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Gables Good Government Committee Coral Gables Election Questionnaire with Responses from Commission Candidates

To GGG Members and Friends: 

The six Coral Gables Commission candidates have provided their answers to a questionnaire sent to them by the GGG Board and Advisory Council.  All responses are published as written by each candidate. We thank all the commission candidates for giving their views to Coral Gables voters on many of the issues that are important to our community.  VOTE ON APRIL 11th!!!!

Election Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023

    • Vote by Mail Ballot
    • Vote Early:
      • Saturday, April 1
      • Sunday, April 2
      • Saturday, April 8
    • Vote on Election Day

Responses from Commission Candidates

Group IV Candidates  

Group V Candidates  

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Event: Meet Your Coral Gables Candidates

Meet Your Coral Gables Candidates

Commissioner-Group IV: 

    • Melissa Castro
    • Jackson “Rip” Holmes
    • Sean McGrover
    • Ivette Arango O’Doski
 Commissioner-Group V: 

    • Alex Bucelo
    • Ariel Fernandez

Meet and greet your candidates at a reception prior to the program.
Each candidate will give a presentation and answer questions.

 *** Election Day is Tuesday, April 11, 2023 ***

Monday, March 13, 2023

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Reception with Candidates  
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Program: Presentations by Candidates

Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables FL 33134

REGISTRATION REQUIRED 

RSVP by March 12, 2023:
In box below or via email to gablesgoodgov@gmail.com
or call GGG President Susi Davis at (305) 582-5827

This event is for Members and Guests.

    Yes I am attending the Candidate Meet and Greet on March 13, 2023.

     

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    Candidate Response: IVETTE ARANGO O’DOSKI

    Group IV Candidates:
    Ivette Arango O’Doski | Melissa Castro | Jackson ‘Rip’ Holmes | Sean McGrover

    GENERAL QUESTIONS

      • Why are you running? What is the most important issue you would address or advocate for if elected?

    O’Doski: My roots in Coral Gables are deep. I am running as a member of this community that has lived in Coral Gables for over 30 years. I want to keep Coral Gables as a community and would like to use my experience in advocating for issues that matter to all of us to ensure that our city is a place where our children will want to stay and grow their own families. I want to support our local businesses and protect our neighborhoods by supporting police and fire and opposing overdevelopment that erodes the character and culture of our residential areas. Continue reading “Candidate Response: IVETTE ARANGO O’DOSKI”

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    Candidate Response MELISSA CASTRO

    Group IV Candidates:
    Ivette Arango O’Doski | Melissa Castro | Jackson ‘Rip’ Holmes | Sean McGrover

    GENERAL QUESTIONS

      • Why are you running? What is the most important issue you would address or advocate for if elected?

    Castro: I am running to serve the residents of Coral Gables due to the passion I have to make our community the best in the nation and the desire to make a difference. I also possess unique skills and experiences that could help improve the lives of many residents here in the Gables. My presence on the Coral Gables Commission will help bring new perspectives and ideas to the table. As someone who is actively involved in my community, I know that residents are eager to see a bigger change. The most important issue I would advocate for is improving the Permitting Department, in which I know I can put into effect. If elected, I can be a fresh voice with experience to advocate and make the changes all residents urge to see. Continue reading “Candidate Response MELISSA CASTRO”

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    Candidate Response: JACKSON ‘RIP’ HOLMES

    Group IV Candidates:
    Ivette Arango O’Doski | Melissa Castro | Jackson ‘Rip’ Holmes | Sean McGrover

    GENERAL QUESTIONS

      • Why are you running? What is the most important issue you would address or advocate for if elected?

    Holmes: My main issue is overdevelopment. Citizens United makes it legal for developers to buy City Hall. The developers donate 4 times more to candidates than all taxpayers combined.  As a result, we no longer have a democracy, but instead a developer-ocracy. Our best way of fighting this is to amend the City Charter to require voter- referendum approval of any major development, as the City of Miami Beach and the City of Key Biscayne have done. Continue reading “Candidate Response: JACKSON ‘RIP’ HOLMES”

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    Candidate Response: SEAN McGROVER

    Group IV Candidates:
    Ivette Arango O’Doski | Melissa Castro | Jackson ‘Rip’ Holmes | Sean McGrover

    GENERAL QUESTIONS

      • Why are you running? What is the most important issue you would address or advocate for if elected?

    McGrover: I am running because I believe we need more diversity on our board. Presently, all seats are held by attorneys, and I feel most, if not all attorneys look at issues the same way. My background is in building businesses and investing, and I believe I can look at issues differently that will add value to decisions. The most important issue I see for our city is the oncoming recession that is going to heavily impact the community if we are not proactive in cutting costs, lowering our debts, and putting together a plan to increase revenues through attracting large businesses to our community. Continue reading “Candidate Response: SEAN McGROVER”

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    Candidate Response: ALEX BUCELO

    Group V Candidates: Alex Bucelo | Ariel Fernandez

    GENERAL QUESTIONS

      • Why are you running? What is the most important issue you would address or advocate for if elected?

    Bucelo: I am running because I want to make sure that the character and charm of our community is maintained, our community remains safe, and taxes remain low without reducing city services. I want Coral Gables to be more environmentally resilient and I will always side with my neighbors in opposition to large-scale developments. As a matter of fact, while others talk, I am the only candidate running for City Commission who has actually voted against large-scale developments. Continue reading “Candidate Response: ALEX BUCELO”

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    Candidate Response: ARIEL FERNANDEZ

    Group V Candidates: Alex Bucelo | Ariel Fernandez

    GENERAL QUESTIONS

      • Why are you running? What is the most important issue you would address or advocate for if elected?

    Fernandez: I am running with the goal of making residents the priority in Coral Gables, not an afterthought. For many years our focus has been shifted away from those the Commission and staff should serve. My goal as Commissioner is to ensure we make the needs of residents the priority. Continue reading “Candidate Response: ARIEL FERNANDEZ”

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    Oct. 25: Join GGG at an Event Honoring Jimmy Morales (Members Only)

    Join GGG at an Event Honoring

    Jimmy Morales
    Chief Operations Officer, Miami-Dade County

    Excellence in Public Service Award

    PLEASE REGISTER
    by October 24, 2022
    via gablesgoodgov@gmail.com
    or call GGG President Susi Davis
    at (305) 582-5827.
    You can also use the form below.

    Tuesday, October 25, 2022
    6:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Reception
    6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Program

    Location: Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables

      Yes I am attending the Jimmy Morales event on October 25, 2022

      This is a Members-Only Event.

      The Gables Good Government Committee is registered with the State of Florida and the City of Coral Gables. GGG member dues are not tax deductible.
      DOWNLOAD A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

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      Sept. 22: GGG Town Hall w Vice Mayor Michael Mena (Members Only)

      Gables Good Government Committee invites you to a Members-Only*

      GGG Town Hall
      with
      Vice Mayor Michael Mena

      GGG members will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with Vice Mayor Mena on issues of concern to the residents of Coral Gables.

      Thursday, September 22, 2022,  5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
      5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Refreshments
      6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Program/Q & A

      Coral Gables Congregational Church – Fellowship Hall
      3010 De Soto Blvd.
      Coral Gables
      (Parking is available in front and at sides of church.)

      REGISTRATION REQUIRED
      by September 20, 2022, use the form down below
      or call GGG President Susi Davis at (305) 582-5827

      *This event is for Members Only

      Two Ways to Renew Membership or to join GGG:

      (1) Click link: Membership

      (2) Pay via your PayPal account with Visa/Mastercard

      Membership Levels: Individual – $50 or Household – $75

      REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED

      The Gables Good Government Committee is registered with the State of Florida and the City of Coral Gables. GGG member dues is not tax deductible.