On June 11, Lynny Thompson formally filed the papers with the Supervisor of Elections Office to run for a seat on the Marathon City Council. The election is in November 2021.
“Our island, Marathon, is growing very fast,” Thompson said. “I want to be a voice for others on how we can do that, but still retain the quaint style of life.”
Thompson has lived in Marathon since 1971, with a brief interruption when she lived in New England. She graduated from Marathon High School and has a long and varied career in hospitality and in real estate.
“I’ve also owned a rental cleaning business for 30 years, bought and sold real estate, opened Garden Gourmet in Marathon and Garden Cafe and Spanish Gardens Cafe in the Upper Keys,” Thompson said. “Although I’ve been a licensed Realtor since 1995, I have only been active in the last four years.”
Thompson is affiliated with Key Colony Realty. She is also a board member for the Marathon and Lower Keys Association of Realtors and a volunteer for FIRM (Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe) and is a former Take Stock in Children mentor.
In addition to growth, Thompson said her top issues are vacation rentals and preserving the Keys’ unique environment.
There will be two empty seats up for grabs in the November election. Marathon Vice Mayor Mark Senmartin has termed out. Current Mayor Luis Gonzalez said he plans to formally file for re-election soon.
“I think I’ve been a voice for the citizens; there haven’t been any issues or concerns that I haven’t followed through on,” said Gonzalez, who is still serving his first term. Gonzalez said among his top priorities are finishing the redevelopment of the skate park and splash pad, as well as The Quay property.
“Most importantly, I want to continue to find that balance so that residents feel comfortable calling Marathon home,” Gonzalez said.
Marathon Council elections are at-large, meaning that regardless of the number of candidates, the top vote getters are elected to the open seats.
