Konk Life Candidate Questionnaire: Robert Barrios Key West Utility Board Member Seat D

Q. Let our readers know the reasons in general that you believe you would make the very best person to fulfill the position for which you are running.

A. I have over 28 years of institutional knowledge at Keys Energy. I am very familiar with the daily operations, infrastructure and our customer needs.

 

Q. What specifically are the top four factors you believe qualify you over the assets of any other potential candidate?

A. While at Keys Energy, I worked my way up through the company. I have first hand experience with the improvements that have been made over the years. Being part of the solution, not the problem, makes it more satisfying.

1. Over 28 years working at Keys Energy

2. Great working relationship with FKAA, Comcast, AT&T, City, County, KWPD, KWFD, MCSO and many more.

3. Lifelong resident, so I know our neighborhoods, neighbors and their needs, especially with storm restoration procedures.

4. I am Honest, Trustworthy, Dependable, Resourceful and Practical.

 

Q. What is your personal view on the state of the nation in this year’s particularly interesting political season?

A. I think it is best for us to concentrate on our local issues first. We have a unique and diverse community and until we start working together, we will always have a difficult time getting things accomplished.

 

Q. Given your personal awareness of governance in Southeast Florida, are you optimistic about relations between the public and the powers that be?

A. Yes, I am optimistic, we just have a to keep working to bridge the gap.

 

Q. Do you feel that the general tenor of political discourse is becoming less polite in Monroe County or staying about the same?

A. Staying about the same.

 

Q. Tell us more about your personal history –- your work and family life –- and how they relate to your political ambitions.

A. I was born and raised in Key West, with my sister and 4 bothers. I started working for City Electric System in June of 1988. While there I was a Meter Reader, worked in Generation, Customer Service, Engineering and Purchasing. I finished my last for years as the Safety and Risk Officer. I married my wife in 1994 and we have a daughter, who is a senior at USF, and 2 mini dachshunds. We have lived in Big Coppitt Key since 1995. I am not a politician, but I am a soft spoken, hard worker, who is not afraid to speak up when needed. One of the things that I hear is that we at Keys Energy need to change, and I for one can say that Keys Energy has done nothing but change over the years. We were always losing power, sending black soot out of the generator stacks. We have downsized our staff by over 50 % from when I first started there, so Keys Energy is doing more with less. I have been there through the good and bad times, and I truly believe that I can help lead Keys Energy Services as they continue progress into the future.

 

Q. From your personal experience, would a generally peaceable outlook in the Keys depend upon a measure of control over the number of our visitors and residents?

A. YES, there must be a balance. I grew up before the tourist boom and I have witnessed the changes from many different angles.

 

Q. What do you personally love most about Monroe County and the Florida Keys?

A. The people, between family and friends, you can’t ask for a more caring, thoughtful and generous community.

 

Q. What troubles you the most about today’s Monroe County and the Florida Keys?

A. The amount of traffic and accidents along the Keys.

 

Q. What planning or political mistakes do you personally believe were the worst to be inflicted on the Keys over the past decade?

A. Affordable housing and lack of safe bike paths and pedestrian walks.

 

Q. Who is your favorite character in the history of the keys?

A. Coffee Butler

 

Q. Who is your least favorite character?

A. Wilma and Irma

 

Q. What is your favorite book?

A. The Camel Club by David Baldacci

 

Q. What is your favorite movie?

A. Good Will Hunting

 

Q. What is your favorite quote?

A. “Be kind to one another!”

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