Clear Leadership For Big Challenges.

I’m running for office in Key Biscayne because if I’ve learned two things in 30 years of journalism, it’s that it takes committed people to make change and persistent people to sustain that change. And make no mistake, change is upon us. I’m running because while we all love the beauty of this island, we are faced with a series of immense challenges that are just around the corner. We need clear, consensus-driven, and innovative thinking to meet those challenges and the changes they demand.

What are the challenges? Our 27-year-old village faces existential crises of sea level rise and hurricane readiness. We are contemplating a huge utility project that may cost $30 million or more. There’s no doubt our barrier island is vulnerable, but is the plan too much – or is it too timid?  And how is it being paid for? Then there are the continuing priority items of traffic and schools, in addition to our community programs for young, old, and everyone in between.

But there are another set of big challenges I care deeply about. Yes, we’re an affluent community. But some of your neighbors are hurting deeply. Drugs. Alcohol. Fractured families. Loneliness. Neglect. We are not immune to these real problems. I believe our council can build on existing efforts in partnership with our schools, community groups, and churches – and be the kind of community that is known for its compassion both on and off the Key.

Key Biscayne’s slogan is “Island Paradise.” But if we want to live up to that noble ideal, it will take more than a slogan.  We must innovate -- through thoughtful, steady, open government and effective administration. And we must be intentionally inclusive by reaching out and engaging everyone.

How does this start? By listening. 

I spent three decades as a reporter, back when it was the “five W’s” -- who, what, when, where, and why.  Good journalism starts with listening.

I’ve covered government at all levels. I covered wars, disasters, and crisis.  There were science, environment, and crime stories, and plenty of politics and politicians.

Now, all that doesn’t make me an expert on municipal government, science, or crime. But it has prepared me to ask the right questions. It’s taught me to listen and to persist  -- because sometimes you have to ask more than once. Sometimes, people want to know you give a damn before they will open up.

Sadly, our national discourse is in a state where everyone is shouting, but no one is listening. It’s up to us, right down here at the grassroots, to effect the change and be the community we want to be.

Will you join me?

The challenges are great, but the rewards of solving them together are greater.  I ask for your vote – but that’s just step one. What a journey it can be if, together, we work to build the Island Paradise.