldiron is also vice president of Global Health Connection, Inc. and is a former child advocate coordinator for the Guardian ad Litem Program. Coldiron is married to Greg Coldiron and has one daughter, Mallory Morton. Coldiron has been a full-time resident for 18 years.

Coldiron has said the county should accept the extra affordable housing building units offered by the state. In order to do so, the county must rewrite its own land and development regulations and submit those to the state. “If the changes are approved by the state, the units should be accepted,” she said.

As mayor of Marathon, she voted in favor of the taxing district. “The way it was approved, the BOCC guaranteed that Baptist Hospital must request the tax each year and, in full transparency, show how the money is utilized and justify its continued need or it stops,” she added.

Top three issues: workforce housing, longterm recovery from Hurricane Irma, and the environment.

Website: www.michelleformonroe.com

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DEBBIE HALAMA, R Big Pine Key Realtor Debbie Halama is a working Realtor and has multiple certifications in the industry, specializing in bank-owned properties. Since 2012, she and her family have also operated Molly’s Pawn and More on Big Pine Key. She is a first-time candidate. She is married and has two sons.

Halama is in favor of accepting the 1,300 building units, “but I don’t think we need to rewrite [regulations]… just yet,” she said. She also questions the lack of voter referendum of the special taxing district to support indigent care at Fishermen’s Hospital. “I believe what has happened to the people of Marathon was a classic bait and switch and there is more to this than the rebuilding of a hospital so desperately needed in the Middle Keys.”

She supports the Tourist Development Council’s advertising efforts and would like to see more bed-tax funded brick-andmortar projects in the Lower Keys.

Top three issues: workforce housing, canal restoration, and school safety.

Website: www.MonroesChoice.com

CHARLES WEITZEL, R Charles Weitzel bought his first property in the Keys in 1980, the same year he graduated from Rutgers University. He’s been a certified public accountant in Florida since 1995 when he moved to the Keys full time. He is a first-time candidate.

He said he would accept the extra affordable housing building rights with conditions that balance one another.

“High-density workforce housing should only be allowed in certain areas in Key West and Marathon. The rural residential neighborhoods should be protected,” he said.

He said he is as frustrated by the “rush to approve the taxing district” to support Fishermen’s Hospital.

Weitzel said he would discuss Tourist Development Council project approvals at county commission meetings, rather than approving them in bulk.

Top three issues: workforce housing, illegal transient rentals, and employee retention.

Website: none

THOMAS “TOMMY” RYAN, D U.S. Army veteran Tommy Ryan attended the police academy at West Point, after which he started his 21-year-long career as a New York City firefighter. He and husband Jon Baird live on Big Pine Key. Ryan has three adult children from a previous marriage and also adopted a set of twin girls.

Ryan would not accept the affordable unit building rights from the state. He said, “What’s to stop another Governor from issuing 8,000 ROGO’s that will insure every square inch of the Keys are over built?”

While acknowledging the good works of the local hospital’s parent company, he questioned supporting it with tax dollars.

He said, “There are countless businesses that would like that same deal in the Keys.”

Ryan said brick-and-mortar projects should be a priority for the Tourist Development Council.

Top three issues: Hurricane preparedness, the environment, and seniors and children.

Website: Tommy Ryan for Monroe County Commissioner on Facebook

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COUNTY COMMISSION, DISTRICT 4 Position salary: $46,945 + Monroe County Group Health Plan + Florida Retirement System

VICKI TASHJIAN, NPA A 26-year resident of Marathon, Vicki Tashjian’s campaign slogan is “Common sense solutions.” She’s managing director of Florida Keys Vacations Inc. and she has an extensive background in corporate international hospitality. She is married to James Tashjian and has one adult son.

She thinks Monroe County and Keys municipalities should rewrite their land development regulations to accept 1,300 affordable housing units. “I would hope the state and the county can come to some type of agreement to offset the ROGO obstruction and rewrite the land development regulations at an urgent pace, as we need more relief now for future home buyers and long term rentals,” she said.

On the topic of putting the new Middle Keys taxing district to a referendum, she said she does not support a referendum, as it would lock the tax in for 10 years.

Top three issues: Housing, hurricane reentry, and the environment/water quality.

Website: www.VickiTashjian.com

DAVID RICE, R* Monroe County Mayor David Rice has been living in the Keys for 45 years and has served three four-year terms on the County Commission. He’s been mayor for one year. Rice founded the Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys, serving as its executive director for more than 30 years before his retirement in 2006. Following retirement, he continued his private consulting practice through 2013. He is married to Mary Rice and they have two children, Lisa and Michael.

He said affordable housing is needed, so for the time being he supports 1,300 additional units from the state.

Rice supported the municipal taxing district for Fishermen’s Community Hospital because “the community needs the hospital to be built as quickly as possible” and because of “the overwhelming level of public support” from local municipalities and groups.

Top three issues: Affordable housing, protecting the environment, and resolving excessive traffic issues.

Website: none * Incumbent

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WE HAVE A CHOICE Monroe County Commission District 2

What Do You Choose?

More of the same?

Political self interest Voting even when there are personal conflicts of interest Denying the public a vote before creating a special tax district Running for office in a district where the candidate doesn't live Gerrymandered districts to deny true representative government

Respect for: True representative government A voice for all residents Self-determination in all districts Those who are not wealthy Those who are not "connected" Those who have been ignored Those who are our economy

Debbie Halama will work hard for:

Workforce Housing Solutions Small Businesses Protecting the Environment School safety & school choice

MonroesChoice.com

Smarter disaster preparedness Government accountability Building Dept. Transparency Giving Residents a Voice

Paid for by Debbie Halama, Republican for Monroe County Commission, Dist. 2

MARATHON CITY COUNCIL Position salary: $18,000 annually + medical benefits + Florida Retirement System / $21,000 without benefits

LUIS GONZALEZ Luis Gonzalez, a 30-year resident of the Keys, is seeking his first three-year term on the Marathon City Council. The owner of Gonzalez Brothers Landscaping for 20 years, Gonzalez has been heavily involved with programs for kids of all ages.

Gonzalez has been married to his wife Jackie for 30 years. They have three grown children.

Gonzalez said he thinks the public should have input on the future of the Quay property once the city has fully recovered from Hurricane Irma.

He said his No. 1 priority is to safeguard all tax dollars, and on the topic of the new Middle Keys hospital tax, he believes the hospital should be audited annually. On the topic of a community pool, he said it should be high on the city’s priority list after a full recovery from Hurricane Irma.

Top three issues: Hurricane recovery, workforce housing, city working for citizens.

Website: Luis Gonzalez for Marathon City Council on Facebook

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GEORGE NEUGENT Marathon resident George Neugent is running for his first City Council term after serving five four-year terms on the Board of County Commissioners. He’s lived in Marathon since 1985 and is the former owner of Porky’s Bayside Restaurant.

Neugent and his wife, Susan, have one son and three grandchildren.

On the controversial topic of a community pool, he said, “There is a capital cost but a healthy operational cost associated with a pool. This would require an increase in ad valorem taxes. I feel that when the dust settles from the impacts of Hurricane Irma, we can have that discussion.”

When it comes to the Middle Keys’ new hospital taxing district, he said, “We have to distinguish between wants, needs and necessities. Swimming pools are wants; no one should think that a hospital for the Middle Keys is anything but an absolute necessity” and he supports the taxing district.

Top three issues: Housing, the economy, and the environment.

Website: none

We endorse these candidates in the Primary Election 8/28/2018 KEY WEST TO BIG PINE KEY MARK SENMARTIN Incumbent Mark Senmartin is seeking his third term on City Council. The 30-year resident owns Cash Flow Jewelry and Pawn and Oceanside Storage. Senmartin and his wife Liliana have two sons.

He’s an NRA firearms instructor, pilot, and Boy Scout leader. When it comes to a community pool, Senmartin said, “I have talked about a pool many times.

Would I like to have one? Yes. Do I want to pay for one? No. I still maintain that we could raise private money and tap into Tourist Development dollars to make it work.”

When it comes to the Middle Keys’ new hospital taxing district, Senmartin said, “I have asked for a detailed list of services that will be provided. Like any other agreement, both parties would have to live up to their end. We definitely need to have a hospital here.”

Top three issues: Affordable housing, hurricane recovery, and canal cleanup/ environment.

Website: Mark Senmartin on Facebook

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keysweekly.com 19

By Sara Matthis

UNOPPOSED 7 officials elected without opposition It’s been a busy year down at the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Office. There are 25 positions open between the primary election in August, and the general election in November.

Tom McDonald

Bobby Highsmith

Sam Kaufman

Sue Wolantski

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Seven of those, however, have already been decided.

There were two uncontested Monroe County School Board seats. When Ron Martin stepped down from District 5, Sue Wolantski stepped up and ran unopposed. And sitting School Board Member Bobby Highsmith didn’t draw a challenger. The same was true for incumbents Tom McDonald of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District and Sam Kauffman of District 2 of the Key West City Commission.

David Asdourian, Robby Majeska and Andrew Tobin were re-seated on the Key Largo Wastewater District Board.

What’s perhaps more interesting, however, is the high number of those who have withdrawn from the election. Fourteen candidates got at least partway through the election process before deciding for one reason or another not to run. This is perhaps most notable in the race of Key West Mayor. Seven candidates withdrew and another three did not qualify.

Citing the deaths of close friends, Kate Miano ended her run for mayor on March 19.

“This left me reeling,” she said. She promptly endorsed Teri Johnston.

On June 20, Danny Hughes also withdrew due to health concerns.

At presstime, the qualifying period for City of Layton and Village of Islamorada had not yet opened although several candidates have pre-filed.

Qualifying for the Villages runs between noon on Aug. 14 and closes at noon on Aug. 21. In Islamorada, every single sitting member of the board will run for re-election, including Cheryl Meads who has yet to pre-file but announced her intention to do so. If she does, she will face David Purdo in a runoff. Also, Eric Carlson filed the paperwork to run for Village Council, Seat 4, challenging Ken Davis.

In Layton, both Phillip Porter and Cynthia Lewis have both pre-filed for separate seats and, at presstime, have no challengers.

MONEY TALKS In this election, Key West Mayor candidate Teri Johnston has raised the most money — about $78,000 — as of the last reporting period at the end of July. Her closest fundraising competitor is George Bellenger who has raised about $23,000.

In the race for Monroe County Commission District 2, Michelle Coldiron has raised a little more than $50,000. Her challenger for the Republican primary, Charles Weitzel, has raised $8,500.

Incumbent County Commissioner David Rice, of District 4, has raised $42,900 to fund his race against Vicki Tashjian, who has raised about $6,200.

John Dick has raised $26,000 to keep his district 4 School Board seat. His opponent, first-time candidate James Doran, has raised $6,180.

Beth Ramsay-Vickrey has a war chest of $14,000 to win the Keys Utility Board Seat D seat, newly created to provide representation for Keys Energy Service customers outside of Key West. Two of her competitors — Robert Barrios and Greg Daniels — have each raised about $5,000.

And, in Marathon, political newcomer but second-time-candidate Luis Gonzales has raised $7,500. He faces incumbent Mark Senmartin and former County Commissioner George Neugent, who have raised $1,000 and $4,600 respectively.

Some candidates withdraw from the race.

What happens to the campaign donations then?

Danny Hughes raised about $48,000 and Kate Miano about $23,000 in the race for Key West Mayor befor they withdrew. There are strict rules about unspent campaign contributions.

“Some have already spent the money — on kick off parties or campaign signs,” said Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin. “But they can also pay themselves back for money they have loaned the campaign. Candidates can also donate the money to a certified charity, or choose to refund every donor based on a prescribed formula. For example, if 50 percent of the money has been spent, then each donor will get 50 percent back of the money he or she donated.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CANDIDATES?

Just be an active listener and make sure you listen to yourself and those you have confidence in, like your loved ones or significant other. You didn’t get to an elected position by not listening to yourself and making good choices.

The mayor has to be out in the community, listening to the residents, listening to their concerns, their problems, their daily struggles and why they live here, so you can balance all of these as you make decisions for the future of Key West.

— Craig Cates, retiring Mayor of Key West

— School Board Member Ron Martin, who served eight years on the board

As a Monroe County Commissioner you will be faced with many difficult votes — some will even keep you up at night. As Polonius said in Hamlet, ‘To thine own self be true.’ And just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean someone isn’t out to get you!

— George Neugent, who is stepping down after 20 years and seeking a spot on the Marathon City Council

Be open and honest with the public and make sure you use common sense.

— Islamorada Mayor Chris Sante who served multiple terms

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Deal in facts with practicality, find the truths that some conceal and trust yourself.

— Margaret Romero, current District 5 Key West Commissioner who is running for Key West Mayor

My advice to whoever gets elected to Marathon City Council is to be approachable, be there to listen to the needs of the community, ask a lot of questions and then realize how lucky you are to help make a difference to keep Marathon wonderful.

— Michelle Coldiron, current mayor who is running for a seat on the Monroe County Commission

Notice to Monroe County Registered Voters R. Joyce Griffin, Supervisor of Elections, would like to inform the voters of a precinct location change that was made to adequately accommodate the voters of Monroe County.

Please note that if you vote in the following precinct, your polling place has relocated and you will now vote at the following location: Change in Polling Place: Precinct / Polling Place #5 From: Key West Old City Hall To: Keys Energy “Utility Board Room” 1001 James St (Grinnell St. Entrance) Key West Change in Polling Place: Precinct /Polling Place #21 and #23 From: Marathon Moose To: Marathon City Hall “Council Chambers”, 9805 Overseas Hwy Ocean

R. Joyce Griffin Supervisor of Elections Monroe County www.KeysElections.org

Over 3,000 voters were moved to inactive status.

Early Voting Sites for County Elections:

Were you one of them?

Supervisor of Elections Offices:

When undeliverable mail is returned to the elections office the voter is moved to inactive status. Voters in inactive status may vote but only after completing a change of address form.

530 Whitehead St #101, Key West

Check your voter status to insure all your information is correct and updated on our website “My Registration Status” www.KeysElections.org Keep track of your Vote

by Mail ballot on our website “My Vote by Mail Status” www.KeysElections.org Vote by Mail requests are cancelled when a voter is moved into inactive status.

For more information call any of the elections offices: Key West (305) 292-3416 Marathon (305) 289-6017 Key Largo (305) 453-8740

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

August 28 Primary Early Voting 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily August 13 ending Aug 25

November 6 General

Early Voting 8:30 am to 5:00 p.m. daily October 22 ending November 3

By Sara Matthis

AMENDMENTS Voters will decide on a dozen in November In the general election in November, Keys voters will have 12 amendments to vote on ranging from vaping in public places to when a judge should retire. There used to be 13 amendments — the one banning betting on dog racing — has been removed. In August, a judge ruled the language was contrary, inaccurate and incomplete as it would neither end dog racing, nor wagering on dog racing.

This is the highest number of amendments on the ballot since 1998. It’s not a coincidence. The state’s Constitution Revision Commission meets every 20 years and is responsible for placing seven of the questions on the 2018 ballot.

Amendment 4 Automatically restores the voting rights of felons after they have completed their sentences, except for those convicted of murder or sex offenses. Since 2011, the state has required that felons wait five years after their sentences are complete before applying to regain voting rights.

Some of the amendments listed below are combination measures, or “bundled” in the parlance of elected officials. For example, voters will have to decide whether they want to ban both vaping indoors AND offshore oil and gas drilling in amendment 9.

Amendment 1 Increase the amount of a home’s value exempted from property tax.

Proposed changes would apply to the assessed value of a homestead property between $100,000 and $125,000, raising the maximum exemption to $75,000.

Petition Petition-driven amendments are put forth by voters and require a super-majority: 60 percent or more of voter approval.

Amendment 2 Makes a cap on non-homestead parcel assessment increases permanent. Since 2008, property tax assessment increases have been limited to 10 percent of the previous year’s assessed value.

Commission Commission-referred ballot members are put forth by the state’s 37-member Constitution Revision Commission, which only meets every 20 years.

Legislative Legislative amendments are put forth by the state Legislature.

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Amendment 3 Requires voter approval for any form of new casino gambling.

Currently, that authority rests with the legislature AND voters as decreed by constitutional amendment.

Amendment 5 Requires a two-thirds vote of the legislature to approve any new or increased taxes or fees. It would also stop the legislature from raising taxes or fees by adding it to other state bills. It does not apply to local taxes, such as school districts.

Amendment 6 Creates a bill of rights for crime victims and sets new guidelines for judges. It also raises the retirement age of judges from 70 to 75 and would prohibit judges from deferring to agency interpretation of rules when ruling in cases involving such.

Amendment 7 Would provide college tuition for the survivors of first responders or military personnel killed in action; requires a super majority of trustees to raise college fees (not tuition); and includes the state college system (sometimes called community colleges) in the Florida Constitution alongside state universities.

Amendment 8 Mandates term limits of eight years for all school board members; allows the state to create “public” schools or charter schools (something only local school boards can do currently); and requires schools to teach “civic literacy.”

Amendment 9 Prohibits oil and gas drilling beneath all waters controlled by Florida and prohibits vaping in enclosed indoor workplaces.

Amendment 10 Requires the legislature to begin two months earlier on even numbered years; creates an Office of Domestic Security and CounterTerrorism; makes a state Department of Veterans Affairs constitutionally required; and requires all counties to elect (rather than appoint) all constitutional offices such as Clerk of the Court and Sheriff.

Amendment 11 Repeals the state’s ability to prohibit “aliens ineligible for citizenship” from buying, owning and selling property; deletes a provision that forces the state to prosecute criminal suspects under a law that has become obsolete; deletes obsolete language regarding high-speed rail in Florida.

Amendment 12 Expands ethics rules for elected officials and government employees by barring public officials both during their terms and for six years following, their ability to lobby state government. Currently, officials are barred for two years.

for Monroe County Commissioner District 4

Vicki will provide Common Sense Solutions for our unique issues like Housing, Emergency Preparedness, Care for our Environment and the Keys Economy.

Paid for and Approved by: Luis Gonzalez for Marathon City Council

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Vicki Tashjian for County Commissioner District 4

keysweekly.com 25

Florida Keys Mosquito Control, District 2 Position salary: $19,294.90 + optional contribution to Florida Retirement System

RALPH DE PALMA, D Ralph De Palma worked for the Mosquito Control District for approximately 13 years as an IT specialist and later as part of the team combatting the dengue fever outbreak (’09-’10). A U.S. Army veteran, De Palma earned a bachelor’s of Business Administration from FIU and holds a commercial pilot license. He held supervisor and management positions during his time at the Kennedy Space Center and has been a project manager for software systems of numerous Fortune 500 companies. Currently De Palma is a fulltime photographer and has authored three books. He is the vice president of the Bahama Village Music Program.

De Palma is against releasing genetically modified mosquitoes and feels as if the current budgeting process is “ignoring and postponing needed long term and operational requirements.”

“Experience is a big help in decision making and budgeting,” he said about his candidacy. “I know how good our mosquito control systems can be.”

Top three issues: Unsustainable budgeting, restore operations, no GMOs. Website: www.electdepalma.ruck.us

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PHIL GOODMAN, R Phil Goodman is the current chairman of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District and is seeking his third consecutive term on the board. Originally from North Carolina, he holds a bachelor’s in chemistry from North Carolina State and MBA from the University of North Carolina. Goodman and his wife, Debby moved to Cudjoe Key 20 years ago, and he has served on numerous councils and advisory boards including the National Marine Sanctuary and the Key West Military Affairs Committee. Prior to his semi-retirement to the Keys, Goodman was the president of a large international chemical producer, Boehme Filatex, Inc. He says his level of expertise makes him the right choice for this position and that from day one the commissioners “may vote on a large issue, so vast amounts of needed on-the-job training can pose a real problem.”

As long as the EPA approves the release of genetically modified mosquitos he will support their release. He says the Mosquito District’s $15 million budget “is needed and allows for good control of both nuisance and disease vectoring mosquitoes.”

Top three issues: Public health, economy and quality of life.

Website: none

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ELECT WALT DRABINSKI, BSEE, MBA MOST QUALIFIED FOR UTILITY BOARD - SEAT D

Walt has developed plans to get out of expensive energy supply contracts, lower rates, increase renewable energy opportunities, and improve reliability Utility Expert Engineer and Manager with major utility Utility management consultant (25 years) Member of the Governors 2020 Florida Energy Task Force Testified on complex Utility issues approximately 150 times Negotiated energy supply contract for Florida Municipals

Led improvements on Lower Keys Wastewater System

Community Activist Led effort to stop illegal Irma waste burning

Business Experience President of Vantage Energy Member of five corporate boards

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305-998-8953 www.keysslidingglassdoorrepair.com

Environmental Advocate Sanctuary Advisory Council (6 years) MOTE Marine Labs Keys Advisory Board (14 years) Worked with Sierra Club and National Resource Defense Council

305-394-0784, keyswalt@gmail.com www.electkeysenergywalt.com Facebook at: “Elect Walt Drabinski for Utility Board Seat D” Maximum Donation - $1,000 per Family Member or Company Paid for by Walter Drabinski for Utility Board Seat D

Elect

2018 Middle Keys Candidate Forum October 1, 2018 Marathon Government Center 6-9 pm The only televised forum in the Florida Keys.

for

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For more info:

Daniel Samess,Chamber CEO ceo@f loridakeysmarathon.com 305.743.5417

Website: w w w. d r j i m d o r a n . c o m Approved & Paid by D r J i m D o r a n f o r S c h o o l B o a r d

keysweekly.com 27

SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 4 Position salary: $31,557 + Monroe County Group Health Plan + Florida Retirement System

JOHN DICK First elected to the Monroe County School Board in 2006, John Dick is seeking reelection for a second term in the District 4 seat. He’s lived in the Keys since 1989 and served in numerous capacities with several organizations from Key Largo to Key West.

The Brooklyn, New York, native is the former college and career counselor for Marathon High School. His wife, Lourdes, was a teacher at Marathon High, and the couple has two daughters and a son.

JAMES DORAN Islamorada resident James Doran is seeking election for his first four-year term on the board. The retired teacher began his teaching career at Key Largo Elementary School in 1972 and has taught worldwide in places like Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and England.

He’s owned his Islamorada home since 1986. Doran and his wife, Vickie, a retired teacher and school librarian, have one grown daughter and a son.

He supports the district exploring every avenue for additional funding to add more highly qualified mental health personnel, as required by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. He also agrees school district land not needed for educational purposes should be used for workforce housing, but should be built and operated by a developer.

Doran said he thinks more mental health personnel are necessary for Monroe County students. “To limit feelings of depression, disengagement and hostility toward others, school personnel and students must strive to make all students feel they are cared for and welcomed,” he said. As for school drug testing, he said everyone should be involved in the process in order for there to be a shared vision.

Top three issues: Student safety, student achievement, and employee satisfaction.

Website: John Dick on Facebook

Top three issues: Children, safety, and salaries and benefits.

Website: www.drjimdoran.com

REFERENDUM Taxpayers in the Monroe County School District will have an opportunity to vote on a School Board referendum on the Aug. 28 ballot. Titled “Increased Security Funding for Monroe County Schools,” it seeks to raise ad valorem taxes up to .0625 mils.

State legislators passed House Bill 7026 in the aftermath of the tragic Parkland School shooting in Broward County. The law requires every school district in Florida to hire School Resource Officers and School Safety Officers.

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The tax levy is designed to raise no more than $1.5 million per year. School officials purposely included the “up to” language so as to only levy enough tax to pay for the gap.

Superintendent Mark Porter said the millage rate will only fund the staff of SROs and SSOs to match whatever the state does not fund.

“We are not looking to collect the full amount of money generated by the .0625 millage rate unless the gap in state funding calls for it,” said Porter.

If voters approve the tax, it will be implemented for four years.

The school district is proposing an advalorem tax of 3.37 mills all together. (The budget has yet to be approved.) A nonhomesteaded home valued at $500,000 would pay about $1,600 in school taxes — or about $42.28 more than last year.

The increase, the district said, is to cover the additional state-mandated safety and security measures.

24

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Visit any branch in Key West, Big Pine or Marathon. *Annual percentage yield. Keys FCU may cancel this offer at any time without notice. Restrictions may apply. Minimum to open certificate is $500. Maximum of $99,999 per member. One-time Bump Up rate during certificate term will match prevailing term certificate rate. New rate will carry forward from date of Bump Up. Penalty for early withdrawal. Dividends compounded daily.

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VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA COUNCIL, SEAT 2

CHERYL MEADS Considered a political newcomer when she was first elected in 2016, Cheryl Meads is proud of the current council’s recent accomplishments including the response to Hurricane Irma. “I really do love it,” she says. “It was a tough first year, but now everything is good.”

Position salary: $12,000 Meads has yet to pre-file for the race, but the qualifying period does not open until Aug. 14.

CARLSON FILES FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL Near press deadline, Islamorada resident Eric Carlson filed the paperwork to run for Village Council, Seat 4, challenging Ken Davis. The Keys Weekly Newspapers will provide more coverage of this race in future editions of the Upper Keys Weekly.

A former executive with a large pharmaceutical firm, Meads earned national attention by exposing fraudulent business practices of her former employer. She and her husband moved to Islamorada more than seven years ago. When reflecting on her first term in office, she refers to the strategic plan as a recent accomplishment and is proud of the recent advances of the building department to help streamline the permit process. She does feel there is more work to be done.

“Residents should be able to do stuff on their home without complications,” she added.

Top three issues: Hurricane recovery, streamlining the permitting process, affordable housing.

Website: none

VILLAGE REFERENDUM On the November ballot Islamorada voters will decide whether to extend the councilmember terms from two to four years.

“It takes anywhere from six months to a year to get up to speed, so you would only have one year of efficiency,” says

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CAPT. DAVID PURDO A former Detroit police officer who moved to the Keys 41 years ago, David Purdo has served two terms on the Village Council, from 2010-2014. He has prefiled, according to the Supervisor of Elections website.

“I am unhappy with the current council,” said Purdo. “The Village has a lot of issues.

I am not in favor of the pedestrian bridge and I don’t want to see taxes raised.”

Purdo says he is also perplexed about Village’s recent resolution to outlaw plastic straws.

“There is an issue with plastics causing a major problem to nearshore waters,” he said. “I don’t feel like this law is going to help. This is a bigger issue than a straw.”

He says the Village needs to focus on keeping taxes down “so we can keep our teachers and firefighters here”.

He also supports the referendum to extend and stagger the terms and hopes to eliminate districts in favor of at-large elections.

Top three issues: Affordable housing, nearshore water quality, keeping taxes low.

Website: none

current Mayor Chris Sante, adding the amount of staff time it takes to initiate new councilmembers is inefficient.

The referendum would also stagger the seats, so every two years residents would vote for either two or three seats.

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SEAT D

SEAT A

KEY WEST UTILITY BOARD Position salary: $20,683 per year + medical benefits + optional retirement after eight years served

JIM MARQUARDT Jim Marquardt, general manager of The Gardens Hotel, is a proponent of alternative energy sources, like solar, wind and water and said KEYS is “well respected in our country.” He has lived in Key West since 1999 and is a former television producer for NBC, ABC and the Signal companies. He has a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications management from Northern Arizona University. He and his husband, Norman Laurendeau, have been together 16 years.

The Gardens Hotel was the first “Twin Palm” certified green lodging establishment in Key West to be certified by the state. “Solar is affordable if we start with our own homes and pools …,” he said.

Top three issues: Green renewable energy, cost of the Utility Board, storm hardening.

Website: Vote Best for Key West on Facebook

MONA CLARK Mona Clark is a retired teacher and administrator who invested 35 years in the Monroe County School District. She was born and raised in Key West, attended Florida A&M University and has a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of South Florida. “For over 40 years I have served our community on a number of nonprofit boards,” she said, adding she started on the Utility Board in 2004 and gained a wealth of information. “I have an idea for an outreach program … which would focus on enhanced conservation and recycling,” she said.

She wants to increase transparency through making audio of each meeting available for the public.

Over the next four years, Clark believe KEYS will increase the amount of solar in its portfolio.

Top three issues: Hardening infrastructure, reliability, and maintaining a qualified workforce.

Website: Mona Clark on Facebook

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ROBERT BARRIOS Robert Barrios has lived in Key West his entire life, has been married for 24 years and has one daughter.

After working for Keys Energy Services from 1988 to 2016, Barrios said he has the experience needed to sit on the board. “While at Keys Energy Services, I was a meter reader, worked in generation, customer service, engineering and purchasing,” he said. He was also the safety and risk officer for the last four years of his career there.

His focus is on succession planning for younger generations as experienced employees retire.

He thinks KEYS should continue to explore forms of renewable energy and partner with other government agencies to help retrofit existing buildings with solar panels.

Top three issues: Aging workforce, reliability, rates.

Website: None

BETH RAMSAY-VICKREY Beth Ramsay-Vickrey, who sits on th Keys Energy Advisory Board and county Planning Commission, is seeking her first term on the KEYS Utility Board. She retired from the industrial real estate business 12 years ago. The Marathon native has lived on No Name Key for more than a decade and has two daughters with her husband of more than 35 years. They have one granddaughter.

“I’m the only candidate with experience and involvement in forming and advancing our local county policies and goals regarding utilities and conservation efforts,” she said.

She’d also like to initiate a new grant program for programmable thermostats, initially targeting seniors and the disabled. “[It] … would go a long way in monthly cost savings for our customers toward the conservation of energy,” she said.

Top three issues: Costs, community, and conservation.

Website: www.beth4keysenergy.com and Beth4KeysEnergy on Facebook

WALT DRABINKSI It’s Walt Drabinksi’s first run for Key West Utility Board, and he said his 40 years of experience as a utility manager and management consultant are what inspired him to seek office. He has an MBA from the Wharton School of Economics.

Drabinski and his wife have lived on Cudjoe Key since 1998.

Drabinski is the president of Vantage Energy Consulting LLC and has worked for three other power companies.

He’s written five industryrelated books, worked as a consultant for 25 years to many utilities and has been active on environmental and corporate boards.

He wants to focus on lowering the cost of “unnecessarily high electric rates for KEYS ratepayers.”

Also, policies on solar power must change, he said.

“Net metering should be fairly priced, neighborhood solar programs should be encouraged and additional regional participation should be targeted.”

Top three issues: Solar energy, storm hardening, and reliability.

Website: www.electkeysenergywalt.com

GREG DANIELS Cnstruction coordinator and small business owner Greg Daniels said his 18 years of experience working for Comcast as a construction coordinator will help him on the Utility Board. “I work with not just Keys Energy, but Florida Keys Electric Co-op and occasionally Florida Power and Light.” He said he’s successfully managed numerous fiber optic and coax system upgrades and worked on other projects in the Keys.

Daniels and his wife Donna live on Cudjoe Key. For the past eight years, he’s served on the Keys Energy Services Advisory Committee and has been chair or vice chair for six years.

It took Gov. Rick Scott’s signature, but a law passed in 2017 gives voters living outside Key West representation on the Utility Board of Key West. It governs Keys Energy Services (KEYS), which serves 28,000 customers from Key West to the east end of Seven Mile Bridge.

The Utility Board has five seats, and now two of those seats will be filled by officials who reside outside Key West but within the coverage area of the electric utility.

Steven Wells Sr. was elected unopposed to Seat B. Mona Clark and Jim Marquardt are running for seat A (a Key West seat) and Robert Barrios, Greg Daniels, Walter P. Drabinksi and Beth Ramsay-Vickrey are running for the newly created Seat D.

Daniels said he believes in “full transparency,” and is a strong proponent of LED technology.

“I believe we can make giant steps forward by replacing streetlights and other lights in public places with LED lights and utilizing smart technology to run those lights,” he said.

He also wants to improve solar power and make it cheaper for everyone.

Top three issues: Lines underground, outside labor costs, succession planning.

Website: www.votegregdaniels.com

keysweekly.com 33

JOHN R. DICK

FOR SCHOOL BOARD

District 4

DISTRICT 4

A LIFE OF SERVICE  Current School Board Member, District 4  Past Commander Key West American Legion Post 28  Key West Boys & Girls Club Treasurer  Marathon Rotary Club  Past Commander Key Largo VFW  Disabled American Veterans  Member of the Islamorada Moose  Member of the Marathon Elks  Served in the United States Army in Vietnam, 1967-1968  Honorably Discharged Combat Veteran ACCOMPLISHMENTS  “A” Rated District  Increased Academic Rigor  Increased Career & Technical Certification Programs  Highest Teacher Salaries in the State  Financial Stability

Experience

Environment

The district is currently in the process of building 3 “state of the art” schools: Gerald Adams , Switlik and PKS Elementary Schools.

Economy

EDUCATION IS A FAMILY PRIORITY

Marathon City Council

His wife, Lourdes is a teacher at MHS His daughter, Christine is a Dean of Students at MHS He worked at MHS as the CCAPS counselor, 1996-2001 Political Advertisement Paid For and Approved by John R. Dick for School Board, District 4

www.VoteGeorgeNeugent.com Political advertisement paid and approved by George Neugent, Republican candidate for Marathon City Council

34

“I’m not done serving.”

~ Commander Demetries Grimes USN (Ret.)

Committed to fighting for:

Healthcare - Finding a solution for funded healthcare for all Economy - Fair living wages, profit sharing, incentives for quality affordable housing and protecting our industrial and technological base Public Education - Fully funded trade schools and universities in exchange/as reward for community/public service (ie. emergency services, Peace Corps, etc.)

Environment - Protecting our national treasure, resilience against sea rise and destructive weather, and promotion of clean energy initiatives Human Rights - Treating ALL people with dignity and respect. Equal pay and opportunity for equal work for women.

Seniors and Veterans - Protecting Social Security, fixing the VA, and honoring our commitments.

Immigration - Protect DREAMers, simplify path to legal residency and citizenship, treat ALL people humanely Gun Reform - Implement “common sense” gun laws Justice System - End “for profit” prisons, alternative sentences for non-violent offences, legalize marijuana Campaign Finance Reform - End the influence of corporate and special interests in public elections and return power to the people International Leadership - Promote diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution from a position of strength in moral authority and superior military capabilities

For more information, please visit

Commander Demetries Grimes is the son of a US Navy Veteran father and Greek immigrant mother. He is fluent in Greek, a graduate of Boston University with Naval War College postgraduate studies that include National Security Decision Making and Strategy & War, Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow, and an MBA form The London Business School.

The Commander has credible leadership skills that can get the job done. He served as a Naval Officer, Aviator, Diplomat, and Executive Board Member. He recently retired from the US Navy as a Commander with more than 25 years of active duty service that included seven deployments, more than 100 combat support missions, 2000 hours in the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, diplomatic assignments as the US Naval Attaché to Greece and US Naval Attaché to Israel. Served as a military Aide at the White House, Budget and Program Manager at the Pentagon, Advisor to NATO Maritime Forces Commander, and overseas Deputy Base Commander. Deployed to and operated ashore from Panama, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. He currently serves on the Executive Board, Association of the US Army, Hellenic Chapter and his affiliations include The Army and Navy Club, Washington DC, Society of White House Military Aides, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, and Democrats of South Dade, Lifetime Member.

VOTE AUGUST 28TH

GrimesForCongress.com

Paid for by Grimes For Congress Demetries Grimes is a retired U.S. Navy Commander. Use of his military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.

Key West City Commissioner, District 4 Position salary: $20,000 per year

JENNIFER STEFANACCI Jenn Stefanacci began visiting Key West at age 8 and has called the island home for nine years. With a bachelor’s in corporate communications from Elon University, Stefanacci is the managing parter and owner of 22&Co in Key West and has been bartending in the hospitality industry throughout the island during her tenure.

As a working mother of a 7 year old, Finn, Stefanacci also lists her fiancé, Grant (his children Lily and Kate) along with Jenn’s mother Maria Stefanacci (aka Bob) as close cohorts. Stefanacci said she believes her experience and communication within the district and city will improve the gap between citizens and city hall.

She said she would ban AirBnB and VRBO vacation rentals as they are not “collecting bed taxes to invest back into our community.” She cites cases in New Orleans where illegal rentals had electricity shut off to bring owners and property managers into compliance.

Stefanacci is also a proponent of smartphone parking apps to lessen traffic woes and would hire a professional firm to manage the Truman Amphitheater. She said the most pressing need in District 4 is beautification of Flagler Avenue.

Jenn Stefanacci’s name appears on the ballot as “Jennifer Stefanacci Doll.”

Top three issues: Bridging communication gap, timely follow through on plans, clean Duval and creation of pedestrian-only hours.

Website: Jenn Stefanacci for City Commissioner on Facebook

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GREGORY DAVILA Attorney and local business owner Gregory Davila has spent his 51 years in Key West.

Davila has degrees from Stetson University College of Law (Juris Doctor), Oxford University in England (Foreign Law Study) and FIU (bachelor’s in political science).

Davila’s immediate family includes his wife, Heidi and their two children. Davila believes his lifetime of service, including volunteer hours, coaching and care for his 86-yearold mother, lends the necessary experience to serve those in need.

Davila said the City of Key West is no longer issuing transient rental licenses, and said short-term rentals are not appealing in single-family neighborhoods.

“While I can appreciate the property rights issues involved with someone renting their own property, I believe we have to balance those interests with those of the surrounding neighborhood …”

He said District 4 is in need of beautification, but must also address green spaces and safe streets. He is in favor of hiring a professional management team for the Truman Amphitheater, so long as the city groups could use the space as well.

Top three issues: Congestion, green space, and senior transportation.

Website: www.davila2018.com

Key West City Commissioner, District 5 Position salary: $20,000 per year

MARY LOU HOOVER Mary Lou Hoover has called Key West home since 2001 after retiring from public works construction. Hoover studied Hotel & Restaurant Management at St. Louis Community College and studied Business Administration at the University of Purdue and Indiana University. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Monroe County, graduate of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys Leadership Academy and former Fantasy Fest Queen. She is also the founder of Girls Night Out — a women’s networking group. Hoover’s husband, Charlie Waite, is owner at Sturtz Lock & Safe in Key West and she is the proud mother of Ashley Hoover Bowmer and stepmother to Kris and Karlie Waite.

Hoover said most of the city’s budget is devoted to personnel costs and she wants to maintain current staffing levels.

“If elected I will focus on finding new, permanent revenue sources … I would look to having tourist groups paying their fair share of the costs of our police, fire department, and cleaning services and would adopt several of the ideas for increased parking revenue, our second largest income source.”

Top three issues: Affordable workforce housing, sea level rise, clean and safe streets.

Website: www.MaryLouHoover.com

WALLACE “WALLY” MOORE Wallace “Wally” Moore was born and raised in Key West and is the Transportation Manager at NAS Key West. Moore is a graduate from Mary Immaculate High School class of 1983 and studied Marine Propulsion at Florida Keys Community College. Moore has two children, Wally Moore III and Charles Moore, and has been married to his wife, Valerie, for 25 years.

Moore serves on he City’s Parking and Alternative Transportation Board and says if elected, he will donate his Commission salary back to a non-profit that benefits Key West citizens. Moore said he believes his experience offers insight and action into a balance between the needs of tourism and the needs of local citizens.

He believes short-term vacation rentals should be limited in Key West and more strict enforcement is needed to catch illegals.

“And we should build parking garages where they would benefit the most … starting with the Southard Street parking lot that used to be there and already has plans in place,” he said.

Top three issues: Workforce housing, public safety, giving back to Key West.

Website: Get More With Moore KW on Facebook

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STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 120 Position salary: $29,697 annually + $152 per diem + State Group Health plan + optional retirement benefit

STEVEN FRIEDMAN, D The November general election will be Islamorada fishing guide Steve Friedman’s first run for public office. Friedman and his wife Kristine have two children. He has lived in the Keys for 18 years.

He has a bachelor’s degree from Drake University and a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico. He is a strong proponent of “home rule” and is opposed to “Tallahassee dictating to Monroe County what it must do or not do when it comes to affordable housing.”

Also, he said income inequality is a big issue. “We need to make sure our working families are paid livable wages, and quality health and affordable childcare is obtainable,” Friedman said.

Top three issues: Water quality, education, affordable housing.

Website: www.captainsteve4florida.com

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HOLLY RASCHEIN, R Incumbent Rep. Holly Raschein is seeking re-election to represent Monroe County and southern Miami-Dade County, a seat she’s held since 2012. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida International University. She thinks Gov. Rick Scott’s 1,300 affordable housing allocations initiative is “another tool in our toolbox to be used as we address recovery and our workforce housing needs.” She said she has “fought hard year after year against a number of pre-exemptions on our local governments that would prohibit them from creating policies to address community needs.” Raschein and husband Ryan have one son.

Top three issues: Workforce housing, recovery/resilience, and environmental restoration/preservation.

Website: www.hollyraschein.com

BIG PINE THRU KEY WEST VOTERS T H E “ K E Y W E S T U T I L I T Y B OA R D ” I S YO U R “ K E Y S E N E R G Y B OA R D ” , AND FOR THE FIRST TIME

YOU GET TO VOTE

F O R T H E E N T I R E B OA R D

10+ YEARS, AND NEARLY 300 MEETING, ADVANCING OUR LOCAL UTILITY POLICIES: 6.5 YRS AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN, THEN 3.5 YRS AS YOUR COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSIONER, AND 6.5 YRS AS YOUR KEYS ENERGY ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER.

Beth is the only candidate involved and experienced in forming and advancing our County’s local utility

VOTE BETH FOR THE LOCAL ISSUES WE ALL CARE ABOUT: COSTS, COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION AD PAID BY BETH RAMSAY-VICKREY FOR KW UTILITY BOARD SEAT D

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“

I’ve been honored to work for our home district in the Capitol for 15 years. I served as a legislative aide first to Republican Representative Ken Sorensen and then to Democratic Representative Ron Saunders, and for the last six years I’ve been honored to represent you as your elected representative in Tallahassee.

Working with everyone, we’ve been able to achieve a great deal for Monroe County. With term limits, this November will be my final campaign to the House, and I would appreciate your vote so I can continue to work for us in Tallahassee. I will keep fighting for funding for important Monroe County projects and protecting our unique Keys way of life by working to protect the environment we all treasure.”

WORKING TO PROTECT OUR BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE PROMOTING SOLUTIONS TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS LEADING THE WAY ON HURRICANE IRMA RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

HollyRaschein.com  Holly Raschein

 @HollyRaschein

 RepHollyRaschein

PAID BY HOLLY RASCHEIN, REPUBLICAN, FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE