UPDATE: Six Hopefuls, One Seat: Inside Key West’s High-Stakes Appointment to Succeed Mary Lou Hoover
A full review of all six applicants — their résumés, references, and political prospects — as the City Commission prepares to appoint a temporary District 5 commissioner on Dec. 2.
Six applicants — an attorney, a psychologist, a former clerk, a retired IBM consultant, a former vice mayor, and the city’s former top administrator — have applied to fill the District V City Commission seat left vacant by the passing of Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, according to applications listed on the City website and reviewed by Above the Fold.
None of the six applicants have indicated interest in running for the permanent position during the 2026 election cycle. The two previously announced candidates, Chris Massicotte and Harry Russell opted not to seek the appointment in order to avoid any appearance of an incumbent advantage.
The appointment comes as Key West continues to confront the fallout of a scathing Monroe County grand jury report tied to the Bubba Bozo Trio corruption investigation, which led to felony indictments against former City Attorney Ron Ramsingh, former Chief Building Official Raj Ramsingh, and longtime Code Enforcement Director Jim Young. Transparency, ethics, and good governance now dominate public expectations.
Commissioners will make their selection during the morning session of the regular December meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. at City Hall. The meeting will be live streamed on the City’s website.
Below is a full alphabetical breakdown of each candidate — their background, references, and political outlook. Their applications are available within each profile.
HARRY L. BETHEL
A lifelong Conch with 53 years of public service
Background
Harry L. Bethel, 82, of 1314 Flagler Avenue, has lived in Key West his entire life. His résumé includes 53 years of public service, 16 years as commissioner, and 13 years as vice mayor. He has also served on the Civil Service Board, Utility Board, Housing Authority, Keys Energy Services Board, and multiple advisory committees.
He worked more than 40 years as a State of Florida Eligibility Worker and Customer Service Specialist.
References (as listed on his application)
Bob Dean - Friend
Margaret Gil - Friend
Acelia Plans - Friend
Bethel also received personal endorsements from former mayors and longtime commissioners Jimmy Weekley and Dennis Wardlow.
Political Analysis
Bethel is the most experienced candidate and the strongest traditionalist pick. His endorsements from Weekley and Wardlow cement him as the top “safe choice” for commissioners wanting stability and continuity.
His drawback is the inverse of his strength: as a long-time insider, he may not satisfy reform-minded residents pushing for new leadership.
FRED L. COVAN, Ph.D.
A clinical psychologist offering a consensus-building approach
Background
Frederick Lawrence Covan, of 1801 Fogarty Avenue, reports nearly 30 years of Key West residency and is a registered Monroe County voter. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, has served as Chief Psychologist at Bellevue Hospital and Harlem Hospital, and has held multiple academic appointments.
His community involvement includes service as president of Congregation B’nai Zion, vice president of Last Stand, and longstanding participation with Helpline.
References (as listed on his résumé)
Commissioner Monica Haskell - City of Key West
Commissioner Sam Kaufman – City of Key West
Robert Highsmith - Friend
Political Analysis
Covan is the non-political consensus-builder in the field. His quiet, diplomatic style may appeal to commissioners seeking calm and neutrality. His lack of City Hall experience, however, may make him less likely if commissioners prioritize candidates who can immediately navigate municipal structure.
SUSAN P. HARRISON (No photo available)
A former Senior Deputy City Clerk with deep institutional knowledge
Background
Susan Patricia Harrison, of 820 Washington Street, Apt. 4, served 21 years as Senior Deputy City Clerk for the City of Key West. Her application emphasizes extensive experience with public records, Sunshine Law, bid procedures, and legislative process.
She has 19 years of continuous residency and has volunteered for the Key West Holiday Parade since 1989, participated in Historic Florida Keys Foundation Cemetery Strolls, and is active with the Key West Business Guild and Key West Art & Historical Society. She also served on the 2021–22 City Charter & District Boundary Review Committee.
References (as listed on her application)
Clayton Lopez – Former City Commissioner
Cheri Smith – Community Leader
Jimmy Weekley – Former Mayor & Former City Commissioner
Political Analysis
Harrison is the procedural expert — someone who knows City Hall’s inner workings better than almost anyone outside the dais. Her background matches public demands for transparency following the grand jury report.
Her challenge: she has never served as an elected official and may be viewed as more of an administrator than a policymaker.
SHERRY GALE IVEY JONES
A reform-minded attorney and former state prosecutor
Background
Sherry Gale Ivey Jones, of 1430 Grinnell Street #2, has lived in Key West for 3 years and 5 months. A practicing attorney since 2007, she has served as a state prosecutor, assistant public defender, and DCF attorney, before opening her private practice.
Jones notes extensive involvement with local arts organizations, LGBTQ+ events (Pride, Womenfest, King & Queen of Fantasy Fest), neighborhood clean-ups, and more than 30 hours of pro bono legal service each year.
References (as listed on her application)
Heather Carruthers – Former Monroe County Mayor
Dr. Nancy Moulton – Local Business Owner
Steve Craigo – Former Federal Special Agent
Political Analysis
Jones offers the sharpest reform posture in the field, with professional experience aligned to ethics, accountability, and vulnerable populations. Her profile may resonate with residents demanding institutional integrity.
Her main liability is her relatively short residency and lack of prior Key West governmental service, which may make commissioners more cautious about appointing her immediately.
MARGARET A. ROMERO
A retired IBM executive consultant and former City Commission candidate
Background
Margaret Arleen Romero, of 1015 Washington Street, has been a Key West resident for 25 years. She retired as an IBM executive consultant, specializing in organizational change management, strategic planning, and negotiation.
She lists involvement with the Basilica School, the Key West High School Band, participation on the Tourist Development Council District Advisory Council 1, and membership on “a strategic planning team.” She also notes that she previously ran for the Key West City Commission.
References (as listed on her application)
Mark Finnegan – Former City Finance Director
George Fernandez – Business Owner & Civic Leader
Billy Wardlow – Former City Commissioner & Former Fire Chief
Political Analysis
Romero is the data-driven managerial candidate, offering a corporate-style, metrics-based approach that many residents have called for following the grand jury report. Her prior candidacy and terms in office suggests political ambition and readiness, as does her tendency to stand her ground. She could be even more fiscally conservative than Bethel.
However, commissioners may be wary of appointing someone who constantly disagrees with the majority and is seen by many as an obstructionist. She has previously stated she did not intend to seek the permanent position.
GREGORY W. VELIZ
Former Key West City Manager and current FKAA Executive Director
Background
Gregory W. Veliz, of 1016 Washington Street, is currently the Executive Director of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. He previously served as Key West City Manager (2019–2021), assistant city manager, director of Community Services, and deputy director of Public Works.
Veliz also owned and operated Tiles Etcetera, Inc. for more than a decade. His community involvement includes Keys Energy Advisory Board, the Rotary Club, Little Conch Baseball, Key West Junior Football, Special Olympics, and multiple school booster programs.
References (as listed on his résumé/application)
Veliz’s résumé does not list formal references but instead provides full professional history and contact information for his public roles. (No individual reference section was included in the uploaded file.)
Political Analysis
Veliz is the most operationally seasoned candidate, familiar with every level of municipal infrastructure and administration. Commissioners seeking a hands-on, knowledgeable administrator may see him as uniquely qualified.
But his deep institutional ties — and current leadership of FKAA — may cause concern for residents looking for a clearer break from recent administrative eras.
What Happens Next
The City Commission will appoint a temporary District 5 commissioner during the morning session of its Dec. 2 meeting, beginning at 9 a.m.. Under the City Charter, commissioners may select any eligible District 5 resident, whether they applied or not.
Above the Fold will continue to publish application documents, analysis, and live coverage as the process unfolds.
This is an evolving news story. Watch this space.
Thank you for the great analysis of candidates…
Thanks for the map! Great overview!