The Konk Life Political Questionnaire
Conducted by Mark Howell
Q:Mayor Craig Cates: Tell us your age, what office you’re running for and any previous offices held.
A: I’m 60 and this is my first time holding public office.
Q: Explain your platform and why you are running:
A: It’s very simple. Focus on quality of life. Let’s keep working together to keep Key West moving forward — NO special interests.
Q: Detail how you differ from your competing candidates:
A: I will continue to work with city staff, administration and commissioners to keep city government focused on residents and keep Key West moving forward. We must find a way to work together – not tear things down.
Q: Tell us your personal history: Education; professional career; family life and how long you’ve lived in the Keys and your relationship with Key West:
A: I was born and raised here in Key West. My wife Cheryl and I have been married 42 years and built a successful automotive repair and sales business and was owner of the NAPA Auto Parts store. We raised our three daughters here and currently enjoy being grandparents. My family has a long history of proud public service to the City of Key West, including my mother Emma Cates who served on the City Commission.
Q: Touch on your personal passions in addition to the above:
A: As a world champion boat racer and drag racer, obviously mechanics are in my blood. I love solving complicated problems and helping things run smoothly.
Q: Describe where, in your view, we are going wrong in the Keys and/or Key West:
A: In the daily grind it’s easy to forget why we live here in the first place. It’s important to take a moment to recognize the natural beauty and awesome community that we live in.
Q: Tell us the political flash points you expect to encounter if elected:
A: Attempts to politicize for personal gain the workings of the City are counter-productive. We must stay vigilant in working together to keep Key West moving forward.
Q: Tell us anything you feel you need to explain or any misapprehension you believe voters may have of you:
A: Voters know you can count on Craig Cates to listen to your concerns, act with common sense and continue to make progress on important projects like the new City Hall at Glynn Archer.
Q: Give us your view on the partisan divisiveness in politics today and any solution to it you might have.
A: All politics is local. We must work together to keep Key West moving forward.
Q: Given that gender equality, income parity, voting rights and sexual preferences continue as big political issues nationwide today, tell us on which side of the aisle you stand:
A: In Key West, we vote for the person, not the party. I can say that I am recognized nationally for my support of equality.
Q: And how about immigration, gun control and capital punishment:
A: Unfunded mandates and state laws that tie the hands of local government are why I support home rule as advocated by the National Council of Mayors.
Q: Name your favorite movie:
A: “Wizard of Oz.”
Q: Your favorite TV show:
A: The History Channel.
Q: Your favorite TV talking head:
A: Al Roker of the Weather Channel.
Q: Your favorite newspaper columnist:
A: Mark Howell is very good.
Q: Your favorite book:
A: Many books.
Q: Your favorite character in American history:
A: General Patton.
Q: Your favorite person in Florida Keys and/or Key West history:
A: Captain Tony and Sir Peter Anderson.
Q: Your favorite quote or proverb:
A: John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Q: Is there any secret strength you’d like to reveal about yourself at this point:
A: I will always fight for what I believe in.
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