Spanning a series of islands, Islamorada boasts some of the best ocean views and scenic sunsets. Within the village, business bustles as boats leave the dock early morning for a day of fishing, while attractions flip their signs to open as they welcome visitors. Local restaurants fill up with hungry patrons, while residents and guests take to a number of treasured parks for a day of exploration. There’s also a thriving arts scene and small-town atmosphere within Islamorada. 

But the village of more than 6,000 residents also has its share of challenges, such as workforce housing, traffic congestion and building permits. This November, all five seats on the village dais are up for grabs. Enter 12 ambitious and eager candidates ready to take on some tough tasks facing the village. The Keys Weekly asked each candidate the following questions to gauge what led them to throw their name in the hat, and what they could bring to the table if elected. (Answers provided by the candidates are only edited for grammar). 

SUE MILLER Age: 78 Years living in Islamorada: 41 Profession: retired, was real estate broker in Islamorada for 20 years, computer programmer in the 1960s and 1970s.

PETE BACHELER Age: 74 Years living in Islamorada: 37 Profession: Private land use planner.

ANGEL BORDEN Age: 60 years Years living in Islamorada: February 2011. Returned permanently to Islamorada and here full time for 12 years (originally left the USA 30 years ago). Profession: Businesswoman providing company administration and also owner of a kayak rental company. 

MARK GREGG Age: 63 Years living in Islamorada: 35 Profession: Real estate attorney (semi-retired).

MARY BARLEY Age: 76 Years living in Islamorada: Resident since 1998, have been visiting Keys since 1970s. Profession: Retired.

ELIZABETH JOLIN  Name: Elizabeth Jolin Age: Over 50 Years living in Islamorada: 25 Profession: Captain with Bay and Reef Company and real estate agent with Island Equity Real Estate.

BUDDY PINDER Age: 65  Years living in Islamorada: Most of my life. Profession: Underground utilities contractor.

CASEY WATKINS Age: 40 Years living in Islamorada: 4 Profession: Managing Partner with Starbucks. 

HENRY ROSENTHAL Name: Henry Rosenthal  Age: Did not respond Years living in Islamorada: 57  Profession: Former owner of Green Turtle Inn, Whale Harbor, Marker 88, former owner of Green Turtle Cab Company and entertainer of 37 years.

TOM RAFANELLO  Age: 74 Years living in Islamorada: 13 Profession: Retired drug enforcement special agent in charge (1972-2005).

SHARON MAHONEY Age: 65 Years living in Islamorada: 50 years Profession: Owner Enchanted Florist.

DAVID WEBB Age: 70 Years living in Islamorada: 9 Profession: Retired FedEx Capt.

MARATHON WEEKLY 305.743.0844 9709 OVERSEAS HWY OLDE TOWNE CENTRE MARATHON, FL 33050

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY 305.363.2957 91760 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY TAVERNIER FL 33070

KEY WEST WEEKLY 305.453.6928 305.509.7347 5450 MACDONALD AVENUE, NO. 5 KEY WEST, FL 33040

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