Our choice for Key West mayor in the Aug. 26 primary: Cates By KEYSINFONET August 9, 2014 Voters in Key West have clear choices when they cast ballots for mayor on Aug. 26. Incumbent Craig Cates is affable and one of the citys biggest boosters. Margaret Romero, who lost to Cates in the last mayoral election, can be confrontational and criticizes more than offers solutions to problems she sees. Sloan Bashinsky has run for office numerous times in the past, including for mayor, and can be considered flaky and eccentric. Since Cates first election in 2009, hes been at the helm of the seven-member City Commission while projects big and small have come before the board. They include design of the 33-acre Truman Waterfront, to be used for recreation; and taking the lead on establishing a true homeless shelter rather than just what amounts to a flophouse, which essentially is what the Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter is. But in his effort to be everything to everyone, Cates often speaks in generalities rather than in detail. On the campaign trail, he loves talking about 120 ongoing city projects, but doesnt get specific. That needs to change. Romero is a bright woman and watches the works of city government closer than perhaps anyone not involved in it. But her style is abrasive, and that doesnt work well for leaders. Its an attribute that indicates she would not be a compromiser, and in politics, everyone needs to compromise. Bashinsky simply isnt qualified. Cates has areas in which he can improve his performance, especially, as noted, in letting the community know in better detail what the city is doing. But he has served the people well since 2009, and we endorse him for Key West mayor.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 14:46:13 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015