An Open Letter From City Commissioner Sam Kaufman
The District II Commissioner has serious questions about Key West failing to stand up for its Pride crosswalks as other municipalities in Florida Fight on.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I write to share my deep disappointment regarding the process that has unfolded concerning the crosswalk compliance issue between the City of Key West and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
As you may be aware, attorney Howard DuBosar—representing both the City of Delray Beach and the City of Key West—has filed a Verified Motion to Disqualify FDOT’s presiding officer (in the Delray Beach City matter only), citing serious concerns of bias and predetermined decision-making within the Department. The motion points to troubling evidence of communications and involvement by FDOT’s own officials that call into question whether cities like Key West and Delray Beach can receive a fair and impartial hearing under state law
Unfortunately, because the Key West City Commission chose not to pursue appeals or litigation, our City is not filing a similar motion and may never receive a truly fair hearing on this important issue. This means that the vital question of whether the crosswalks in Key West are in compliance with state law—and whether the State is applying its own standards in a fair manner—may go unanswered.
At its core, this is about ensuring due process, transparency, and fairness in state government decision-making. The residents of Key West deserve no less.
Sincerely,
Sam Kaufman
City Commissioner, District II, Key West
Click here to read a full transcipt of Key West’s Sept. 3 FDOT administrative hearing.