Yaniz running to keep city commission seat

 

BY PRU SOWERS

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

 

First-term Key West City Commissioner Tony Yaniz has announced he will run for reelection in the fall.

One other candidate, Fredy Varela, Sr., has filed papers so far to challenge Yaniz in the Oct. 6 election. Varela, a life-long city resident and, like Yaniz, born in Cuba before moving to Key West, has not held elected office in Key West but served on two government boards in the 1980’s and 1990’s, the Civil Service Board and the Code Enforcement Board. Varela also was appointed to the city manager search committee under former Mayor Dennis Wardlow.

 

Yaniz, an outspoken opponent of the new homeless shelter planned on Stock Island and an equally outspoken proponent of building more affordable and workforce housing in Key West, said in a press release announcing his candidacy that he has met the goals he made for his first term, namely access and transparency.

 

“I strongly believe I have kept the promises I made to those who supported me for my first term. I believe the role of a Commissioner is to gather feedback from the people from my district and to promote, discuss, and advocate on their behalf. I believe I’ve done that as well,” he said.

Yaniz said the issues in his District IV are similar to the issues impacting the entire city, “a roof over our heads, food on the table, clean and safe streets, and open green spaces to recreate.” He said that his record during his four-year term, where he often battled with Mayor Craig Cates, proves he has been “faithful” to accomplishing those goals.

 

“I am confident that my constituents will acknowledge my efforts and continue to support me by rewarding me with another term. I thank you and ask for your support to continue moving forward. It’s working,” Yaniz said in his statement.

 

In addition to District IV, three candidates have filed papers to run for Commissioner Mark Rossi’s seat in District II. Two-time former Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson, attorney Sam Kaufman and retired engineer and contractor Skip O’Neil will run to replace Rossi, who has said he will not run for reelection. Rossi has served two full and one half-term as city commissioner.

 

The deadline to file election papers for the three city commission seats up for reelection – including the District V seat currently held by Teri Johnston – is technically noon on Aug. 21. However, the city clerk’s office said papers should be filed with them earlier during candidate qualifying week, which runs Aug. 17-21, when the clerk’s office certifies that each candidate has fulfilled all election requirements.

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