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GGG Town Hall with Mayor Vince Lago

Gables Good Government Committee

MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT

GGG Town Hall with
Mayor Vince Lago

GGG Members will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with  Mayor Lago on issues of concern to residents of Coral Gables.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Refreshments
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Program followed by Q & A Session

 Coral Gables Congregational Church

3010 De Soto Boulevard, Fellowship Hall, Coral Gables

(Parking is available in front of the church)

 REGISTRATION REQUIRED by September 27, 2023:

Fill in Registration Box below; or call GGG President Susi Davis at (305) 582-5827.

This event is for GGG Members Only.

To Join GGG or Renew Membership Click link:  gablesgoodgovernment.org/membership.

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

    Yes I am attending the Mayor Lago event on Sept. 28, 2023.

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    ‘Ethics in Public Service’ Event – May 22 – RSVP Now!

    Gables Good Government Committee

    In Collaboration with the Institute for Ethical Leadership, St. Thomas University

    Ethics in Public Service

    Ethical practices ensure the integrity of both the governmental
    decision-making process and the electoral process,
    “restore public confidence in government
    and serve as the guardian of the public trust.

    — Edited Excerpt from Mission Statement of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics & Public Trust

    Program Speakers

    • DAVID DORISCAR (Moderator), Professor, PH.D. Program in Ethical Leadership, St. Thomas University
    • JOSE ARROJO, Executive Director, Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics & Public Trust
    • ANNIE BETANCOURT, Former Member, Florida House of Representatives; Former President, League of Women Voters
    • HOLLY MERRILL RASCHEIN, Mayor Pro Tempore, Monroe County Commission; Former Member, Florida House of Representatives
    • DON SLESNICK, Former Mayor of Coral Gables; Former President, Florida League of Mayors

    Monday, May 22, 2023

    5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
    5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Registration and Reception   
    6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Program: Panel Presentations / Q & A Session

     

     Coral Gables Museum

    285 Aragon Avenue – Coral Gables

    (Street Parking; Parking Garage Across the Street)

     

    _____________________________________

     REGISTRATION REQUIRED by May 21, 2023:  Click RSVP link in box below or

     

    click on gablesgoodgov@gmail.com or call GGG President Susi Davis at (305) 582-5827.

    This event is open to the public and requires advance registration.

     

    RSVP TO 5-22-2023 ETHICS PROGRAM

    _______________________________________________________________

    To Join GGG or Renew Membership
    Click link:  gablesgoodgovernment.org/membership
    or click “Download Membership Application” below.
    _________________________________

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

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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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    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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    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.