Once again, we must opine concerning what should be obvious to most voters here. The idea of seven single-member districts in a little town like Key West is stupid. This coming Tuesday, October 2, a few voters in a single district will go to the polls to elect a City Commissioner who will, for the next four years, vote on all of the issues that affect all of the residents of this island. In this case, a handful of voters in District 3 will choose between three candidates to replace two-term Commissioner Percy Curry, who is retiring. District 3 wraps around the bottom of the island from the golf course, down Flagler, and including the beachfront condos. If you don't live in District 3, you can't vote in this election.
The three candidates for the District 3 seat are George Maurer, Ed Scales and John Young. The good news here, in our opinion, is that the common complaint— "Why don't the best people run for office?"— doesn't apply here. Key West would be well-served with any of these gentlemen sitting on the Commission. But having said that, here are some thinking points for District 3 voters.
If "time served" in Key West is a big thing to you, John Young may be your candidate. He's been here 41 years. In recent years, he has been primarily associated with sending humanitarian aid to Cuba. He is a former school teacher and a former executive director of Last Stand.
If you feel that youth is a virtue, Ed Scales may be your boy. He just turned 35.
If in-depth knowledge of the issues is important to you, George Maurer may be your choice. Over the past several years, he has taken the time to attend probably two-thirds of the City Commission meetings— and often addresses the Commission when he feels strongly about an issue. A retired attorney, he knows how to analyze issues. Expect him to do his homework.
If you want your Commissioner to have strong ties to the business community, Scales may be your candidate. He spends most of his time as an attorney working for Ed Swift, who owns the Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolleys. He is also close to the Chamber of Commerce. For pro-business voters, this could be a strong attribute.
Do you want a full-time Commissioner? Both Maurer and Young are retired and could devote more time to the job.
If you're in the mood to "shake up" the Commission, both Maurer and Young would probably do that. Neither would be intimidated by the "senior" members on that board. We would expect Scales to typically toe the "establishment" line. And we don't mean that as a "shot". Many voters— perhaps most— want their Commissioner to line up with the establishment.
If you're a registered voter in District 3, you make the call. Vote on Tuesday.