This coming Monday, Sept. 16, the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce and Keys Weekly Newspapers will present the first of two campaign events for the upcoming Marathon City Council election.
“Part of the Marathon Chamber’s mission is to inform our business-members,” said Marathon Chamber CEO Daniel Samess. “The candidate meet-and-greet and forum are both ways in which we to look to accomplish this for our members.”
Six candidates have qualified to run for three seats. In the at-large election, the candidates with the most votes on Nov. 5 will earn a three-year term on the city council.
“This is a very important election for the city of Marathon,” said Weekly Publisher Jason Koler. “This council will be responsible for how the city handles a number of difficult issues that will have long-lasting effects, like the 2023 build-out and determining the best use of the Quay property.”
Incumbents “Doc Dan” Zieg, Steve Cook and John Bartus have all served at least one term on the council. They are joined by Eugene Gilson, Adam Geaneas and John Kissick. All but Kissick are embarking on their first political campaigns. Kissick ran unsuccessfully for Marathon City Council last year.
The first event is a Meet & Greet social at Isla Bella’s Conference Center on Monday, Sept. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with the candidates one-on-one. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.
On Monday, Oct. 7, the candidates will speak on a number of issues facing Marathon during a televised political forum held at the Marathon City Hall. The questions will come from a group consisting of Chamber’s Community Affairs Committee, the Keys Weekly editorial staff and other community service groups in Marathon.
For more information check out keysweekly.com, floridakeysmarathon.com or keys-elections.org.
