The Keys Weekly wants Monroe County voters to get to know the candidates who seek to represent them at all levels of city and county government. To that end, we’ve asked each candidate in the District 2 county commission race to answer the eight questions below in 500 words.

Although each of the five county commission members represents a specific region in the island chain, all members are elected by all voters, whether they live in Key West, Key Largo or anywhere in between. 

The responses here are as submitted by the candidates.

MICHELLE LINCOLN

1. How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here? Our family bought our first home in Marathon in 1998 and moved here full time in 2000. I chose Marathon as my home because of its strong sense of community and connection to the water.  
2. Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? My daughter, Mallory Morton Pinto, graduated from Marathon High School in 2004 and now lives in Marathon with her husband, Michael. Mallory is a real estate broker, and Michael is a nurse.
3. What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? I am currently active in the Marathon Rotary Club, mentor with Take Stock in Children, and participate in the Chamber of Commerce. I also serve on the Juvenile Justice Board and the Community Alliance Board, and I am a member of the Marathon Republican Club, Southernmost Republican Club, and Republican Executive Committee. I am a graduate of Leadership Monroe County, a past Board member of AHEC, Grace Jones and Zonta.
4. What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? I am retired, but I serve full time as your County Commissioner. My days are spent responding to emails and phone calls, attending civic meetings, staff briefings, and Commission meetings, and traveling throughout the Keys for events so I can stay connected to the communities I serve.
5. What made you decide to run for public office, and/or what drew you to a career in public service? I am running for re-election for the same reasons I first ran: to help ensure that our children and grandchildren can continue to call the Keys home. I want to keep working to make the Keys the best place to live, raise a family, build a business, and enjoy as a visitor.
6. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Personally, I am proudest of raising my daughter, Mallory — I think she turned out wonderfully! Professionally, I am proud of my work advocating for workforce housing and of becoming the first Monroe County Commissioner elected statewide as President of the Florida Association of Counties.
7. Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? That is a tough question because I have so many favorites. I enjoy watching the sunrise and sunset, swimming at the Horseshoe, walking the Old Bridge, sharing a meal with friends, visiting Grimal Grove, and spending time on the water on my paddleboard.
8. What skills or experiences from your career or past service do you think will help you most in public office? While working full time for the Guardian ad Litem Program, I made recommendations to judges based on each child’s best interests. That experience taught me the importance of fact-finding, research, and active listening — skills I continue to use as a County Commissioner.

GEORGE (JORGE) IGNACIO-LOPEZ

1. How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here? My family has called the Florida Keys home since 1971, when my parents built a house on Sugarloaf Key. Today, my wife Rhonda and I live at ORC, North Key Largo, and we previously owned a home in Key West. We are now planning our next chapter in Summerland Key. The Keys have always drawn me in not just for their natural beauty, but for the strong sense of community and a unique way of life worth protecting and leading forward.

2. Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? Rhonda and I have been married for over 31 years and have raised two accomplished sons. Noah is a Yale Law School graduate and practicing attorney, and Ben works in cybersecurity. We also have extended family in Summerland and Key Colony Beach. Our family is grounded in faith, service, education, and a strong work ethic values that guide everything we do.

3. What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? I actively serve as a volunteer pilot with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 13-04, supporting critical search and rescue missions. As Monroe County liaison for Liga Contra el Cáncer, I help Hispanic Monroe county families with cancer access life saving cancer care on the mainland. I also support the SOS Foundation, Upper Keys Humane Society, Reef All Charities, and veterans’ organizations. My faith community includes St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church and Reef Chapel, where I stay connected and engaged.

4. What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? I am a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and former fighter pilot with 22 years of service. Today, I help lead our third generation family business, PECO Intl Elec, distributing American made high voltage electrical equipment across the South, Central America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. My days start early, often at 5 a.m. working closely with employees, customers, and suppliers to ensure operations run smoothly and challenges are solved quickly. I dedicate any remaining time to my family, friends, and pets.

5. What made you decide to run for public office? As many in Monroe county, I sense a need for Change. Without change government becomes complacent. I stepped forward to lead because Monroe County needs experienced, leadership that’s not limited to government experience, but importantly proven private sector experience with a history of desired results. I am committed to improving affordability, strengthening accountability, and providing meaningful tax and insurance relief. I will protect and defend our fragile environment including our latest Big Pine Key CDL development threat to our fragile Key deer habitat Cutting burdensome county expensive regulations that hurt small businesses are a must. I will stand up for our essential workers, first responders, and veterans, and ensure our underserved seniors and children receive the support they deserve.

6. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Serving as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy is the greatest honor of my life. Equally important is the life Rhonda and I have built raising two outstanding sons and leading by example through faith, integrity, and service.

7. Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? American Shoal Lighthouse near Sugarloaf Key is a place that represents everything I love about the Keys. Fishing there with my family created lasting memories and reinforces my commitment to preserving this incredible community.