#News: Sam Kaufman to run for Rossi’s seat in Key West Election Oct. 6

#News: Sam Kaufman to run for Rossi’s seat in Key West Election Oct. 6 - A man wearing a suit and tie standing in front of a building - The Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A.

Local attorney, father and community advocate Sam Kaufman announced today he will seek election to the Key West City Commission District 2 seat being
vacated by Mark Rossi. Commissioner Rossi, on the council since 2004, has said he will not run again.

Kaufman said, “I think I can make a difference. The main focus for me is affordable housing. I want my children and their friends to be able to live here ten years from now,” said Kaufman.

Kaufman has always been involved in the community and public service. During his college years, he was a student government officer at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
and as a community service project manager at the University of
Miami law school.

Since moving to Key West in 1999, Kaufman
has been involved in various community services. He’s served as the
Chairman of the Board for Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (FKOC)
for the past 14 years.

“’Making progress’ is my personal motto and I want to apply this to city efforts that will benefit the residents of my district. “My goals are to ‘make progress’ in the areas of affordable workforce housing, quality care for our seniors, increasing recreational activities for our children and ensuring responsible use of our tax dollars.”

Currently, he serves as board member of Friends of Higgs Beach Committee and is a member of the Key West Business Guild. In 2002, Kaufman served as the co- chair for the Key West Charter Amendment PAC, which created the Citizen Review Board. And he was a founding member of and served as President of the Key West Sunset Rotary Club. As an attorney, Kaufman is known to donate a significant amount of pro bono hours. He served as a public defender for three years. “I understand and care about our community and have a strong drive to improve the quality of life for all who call Key West home. I always have an open ear and a positive attitude and like to get things done.”

Kaufman is a family man with a wife, Julia, and two children, ages 5 and 7, who both attend Poinciana Elementary School. “It is highly important to me to be involved in my children’s education and activities. It also keeps me in the loop of what the needs are for our community’s youth.” He has served on the Board of the Montessori Children’s School, and volunteered as an AYSO soccer coach.

“I am very excited about this campaign, meeting my neighbors and residents. I encourage and welcome all citizens of Key West to call me anytime with their ideas and suggestions,” Kaufman said. “District II is my neighborhood, Key West is my home.”