Letter from the Chair - June 6, 2022
Pride week was not a total wash-out even though the street fair Saturday was cancelled. The opening party on Wednesday at Island House, (Thanks Bobi) and the Pride Parade on Sunday went off without a hitch and were great fun. Thanks to the Business Guild and all the venues in between!
We had several Candidates in the parade including Nikki Fried, Daniel Horton-Diaz, Adam Gentle and Sue Woltanski (she was under the Pride Flag). Thank you!
To top it off we have our first “trans” tropical storm – Agatha/Alex. Timing is everything!
As you know, our fearless Marathon co-chair – Laurie Swanson and our Grassy Key Precinct leader Trish McGrath went to Tallahassee week before last to observe the “best Legislature Money can Buy” in action. It was pretty sad. The insurance companies have many friends in Tallahassee and the rate payers/voters – not so much. You can read their report on our website in the blog. Read it here.
We need to replace as many of these people as possible, starting with Mr. Mooney!
I am not going to rant about the gun issue. It is pretty simple to me. There is no need for everyone to have an assault weapon unless you plan to participate in a civil war. What is terrifying is the amount of people who believe violence is the answer. When the NRA started changing their messaging/purpose decades ago it was to encourage folks to arm in the event they needed to overthrow the government. Never mind that that can be done, quite simply every 2-4 years by voting.
WAKE UP AMERICA!
So, start locally by voting out those officials who are not representing the best interests of our communities. Attend local government meetings or watch online (most offer a zoom link) and make notes. Call you representative and ask questions. They work for you!
Government Meetings This Week
Tuesday, June 7 - The Key West City Commission will meet at 5pm in the City Commission Chambers, 1300 White St., Key West. For the busy Agenda, click here.
Wednesday, June 8 - The Utility Board of the City of Key West (Keys Energy) will meet at 5pm in the Board Room at 1001 James St. Key West. It looks like an action-packed Agenda (zzzz). For details, click here.
Thursday, June 9 - The Key Colony Beach City Commission will meet at 9:30am in the City Hall Auditorium. For details and zoom link, click here.
Coming Events
Monday, June 6 - The Keys Democrats meet tonight at 5:30pm in the Parish Hall behind St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. (entrance off Bahama Lane) Our guest speaker will be Sue Woltanski – incumbent candidate for Dist. 5 Monroe County School Board. This will be an in-person meeting. If masking makes you more comfortable, put it on and join us!
Thursday, June 9 - The House Select Committee investigating the January 6 insurrection will begin the first televised public hearing at 8pm. I am thinking C-Span, but do not look for it on Faux News!
Saturday, June 11 - March for Our Lives is encouraging everyone in the USA to March for better gun control. A group of dedicated Activists are working on a protest at Bayview Park, in Key West, like what we did for Women’s Reproductive Rights a few weeks ago. Keep your eyes on social media and we will get the details out very shortly. You can start making your signs now!
On a positive note, it seems a few Spanish Language Stations in Miami have been bought out by a group of Democrats. Hmmmm! Perhaps we can start to combat the lies coming from the other side.
As we gear up our GOTV efforts we will also need to gear up our Fundraising. I know, every candidate from Alaska to Georgia is asking for money. Remember “all politics is local.” Support those who remember your name, who you have met in person. Here are some links if you can help the Florida Keys Democrats in our efforts to get out the vote for our candidates:
Digital Marketing: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2022digital
Office Supplies: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/office22
Become a member – various levels of commitment are available, we are grateful for whatever you can afford. Join here.
Check out our website and Facebook pages for other activities.
Let’s shake things up Democrats!
Bert Sise/Chair
KeysDems