Ken Russell had a dream job, traveling the world kite-surfing and paddle boarding with is watersports company, when he got involved with the cleanup of the city park across the street from his Miami home. That civic engagement resulted in a run for office and a hard pivot from entrepreneur to his current position as Vice-Chairman of the Miami City Commission, recently re-elected in November 2019 for a second term. He entered Miami politics in 2015 with an optimistic view on positive change, and during his first term, Commissioner Russell was successful in passing legislation that supported resilience infrastructure, affordable housing creation, government transparency, and strong wages. He was instrumental in passing the Miami Forever Bond, which will invest $400 million into housing, parks, streets and flood mitigation throughout the city. Now seasoned in the blood sport of politics, Ken retains his jovial spirit and positive outlook, as he leans into a run at Marco Rubio's Senate seat. Swan Dive host, Stuart Sheldon, one of Russell's constituents, firmly believes that this amiable, Japanese-American, father of three, former YoYo champion, ukulele playing, wood sculpting renaissance man would make a fine Senator ... with both the policy chops and disarming persona to make Washington a less vicious and toxic place. To learn more, click here.
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