Four people have applied — so far — to fill the Key West city commission seat left empty by the Nov. 19 death of Mary Lou Hoover, who had represented District 5 since 2018. The appointed interim commissioner will serve until the Aug. 18 election, which thus far has drawn two declared candidates, neither of whom had applied for the interim appointment as of Wednesday, Nov. 26.
As of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the city clerk’s office had received and posted applications from former city commissioner Harry Bethel, former city commissioner Margaret Romero, former senior deputy city clerk Sue Harrison and clinical psychologist Fred Covan.
The application period is open until 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28. The seated commissioners and mayor will vote to appoint Hoover’s interim successor at the Tuesday, Dec. 2 city commission meeting.
Applicants for the interim appointment must live in District 5, and must have been a full-time resident of Key West for at least a year. They also must identify any potential conflicts of interest they or their family members have and write a statement of interest about why they are seeking the appointment and what qualifications and/or experience they bring. Applicants may also list up to three references.
Here’s a look at the four applications that were received by the city and posted to the Dec. 2 meeting agenda as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26. But remember, applications can be submitted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. To see the complete applications, see the Dec. 2 city commission meeting agenda at cityofkeywest-fl.gov.
Harry Bethel notes he is currently retired from careers with Keys Energy Service, formerly City Electric Service, and then the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. He has lived in Key West all 86 years of his life and served as the District 5 city commissioner from 1991 to 2007. In his statement of why he is seeking the appointment, Bethel writes, “to fill the unexpired term for District 5 and will not seek election at the end of the term. I think based on my experience as city commissioner, I can be an asset for the duration of the term.” For references, Bethel lists Bob Dean, Margaret Gil and Acelia Plans.
Sue Harrison notes that she worked for 21 years with the Key West city clerk’s office and retired as senior deputy city clerk. “I am familiar with the city’s code of ordinances, land development regulations and bid procedures. From my experience in the city clerk’s office, I understand the value of confidentiality and being impartial, acquiring all the information available in order to make the best decisions possible for the city. My wish is to fill the seat for District 5 that Commissioner Hoover held with as much thoughtfulness and compassion as she demonstrated throughout her career.” For references, Harrison lists Clayton Lopez, Cheri Smith and Jimmy Weekley.
Margaret Romero notes that she worked as an IBM executive consultant dealing with organizational change, management and strategy. In her statement of interest, Romero writes, ‘Why: To be of active service to/for my district and the city with concrete knowledge, experience and familiarity with processes and people. Priorities: Put people of the community first, using data-based decision making with clear communications, and doing the right things for the right reasons and addressing appropriately any wrongdoing.” For references, Romero lists Mark Finigan, George Fernandez and Billy Wardlow.
Fred Covan notes his psychiatric service career. He writes, “I love this city and am not going anywhere. In fact, I have already bought my gravesite in KW. I believe I am a good candidate for this position because I am comfortable dealing with people and conflict. I have organized and managed emotionally disturbed adolescents in Harlem, NY, psychologists in a large NY hospital and I’ve been president of the board of directors of the local synagogue for 30 years, and don’t think that’s not an easy job. I am good at conflict resolution and think I can bring some stability and listening to the board.” For references, Covan lists Monica Haskell, Sam Kaufman and Bobby Highsmith.
