 Marathon Florida Keys Journal
City of Marathon, Florida Keys, Paradise
2009 † City of Marathon † City Council Election
[Endorsements] [Keating] [Vasil] [Cinque] [Bartus] [Kenny] [Nelson]
[Endorsement Q&A Format] [The Dull Stuff] [Advertising] [Subscribe] [Election Year Index]
 Marathon Florida Keys Journal presents candidate submissions in the order that they were received. Until we receive content, the order of candidate is arbitrary. We do not edit or change anything in these submissions. The content is exclusive to each candidate. Candidate answers are in green or blue. Our endorsements will appear in the October and November magazine editions. The Marathon Florida Keys Journal is NOT responsible for the content or expressed opinions from the candidate submissions. We do NOT necessarily agree with any such content or expressed opinions as well. This service is provided for the edification of the voting public and provided FREE for all Marathon candidates. Please vote and be counted to improve our city!
Marathon Florida Keys Journal's Endorsements
 November 1, 2009 - Marathon - Editorial Board: City of Marathon City Council Election Endorsements from the Marathon Florida Keys Journal are Announced. Please check out the full City of Marathon City Council election coverage at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/elections/09election.htm. You may also take our election poll at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/index.htm#Poll. Marathon City Council Elections are on November 3. Early voting is October 19 through October 30. Early voting is conducted at the local elections office on 63rd Street [Ocean] in the county building. Voting by absentee ballot is open to everyone regardless of where you are located at the time. This election season saw over 650 absentee ballots mailed out. Endorsements are made by a three-person editorial board based on the answers to our infamous 25 questions. The panel is headed by the Marathon Florida Keys Journal Editor Larry Shaffer. The other two panelists are well qualified representing diverse positions. Their identification is not germane to this process. They do not want to be lobbied. Since the Marathon Florida Keys Journal has been doing endorsements the last four years, this election season is again very difficult. The decisions we have to make concerning endorsements are really hard. We would really like to endorse most of the candidates. Most are capable of doing a good job for Marathon residents. Some are more experienced and knowledgeable than others. Even then, on-the-job training is not necessarily a bad thing. Most candidates are mature and serious residents of this fine city. Most of them want to do what is best for the city and its residents. Yet we must pick two out of the six candidates in this race, no easy task. CANDIDATE EVALUATION: listed in alphabetical order Former Mayor John Bartus is pro-business, but does not allow that to hinder his responsibility to represent all of Marathon's residents. He has six years of experience on the council. Many current projects are ones that he helped progress during his tenure. When he was mayor twice, he represented Marathon quite well. We continue to call him our Mr. Mayor like Mike Puto is our Mr. Marathon. Voting for former Mayor John Bartus would be very good for Marathon and her voters. Mayor Mike Cinque [Incumbent] represents his community by taking decisive action on necessary projects and keeping the budget under control. He makes a good mayor. You know what you get with Mayor Mike Cinque. He does not pull any punches. He keeps his word, unless there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Mayor Mike Cinque is not so entrenched that he cannot adjust for the good of all Marathon. Voting for current Mayor Mike Cinque would ensure the tough decisions continue to be made for the betterment of Marathon. Richard Keating is the newcomer, but he has done his homework. He listens and carefully reasons out complex issues. Richard Keating would be an advocate and activist for the City of Marathon and her residents. While local municipal government is quite open and in the sunshine, he wants to improve on that. Like most candidates he is fiscally conservative, but he knows there is a limit to cutting taxes before necessary services are adversely affected. Voting for Richard Keating would be advantageous for Marathon residents and the city's long-term future. Kevin Kenny is an unknown, but our face-to-face interviews fixed that. He has been hampered by having to deal with extraneous matters. That sounds like about 95% of all of us. We received the answers to our 25 Q&As, which are simple, to the point, and have answers that are pretty good. Actually, we were quite surprised by how good his answers turned out. Kevin Kenny was the only one to say yes to a nude beach at Coco Plum saying that the economic boom would improve Marathon's local economy. His in-kind campaign advertisement contains simple but powerful statements. Based on these factors, Kevin Kenny would make a very good city councilman and do right by Marathon residents. Joan Nelson is a lost cause. She is physically unable to serve if elected. Don't waste your vote. Vice Mayor Don Vasil [Incumbent] knows his stuff. He has diligently worked on city marina expansion. He advocates for improving the local economy by a number of means from the Chamber of Commerce to the independent Local Economic Board. Vice Mayor Don Vasil is the consummate tax cutter. He has experience and gets things going to improve Marathon in every aspect. He is a hard worker and unafraid to propose something to keep things going regardless of any supposed consequences. Vice Mayor Don Vasil is at his best when you interact with him face to face. The perception of some is nowhere near what he is all about. Voting for Vice Mayor Don Vasil is a sure bet to keep all the positive projects moving forward consistently. Because this endorsement process is so hard, our three-person editorial board struggled with trying to come up with our endorsements. Bartus, Cinque, Keating, Kenny, and Vasil are all qualified, pro-Marathon candidates. If you could endorse and vote for all of them, then this would be easier. Our editorial board worked long and hard with several votes to come up with our endorsements. We cannot put off our decision any longer though. The Marathon Florida Keys Journal can only look at which two candidates can do the most good over the long term. Bartus, Cinque, Keating, Kenny, and Vasil are capable and ready to serve. Since we cannot elect all of them, our choice for Marathon City Council is Mayor Mike Cinque and former Mayor John Bartus.
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Thanks
The Marathon Florida Keys Journal Editorial Board
http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/index.htm
Richard Keating in his own words
Richard Keating
985 East 75th Street Ocean
Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-6654
MARATHON NEEDS A CHANGE IN DIRECTION!
VOTE FOR RICH KEATING MARATHON CITY COUNCIL
*Honesty and Integrity
*Openness and Transparency in Government
*Common Sense Approach
*Small Business Advocate
*Balanced Development
Vote “Rich” November 3rd!
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Richard Keating, Candidate for Marathon City Council Marathon Florida Keys Journal
Marathon City Council Candidate Questionnaire
Richard Keating Responses 1. How does the City of Marathon live with less tax revenue due to property devaluation and still provide high quality services?
Marathon has always budgeted conservatively. When property values were increasing rapidly through Fiscal Year 2008 Marathon was able to accumulate a Fund Balance in excess of $5.6 million, which was over 50% of their Fiscal Year 2009 budget. With property values and their corresponding assessments decreasing rapidly since Fiscal Year 2008 the City has cut total operating expenditures from $9,466,000 in FY 2008 to a proposed $8,249,000 in FY 2010. These cuts alone were not sufficient to balance the budgets – they have tapped a total of over $380.000 per year from the Capital Infrastructure Fund (which is designed to be used for things like parks and community buildings) the Stormwater utility fund and the Wastewater Enterprise fund. In addition for FY 2010 they are proposing to spend almost $200,000 of the Surplus Fund. Obviously this can’t go on forever. If the assessable base doesn’t increase the City Council will exhaust these funds in the near future and will either have to raise taxes or look to other forms of revenue. 2. What actions would you undertake to continue the improvement of Fire/EMS services?
The City’s main problem with fire protection is the lack of available fire hydrants. I would propose to expand the availability of hydrants throughout the city. 3. How will the City of Marathon improve the local economy?
I’m not sure that the City of Marathon has focused on the local economy but I think that they should. Marathon needs to focus on its core economic base which is tourism. Allowing the conversion of many of our hotel and motel units into “Destination Resorts” I feel was an economic mistake and as a result has eroded our tourism industry. The lack of family and boating friendly hotel and motel units has had a devastating effect on our core industry and has had a ripple effect throughout our economy. The drop in tourism has had a crushing effect on all small businesses in Marathon and as a result many of these businesses have been closing and their owners and employees have been leaving the keys and in particular Marathon in droves. 4. If elected or re-elected for 2 years, what will you do to mitigate the workforce housing crisis during these questionable economic times?
Marathon had imposed housing impact fees to be directed towards workforce housing. They also at one time required development agreements which provided a certain number of workforce housing units to be constructed along with the approved development. These impact fees have been severely curtailed and the development agreements have not been lived up to by certain developers. To my knowledge Marathon has not followed up with those agreements. I very much support affordable and workforce housing and would propose (if elected) to expand these programs in the future and I would propose that the City Council require as part of any development agreement that those workforce housing units agreed upon be developed first before the balance of the development were allowed to continue. 5. What is the next important city project after the wastewater/stormwater project is completed?
Marathon needs to support its small business people by supporting our core industry. Marathon needs to make available a greater number of boat ramps and it needs to encourage the development and redevelopment of family oriented and boater friendly hotel and motel units. 6. How does the City of Marathon attract tourists during the two seasons? Especially, the summer months.
Marathon needs to be family and boater friendly. We need more boat ramps and we need family and boater friendly hotel and motel units which can accommodate the fishing and diving enthusiast. Pristine waters and abundant fishing and diving opportunities are what attract tourists to our community but they won’t if they have no place to park their boats and there are limited facilities to launch their boats. Family tourists will not pay $500 per night to stay in Marathon with no place to store their boat. 7. What actions must the city take to relieve the insurance and tax burden for residents?
The insurance burden is the result of a lack of competition among providers of flood and windstorm coverage. FEMA is the only provider of flood coverage and Citizens is the only viable option for windstorm coverage. The city must be proactive in negotiations with both FEMA and with Citizens to provide affordable coverage for our taxpayers. Both agencies, to date, have ignored the Keys actual storm losses as compared to the rest of Florida and are pricing our insurance policies based on actuarial formulas that ignore our construction codes and the fact that our buildings are constructed on solid coral which is basically rock.
The tax burden is a factor of assessable base and General Fund operating budgets. To date the City Council has been overly frugal in the adoption of its operating budgets but has been remiss in the handling of our assessable base. Allowing the conversion of so many of our hotel and motel units into destination resorts has had a devastating effect on our economy. Rather, the City Council should encourage the redevelopment of those older units into more family and boater friendly hotels and motels 8. What are the city's various funding sources and which one is the direct burden of the city’s residents?
Approximately 60% of Marathon’s operating revenues have historically come from property and sales and use taxes. The balance of General Fund revenues come from license and permit fees, direct charges for services, fines and forfeitures and interest income. The other funds operated by the City are either funded by grants, bond proceeds, direct charges for services (enterprise funds) or by dedicated revenues. While all revenues of the General Fund are either directly or indirectly a burden of the city’s residents the property tax is the most direct burden of our residents followed by the various sales taxes. 9. How big is the city’s slice of the overall ad valorem taxes collected countywide?
Marathon has historically collected a little over $4 million in property taxes and about $2.4 million in sales and use taxes however since FY 2008 property tax collections have declined from $4.25 million to a proposed $3.629 million in FY 2010 and sales and use taxes have declined from $2.4 million in FY 08 to $2.19 million in FY 2010. This compares to $85.5 million in property taxes collected by the County in FY 2009 and $32 million in sales and use taxes. 10. What steps must the city take to address historical preservation within Marathon?
There are several properties within Marathon which have various degrees of historical significance. Marathon should preserve our heritage where a property or building is of such historical value that to lose it would diminish our sense of community and our connection with our past and that’s why we should have a Historical Preservation Committee. 11. Do you take all campaign contributions from anyone or are you selective? Why?
I am being selective in who I will accept campaign contributions from. I will not take any contributions from individuals or businesses providing contractual services to the city. If elected I want to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest with any of these individuals or businesses when acting on their contracts. 12. Should Marathon annex Duck Key? Why or why not?
The first question is does Duck Key want to be part of the city of Marathon? There is no question that such an annexation would enhance the assessable base of the city of Marathon and would ease the tax burden of the rest of our citizens. On the other hand Duck Key has a plethora of bridges which I understand are in serious need of repair if not replacement and that cost would have to be weighed against the increase in tax revenue. In either event I don’t feel such a move should be contemplated if the citizens of Duck Key would object. 13. Should Marathon build and operate some kind of municipal swimming pool and/or splash pools and other water park amenities? Why or why not?
There is no question that a municipal pool would be a benefit to our citizens. However, as a city councilmember I would have to examine the cost of such a facility both from an initial outlay and from its continued operating cost including insurance provisions. As you have pointed out in several of your questions we are operating under extreme budgetary constraints and while desirable a municipal pool may not be a fiscally responsible move at this time. Municipal pools are expensive both upfront and ongoing. If the city could afford such a facility in the future without overly burdening our taxpayers it certainly would be worth looking into. 14. How much more development can the City of Marathon withstand?
Marathon needs to direct development and redevelopment in the right way. We need to encourage both development and redevelopment that supports our core industry which is tourism and the small businesses that industry supports. 15. What are the limits of property rights?
Those rights which do not infringe on the rights or quality of life of others. 16. How would you increase the efforts to beautify the US1 corridor and pay for same?
The city needs to enforce current code requirements and address existing code violations. We should approach property owners along US1 and encourage them to erect buffers and or landscaping along their properties which boarder the highway. Expanding our Code Compliance Department could be done with minimum expenditures and encouraging property owners to erect buffers and/or landscaping along their properties could be done with no cost to the city. 17. What use should Boot Key [the island] play in Marathon’s future?
None! 18. How can we increase the number of workforce families in the City of Marathon?
By encouraging the growth of small businesses through the expansion of our tourism industry. We need to direct development and redevelopment towards expanding tourism. We need more hotel and motel units and not destination resorts. We need more easily accessible boat ramps. We need more workforce housing and affordable housing so people have a decent and safe place to raise a family and have a place to work. 19. How can the City of Marathon retain valuable employees and increase their value in training?
By supporting small businesses that hire and train those employees. 20. Should there be a decrease or increase in city employees? Why or why not?
The only shortfall I see in the immediate future is in the area of code compliance. I don’t feel the city is adequately policing unlicensed contractors, shoddy construction, or failures to meet our current building codes. 21. How do you resolve the calls for lower taxes and increased calls for more high-quality city services?
That’s a balancing act. Obviously, you can’t have both at the same time without expanding the city’s assessable base. Promoting sensible development which supports our core tourism industry and supports small businesses is one way. Another is to look at other sources of revenue which the city is not currently collecting. 22. Considering the recent movement in the Lower Keys to designate a naturist beach, should the city designate the western portion of Coco Plum Beach as a nude beach following the Haulover Beach model? Why or why not?
I’ll address that issue if I’m elected and if the issue comes up. But I have not heard an overwhelming amount of requests for a nude beach. 23. Should building permits be tied to the evacuation time model? Why or why not?
Absolutely – but that includes the Upper Keys as well as Homestead. You can not risk people trying to evacuate the Keys becoming hopelessly mired in traffic while a major storm is approaching. The evacuation time model must be taken into account when considering any development. 24. Should council members raise or lower their pay? Why?
Not at this time. If due to budget constraints other employees of the city are asked to take a reduction in overall compensation (such as requiring them to contribute towards their 401 plan or requiring a co-pay on their health insurance) then the council should take a like reduction. 25. What must the city do to get minorities involved at all levels of the city?
I feel that discrimination in any form is wrong. The city should provide equal employment opportunities for anyone who is qualified but I don’t believe the city should lower its employment standards to target any particular group of individuals. Don Vasil in his own word Who led the fight and got spending cuts 3 years in a row? Who spearheaded the Economic Development Committee to revitalize our economy? Who launched the harbor improvements to attract more boaters? Who took on big money and got the affordable units that fell "through the cracks"?
Don Vasil, that's who!
Let's keep it going, re-elect Don Vasil. Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Don Vasil, Candidate for Marathon City Council PO Box 501559
Marathon FL 33050-1559
(305) 731-9117 1. How does the City of Marathon live with less tax revenue due to property devaluation and still provide high quality services?
By making sure that every dollar that is spent, is spent wisely. 2. What actions would you undertake to continue the improvement of Fire/EMS services?
We must complete the identification and availability of a sufficient water supply to every structure in the city. 3. How will the City of Marathon improve the local economy?
By marketing Marathon as the boating destination of the Keys, encouraging new types of businesses within the city, and the completion of the stalled planned projects. 4. If elected or re-elected for 2 years, what will you do to mitigate the workforce housing crisis during these questionable economic times?
As I have done in the past, enforcing the development agreements and not letting affordable housing "fall through the cracks". 5. What is the next important city project after the wastewater/stormwater project is completed?
Attracting new types of businesses and revitalizing the local businesses already here. 6. How does the City of Marathon attract tourists during the two seasons? Especially, the summer months.
By strategically holding more events during the off season that will attract additional tourists and by supporting local businesses which offer services to keep tourists in the city. 7. What actions must the city take to relieve the insurance and tax burden for residents?
By continuing a fiscally conservative policy therefore keeping the tax burden low. 8. What are the city's various funding sources and which one is the direct burden of the city’s residents?
Grants, shared tax revenues, sales and use taxes and ad valorem taxes. Ad valorem taxes burden the city's residents the most. 9. How big is the city’s slice of the overall ad valorem taxes collected countywide?
Although the city's slice is only approximately 16%, this is the council's jurisdiction and every bit counts. 10. What steps must the city take to address historical preservation within Marathon?
Our heritage is extremely important, and I believe the city council will act in the best interests of the community as each issue comes before it. 11. Do you take all campaign contributions from anyone or are you selective? Why?
I am very selective. I take no money from special interests. 12. Should Marathon annex Duck Key? Why or why not?
First and foremost, do Duck Key residents want to be annexed? If so, the potential liabilities on an annexation must be thoroughly researched and vetted to the public before any decision could be made. 13. Should Marathon build and operate some kind of municipal swimming pool and/or splash pools and other water park amenities? Why or why not?
Not at this time. 14. How much more development can the City of Marathon withstand?
As the economy and LDR's dictate. 15. What are the limits of property rights?
Whatever is limited in our LDR's and comprehensive plan. 16. How would you increase the efforts to beautify the US1 corridor and pay for same?
Continue to fully support the efforts of the beautification committee. 17. What use should Boot Key [the island] play in Marathon’s future?
As a significant part of the future eco-education segment of our economy. 18. How can we increase the number of workforce families in the City of Marathon?
By creating more jobs in the city through a strong business community. 19. How can the City of Marathon retain valuable employees and increase their value in training?
By continuing to offer fair compensation packages and opportunities within the city. 20. Should there be a decrease or increase in city employees? Why or why not?
Much work has been done to improve efficiency at city hall and the city manager must be constantly evaluating changing conditions in order to maintain acceptable levels. 21. How do you resolve the calls for lower taxes and increased calls for more high-quality city services?
I have received negligible calls for increased services. The council must be firm in it's commitment to continue lowering spending and pass these savings on to the tax payers. 22. Considering the recent movement in the Lower Keys to designate a naturist beach, should the city designate the western portion of Coco Plum Beach as a nude beach following the Haulover Beach model? Why or why not?
Not unless there is much more public interest and input on this matter. 23. Should building permits be tied to the evacuation time model? Why or why not?
No. The evacuation time model and it's requirements can always be modified and adjusted to accommodate whatever levels of people are here. 24. Should council members raise or lower their pay? Why?
No, they are fine the way they are. 25. What must the city do to get minorities involved at all levels of the city?
Continue exactly what it's doing.
Mike Cinque in his own words Re-Elect Michael A. Cinque Promises Made, Promises Kept! Proven Leadership for Today & Tomorrow! Michael A. Cinque www.mcinque.com
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Mike Cinque, Candidate for Marathon City Council 1235 83rd Street Ocean
Marathon FL 33050-0000
(305) 743-6419 1. How does the City of Marathon live with less tax revenue due to property devaluation and still provide high quality services?
There is an old saying: Watch the pennies and the dollars will come. In reality, control spending and use your revenues as efficiently as possible. 2. What actions would you undertake to continue the improvement of Fire/EMS services?
We need to establish a permanent fire station on Grassy Key and continue adding fire hydrants as our funds allow. 3. How will the City of Marathon improve the local economy?
It is not up to the City to improve the economy. What the City can do is provide a user friendly government and work with the businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. 4. If elected or re-elected for 2 years, what will you do to mitigate the workforce housing crisis during these questionable economic times?
The City has worked with the Habitat for Humanity, Middle Keys Land Trust, and has established affordable allocations through the BPAS system. We should continue to work with these agencies. 5. What is the next important city project after the wastewater/stormwater project is completed?
City wide beautification and landscaping efforts. 6. How does the City of Marathon attract tourists during the two seasons? Especially, the summer months.
We have to market the islands of Marathon as a great year round place to vacation and live. We also have to market our boating and fishing advantages. 7. What actions must the city take to relieve the insurance and tax burden for residents?
The City has helped fund FIRM to keep windstorm insurance rates reasonable and the addition of a fire house on Grassy Key has lowered insurance rates for all of Marathon. We have to control spending to control taxes. 8. What are the city's various funding sources and which one is the direct burden of the city’s residents?
The taxes are ad valorem, interlocal government shared, gas, road, and sales tax. The ad valorem is the most direct tax on the residents. 9. How big is the city’s slice of the overall ad valorem taxes collected countywide?
The city's share is around 16%. 10. What steps must the city take to address historical preservation within Marathon?
We should try to identify and protect what we have such as Crane Hammock, Boot Key, and work with the county and state to preserve the Old 7 Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key. 11. Do you take all campaign contributions from anyone or are you selective? Why?
I am selective. 12. Should Marathon annex Duck Key? Why or why not?
If the citizens of Duck Key would choose to annex to the city of Marathon, I would welcome them. 13. Should Marathon build and operate some kind of municipal swimming pool and/or splash pools and other water park amenities? Why or why not?
At this time, I do not believe it is economically feasible. 14. How much more development can the City of Marathon withstand?
I would rather see concentration more on redevelopment than new development. We need to allow the old to be moved or upgraded. Development is already controlled by the DCA . 15. What are the limits of property rights?
I believe you should be able to do with your property as you wish as long as it is legal and not intrusive to the neighboring properties. 16. How would you increase the efforts to beautify the US1 corridor and pay for same?
We already have funding budgeted. We have been working with FDOT and are expecting our permits any day now. Our beautification committee has done a wonderful job with this project. 17. What use should Boot Key [the island] play in Marathon’s future?
I think Boot Key could be huge in Marathon's future. I do believe before anything is done, it must first be thoroughly vetted with the residents of Marathon. Boot Key is truly unique as one of the largest tracts of natural habitat left in the Keys. I can envision a beautiful ecological park and a great attraction to all. 18. How can we increase the number of workforce families in the City of Marathon?
We have available affordable housing and a fine quality of life in our community. We need to work to rebuild and protect our commercial base. As our businesses recover from their economic stresses, Marathon will naturally become an excellent choice for living and raising a family. 19. How can the City of Marathon retain valuable employees and increase their value in training?
We offer stable management, fair salaries, competitive benefits, and allow them to take advantage of on the job educational programs. 20. Should there be a decrease or increase in city employees? Why or why not?
We should not worry about a decrease or increase, but have the number of employees needed to provide the necessary services in the city of Marathon. 21. How do you resolve the calls for lower taxes and increased calls for more high-quality city services?
You have to balance the two by controlling spending and being efficient with the revenues. 22. Considering the recent movement in the Lower Keys to designate a naturist beach, should the city designate the western portion of Coco Plum Beach as a nude beach following the Haulover Beach model? Why or why not?
I think we should leave that to Key West. 23. Should building permits be tied to the evacuation time model? Why or why not?
Safety should always be our number one priority, but considering it is not used anywhere else I have always questioned whether it is an effective model. 24. Should council members raise or lower their pay? Why?
I think it is fair as it is. It allows everyone to serve if they so choose. 25. What must the city do to get minorities involved at all levels of the city?
I believe the city is already open to all.
John Bartus in his own words
 Vote John Bartus for City Council
Most Experienced Candidate in Current Field
Quality City Services for Less Taxes
Consensus Building a Primary Skill
Tell John What You Need from the City
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by John Bartus, Candidate for Marathon City Council
P.O. BOX 522523
MARATHON SHORES, FL 33052 -2523
Phone: 305-731-1177 1. How does the City of Marathon live with less tax revenue due to property devaluation and still provide high quality services?
One part of our economic downturn has been the lack of projects moving forward in the city. Fewer projects coming in require fewer staff members, and our City Manager has made some tough decisions as to how to allocate our city’s resources. There is, however, always room for improvement. It’s important to maintain an open dialogue with our contractors, who will keep Council members aware of any issues with Building and Planning, and the same goes with other users of city services. But the best way to make sure that we can afford the services we need is to work cooperatively with our local residents and business community to help get our economy back on track so that revenues increase without additional burdens on our taxpayers. I’ll go into more about this later.
There are a few areas of City services need to be recognized for the stellar jobs that they are doing: our Parks & Recreation Department keeps providing wonderful programs for our residents even with dwindling finances; our City Marina keeps improving and has become a revenue stream for our town; and our Public Works Department are often Marathon’s unsung heroes as they keep fixing the things that break. 2. What actions would you undertake to continue the improvement of Fire/EMS services?
Under Chief Wagner, the Fire Department has come a long way. We must make sure that our firefighters continue to evaluate and improve our city’s plan for how to fight fires for every street and parcel in Marathon. The Council needs to commit to continue to install much-needed fire hydrants in our neighborhoods. We must make sure our paid and volunteer firefighters have the tools and equipment they need to do their jobs. Again, under Chief Wagner, there now exists an abundance of training opportunities for our firefighters that wasn’t there before. And before next year’s budget cycle, we should still try to open a dialogue with Islamorada, Layton, and Monroe County to find the best, most cost-effective way to provide protection to residents in Grassy Key, Conch Key, and Duck Key (as well as other unincorporated areas) without the duplication of facilities and services that taxpayers can’t afford. 3. How will the City of Marathon improve the local economy?
It certainly isn’t by claiming to spearhead a local Economic Development Committee and then voting against its recommendations. I’ve been on the Chamber Board for the past three years, I’ve worked hard on initiatives to help build a better future, and I’m very proud of the efforts of the Board, the committees, and our membership in helping Marathon stay economically viable in these trying times.
We can help improve the economy by working hand in hand with our Chamber and local business community, actually listening to recommendations brought forward by already-established advisory committees, and not just paying them lip service. There is an incredible amount of local business acumen and expertise, and the Council needs to tap into that source of information and experience. We need a Council that will work hand in hand with our business community to strengthen our economy and redouble our efforts at Marathon’s beautification. It’s critical that we come up with a post-wastewater / stormwater / BPAS strategy for our remaining development and redevelopment. We must make sure those developers who do come into our city keep their promises and have set timetables to get their properties back online. And we must ensure that the contractors who are tearing up our streets do the job right the first time and minimize the inconvenience to our residents and business owners. 4. If elected or re-elected for 2 years, what will you do to mitigate the workforce housing crisis during these questionable economic times?
I would hope that the Seagrape complex, which actually was initiated during my tenure on Council, lives up to its promise to provide much-needed true workforce housing. I would also like to see the City encourage the already selected developer to move ahead with Paradise Landing, as well as continuing to enhance its relationships with the Middle Keys Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity. As part of our post-wastewater/stormwater/BPAS strategy, the City must continue lobbying the State for additional affordable housing BPAS-exempt allocations that are essential to solve this crisis.
Additionally, we must continue to work with the Legislature and FIRM to keep a handle on skyrocketing windstorm insurance rates, and seek legitimate and real property tax solutions for those who rent their properties out as affordable/workforce housing (falling property tax rates won’t last forever). We must also hold developers’ feet to the fire and make sure that their contributions to the City’s affordable housing fund go to their best possible use. We must also somehow encourage the Legislature to quit raiding the cookie jar and restore all the funding under the Sadowski Act back to affordable housing needs. 5. What is the next important city project after the wastewater/stormwater project is completed?
As we complete our wastewater/stormwater improvements, we must develop, as I mentioned before, a post-wastewater/stormwater/BPAS strategy that takes into account the future development and redevelopment needs of our community. Our environmentally sensitive lands have been identified and mechanisms are in place to protect them. We have a pretty good understanding of what buildable land we have left. We must prevent the misuse of taxpayer funds in purchasing buildable/scarified land under the administrative relief provisions of BPAS and ensuring that those funds are used to preserve our truly sensitive lands.
Additionally, we have to redouble our efforts toward the beautification of Marathon. Our city’s Beautification Committee has done very good work, and the city needs to secure (grant) funding to help them achieve their goals. And the work that started on the demolition of our derelict properties must continue. We were moving forward for a short time with the demolition of the Quay and the Anchor-Lite Botel properties, but serious public health hazards still exist on several properties, notably the old Longhorn Lodge and the old Hanley’s/Rip’s/Gators sites, both visible from US 1. The Longhorn is partially demolished, but the piles of rubble haven’t been removed and the parcel is now overgrown and is an unsafe neighbor to one of our residential areas. Similarly, the place that used to be Hanley’s is an unsightly and unsafe ruin of a few standing concrete block walls that our tourists see just before they hit the Seven Mile Bridge. These parcels must be cleaned up, and this will be a high priority for me on the City Council. 6. How does the City of Marathon attract tourists during the two seasons? Especially, the summer months.
Again, it’s through a good working relationship with the local business community and the Chamber of Commerce that goals like this can be realized. A great example is this year’s Original Marathon Seafood Festival. The City provides a great venue and support services, the Chamber provides organization, promotion, and volunteers, and the Organized Fishermen of Florida provide the seafood and people-power needed to feed the masses. After a record-breaking Festival the year before, we were all worried about this year’s Festival because of the economy. We lowered ticket prices, I took over the marketing for the Festival, and the efforts of our committee and volunteers paid off with the best Seafood Festival ever. Attendance and revenues were up over the previous year’s record-breaking totals.
Additionally, the Chamber continues to work on great ideas for off-season events, both in direct sponsorship and event organization, as well as assisting other groups with their events. We work closely with the local DAC (District Advisory Committee) and the TDC (Tourism Development Council) and take a pro-active position on marketing our islands as a year-round destination. Two Chamber-sponsored events to look for next fall are the Marathon Triathlon and Conchtoberfest. 7. What actions must the city take to relieve the insurance and tax burden for residents?
As far as insurance goes, the City must continue to help fund FIRM, the grassroots organization that truly made the difference for all of us. We must also continue to work with our Legislator, and hold the Legislature and Governor to their campaign promises, as well as make sure they don’t forget all of us in the Keys still on Citizens policies. The success achieved so far is but only a beginning of the real solution that all of Florida needs. 8. What are the city's various funding sources and which one is the direct burden of the city’s residents?
(After three election cycles, it still sounds like a test question to me.) Ed. Yes, John, this is a test question. The City reaps the benefit of many funding sources, including various license, permitting, and impact fees, fuel and communications taxes, local, state, and federal grants, user fees and enterprise funds, the State Revolving Fund (sewer / stormwater loans), etc. The largest revenue sources are the infrastructure sales tax and the ad valorem taxes. The ad valorem tax is the revenue source (property tax) that is a direct burden on the City’s property owners, but all revenues are tax dollars of one kind or another, and should be spent wisely. 9. How big is the city’s slice of the overall ad valorem taxes collected countywide?
For fiscal year 2009, Monroe County collected $82.565 million in ad valorem taxes. The City of Marathon collected $4.305 million. Combined, Key West, Key Colony Beach, Islamorada, and Layton collected $23.157 million. 10. What steps must the city take to address historical preservation within Marathon?
The City must stay involved with the County and FDOT as the eventual rehabilitation of the old Seven Mile Bridge gets underway, hopefully within our lifetimes. Likewise, the City should work with the County and the Pigeon Key Foundation to preserve and enhance the future of the island. The old bridge and Pigeon Key are our direct links to the history of our island chain, and must be preserved and protected so that future generations will remember the past. Additionally, there are a few structures in town that have a history, and perhaps a Historical Preservation Committee should be formed to advise the Council on our historic resources. 11. Do you take all campaign contributions from anyone or are you selective? Why?
I never have accepted contributions from just anyone. The appearance of being “in the pocket” of a special interest is contrary to the idea of public service. In all my years on the Council, I never once had to recuse myself from voting because of any developer or special interest. One more thing must be stated here: campaign contributions in and of themselves will not influence my vote on issues. My decisions, like they always have been, will be based on what I believe is best for the people of Marathon as a whole. 12. Should Marathon annex Duck Key? Why or why not?
There are good reasons to consider such an annexation on both sides, such as an increased tax base and provision of quality city services to Duck Key (especially Fire/EMS). There may be, however, reasons that Duck Key residents may want to stay with unincorporated Monroe. I believe that the City and Duck Key should at least begin a dialogue to investigate the possibility, and allow for Duck Key residents to make their own decision. 13. Should Marathon build and operate some kind of municipal swimming pool and/or splash pools and other water park amenities? Why or why not?
Until sewers are finished, we can’t even begin to afford a pool. I know that many residents have expressed their desire for a pool, while many have expressed their concerns over the costs of building and operating a pool. City taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for this project by themselves. If we are to see a pool built, the school district (a potential major user of a pool) should step up to the plate with their infrastructure (non-ad valorem) dollars, and private business interests as well could come forward to sponsor and offset the annual operation costs of a pool. 14. How much more development can the City of Marathon withstand?
As I mentioned before, the city must work to create a post-wastewater/stormwater/BPAS strategy that takes into account the future development and redevelopment needs of our community, working toward the best use of our buildable land. But we need to be cautious so that developers don’t come in, promise the moon, and leave behind piles of rubble, vacant resorts and marinas, or billion dollar ruins. 15. What are the limits of property rights?
Those limits are those defined in the United States Constitution and Code of Federal Regulations, Florida Statutes and Constitution, and the City’s Land Development Regulations. This is important: any other limits people may believe to exist likely don’t, and that is why continued public participation is crucial to our vision for the future of Marathon. The Constitution acknowledges that public good may at times outweigh private property rights, so long as the property owner was compensated at fair market value. But we must determine what’s truly in the public’s best interest, and that’s why we must prevent the misuse of taxpayer funds in purchasing buildable/scarified land under the administrative relief provisions of BPAS. 16. How would you increase the efforts to beautify the US1 corridor and pay for same?
As I previously mentioned, we have to redouble our efforts toward the beautification of Marathon. Our city’s Beautification Committee has done very good work, and the city needs to secure (grant) funding to help them achieve their goals. And the work that started on the demolition of our derelict properties must continue. 17. What use should Boot Key [the island] play in Marathon’s future?
As much as some would just like the city to be rid of the island, Boot Key is part of Marathon. Its future probably lies in being preserved as both natural habitat and an eco-tourism attraction for wildlife and kayak tours. I would also like to see the city work with the island’s property owners (and the state) on an equitable settlement to their issues, and not have to spend money fighting court cases. 18. How can we increase the number of workforce families in the City of Marathon?
The Chamber has done a lot of work in marketing Marathon, both as a visitor destination as well as a great place to relocate. Our Red Carpet Tour’s mission is showing new businesses that Marathon has all the amenities and conveniences one needs, as well as being a great small-town community with quality services and low taxes. The city can help by working with the Chamber in helping develop and promote these efforts. That being said, we can’t forget to do what’s necessary to help shore up our local economy and keep the families we have here. 19. How can the City of Marathon retain valuable employees and increase their value in training?
When the economy recovers, we should look at offering much-needed raises to those employees who have gone without for the past few years. Until then, there should be no cuts in salaries or benefits at this point. Training, continuing education, and advancement opportunities should be offered to staff members as the budget allows. 20. Should there be a decrease or increase in city employees? Why or why not?
The City of Marathon is chartered as a Council-Manager form of government. The Council does not make day-to-day management decisions; this is the job of our City Manager. If services aren’t being performed as required or in a timely fashion, residents and business owners will let their Council Members know, and we’ll then address these concerns with the Manager. The only correct answer to this question is that it’s not the City Council’s call. 21. How do you resolve the calls for lower taxes and increased calls for more high-quality city services?
In addition to reducing bureaucratic red tape as much as possible, helping our local economy recover will be the best long-term solution to increase revenues while keeping taxes down. 22. Considering the recent movement in the Lower Keys to designate a naturist beach, should the city designate the western portion of Coco Plum Beach as a nude beach following the Haulover Beach model? Why or why not?
I would have to hear a lot more of the naked truth from Coco Plum neighbors, as well as residents and beachgoers, before I could make an informed decision. Rest assured, I would not frequent this beach. 23. Should building permits be tied to the evacuation time model? Why or why not?
It’s not Marathon’s permits that are likely to be the problem. We’ve had unbridled growth and sprawl happen in Florida City, Homestead, and South Miami-Dade that will have a far greater impact upon our evacuation time. Locally, it’s way past time to separate public safety from growth management – these are two separate issues. I was on the Council when the DCA and local governments worked on the concept of evacuating non-residents well ahead of any approaching storm, and long before the 24-hour window idea started.
Whatever the number of hours it realistically takes to evacuate should be the number of hours stated – especially taking into account the Miami-Dade County situation. I totally support the early evacuation of non-residents as well as the phased evacuation of residents as ordered by Emergency Management. And we must always err on the side of caution. Anyone who has evacuated during storm threats knows that the evacuations proceed relatively smoothly. Suffice it to say that I trust our local emergency managers with these decisions far more than I do politicians or activists with an axe to grind. 24. Should council members raise or lower their pay? Why?
At this point, the $18,000 annual salary should be left where it is. Council members put in an inordinate amount of work for the salary received, and they certainly earn their pay. If only the rich and wealthy retired can run for office, then our Council truly will not be representative of the people of our City. 25. What must the city do to get minorities involved at all levels of the city?
Sadly, it’s not just minorities who don’t get involved. When turnout on our municipal Election Day in Marathon averages 25-28% of registered voters, it shows a real apathy that crosses ethnic and socio-economic lines.
It’s hard to believe that there are some who think that we’re on the right track and that everything is just hunky-dory. Travel around town, talk to people, and you’ll discover a wide range of residents who feel disenfranchised, who feel left out, and believe that their elected officials are acting only in their own best interests. Continuing exactly what we’re doing isn’t a real solution. WE CAN DO BETTER!
The City – and this should come from the Council itself – needs to take a proactive role in reaching out to all the members of this community. The City needs to let its residents know about the things that it’s doing to make their lives better. The City needs to tell its residents just how their tax dollars are being spent. These efforts have to be over and above what’s said at Council meetings, or what’s reported in the local news sources. If returned to the Council, I will hold informal town meetings in different neighborhoods throughout the City – meetings where residents can let a Council member know what’s on their minds without having to worry about a two-minute time limit.
That being said, residents also have a responsibility to participate in the decisions and issues that affect our community. As it has been said, if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. This community is at its best when people come together to accomplish meaningful things, and that’s what we need to get back to doing as a community.  Kevin Kenny in his own words
Kevin Kenny
PO Box 501572
Marathon, FL 33050-1572
(786) 752-7259
* No hidden agendas
* Better, smaller government
* Reduce costs through true competitive bidding
* Elect: Don't re-elect
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Kevin Kenny, Candidate for Marathon City Council 1. How does the City of Marathon live with less tax revenue due to property devaluation and still provide high quality services?
Increase efficiency and decrease redundant services. 2. What actions would you undertake to continue the improvement of Fire/EMS services?
At approximately 30% of the general budget, this should be reviewed and decreased, with suggestions from the fire chief. 3. How will the City of Marathon improve the local economy?
By supporting the TDC and Marathon Chamber of Commerce. 4. If elected or re-elected for 2 years, what will you do to mitigate the workforce housing crisis during these questionable economic times?
When issuing development mandates, affordable housing units be constructed first. 5. What is the next important city project after the wastewater/stormwater project is completed?
City Hall built to Cat 5 standards. 6. How does the City of Marathon attract tourists during the two seasons? Especially, the summer months.
This is not the cities job. Make sure the funds collected by the TDC in Marathon be used to promote Marathon. 7. What actions must the city take to relieve the insurance and tax burden for residents?
By continuing the support of FIRM and paying off the debt councils have saddled residents with. 8. What are the city's various funding sources and which one is the direct burden of the city’s residents?
Funding sources are Property taxes, City Marina, and the Building and Code Department. At this time Building and Code Dept are a direct burden to residents. 9. How big is the city’s slice of the overall ad valorem taxes collected countywide?
Approximately 16%. 10. What steps must the city take to address historical preservation within Marathon?
None, it is the responsibility of the State and Private Organizations. 11. Do you take all campaign contributions from anyone or are you selective? Why?
I will not accept contributions from those whose ideals are different from mine. 12. Should Marathon annex Duck Key? Why or why not?
No, we can not afford to at this time. 13. Should Marathon build and operate some kind of municipal swimming pool and/or splash pools and other water park amenities? Why or why not?
No, too much cost, maintenance, and liability. 14. How much more development can the City of Marathon withstand?
There are too many products on hold now to consider additional development. 15. What are the limits of property rights?
This is clearly covered in the LDRs and just needs enforcement. 16. How would you increase the efforts to beautify the US1 corridor and pay for same?
Through Grants only. 17. What use should Boot Key [the island] play in Marathon’s future?
None. 18. How can we increase the number of workforce families in the City of Marathon?
Stop the spiraling cost of living in Marathon: Decrease taxes, sewer and storm water fees. 19. How can the City of Marathon retain valuable employees and increase their value in training?
Remove unqualified personnel and replace them with qualified people. 20. Should there be a decrease or increase in city employees? Why or why not?
Decrease, we need to trim the budget. 21. How do you resolve the calls for lower taxes and increased calls for more high-quality city services?
By listening to the average residents, not catering to a select few. 22. Considering the recent movement in the Lower Keys to designate a naturist beach, should the city designate the western portion of Coco Plum Beach as a nude beach following the Haulover Beach model? Why or why not?
Yes, it has been known as a clothing optional beach for 30 years. 23. Should building permits be tied to the evacuation time model? Why or why not?
No, ROGO is a farce. 24. Should council members raise or lower their pay? Why?
Neither, according to the original charter, this was an unpaid position. At the current (time), it allows for minimal financial burden (to) be placed upon the council members. Ed. underline placed by Journal. 25. What must the city do to get minorities involved at all levels of the city?
Nothing, the best, most qualified people should be hired. Joan Nelson in her own words
 Bicycle Joanie Nelson for Marathon City Council
Joanie watches out for the "little guys"
No unfunded mandates; Stop Wastewater Project till State Pays
Shake out city council & try a new approach
Less government, less taxes, less development
No more developers displacing Marathon residents
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Joan Nelson, Candidate for Marathon City Council Joanie Nelson
750 46th Street Gulf
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 743-5061 Ed. Since Joanie has not been well, she was unable to answer this year's 25 Q&As. Therefore, we have included her 2008 set of 25 Q&As. Do you believe that City Hall situated in rented trailers is safe during a hurricane surge event like Wilma? Why or why not?
Nothing in this world is really safe. Witness the Tower of Babel. Witness the well-built Twin Towers of 9/11. It’s a matter of luck X foreign/homegrown terrorism X weather X location X preparedness & who knows (some would predict) religious &/or scientific determinism theologically/philosophically versus free will. We are leasing the insured City Hall Trailer Compound. No people will be sheltered in the compound during a Hurricane. Therefore no on-site loss of life. If there is loss of paperwork -- Goody if it relates to the Unfunded Mandate to hookup to Central Sewage by 2010 whose price tag is squeezing the last fringe of existing Affordable Housing out of the Heart of the Florida Keys. Sure our multimillion $ brand new Bell Tower Firehouse with its blistering brand new roof would probably be a safer place to hang out in a Hurricane but it’s not reserved for us little people. Can the endangered sewage assessed taxpayers of Marathon afford another multimillion $ expenditure to erect a safer City Hall Tower to replace the existing trailers? Especially not if it is exclusively reserved for the elite & their canine pedigrees (like the Regional Marathon Government Center was during Georges). But closed to the little people who decide to stay on their own to protect their tax paid property during a storm. Sometimes water pours from above. Sometimes it floods from below. As a possible comment on relative safety, Tom Robbins wrote in his Single Cell Preface to -- When Water Walks on Fire, Fire gets the Blisters. UNION FIREFIGHTERS: please SHARE THE BELL TOWER with local VOLUNTEERS
What actions would you undertake to improve Fire/EMS services?
Seriously explore returning at least equal control & opportunity & benefits to the displaced Local Volunteer Firefighters so the local guys who have an experiential history of our watery terrain can work with the Imported Union fellows so that When Water Walks on Fire, more chance that Fire gets the Blisters. On-the-Job empirical knowledge about locations of natural, canal & pool water sources should not be extinguished by new official un-voted upon mandate which demands State CERTIFICATION & eliminates historic certification. The 21 new hydrants approved by City Council are a good start to prevent future Rocketman house fires. However there is still a problem with water pressure. Hurry & get installed the 3,000 gallon tanks equipped with water pressure on our fire trucks. Combine Marathon Fire Chief position with competent Islamorada Fire Chief William local Wagner if he agrees to pursue bringing back a local volunteer brigade. And if the merger is guaranteed to save us taxpayers $. Maybe a start to exploring (no paid high priced outside hired consultants; local volunteers please) regionalizing county-wise a Public Safety Department. When Marathon incorporated some of our founding fathers were more propelled toward separating rather than sharing services for the people with the rest of the county. Time to rethink this stance. Consult with/Bring on Board (instead of pulling the not-certification plug on) Johnny Maddox re- his Porky’s Sump firefighting Wagon. Maddox’s Invention be great to save historic Pigeon Key since our fire trucks can’t get there by bridge because of DOT safety. Locals like Johnny choosing to advance Safety on their Own re-saving the blistering of their property & lives should not be impeded by bureaucracy. Since when was our Nation built on certification versus Independent Innovation. Inventor Edison would have had a lightning fit. 5 STARS to all Union & Volunteer Firefighters & EMS professionals. When our Nation finally conserves taxpayers’ $ out of Iraq & into Universal Health Care, our EMS can be more assured of being part of the affordable solution which will insure that Health Care has an indelible connection to our Constitutional Rights of Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness. Meanwhile, we in Marathon stuck in the heart of the Conch Republic, can work toward affordable health care (including EMS/ambulances) for our low income/non-insured residents. A county in Michigan accomplished this without waiting for the Nation. Why can’t we Marathonians stuck in Monroe with the Memphis City Blues follow suit? By the way, while we are rushing to the 2010 Sewage Deadline, what happens if someone has a heart attack & dies because a ambulance can’t get down a dug up closed road potted with sewage holes sanctioned by an Unfunded Mandate contracted out by our City to Weiler? More reason to keep expensive Trauma Star. And badger Tallahassee to pay for the helicopter to insure life, liberty & pursuit of Happiness in the Conch Republic in exchange for keeping the Area of Critical State Concern status on the forever Florida books. Main thing: Volunteers & Union people/Firefighters & EMS, please work together & share so Fire gets the Blisters. Instead of the little people trying to mixed metaphorically Walk ON Water. It was suggested to me by a former seasoned dedicated volunteer fireman’s wife that one way to rekindle the lost local volunteer firefighter brigade would be to fire up an Explorer Program at Marathon H.S. Seems to me the dedicated volunteers didn’t jump ship. They were kind of delicately pushed overboard because their certification wasn’t THEIR CERTIFICATION. I met a nice Union fireman in line at the Post Office. I asked what happened to the local volunteers. He said we can’t find any. Why? Firefighter need to fight fires. Not each other. CHECK & BALANCE & TIGHT SHIPS
Should the city change to a strong mayor system to eliminate certain costs and integrate more council control over staff? Why or why not?
Jefe Mayor? Chief City Manager? The worst scenario is a collusion between top officials in Monroe who may have attempted to prioritize sinking a ship & resurrecting a restaurant above the basic needs of the people. Maybe Jefe & Chief should be subjected to the Sunshine Law even though they don’t sit on the same board. Since their backroom politics might adversely affect the little people they respectively are elected & hired to govern. A strong mayor system seems to make more democratic sense since Mayor is elected by City Council which is elected by the People while City Manager is further down the ladder on a rung hired by & empowered to operate at the pleasure of the people-elected Council. However if a Mayor had enough power to run over a City Manager & Staff for special favors that would be unfair to the Public. Got to figure out a workable check & balance system like our Nation’s Founding Fathers constituted. If we should go to a strong mayor system, seems that Mayor might be elected by the People via administrative qualifications & separate on the ballot from the other City Council candidates. Mayor could be monetarily compensated (a deep cut less than what we’ve been paying hired Administrative Chiefs). Then, like the onboard plan with shared Fire Chief William Wagner, we could afford to pay a logistics person & save the taxpayers $. If we keep the status quo, the hired City Administrative Chief should, with respect to interacting with City Staff, acknowledge that the Truman responsibility buck stops HERE at the top. The tightest departmental ship I have observed in Monroe County is Supervisor of Elections. The Check & Balance Captain in Command is Harry Sawyer. He knows how & when to delicately delegate. Harry once mentioned to me that he was sent to delegation school. Maybe Harry will volunteer to give us a lesson in check & balance delegation. Existing Residences versus New shifty Affordable Housing Projects
If elected for 2 years, what will you do specifically to solve the affordable and workforce housing crisis?
Save Existing remnant of Affordable Housing by eliminating/mitigating the sewage assessment on our Save Our Homes tax bills & additional lateral connection costs. Work with the Florida Wastewater Foundation. Investigate to make sure the Foundation Appointees aren’t making upscale salaries to the detriment of $ trickling down to US. Lobby Tallahassee & D.C. via Ron Saunders & Ileana. In a recent conference call I asked Ileana what she was going to do in D.C. to help us with this impending Unfundated Sewage Mandate. She said she has been persistently asking for $ to help fresh & saltwater conchs save their houses using the argument that over 1/3 of the property parcels in the Keys are government/non-profit-owned. Therefore not sewage/stormwater assessed, not taxed. Therefore the unbearable heavy load falls on me & you. The City Marina laundry expands. The last private laundry forced to close. Do not make mealy deals for 104th Street really unaffordable complexes with developers who swiftly shift with the real estate marketplace. City Council needs to take care of us endangered existing affordable housed first. Then maybe we’ll be ready for the Swifts with their projected compound rumored to be proposed to be loaded with a private swimming pool when we can’t even get a Public pool. For sure when I ever become a City Council person, I will never allow a Marlin Bay/Gulfstream trailer park fiasco. Terms ago I told Councilman Greenman: You all need to negotiate a better deal for us with Marlin Bay. Make them pay for the Whole Sewage System before you give them the Green Light. I was told that would be extortion. My response: No just a good Jewish deal. A whole community of real people got bulldozed. Then along with Dave Clark of Cay Clubs, also Earthmark shallowly planted @ Knight‘s Key, the Flowers-backed brothers took off because the real estate bubble busted. As for Gulfstream, I don’t blame Frank & Roseanne. I believe in property rights. The Mauros were ready to retire. I blame the City Council for serving the whole enchilada on a silver patter to the developers without insuring a Giant’s bite for the people via Goliath Impact Fees to be paid in advance of issuing any development agreements or permits. The developers pulled the plug on us. Instead of us pulling the plug on them. City Council ended a meeting with a wimp not a bang. No more Gulfstreams!
What actions must the city take to help affordable and workforce-housing landlords keep their rents low enough to keep Marathon’s workforce in Marathon?
Give these landlords a healthy break on their sewage assessment as long as they sign a legal document to agree to keep their rentals as true existing affordable/workforce safe housing. And we need to define just what is safe affordable rental housing.
How should affordable and workforce home ownership properties be assessed for ad valorem taxes?
Ad Valorem taxes should be tilted to the extreme to ensure the survival of affordable/workforce (especially long-term local middle & working class including the fixed-income retired) housed. Something like what Obama proposes. A deeper tax break for the 95% of us Middle Classers who are the backbone of American Democracy. Make up the difference to balance the budget via the other ad valorem 5%. For additional revenues reinstitute a toll targeted to non-residents like Marco & Jekyll Islands. We are an Area of State Critical Concern so DOT needs to treat us special re- the Overseas Hwy. Institute user fees to impact the visitors we love who impact the place they love to visit where we love to live. Especially get the government-owned properties to pay their fair share of taxes. The latter may be an unprecedented proposal but fitting for a Conch Republic that without precedent mockingly succeeded at its southernmost tip from the fiercely independent democratic Nation that without precedent really succeeded from King George. Don’t repeat on the Conchs the injustice we pulled on the American Indians re- their alluvial just rights.
What actions must the city take to relieve the insurance burden for residents?
Support & work with FIRM to keep up their good work & press FIRM to make sure their push to insurance reform trickles down to the little guy. Citizens still needs to be reined in. City Council needs to be constantly on Saunders’ butt to emphasize to Tallahassee’s Insurance Commissioner that Monroe is the State’s Crown Jewel & we expect proper treatment for our royal constituents. Why should we be treated more harshly than other areas of the Nation that are more prone to flooding & susceptible to a wide variety of other more deadly costly natural disasters? A bad Wilma every double decade perhaps but hopefully unlikely that a terrible 9/11 or an Indonesian tsunami will ever happen to us. Maybe the Insurance Industry that unconscionably gobbles up in the good times needs to be seriously regulated by the likes of a SEC. Then transformed into a People’s Cooperative akin to a FKEC utility. Not allowed to be a darling of the lobbyists that plague politicians (of both Parties) like Wall Street, Fanny, Freddie & AIG whose upper crusts we taxpayers just bailed out.
What are the city's various funding sources and which one is the direct burden of the city’s residents?
The direct burden of the city’s residents (even if you rent -- the cost filters down) is Ad Valorem. Other funds come from Cost & Recovery -- code, planning, building, EMS, Sheriff Department -- a.k.a. fees, fines, forfeitures & permits.
How big is the city’s slice of the overall ad valorem taxes collected countywide?
Figure 1.5% of the total TRIM to get our slice according to Finance Director Peter Rosasco.
What steps must the city take to address historical preservation within Marathon?
Save what we have left. Pigeon Key & the historic residents & their Conch life-style. Allow us free-spirits & inventions like Johnny Maddox’s Porky Sump firefighting Wagon to respectively survive irresponsible developers & put out unreachable out-of-control fires.
Do you take all campaign contributions from anyone or are you selective? Why?
Sure. But be pretty sure I’ll broker a good deal for the other people & me on the verge of being squeezed out of here economically & lifestyle-wise that I’ve been politically standing up for since 1997 plus the associated add-on issues that I believe in & am currently fighting for. And I’ll make sure we don’t get screwed. By consistently & persistently playing live chess this way, I’ve been effective on certain occasions. Sometimes almost elected. I still have a remnant of idealism left in me from my growing-up years. But I’m realistic enough to calculate that the current worldly political game, even in the Keys, is a bad gamble for a non-funded candidate to emerge as a winner. Rather be a statesperson. When I have to be a politician, can’t help but be transparent. When I found myself in a recent run-off position via Tempest & Vasil, I thought & thought how to be as useful as possible in promoting the little people survival stance I consistently voice via our platforms & re- my small spoiler power. For sure I didn’t want to stick on the think-too-much/do-nothing-fence like HAMLET & let the play end in a possible tragedy.
Should Marathon un-incorporate? Why or why not?
Why jump out of the frying pan back into the fire at this melting point when the county budget is burning hot red? However for all of Monroe County people’s sake we need to consider thinking regionally re- Public Safety & other should-be-shared services. Share & re-Combine when it makes economic & human sense. Sally Buehler’s un-incorporation movement should be kept ready-to-go on the back burner. From the inception of incorporation, I have been on the wait & see fence testing County versus City waters.
Should Marathon build and operate some kind of municipal swimming pool? Why or why not?
Sure. Better a pool by the park than a Sewage Treatment Plant where the pool was supposed to go. Better a Public pool by the park than a private pool on the rocks @ the sinking 104th Street so-called affordable projected housing compound. Seriously we need to sit in somebody’s sauna & meditate about a public pool re- how, where & when. In the vicinity of the Marathon H.S. in combine with the defunct Marathon Manor is a dreamy thought spot. We the People, a long time ago, stuck our thumb tacks in favor of prioritizing a Public Pool at a public gathering at Stanley Switlik school shortly after incorporation. Nobody thumb-tacked/voted for the Unfunded Mandate -- Sewage. We received recreational grants for a pool at our park. Where did the grant $ disappear/get shuffled to? Jonathon Swift, a master of satire via his Boiled babies re- the Irish Potato Famine piece, might comment today if he still be alive that maybe we can recycle the Sewage treatment plant’s cleaned up water & fill a pool so we can swim laps, so swim team can train, so red cross can give lessons to the little kids.
What are the limits of developments and redevelopments? &&& 15. What are the limits of property rights?
NOTE: She included this answer to the two questions above - Ed. Mixed. What happened to Gulfstream is a perfect Property Rights versus Development model. I believe in the Mauros’ right to sell their trailer park property. They were ready to retire. The mess-up can be partially pinned on the past compositions of City Council. They didn’t make a good Jewish Deal Development Agreement tied to Goliath Impact fees due on-the-spot with those imports -- the flowery Marlin Bay developers. The twin mess-up was our elected officials’ failure to cite & stand by the Florida State Statue which mandates that trailers park residents be secured a replacement site within 50 miles. Some of the Gulfstreamers & Jolly Rogers were, without a fuss, just inhumanely evacuated, not by a Hurricane, but somewhat quietly by politics, money & backroom power deals as usual. The Unfunded Sewage Mandate is an assault to property rights. A CRA that goes beyond the traditional limits re- hospitals, roads, schools giving Redevelopers the power to remove blighted neighborhoods at their exclusive discretion to take our little pink houses for corporate greed is Un-American & will advance the encroachment of corporate skyscraping towers threatening to darken the sunlight & endanger the survival of us existing little historical people. Both the Unfunded Sewage Mandate & an unbridled CRA are extortions. My appeal at a historic City Council meeting to Councilman Greenman via Gulfstream & Marlin Bay, the latter of which took off with Cay when the bubble busted, was go for a Good Jewish Deal not un-American Extortion. REPO (Real Estate Property Owners) is an acronym borrowed from & with appropriate credits to candidate Kevin Woodland.
How would you beautify the US1 corridor and pay for same? Plant & Nurture a tree.
You’ll get your personal golden green plaque attached. Like the park stepping stones at Rotary Park. Local businesses, residences, volunteers: follow the example of Claude of TLC who planted palms in the vicinity of the airport & Knight’s Key/7-Mile Bridge. If Heritage Trail & DOT want to help. More than Welcome.
What use should Boot Key [the island] play in Marathon’s future?
An environmental-shared playground for us & the tourists. The latter -- an entrance fee. Maybe if we can broker with Florida Forever, the Heritage Trail &/or other quasi/ regular governmental agencies in cooperation with the established Boot Key private owners, we can manage to resurrect the Boot Key Bridge. No more putting the Kid in charge of the Candy Store cause Daddy Mayor was out of town. When we adopted the Boot Key Bridge, we were programmed to consider ourselves the County’s step child. Okay by me if we contract some on-site (conch-style not-Disney world scale) for-profit vendors. Especially blessed people like Peter & Marie who donate their vegetable stand (in front of Nature Conservancy) profits to the community via Tina / Education Coalition to help us budget-wise survive as a City.
What must the city’s policy be on displaced resident mitigation?
Pass an ordinance that mirrors the Florida Statue that reflects & applies to trailer park folks which promises replacement location within 50 miles. Also need to protect other existing historic/low income homeowners in danger of being rooted out by non-traditional CRA-type redevelopments or other natural/ made-made disaster/developments.
What position(s) should be grandfathered on city staff?
None. No Golden Parachutes either.
Should there be another hiring freeze at city hall? Why or why not?
Yes. When the taxpayers are suffering, it’s time not to eliminate the pay raises of our city servants (starting deep from the top to not just eliminate raises but reduce actual pay). We started with a little city hall @ Caldwell Realty. Now we have blossomed into a bureaucracy. The taxpayers are hurting & Sewage Assessment is killing us. Obama made the campaign statement that low & middle class people deserve the health care benefits equal to those lavished on our elected Congressmen for whom we pay the tab. So do we in Monroe. Not only freeze & eliminate via attrition but why create an $80,000 Ports Authority position when we the taxpaying people have to use ER cause we can’t afford or jobs don’t provide us with health insurance?
How do you resolve the calls for lower taxes and increased calls for more high-quality city services?
Like Don Vasil said: What I’m hearing from the People is that Services are good. City Hall staff & management give me A+ customer care for whatever I ask for. As far as Rocketman Fire (mentioned by Pete Worthington/KEYNOTER/9/13), I disagree re- hiring more non-local Union firefighters. Better solve the situation by encouraging & rewarding a renewed local Volunteer brigade. Promote an Explorer Marathon H.S. new local blood program to share firefighting with Union Imports. For sure spend the $ on local Explorers not Union Kelly Days.
Should the city designate the western portion of Coco Plum Beach as a nude beach following the Haulover Beach model in North Miami Beach? Why or why not?
Concentrate on Sewage not Nudity @ western portion of Coco Plum Beach. I am a free spirit Jeffersonian who believes the Government that Governs Best Governs Least. But if we don’t put the reins on the Unfunded Sewage Mandate, all of us, bikinied or naked, will be kicked out of here. Unless we’re super richly endowed or work for the government.
Should building permits be tied to the evacuation time model? Why or why not?
YES. I didn’t use to think so. Because it doesn’t necessarily make reasonable sense at 1st review to tie ROGO to evacuation. I have an inclusive rather than snotty mentality. I used to feel that because I managed to get a cabin in the woods, I was eager to invite everybody else down here. However now that us endangered locals are in an immediate monetary crunch (because of the Unfunded Mandated Sewage Assessment) plus an impending wipe-out because the lifting of ROGO (a.k.a.) building permit relaxation if we kowtow to Tallahassee by 2010, the Area of State Critical Concern will most likely be de-Designated & we will be swept away by Unbridled Development. Thereby reinstituting the era of CAY clubs allowed to invade without paid-in-advance Goliath Impact fees because former compositions of our elected City Council were lobbied/influenced by bulldozing developers.
Should council members raise or lower their pay? Why?
Lower City Council Pay. If you Council People fix our unbearable Unfunded Sewage Assessment that we can’t afford maybe we will all hold a special session & reward the bunch of you converted wimps a proper tip. Reverse the creation of a new $80,000 + Ports Authority Manager position probably equipped with a Golden Parachute. Shifting a high paid administrative person from 1 unnecessary position to another unnecessary position doesn’t trim the budget & doesn’t make happy paddy-cakes to the taxpayers assessed to shoulder a growing bureaucracy. A community is not well & healthy when it can’t afford the cost of their government.
What must the city do to get minorities involved at all levels of the city?
Minor worries about minorities. About gender, race, color. Worry more about economic class & ethical conscience. Us struggling at the bottom & us struggling to stay in the middle backbone class of America (including the Conch Republic) need to unite as brothers & sisters (whites going minority, blacks, yellows, reds, browns, gays, lesbians) instead of being pitted against each other. Intermarriage can facilitate this coming together. I did it in the 60’s & was rewarded with 2 beautiful sweet latte kids. MORE: Because I’ve been persistent & consistent, I’ve come close to being elected. Although never elected, I’ve been effective. This is my unofficial experience record. 1st time I ran for Marathon City Council 1. Earl Carty, a longtime influential pillar of the 41st Street Rock Black neighborhood, called me & said we have a problem. Can’t you help us? I responded what is it? Well the Clinic wants to put a halfway crack rehabilitation house right smack in our high cap rock neighborhood, just across from my house where my granddaughter stays until her Momma comes home from work, right smack up against Grace Jones Pre-School. I responded: This is an issue I can go to bat for because I believe right on it’s on the wrong track. O.K. I’ll get with your wife Grace & draw up a petition, I’ll get signatures in the community, I’ll get the news media, I’ll get Tilden’s wife Sally (Executive Director of Grace Jones) on board, you guys get your neighborhood fired up & get signatures, get us a meeting place like Mt. Zion Baptist Church. We met & Met & met. The news media came with their pads & reported the issue in their papers. Finally George Neugent was sent to Mount Zion & on the stage reported that the sponsor of the Halfway Crack House was pulling out of their plan to invade the Rock because the neighborhood was against it. 2. Rick Jones (at a City Council Meeting) introduced a Gestapo-sounding Harbor plan to rein in the free-spirited liveaboards affordably, historically housed in safe Boot Key Harbor. Harbor people stood up & vibrantly protested. I got on board & organized the Right to Anchor Association. We discussed Admiralty Law, reached out to Key West liveaboards, got donations. Via flyers & grassroots give-me-fives I got approximately 75 boaters & other community people to come to our meetings. Golly! Even City Council running mates Bob Miller & Greenman asked me if they could come & speak. As a candidate, I said sure everybody is welcome. At that Marathon Marine meeting I was nominated to be head of the association. I declined because I felt it should be handed to an actual Boot Key Harbor boater. We tweaked the Management Plan to a rocky reasonableness but didn’t eliminate it. 3. Now the wealthy people from Morton St. call me. Oh no what’s your concern? Look we have all these beautiful birds at our beautiful house right across the canal from where the Sheriff’s Department has claimed a Shooting Range. It’s upsetting & maybe potentially dangerous. Me said cool beans I don’t cuddle up to guns. Immediately I dove into a petition drive. At a political forum I remarked re- this Shooting Range issue that I didn’t shoot the Sheriff but I killed the Grassy Key deputy gun range. Sheriff Rick Roth in his seat doubled over with laughter. 4. I fought for & was very instrumental in getting rid of Marathon City Council seat designation. 1st time I filed for City Council, I asked SOE what seat I should sign up for since I live on 46th Gulf. Doesn’t matter was the reply. I signed up for Seat 2 since it’s my favorite #. After many campaign battles I came to the realization that there was no demographic rhyme or geographic reason for seat designation. Plus the non-at-large situation promoted a game of musical chairs where the more well-funded endowed candidates had the switch advantage. Plus it pitted people running against each other versus campaigns concentrated on issues. Persistently & Consistently yours, Bicycle Joanie Nelson
This is Marathon Florida Keys Journal Marathon City Council candidate package. A submission email address will be provided. All submissions of any kind must use that email address. We do not accept any other method of submission. Our telephone number is 305-743-9648. An example of our campaign webpage is at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/elections/07election.htm. An example of our endorsement page is at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/2006/030106.htm. An example of a header ad that appears on all 800 of our web pages can be found at the top of any web page right beneath our red Runes of Ao.com and Marathon Journal.US banners. The header ad is contained within the yellow or blue oblong box. Marathon Florida Keys Journal will announce endorsements on October 1. This question and answers [Q&A] format will be used to determine our endorsements. Your answers will be published on our special elections web page at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/elections/09election.htm. The Q&A must be in text or Microsoft Word .doc format. No other formats are allowed. Your Q&A must be into us midnight September 22. The Marathon Florida Keys Journal allows candidates on a first come first placed basis to publish a header ad for 7 consecutive days. The header ad is contained within the yellow or blue oblong box on all 800 web pages under the Runes of Ao.com and Marathon Journal.US banners. An ad day is midnight to midnight. Normally, header ads cost $75.00 per day. This campaign ad offer is free of charge. Still, you must report this as an in-kind contribution in an amount of $500.00 total for all 7 contiguous days. Candidates need to call 743-9648 to lock in their campaign ad time slot. Here is the schedule for the Journal’s in-kind contribution of $500 to each qualified candidate, invoicing and discounting. The best time slots start with number one. The candidate must record this $500 in-kind contribution in their election reports. The contribution is from The Marathon Florida Keys Journal, PO Box 501833, Marathon FL 33050-1833. OCT28 thru NOV03 -- Richard Keating
OCT21 thru OCT27 -- John Bartus
OCT14 thru OCT20 -- Mike Cinque
OCT07 thru OCT13 -- Don Vasil
SEP30 thru OCT06 -- Kevin Kenny
SEP23 thru SEP29 -- Joan Nelson
SEP16 thru SEP22 Past
SEP09 thru SEP15 Past
SEP02 thru SEP08 Past
AUG26 thru SEP01 Past
AUG19 thru AUG25 Past
AUG12 thru AUG18 Past
AUG04 thru AUG11 Qualifying period...
Candidates submit their advertising to include anything they desire that is not beyond the limits of common sense. Graphics/photos must be in jpg or gif format only. Bandwidth costs us money, so keep your photos or graphics as small in file size as possible. We can reduce graphics and photos in file size, if you want to leave this to us. Web size is limited to 300 pixels wide and 400 pixels high, 15 lines high max including small photo or graphic. Depending on the total file size, we can sometimes work a bit beyond these constraints. Call us at 305-743-9648 for more information. Several candidates have already contacted us. Each candidate can modify their web entries anytime up to October 19. Entries are published at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/elections/09election.htm. Your input submission is anytime up to midnight September 22. Of course, the earlier you get your advertisement and the answers to the Journal 25 questions the better for that candidate. Early submission gets placed higher on the web page. So!1. Get your info into us for the free candidate placement of a header ad and on this web page as soon as you can. First requested, first placed, and your choice of prime dates. Usually the seven days through to election day is the prime time slot. So don't dilly dally or your ad might be two months from the election date. See above for details instructions.
2. Answer the Q&As and submit to us as soon as possible. See below.
3. If you want any ad beyond the free offer, contact us as soon as possible. Subsequent ads cost money.1. How does the City of Marathon live with less tax revenue due to property devaluation and still provide high quality services? 2. What actions would you undertake to continue the improvement of Fire/EMS services? 3. How will the City of Marathon improve the local economy? 4. If elected or re-elected for 2 years, what will you do to mitigate the workforce housing crisis during these questionable economic times? 5. What is the next important city project after the wastewater/stormwater project is completed? 6. How does the City of Marathon attract tourists during the two seasons? Especially, the summer months. 7. What actions must the city take to relieve the insurance and tax burden for residents? 8. What are the city's various funding sources and which one is the direct burden of the city’s residents? 9. How big is the city’s slice of the overall ad valorem taxes collected countywide? 10. What steps must the city take to address historical preservation within Marathon? 11. Do you take all campaign contributions from anyone or are you selective? Why? 12. Should Marathon annex Duck Key? Why or why not? 13. Should Marathon build and operate some kind of municipal swimming pool and/or splash pools and other water park amenities? Why or why not? 14. How much more development can the City of Marathon withstand? 15. What are the limits of property rights? 16. How would you increase the efforts to beautify the US1 corridor and pay for same? 17. What use should Boot Key [the island] play in Marathon’s future? 18. How can we increase the number of workforce families in the City of Marathon? 19. How can the City of Marathon retain valuable employees and increase their value in training? 20. Should there be a decrease or increase in city employees? Why or why not? 21. How do you resolve the calls for lower taxes and increased calls for more high-quality city services? 22. Considering the recent movement in the Lower Keys to designate a naturist beach, should the city designate the western portion of Coco Plum Beach as a nude beach following the Haulover Beach model? Why or why not? 23. Should building permits be tied to the evacuation time model? Why or why not? 24. Should council members raise or lower their pay? Why? 25. What must the city do to get minorities involved at all levels of the city?
The Dull Stuff
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