Early Voting Info

- Feb 23 (Thurs) - 7am-7pm

- Feb 24 (Fri) - 7am-7pm

- Feb 25 (Sat) - 8am-4pm

Lemon City Branch Library, 430 NE 61st Street, Miami, FL 33137

Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133

Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128

Election Day is Monday, Feb 27, 2023 (NOT Tuesday like every other election). Find your voting location below in "Full Voting Details")

Full Voting Details: https://www.miamigov.com/My-Government/Elections/Special-Election-February-27-2023

Who is financially backing the candidates? View campaign finance reports for all the candidates here

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The City of Miami, and District 2, specifically, controls a significant portion of Biscayne Bay’s coastline. This questionnaire seeks to learn each candidate’s understanding of the issues and challenges affecting Biscayne Bay and to discuss positions on policy, legislation, and the work that it will take to start her on a path to recovery.

The Biscayne Bay Marine Health Coalition wants to inform City of Miami District 2 voters on who the "Biscayne Bay Friendly" candidates are (as well as encouraging people to vote), and will share all candidate answers via the email and social media communications channels of various Biscayne Bay-focused organizations.

NOTE: Their answers are presented exactly as submitted (copy/paste from a Google Form). We are not backing any candidates, nor are we making endorsements. This information is to allow VOTERS to make informed choices on "Biscayne Bay Friendly" Candidates.

Candidates that Submitted Answers: Kathy Parks Suarez, June E Savage, Michael Goggins, Sabina Covo, Max Martínez, Christi Tasker, Javier Gonzalez (Candidate responses are posted below in sequence of their responses received).

Candidates that did NOT Submit Answers: Eddie Leal, Lior Halabi, Lorenzo Palomares, James Torres, Mario Vuksanovic, Martin Zilber 

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Kathy Parks Suarez

Your campaign website: NA

Feel free to share any video links, YouTube channel or other ways that people can hear directly from you: NA

1) Tell us about yourself and why you are running for office. 

Of the 13 running I am the only 1 who has the ability to “walk right in and sit right down and get to work day 1!” I’ve been actively involved consistently for the passed 9 years with my community. When Merry Christmas Park was closed down 2014 I was actively involved with Ken Russell as a neighbor/friend from beginning to end of clean up. I even paid for all our legal counseling.  Considering the lack of leadership these past 7 years I felt it was my Civic duty to move D2 forward allowing WE the people a chance to vet a real leader in November 2023!

2) Tell us what Biscayne Bay means to you and to the City of Miami. 

I grew up here and it’s hard to believe how the clarity of the water has changed to the point in several places I wouldn’t get in the water. That is not acceptable.

3) There are a lot of problems facing Biscayne Bay. What do you think are the biggest issues, and what are you prepared to do about them?

To be perfectly honest I don’t believe anyone has a clue what to do in these few short months when it comes to this issue. Without the political will the bay will further decline if whoever is elected can not find any common ground and abilty to work with the 4 other commissioners nothing will improve.

4) Florida is booming, with thousands moving here every month. How do we balance growth and associated development while protecting our natural resources in both the near term and long term?

The near term needs to be someone who isn’t going to be distracted campaigning for the long term. Or doling out favors for their contributors to win the near term and stay there long term. It’s really pretty simple day 1 we need to move forward what was left on the table so we can elect the right person November 2023! Septic Systems are going to poison all of us if we don’t do something about this.  People need to be educated on proper maintenance of septic systems.

5) Stormwater is a major conveyance of pollutants from the streets into Biscayne Bay – and these pollutants include plastics and nutrients from organic material (leaves and grass clippings). What actions will you champion to ensure the water coming from our streets is clean enough to flow into the Bay?

Maybe we should hire responsible people and properly train them to be boots on the ground making sure these type issues don’t happen.  The liter in the city of Miami right always very visible why don’t we have people handling this?

6) How do we keep plastics out of Biscayne Bay?

Pick up the trash

Fine people who liter like California does

Enforce the rule of law

7) When we talk about environmental stewardship, we are really talking about making our residents feel like this is their neighborhood and community. How do we engage the public and make them part of the solution?

Newsletters from their commissioners

Door knocking after elected

Treat people with respect

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June E Savage 

Your campaign website: NA

Feel free to share any video links, YouTube channel or other ways that people can hear directly from you:

Instagram and Facebook “ June Savage”

1) Tell us about yourself and why you are running for office. 

I am running for office with a passion that I have for the City I was born in Miami. I know I am qualified and have more common sense with a proactive approach . I want to make a difference with conservative spending , ecological economic approach to our waterways and parks. TO preserve our history , and because I love our city! I know I can do this. Practical ideas resonate with quality of life issues . I think like a problem solver.

2) Tell us what Biscayne Bay means to you and to the City of Miami. 

I was just paddle boarding today ; the Bay is our playground, brings us jobs and tourism. The energy of the Bay is unsurpassed. WE can protect it with practical efficient solutions , I have plans for all of that. Includes building up of barrier islands similar to Peanut Island in Palm Beach. Building our seawall with gradient inclines like South point park in Miami Beach. - rocks/sand/ mangroves / buttonwood. My Ideas to build “ wade pools ‘ to help creat environment for wildlife in and out of the water to thrive . I would be happy to oblige by video or in person . NO OTHER candidate has been resonating the ideas I have since week one.

3) There are a lot of problems facing Biscayne Bay. What do you think are the biggest issues, and what are you prepared to do about them?

Pollution. Double and triple fines for developers. Double fines for watercraft that do not properly dispose waste. Restrict areas that are residential to quality of life issues such as noise and sound pollution. Higher fines will deter people 100%

4) Florida is booming, with thousands moving here every month. How do we balance growth and associated development while protecting our natural resources in both the near term and long term?

First of all we need a new sewage pipe. NO ONE had that idea but myself. The existing pipe is over used and it’s not far enough out , it reverberates back into the bay ! We need a new pipe or pipes and they need to be extended further out. Natural trees like button wood and coconut palms / hibiscus- more more more! We need restrictions and fines. On fertilizer , development dumping. NO TRENDY SPENDING WITH JUNE ! 

5) Stormwater is a major conveyance of pollutants from the streets into Biscayne Bay – and these pollutants include plastics and nutrients from organic material (leaves and grass clippings). What actions will you champion to ensure the water coming from our streets is clean enough to flow into the Bay?

We can discuss what I said above . Education with PSA’s is necessary . 

6) How do we keep plastics out of Biscayne Bay?

We need to hire more sanitation workers. Let’s make sure the grates “filter” are working and look for solutions that other cities use. We should have a clean water convention here in MIami.

7) When we talk about environmental stewardship, we are really talking about making our residents feel like this is their neighborhood and community. How do we engage the public and make them part of the solution?

By educating them thru PSA’s for tourists . 

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Michael Goggins
Your campaign website: www.Goggins4miami.com

Feel free to share any video links, YouTube channel or other ways that people can hear directly from you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47vVA0oSzQU

1) Tell us about yourself and why you are running for office. 

I have worked my entire career in the private sector. I hold degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Management as well as a MBA. I have been the President and CEO of a publicly traded corporation with global operations in Europe, Asia, United Kingdom, Australia and South America. I am the president of a SEC registered Investment Advisory firm and FINRA registered Broker Dealer. I hold numerous professional licenses in the Securities Industry as well as being a licensed Mortgage Broker and Realtor. Additionally I am also a licensed private pilot. 

As a resident of District 2 and living in Brickell it has become apparent our commission continues to move in a direction away from the wishes of our community. Special interests have significant influence with many decisions being made. Our housing affordability gap is one of the highest in the country. Traffic congestion continues to cause daily commute times to increase. Homeless individuals are increasing in numbers. Decisions being made by the commission are benefitting the developers and exacerbating many issues instead of truly serving the interests of the residents in the communities. 

This election is to fill a commissioner seat only until November. Yet hundreds of thousands of dollars have been contributed to campaigns by special interests and large donors. This should alarm all of us. Such large donations are not made without expectations. One more like minded commissioner is all that's needed to enable these special interests to move ahead with very little resistance. I'm presenting myself as an unencumbered candidate who only wishes to serve the needs of our community. My interests and desires for our city are simple. I want to work towards a Safe, Clean and Well Run City. No more drama just good governing.

2) Tell us what Biscayne Bay means to you and to the City of Miami. 

Living in Brickell and watching the sun rise each morning above Biscayne Bay is one of the pleasures of living here. To improve harmony with my family I have had to stop sharing photos of the sunrises to those that live in colder parts of the country. The same for the photos of my wife and family boating on most weekends. Our youngest son became an avid rower with the Miami Rowing Club and now rows in college. To myself and our family Biscayne Bay isn't just a nice benefit to living in Miami its the primary reason we chose to live here. The attraction and economic benefit to the City of Miami of the bay is incalculable. I have concerns of overdevelopment limiting access to the shoreline areas. As new developments are added our access to areas to walk along the bay are decreasing.

3) There are a lot of problems facing Biscayne Bay. What do you think are the biggest issues, and what are you prepared to do about them?

Low oxygen levels causing a significant decrease in fish populations. The primary cause is leakage from sewers, septic-tanks storm water runoff and fertilizer usage. An increase in funding for storm water drainage filters and catch basin cleanings. Enforcement of ban on yard waste being emptied into the bay shoreline by landscaping companies. Numerous times leaf blowers are used to simply blow clippings and debris into the bay along various developments. Increased public awareness and method to report violations when witnessed. Fines and enhanced enforcement is needed to stop this harmful practice. There are 25,000 known failing septic-systems which are failing code enforcement and violations must be assessed.

4) Florida is booming, with thousands moving here every month. How do we balance growth and associated development while protecting our natural resources in both the near term and long term?

Construction sites need to be monitored and checked for compliance with preventing pollutants making its way into the storm drain systems. With the number of active new developments being built code enforcement is difficult. Increased funding and staffing levels of code enforcement staff to keep up with demand to ensure issues are immediately addressed. Before any new developments are approved the demand of code enforcement must be evaluated first to ensure oversite is possible.

5) Stormwater is a major conveyance of pollutants from the streets into Biscayne Bay – and these pollutants include plastics and nutrients from organic material (leaves and grass clippings). What actions will you champion to ensure the water coming from our streets is clean enough to flow into the Bay?

Increased funding for routine street cleaning to collect debris which make way into storm drain systems and cause further blockage and runoffs. Catch basin pump outs frequency must be increased to remove accumulated plastics and other materials. Installation of storm drain filters immediately to be installed near construction sites.

6) How do we keep plastics out of Biscayne Bay?

Increased public awareness and provide method to report illegal discarding of plastics into the bay either by charter boats hosting parties with numerous balloons being released or trash being discarded directly from guests on rented charter boats. Educate public on how to report violations and the dangerous impact the plastics are having on the bay.

7) When we talk about environmental stewardship, we are really talking about making our residents feel like this is their neighborhood and community. How do we engage the public and make them part of the solution?

As we continue to overdevelop areas in Miami the housing affordability gap has increased. New developments are rental only and some buildings have embraced Air BNB rentals which has increased real estate speculation and rising costs of home ownership. Less home ownership has an adverse impact on a sense of community. Living and owning a residence here in Miami is a much different experience than being either a vacationer or renter. Housing equity sharing via community land trust is a proven way to increase home ownership while lowering housing costs.

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Sabina Covo

Your campaign website: https://sabinacovo.miami/

Feel free to share any video links, YouTube channel or other ways that people can hear directly from you:

Video to Biscayne Bay Advocates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCReafnzWec

1) Tell us about yourself and why you are running for office. 

I’ve been a resident of District 2 for over twenty years, I am raising three children and own a small business based in our district, we love our community. Miami has grown in positive ways and in negative ways. As a former investigative news reporter, I’ve been exposing corruption and injustices all my life. I know the impact one elected official can have in their community and I believe it’s time to get things done for District 2. We have big challenges ahead and we cannot afford continued dysfunction at City Hall. I firmly believe that my knowledge as a longtime resident of the district matched with my commitment to tackling issues will bring our residents together in a way that will achieve great progress for our neighborhoods.

2) Tell us what Biscayne Bay means to you and to the City of Miami. 

Biscayne Bay is truly a gem and offers our community a strong economic and environmental engine that must be preserved and protected. I spend countless hours out in Biscayne Bay as I love to paddle board and take my three kids out in the water regularly. Biscayne Bay has also come to be known as an iconic water imagery around the world that defines our City, so investing in its health is critical for our future.

3) There are a lot of problems facing Biscayne Bay. What do you think are the biggest issues, and what are you prepared to do about them?

There is no doubt that Biscayne Bay has great challenges and the top issues facing include: septic tanks, plastic pollution, and storm-water runoff. On the septic-to-sewer challenges, we need the City to partner with the County on taking on this issue head-on and deploy an action plan. Regarding plastic pollution, cities like Miami Beach have deployed smart plastic-free event policies as a first major step to minimize plastic pollution in the Bay. The city of Miami should follow suit and work with other municipalities to take on the issue of plastic-free events so we can truly see a major reduction in plastic pollution ending in our Bay.

4) Florida is booming, with thousands moving here every month. How do we balance growth and associated development while protecting our natural resources in both the near term and long term?

I am running in large part because we must take on irresponsibility that continues to destroy areas with a sense of community and history. We know other cities have balanced protecting our natural resources while also meeting the housing demands in our community. We know there are a number of leaders in the industry that are deploying resilient and environmental strategies when it comes to growing our housing stock. We need to tap these leaders to be at the forefront of the discussions on how we implement smart, environmentally sustainable, and responsible strategies so we balance both protecting our natural resources and meeting the housing demands of the day.

5) Stormwater is a major conveyance of pollutants from the streets into Biscayne Bay – and these pollutants include plastics and nutrients from organic material (leaves and grass clippings). What actions will you champion to ensure the water coming from our streets is clean enough to flow into the Bay?

Our city must do more to partner with the County and be part of a comprehensive plan as pollutants have no one city boundaries or lines. So we must be proactive with other cities and the county to deploy strategies like achieving a countywide septic-to-sewer plan so we can play a role in keeping our Bay clean and pristine.

6) How do we keep plastics out of Biscayne Bay?

Miami Beach recently passed a plastic-free initiative and it’s time we do the same in Miami. We must work with private sector partners to follow suit and major events that take place near the water must be plastic-free to start curtailing the levels of plastic waste ending in Biscayne Bay.

7) When we talk about environmental stewardship, we are really talking about making our residents feel like this is their neighborhood and community. How do we engage the public and make them part of the solution?

The best tool we have as elected officials is to lead by example. I intend to be an active commissioner and encourage residents to join me out paddle boarding and host meetings near the water so our residents can see and feel why protecting and preserving our environment is critical to our city’s future. Another example is doing an annual state of our Bay event focused on attracting residents and private sector partners at a day event where we showcase the good, the challenges, and the opportunities around our environment and then host a clean-up along the Bay. This way everyone feels a part of the plan, programs, and solutions. 

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Max Martínez

Your campaign website: www.Max4MIA.com

Feel free to share any video links, YouTube channel or other ways that people can hear directly from you:

Sierra Club Forum 2/12/23: https://youtu.be/lnadV271Db8   

Downtown Forum: https://youtu.be/22HfAFrBHHA   

Brickell Forum: https://youtu.be/oq6QF1LZcig

1) Tell us about yourself and why you are running for office. 

31 and born and raised in District 2, I have spent the last 2.5 years dedicated to becoming a great leader in my hometown, the City of Miami. Runner-up for Mayor in 2021, I see myself as the leader capable of guiding my hometown through multiple crises.

I act urgently, take responsibility, and want to be the culture-changing leader that immediately impacts the city's mindset. This city needs to lose the #BecauseMiami defeated mentality and needs someone who walks the walk to accomplish that. Running for 343 days on $21,000 while withstanding a barrage vs. 'you know who,' I have shown I'm fearless and genuinely want a purpose to shine and be the catalyst for a mentality change in my hometown.

I did not expect a Special Election to be held in District 2, where I was born, went to school, and spent years training to beat Michael Vick's Nike Combine record to earn a scholarship to play at Cornell, just 15 months after, but now the past makes sense. 

On 45 days' notice, I made myself available and ready to go because I am always prepared and want this as a full-time job to change a narrative. From Coconut Grove to Biscayne & 61st in Morningside, I'm uniquely willing to take on all the issues and people across District 2 and the City of Miami.

2) Tell us what Biscayne Bay means to you and to the City of Miami. 

Biscayne Bay is where I have made some of the best memories, allowing me to try many new things for the first time. It's a perfect combination of preservation, recreation, and education and can mean something different to everyone.

Our most important economic resource, Miami would not be able to survive without Biscayne Bay. It provides over 60,000 jobs and almost $4M in economic output, and we must protect it because our economy and people depend on it.

3) There are a lot of problems facing Biscayne Bay. What do you think are the biggest issues, and what are you prepared to do about them?

Water quality is the biggest issue. The issue's roots are the pollutants that enter it via various infrastructure failures.

Pollutants and infrastructure are things people control, and that's where it is important to have genuine leadership with goals and initiatives to prevent the issue from getting worse. From septic tanks to waste management, there are so many issues with extremely detailed nuances. I want to be that leader that educates and motivates others to participate. (Longer, clear answers are in the next questions)

4) Florida is booming, with thousands moving here every month. How do we balance growth and associated development while protecting our natural resources in both the near term and long term?

We must encourage these new residents to join the movement while we create a new, more sustainably conscious culture for ourselves. Honestly, I have found new residents to be more environmentally conscious regarding reusables and plastics than our natives. Those habits were engrained in them by policy enacted where they came from. It's about implementing initiatives and branding them for others to join.

As for real estate development, I firmly believe nothing else should be developed on the coast and will always vote no. All new buildings already being developed must implement the best possible recycling and composting strategies to build better habits for the future.

5) Stormwater is a major conveyance of pollutants from the streets into Biscayne Bay – and these pollutants include plastics and nutrients from organic material (leaves and grass clippings). What actions will you champion to ensure the water coming from our streets is clean enough to flow into the Bay?

Bacteria from septic tanks, nutrients from fertilizers, poor building development, and plastics entering Biscayne Bay are causing the problems, and we need to nip them in the bud. All of these things cause toxic ecological problems to human, plant, and aquatic life.

To fight storm drain pollution, we must increase funding for more frequent litter collection, street sweeping, and catch-basin cleaning. Every 5 years is pathetic and shows no urgency to the crises. A lot of these issues are waste management issues. (See other questions)

Regarding septic-to-sewer conversion, we must prioritize helping the homes below sea level (City of Miami) convert using the county's Connect2Protect program. As sea levels rise, those septic tanks won't have room to drain. We will be in a shi*** situation if that happens.

At street level, new stormwater infrastructure and small things such as screens at stormwater inlets to stop debris from entering the system would make a noticeable difference right from the start.

Pollution needs to be the new bad word because if you pollute, you lack respect. We must set an example of how we want our city to be treated.

6) How do we keep plastics out of Biscayne Bay?

To put it simply, effective waste management.

-On land, we must emphasize and champion reusables, improve recycling, and develop composting facilities.

-Begin mandating single-use plastic reduction policies at city facilities and public events on city properties. Change starts at the top.

-The aforementioned screens located at stormwater inlets to stop debris from entering the system and Bay.

-Harsher punishments, not fines, for pollution from construction sites because the long-term answer is a complete culture change. A significant difference between a fine and a suspension will cause repeat offenders to think otherwise.

-Place larger, waterproof trash bins with lids in high foot traffic areas and ensure dog poop bag dispensers are included.

-Regarding spoil island waste, we must install trash and recycling dumpsters, implement visibly clear rules (signage), and fund more frequent trash collection days at boat ramps.

All of these ideas are small steps in the right direction toward a culture change and a different mindset.

7) When we talk about environmental stewardship, we are really talking about making our residents feel like this is their neighborhood and community. How do we engage the public and make them part of the solution?

By electing a 31-year-old leader full of energy who will be at cleanups, encouraging others to join, and having every generation feel like they are creating a better future. Start 'small' by providing reusable shopping bags and water bottles at city events and building a brand around the idea of a more sustainable future.

As someone educated enough to understand the issues and strong enough to fight the people standing in the way of progress, I want to be an example and welcome the responsibility. I tried to get as detailed as I could with the time I had and I appreciate you taking the time. Very grateful.

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Christi Tasker

Your campaign website: https://christitaskerformiami.com
Feel free to share any video links, YouTube channel or other ways that people can hear directly from you:

https://youtu.be/2PVdFS6LAYw

1) Tell us about yourself and why you are running for office. 

My name is Christi Tasker. I am the owner of multiple businesses and brands. I am an award-winning technology expert. I was first to state social media would be the #1 marketing source in 2006 when I pioneered digital marketing for my design business on MySpace. My husband, mom, and I live in Brickell in the Brickell Biscayne building on 25th Rd. We have two fursons and together, we have five daughters. My biological daughter works as an Operating Room Nurse Practioner. Another owns an insurance business; the others work in and around animals and artists. Together we have five grandsons and one granddaughter. I am running for office because our city is overrun by a government filled with paid-off politicians who do not put citizens' interests above big developers' interests. I have personally been on the news reporting on many of the aquifer breaches, broken sidewalks, and HOAs being fined for surrounding developments causing damage to their properties.

2) Tell us what Biscayne Bay means to you and to the City of Miami. 

I live on Biscayne Bay in the last building in Brickell before the Rickenbacker Causeway. As a very concerned citizen, I am extremely concerned about the water quality of Biscayne Bay. We've lost so many manatees, and much of the wildlife that used to grace the bay has been compromised by developers silting and littering the Bay. As a business owner and consultant, the Bay is a revenue haven and Miami's gateway to the world. Biscayne Bay is Miami's most important asset for wildlife, citizens' enjoyment, increased tourism, seaport transportation, and recreational activities.

3) There are a lot of problems facing Biscayne Bay. What do you think are the biggest issues, and what are you prepared to do about them?

1. Drain Pump Schedule - I will ensure a pumping schedule for drain waste pumping: this will resolve a lot of the flooding issues and prevent silt from entering our Bay.

2. Off-Duty Police Officers Need Construction Site Training -  I will legislate a policy for off-duty police officers who developers pay must serve as construction site officers. Currently, officers can sit in their cars and do very little. They do not direct traffic, write citations or else. They need enough building knowledge to know when to call the code enforcement team, waste management, DERM, or other agencies without retaliation from the developers or their commanders. The officers must also cite any workers littering trash or debris because it ends up in the Bay or drains.

4. Building Code Enforcement Must Issue Citations - I will legislate to prevent politician interference with our building code enforcement officers. Currently, the City rarely fines developers or construction companies that damage our surrounding properties or wash debris, concrete, sand, and trash down drains and into our Bay. Code enforcement officers fear retaliation from their leaders or politicians when they issue citations. Inspectors must also fully comprehend what happens when developers breach aquifers and our bay. They need to understand how it affects all surrounding properties for years.

5. Developers Need To Bear The Cost of Monthly Drain Pumping - At a minimum, the developers should be paying for the pumping of drains in and near all construction sites. 

4) Florida is booming, with thousands moving here every month. How do we balance growth and associated development while protecting our natural resources in both the near term and long term?

We must preserve natural resources such as parks, organic islands, and beaches, respect wildlife habitats and green spaces, and add new ones. With new developments, we know precisely how many extra people are included in a new property vs. prior properties.

The infrastructure plan must include enough to cover schools, roads, public transportation, an increased percentage of green space, fire equipment, police manpower & equipment.

Our City also needs a transparent 20-year plan & 30-year plan so that we do not over development for political favors. There is a such thing as building too fast.

5) Stormwater is a major conveyance of pollutants from the streets into Biscayne Bay – and these pollutants include plastics and nutrients from organic material (leaves and grass clippings). What actions will you champion to ensure the water coming from our streets is clean enough to flow into the Bay?

I have a complete maintenance list & schedule waiting to be filled in with dates, pick-up frequency. My staff will follow up daily using digital apps & tools to confirm work in my district is completed according to schedule.

Items on my pollutants list that affect our Bay include street sweeping, medians cleaning, tree trimming with pick up directly after, leaf & waste management pick up, more frequent drain pumping on areas that we know clog, and mandatory monthly construction site drain pumping.

6) How do we keep plastics out of Biscayne Bay?

1. Add more trash cans throughout the city.

2. Reward & promote businesses that avoid single-use plastics.

3. Issue citations for littering.

4. Schedule waste management to pick up more frequently to avoid overflow.

7) When we talk about environmental stewardship, we are really talking about making our residents feel like this is their neighborhood and community. How do we engage the public and make them part of the solution?

Residents naturally want to steward the environment. The City needs to do its part and place more trash cans throughout the city and empty them more often. The design & tech side of me would see it as a bonus if the trash cans were in the right spots and decoratively cool, but let's wait to push the envelope until we know people care. Engaging trash eaters could also make an Instagram-able moment and a win for our Bay. First, we need to place and empty the cans appropriately instead of assuming citizens or tourists just throw trash on the ground. Currently, it's blowing out of overfilled cans and onto the ground, so it's easy to see why they don't want to stick their hands in the rubbish to make one more thing fit.   

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Javier Gonzalez

Your campaign website: NA

Feel free to share any video links, YouTube channel or other ways that people can hear directly from you:NA

1) Tell us about yourself and why you are running for office. 

I believe any candidate for the City of Miami Commission needs to be fully vested in the daily life of the residents in this diverse and economically robust district. As a local small business owner, I have dealt with financial management, budgeting, employee diversity, and the legal components of employment.  As a community leader, I have been actively engaged in local district issues for over 20yrs. And more importantly, as a successful real estate agent I have cultivated an in-depth understanding of the local market’s strengths and weaknesses, and its need to seek and promote innovation.  As Commissioner you can expect time tested and proven problem-solving skills, and open and accessible lines of communication. I will work to truly represent and preserve the public’s interest and assure sound, responsible, and accountable business practices are not only encouraged, but required.

2) Tell us what Biscayne Bay means to you and to the City of Miami. 

Biscayne Bay is the reason the city of Miami exists; historically it has been the life blood of countless generations and cultures, in short without it we would not be the international destination that we are today.

3) There are a lot of problems facing Biscayne Bay. What do you think are the biggest issues, and what are you prepared to do about them?

Water quality entering Biscayne Bay, as it contributes to multiple issues affecting the environment. I will work with the local partners (County, State, Federal) by supporting solutions that have been detailed in reports by several County boards, yours being one of them.

4) Florida is booming, with thousands moving here every month. How do we balance growth and associated development while protecting our natural resources in both the near term and long term?

We need to be at the forefront of this issue as we are ground zero and should lead the discussion by implementing ideas and controls that can be used as a model for the rest of the State. I will ensure that this topic is front and center in my administration.

5) Stormwater is a major conveyance of pollutants from the streets into Biscayne Bay – and these pollutants include plastics and nutrients from organic material (leaves and grass clippings). What actions will you champion to ensure the water coming from our streets is clean enough to flow into the Bay?

I will allocate / increase funding for our storm water systems daily maintenance and continue to pursue new concepts / ideas to ensure that we meet the demands of a growing city in an environmentally friendly way. We also need to educate residents how their daily habits affect not only the Bay but the environment in general. (See answer 7)

6) How do we keep plastics out of Biscayne Bay?

Since State preemption is a major obstacle to enacting full single use plastic reduction policies, we can implement local guidelines to encourage businesses and event organizers to see the financial benefits in being plastic free.

I will support monthly Bayshore clean ups and work with the solid waste department to facilitate access to garbage stations and promote ideas like “pack it out “.

7) When we talk about environmental stewardship, we are really talking about making our residents feel like this is their neighborhood and community. How do we engage the public and make them part of the solution?

My professional background seamlessly ties in to communicating and interacting with a broad range of individuals and on topics that affect their daily lives (my reason for running). My office will use its financial resources for outreach but more importantly, I’m not an office guy I like to be in the field and working with folks to better understand their needs and to assist in resolving them.

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Mario Vuksanovic

Your campaign website: NA

Feel free to share any video links, YouTube channel or other ways that people can hear directly from you:NA

1) Tell us about yourself and why you are running for office. 

I wish to help the homeless, stop the contamination of Biscayne bay fix the traffic problems of district 2.

2) Tell us what Biscayne Bay means to you and to the City of Miami. 

Biscayne bay is everything to me I grew up at 1408 Brickell bay drive.

3) There are a lot of problems facing Biscayne Bay. What do you think are the biggest issues, and what are you prepared to do about them?

Replace septic tanks with a sewer system.

4) Florida is booming, with thousands moving here every month. How do we balance growth and associated development while protecting our natural resources in both the near term and long term?

Make sure we dont over build with sky scrapers...and use empty buildings for affordable housing

5) Stormwater is a major conveyance of pollutants from the streets into Biscayne Bay – and these pollutants include plastics and nutrients from organic material (leaves and grass clippings). What actions will you champion to ensure the water coming from our streets is clean enough to flow into the Bay?

I will team up with experts like Dr. Rachel Silverstein...and get the community involved in educational town hall meetings...it will take a team effort...I will increase fines for those who pollute.

6) How do we keep plastics out of Biscayne Bay?

I will make a great effort to recycle better and have teams constantly picking up plastic and other trash...

7) When we talk about environmental stewardship, we are really talking about making our residents feel like this is their neighborhood and community. How do we engage the public and make them part of the solution?

I would start sith the kids...like Woodsey owl " give a hoot don't pollute"

And litter bugs will be arrested and fined...when you get hit in the pocket...it really hurts but you learn not to make the same mistake twice