Decision 2022

MONROE COUNTY VOTERS GUIDE

RE-ELECT CONSERVATIVE FIGHTER RE-ELECT CONSERVATIVE FIGHTER RE-ELECT CONSERVATIVE FIGHTER

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Republican House Leadership Monroe County Commissioner Incoming Speaker Paul Renner, Michelle Republican House Leadership Monroe CountyColdiron Commissioner Speaker Designate Daniel Perez, Jimmy Patronis Incoming Speaker Paul Renner, andFinancial State Fire Marshal Michelle Coldiron Republican House Leadership Chief Officer (CFO) Monroe County Commissioner The Fraternal Order of Police and future Speaker Rep. Sam Speaker Designate Daniel Perez, Jimmy Patronis Incoming Speaker Paul Renner, and State Fire Marshal Michelle Coldiron Senate President and The Fraternal Order of Police Garrison Florida Chamber of Commerce and future Speaker Rep. Sam Speaker Designate Daniel Perez, Jimmy Patronis Commissioner of Agriculture Senate President and The Fraternal Order of Police Garrison and future Speaker Rep.Moody Sam Florida Florida Chamber of Commerce Attorney General Ashley Republican of Candidate Realtors Commissioner Agriculture Senate President and Garrison Wilton Simpson Florida Chamber of Commerce Attorney General Ashley Moody Republican Candidate Commissioner of Agriculture Florida Realtors Wilton Simpson Attorney General Ashley Moody Republican Candidate Florida Realtors Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Jim Mooney, Republican, for State Representative District 120 Wilton Simpson Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Jim Mooney, Republican, for State Representative District 120 Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Jim Mooney, Republican, for State Representative District 120

Elect Albert “AL”

KELLEY for County Court Judge

IN THIS ISSUE 6 Local voting information 8 Who votes in Florida?

THE ONLY CANDIDATE • Only candidate with 32 years trial experience in civil and criminal law • Only candidate to serve as magistrate for the court system the last 6 years • Only candidate with experience both prosecuting and defending criminal cases • Only candidate with 14 years experience as a Supreme Court Certified Mediator • Only candidate to author five law books and over 500 legal articles • Only candidate to receive the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award • Only candidate to be rated AV

by Martindale-Hubbell (Highest rating given to an attorney)

EXPERIENCE MATTERS EXPERIENCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF LAW: Criminal Prosecution, Criminal Defense, Business law/transactions, Landlord/Tenant law, Civil litigation, Contracts, Small Claims Court, Corporations/LLCs, Family law, Copyrights/Trademarks, Real Estate, Foreclosure, Probate.

Paid for by Albert Kelley for County Court Judge - Group 1

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10 Elections office moves 1 1 U.S. Senate 12 U.S. House 14 Florida governor & attorney general 15 Florida chief financial officer & agriculture commissioner 18 Florida House 22 County judge 24 County commission District 5 26 School board District 1 27 School board District 5 28 Key West mayor 30 Key West Commission District 4

Publisher Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Managing Partner Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Creative Director Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Art/Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Editor Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Account Executives Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Director of Digital Media Chanice Dos Santos chanice@keysweekly.com Art/Design Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Char Hruska char@keysweekly.com

32 Marathon City Council 34 Islamorada Village Council 36 Key Colony Beach Council 38 Key Largo Wastewater District 42 Precincts 43 School tax referendum 44 Words to vote by 46 Unopposed races

Published MMXXII Keys Weekly Newspapers 9709 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL. 33050 305.743.0844 Key West office 5450 MacDonald Ave. No. 5 Key West, FL. 33040 305.453.6928 Tavernier office 91760 Overseas Hwy Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

ELECTION 2022

Monroe County Voter Stats

VOTE BY MAIL Requests for ballots by mail for the November general election can be completed at keyselections.org.

Monroe County population

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS DUE Vote-by-mail ballots must be turned in by Election Day to be counted, but 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.

82,170 (2020) 55,099

Total registered voters Democrats 16,862

Republicans 23,278

Others 14,959

EARLY VOTING Early voting sites will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting will begin on the second Monday prior to the election and ends the Saturday before the election.

Early voting sites for county elections: Supervisor of Elections Offices: 530 Whitehead St #101, 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, 81830 Overseas Hwy., MM. 81.7 Islamorada

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ELECTED OFFICIAL SALARIES U.S House of Representatives Salary: $174,000 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected to 2-year terms.

State Representative Salary: $29,697/year House members may be elected up to four 2-year terms (eight years).

Monroe County Judge Salary: $172,015/year 6-year terms Monroe County Commission Salary: ≈$47,000 4-year terms Monroe County School Board Salary: $33,224/year 4-year terms

Key West Mayor Salary: $22,500/year 2-year terms Key West City Commission Salary: $20,000/year 4-year terms Marathon City Council Salary: $21,000/year 3-4 year terms (pending August referendum).

Key Colony Beach City Commission Salary: $13,604.13 for commissioners, $16,735 for mayor.

4-year terms Islamorada Village Council Salary: $12,000/year 2-year terms — No more than 8 consecutive years.

DO YOU HAVE TO LIVE IN FLORIDA TO VOTE IN FLORIDA? NOT REALLY.

By Mandy Miles

Voting in Florida is limited to legal residents of the state. But according to the Florida Division of Elections, “legal residency is not defined by law.”

Yes, you read that correctly. “State law (in Florida) does not specify a length of time for which you must have been a resident to be eligible to vote,” states the nonprofi t website Ballotpedia.

Many people assume the same rules used to establish and prove residency in Florida for homestead exemptions and other tax purposes also determine voter eligibility. Florida does require people to live here for more than six months (commonly referred to as the 183day rule) in order to claim Florida as their primary residence to avoid state income tax elsewhere or obtain a homestead exemption on a primary residence.

But when it comes to voting in Florida, the residency requirements are much less stringent, and often are based largely on the honor system.

Broward Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in 2016 that being registered to vote in two states is not a crime, but that Florida voting laws need clarification. “‘I think it should be one person, one vote, but I think our statute should be clearer on that,’ Snipes said. ‘The way it’s written now, I think the whole thing is a legal loophole.’”

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Florida law prohibits voting more than once in the same election, and states, “whoever willfully votes more than one ballot at any election commits a felony of the third degree,” which is punishable by up to fi ve years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

But differing state election laws muddy the waters and make it difficult to determine what’s legal and what’s not, and what constitutes “the same election.” For instance, can a person vote for the mayor of Key West and the mayor of Cape May, New Jersey in the same year if they own property in both places?

Can they vote for both states’ senators and congressmen?

“One of the basic tenets of democracy is that each person has one vote. In practice, state laws vary regarding the definition of ‘voting more than once’ and particularly what happens if a voter casts a ballot in more than one state when they own property in both,” states the National Council of State Legislatures. “...Thus, the question of whether federal law prohibits such voting practices remains unresolved.”

One question that has been answered repeatedly and definitively is that it is illegal to cast more than one vote for the U.S. president, no matter how many properties someone owns in however many states.

YOUR VOTE

MATTERS

Non-resident property owners voting in local elections has become a hot topic in many Florida cities and counties. Some full-time residents claim that out-of-town property owners, including vacation rental owners in the Keys and throughout Florida, have vastly different priorities than full-time residents, and are diluting residents’ democratic power to make local decisions.

But the out-of-town property owners point out that they pay hefty property taxes in those Florida cities and counties, and as such, that taxation entitles them to local representation and voting power.

“We do have a lot of very fortunate people in Monroe County, and elsewhere in Florida, who have two, three or four homes,” Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin told the Keys Weekly in September 2021. “Those people have to pick where they will vote and where their primary place of residence is. We also have people who are only here a week of the year, but they vote here. I know there is ugly in the world and I know there are liars. But other people simply don’t know the law.”

Griffin said she doesn’t think the issue is a widespread problem in Monroe County. She said she and her staff work hard to ensure the integrity of all elections, and she encourages anyone who suspects any type of voter fraud to contact her office with a name for her to research. They can remain anonymous, she said.

RE-ELECT

I will work to improve the quality of life for all residents by finding solutions to the challenges we face such as:

PETE BACHELER

increasing access to green-spaces, exploring and implementing ideas for economic development, and

TO VILLAGE COUNCIL SEAT 1

preserving our island’s culture.

An honest, fiscal conservative dedicated to better government through a community-first approach.

Paid for by Lissette Cuervo for Key West City Commission District 4.

A voice for working families.

Lifelong resident of Key West and District 4

Lissette Cuervo

CAREY DISTRICT 4

peteforcouncil.com

Key West City Commission

• 37 year Islamorada resident • Village Local Planning Agency (LPA), chairman (2014-2020) • Review Committee for Village Manager, Co-Chair • 37 years experience as a private consultant for land planning and zoning • Past President Upper Keys Rotary Club • Member: American Legion Post 145 • College of the Florida Keys, adjunct professor (1999-present) • U.S. Navy Submariner

Paid for by Pete Bacheler Candidate for Village Council Seat 1

COUNTY JUDGE GROUP 1

KEYS VALUES

Experience • Equality • Accountability

VOTE

Aug. 8, 2022 EARLY VOTING STARTS Aug. 23, 2022 ELECTION

PAID BY JASON R. SMITH, NONPARTISAN, FOR COUNTY JUDGE keysweekly.com

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KEY WEST ELECTIONS OFFICE WILL LEAVE ITS DOWNTOWN LOCATION

By Mandy Miles

The Key West elections office will move out of its downtown office on Whitehead Street next year and onto College Road on Stock Island. But the current location at 530 Whitehead St. will remain open and active for this year’s midterm elections, including the primary on Aug. 23 and the general election on Nov. 8.

Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Joyce Griffin will set up shop in the now-vacant, former Bayshore Manor assisted-living facility, which is owned by Monroe County.

The Bayshore Manor site offers plenty of parking, which is a problem for the downtown location, and will be more convenient for voters in Key West’s New Town neighborhoods, as well as those on Stock Island, Key Haven and Big Coppitt, Griffin said.

Voters stand in line at the Supervisor of Elections office on Whitehead Street in Key West to vote early in the 2020 election, when COVID required social distancing. BRITT MYERS/Keys Weekly

“People in the northern two miles of Key West rarely make it down to the southern two miles of the island,” she said. “And parking is a big problem down here on Whitehead Street. During early voting, I have to hire someone to monitor and save two spots in my parking lot. If people aren’t there for early voting, they can’t park there. Plus, this year, Fantasy Fest falls on one of the Saturdays of early voting, and the street is blocked off by 1 p.m. that day.”

Griffin is already storing some voting equipment in the county-owned building on College Road. She said she has outgrown her current office space and the tabulating machines need better air-conditioning and less humidity than her current location.

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“Bayshore is a wonderful location for voters. College Road has the college, the hospital, the nursing home, the sheriff ’s office, the golf course homes and the elementary school.

It will be so much easier for everyone who works at those locations to stop by and vote early instead of going all the way downtown. It takes 20 minutes to get from College Road to the current location on Whitehead Street. Plus, College Road is much more accessible to everyone on Stock Island, Key Haven and Big Coppitt,” Griffin said.

The move is expected to take place in January 2023.

No one’s voting precinct for voting on Election Day will be affected by the move, Griffin emphasized.

“No one can vote at the elections office on Election Day; it’s illegal. They have to vote at their designated precinct if voting on Election Day. The only voting that happens in my office is early voting.”

For information about elections and voting precincts, visit keys-elections.org.

Re-elect

U.S. SENATE

Race includes Republican incumbent Marco Rubio and a host of hopefuls

By Jim McCarthy U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio will head to the Nov. 8 election with a host of non party affiliates, write-ins, a Libertarian candidate and the winner of Democratic primary.

Rubio, of Miami, has represented Florida in the United States Senate since 2010. He serves as vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, where he oversees the nation’s intelligence and national security apparatus. Rubio is also a member of the Foreign Relations, Appropriations committees and the Special Committee on Aging.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS! + Islamorada Village Council + Islamorada Local Planning Agency + Achievable Housing Committee Bay Forever + Florida Founding Board Member + Islamorada Real Estate Attorney since 1987 2000-2004; 2020 to present; Served as Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilman 2000-2002; 2018-2020 2017-2020

Paid by Mark Gregg for Islamorada Village Council, Seat 2

Lining up on the Democratic side in hopes to challenge Rubio in the general election are Ricardo De La Fuente, Val Demings, Brian Rush and William Sanchez. De La Fuente, of Miami, is an entrepreneur who went to Harvard Business School. Demings, Orlando’s first female chief of police, served in the department for 27 years.

Rush, who has practiced law in his north Tampa office for 30 years, is a former Florida House member Sanchez, of Miami, is a second child of Cuban immigrant parents. He’s a lawyer who has represented thousands of companies and immigrants.

Libertarian Party candidate Dennis Misigoy, of Saint Cloud, will be on the general election ballot for U.S. Senate. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, he’s a former teacher and a software engineer.

Nonparty affiliate candidates include Steven Grant, of Boynton Beach, and Tuan “TQ” Nguyen, of Palm Bay. Write-in candidates include Uloma Uma Ekpete, of St. Petersburg, Edward Gray, of Kissimmee, Howard Knepper, of North Miami, and Moses Quiles, of Kissimmee.

WHO, WHEN, WHERE, HOW & THE ISSUES...

Everything about voting at

www.vote411.org LEAGUE of WOMEN VOTERS OF THE UPPER KEYS and THE LOWER KEYS keysweekly.com

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UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES District 28 A race to represent the Florida Keys and MiamiDade County in Congress will see Republican incumbent Carlos Gimenez and five challengers.

A Republican primary will be between Gimenez, Carlos Garin, of Coral Gables and K.W. Miller, of Miami. On the Democratic side, Robert Asencio, of Miami, will square off against Juan Paredes, of Miami, in the Aug. 23 primary. Winners from those races will square off in the November general election. Jeremiah Schaffer, a Sugarloaf resident, enters as a write-in candidate.

The Keys Weekly asked the candidates the following questions (candidate Jeremiah Schaffer didn’t provide responses in time for publication):

1. What would you do to help secure federal funding for Keys communities dealing with flooding issues?

2. What’s your take on FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, and what would you do to mitigate rising insurance costs, especially in the Keys where rates are already high?

JUAN PAREDES Democrat SEO technical expert 1. The primary issue is flooding maps being drawn using outdated information back to the 1980s. The NFIP needs to increase the funding pool by properly designating high-risk areas to secure proper funding.

2. FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 uses more modern science, but I will ensure that flood zones do not have problematic disparities. Appropriate funding pools and accurate risk assessments will mitigate insurance costs.

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CARLOS GIMENEZ Republican Member of Congress 1. During my time in Congress, each community project funding request submitted by my office was approved, leaving my office with a 100% track record in securing critical funding for South Florida, including important federal funding for the Florida Keys. In the last appropriations package, my office was able to secure $5.4 million for the Twin Lakes Pre-Disaster Mitigation project. Residents are often the ones who carry the largest burden during natural disasters and seasonal flooding. This important funding will help the Twin Lakes Subdivision ensure the long-term viability of the neighborhood by bolstering the subdivision’s ability to clear roads, put flood mitigation protocols in place, ensure power can be quickly restored and that residents are kept safe during episodes of flooding.

2. The NFIP currently has about 5.1 million policies in force nationwide, of which 1,727,000 NFIP policies are in Florida. For such an important program, the NFIP is in serious need of reform as it owes billions of dollars to taxpayers. Annual premiums nationally are $3.6 billion and provide $1.3 trillion in property coverage. Florida premiums are $986 million per annum, or 27.4 % of that total. This means that while overall the NFIP has lost money, Florida is a donor state to the program. Robust change is needed for it to become self-sufficient, including increasing the number of properties paying in and increasing affordability. That is why I have joined Senator John Kennedy in introducing the Flood Insurance Fairness Act in the House of Representatives, which prevents the NFIP from increasing flood insurance premiums without Congressional approval.

Full answers at keysweekly.com.

CARLOS GARIN Republican Actor, television host and political analyst

ROBERT ASENCIO Democrat Retired police officer (Captain), veteran and former state representative

1. Given the importance of our district for the economy and tourism, and taking into account the real flood risk zoning of the area, which excludes it from fortuitous events due to its geography, it is imperative to manage and develop an Emerging Federal Fund Immediate Action, based on the certification as a special risk area, which allows action to be taken during climatic events and prior to them, to minimize their impact on the community. This program would be subject to the county administration, to guarantee its immediate execution prior to FEMA's action, in coordination with the fire department and different humanitarian and territorial government organizations, minimizing the risk of human losses during the period prior to entry from FEMA after the disaster.

1. I seek to immediately leverage the known urgent findings and recommendations of the ongoing Army Corps of Engineers - Florida Keys Vulnerability Assessment on "sea level rise" and its effect(s) to lobby Congressional leadership, membership, and the "White House" Administration for added appropriations in land and sea resilience and fortification(s.) I seek to build on the passing of H.R. 7776 and insufficient funding awarded to Monroe County, cited in Keys Weekly on March 29, 2022.

2. I believe that the FEMA Risk Rating Program 2.0 is good, although it does not specifically adjust to the real needs of our territory, since it is exposed to the hurricane season annually. For this reason, certification as a Special Risk Area is essential, which allows us to manage the creation of the Emergency Federal Fund for Immediate Action, which would not only minimize the negative impact of climatic events by accelerating the recovery of the area, but would also impact positively on the cost of insurance by significantly reducing your investment.

2. Per Monroe County the Risk Rating 2.0 was implemented by FEMA at the direction of Congress to move the NFIP in the direction of increased premiums, due to its debt caused by past storm events. To start, I will advocate for the Monroe County recommendations to increase CRS discounts and added federal funding to increase land and structural elevation. I will pursue negotiation of legislation to cap allowable increases under current limits — preferably under 10% as recommended

by Monroe County.

K.W. MILLER Republican Energy industry expert, chair of the America First Political Committee (Answers provided by campaign) 1. KW is a global energy and Infrastructure expert. He has structured tens of billions in infrastructure, insurance and public/private partnerships. He plans to create a public/ private partnership structure to underwrite/insure/restructure the antiquated traditional flood insurance. This will in essence be a new “insurance risk pool” which is unwritten/funded/administered via a new independently run entity which will bring in substantial private funding, in addition to the traditional sources.

The system is broken and must be completely rebuilt.

2. KW’s position is that FEMA is a complete disaster as a government entity and must be completely gutted and overhauled. The mandatory flood insurance for homeowners who have mortgages, where the lenders require the flood coverage is essentially a fraud on homeowners.

The majority of Florida Keys homes will never be flooded on the living floor (second floor), as building code require new and rebuilt homes to be elevated. This results in homeowners paying for expensive flood insurance premiums which do not properly “risk adjust” for homeowners.

Essentially KW’s view is the current floor insurance program is useless and must be completely overhauled via a public/private partnership structure mentioned above in the FEMA/Flooding support.

keysweekly.com

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RACE FOR GOVERNOR & OTHER LEADERSHIP POSITIONS IN TALLAHASSEE UP FOR GRABS

By Jim McCarthy

GOVERNOR The race for Florida’s 47th governor will see Republican incumbent Ron DeSantis and a host of challengers looking to unseat him.

A native Floridian, DeSantis is a graduate of Yale University and a Harvard Law School graduate.

While at Harvard, he earned a commission in the U.S. Navy as a JAG officer. During his active-duty service, he was deployed to Iraq as an adviser to the U.S. Navy Seal commander in support of the SEAL mission in Fallujah, Ramadi and the rest of the Al Anbar province. He was elected to Congress in 2012 and elected as governor of Florida following the 2018 election. DeSantis is the only Republican in the governor race. His running mate is current Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez.

Hoping to challenge DeSantis in the general election are Democratic candidates Nikki Fried, current agriculture commissioner, Charlie Crist, former governor, Robert Willis and Cadance Daniel.

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Fried ran for office for the first time in 2018 after serving as a public defender, child welfare champion and marijauna legalization advocate. In her role as agriculture commissioner, she appointed the department’s first ever cannabis director and legalized hemp for farmers. “I’m somebody who always likes to ruffle feathers,” she said. The daughter of a teacher, Fried grew up in a middle class family in South Florida.

As Florida’s 44th governor, Charlie Crist led Florida through the recession and the deepwater Horizon gulf oil spill. Before he was elected governor, he was a state senator and attorney general. In 2016, he was elected to represent Florida’s 13th Congressional District covering Pinellas County from Clearwater to St. Petersburg. Crist grew up in St. Pete, and received a degree from Florida State University and a law degree from Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama.

Democrat Robert Willis is a Brevard County native and one of 11 children born to a single mother. He attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, receiving an associate’s degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. As an educator in the Florida education system, Robert currently works as an elementary school teacher at the Emma Jewel Charter Academy in Cocoa. Being a native of Florida’s Space Coast, Robert worked at Kennedy Space Center for 22 years and worked directly with astronauts for five years.

A lifelong Floridian, Democrat Cadance Daniel is an international speaker, global humanitarian, and small business owner. Her running partner, Dylisa McClinton, has taught within the Florida education system for nearly 10 years.

Among the other candidates running for governor are Libertarian Hector Roos, non party affiliates Carmen Gimenez and Jodi Jeloudov, and write-in-candidates James Thompson, Kyle “KC” Gibson and Piotr Blass.

ATTORNEY GENERAL Florida’s attorney general race will see Republican incumbent Ashley Moody against the winner of a Democratic primary between Aramis Ayala, Jim Lewis and Daniel Uhlfelder.

Ron DeSantis Incumbent

Charlie Crist

Moody is a fifth-generation Floridian from Plant City. Following the November 2018 election, Moody became Florida’s 38th attorney general. She attended the University of Florida where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting and law. She later attended Stetson University College of Law, earning a master’s of law in international law. Moody began her legal career with the law firm of Holland & Knight where she practiced commercial litigation. In her spare time, she volunteered assisting domestic violence victims seeking protection in court. She subsequently joined the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuting drug, firearm, and fraud offenses. In 2006, at the age of 31, Moody became the youngest judge in Florida when she was elected Circuit Court Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County.

Ayala, of Orlando, is a civil rights advocate, cancer survivor and former Florida State Attorney. She served as a public defender and assistant state attorney for nearly 15 years before becoming Orange-Osceloa State Attorney from 2017-2021.

She’s the first black state attorney in Florida history.

Lewis is a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney who has tried over 300 jury trials to verdict. He was an assistant state attorney in Orlando, a special prosecutor to the Statewide Grand jury of Florida un-

Nikki Fried

Robert Willis

der Gov. Bob Graham and as an assistant statewide prosecutor under then-Attorney General Bob Butterworth. He attended Central Florida University and Stetson University where he attained his law degree.

Uhlfelder, who resides in the Panhandle city of Santa Rosa Beach, attended Stanford University and law school in Florida. He served as judicial clerk in the southern district in Miami. He then spent two years as trial attorney with a top trial firm in Miami. Uhlfelder has spent 25 years as an attorney. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uhlfelder is known for protesting DeSantis’ COVID-19 policies by walking crowded Florida beaches in a Grim Reaper costume.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Florida’s chief financial officer oversees the state’s accounting and auditing functions. The CFO also monitors investment of state funds and handles the licensing and oversight of insurance agents and agencies.

The state’s CFO also serves as the state fire marshal.

Republican incumbent Jimmy Patronis will square off against Democrat Adam Hattersley for Florida’s chief financial officer. Born in Panama City, Patronis served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014, representing his hometown region in the Florida Panhandle. He was appointed to serve on Florida’s Public Service Commission, as well as the Constitution Revision Com-

Cadance Daniel

mission, which meets once every 20 years to propose changes to the state constitution.

Hattersley, of Tampa, is a Navy veteran who spent eight years as a nuclear submarine officer. In 2009, he moved to Riverview, Florida and worked for a Fortune 500 company for seven years. In 2016, Adam and his wife opened a small business helping other small businesses. In 2018, after more than a decade as a registered independent, Adam sought and won a seat in the Florida Legislature as a Democrat. Hattersley served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020.

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE With the current commissioner of agriculture vying for governor, the race for agriculture commissioner will feature Republican and Democratic primaries among five candidates. On the Republican side are Wilton Simpson, current Senate President from Tallahassee, and James Shaw, farm owner and investor from Vero Beach. Candidates on the Democrat side include Naomi Esther Blemur, local business owner from North Miami, J.R. Gaillot, legislative director and adviser from Gainesville, and Ryan Morales, owner of a small hemp farm in Clermont.

keysweekly.com

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FLORIDA HOUSE District 120 Incumbent Republican Jim Mooney faces a challenge in the Republican primary from Rhonda Rebman Lopez, who owns an energy company with her husband, as well as from Big Pine Key house painter Robert Scott Allen. On the Democrats’ side, former anti-corruption attorney Adam Gentle and former legislative staffer Daniel Horton-Diaz are vying for the chance to face the Republican nominee in the November general election.

The Keys Weekly asked all five candidates the following questions:

1. To address rising homeowner’s insurance, the Florida Legislature approved a $2 billion reinsurance fund for insurance companies during a special session in May. What other actions must be taken to address an insurance industry that saw two straight years underwriting losses exceeding $1 billion?

JIM MOONEY Republican incumbent Realtor

DANIEL HORTON-DIAZ Democrat Lawyer, consultant

1. While the $2 billion was the first step, it is far from an answer. As I debated on the floor, Citizens Insurance needs to be scaled down and put back to the posture it was designed for (areas that have little to no other insurance options available, insurance of the last resort). This would reduce Citizens' risk in other areas of the state and, at the same time it should allow more in the district to get back into the program helping those it was put in place for. FIRM has fought for years to get our increased building codes recognized by insurance companies. That should be continued and applied. But at the end of the day, one sure-fire way to see some light is to increase the building code to a higher standard.

1. Monroe pays far more in insurance premiums than it gets back in claims. This is an unfair burden on Keys homeowners and it has been for too long. There are multiple potential solutions, such as returning Citizens to a 10% rate cap for homeowners that have a homestead property in the Keys or who use the home to provide long-term rentals for locals, requiring insurers to consider Monroe's high building standards when calculating premiums, and eliminating the 25% surcharge homeowners pay into the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. Reducing these costs for Keys homeowners will be a priority for me in Tallahassee.

2. I obviously spent 10 years in local government, so I understand exactly what smaller communities can do better, and how it impacts the citizens in those communities. Things like vacation rentals are an issue not just here in District 120 but across the state. Monroe County and each municipality have their own set of ordinances that allow for and control rentals. Some are more restrictive and some broader.

Those rules were set up at the local level, so if they are not working then the elected officials and the citizens must meet to address these problems that arise out of the rules in place. There are some at the state level that believe all properties should not be controlled by anyone other than the property. That simply goes against such things as the "right to a quiet and peaceful neighborhood."

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2. Preemption has prevented local efforts to limit vacation rentals Keyswide and moderate cruise ships in Key West. Do you believe local leaders should be able to make decisions that impact their communities? If so, what, specifically, would you do to convince your colleagues in Tallahassee?

2. Local leaders should absolutely be empowered to make decisions to solve local issues. I believe that the people closest to a problem are often also closest to the solution. Convincing my Tallahassee colleagues of this will require relationships based on trust and messaging centered around their priorities. Principles of local control were a mainstay of Republican policy platforms in the past, so I believe appealing to that history may be effective in swaying Republican colleagues. I also believe that colleagues who represent municipalities in their districts should understand and agree with the need to empower, and not limit, local decision-makers.

RHONDA REBMAN LOPEZ Republican President, PECO International Electric

ROBERT ALLEN Republican Painter

ADAM GENTLE Democrat Lawyer

1. The state of Florida desperately needs tort reform. Florida accounts for only 9% of homeowners insurance policies in the United States, but over 70% of homeowners insurance lawsuits. This is simply unacceptable, and the legislature has done the minimum to combat this problem because many in leadership have a vested interest in allowing lawsuits to proceed. We need to end attorney fee multipliers, stop excess litigation, and investigate and prosecute roofing fraud schemes.

1. I don't agree with your statement that the Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders Program is an “action that must be taken.” I know homeowners that did not get money from insurance companies. And using tax money to reduce risk of insurance companies is not the answer. That makes homeowners who get stiffed by insurance companies suffer twice as much. Writing a government check to business will not solve problems because it does not address the root cause of the problem. Focus on the root cause of the problem and you will find the answer.

1. Corruption in our insurance marketplace is a major component of the rising cost of homeowner’s insurance. It has caused competition to decrease, forcing insurance companies out of our market—sending more customers to Citizens. Citizens expects to spend $100 million on litigation this year to fight this fraud and corruption, and this expense is passed directly to us. It must be investigated. Further, one proposal to increase competition and lower costs is to require insurance companies selling auto insurance in Florida to offer homeowner’s insurance. This requirement would increase competition and jump-start the stagnant insurance market.

2. As a principle, I am against preemption in almost every case and support home rule in Monroe and Dade Counties. I believe a government close to the people is best fit to make decisions, and thus many decisions are best left to our local leaders. The best way to convince those in Tallahassee is to remind them that they are meant to be local leaders too, and should be most concerned with the needs and will of the voters of their district, not special interests.

Full answers at keysweekly.com.

2. I am for Home Rule. Rep Jim Mooney (R) voted for House bill 735 which is a preemption that prevents counties from issuing trade licenses in around a dozen trades. Trade licensing, similar to fishing licensing, protects American businesses, the economy and the economic health of the community. When HB 735 prevents counties from issuing trade licenses, they remove the ability for counties to require proof of U.S. citizenship to work in the trades. This forces formerly licensed American business owners to compete with formerly unlicensed business owners. This also increases GRAFT in the industry by allowing every non-U.S. citizen on the planet a state to come to and work without proving citizenship. What would happen if fishing licensing was eliminated? Trade licensing is good for American business owners, good for homeowners and necessary for a strong economy. Home Rule is good for this district, good for the state and good for the economy. Repeal House Bill 735!

2. Our cities are best positioned to take bold action on the issues that affect our lives. State preemption of local law limits local government and does a disservice to our communities. Home Rule is in our Florida Constitution. State preemption often runs afoul of the spirit of Home Rule and our constitutional preference for local government.

I propose we define the scope of preemption available to the state.

Preemption should only be available to the state when uniformity of law across the state is necessary for the health, safety and liberty of Floridians. Otherwise, the local law must stand.

keysweekly.com

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AL KELLEY, JASON SMITH FACE OFF FOR COUNTY JUDGE

Keys Weekly asked both Kelley and Smith the following questions, limited to 100 words (longer answers were summarized to fit word constraints). As the Florida Bar significantly limits what candidates can say publicly during their campaigns, there was some discrepancy on the ability of each candidate to answer all questions.

2. Which Keys judges, if any, would you pattern your role after?

3. Would you foresee this position as your final career destination?

ALBERT KELLEY

JASON SMITH

1. I moved to Key West in 1989 after an internship with the State Attorney’s Office in Lee County where I prosecuted criminal cases. I have since handled criminal defense, business/contract law, landlord/tenant, small claims, and other fields. I’ve spent my career educating others. I served as a professor for St. Leo University (Criminal and Business Law). I have written over 500 legal articles and authored five law books.

I am a Court magistrate, certified mediator, and vicechairman of the Court’s Professionalism Panel. I will use this position to keep educating the public on the judicial process and legal decisions.

1. After graduating from the University of Miami School of Law and practicing at a small Miami firm, I arrived in Key West as an assistant Public Defender.

After almost five years there, I was in private practice with Tegan Slaton and solo practicing in a variety of areas. Throughout my career I have taken to jury trial over 50 felony trials, including capital murder trials.

A few years ago, I returned to the Public Defender's office. My knowledge and skill will enable me to ensure equal justice under the law, which we aspire to in our justice system.

2. I have appeared before every judge that has served in Key West for the last 32 years, as well as Judge Ptomey in Plantation and Judge Becker in Marathon.

While I have not been before them, I have known Judge Garcia and Judge Hamilton since before they were judges. I have learned from all of these judges and rather than pattern myself after any one of them, my style will be my own, based on the teachings of all of them.

3. Yes. I believe that the County Court is the most important part of our judicial system. We call it the “people’s court” for a reason. The County Court handles 10 times as many civil cases and four times as many criminal cases as the Circuit Court. Often, the people in County Court are unrepresented and don’t understand the system. Judges are in the unique position of explaining the law fairly and without bias.

Full answers at keysweekly.com.

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1. What is your background here in the Keys, and why have you chosen to run?

2. As I am seeking the seat now occupied by Judge Peary Fowler, what I have learned from her is to treat all with dignity and respect. From Judge Jones, I have learned consistency, dedication and compassion.

From Judge Wilson and former Judges Audlin Gomez and Fowler, a fierce intelligence. From Judge Payne, I learned the common sense approach of treating everyone fairly with an understanding of our unique community. From former Judge Becker, I learned how to conduct trials with efficiency and intelligence.

From Judge Miller I observed and learned how to conduct court in an efficient manner.

3. Being elected to the position of Monroe County Judge would be the highest honor in my professional life. This is an extension of my commitment to public service. The significance of the work we do is drawing the line between liberty and punishment, the taking of rights and property delivered at the hands of the state.

VOTE TUESDAY AUGUST 23RD!

ROMERO for MAYOR

Margaret

• FIND SOLUTIONS, NOT FAULT • FOCUS ON OUR COMMUNITY’S NEEDS • ENDORSED BY KEY WEST FIRE & RESCUE TEAM

VOTE FOR THE VOICE OF REASON ROMEROFORMAYOR.COM

PAID FOR BY MARGARET ROMERO FOR MAYOR

VO TE! From left to right: Dr. Hector Guzman D.D.S, Dr. David McDonald D.M.D Dr. Natalia Vazquez-Marrero D.M.D and Dr. Oscar Rodriguez D.M.D

Located at 2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West, FL 33040 Phone 305.294.9914 • Fax 305.295.9691 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com keysweekly.com 23

MONROE COUNTY COMMISSION | District 5 Two Republicans are vying for the Monroe County Commission’s District 5 seat representing Tavernier through Ocean Reef. Holly Merrill Raschein, who was chosen by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the seat after the death of then-commissioner Mike Forster, squares off against Key Largo resident Jose Peixoto, who’s previously ran for Congress, Florida House and county commission. The winner of the Aug. 23 primary will go on to take the commission seat.

THE KEYS WEEKLY ASKED 1. Why are you running for Monroe County Commission’s District 5 seat?

2. If elected, what’s the first thing you’d do as county commissioner?

HOLLY MERRILL RASCHEIN Government relations director 1. I have devoted my entire professional career to serving our community and I’m proud to be able to work every day to try and make our community better and our government more efficient. It would be an honor to continue to serve the residents of Monroe County as their county commissioner. I love our Keys!

2. If elected, I’d like to continue focusing on the issues I prioritized during my first term. We need to continue to protect our water quality and unique way of life and we need to keep streamlining and making the process of working with local government easier for residents. “Government is best which is closest to the people.” - Lyndon B. Johnson

JOSE PEIXOTO General housing maintenance 1. Living in Key Largo for over 31 years and working in this community with my wife, Bianca, who’s a Key Largo School Teacher, we have raised three wonderful kids from Key Largo School all the way to college. I am capable and know all the problems we are facing in our community. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to live in this great country being an immigrant from Brazil and having the opportunity to raise my kids with freedom and prosperity. I believe I can bring some improvements and changes to the board of commissioners. I don’t have any ties with big developers, sugarcane daddys, lobbyist groups, big corporations and I’m not career politician. I will work to improve the quality of life for Monroe County residents.

2. If elected, I’d like to review some of the affordable housing projects and contracts because some darkness exists there. All affordable housing projects in the Upper Keys are being used for weekend retreats and not for hardworking Florida Keys people.

I’d like to find the resources to bring metal detectors to schools, and find resources to help our great sheriff to hire more officers. Since we are surrounded by the ocean, we need to help him get money to create a full marine unit. Today, the FWC patrols our shores but there aren’t enough officers and equipment to be every place we need them. Our coral reefs are being destroyed, our mangroves and seagrass forest have been damaged, and our second largest economic resource is the fisheries industry, and they're being hurt when people steal lobster and crabs from their traps. I’d also work with state and federal governments to create a fee to nonresidents of Monroe County to pay when they enter the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which could help destress traffic and bring some money to protect our environment.

Full answers at keysweekly.com.

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ALEXANDRIASUAREZ.ORG

Mother Supports Parental Rights Teacher Fosters Critical & Creative Thinking Attorney Keeps Students Safe

STANDING FOR OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

Paid by Alexandria Suarez for School Board District 5

A Proven Leader for Monroe County School Board

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD | District 1 Keys Weekly asked both candidates

1. Key West & Lower Keys families soon will have a choice of 4 high schools on the island — the traditional public high school, two charter high schools and a Catholic high school. What are the pros and cons of four high schools compet-

ing for teachers, students and funding in a relatively small geographic region?

2. What effect do you see the Parental Rights & Education bill having on the way students are taught?

DARREN HORAN Attorney

GABRIELLE BROWN Foster mother

1. Pros: School Choice. These schools will provide a diverse option for students, parents and teachers. For example, for those that would like a “faith-based” high school education, that will now be available to them. Cons: With limited workforce housing, I fear there won't be enough teachers to go around. Students could be forced to move from school to school depending on which program offers them something for their field of study. For example, one school may have teachers that teach Advanced Placement ("AP") courses, while others may not.

1. Monroe County School District is presented with an opportunity to create three district high schools that each cater to a unique educational track. The community’s input should be considered carefully. A few possibilities include a high school for college-bound students, one for skilled trade & labor, one for general education, one for liberal arts, one for STEM, etc. Other districts employing this strategy are able to attract and retain extremely dedicated teachers that are passionate about their specialty. Yes, this will require additional funds, but I believe the long term benefits to our community outweigh budget concerns.

2. I don't think you’re likely to see much of a change in Monroe County. The Parental Rights in Education bill is simply going to allow parents more input into what their kids are learning. The reality is, the Monroe County School District has been operating in a fashion like this for years.

3. I think the school district has done a great job in keeping our students and teachers safe from serious threats.

Is there room for improvement? Certainly, but we need to continue to work with our local law enforcement agencies to make sure the district has provided our kids and teachers with the best protection we can give them. And, in the event of a threat or perceived threat, the district needs to keep the community updated as information comes in – whether through social media posts or emails to parents or signifi cant others.

Full answers at keysweekly.com.

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3. Are Monroe County schools providing enough security to its students and adequate communication to parents when issues arise? Why or why not?

2. As elected officials, the school board should represent the needs of its community. Parents have the right to be involved in the decision-making process regarding the education of their children. The Parental Rights in Education bill will create greater transparency and input for parents to be involved in the education of their children, including what should be a function of the education system, and what decisions should be the fundamental responsibility and right of parents.

3. While we are fortunate to live in a relatively safe region, there is room for security improvements to be made, and our superintendent is working with the sheriff to make those improvements. Parents have expressed their dissatisfaction with our district schools when it comes to timely communication about ongoing safety issues, and that needs improvement.

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD | District 5

Keys Weekly asked both candidates

Incumbent Dr. Sue Woltanski seeks reelection to the Monroe County School District 5 seat against newcomer Alexandria Suarez. With the race nonpartisan, all voters will be able to pick between the two candidates during the Aug. 23 primary.

1. Are Monroe County schools providing enough safety & security to its students and adequate communication to parents when issues arise?

Why or why not?

SUE WOLTANSKI School board member, retired pediatrician, public education advocate

ALEXANDRIA SUAREZ Monroe County Assistant State Attorney

1. In today’s world, we should never stop focusing on school safety and security. As a board, we have made this a top priority. We are fortunate in Monroe County in that we have a Sheriff, Rick Ramsay, who is actively and diligently involved and concerned with school safety. We must continue to work closely with Sheriff Ramsay, and the Key West Police Department, to ensure school safety. Recent events at Coral Shores highlighted the need for a better crisis communication plan, involving not only district staff but the community as a whole. The safety and security of our schools will require everyone’s attention. A rumor, which was fully investigated and found to be unfounded by law enforcement and school administration, spread on social media and created a panic. Despite the constant reminders to students of “See something, say something,” the rumors swirled on social media and in chat groups without reporting to authorities. Computer glitches kept a scheduled robocall from reaching families with current information. I requested a review of our crisis communication plans at the June 14, 2022 School Board meeting, to address the recent CSHS event and ensure such confusion doesn’t happen again.

2. The teacher shortage, combined with the affordable housing crisis, will be the biggest challenge for Monroe Schools moving forward. Our kids need great teachers in their classrooms. We must continue to invest in teacher compensation and work with local communities to develop affordable housing. Affordable housing, alone, is not the answer because teacher shortages are also occurring in areas where housing is not an issue.

2. What proposal would you bring forth to better attract and retain teachers in the Keys?

1. Generally, Monroe County schools are safe for students and staff but, in the Upper Keys, we learned in May that there is inadequate parental communication in the event of an emergency when Coral Shores High School received a threat and parents found out about it through social media instead of immediate contact from the school administration. Thankfully, the threat turned out to be unsubstantiated but the district must do a better job of altering parents in the event of an emergency. There is no greater asset than our children so school safety and timely communications with parents are issues that need to be a priority. Unlike the other candidate who voted for funding development over strengthening our schools, school safety and security is of equal importance to me when tackling school district issues.

2. As a former teacher who was forced to leave the profession because I could not afford it, I know there are numerous ways to attract and retain quality teachers. First, supporting teacher well-being, teacher engagement (opportunities in and outside the classroom), creating a supportive school climate and monitoring teacher attrition are all cost-free ways to make the Keys school district an attractive place to be an educator. We should reduce the cost of living for teachers while increasing teacher pay. I would advocate for lowering health insurance rates for dependents and better discounts for home or auto insurance. Workforce housing is already in the works but, now, we should work with legislators for possible tax benefits, healthy pensions and any exemptions for teachers. Where available, the district could offer onsite child or afterschool care.

Full answers at keysweekly.com. keysweekly.com 27

KEY WEST MAYOR Salary: $22,500/year The Keys Weekly asked the two mayoral candidates the following three questions:

1. Knowing what you know now, and based on current results, what, if anything, should the city / city commission have done differently with Key West’s cruise ship debate, particularly as it pertains to the privately owned Pier B? What, if any, compromises would you have proposed or supported two years ago, prior to the November 2020 referendums?

2. The Key West community, like the country, has become sharply divided — politically, fi nancially and philosophically.

What has contributed to the divide, and what will you do as mayor to unite the community?

3. Vacation rentals and investment properties are becoming the rule rather than the exception in Key West. As Florida’s election laws do not define legal residency, the owners of such properties often vote here despite living elsewhere. How does this trend affect residents’ decision-making power and priorities? Would you support a 6-month residency requirement for voters, as is required for Homestead exemptions?

Full answers at keysweekly.com.

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TERI JOHNSTON Key West mayor, co-owner of Affiliated Design & Construction Managers 1. Prior to the cruise ship vote, I and senior staff members met numerous times with the industry. Without exception, the industry requested the referendum and vote be canceled. We explained that, no matter what side you supported, this was democracy at its finest. The vote garnered what Florida defines as a “supermajority” win. Ultimately, a compromise was achieved for voters on both sides with only one of three piers docking cruise ships.

2. While we have differing solutions to issues, I don’t see Key West as “sharply divided.” During the 2020 COVID election cycle, 59.5% of residents voted for community balance, progress, environmental stewardship and economic opportunities — in a three-person race! That is not a “sharply divided” community. This is a community that’s growing together during challenging times. I will continue to lead with transparency and equality by reaching out to our entire community, soliciting input and ideas from our bright, engaged citizenry.

3. I’m not sure the data supports that assumption. The commission does not determine Florida residency and no state requires a six-month residency to vote. Taking away the right to vote is unconstitutional. U.S. history includes a time when voting required land ownership. Similarly, blacks and women could not vote. While vacation rentals and investment properties have changed our long-term rental housing availability, this is a licensing and enforcement issue rather than categorizing who gets to call Key West home.

We’re either inclusive or we’re not. We all have a responsibility to showcase Key West as our inclusive community.

MARGARET ROMERO Retired IBM executive consultant 1. I would have had the originators: a.)

Clearly define the problem they sought to solve; b.) Articulate justification for their numbers of limited passengers and disembarkations; c.) Specify their requirements for determining a ship to be safer/cleaner; d.) Understand the existing contract between the City and Pier B owners; e.) Unemotionally present their view why the three items were synergetic.

(There appears to be no industry standards/studies tying a safer, cleaner ship to the number of passengers/disembarkations.) All stakeholders would be brought together to discuss possible options that would not negatively affect the community.

2. Subjective view of what has contributed to the divide:a.) Entitlement and greed; b.) Lack of transparency; c.)

Poor and unclear communication; d.)

Too much hype, not enough facts; e.)

Not looking out for the community as a whole; f.) Favoring splintered factions.

As mayor I will: a.) Think community first; b.) Listen well and communicate clearly; c.) Find solutions; not fault; d.)

Work to restore City Hall and community trust; e.) Lead by example; f.)

Gather facts, evaluate, and decide with reason, not emotion; g.) Work to bring back community values; h.) Serve with integrity, professionalism and respect.

3. The absence of a voting residency requirement appears to enable deception. While many clamor for “local control,” there is much disagreement over what constitutes a “local” for voting purposes. Why should someone have a say, or vote, if they only spend a minority of their time here? Clear requirements should be set and monitored closely. I don’t want my one vote to be watered down. How about you?

THE MAN BEHIND THE CANDIDATE

EDUCATION - Key West High School - Lynn University (BSBA) - Thomas M. Cooley Law School (JD) WORK EXPERIENCE - Partner: Horan Law, LLLP - Co-Owner: On Pointe Restaurant Group, LLC - Horay Restaurant Group, LLC COMMUNITY SERVICE - Take Stock in Children (Mentor) - Board of Directors for the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce - Past Chairman of the Key West Military Affairs Committee - Vice-President of the Southernmost Seminoles Club - Coach (youth sports) ENDORSEMENTS - Governor Ron DeSantis - Key West Fire Fighters Local 1424 - Monroe County IAFF Local 3909 REASONS FOR RUNNING FOR SCHOOL BOARD “I’m running on behalf of all children in Monroe County schools; especially my two kids.”

DARRENHORAN.ORG POLITICAL ADVERTISING PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY DARREN HORAN FOR SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 1

KEY WEST CITY COMMISSION District 4

The Key West city commission District 4 race is the most crowded on the Key West ballot, but will only be decided by voters in that district. Incumbent commissioner Greg Davila isn’t seeking reelection, and four political newcomers want the nonpartisan seat: Ryan Barwick, Lissette Cuervo-Carey, Kim Highsmith and Steven Nekhaila.

Barwick is a former bar employee who is now a wine sales representative. Cuervo-Carey is a lifelong Key West resident who works at the Key West housing authority. Highsmith has worked as a federal background investigator and is a former board member of the nonpartisan voter education group Hometown. Nekhaila owns nine Wendy’s restaurants, including the two in Key West.

We asked each candidate to answer the following three questions in 100 words or fewer 1. Key West’s District 4 contains an interesting mix of longtime local residents and shopping centers that are crucial to locals and tourists.

Would you support or oppose zoning changes that would allow housing to be built atop the shopping plazas?

2. Other than housing, what is the biggest issue facing District 4 residents? And what do you propose to do about it?

RYAN BARWICK Wine sales representative 1. Support. We are in a housing crisis, and this will help in both the short and long term as it will provide much-needed housing for current employees and will help keep housing for our employees in the years to come. We are also talking about the New Town area where we already have apartment buildings that sit higher than the shopping plazas, so building up isn’t the issue. In terms of the look, New Town has been more modern looking, giving it a great contrast to historic Old Town.

2. I believe the biggest issues are Riviera Canal, flooding in the district and beautification. I plan on advocating to have Riviera Canal dredged to remove the muck and garbage off the bottom to help improve water quality. I have been in contact

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3. Vacation rentals are becoming the rule rather than the exception in Key West. As Florida’s election laws do not define legal residency, the owners of such properties often vote here despite living elsewhere. How does this affect residents’ decision-making power and priorities in Key West? Would you support a 6-month residency requirement for voters, as is required for Homestead exemptions?

with city personnel about what can be done about the flooding in certain parts of the district and potential new storm drainage technology. Beautifi cation would include cleaning up our small green spaces and medians, addressing the overflow parking issue, and cleaning up the sidewalks.

3. I support a 6-month residency requirement to vote, but the bigger issue is enforcement. We don’t have enough code officers to enforce our laws and our police department is understaffed.

I also believe this is a state issue and we should be working with our state representatives on this solution. Another way to ensure our workforce’s voice is heard is to allow those who work in the city but live in the county to vote. Every decision Key West government makes affects them and their employers.

Full answers at keysweekly.com.

LISSETTE CUERVO CAREY Administration coordinator, Key West Housing Authority 1. I would support zoning changes that would allow for housing atop the shopping plazas to increase our affordable housing stock. However, residents living behind these shopping centers and in surrounding neighborhoods would need to be polled to address their concerns. It stands to reason that this type of housing would decrease traffic, if those who work in these commercial areas live in it. It would allow minimal commute times, improving workers’ quality of life.

2. District 4 is comprised of mostly local working families with a dense senior population. Better accessibility and use of green spaces, reducing congestion and traffic, better and safer commuting options and providing opportunities for residents to voice their needs and opinions are all big issues facing District 4 residents. Our pocket parks on Flagler Avenue can use more shade, and recreational or passive recreation instruments like swings, shade or benches….

I would consider looking at a 6-month residency requirement for voters, as is required for Homestead exemptions. I feel strongly that the residents who live here and face the daily challenges of our island should be choosing the leadership that represents them. As a lifelong resident of Key West and having lived in my neighborhood almost my entire life, I have a deeper understanding of current and historical characteristics of my district, the true makeup of its residents and the challenges that affect my district with a lifetime of experience to thoughtfully address those challenges.

KIM HIGHSMITH Federal background investigator

STEVEN NEKHAILA Restaurant/business owner

1. I absolutely support zoning changes to allow housing atop the shopping plazas. Affordable housing has been a serious issue for far too long. Given the extraordinary rise in home prices, it has become a clear and present existential threat to life on the island as we know it. In addition to controlling the proliferation of short-term rentals in our neighborhoods, we need to increase our overall housing stock.

Building housing atop the shopping plazas can be part of the solution.

1. I advocate for mixed-use commercial/residential. Smart urban planning and development is a lost art that we need to implement. Allowing vertical residential units on top of commercial will allow workers to commute and shop without creating traffic. It is an attractive option for businesses to fund their workforce housing and does not require any additional footprint or utility integration. Increased supply ultimately means lower rent as demand gets satisfied.

2. Our biggest issue is infrastructure.

We need more bike paths, green spaces, safer sidewalks and better surface drainage. The effects of sea level rise are evident when King Tides flood our streets and businesses. The City could explore temporary, low-maintenance solutions such as geo-tubing and water-infl ated barriers. I’d also like to see convex traffic mirrors at intersections where visibility is frequently blocked by parked cars, within neighborhoods and along Flagler Avenue, so it’s safer for drivers and bicyclists to pull out or cross the street.

2. The biggest issue is the cost of living, especially when it comes to rent and energy. District 4 includes workers to business owners. We have a diverse district, but our common denominator is cost of living. We are locked into expensive municipal energy contracts with the Florida Municipal Power Agency for 30 years. With the cost of natural gas rising and the cost of solar lowering there may be an opportunity to encourage solar at the local level. The city can encourage solar through an expedited permit process, tax credits and group buys to make it a more affordable option, especially on new developments.

3. I am not in favor of limiting the right to vote. We have robust local elections, with widespread community interest and involvement. The passage of the three Safer Cleaner Ships referendums in 2020, by wide margins in every city district, indicates that our elections still reflect the will of the people who live here. However, I don’t think this would be a city issue. It would be the state or county Supervisor of Elections.

3. I would support a 6-month residency requirement, although it should be slightly higher. Many residents of states such as New York avoid hefty state taxes by residing in Florida more than six months. When people who have no skin in the game here besides residency make decisions, we get laws and regulations that only benefit them. If we do not like Tallahassee and DC making our decisions for us, why should we be okay with out-of-staters doing the same? keysweekly.com

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MARATHON CITY COUNCIL TO UNDERGO NEAR-COMPLETE OVERHAUL FOUR OF FIVE SEATS ARE UP FOR GRABS IN 2022

By Alex Rickert It’s a big year for turnover on the Marathon City Council.

With the unexpected resignation of councilman Trevor Wofsey in January, the 2022 general election will now decide four open council seats instead of three. So far, nine candidates have filed, with more possibly on the way – official qualifying for the race runs from Aug. 2-9.

Two voter referendums on August’s primary ballot will have significant impacts on the race, as they could potentially change both the term lengths and election pattern for the open seats.

One potential amendment to the city’s charter would change the term of office for council members from three to four years, extending the total term limit to eight years.

A second amendment would attempt to prevent grossly uneven turnover on the dais by ensuring that the five total seats would always be up for re-election in groups of two or three. If this amendment is approved, the candidate who receives the fewest votes out of the four council members elected this November would serve a shorter term, if necessary, to line up with the expiration of councilman Luis Gonzalez’s current term.

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James “Mike” Leonard is a 42-year resident of the Keys and the current CEO of Marathon Shores, LLC, an investment banking firm. Calling an explosion of growth in Marathon “out of control” over the last five years, he plans to pursue an independent report evaluating Marathon’s infrastructure, as well as a proposed “Marathon Housing and Finance Authority” to tackle the ongoing housing issues for Marathon residents.

Coral ecologist Kevin Macaulay says the city of Marathon, like the coral reefs he has devoted himself to protecting and restoring, requires “knowledgeable, resourceful and responsible stewardship.” As a 36-yearold working class resident, Macaulay says he would bring an underrepresented voice to the table, where he plans to focus on development regulation and increased investment in public and natural resources to restore Marathon’s sense of community and defend the environment on which the Keys economy depends.

Welder, fabricator and real estate agent Kenny Matlock was born and raised in Marathon. If elected, he intends to eliminate “wasteful spending” in day-to-day city operations. Though much of Marathon’s vacation rental issues are state-controlled, Matlock intends to add to current code enforcement efforts and explore avenues to make the BPAS system more palatable for local families looking to build a home. “I believe we need a council that stands up for locals and fights for them against corruption,” he said.

Wayne Quarberg first came to the Keys in 1979. He is the owner of SCUBA supplier Ocean Equipment in Marathon, which he started in 1981. He lists restoration of Marathon’s community feel as his top priority, saying that “catering to big money developers and investors from outside our city has destroyed Marathon as a hometown. … I am running to be the voice for all the people of Marathon and bring back our hometown community.”

Royal Furniture General Manager Jeff Smith is a 45-year Marathon resident who grew up on Grassy Key and has served in leadership roles for many community organizations and government committees. With expertise in economics, finance and executive management, Smith believes Marathon would benefit from greater fiscal oversight and “thorough financial analysis behind policy decisions.” In addition, he believes that his economics background and experience in the affordable housing

R arena and planning commission provides a foundation to advocate for policies to stem the effects of vacation rentals.

Incumbent Robyn Still is seeking re-election after her appointment to the council in February. A resident of Marathon since 2016, Still and her husband became co-owners of The Tackle Box in Marathon following Robyn’s 22-year career in law enforcement. Eager to “hit the ground running” after her previous service, Still says she plans to continue the battle for home rule and explore incentive programs to provide childcare credits and more long-term rental housing for Marathon’s workforce.

Richard Tamborrino arrived in the Keys in 2013 and has served as the publisher for four Keys newspapers. He hopes to bring his experience running large businesses in the Keys over to the dais, ensuring fiscal accountability and an open and accessible city government. “I view this as an extension of my public service work for the newspapers,” he said. “As a retired Keys businessperson, I can provide residents with responsible and thoughtful representation.”

Ingrid Tyree, a 3 ½-year resident of Marathon after living in the islands on and off for 16 years, says she is running for a council seat to bring “transparency, truth and common sense to our community.” Known in Marathon for her dedication to helping the homeless, children and economically challenged individuals with personal assistance initiatives, Tyree intends to pursue more frequent and open communication with citizens by recommending additional council meetings and open town hall forums.

Nine-year planning commission veteran Lynn Landry is the latest candidate to declare for the race. Though Keys Weekly was able to catch up with him only briefly before this magazine went to print, Landry has worked in the construction industry for more than 30 years after earning a degree in business administration. “I’m running because I care about the city and its future,” he said.

Look for additional candidate questionnaires in upcoming editions of the Marathon Weekly.

T

EC

L E-E

SUE

HEIM

Key Largo Wastewater Board for

Fiscal Conservative Lowered Rates by 15% Proven Leadership I introduced the change in District policy eliminating the monthly base charge for qualified seniors and veterans.

I have 30-plus years of management and customer service experience.

I make informed and reasoned decisions; my end game - highest level customer service and efficient District operations.

305-509-0180 | sueheimkeylargo@gmail.com Paid for by Sue Heim for Key Largo Wastewater Board

All Content is Approved and Paid by David Webb

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ISLAMORADA VILLAGE COUNCIL FIVE SEATS UP FOR GRABS Spanning a series of islands, the village of Islamorada is known for being the “Sportfishing Capital of the World” and its iconic lighthouse at Alligator Reef. In the village’s backyard sits the Everglades, and offshore are many iconic reefs fighting to come back.

In the heart of Islamorada off Overseas Highway sit a number of businesses from salons and art galleries to restaurants and marinas.

And within the village of islands sit parks and beaches worth exploring.

But there are challenges facing the village in a time that welcomes a new manager in Ted Yates. Building permits are dwindling, traffic through Islamorada continues to affect residents’ quality of life and plans surrounding the Fills and the former Island Silver & Spice building remain a work in progress.

Five village council seats are up for grabs in this year’s November general election. A total of 12 candidates, five incumbents and seven challengers, have thrown their name into the hat so far for the five seats. Official qualifying begins Aug. 9 and lasts through Aug. 16.

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Pete Bacheler

Sue Miller

Angel Borden

SEAT 1 A three-person race for Seat 1 will see incumbent and current Mayor Pete Bacheler and challengers Sue Miller and Angel Borden. Bacheler, 74, has been a private land use planner in the village for 35 years.

He was formerly chairman of the village Land Planning Agency for five years before he was elected to the council in 2020. Borden, 60, has lived full time in Islamorada for 12 years. She’s a businesswoman and owner of a kayak rental company.

Borden said she entered the race due to her frustration levels exploding over ongoing issues neglected in the village for the past five to 10 years. Miller, 78, is a retired Islamorada real estate broker and computer programmer. A resident of 41 years, Miller entered the race to provide more opportunity for residents to be heard. Miller said the residents and existing businesses are the heart and soul of Islamorada, yet they often have needs and expectations that aren’t met.

Mark Gregg

Mary Barley

SEAT 2 A contest for seat 2 will see incumbent Mark Gregg against Mary Barley. Gregg, 63, is a semi-retired real estate attorney who’s called Islamorada home for the last 35 years. He was first elected to the council from 2000 to 2004. In that time he was selected as mayor and vice mayor. He’s also served on the Islamorada Land Planning Agency and the achievable housing committee. He was then elected in 2020.

Barley, 76, has been a resident of Islamorada since 1998 and a frequent visitor since the 1970s. She was the former chairwoman of The Everglades Trust who devoted much of her time to driving Everglades and Florida Bay restoration. Barley said she has experience moving government agencies, citizens, elected officials and others to do the right thing. More importantly, Barley said she excels in ensuring projects and policy are implemented correctly.

Buddy Pinder

Elizabeth Jolin

Henry Rosenthal

SEAT 3 The race for seat 3 pits incumbent and former mayor Buddy Pinder against newcomer Elizabeth Jolin. Pinder, 65, is an underground utilities contractor who’s lived in the Keys most of his life. Pinder, who was elected to the council in 2020, said he hopes to continue fostering unity and harmony in the village, and to be sensitive to the needs of all residents and business.

He said the village’s focus should be making decisions that benefit all residents, and not so myopic that the village loses sight that “we are a diverse community.” Jolin has called Islamorada home for the past 25 years.

Captain of Bay and Reef Company and a real estate agent, Jolin said Islamorada must control growth, establish legitimate pathways to civic engagement where the voice of citizens are heard and envision a future that ensures worthy, middle-way employment, ample bonefish and crystal clear water. Jolin said she functions with integrity and commitment to fairness.

Casey Watkins

David Webb

SEAT 4 In the race for Seat 4, incumbent and current Vice Mayor Henry Rosenthal will see a challenger in Casey Watkins. Rosenthal has lived in the village for the last 57 years. Rosenthal, who entered the council in 2020, said he took on the project of pulling the plug on the walkover bridge near Founders Park that the Florida Department of Transportation was looking to construct. He also was successful in securing $50,000 in Christmas decorations last year. On the other side, Watkins, 40, is a 4-year resident of Islamorada. A managing partner of Starbucks, Watkins said he’s excited to help build and become part of the team leading Islamorada in sustaining an incredible ecosystem, guide the village forward in its long-term mission and develop open communication and transparency between neighbors and governing officials.

Tom Raffanelo

Sharon Mahoney

SEAT 5 The race for seat 5 will see incumbent David Webb and challengers Tom Raffanelo and Sharon Mahoney. Webb, 70, is a retired FedEx captain who was elected to the council in 2020. Webb said he experienced a steep learning curve and believes he is now in an even better position to help address the significant challenges the community will face in the next few years.

Mahoney, 65, is the owner of Enchanted Florist. A resident of the village for 50 years, Mahoney wants to try and keep what she has known and loved her whole life for the younger generations to have the memories she holds.

Mahoney said moving back home in the early ’90s after college really opened her eyes to the change. Rafanello, 74, is a retired drug enforcement special agent in charge. He said the village council seems to have forgotten that they serve the residents, and that the voice of the residents should be their priority. Rafanello said he wants to bring his skills to the Islamorada Village Council, as it cries out for an infusion of leadership, competence and accountability.

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KEY COLONY BEACH CITY COMMISSION The Key Colony Beach City Commission race will leave out just one candidate, as three have qualified to vie for the two open seats on the commission. Incumbent Secretary-Treasurer John DeNeale, commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey will seek re-election along with current code enforcement board member Freddie Foster. The four-year term carries an annual salary of $13,604.13 ($16,735 if any eventually become mayor). We asked each candidate four questions to answer in 100 words or less. Selected responses are below,

2. What is the largest issue facing KCB's citizens, and how can you aid in pursuit of a solution?

BETH RAMSAY-VICKREY

JOHN DENEALE

FREDDIE FOSTER

1. I am a currently seated Key Colony Beach City Commissioner, and I am running to retain my seat because protecting Key Colony Beach’s special sense of community and ensuring that Key Colony Beach stays the wonderful gem it is is my #1 priority! I’m a long-time Monroe County resident who grew up, and went to school, right next door in Marathon.

I have found my forever home in Key Colony Beach; it is truly a special place where community comes first. I’ve been actively engaged in Monroe County government and politics, crafting legislation and setting policy for the past 16+ years.

1. I retired from the U.S. Navy and moved to KCB in 2005, a place that my wife Susan and I had vacationed during our careers. We graduated from the University of Florida before serving in the Navy for over 22 years. We have always been supporters of our community, so helping our neighbors by serving our city comes naturally to us. My first term in office was in 2010 and I have been helping in our city since. I am a graduate of Leadership Monroe County, class XIX. KCB is our family and friends.

1. My wife Cheryl and I have been married for 45 years and have two sons, eight grandkids, and one greatgrandson. We made many trips to the keys in search of our retirement home and in 2011 we found it in Key Colony Beach. I’ve served as Chair of the Utility Board and currently as an alternate on the Code Enforcement Board. I am running for the City Commission to ensure our quality of life continues. I believe that it’s crucial to communicate with neighbors, listen to opinions, volunteer on a committee, or, as I have chosen, run for a commission seat.

2. As with our Keys neighbors, vacation rentals, FEMA, flood maps, insurance, hurricanes, and storm hardening remain on the top of the list. I hope to aid in solutions through networking, lobbying, and the pursuit of grant monies to help address these county-wide issues. Of particular concern to our KCB residents are rebuilding City Hall and issues with our post office (staffing, relocation and continued operations).

Full answers at keysweekly.com.

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1. What is your background here in the Keys, and why have you chosen to run for the City Commission?

2. Global Warming and associated sea level rise present many challenges for KCB and the Keys. First, we must work with the county and state to ensure we can safely evacuate in the face of storm flooding.

Secondly, we want to update our land development regulations to support renovations and reconstruction in the face of new FEMA flood maps. Third, we must protect our infrastructure and environment to ensure resiliency.

2. Rapid growth is affecting how Key Colony Beach is evolving. We are faced with the fallout of Hurricane Irma, rising insurance rates, changes in building codes, and property development. The commission must ensure these forces are not burdening residents and homeowners with additional expenses or degrading the quality of life. Many homes are being purchased by nonresident investors seeking appreciation and rental income. They now make up approximately 68% of the KCB population.

Republican primary election candidates Representative in Congress District 28 l Carlos Garin l Carlos A. Gimenez l Karl “KW” Miller

The

REPUBLICAN PARTY of Monroe County

Commissioner of Agriculture

W E WA N T Y O U ! Volunteer with us: making

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phone calls, door knocking, envelope stuffing, event prep, poll worker/watcher, Get Out The Vote efforts, last-minute Election Day tasks... and much more!

State Representative District 120 l Robert Scott Allen l Rhonda Rebman Lopez l James “Jim” V. Mooney Jr

Get connected today - call Nick at 305-852-9292 or email antonia.shusta@keysgop.com

County Commissioner District 5

DO YOU CARE

l Jose Peixoto l Holly Merrill Raschein

about

School Board Member District 1

Secure ecure borders?

Parental rights in education?

A strong economy?

Healthy and clean water?

l Gabrielle Brown l Darren M. Horan

VOTE REPUBLICAN!

School Board Member District 5

Elect Republican

!

l Alexandria Suarez

M

Vote August 23rd!

UpperKeysGOP

M

Transparent government?

Religious liberty?

Tax cuts for all?

Non-activist judges?

MiddleKeys Republican Club

Alexandria Suarez

Monroe County School Board, District 5

M

Southernmost Republican Club

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fo llow yo ur lo c al re pu b l i c a n cl u b on soc ia l m e d ia , t oo !

WWW.KEYSGOP.COM P o l i t i c a l a d v e r t i s e m e n t pa i d f o r b y t h e R e p u b l i c a n Pa r t y o f M o n r o e C o u n t y , 9 1 6 4 5 O v e r s e a s H i g h way , Tav e r n i e r , F l o r i d a 3 3 0 7 0

KEY LARGO WASTEWATER TREATMENT DISTRICT Five candidates will vie for three seats on the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District this November. The election of the board of commissioners is nonpartisan and is held every two years to create staggered four-year terms.

TIM MALONEY Retired Publix Super Markets district manager, Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District (KLWTD) board member 1. I am currently a Commissioner on the Board of Key Largo Wastewater District and enjoy representing our community and working with the team at the District.

I look forward to continuing my service to the community we support.

2. I am proud to be a current Board Member for Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District. My background in customer service, human resources, finance and budgeting, and the business industry, along with my history of community involvement, will support the growth of the organization and represent the associates of KLWTD. I was born and raised in Key Largo and attended Island Christian School for many years; I graduated from Coral Shores High School. After graduation, I left the Keys and started my career with Publix Supermarkets. I returned to Key Largo 11 years ago as a district manager with Publix Super Markets and then after 33 years of a great career, I retired four years ago. I have served on various boards in the past such as United Way of St. Lucie County, Okeechobee County, Palm Beach County, and Monroe County. I was on the Board of Directors for Mustard Seed Ministries in St. Lucie County which supported many soup kitchens and a plethora of needs in the community. I serve on the board of KLWTD to give back to the community I grew up in, support the needs of our county, and represent our residents.

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The Keys Weekly asked the candidates the following questions (Andy Tobin didn’t provide responses in time for publication):

1. Why did you decide to throw your name into the hat for the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District?

2. What can you bring to the board, if elected?

MARIAN “MARINA” ERNSBERGE Business administration 1. Our local environment deserves better. Currently 2.5 million gallons of treated water is injected into the ground in Key Largo each day. Harmful chemicals and pharmaceuticals are found in treated water. In a recent angling magazine article, a lead research scientist interviewed found pharmaceutical contaminant levels in fish that were studied to be alarming. It’s clear that our waterways are suffering and it’s time that the KLWTD board invests in a process to remove all chemicals and pharmaceuticals from treated water. The idea seems insurmountable and expensive but our current wastewater board has plans to spend $7.5 million on equipment to monitor and notify KLWTD of issues that come up from time to time with individual customers’ equipment. Our community doesn’t need expensive monitoring equipment to notify KLWTD when Joe citizen’s location has an issue. Presently issues are addressed when a customer calls into dispatch — a tech is sent out the same day.

2. My seat and vote on the board will count for the environment rather than the status quo. There is too much apathy on a board where every vote is 5-0. The board needs diversity and I will challenge them to seek out the science needed to provide our community with a higher quality treated water. It appears that this board has become a complacent bureaucracy spending money on a whim, and that needs to change. KLWTD board members should know that they are stewards of our environment, they should be investing in science and investigating innovative ways to make pumping treated wastewater into the ground a thing of the past.

ROBERT MAJESKA Key Largo business owner 1. In 2008 I was appalled by the high cost that the Key Largo residents and businesses were having to pay to build and hook up to a central sewer system. The business owners and homeowners had to borrow 78 million dollars to comply with this unfunded state mandate. I decided that we needed some local business owners on the board, to examine expenses and oversee the spending of taxpayer dollars. For the next 10 years I served as a commissioner on the wastewater board. Then when I ran for the Key Largo County Commissioner seat I was required to resign as wastewater commissioner. Since then, there have been several openings on the wastewater board. But instead of allowing me back on the board the current commissioners have chosen unelected political allies to the wastewater board. I am now hoping that the Key Largo voters will remember how I served them honestly and will reelect me, Robby Majeska, to the Key Largo Wastewater Board on Nov. 8.

2. First of all, there currently is not a single Key Largo business owner on this board. The current board is made up of a lot of political appointees, not commissioners voted in to represent you, the voters. My goal has always been to make this a cost efficient, state-of-the-art wastewater system. My history with the construction and financing of our system from the beginnings is of great importance. The Key Largo Wastewater System was built by the citizens of Key Largo, and it needs to stay in our possession. This system is valued at over 135 million dollars, has 24 million dollars sitting in the bank, and makes almost 5 million dollars a year in profit. We cannot let this system be taken away from Key Largo ownership. There are several problems that need to be addressed. Simply lowering your wastewater bills, as a political gimmick, is not what we need. I believe that we should remodel the Key Largo Wastewater District after the great example of the Electric Co-Op. Owned by its ratepayers and rebating excess funds back to them on a biannual basis. Please support me in bringing the Key Largo Wastewater District back under the control of its ratepayers and voters.

SUE HEIM Retired, Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District (KLWTD) board member, Tavernier Volunteer Fire Department volunteer, USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 13-8 volunteer 1. I started following KLWTD in 2006 while it was in the process of constructing the Island of Key Largo’s central sewer system. I became an advocate for customers who were concerned that their properties were wrongly assessed and/or classified. In 2015, I decided to run for the Wastewater District Board at the urging of a number of friends and colleagues, including former District Board member, Charles Brooks. I ran because I wanted to use my skills (30 years office management experience) to help the District transition from construction mode to fully functioning professional wastewater utility. Now we are there I have turned my attention to ensuring that our customers receive the highest level of service at the lowest cost. I am proud of the role I played in accomplishing what no other Monroe County utility has done; reduced customer utility rates by 15%. Another customer service policy change I proposed and the Board passed, is the elimination of the monthly base charge for qualified seniors and veterans. During my term, the Wastewater District completed a state-of-the art solar energy project that has slashed the District’s utility bills at no cost to our customers. I threw my hat into the ring because I don’t intend to stop there.

2. I bring: - My fiscal conservative instincts. Because I do not believe in empire building or re-inventing the wheel, financial decisions receive critical analysis.

- My research skills, which allow me to make informed and reasoned decisions. I am proud of my reputation for attention to detail and consideration of all the facts before taking action.

- My familiarity with the issues, history, and staff of the District, and my ability to provide continuity to keep projects and initiatives moving. I want to continue to make a difference.

- My deep commitment to protecting and improving the Keys fragile, unique environment is also evidenced by my position on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program steering committee.

Full answers at keysweekly.com. keysweekly.com 39

•

13-year resident of Islamorada

•

34-year DEA Special Agent

•

20 years Executive Management Experience

•

Former Congressional Liaison, US Congress

•

Fiscal Conservative

•

Supports Controlled Growth

•

Decision Maker

I will listen to residents/families and be their voice. It’s time!

ELECT TOM RAFFANELLO ISLAMORADA VILLAGE COUNCIL – SEAT 5 TOMFORISLAMORADA@GMAIL.COM

Paid for by Tom Raffanello, Candidate for Islamorada Village Council, Seat 5 40

NEW/MOVED POLLING PLACES

PRIMARY ELECTION AUG 23 EARLY VOTING

PREC. #1 KEY WEST Elks Lodge #551 3825 Flagler Avenue (end of Flagler)

Aug 8 - Aug 20 | 8:30 - 5:00

PREC. #25 ISLAMORADA Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy

GENERAL ELECTION NOV 8 EARLY VOTING Oct 24 - Nov 5 | 8:30 - 5:00

Prec. #30/#31 KEY LARGO Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Hwy Prec. #32/#33 KEY LARGO The College of the Florida Keys, 106040 Overseas Hwy Scan for a complete list of polling places.

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS Supervisor of Elections Offices 530 Whitehead St #101, 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

2022 Key Colony Beach polling place will be located at the KCB Golf Pro Shop 440 – 8th Street

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

WHERE TO VOTE? PRECINCTS OF MONROE COUNTY • Precinct 1: Elks Lodge, 3201 Flagler Ave., Key West

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

• Precinct 26: Immanuel Lutheran Church Tavernier, 108 Ocean Drive

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

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

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

• Precinct 3: Key West High School Auditorium

• Precinct 15: First Baptist Church, 300 Key Deer Blvd., Big Pine (Summerland voters)

• Precinct 28: Key Largo Civic Club, 209 Ocean Bay Drive

• Precinct 4: Martin Luther King Pool, 300 Catherine St., Key West

• Precinct 16: First Baptist Church Big Pine Key

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

• Precinct 17: Big Pine Community Park Center, 31009 Atlantis

• Precinct 6: Gato Building, 1st floor, 1100 Simonton St., Key West

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

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

• Precinct 19: 1st Baptist Church of Marathon, 200 62nd St., ocean

• Precinct 8: Glad Tiding Tabernacle, 1209 United St., Key West

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

• Precinct 9: Key West Public Works, 3420 Northside Dr., Key West

• Precinct 21: Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Hwy.

• Precinct 10: Public Works Department, 3420 Northside Dr., Key West • Precinct 11: Bernstein Park, 6751 5th St., Stock Island • Precinct 12: Big Coppitt Fire Station, 28 Emerald Drive, Big Coppitt Key

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• Precinct 22: Key Colony Beach City Hall, 600 W. Ocean Drive • Precinct 23: Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Hwy. • Precinct 24: Islamorada Branch Library, 81500 Overseas Hwy. • Precinct 25: Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada

• Precinct 29: Key Largo Civic Club, 209 Ocean Bay Dr. • Precinct 30: Monroe County Library, Key Largo, 101485 Overseas Hwy. • Precinct 31: Monroe County Library, Key Largo, 101485 Overseas Hwy. • Precinct 32: Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo • Precinct 33: The Academy at Ocean Reef, 395 South Harbor Dr., Key Largo

Paid for and approved by Robby Majeska for KLWTD

MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD REFERENDUM Renewing operational funding On Aug. 23, the Monroe County School District will be issuing a referendum to the voters seeking authorization for the district to continue its reduced millage for capital projects, making a proportional amount available for operating expenses. While this referendum has historically been issued to residents as two separate votes, new legislation from the State of Florida requires that the District issue them together this year.

ATTENTION KEY LARGO VOTERS: Remember me?

Some points to consider when voting on the referendum: Approval of this referendum has and will continue to represent NO tax millage rate increase to property owners.

Since 2004, the voters of Monroe County have approved renewal of ‘Flexible-Funding,’ which results in no tax increase to residents. The Monroe County School District reduces non-voted capital millage by an amount equivalent to the operational millage approved by the voters.

Flexible Funding provides for competitive teacher salaries which allows the district to hire and retain great teachers. It also allows the district to fund other critical positions necessary to provide the best educational opportunity for our children.

In addition to Flexible Funding, this referendum also includes renewal of 0.0625 mills for the hiring of safe-schools officers required by Florida law since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting in 2018.

Approval of this referendum will allow the school district to continue to provide a high quality education and a safe learning environment to the students of Monroe County.

If you vote to approve this referendum in August, these funds will not expire until December 31, 2026.

If this does not pass, the district would lose $24 million that equates to approximately 220 positions.

ROBBY MAJESKA

For 10 years I was your "Number Two Man" -I worked hard to lower the costs of the Key Largo Wastewater System.

-Currently, there are NO Business owners on this board, and I want to return to the Board so that we can retain ownership and lower rates.

VOTE NOVEMBER 8th ROBBY MAJESKA KEY LARGO WASTEWATER TREATMENT DISTRICT Paid for and approved for by Robby Majeska for KLWTD

keysweekly.com 43

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“The flood of money that gushes into politics today is a pollution of democracy.”

— Theodore White, political journalist

“Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.”

— Aristotle

“Bad politicians are sent to Washington by good people who don't vote.”

— William E. Simon, American business & U.S. secretary of the Treasury

“To lodge all power in one party and keep it there is to insure bad government and the sure and gradual deterioration of the public morals.”

— Mark Twain, author, satirist

“Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” — John F. Kennedy

“A healthy democracy requires a decent society; it requires that we are honorable, generous, tolerant and respectful.”

— Charles W. Pickering, American attorney, politician and judge

“We have, I fear, confused power with greatness.”

— Stewart Udall, former congressman & Secretary of the Interior

“I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man's reasoning powers are not above the monkey's.”

— Mark Twain

“There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle.”

— Alexis de Tocqueville, 17th century French aristocrat

“When politics enter into municipal government, nothing resulting therefrom in the way of crimes and infamies is then incredible. It actually enables one to accept and believe the impossible…”

— Mark Twain

“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.”

— Ernest Benn, British writer

“Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong.”

— Richard Armour, American writer

WE ARE

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 15 YEARS UPPER KEYS

DISTRIBUTED KEYSWIDE

WITHOUT A CHALLENGE THESE OFFICIALS WERE ELECTED WITHOUT OPPOSITION Several races in the Florida Keys saw no challengers stepping forward. As a result, these officials will go on to represent the following seats and districts.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE Ana Maria Rodriguez (R) MONROE COUNTY COMMISSION District 2: Michelle Coldiron (R) District 3: Jim Scholl (R) District 4: David Rice (R) MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD District 4: John Dick (Non)

TROPICAL LIVING MAGAZINES (over 30 magazines annually)

FLORIDA KEYS MOSQUITO CONTROL BOARD District 2: Phil Goodman (R) District 5: Tom McDonald (R) MONROE COUNTY JUDGE Group 3: Sharon Hamilton (Non)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

THE BEST OF MARATHON THE BUBBAS - Key West People’s Choice

PREFERRED PROGRAM PARTNER OF: MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL / KEYSTOCK OCEANFEST / KEY WEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS and many more…

A HOMETOWN PAPER YOU CAN BE PROUD TO CALL YOUR OWN Key West 5450 MacDonald Ave, Suite 5 305.453.6928

Marathon 9709 Overseas Highway 305.743.0844

Tavernier 91760 Overseas Highway 305.363.2957

www.keysweekly.com 46

KEY LARGO FIRE & EMERGENCY MEDICAL BOARD Seat 2: Frank Conklin (Non) Seat 4: George Mirabella (Non) LAYTON MAYOR Bruce Halle (Non) CITY OF LAYTON Seat 2: Phillip Porter (Non) Seat 4: Cynthia Lewis (Non) KEY WEST CITY COMMISSION District 2: Sam Kaufman (Non) District 5: Mary Lou Hoover (Non) KEY WEST UTILITY BOARD Seat A: Mona Clark (Non) Seat B: Steven S. Wells Sr. (Non) Seat D: Robert Barrios (Non)

I am honored to represent District 4 on the Monroe County School Board for the next 4 years.

OPEN DAILY

Ice Cream • Cupcakes • Desserts Award Winning Key Lime Pie GIFT SHOP: TOYS, GIFTS, BOOKS & CANDY CUSTOM CAKES: WEDDINGS, SHOWERS & BIRTHDAYS

8919 OVERSEAS HWY IN THE SOUTHWIND PLAZA

VOTE YES

AUGUST 23RD FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD REFERENDUM!

SWEETSAVANNAHS.COM 305-743-3131 Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by John Dick, Monroe County School Board, District

CANDIDATE EVENTS HOSTED BY

Wed, Aug. 17

6-8 p.m.

Rooftop Sandbar at Whale Harbor, Islamorada

Wed, Oct. 19

5-9 p.m.

Islamorada location TBD

Meet the Candidates + Networking Night Register at UpperKeysBPW.org $25 BPW members / $30 non-members

Upper Keys BPW Political Forum Save the Date!

Details coming soon at UpperKeysBPW.org

Contact bpwpublicpolicy@gmail.com for advertising opportunities.

Supporting and Inspiring Women Professionally, Personally and Politically.

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