Challenges are across the board as 10 candidates vie for five seats on the dais in Islamorada, and one particular race welcomes two residents who have extensive familiarity with the village.
In the race for village council’s seat 3 are sixth-generation resident Joseph “Buddy” Pinder and former Monroe County sheriff’s captain of more than 20 years, Jenny Bell-Thomson. Both have retired from their successful careers and are ready to serve the public in a different capacity.
Pinder owned and managed a successful business and worked with government entities on projects over the years. He says the village is his heart, and he believes quality of life is important for the residents who enjoy weekends in the pristine waters on the boat with their families.
“Being retired means I can dedicate my time to being an advocate for the residents,” Pinder said. “As a former local business owner, I know there are many challenging issues the village will face in the near future that will affect our residents, families and businesses.”
Bell-Thomson served with the sheriff’s office for 26 years, and she also has experience in the private sector, having been involved with a small business for six years. She was also the admitting manager at Mariners and Fishermen’s hospitals for eight years.
“I welcome Buddy’s challenge,” she said. “Everybody needs the choice.”
Bell-Thomson said she has a unique viewpoint with her experiences in the public and private realms. She said one of the top issues in Islamorada is the quality of life for those who live and work in the village.
“We have seen a little bit of degradation in that, and it’s not just traffic,” she said. “There’s a difference between quality tourism and quantity.”
Bell-Thomson has also said that a toll is needed on the 18-mile stretch, and “it’s a battle I am prepared to fight.”
Pinder says he’s looking forward to a respectful campaign.
“The residents will choose who they want to represent them, and their concerns will not fall on deaf ears if I am elected,” Pinder said.
Pinder said he will work to alleviate strains on resources created by projects like the pedestrian bridge near Founders Park and Fills and “not let these projects become financial burdens to our residents.”
More information is at votebuddypinder.com or Pinder’s Instagram and Facebook, and jenny4council.com or Bell-Thomson’s Facebook page.
The contest is one of five that will see two residents going head-to-head. Frank Lavin, an interior designer and real estate agent, and Pete Bacheler, village Land Planning Agency chairman, private land-use planner and commercial photographer, are vying for seat 1. Mark Gregg, former councilman and retired real estate lawyer, and Cheryl Meads, former councilwoman and an at-large member on the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board, will face off for seat 2. Current vice mayor Ken Davis will face Henry Rosenthal for seat 4, while Larry Zettwoch, former pilot, will square off against David Webb, who’s also a retired pilot, for seat 5. Winners in the Nov. 3 general election will serve a two-year term.
