Letter to the Editor / ONLY VOTE FOR THOSE WHO PROTECT YOUR VOTE

By Roger C. Kostmayer

The people of Key West elect a mayor and 6 commissioners who, in turn, hire and fire a city manager and a city attorney as necessary.  In order for the mayor to achieve anything on behalf of her constituents, she needs the support of at least three commissioners so they have a majority of 4 out of the 7.

KW is very fortunate to have a mayor, Teri Johnston, who has worked hard and made the tough decisions that protect health, quality of life and Constitutional rights of KW residents and visitors.  By contrast, the current City Attorney, Shawn Smith (who is paid $227,000 a year, plus car, by taxpayers) is doing the opposite.  Mr. Smith appears to be trying everything he can to nullify a free and fair election, endanger the environment and threaten our unique quality of life.  What he’s supposed to be doing is drafting an ordinance that implements the will of the people.

The question is, why aren’t all the commissioners doing their job of respecting the outcome of an election and firing any unelected government employee who is sabotaging the democratic process and refusing to follow instructions?  Based on public meetings, Commissioner Sam Kaufman is smart, strong and independent enough to do the right thing; Commissioner Greg Davila is thoughtful and seems to take the matter seriously; and Commissioner Jimmy Weekly is decent and says they should back the voters – but then does nothing.  The remaining commissioners (Mary Lou Hoover, Clayton Lopez, Billy Wardlow) seem frightened, like deer in the headlights, and appear to be concerned about themselves, holding on to their position and trying not to offend anyone with power.

The answer to this dilemma may be an election next November that focuses on the City Attorney and Commissioner accountability.  If you have a commissioner who is unwilling to stand up and protect your vote, maybe you shouldn’t give her or him yours.                              

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