Time for a recall election?

Should COMMISSIONER LISSETTE CAREY Be recalled?

Recalls are serious matter, but the citizens of Key West deserve honest, informed, and principled leadership. The purpose of this website is to gauge the public appetite for recalling Commissioner Lissette Carey. We now have clear and troubling evidence from the May 30, 2025 Grand Jury report that it may be necessary.

The Grand Jury recommended she resign, but she is ignoring that recommendation. We have a form at the bottom of the page if you are interested in a recall efort.

This is not a political issue. It is a matter of integrity, accountability, and basic governance.

The Grand Jury investigated criminal misconduct and deep-rooted corruption within the City of Key West. Their findings are damning:

  • The Chief Building Official, Rajindhar Ramsingh, approved permits without inspections, bypassed required departmental reviews, and funneled public contracts to his private construction company — generating over $1.9 million in personal gain.

  • The City Attorney, Ron Ramsingh, used his influence to suppress public discussion of the Corradino Report — a report that exposed the building department’s irregularities and potential criminal activity. He then worked in concert with city staff, commissioners and candidates for future office to remove the report from public view.

  • According to the Grand Jury, this culture of protectionism — a so-called "boys’ club" — thrived on coercion, silence, and abuse of authority. It compromised public trust and endangered Key West’s environment, safety, and legal standing.

In the midst of this, Commissioner Carey acted not as a check against corruption, but as an accomplice to silence.

The Grand Jury Concluded:

“Lissette Carey - While not charged with any criminal violations by this Grand Jury, the testimony and evidence of her actions and inactions raised many concerns in her decision-making and, more importantly, her ability to serve the city in the capacity as a commissioner. Whether it is a lack of understanding the role, duties and responsibilities the position of a City Commissioner entails, she has not demonstrated the wherewithal and convictions needed to serve in this capacity. Although having had a positive impact while in her prior role with the Housing Authority, the Grand Jury concludes and recommends that, in the interest of integrity and betterment of the city, Lissette Carey resign from her position as City Commissioner.”

The full Grand Jury report can be found here.

Read Commissioner Carey’s response here.

Her failures include:

  • Attempting to remove the Corradino Report from the public agenda — a report her colleagues and the public had every right to see.

  • Admitting under oath that she never read the report, yet still moved to hide it from public review — a clear dereliction of her duty to be informed before making decisions.

  • Allowing herself to be improperly influenced by the City Attorney, who allegedly referenced her family’s mention in the report as a means of pressure.

The Grand Jury called her conduct deeply concerning and concluded she should resign. All signs indicate that she will not be resigning.

This is not a minor lapse in judgment. It is misfeasance — the improper performance of a lawful act. Commissioner Carey lawfully held her office but failed in the most basic responsibilities of that office: to understand the issues, act independently, and protect the public interest.

The Recall Process

We are exploring the formal recall process under Florida law, FS 100.361. The process is as follows:

  • Phase One: Approximately 268 verified signatures from registered voters in District 4 are needed to file an initial recall set of petitions.

  • Phase Two: Upon verification, and after an opportunity for Commissioner Carey to provide a defense, we will need about 402 total signatures, to trigger the recall election. Phase One signers are eligible, but a fresh signature is needed for Phase Two.

We should not take this action lightly. But when an elected official participates in the suppression of public documents, fails to perform due diligence, and caves to coercion instead of standing up for her constituents — she could forfeit the privilege of serving.

Is it time?

The purpose of this website is to gauge the appetite for recall because Key West deserves better. If you live in Key West, your participation could help restore integrity. If you want to volunteer, circulate petitions, or stay informed, please fill out the form below.

This is a turning point. Let’s make sure the next chapter of Key West’s history is one of courage, not complicity.