MARATHON COUNCIL CANDIDATES: ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF A ‘STRONG MAYOR’ GOVERNMENT?

In an effort to provide greater familiarity and communication between the nine Marathon City Council candidates and our readers, the Marathon Weekly sent each prospective council member a series of questions concerning their backgrounds and stances on pressing city issues. The Marathon Weekly will continue to print each candidate’s responses in a Q&A series leading up to the election, where four of the nine candidates will win seats on the city council. Per the referendum passed in August’s primary election, the candidate with the fewest votes who still wins a seat will serve a shorter two-year term, set to expire at the same time as councilman Luis Gonzalez’s. The other three winners will serve three-year terms. Be on the lookout for a candidate forum co-sponsored by the Keys Weekly and Marathon Chamber of Commerce, set for Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. Readers who have questions they would like to see answered by Marathon City Council, U.S. House or Florida House candidates may submit them to ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com for potential inclusion.

Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates, with responses limited to 100 words.

This week: In Marathon’s current council-manager government, the city council sets policy, but the city manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations and implementing and enforcing council policies. Would you be in favor of moving toward a “strong mayor” form of government, in which an elected mayor serves as the city’s chief executive? Why or why not?

KENNY MATLOCK

I do not think we need a “strong mayor”. Currently the city manager and city attorney answer to the council. I believe we need a qualified deputy city manager who can deal with daily activities and hold city employees accountable.  As of now I do not see people being held accountable for mismanaging or not fulfilling the duty or qualifications of their position. The majority of our city staff is made up of amazing hard working people that love our town. Unfortunately, I believe some of our city staff have forgotten they are public servants, here to serve the people.

WAYNE QUARBERG

No. Having both would just add an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. If we add a mayor-manager, we should immediately eliminate the city manager position. Even if that is done, we have still gained nothing other than to change titles. 

JEFF SMITH

I am not in favor of a “strong mayor” form of government for Marathon.  An authoritarian structure with veto power vested in one elected official diminishes the effectiveness of the council and discourages diverse viewpoints. The current structure permits a nationwide search for the most qualified party to manage the operations of our city.  I prefer to choose our City’s CEO based upon merit rather than popularity. I have observed past councils to exhibit a disrespect for our charter by ignoring the organizational structure, thereby creating confusion and frustration within City departments.  If elected, I will respect our current charter.

ROBYN STILL

I am in favor council-manager government. The city manager is appointed, and can be removed, by a majority vote of the City Council. In am in favor of keeping this form of government because there is the option of removing the City Manager without having to wait for an election. If we moved toward a strong mayor form, the mayor would have the full-time job of running the city government and enforcing city codes and ordinances. In an election, a mayor could be elected who did not have the important experience necessary to efficiently run the city. 

RICHARD TAMBORRINO

I strongly believe the current City Charter limits the Council’s effectiveness since they can only directly guide the City Manager and City Attorney. The annual City Mayor ‘rotation’ is mostly ceremonial and doesn’t provide Marathon with the necessary hierarchical structure. 

Since key decision-making breakdowns are occurring and we don’t have an open and accessible enough government, a qualified strong mayor would more effectively address the city’s shortcomings. Additionally, significant challenges facing the city soon—specifically pending litigation on ROGOs —   further illustrates the need for a strong mayor. 

I would still favor a five-member Council, with the elected Mayor included.

INGRID TYREE

I am absolutely not in favor of a strong mayor. We need a sampling of city council  members to keep the balance and fairness when making important decisions for our  local people. I believe that the city manager also needs accountability with a deputy  manager. That way there is no room for shenanigans.

LYNN LANDRY

The council-manager style of government works for Marathon.  It is very important to have continuity in government. Managing is all about relationships.  It sometimes takes years to cultivate these within our city and on the state and federal levels.  We are an area of critical concern in the state.  With this comes more responsibility and enforcement of not only local regulations, but also on the state and federal level which are directly tied to funding for our community. With a strong mayor style, there could potentially have a new mayor every three years.  I believe the current style is best.

MIKE LEONARD

We cannot consider any changes at this time!  The city has far too many problems, some of which are potentially extremely serious which, in my opinion, makes such a move not in the best interest of our locals!  However, one of my key platform initiatives is for the city to complete a 3-year strategic plan!  As part of that plan, research would be completed to determine the financial and operational impact of changing from out current local governance to an elected Mayor form of Government.

KEVIN MACAULAY

Transparency is extremely important in decision making and I strive to be as open as possible here, just as I will be if elected.  I don’t yet know what is best.  Some of the greatest assets I can offer the City of Marathon are my dedication to research and fact-based decision-making.  This issue deserves careful consideration and more deliberation than is available in 100 words.  While there is great value to retaining institutional knowledge in a city manager it’s also important that governments be as responsive and responsible as possible to the people.  Let’s discuss this further: kevforcouncil2022@gmail.com.