The general election, when America will choose its president, is still 3 1⁄2 months away on Nov. 5, but some local races will be decided in the Aug. 20 primary, if one candidate secures more than 50% of the vote.
The Key West Chamber of Commerce on July 9 held a candidate meet and greet at the College of the Florida Keys, where candidates were given two minutes to make their case.
School board candidates Yvette Mira-Talbott and Zach Bentley prioritized the recruitment and retention of skilled teachers for local public schools.
County commission incumbent candidates Holly Merrill Raschein and Jim Scholl discussed the expense and importance of infrastructure and bridge projects, as well as the county’s housing crisis. Raschein’s challenger, Melissa Ptomey, questioned the current commission’s approval of an Upper Keys development despite residents’ opposition. Chris Massicotte, who is challenging Scholl, criticized increased spending and decreased transparency.
Supervisor of Elections candidates Ron Saunders and Margaret Romero emphasized the importance of their political impartiality, with Saunders reminding people of his political experience as a state representative. Candidate Sherri Hodies told the audience the job is not one for a politician, but a committed public servant who will work for the voters.
In the Key West City Commission races, Monica Haskell demonstrated a knowledge of local issues in seeking support for the District 1 seat being vacated by Jimmy Weekley. Her opponent, Ben Hennington, did not attend.
The District 6 race to succeed Clayton Lopez features Aaron Castillo, Thaddeus Cohen and Marci Rose. Castillo highlighted his lifelong residency and service on city boards. Cohen reminded voters of his administrative experience at the state and city level as Key West’s planning director who helped implement the popular — and free — Duval Loop bus route. Rose said she wants to implement a more user-friendly online agenda and chance to weigh in on issues prior to the commission’s vote.
Utility Board candidates Rachel Oropeza and Tim Root touted their commitment to the Key West community and its power reliability.
State Representative candidate Michael Travis aka Erika Rose, who performs in drag in Key West, criticized Tallahassee lawmakers for stripping local governments of control and women of their reproductive rights.
Phil Ehr, a Democrat, is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, who was in Washington, D.C. this week. Ehr said he works for no one but the voters, pointing out that Gimenez recently attended a Donald Trump rally in Doral, Florida.Hometown will hold a candidate forum at 5 p.m. Monday, July 15 at The Studios of Key West.
