1. What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

The Zoning Code rewrite just passed. This RUNAWAY DEVELOPMENT insider giveaway to developers was hidden from, and never adequately explained to, the voters. IT ENDS CORAL GABLES AS A SUBURB IN MY OPINION. The new Code increases allowable size of residential houses, apartment buildings, and multi-family buildings, as well as increasing Miracle Mile height to four stories, without providing parking to support the massive buildings.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

Developers, via Citizens United allowed unlimited donations to City Commission candidates’ PACS, have taken control of our City Government. We need to pass an Ordinance like Miami Beach’s, prohibiting developer donations to Elections Candidates, and require GENUINE access for voters to development considerations at every step.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and, specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

Trying to wrest control of the City Government from developers. Try to make Coral Gables safe for residents and children now and IN THE FUTURE. Ordinance prohibiting developer donations to Elections campaigns.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

I believe there is a shortage of firefighters – NO additional firefighters for 30 years, despite more than 50 new, large buildings, with more coming. I am for lower taxes. We must cut spending, e.g., for department heads, for the $500,000 Illuminate Art Project, and so on.

5. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

I will devote 40 hours a week to City Business, making it a full-time job, although it is envisioned as part-time. Additionally, we can help alleviate traffic by joining the lawsuit to force the County to account for wrongfully spending $28 million of the $32 million collected for mass transit via the Penny Sales Tax Fund, and to put the $28 million dollars back. That money can fund mass transit and reduce traffic by 50%.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.ripholmes.com
• Email: contact@ripholmes.com
• Phone: (305) 338-5000

1. What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

I would rescind the approval of 100 Miracle Mile that allows a 148ft building on the Andalusia facing of the project. The land use at this site on Andalusia is commercial mid- rise which allows 70 feet and with bonuses could develop to 90 ft. Merrick planned the city on a 1 to 1.5 ratio of width of street to height of buildings. Therefore, taller buildings are on Ponce, LeJeune, Douglas, Alhambra, US1, etc., and lower buildings are on the narrower side streets.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.?

I think City Government is transparent. Notices of commission meetings are sent out by City E-news and there is a community calendar on the city home page that lists all meetings in the city. Commission meetings are replayed regularly on the city channel. The financial section of the city website has every operational audit on departments, financial audits and budget information and quarterly updates. There is a development tab on the Building Dept. page to view all developments in the city. The Parks Dept. sends out notices for community input on all planned parks or related structures. There has always been an opportunity for public input at the beginning of each commission meeting so that any resident can ask about any issue in the city and any comment on any issue can be directed to the City Clerk and included in the commission meetings. I think that some issues, especially zoning, can be technical and if you do not work with it regularly you may find it difficult to understand, but staff is always willing to explain.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

I think some people would like to make it about development and the zoning code amendments. We live in a built-out city so we will see redevelopment. The code amendments that passed 4-1 are intended to encourage development on 10,000 sq ft parcels so lots are not assembled to build the tallest 190 ft buildings allowed in the city. The code still contains some site-specific zoning that should still be looked at but the ambiguity and conflicts that had existed have been corrected so the code is much clearer and organized in a way that is easier to read.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient- how could that be achieved?

The city has been working with very old and outdated technology that does not allow horizontal integration across departments and creates excessive amounts of paperwork and things being done by hand. We have been transitioning to a new platform that should be totally integrated by 2022 so that the building dept. will be paperless, improving permit review and approval. These same improvements will affect our finance dept., too, with horizontal integration of city departments. This leap in technology will reduce waste and improve efficiency.

5. How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

I graduated from college with a BSN and worked as a nurse at NYU Medical Center and here at Jackson Memorial before my children were born, so I have always worked to serve and care for others. I will do the best I can do, whether pleasant or unpleasant, knowing my reward is just doing the best job I can.

MORE INFO

• Website: PatkeonforCoralGables.com
• Email: patkeon@aol.com
• Phone: (305) 666-4148

1.What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

The upzoning of Miracle Mile would be a decision made by the City Commission that if I could, I would rescind. It should be our role as elected officials to preserve the historic nature of our city and the essence of what makes it so special. The Commission should not be approving zoning changes easily, but instead should focus on working with all involved parties to ensure that residents have plenty of opportunities for input on large scale projects. Only when solutions to the concerns of residents have been identified, should items move forward to the City Commission for review.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

Resident engagement and involvement allow us to improve the service we provide our community. During my first 100 days, I will embark on a “100 Days of Listening” tour across the city. I plan on meeting with residents and all the stakeholders of our city to better understand their concerns. Also, I would like to incorporate a general community input forum once a month where staff would be present to listen to the concerns of residents and the business community prior to items being placed on the commission agenda for review. As you know, I have a track record of transparency and inclusiveness, and I plan to bring the same approach to the Mayor’s Office.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and, specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

The top two issues during this campaign are: out of scale development and transparency. In terms of development, proposals that request an increase in height and density are not the solution. They can impact the City’s appealing features and jeopardize our residents’ quality of life. As mayor, I will focus on thoughtful planning and resident engagement to address this issue. As you know, I have made transparency one of the cornerstones of my service to the community and will continue to operate with transparency if elected mayor. Unfortunately, my opponent has chosen the opposite of transparency by engaging third-party political committees run by out-of-town political operatives to attack me and my record using dark money.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

Enacting a fiscally conservative approach will allow us to remain financially sound which is critical to our city’s economic longevity. If elected mayor, I will request an independent financial audit of the city immediately after taking office and I will share the results with residents by posting it on the city’s website. I would assess areas in which we can reduce spending and put the savings back into the reserves and projects that would enhance the quality of life for residents. Keeping a balanced city budget requires leadership and discipline, and I hope that my colleagues on the commission will join me in applying both.

5. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

To me, the spirit of the phrase “Service Above Self” means to place service to others above your own self-interests. Since 2013, I have always acted on behalf of the interests of the residents that I have had the privilege of representing. I intend to continue to uphold the principle of “Service Above Self” while governing with integrity and transparency, which have remained the cornerstones of my service to the community. I remain committed to the principles that have guided me over the last eight years which are: always place the needs of Coral Gables residents first, while working to move our city forward.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.vincelagoformayor.com
• Email: vincelago@yahoo.com
• Phone: (305) 303-0115

1. What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

Ordinances need amended to ensure that: (a) the public receives notice of all proposed commercial projects in plain language, (b) the public has an opportunity to be heard, and (c) Mediterranean design bonuses do not decrease the quality of life and value of surrounding properties.

In addition, substantial changes in the use, density or design of development projects should require public notice, and at a minimum, Commission review. Allowing substantial changes in the use, density or design of a property by City staff can result in projects significantly different than residents and the Commission approved.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

Modern notification techniques must augment traditional mailed notices sent at least 2 weeks in advance so residents can plan to attend in person, via zoom or telephonically. Email notice must be sent to all affected residents and groups registered to receive notice. Monthly newsletters must list meetings and provide links for additional information.

The website must be updated to a user-friendly version that works with a simple search. All development projects or zoning changes submitted to the City should be posted on a map with links to more information. The “Weekly Planner” tweet must be augmented with a Monthly planner.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and, specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

Development density and height and traffic speed and volume are the top two issues.

Regarding development, the Mediterranean ordinance increases height and density of buildings. It is not property “right” so it can be modified without risking liability. After meeting with residents, I will seek amendments that provide what the residents wish to see for the future of our City. In addition, I will require notice to residents and board review of all “as of right” commercial projects.

Regarding traffic, enforcement of existing traffic laws is a priority and installation of traffic calming devices that residents approve must be expedited.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

The launching of electronic permitting will exponentially reduce the work hours necessary for the filing, review and approval of permits in departments in different buildings. Automated pricing and payment systems for permitting will additionally reduce the work hours spent on collection of fees. Periodic audits and review of departments should be done to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, impact fees for large development projects must encompass the cost for the additional first responders needed to address increased demand.

5. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.”How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

The best interests of residents must always come first. Our City is blessed with highly educated and engaged residents that can contribute ideas to make our City a better place to live. Providing residents access to me to address their issues and concerns is critical to determine what is in the best interests of the residents. I will provide that access in individual meetings, open door office hours and in monthly brainstorming sessions to discuss and determine the best solutions. City employees must also embrace the principles of service above self and treat all residents courteously and with patience.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.RhondaforCoralGables.com
• Email: Rhonda@RhondaforCoralGables.com
• Phone: (786) 529-8766

1. What is one decision made by the current of previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

I would immediately reverse the various changes to our zoning code including the city-wide zoning update, the Crafts Section rezoning and, of course, the Miracle Mile rezoning. First, substantial changes to our zoning code should have never occurred during the pandemic. Residents should have been given a chance to be more involved in the process from the beginning and not at the eleventh hour with a seeming rush to get the legislation passed before this coming election. Second, the changes themselves threaten to alter the character of our CBD, and especially Miracle Mile.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job of informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

Allowing Zoom to residents for all public meetings is a step in the right direction. Increased notification radiuses beyond 500 feet for new projects is an absolute requirement. Our webpage needs significant modernization to make it more user-friendly. I would propose a bi-weekly City Staff Zoom meetings where all residents are invited to participate and engage staff in an open and transparent public setting. City Department Directors or their designees would be available to answer questions and address resident complaints. The City can also use the opportunity to make special announcements and address specific topics.

3.What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and, specifically how do you propose to address these matters?

In speaking with hundreds of residents over the last few months, the two top areas of concern are overdevelopment and traffic. With regard to overdevelopment, I will immediately call for a public and well-publicized open discussion on improvements to our zoning code that would protect the historic nature of our City. As to traffic, we must stop high-speed, cut-through traffic that is endangering lives. I have prepared a “Safer Streets Plan,” which incorporates, among other things, the immediate instillation of traffic calming devices, enhanced illumination and directing high density traffic to thoroughfares and away from our residential streets.

4.What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

I plan to audit every City Department and look for opportunities to enhance efficiency and realize cost savings. I would immediately call for the modernization of city processes where technology can result in better service at a lower expense. E-permitting is a perfect example. This would allow for remote permitting and concurrent review by the building disciplines. Concurrent review allows for a much quicker process as the plans go to each reviewer’s desk at the same time. Bottlenecks in the process can also be addressed in a much more targeted and efficient manner.

5.The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

First, I want to congratulate our local Rotarians on 75 years of Service. I have had the honor of attending several lunches and am inspired by their dedication. I would incorporate the motto of “Service above Self” by adhering to Club’s Five Way Test. I will always seek the truth. I will strive to champion fairness in everything that I do. I will build good will and better friendship by bridging divides. I will take action to benefit residents, always. And finally, especially now, we all need more fun and I will work hard to find more ways we can.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.taniacruzgimenez.com
• Email: tania@eclipsecg.com
• Phone: (786) 325-5956

This candidate has not replied to our survey or the results are still being edited.

MORE INFO

• Website: https://haq2021.org/
• Email: alexhaq4cg@gmail.com
• Phone: (305) 510-1131

1.What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

Resolution 2004-246. That is when the zoning debacle started.

2.How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

By giving residents early notices and requiring they be heard.

I will propose the establishment of a Citizens Ethics Advisory Board to recommend better ways to avoid corruption of elected and appointed officials by city government, including the review of current lobbyist registration requirements and disclosures. Propose one full day workshop/training, to establish an official, published, job description for the commission members and City Manager, focusing on respect for the input of the concerned citizen of Coral Gables to comply with Florida’s open meeting government activities and communications.

3.What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

Over development to the detriment of residents of Coral Gables and wasteful spending on politician’s pet projects.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

Eliminating wasteful spending, corruption, and even appearance of corruption by more closely scrutinizing politicians’ pet projects promoted by family members, friends, and business associates. Requiring disclosure of contacts with those involved who are profiting from the expenditures. One example is Resolution 2018-151 which approved a boondoggle art in public places project pushed by the Valdes-Fauli family (Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli and his brother Jose Valdes-Fauli) to benefit their artist friend Mr. Carlos Cruz-Diez, entitled “Induction of Chromatique.”

How can it be achieved? Being vigilant. This pet project of the Valdes-Fauli brothers (which is a multicolored painted crosswalk on asphalt) is on the roadways in front of City Hall. The initial cost of this “art” was $180,000.00. These funds came from the Arts in Public Places Fund. However, the annual “maintenance costs” (which unfortunately come out of the City General Fund) cost residents a minimum of $54,000.00 each year to re-paint (at least 3 times per year) the unsightly smeared and worn colors of the original paint. This is just one clear example of what can happen when a family member of an elected official is placed (or serves) on a board, for example, Art in Public Places. Family and friends get the benefits, in perpetuity, while the everyday, hardworking Coral Gables resident, who doesn’t care about the quickly fading, unsightly (and totally unnecessary) crosswalk, gets shafted.

5.The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

I am a firm believer that service should always be placed above self, especially if one is place in a position of trust. It is clear the “service above self” principal is not followed by those currently in office. That should be revealed by the candidates’ track record. The better and healthier way to incorporate is leading by example. With my Citizens Ethics Advisory Board, the residents will be assured any misconduct and/or unethical actions will not be overlooked.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.Joliforcoralgables.com
• Email: Jolicommissionergroup2@aol.com
• Phone: (305) 722-2828

1. What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

I would like to focus on the future and what needs to be done to ensure our city is preserved and is going in the right direction. Instead of dwelling on the past, I would assess where we are now, and work to improve our current situation. We need to focus on how we can reduce our carbon footprint, expand transit projects like the Trolley and the Freebie, provide more charging stations for those with green vehicles to lower emissions and work towards achieving sustainability solutions like transitioning from septic to sewer and addressing our stormwater runoff, preparing for weather-related events.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

By being more transparent on future development projects. Holding town hall meetings to keep residents and stakeholders engaged and do it early on, not when it’s too late such as with Wawa Gas Station. I would propose alternate commission meeting schedules and hold them at night so that residents who work or have other daytime commitments can attend and be a part of the process. I would propose to remove the use of acronyms from all public meetings and replace with layman’s terms so that residents understand what is being proposed and more importantly how it can potentially impact them.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and, specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

Overdevelopment is the number one concern for residents. We need to be smart and gradual about our growth and erecting high-rises knowing we do not have enough firefighters per shift according to industry standards is already a big threat to public safety. In fact, we have had the same number of fire fighters for the last 30 years. Considering the growth we have seen in the last four years alone, this is not just an oversight, its grossly negligent. We need to put a plan in place immediately to ensure that both fire and police are adequately staffed and equipped to keep us safe. The other issue is the lack of civility towards residents we have seen coming from the dais. I will always remain approachable and listen to and respect our residents.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

I would be cautious in making an off-the-cuff assessment of where the city budget should be leaner without first availing myself of all the information necessary to make that assessment, including meeting and discussing line items with city staff and conduct a careful review of the budget and find efficiencies to ensure we are being smart with our expenditures and properly managing tax payer dollars.

5.The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

As a working single mom, I have learned a thing or two about sacrifice and selfless service. Residents need a place to find solutions to their concerns. I believe in keeping weekly office hours to be accessible to my constituents, and thanks to my experience working in city government, I know how to get the job done. My commitment to being accessible and ready to serve starts now and is evidenced by having my cell phone number on my website and campaign materials. I want residents to know me and know that I am someone they can approach who stands ready to serve.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.votemiro4gables.com
• Email: VoteMiro4Gables@gmail.com
• Phone: (786) 539-6873

1. What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

I am a firm believer that one should not play “Monday morning” quarterback. I was not there – and I did not have all of the information or the singular focus. There are many decisions that I don’t necessarily agree with, but I was not there to pass judgment in the rearview mirror. Let’s look forward – enhancing our city and improving our future together.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

Communication is vital. I will hold forums to solicit feedback, encourage and request informal discussions with others, govern with an open mind, and collaborate with residents. I believe that the city needs to improve communication with residents, and I will ensure that city management prioritizes communication with the residents. Also, polls and other online technologies can facilitate input and gauge the community’s pulse to be used in the decision-making process. I am retired, have no business interests in the city, and dedicate myself full time to these endeavors to amplify the residents’ voices.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and, specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

First, I am concerned with the city’s financial position and strategic alignment. The city needs to conduct a strategic planning process – with feedback from residents and stakeholders – to establish a vision, mission, and core objectives for our city to operationalize our shared vision. A “bottom up” budget should then be conducted to prioritize the strategic initiatives, place resources where the magnitude is most valued, and budget according to the city’s priorities.

Second, I am concerned about the quality of life and safety issues, too. Traffic calming techniques help to minimize speed, and enhances safety, and improves our streets.

4. What areas in the city’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

I am concerned with the city’s deficit in operations and the unfunded pension obligations. I am interested in duplicity of services in various departments, so I propose a strategic alignment process and “bottom-up” budgeting process. I am also concerned with the potential decreasing tax base in our commercial district and its impact on our budget. I want to bring back Mayor Cason’s focus on the pension deficit to fully fund our obligations to protect our city’s employees and use fiscally responsible techniques as well.

5. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

“Service above Self” is an essential motto for an organization and a personal mantra for me. I value community service, and I have lived my life in collaboration and service to the community. My priorities have been in health, education, and the arts. Accordingly, I have been involved with Mercy Hospital, FIU, Florida Grand Opera, Bass Museum, Art in Public Places, to name a few. I currently volunteer with the Coral Gables Museum, where I serve as the Vice-Chair and focus on ways to enhance our cultural offerings, bring people to the downtown core, and provoke thought.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.josevaldesfauli.com
• Email: josevf1@me.com
• Phone: (305) 588-1229

1.What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

The decisions made today on March 23rd, 2021, the last day of the current commission, approving the upzoning of Miracle Mile, expanding the upzoning of the Crafts section, and indebting the City by an additional 20 million dollars should all be rescinded. These decisions will bring more traffic, eliminate the historic nature of the center of our downtown, and further add to our liabilities.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

You have to bring people into the discussion. That requires timing the meeting outside of working hours, sending electronic and physical notices to a larger radius of homes, and presenting information in a way that it can be visually and functionally understood by the public.

3.What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and, specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

Over Development and traffic, which are related issues, plus a general sense of public apathy as to the accountability of government seem to be the key issues of this election. I have canvassed over 6 thousand homes, and the public dissatisfaction is palpable. We cannot continue to approve massive buildings that are historically and physically out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood. We have to start voting people into office that will actually be responsive and attentive to residents.

4.What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

Staffing is our largest budgetary item, and by far the most problematic. The City manages police and fire fairly well, but other areas of the administration seem lacking. Permits linger for ages, garbage goes uncollected, parks and trees lack attention, while various levels of bureaucratic administrative staff receive hundreds of thousands of yearly compensation and pension benefits. We have lots of chiefs, and not enough workers. The budget and the City require an efficiency audit, and this will be one of my main first year goals.

5.The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

This job is about your neighbor representing you as your commissioner. I intend to treat the residents of this community as my neighbors, with respect and dedication. It should be an honor and a pleasure to serve your fellow man, which is my pledge to this community.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.JavierForCoralGables.com
• Email: javier@javierforcoralgables.com
• Phone: (305) 519-5581

1. What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

Elected officials answer to the citizens that elected them. As to the issue of Miracle Mile and its zoning, I would have preferred to see the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the Business Development District meet and promote citizen participation, and then come to the commission with some ideas for them to consider as to what should be done. By starting at the commission level, it became a highly-politicized issue. As elected officials we best serve our city when our citizens are not only involved, but advise us on what policies should be adopted and implemented. That is what transparency is all about.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

Before the commission takes up some of these issues, they need to in a timely fashion inform the citizens of what the plans and ideas are in order to have proper input from the citizens of Coral Gables that will affect whatever policies the commission adopts. I would also make sure that those matters taken up by the commission are submitted to the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the Business Development District, as well as other civic organizations for their input.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

Having spoken to thousands of residents, the two biggest issues facing the city are over development and traffic. If elected, I would implement the following:

Development

• Support smart, controlled development by maintaining current limits on building heights, scale, density, parking requirements, etc.
• Promote New urbanism practices that encourage walkability, public spaces and after-hour commerce.
• Support mixed-use development to alleviate traffic and parking issues.

Traffic/ Transportation

• Support mixed-use development in the downtown, which will encourage walkability with a live, work, play style of living.
• Install speed bumps and other slowing measures where appropriate to promote the safety of our residents.
• Expand the freebee electric transport system.
• Hire current and retired police officers on a part-time basis to patrol areas where speeding is a problem.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

During this very specific time of COVID-19, the city had to make cuts to the budget due to the revenue short-fall. Moving forward, we need to make sure that our revenues will match the strategic plan that we have in place, without having to raise taxes, and continue the high level of public service that we are known for throughout the entire state of Florida.

5. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

I grew up in a family where I was taught that service is a commitment that we all make to our community. Those are the values that I strongly believe in.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.Buceloforcoralgables.com
• Email: alexbucelo@yahoo.com
• Phone: (305) 546-7896

1. What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

The Miracle Mile Streetscape Project encountered months upon months of delays, costs that went millions of dollars over budget, contract language that wasn’t clear, discrepancies in the project’s design, the unanticipated replacement of a three-quarters-century old water pipe under the road, and the threat of lawsuits. If I could turn back time, I would make sure that the Miracle Mile Streetscape Project was properly planned, vetted and executed before forcing our local merchants to step into what became an extended “Twilight Zone” episode that forced many of our dedicated merchants out of business.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

The City must expand its public notice radius, my top priority, so that residents are brought into the process early on and not when the City Commission is ready to take its final vote. I will present legislation to expand our public notice radius requirements for all zoning matters concerning development of a certain scale and for all matters concerning historical designation. Additionally, I will direct the City Manager to provide the presidents of our neighborhood associations as well as the principals of our local schools with official notice concerning those matters, listed above, that affect their members and students, respectively.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

I addressed my top priority, public notice, in the previous question.

Sustainability: We urgently need to switch properties with septic tanks onto our sewer system. Our aging septic tanks are leaking and contaminating our aquifers. Through my work experience in Washington, DC and in Tallahassee, I can help secure state and federal funds, partly through grants, to start the conversion, one block at a time.

Mobility / Downtown: I will expand our trolley and “freebie ride” services throughout the City and help create a shuttle service on Miracle Mile to encourage residents to visit our Downtown. We cannot continue to depend on tourists to help sustain our Downtown economy. We need to bring our residents back into the fold.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

We should ensure that (1) there is no waste in our City’s budget and that we are operating with the highest efficiency, (2) we are getting the best price available from our vendors and empowering the Administration to protect our taxpayers’ dollars, and (3) we share resources and encourage greater collaboration that would lead to savings. For example, unused equipment can be transferred from one department to another, and inventory can be jointly managed. In addition, the City can find opportunities to partner with other governments, nonprofits and/or private organizations. I am committed to opposing any legislation that raises property taxes.

5. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

For 40 years, I have served the children and families of our community as a youth sports coach at the Youth Center and St. Theresa Catholic School. I’ve also served those in need through the Knights of Columbus, Church of the Little Flower, and “Gift Meal Project.” Gift Meal Project, my family’s nonprofit founded by my daughter Lydia and son Kirk in 2015, is dedicated to feeding hundreds of homeless individuals at an annual sit-down dinner with the assistance of 40 student volunteers at Camillus House. My life and the lives of my children have always placed “Service above Self.” We know no other way.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.kirkmenendez.com
• Email: Vote4Kirk@kirkmenendez.com
• Phone: (305) 510-3353

1. What is one decision made by the current or a previous commission you would like to rescind and why?

Hypothetically, if I could rescind a decision it would be the vote in 2016 allowing for height variance on U.S. 1. As far back as 2015, I voiced my concern about the culture of overdevelopment during the approval process of the Mediterranean Village project. As a result of this and other projects my concerns have only grown over the years.

2. How can the City Commission do a better job informing and engaging residents in discussion and decisions on all important issues, including development, traffic, public safety, parks and recreation, etc.? What would you propose in order to create more public involvement and awareness, and greater transparency in City government?

In an effort to create more public involvement and awareness, we should implement a strategy wherein a more transparent notice system is afforded to the residents. Whether it is continuous and conspicuous posting of date and times of commission meetings/board meetings to simplification of the language on the notice letters for projects. Historically, the language on notice letters is opaque and ambiguous leading to the appearance of impropriety.

3. What do you perceive as the top two issues in this campaign, and, specifically, how do you propose to address these matters?

The residents have an important choice to make on the future of our city. As a community we can choose to continue on the same path that has led to overdevelopment and uncontrolled traffic or we can choose a path of common-sense ideas. As a community we need to focus on prohibiting development that is not in line with our values by holding the line with developers and continuing to invest and fund our police and fire departments. However, we also need to re-energize our small businesses during the COVID crisis and preserve, restore and honor our historic landmarks for future generations.

4. What areas in the City’s budget could be improved and made more efficient? How can it be achieved?

We live in a volatile time. We need to continue to invest in the 0uniform patrol officer’s division of the Coral Gables Police Department. To date we spend approximately $550 per officer per year for training. I believe in sum we can reallocate and reinvest more in officer equipment, training and education.

5. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables just celebrated its 75th anniversary on March 4 and we are reminded of Rotary’s motto “Service above Self.” How will you incorporate “Service above Self” in your governance?

I will incorporate “Service above Self” in governance by continuing to live by the golden rule. The golden rule is the principle of treating others as you want to be treated. I have implemented this principle in my business and plan to implement this guiding principle while serving the residents of the City of Coral Gables.

MORE INFO

• Website: www.votepjmitchell.com
• Email: pjmitchell@mitchellandwest.com
• Phone: (305) 447-1333