KEY WEST, Fla. — Key West mayoral candidate Sam Kaufman used a wide-ranging online question-and-answer session to outline proposals for senior care, LGBTQ representation, government transparency and public participation while criticizing recent City Hall decisions involving cruise ship policy and the Outer Mole lease.
The forum, held via Zoom and promoted as a weekly public discussion series, touched on issues ranging from assisted living and hospice care to the Corradino report, DEI restrictions and city budgeting.
Kaufman said he would create a senior citizens advisory committee or task force if elected mayor, citing concerns raised after the closure of the assisted living facility at Poinciana Gardens.
“We need to focus on transportation, healthcare, assisted living and hospice services,” Kaufman said, describing senior care as one of the city’s growing challenges.
He said the proposed committee would function similarly to previous task forces created to address hospital issues in Key West and would include residents and community stakeholders.
Kaufman also announced plans to establish an LGBTQ advisory committee to provide direct input to City Hall on issues affecting the community, including funding for local events and responses to new state restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The candidate criticized recent controversies involving rainbow-themed public displays and code enforcement disputes, including cases involving painted crosswalks and colorful residential fencing.
Kaufman said elected officials should prioritize community interests even amid concerns about political pressure from state government.
During the discussion, Kaufman addressed the city’s handling of the Outer Mole lease agreement, arguing the decision to cancel the lease should have been publicly debated by the City Commission rather than handled administratively.
He disputed claims that the lease posed a financial burden to the city, saying no direct city payment was required under the agreement.
“The city manager was wrong,” Kaufman said, adding that major policy decisions involving cruise ships and waterfront operations should occur in public view.
The Outer Mole issue remains politically significant in Key West following the 2020 referendum in which voters supported limits on cruise ship traffic.
Kaufman also pledged to revisit recommendations from recent Monroe County grand jury investigations into city government operations, including proposals for an internal auditor, compliance officer and stronger whistleblower protections.
He said he intends to place the Corradino report and additional planning and building department concerns back on the commission agenda if elected.
The candidate expressed support for increased public participation in city government and criticized what he described as decision-making “behind closed doors.”
The session also touched on emergency services funding, including concerns about a proposed fire assessment fee. Kaufman said he supports fully funding emergency response services but wants safeguards to prevent what some residents view as double taxation.
On healthcare issues, Kaufman discussed continuing efforts to improve local hospital oversight and community involvement ahead of the expiration of the current hospital operator’s lease in 2029.
Kaufman also announced plans for a public meeting next week focused on concerns surrounding Cuba and regional security issues. He said representatives from emergency management agencies, tourism organizations, the military and local business groups would be invited to participate in order to address rumors and provide accurate public information.
The mayoral candidate encouraged residents to participate in upcoming public forums and debates ahead of the election, including events hosted by the Key West Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters.
Kaufman said he previously requested additional debates with the current mayor but had not yet received a response.
Vote-by-mail ballots are expected to be sent beginning July 9, with early in-person voting scheduled for August at the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections office.
