The KONK Life Questionnaire:
David Rice
Konk Life is inviting candidates in the upcoming elections to answer the following 20 questions about themselves and their candidacy.
Q. David Rice, tell us your age, what office you’re running for and any previous offices held.
A: Age is 70, I’m running for the Board of County Commissioners District IV; have
held the office from 2002 to 2006 and 2010 to the present.
Q: Explain your platform and why you are running:
A: I believe in government that listens to the people and then makes the best decision for the citizens of the county based on the information gathered. I believe that this process has served me and the people of Monroe County well during my tenure on the commission and will carry it into my next term.
Q: Detail how you differ from your competing candidates:
A. I have no competing candidates.
Q:David Rice, tell us your personal history — education; professional career; family life and how long you’ve lived in the Keys or the county and your relationship to the Florida Keys and/or Key West:
A: PhD. Clinical Psychology. Established Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys, 1973; retired 2006. Practiced Police Psychology with a number of law enforcement agencies for over 25 years. Married to Mary for 51 years; two children, Mike and Lisa, both reside in Monroe County.
Q: Touch on your personal passions in addition to the above:
A: Enjoy fishing, diving, boating, flying and travel. My passion is attempting to afford the above.
Q: Describe where, in your view, we are going wrong in the Keys and/or Key West:
A: While I do not necessarily agree that we are “going wrong” in the Keys, we have significant challenges in the future. The need to find methods to deal with the anticipated sea level rise over upcoming years is and will be a difficult and expensive issue. The anticipated termination of the ROGO system in 2023 may leave hundreds of millions of dollars of property possessing building rights without the possibility of being developed. Although Monroe County is purchasing property to retire building rights, this action will still leave huge obligations to the county that may place a heavy burden on taxpayers unless alternatives are found to better address this issue.
Q: Tell us the political flash points you expect to encounter if elected:
A: I am sure that the two issues outlined in the previous answer will provide plenty of political flashpoints to keep us occupied. While there are always plenty of flashpoints that come and go, these issues are the 800-pound gorilla in the room.
Q: Tell us anything you feel you need to explain or any misapprehension you believe voters may have of you:
A. I always find myself reluctant to speak for others.
Q: Give us your view on the partisan divisiveness in politics today and any solution to it you might have:
A: While I find today’s divisiveness troubling, I am happy to say that it does not seem to be a factor at the local level. The resolution of this issue must occur at a national level and it involves factors over which those of us at the local level have little influence.
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: I believe that government should avoid telling citizens how to live their lives in areas that involve personal rights and choices. Gender equality and sexual preferences are accepted rights in the Florida Keys and should remain so and out of the control of government. Voting rights represent the quality that is America and should be available, as appropriate, without government interference.
Q: And how about immigration, gun control and capital punishment:
A: With few exceptions, all Americans originated from immigrants, and will continue to do so. As a police Psychologist, I have personally observed the effect of the actions of depraved individuals on victims and families. As a result I am not opposed to capital punishment in cases where all questions of guilt have been resolved. I do support second amendment rights and responsible ownership of firearms.
Q: Name your favorite movie:
A: “The Godfather.”
Q: Your favorite TV show:
A: As I watch little TV, I don’t really find that I have one.
Q: Your favorite TV talking head:
A: You gotta be kidding.
Q: Your favorite newspaper columnist:
A: See above.
Q: Your favorite book:
A: Any book by Wilbur Smith or W.E.B. Griffin.
Q: Your favorite character in American history:
A: George Washington.
Q: Your favorite person in Florida Keys and/or Key West history:
- Jacob Housman.
Q: Your favorite quote or proverb:
A: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” — John Kennedy
Q: Is there any secret strength you’d like to reveal about yourself at this point:
A: I have never valued keeping any strengths that I may have secret. I have frequently found that those who feel they have “secret strengths” can benefit from a medication adjustment.
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