Four seats on the Islamorada Village Council are up for election in November. Entering the races are eight candidates who are hoping to serve the people.
Now through Election Day, the Upper Keys Weekly will ask the candidates a question on a variety of topics in the village.
The Upper Keys Weekly asked the candidates: How would you assess the state of public participation in Islamorada village government? What initiatives do you believe help keep the public engaged? (Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates, with responses limited to 200 words).
Seat 1
Anna Richards
We have a few regular attendees at the meetings whom participate and comment, we always wish for more attendance. I know that most of the residents that I talk to are busy working, managing their own business, volunteering with many events and have kids that are involved in multiple after school activities which make it hard to attend meetings.
I speak to many residents everyday through my own business, friends and acquaintances and always encourage them to feel free to call me anytime or welcome to stop by my office during the week. I am always willing to listen to ideas, concerns and explain anything that sometimes is difficult to understand in the process of government. Islamorada provides information through weekly email updates, online access and live streaming for access to residents whom are unable to attend meetings and keep up to date.
Joe Wischmeier
I have attended Village Council meetings for several years. In the beginning, many residents participated because they cared about our community and believed their concerns were heard. Today, fewer residents attend because some feel decisions have already been made and their input will not matter. I understand that frustration because I speak at nearly every meeting, yet my concerns often receive no response from the Council.
Recently, rules have been enacted or changed that make it more difficult for citizens to voice their opinions. Every resident deserves to know that their concerns are being taken seriously—not simply addressed during campaign season. Local government works best when residents believe their voices matter.
There are several ways to increase public involvement. First, hold town-hall-style meetings every three months to encourage direct communication between residents and Council members. Second, publish meeting agendas early enough for residents to review the issues and make informed comments. A 900-plus-page agenda published Friday at 5:00 p.m. or later for a Tuesday meeting is not enough time.
Finally, the detailed after-action reports that once explained Council direction to staff and provided updates should be restored. These reports were informative, accessible, and valuable to residents.
Seat 2
Steve Friedman
We could encourage more Public comment. The Public should be able to comment on any issue/discussion even if it’s not a voting issue. Also, publishing the agenda earlier and more consistently so the Public has a more chance to digest the information which, oftentimes, is hundreds of pages. The council meetings need consistency in reviewing/discussing agenda items. We need less removing items at the last minute that people expect to be discussed, or moving out of order etc.
Deb Gillis
I believe residents elected us to be their representatives—to become knowledgeable about the issues before us, do our research, listen to our residents, ask questions of staff and the public, and make informed decisions. Public participation is an important part of that process, and good government requires an ongoing conversation between the community and its elected representatives.
Currently, the formal Council agenda is available to the public on Thursday before our Tuesday meeting. I would like to see staff develop a preliminary, work-in-progress agenda the week before. It would identify potential topics that may come before Council while staff is still gathering and developing information on those issues. This would give residents an earlier opportunity to know what issues may be discussed and begin sharing their thoughts with Council before the formal agenda and supporting information are released.
Residents can participate by attending meetings, viewing them online or on the Village television channel, and contacting Council members directly by email or telephone.
Most importantly, public engagement should be a two-way conversation. Residents deserve to be heard, and Council members have a responsibility to listen, ask questions, do their homework and explain the reasoning behind decisions.
Seat 3
Corie McGraw-Abel
I would assess the state of public participation in Islamorada Village Government as low, although I know there have been efforts made to increase the public’s ability to provide input. I would support trying to put important issues that are in front of the council through outlets most of our constituents use, in not-so-legal language, and use regular maps. Resolutions and parcel numbers aren’t always the easiest to understand. I’m also a big fan of after-action reports. They help to keep everyone informed on what has been asked, accomplished and what still needs to be done.
Sue Miller
Currently the public does not seem well engaged at all. Public participation is critical to ensure policy decisions reflect community values and needs. There are many ways to get the community more involved. We should start by assuring residents their opinions are wanted.
Solicit help from residents via committees, workshops, and public comment at meetings. Public comment at council meetings should be allowed with every agenda item whether an official vote is taken or not.
A review of our citizen committees and their goals and accomplishments should be done annually and then published. Reward the members for extraordinary efforts. Add committees that can provide guidance – a finance committee to help find ways to reduce expenses and increase revenues. Use regular online surveys to collect feedback on specific policies or community needs. Encourage volunteer programs that foster a sense of ownership over public spaces and services.
Always listen to both sides of controversial issues to find solutions to difficult concerns. Make sure residents do not fear retaliation for having contrary opinions. Listen.
Seat 4
Don Horton
I firmly believe that the lack of attendees at most council meetings is a sign that the citizens of Islamorada are pleased with the accomplishments and the decisions that we are making with my leadership as mayor. Several weeks ago, I spoke to business owners and community leaders at a chamber event, and I received resounding applause when I said that the public trusts us. Rest assured there have been times when an item was on the agenda that could affect our way of life and the house was packed, but at the end of the night our citizens walked away pleased with our decisions. I support workshops as long as there is a clear outcome. I support public comment at every public meeting, and I believe I have proven that! I recall back to the August 21st meeting where I called for public comment at least 20 times during that meeting. That equates to 60 minutes if someone took their entitled 3 minutes per comment period.
Tom Raffanello
Public participation in Islamorada government is almost non-existent (by design).
When elected, I will institute monthly “town hall” meetings where residents can speak about their problems and priorities. Additionally, I would have the Village manager publish the identified issues and report the progress (or stagnancy) on the Village website.
The key to good governance is communication. The current council does not keep us abreast of even the biggest issues confronting Islamorada – i.e., wastewater, budgets, salaries, contracts in progress . . . . I could go on.
I will insist that all Village Council meetings start with general public comment. Residents should not have to wade through hours of reports, presentations, proclamations, or mayor/attorney/manager communications. Residents (and respect for their time and views) should be the number one priority. The agenda should reflect that. Similarly, afternoon hearings – a time when many village residents work – just signal that the Village does not want public input.
So does releasing lengthy agendas (7-900 pages) just two business days before a Council Meeting. Lastly, putting issues on a consent agenda to skirt public comment is amateurish. These efforts are insults to the residents of Islamorada. It shows just how little the Council wants to hear from residents. They seem to forget that they “need” us. If elected, I want to know what the residents think. It is crucial for success.
Seat 1
Anna Richards
We have a few regular attendees at the meetings whom participate and comment, we always wish for more attendance. I know that most of the residents that I talk to are busy working, managing their own business, volunteering with many events and have kids that are involved in multiple after school activities which make it hard to attend meetings.
I speak to many residents everyday through my own business, friends and acquaintances and always encourage them to feel free to call me anytime or welcome to stop by my office during the week. I am always willing to listen to ideas, concerns and explain anything that sometimes is difficult to understand in the process of government. Islamorada provides information through weekly email updates, online access and live streaming for access to residents whom are unable to attend meetings and keep up to date.
Joe Wischmeier
I have attended Village Council meetings for several years. In the beginning, many residents participated because they cared about our community and believed their concerns were heard. Today, fewer residents attend because some feel decisions have already been made and their input will not matter. I understand that frustration because I speak at nearly every meeting, yet my concerns often receive no response from the Council.
Recently, rules have been enacted or changed that make it more difficult for citizens to voice their opinions. Every resident deserves to know that their concerns are being taken seriously—not simply addressed during campaign season. Local government works best when residents believe their voices matter.
There are several ways to increase public involvement. First, hold town-hall-style
meetings every three months to encourage direct communication between residents
and Council members. Second, publish meeting agendas early enough for residents to
review the issues and make informed comments. A 900-plus-page agenda published
Friday at 5:00 p.m. or later for a Tuesday meeting is not enough time.
Finally, the detailed after-action reports that once explained Council direction to staff
and provided updates should be restored. These reports were informative, accessible,
and valuable to residents.
Seat 2
Steve Friedman
We could encourage more Public comment. The Public should be able to comment on any issue/discussion even if it’s not a voting issue. Also, publishing the agenda earlier and
more consistently so the Public has a more chance to digest the information which,
oftentimes, is hundreds of pages. The council meetings need consistency in reviewing/
discussing agenda items. We need less removing items at the last minute that people
expect to be discussed, or moving out of order etc.
Deb Gillis
I believe residents elected us to be their representatives—to become knowledgeable about the
issues before us, do our research, listen to our residents, ask questions of staff and the public, and make informed decisions. Public participation is an important part of that process, and good
government requires an ongoing conversation between the community and its elected
representatives.
Currently, the formal Council agenda is available to the public on Thursday before our Tuesday
meeting. I would like to see staff develop a preliminary, work-in-progress agenda the week
before. It would identify potential topics that may come before Council while staff is still
gathering and developing information on those issues. This would give residents an earlier
opportunity to know what issues may be discussed and begin sharing their thoughts with Council before the formal agenda and supporting information are released.
Residents can participate by attending meetings, viewing them online or on the Village television channel, and contacting Council members directly by email or telephone.
Most importantly, public engagement should be a two-way conversation. Residents deserve to be heard, and Council members have a responsibility to listen, ask questions, do their homework and explain the reasoning behind decisions.
Seat 3
Corie McGraw-Abel
I would assess the state of public participation in Islamorada Village Government as low, although I know there have been efforts made to increase the public’s ability to provide input. I would support trying to put important issues that are in front of the council through outlets most of our constituents use, in not-so-legal language, and use regular maps. Resolutions and parcel numbers aren’t always the easiest to understand. I’m also a big fan of after-action reports. They help to keep everyone informed on what has been asked, accomplished and what still needs to be done.
Sue Miller
Currently the public does not seem well engaged at all. Public participation is critical to ensure policy decisions reflect community values and needs. There are many ways to get the community more involved. We should start by assuring residents their opinions are wanted.
Solicit help from residents via committees, workshops, and public comment at meetings. Public comment at council meetings should be allowed with every agenda item whether an official
vote is taken or not.
A review of our citizen committees and their goals and accomplishments should be done annually and then published. Reward the members for extraordinary efforts. Add committees that can provide guidance – a finance committee to help find ways to reduce expenses and increase revenues. Use regular online surveys to collect feedback on specific policies
or community needs. Encourage volunteer programs that foster a sense of ownership
over public spaces and services.
Always listen to both sides of controversial issues to find solutions to difficult concerns. Make sure residents do not fear retaliation for having contrary opinions. Listen.
Seat 4
Don Horton
I firmly believe that the lack of attendees at most council meetings is a sign that the citizens of Islamorada are pleased with the accomplishments and the decisions that we are making with my leadership as mayor. Several weeks ago, I spoke to business owners and community leaders at a chamber event, and I received resounding applause when I said that the public trusts us. Rest assured there have been times when an item was on the agenda that could affect our way of life and the house was packed, but at the end of the night our citizens walked away pleased with our decisions. I support workshops as long as there is a clear outcome. I support public comment at every public meeting, and I believe I have proven that! I recall back to the August 21st meeting where I called for public comment at least 20 times during that meeting. That equates to 60 minutes if someone took their entitled 3 minutes per comment period.
Tom Raffanello
Public participation in Islamorada government is almost non-existent (by design).
When elected, I will institute monthly “town hall” meetings where residents can speak about
their problems and priorities. Additionally, I would have the Village manager publish the identified issues and report the progress (or stagnancy) on the Village website.
The key to good governance is communication. The current council does not keep us abreast of even the biggest issues confronting Islamorada – i.e., wastewater, budgets, salaries, contracts in progress . . . . I could go on.
I will insist that all Village Council meetings start with general public comment.
Residents should not have to wade through hours of reports, presentations, proclamations, or
mayor/attorney/manager communications. Residents (and respect for their time and views) should be the number one priority. The agenda should reflect that. Similarly, afternoon hearings – a time when many village residents work – just signal that the Village does not want public input.
So does releasing lengthy agendas (7-900 pages) just two business days before a Council
Meeting. Lastly, putting issues on a consent agenda to skirt public comment is amateurish.
These efforts are insults to the residents of Islamorada. It shows just how little the Council
wants to hear from residents. They seem to forget that they “need” us. If elected, I want to know what the residents think. It is crucial for success.
