Following the end of the official qualifying period, the Key Colony Beach City Commission race will officially see three candidates vying for two open seats. Incumbents secretary-treasurer John DeNeale and commissioner Beth Ramsay-Vickrey will seek re-election along with current code enforcement board member Freddie Foster. In an effort to provide greater familiarity and communication between the candidates and our readers, the Marathon Weekly sent each of them 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 Nov. 8 election.
Answers are printed exactly as submitted by candidates, with responses limited to 100 words.
This week’s questions: What is your background here in the Keys, and why have you chosen to run for the city commission?
JOHN DENEALE
I retired from the U.S. Navy and moved to KCB in 2005, a place that my wife Susan and I had vacationed during our careers. We graduated from the University of Florida before serving in the Navy for over 22 years. We have always been supporters of our community, so helping our neighbors by serving our city comes naturally to us. My first term in office was in 2010 and I have been helping in our city since. I am a graduate of Leadership Monroe County, class XIX. KCB is our family and friends.
FREDDIE FOSTER
My wife Cheryl and I have been married for 45 years and have two sons, eight grandkids, and one great-grandson. We made many trips to the keys in search of our retirement home and in 2011 we found it in Key Colony Beach. I’ve served as Chair of the Utility Board and currently as an alternate on the Code Enforcement Board. I am running for the City Commission to ensure our quality of life continues. I believe that it’s crucial to communicate with neighbors, listen to opinions, volunteer on a committee, or run for a commission seat.
BETH RAMSAY-VICKREY
I am a currently seated Key Colony Beach City Commissioner, and I am running to retain my seat because protecting Key Colony Beach’s special sense of community and ensuring that Key Colony Beach stays the wonderful gem it is is my #1 priority! I’m a long-time Monroe County resident who grew up, and went to school, next door in Marathon. I have found my forever home in Key Colony Beach; it is truly a special place where community comes first. I’ve been actively engaged in Monroe County government and politics, crafting legislation and setting policy for the past 16+ years.
