Marathon resident and businessman Steve Cook is running for Marathon City Council.
“There is a lot of good happening in town right now,” Cook said. “I want to help strike a balance between the tourism industry and our community. We need to figure out how to make ‘us’ and ‘them’ into ’we.’”
Since moving to the Keys 13 years ago from St. Louis, Missouri, Cook and his wife Shelia built an oceanfront home called “The Bait Shack” they have loaned to various organizations for fundraising events.
In 2012, the couple founded The Art Studio.
Cook is active with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, serving as a flotilla commander and divisions operations officer. He is also a member of the Marathon Rotary Club, Monroe Marauders and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
“There is a lot of talk about Marathon becoming the center of the Keys,” Cook said. “I want to be part of a group that will shape where we are going.”