I would like to start by thanking the community of Doral for the priviledge of serving them for the last 9 years. In spite of any challenges, it has been a great honor. I also want to thank Cuidad Doral News for the opportunity to address their readers and answer questions that I believe are very important to the future of our city.
Why do you want to be Mayor of Doral?
To answer this question I must provide some background. I have lived in Doral for 23 years and love this community. My children grew up here and I believe Doral is an amazing city. Ten years I ago, while looking at the reasons as to why Doral had not become a City, it led me to, for the first time in my life, become involved in the political process. I helped create One Doral, a community based organization. After becoming involved I also realized that the community could dramatically benefit if we were our own city. I then created and was the President of the Political Action Committee “Yes to the City of Doral," the organization that actually helped incorporate the City.
Most people are tired of political agendas and special interests. I do not believe in politics as usual. I am here to make a difference. I am not a career politician simply trying to be in any public office or climbing the political ladder. I have no intentions of serving anywhere else after I complete my service to this city as Mayor. My sole purpose is to ensure that we complete the mission that was started 10 years ago and that we continue to build upon the great foundation that this community has created. I believe I have what it takes to take Doral to the next level.
What are the greatest assets that you bring to the people of Doral, if elected mayor?
I believe that I bring several unique assets to the people of Doral. First and foremost, my strongest asset is my integrity. My actions, not just my words, have consistently shown my willingness to defend the interest of this community above my own, no matter what the personal cost.
Secondly, my knowledge of and experience in our City government. No other candidate has this very valuable asset. You can’t know where you are going, if you do not where you have been. Although new ideas are important, we must have someone who has an understanding of our foundation.
Third, a good working relationship with the County is critical to deal with many of the issues impacting Doral, including transportation. My strong relationship with our County Commissioner Pepe Diaz, most of the County Commissioners and the County will allow to re-establish a cordial working relationship that will greatly benefit Doral.
Forth, my professional background with more than 32 years of experience as an entrepreneur provides me the ability to continue to streamline our City to ensure that we operate more like that private sector than a government bureaucracy. This experience also provides me the ability to work closely with the Doral and International business community.
Fifth, my experience in the Human Resources field as well as Behavioral Style Training provides me the knowledge and unique ability to ensure that the city administration is operating an efficient, positive, and productive workplace.
Why should a Doral resident vote for you?
Because I am the only candidate with the unique combination of integrity, knowledge, and experience as well as a proven track record of service, action and results. Together with the entire Council, the staff and the community I will help take Doral to the next level and continue to make Doral the premier place to live, work, play and learn.
How would you rate the job of Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez as Doral’s first Mayor?
At the time the city incorporated, the Mayor was the only one of the original Council members with experience and knowledge of government. The Mayor’s background and experience as a Political Science Major, Attorney and service on County Boards were invaluable in creating the policies that have shaped the solid foundation of our City.
Are you willing to continue the traffic light cameras program or will you do away with it? Why?
Traffic accidents, including Red Light violations, are possibly the largest public safety issue in our City. The research I read prior approving the Red Light cameras indicated that they help reduce violations over time. My main issue with the cameras is that they should be about Public Safety, not generating revenue. I proposed a Resolution, which unfortunately was not supported by the City Council, which would have required that any profits generated by the Red Light Cameras be set aside to be used only for Public Safety issues. In my opinion, the future of the cameras should depend on whether they are being effective in reducing violations. At the end of one year of operations we will make this determination.
How are you planning to deal with the political tensions that currently exist at city hall?
I believe the key word in your question is “political”. During the last several years, because I stood in the way of certain political agendas I became the target of unjust and completely untrue political attacks. Throughout it all I have taken the high ground and have been publically respectful of others. I have made it about the defending the interests of the community I was elected to serve, not about any individual.
In order to remove tension in any environment the first thing that must exist is respect. We must do is establish an environment of respect starting from the top down.
To eliminate as you clearly state, “political tensions”, we must first remove the “politics” out of City Government. Political tensions are created when personal and political agendas come before the interests of the city. Second, city employees must never be part of or drawn into the political process; this would ensure a balance of power and protect the interests of the community. Third, every member of the Council must be empowered to fulfill the responsibilities they were elected for. By doing this we are not only enriched by the strengths of each member but this also eliminates tension by creating an environment of mutual respect.
Are you planning to bring any changes to the Police Department?
First, it is important to remember that in our city's form of government, the Mayor does not decide or directly bring changes about on their own. The City Manager is the person responsible for the day-to-day operations and performance of every department, including the Police Department. The Mayor and City Council’s responsibility is to ensure that every department is serving the needs of community the best way possible. Our Police Department has been facing some serious challenges that must be addressed and resolved by the Manager. This is an urgent issue that must be addressed sooner than later; it is my hope that it will be resolved way before next year's election.
How will you approach the city’s budget during your first year as mayor? Will you be pushing for any cuts?
In our city's form of government, the City Manager prepares the Budget and the Mayor and City Council approves it. The Council has the power and ability to change, deny or approve any line item.
During the last two years I have voted against the entire budget. I want to return to the fiscal responsibility we displayed during the first five years of our city, during which we managed to accumulate over $50 million in reserves. It is important for the Council to once again be provided backup information that supports budget line items. The reason for this is because for example, during the last budget process there was a line item that simply stated: “New City Hall Furniture, $2 million”. No explanation was provided for what it would be spent on or why it was needed.
This being said, there are great opportunities to make cuts without reducing the level of service to our community. This is important to continue to providing new services and missing infrastructure without having to increase taxes.
Which is the number one problem or priority Doral, as a city, is facing at this time? How are you planning to deal with it?
There are some issues such as traffic and lacking infrastructure that are ongoing and we will always have to be working on. However, I look forward to hearing from constituents what they feel are the pressing issues facing our community. It would be my first and foremost goal to work alongside the Council to always keep the residents' interests as Doral's interests.
Do you feel it is time to bring some new faces to the politics of Doral or do you feel there are benefits in having candidates who have been in office before?
I believe that we need both new individuals as well as individuals with experience and knowledge of our City Government. This ensures that we continue to provide continuity and creativity. You must know where you have been to know where you are going. I believe that experience in our city government and knowledge of its history is crucial in the office of the Mayor, which is why I am running.
