With the major party conventions concluded, the 2000 political season has officially begun. For the next two-and-a-half months, voters will be bombarded with political advertisements of every kind. Unfortunately, much of what voters will see and hear will be nothing more than propaganda and fluff, designed to distract them from the real issues.
Right now is an especially crucial time for the Keys. Communities are deciding whether or not to incorporate. The quantity and quality of the tourists we attract are profoundly affecting the lives of the people who call the Keys home. And soon, we could very likely be de-designated as an Area of State Critical Concern, which could open the floodgates to uncontrolled development throughout the county.
The future of the Keys depends on our choosing our elected representatives wisely. Voters must take the time and effort to dig more deeply into the records and views of the candidates before making their choice. This is especially important for the many relative newcomers in the Keys who aren't familiar with the issues and the candidates.
We must put candidates' records under a microscope to see if they match their words. And it's critical not to let them get away with value, "feel-good" answers. For example, every candidate will tell you that they want to "save" the environment, but what does that mean? Does it mean taking a comprehensive approach toward protecting our marine and terrestrial ecosystems, or does it mean planting a tree in the park?
To make an educated decision, we must pin the candidates down on the issues with specific questions. Do they support unrestricted development? Are they concerned about the impacts of cruise ships on our nearshore waters? Where do they stand on the practice of sand dumping, or "beach replenishment" as its advocates prefer to call it?
You'll also hear a lot from candidates about how they will protect our "quality of life." But what is their concept of quality of life? Do they like what Key West has become? Do they want to bring still more visitors to the Keys? Do they put the short-term profits of the tourism industry over the long-term best interests of our community? Where do they stand on transient rentals in residential neighborhoods? These are the things that really affect how we live.
Perhaps most important, we must insist that candidates explain their long-term vision for the Keys— if they have one. Almost all of our most pressing problems are the result of a lack of long-term planning. Our wastewater problems, Key West's lack of parking, our affordable housing shortage— all could have been prevented with a little bit of foresight. Now we must decide if today's candidates can anticipate the problems of the future and take actions necessary to avert them.
Unfortunately, it's not always easy to get candidates to give clear, honest answers. So concerned voters must turn to other sources. One good source is the Project Vote Smart website (www.vote-smart.org) which gives candidates' specific positions on a wide range of issues. But because the website covers only candidates for federal and state office, you'll have to get information about local candidates in a different way.
Call the candidates on the phone. Attend the many candidate forums sponsored by the MCC Church, League of Women Voters and other organizations. Ask the tough questions.
And most important, make sure you vote.