The KONK Life Teri Johnston For Mayor Key West 2018 Candidate Questionnaire:

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.1. I have 8 years of proven results for the city of Key West by working collaboratively with our Commission and staff.

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

A. Extensive experience in City and County Government.

• Local business owner concerned with retaining quality

workforce.

• Community involvement with our youth.

• An environmental steward for our island.

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

A. Key West needs to be a shining example for American exceptionalism and acceptance. It is important that we keep the hate, discrimination and decisiveness off of our Island. We have a

Commission, staff and Community who can do that. “One Human Family” must prevail to retain the Key West that people clamor to call home, guests envy when they visit us and multi generational families continue to thrive.

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 think that the public is our constant barometer. As government officials, we are judged by the way we treat our residents, how responsive we are to their needs, how responsible we are with their tax dollars and how transparent we are with our votes. We constantly ask ourselves,”have I just made a decision that is in the best interest of the majority of our Community for the long term.”

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

A. I don’t get a sense that the County is less polite.

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

A. I have a great personal history. I found a wonderful, supportive (or I wouldn’t be running for Mayor) partner of 34 years in Dar Castillo. Together we have built a business and raised two strong, independent daughters who in turn are raising four granddaughters with the same spunk. (Oh by the way, we also acquired 2 incredible son in laws who round out our dinner table every holiday). I have 3 sisters who I don’t see often enough but are close at heart and some dear, dear friends in Key West who we would give up our life for. Both my Mother and Father have passed which makes me appreciate the fragility of all of our relationships. Because of the experiences above, I find hope in every situation……including politics. My ambitions are simple, treat all people and our island with respect. Make decisions based on the greater good for all of our people and always remember that you see the same people on the way up as you see on the way down. Let’s pull somebody up with us.

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. I think that there exists a general concern over the number of cars, trucks, buses, residents and guests that can fit on our 2 x 4 island. That’s where long term Strategic Planning can help guide

a Community to fulfill our greatest potential while providing a desirable quality of life.

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

A.I love our Community. We decorate our home for Christmas and Halloween and love the joy that some lights, reindeer and tombstones can bring to our Community. I love the independent,

caring, loyal attitude of our residents. I love that Truman Waterfront is finally being enjoyed by our residents and guests.

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

A. What troubles me is that Mr. Chapman no longer rides down Duval blasting Motown…..

I am troubled by the numbers of our neighbors leaving the Keys…… I am troubled when I hear someone walk down Duval and utter a discriminating slur I am troubled when a multi generational family in Bahama Village is forced to move. I am troubled when our key employees are living in shifts to afford reasonable housing.

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

A. Unchecked growth in the Keys during the late 80’s/early 90’s. Requiring new development build 30% affordable housing but not redevelopment which is the majority of development in Key

West. This is a huge oversight. Allowing the elimination of residential off street parking and granting parking variances .These all contribute to the shortage of residential parking in our densely populated Old Town.

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

A. Mario Sanchez

Q. Who is your least favorite character?

A. Nobody comes to mind, but I’ll think about it.

Q. What is your favorite book?

A. “Old Man and the Sea”.

Q. What is your favorite movie?

A. The Grinch with Jim Carey

Q. What is your favorite quote?

A. ”No matter what, you give everybody a fair shake, and when somebody needs a hand, you offer yours” Michele Obama

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