BREAKING: Key West PAC urges ‘clean process’ in filling District V vacancy after Hoover’s death
A Clean Slate for Key West PAC urges city leaders to avoid “manufactured incumbency” and keep District V’s interim appointment free of politics following Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover’s death.
A local political committee is urging Key West city leaders to avoid “tipping the scales” as they prepare to appoint a temporary replacement for District V Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, who died this week after nearly two decades in public service.
In a statement Thursday, A Clean Slate for Key West PAC called on both declared candidates for the seat — Chris Massicotte and Harry Russell — to publicly recuse themselves from consideration when the City Commission meets in special session on Nov. 24 to address the vacancy.
The group is believed to be the first of its kind formed for a local election in the Island City according to Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies.
The PAC said appointing someone already running in the August 2026 election would amount to “manufactured incumbency” and risk undermining public trust.
“We expect the Commission and Mayor to appoint a temporary replacement, rather than hold a costly special election just months before the regularly scheduled vote in August,” the group said. “But what’s wrong is appointing someone who’s already a candidate in that election.”
The statement praised Hoover, calling her a “dedicated public servant and a fierce advocate for our community,” and urged city leaders to honor her legacy by respecting the electoral process.
“This is not the moment for political favors or strategic positioning,” the PAC said. “Let the people decide.”
The group said any interim appointee should serve only until the regularly scheduled municipal election.
The City Commission is expected to outline its appointment process at Monday’s 2 p.m. meeting at City Hall, 1300 White Street. The meeting will also be live-streamed on the city’s website.
For more information on A Clean Slate for Key West, visit CleanSlateKW.com or its Facebook page.