2009 Election Year!

This year, Key West voters will elect the mayor, three commissioners, and two members of the Utility Board.  The incumbents are Mayor Morgan McPherson, and Commissioners Bill Verge--District I, Dan Kolhage--District III, and Clayton Lopez--District VI, and Utility Board members Peter Batty and Lou Hernandez.  All candidates must qualify by August 21st, but there are several declared or rumored opponents already.

Election Day is October 6, 2009.

Seven people manage our city--the mayor and six commissioners.  With four seats open, a majority will be elected this year!

Hometown's missions are to encourage qualified residents to run for elected office, and to provide platforms for the candidates to explain their positions on the issues.   Membership in HOMETOWN! for the 2009 year is $20 for individuals ($30 for households), and gives Key West residents and property owners a voice in how their city is managed.

Increasingly active, Hometown! staged several public events in the 2006, 2007, and 2008 election cycles, providing the candidates with many opportunities to interact with voters.  Hometown! PAC has decided to not to endorse any candidate in this cycle; but it will stage events across the city, open to all residents, voters, and candidates. 

HOMETOWN! PAC

A membership organization created
to promote good government

Recent surveys conducted by the City Manager, the Tourist Development Council and poll-taker Louis Harris have clearly defined what the residents of Key West want our political leadership to focus on - - and accomplish. The public has spoken. The pathways are readily evident. Hometown! Pac will seek out, support and endorse prospective as well as incumbent candidates who will earnestly commit themselves to six objectives that accurately summarize the beliefs, goals and vision of our community’s residents as revealed in the surveys.

Priority Points

• Tax revenues must be invested frugally, wisely and without favoritism. Trust and integrity in public office are the cornerstones of good government.

• What makes a community a good place to live are, in fact, the very same characteristics that attract visitors and strengthen the economy. Public officials must retain and protect the heritage and legacies we have inherited.

• Building codes must be rigorous and diligently enforced as a means of ensuring architectural preservation and responsible development. What distinguishes Key West from other communities is much more than just weather; it is a “look,” a style and a commitment to making sure that the community’s future reflects its past.

• Residents and visitors alike expect clean streets and sidewalks, proper trash removal, well maintained parks, walking and bike paths, policing of vagrants, adequate parking and elimination of needless traffic congestion.

• Aggressive measures to ensure our priceless marine assets: Pristine near shore waters and clean, accessible beaches. Effective collaboration with state and federal agencies to preserve the reef and preserve the fishing and boating industries.

• Key West must retain an adequate inventory of affordable housing for working families and retired elders as well as professionals such as managers and skilled employees, educators, government employees, health care specialists and others. The current exodus must not be allowed to continue.