KONK Life’ Candidate Questionnaire: Tommy Ryan Office: County Commissioner, Dist. 2

Q. In 20 words or less, 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 actually live in the District and my life’s journey has prepared me to help my neighbors

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

A. 1. My nearly 21 years as a NYC Firefighter taught me to face any challenge that comes my way, especially in the aftermath of 9/11

2. My time serving our Country in the US Army  combined with my Fire Service taught me the incredible value of team work to get work done.

  1. My life time commitment to helping my neighbors in times of need
  2. I’m not afraid to jump in and get my hands dirty if needed to get a job done

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

A. The State of our Nation is horrible. We have all been turned against one another

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 because you always have to be optimistic, we’ve had many dark periods in our country’s history and we’ve gotten though it. We’ll get through this period as well

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

A. No, Monroe County is still a place that we can agree to disagree

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

A. I’m the son of Irish Immigrants, I live in Big Pine Key with my husband Jon. I have three adult children form a pervious relationship. We have three rescue dogs. We like many of our neighbors are still living in a RV since Hurricane Irma. I served in the US Army as an MP for three active years and three inactive. I served in the NYC Fire Dept for nearly 21 years, only retiring because of 9/11 related injuries. I’ve lived in the Keys since 2008 starting as a snowbird and between 2010-2011 started to live here full time. The aftermath of Irma have stirred my political ambitions. I think that together we can make Monroe County the strongest County in the Country for Hurricane Preparedness and more importantly for the AFTERMATH.

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. Absolutely

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

A. The people, the weather, the water, the pace of life

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

A. Overbuilding our beautiful islands, the cost of living, lack of proper plans and or equipment for emergency’s. Affordable homes and a solid livable wage go hand in hand

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

A. Lack of planning for anything but a Cat 1 or 2 Hurricane

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

A. Mel Fisher

Q. Who is your least favorite character?

A. The tomb raider

Q. What is your favorite book?

A. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Q. What is your favorite movie?

A. The Lion in Winter

Q. What is your favorite quote?

A. Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

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