Why are you running?
I love Miami and see such amazing potential here. We need immediate change to make sure we have a great, let-alone world class city. Too much money is not being spent on the community. We are at a serious risk, environmentally, and so far behind other cities across the nation. The time for real change is now. Leaders need to be able to negotiate and bring in change through joint efforts across all walks of life. We have real opportunity that I don’t want to see lost.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Miami right now?
Inclusiveness and communication. There is a real divide in our community. We need choices in housing and paying jobs. The more available prosperity is for all the less likely is conflict. Environmentally we are far behind in conservation and action. Transportation needs multiple and reliable alternatives. The city serves the people not the other way around. The time for public engagement is now. Technology can simplify and engage so transparency of government is common place.
What are some of the solutions you would propose?
Address the lack of progressive technology and bring the city up to date. Affordable housing can be addressed with the county on joint projects. Work force housing needs some thinking outside of the box. Let’s look at the possibility of a housing trust set up for development that is not inclusionary. Funds can be offered to assist in rent or mortgage payments for residents that volunteer in their community. Dependent on hours per month, they would receive vouchers to lower housing payments. Continue to improve the quality of life, more bike-able, walkable, and quality of parks. Great communities are a beacon to attracting businesses and jobs. The tech industry is a great example of wages that can bring prosperity to people of all educational backgrounds.
Imagine we gave you a $100 budget. How would you spend those $100?
Please share a few words about how you would tackle the some of the following challenges:
Poverty and the low median wage: Increase minimum wage, work on plan to address the $15.00 across all businesses.
The high cost of rent/real estate: Offer vouchers based on community service to pay up to $500.00 month.
Congestion and transit options: Multiple options, change the mindset by offering quality public transportation and safe walkable and bike-able options build the South Beach to Downtown light rail
Climate change and environmental damage: Step up to living building challenge and living community challenge. LEED Silver is not enough.
Transparency in government and access to open data: Technology to allow for access to planning, budgeting and exchange of opinions.