voteheather2008.com Blog

The Key West Citizen is working on a story about the race for County Commission District 3, and has sent a questionnaire to the candidates. Because it is unlikely that the paper will print responses in their entirety, I’m sharing mine with you below. Enjoy the “scoop!”

WHAT QUALITIES OR SKILLS DO YOU HAVE THAT MAKE YOU FEEL YOU COULD BE A SOUND COUNTY COMMISSIONER?

I am a good listener, a creative problem solver and a solid negotiator. I understand budgets, I have experience working with architects and contractors, I know the challenges of making a payroll, providing benefits and motivating and supporting employees. I have proven leadership experience not only as a business owner, but through my involvement with many boards and organizations. And I have worked with a broad range of people through many different experiences throughout my life, from corporate types, to kids in after-school music programs, to parolees when I taught literacy through my church in Manhattan, to the diverse folks of the Keys and conservative leaders in Tallahassee.

I have always been involved in civic activities in the Keys (Business Guild, Lodging Association, running for City Commissioner, etc.). When everyone in the Keys began receiving outrageous windstorm rates, I decided to commit an enormous portion of my time and talents to fight this inequity and joined FIRM at their second meeting. As part of this county-wide team, I demonstrated how I could work with others for a common goal. I leveraged my talent as a communicator, organizer, researcher, motivator, presenter and leader to help thousands of folks reduce their windstorm rates. Understanding a problem that impacts thousands of citizens and working with others to help the public has been an extremely rewarding experience. In addition, it has helped me further hone skills that this project required like patience, tenacity and the ability to present and negotiate on the political stage of Tallahassee.

I believe I have demonstrated that I possess the skills and qualities that will allow me to fairly and effectively represent all citizens of the Keys.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE WITH EITHER ELECTED OR APPOINTED BOARDS OR IN ELECTED OFFICE? PLEASE ELABORATE ON WHAT DUTIES OR EXPERIENCE CAME WITH THE ELECTED OR APPOINTED POSITION THAT YOU COULD US AS A COUNTY COMMISSIONER.

I was appointed by Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty to the state’s Task Force on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Claims Handling and Resolution. On this Task Force, we listened to insurance consumers around the state explain their situations, and directed Citizens Property Insurance on how to provide improved service. I had to understand legislation, insurance operations, claims flowcharts, the real impact of red tape and bureaucracy on people’s lives, and how to work through the system for real change. We followed specific procedures for hearing “testimony,” soliciting input, working with the Sunshine Laws, and helping to draft legislation, and operated in fairly strict accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.

HOW FAMILIAR ARE YOU WITH BUDGETS, GOVERNMENT OR BUSINESS? DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WORKING ON BUDGETS FOR A BUSINESS OR NON-PROFIT OR GOVERNMENT AGENCY?

I have lots of experience with budgets. As early as my late twenties, I oversaw multi-million dollar marketing budgets for Better Homes & Gardens Book Clubs. That kind of oversight continued with my work as Director of Marketing for children’s book clubs at Bantam Doubleday Dell. I was responsible for making sure that dollars were spent in a cost-effective manner, resulting in the highest possible return on investment. As a member of my co-op board in New York City, I participated in making decisions for expenditures for capital improvements.

On all the non-profit Boards on which I sat, I participated in making decisions about budgets: how much money would we need to raise to meet our goals, how best do we spend what we have, how cost-effective are our efforts. On the Lodging Association board, I supported monthly financial reporting to the Board, and annual reporting to the Association’s members. I wrote the business plan for our guesthouse, a requirement to acquire financing, which included a budget and multi-year projections. As a business owner, almost every day my business partner and I evaluate our income and expenses, and regularly adjust our marketing efforts and expenditures to stay in the black.

HAVE YOU EVER RUN YOUR OWN COMPANY OR BUSINESS THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR EMPLOYING PEOPLE? IF SO, WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS AND HOW MANY EMPLOYEES?

I’ve been hiring and managing employees for twenty years. The largest department I ever managed was of 43 people (at Bantam Doubleday Dell). I am the co-owner of a guesthouse with 38 rooms, a bar and a small restaurant. We employ 19 people, from full-time f&b and general managers, to full-time maintenance staff, to full and part-time servers, bartenders, front desk clerks and housekeepers. Some of our staff is salaried and some are hourly. All full-time staff are eligible for health insurance, the premium for which we pay 85%. In addition, we occasionally hire folks like landscapers, pool maintenance workers, architects, contractors, plumbers, electricians and carpenters.

HAVE YOU EVER OPERATED A BUSINESS OR HELD A JOB IN THE LEGAL FIELD IN WHICH YOU HAD TO INTERPRET LEGAL OPINIONS? DO YOU HAVE A LEGAL DEGREE OR STUDIED THE LAW, WHICH WOULD GIVE YOU INSIGHT TO INTERPRETING LEGAL OPINIONS OR UNDERSTAND COUNTY POLICY AS IT REGARDS TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW OR TAKINGS CASES?

(I actually took the LSATs and considered going into the law, but I realized that I was too anxious to get into the “real world” to spend more time in school. ) Running a business requires some knowledge of the law, from zoning and land use, to employment law, to tax law, to ADA law, to liability issues, etc. I hire and trust counsel to provide honest, thorough opinions on thorny legal issues, and I believe my experience and inquisitive nature help me to craft questions of the legal experts to help understand the full realm of possibilities on any legal issue.

DO YOU OR HAVE YOU SERVED ON THE BOARDS OF NON-PROFITS OR COMMUNITY GROUPS OR AGENCIES? IN WHAT CAPACITY DID YOU OR DO YOU SERVE? HOW HAS THE EXPERIENCE MADE YOU A BETTER COMMUNITY LEADER?

In the Keys, I’ve been on the boards of the Key West Symphony Orchestra, Key West Business Guild, Lodging Association of the Florida Keys, Sculpture Key West, and Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe. I’ve been elected President of the Guild and FIRM, and Chair of the Lodging Association.

As a board member, I think I’ve been successful in helping the organizations with which I’ve been involved reach consensus on key issues and make some tough decisions. When I have chaired boards and meetings, I’ve tried to follow Robert’s Rules of Order, allowing everyone a voice and trying to make sure one person speaks at a time. I also like to make sure that, when a meeting is over, everybody knows what was accomplished and what their “marching orders” are. Without confirming next steps and setting deadlines and goals, progress is not made.

On specific boards: I helped produce one of the Symphony’s most successful fundraisers, an auction at the Audubon House back in 2002. I spoke on behalf of the Guild before the City Commission on issues relating to entertainment licensing and FantasyFest re-scheduling after Wilma. I supported bringing more detailed financial reporting to the Lodging Association and expanding its reach up the Keys. With Sculpture Key West, I introduced a method for targeting fundraising efforts and evaluating their effectiveness. (Ask Karley Klopfenstein about the “pyramid.”) When I sit on a board, I don’t just sit — I participate, I lead.

With FIRM, I’ve been the head spokesperson, doing hands-on work preparing our arguments and presentations for things like the Monroe County evidentiary hearing in August ‘06, State Senate committee meetings in March ‘08, and the Florida Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodologies last month. I had the privilege of speaking before then-Governor Bush and the Cabinet in April of ‘06, and I believe my ability to frame and communicate a persuasive argument helped us lower our windstorm rates. I didn’t know anything about insurance until I got involved with FIRM, and my facility with the issue today demonstrates my ability to process lots of information quickly, and to find logical, effective ways to address challenges that can seem insurmountable.

My board experience has taught me how to listen effectively, how to help build consensus, how to build a persuasive case, how to work with all kinds of different personalities, and how to get things done in a collaborative environment. The breadth of my experience, from arts to business to consumer activist groups, has helped educate me on our communities, and on our relationship with a variety of government entities. I think this has helped make me an effective leader, as my elections as President of the Guild, Chair of the Lodging Association, President of FIRM and Leadership Monroe County’s Leader of the Year demonstrate.

Hearing it through the grapevine doesn’t make it true.

The internet is playing a vital role in this year’s historic election. Unfortunately, this includes circulating some falsehoods on several local blogs. I had hoped these unfounded rumors would naturally evaporate in the light of facts and common sense, but apparently they haven’t.

Here are two examples of negative rumors regarding my campaign:

The first is regarding Dixie Spehar. Contrary to this rumor, I have never discussed hiring outgoing Commissioner Spehar as my aide, and I don’t intend to do so. I wish Commissioner Spehar well and thank her for her service, but should I win the election, I would not offer her employment.

The second is regarding the endorsements of me by Mayor DiGennaro and outgoing Commissioner McCoy. Mayor DiGennaro publicly stated that he is NOT endorsing any commission candidate. Outgoing Commissioner Sonny McCoy has stated that he prefers me over my opponent. As you may recall, Commission McCoy and his opponent (now one of mine), both Republicans, had a well publicized, personally negative conclusion to their primary election. Commissioner McCoy’s dislike of his opponent apparently is extending beyond the defeat he suffered in the primary.

I personally believe that a sitting Commissioner, lame duck or not, should not endorse a candidate. I respect Commissioner McCoy’s service to our community, however any implication that I, if elected, would be influenced by him is completely untrue and actually ridiculous. After all, if Commissioner McCoy had won his primary, I would now be vigorously opposing him on a variety of his stated positions, as any thorough reading of my blog and platform would illustrate.

The kind of negativity and divisiveness these rumors incite are precisely the problem with our political system, precisely the cause for mistrust of elected officials. I ask my opponents and their supporters to focus and debate the the real issues of this campaign in a fair and open manner.

I suppose an election in the Keys wouldn’t be complete without a little controversy over political signs. The latest, reported in The Keynoter, is in Marathon. In the past, Marathon had their seat elections in March. Their City Code allowed for political signs to be placed 45 days prior to an election.

When they moved their elections to coincide with County-wide elections, they didn’t change their sign ordinance. So folks who are in a primary have to place their signs 45 days before that primary, then pull them up after the primary, store them for about 20 days, and then place them again 45 days before the general election. While primary candidates have the inconvenience of placing, pulling and placing signs again, they also have the advantage of receiving twice the exposure of those who don’t have a primary. And all this placing and pulling is on private property, not just public rights-of-way.

Our campaign team asked about this ordinance before placing any signs, and were initially told that it didn’t matter if you were in a primary or not, you could place your signs 45 days prior to the primary. We were also told that the City recognized the illogical quality of the ordinance, and would not enforce it between the primary and the general election.

I believe in playing by the rules, and I would not want any supporter to be cited for having one of my signs up outside of the 45 days. While our campaign does not endorse disregarding the rules, we do understand that some folks may choose to exercise their right to free speech on their private property. We do hope the Marathon City Council will revisit this ordinance, and perhaps draft a revision that will take into account the impracticalities, legal and fairness issues of the 45-day rule.

Last week, FIRM received a letter out of the blue from former Represenative Ken Sorensen, criticizing FIRM for “taking credit” for work we’ve done on windstorm insurance. As any review of FIRM’s press releases from spring 2006 will confirm, we have acknowledged the contribution former Rep. Sorensen made in this fight in his last months in office. In fact, I referenced him in the caption to a photo on my website’s home page. So it came as a shock to our board members to receive such a negative letter from someone who we thought was working with us.

It’s been surmised that this was all a political ploy because Dr. Sorensen is a very good friend of the incumbent, Commissioner Sonny McCoy. Certainly, the motive is suspicious, and counter-productive for the folks of Monroe County. FIRM’s work is far from over (we’re meeting with the team that developed the Florida Public Hurricane Model this week, for instance), and one would think that anyone who had the best interest of property owners and residents in the Keys long-term would support a group that has worked so hard to address this issue.

We’ll shortly be posting on this website an audio clip from the Morning News program that includes remarks by Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty about the impact FIRM has had in the insurance arena. A review of the press releases on FIRM’s website (www.FIRMkeys.org) will suggest that Dr. Sorensen’s recollection is incomplete. For those interested, the e-mail string between Dr. Sorensen and FIRM regarding this issue (some of which was quoted in The Citizen last week) appears below. Let me know what you think.

______________________________________________
Dear Dr. Sorensen,

Nice to hear from you after so much time.

We must say that we are puzzled by your invective against this grassroots organization of over 5,000 members that worked with your office in addressing the windstorm insurance crisis. I recall the first meeting your office arranged on March 30, 2006 with Consumer Advocate Steve Burgess, Actuary Steve Alexander, members of the insurance industry, representatives from Citizens Property Insurance, Rep. Ross and Keys officials including the late Commissioner Murray Nelson and schools superintendent Randy Acevedo, among others. I recall cooperation in the following months between FIRM and your assistant, Holly Merrill, and the press conference we attended at your invitation to announce the Pilot Project.

The Pilot Project did in fact grant Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty the authority to set actuarially sound rates in Monroe County without the “top 20” restriction, and your sponsorship of that legislation was key. I strongly believe, however, and the Commissioner concurs below, that it was FIRM’s production of data to support a rate reduction that led to the rollback we’re now enjoying. Further, FIRM reached every single member of the House and Senate in Tallahassee, as well as the Florida delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives, to convince legislators that it was time to address the insurance crisis.

Those of us who volunteered countless hours of unpaid time to convince your fellow legislators to support pro-consumer legislation, to gather data, to analyze weather patterns and claims information, and to travel frequently to Tallahassee well after the end of your term have been gratified at a process that brought individuals from varying political perspectives together to address an issue of such importance to people in the Keys. We welcomed your support and that of your successor, Rep. Saunders. We stand by the work of all the members of FIRM, and look forward to continued cooperation with our representatives in Tallahassee.

Best,
Heather

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heather Carruthers
President
Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe
www.FIRMkeys.org

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From: Kevin McCarty [mailto:Kevin.McCarty@floir.com]
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 3:04 PM
To: Heather
Subject: RE: FIRM Member Question

Dear Heather,

I can tell you what I know from personal experience. There is no question that FIRM has played a roll in recent public policy both on a state [level] but more specifically and directly for Monroe County. FIRM was instrumental in establishing the pilot program that lowered Citizens rates in Monroe County. Firm provided the office with the necessary data for the office to differentiate Monroe in certain rate filings. I hope this is helpful.

Kevin

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From: CAPTDRKEN@aol.com [mailto:CAPTDRKEN@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 2:10 PM
To: robbiekw@bellsouth.net
Subject: Re: FIRM Member Question

July 14, 2008 [sic]

Mr Hopcraft,

I believe the earlier statement speaks for itself. The functions of splitting windstorm and flood insurance at consumer discretion,the involvement of the state consumer advocate, freezing of rates, the requirement of justifying insurance rates thru an actuary at public meetings in the keys were required” by law” under my watch and sponsored by my office NOT FIRM. In fact , I almost never saw FIRM people in my office except once while serving as our state representative even though they were invited.

The “FIRM” leaders avoided my office and wandered around the capitol with commissioners Neugent and Rice and a county lobbyist who had years before worked for the Ins. commissioner. It seemed as if they thought the lobbyist made laws and not the legislators.

In spite of this attitude of arrogance and without any visits by “firm” I had been working on fixes to our Ins problem for months. Working with chairmen Dennis Ross and Brown ( INS) I wrote into law the relief we so badly needed. These are the same reforms certain leaders of firm take credit for when in fact they had nothing to do with them or the law making that made them a reality! The legislation created then has been kept over the past few years and the reason is not “firm” even though some aspiring politicians claim false credit for it. While your early officers wandered the halls led by Commissioner Nuegent they really had zero impact on any real legislation that brought relief to Monroe county residents. After the efforts of my office became the governing law of the land they rode them claiming political credit for something they were never a part of !

I hope that clears up your concerns. My Tallahassee office will always be available to honest brokers for public good.

sincerely ,
Dr. Ken Sorensen

In a message dated 7/7/2008 11:00:15 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, robbiekw@bellsouth.net writes:

Ken, I have forwarded your email to the other FIRM board members and I’m sure you will be getting comments from several.

we would appreciate it if you could be more specific in your comments to us. you haven’t really told us anything you disagree with.

we could also use your help in guiding us on our trips to Tallahassee to make state our cause for the florida keys

Robbie Hopcraft
FIRM Board Member

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From: CAPTDRKEN@aol.com [mailto:CAPTDRKEN@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2008 1:09 PM
To: robbiekw@bellsouth.net
Subject: FIRM Member Question

YOUR WEBSITE INFORMATION ON THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS THAT TOOK PLACE IS TERRIBLY SKEWED , INACCURATE AND MISLEADING.

DR. KEN SORENSEN, FORMER LEGISLATOR

DISTRICT #120

7/05/08

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“As a candidate for public office in Monroe County, I believe political issues can be freely debated without appealing to prejudices. Positive campaigning promotes citizen involvement.”

Thus begins the “Statement of Ethical Campaign Practices” I signed to complete the paperwork for qualification this week. (I had submitted over 600 petitions two weeks after I declared.) I was thoroughly surprised, pleased and honored to read and sign the document. It is a pledge from the candidate to focus on facts and issues, to comply with campaign finance rules, to “tell the truth” and to not condone any unethical activity. I’ve posted a link to the document on the Issues page of my website.

I was surprised by the document simply because we’ve seen some prior campaigns in the Keys that, while perhaps legal, have not always walked the ethical path, and because such a document should not be necessary, that folks should without question seek to do what’s ethical, what’s right. I was pleased because, if candidates and their supporters truly abide by it, the result will be issues- and qualifications-focused discourse that can produce the best for the people of Monroe. I was honored to sign it because I take the responsibility of public service very seriously.

I have a patriotic strain that runs deep in my family. My dad spent 22 years in the Navy, and both of my parents had siblings who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Though I have not always agreed with decisions made by our leaders, I have always strongly believed in the fundamental principles of democracy on which this nation was founded, in our representative form of government, in the separation of powers, and in the opportunity that democracy provides to give individuals real power and a voice through the elective process.

That’s why I got choked up when I had the privilege of speaking before the Florida Cabinet and then-Governor Bush two years ago. Being able to respectfully and responsibly be part of the political process is at once humbling and invigorating, and a reminder of the greatness on which our government and nation stand.

So I was honored to sign this “Statement of Ethical Campaign Practices.” I am eager to follow its guidelines, and hopeful for a fair, honest and honorable campaign season ahead. I hope you are too.

Hello Friends!

Well, it’s been just about a month since I filed and announced I was running for the County Commission. Thank you all so much for the support you’ve already given me. I had well over the required 472 petition signatures in the first two weeks, which will help us save about $2,600 in filing fees. Many of you have contributed (personal notes are on their way), asked how you can help (click on “action” and “volunteer” on the website), and given me encouragement as I’ve traveled up and down the Keys. It is humbling and gratifying, and I am thankful to all of you.

This is likely to be a difficult campaign. Things can sometimes get unpleasant and emotional in Keys politics. I can speak for my entire campaign team when I say that we will campaign vigorously, and we will do so in a civil and respectful manner. I hope you share my commitment to keeping our focus on issues of relevance to Monroe residents and responsibilities of elected officials to them.

We all love this place, and so much is at stake in the Keys for each and every one of us. Let’s work together for what’s best for ALL of us here. Please let me know if there are issues of importance to you. (And if you can contribute your time or any of your hard-earned dollars, we’d appreciate that, too!) Thank you.

Heather

P.S. This is my first experience blogging, so don’t hestitate to tell me how I’m doing! Drop a note to heather@VoteHeather2008.com.