Two candidates are seeking to replace Miami Lakes Council member Ceasar Mestre, who’s term-limited this year, during the November 6 election.
Seat 6 pits retired government administrator Esther Colon against high school principal Carlos O. Alvarez, as the two council hopefuls are making last minute pleas to voters to put them in political office.
Colon unsuccessfully ran for a council seat two years ago while Alvarez, who has served on two town committees, is a political neophyte.
Colon, 65, is a retired government administrator with more than 30 years of municipal experience including a career as a services consultant.
The mother of two adult children, she has lived in Miami Lakes for over 25 years, where she served as a member of the Zonta Club of Miami Lakes Board and Foundation, the Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee and the Miami Lakes Women’s Breast and Health Initiative.
Colon also has been involved with community initiatives as a community drive and school organizer, Lotus House, Free the Girls movement, Seniors Holiday Visit, Back to School and Book Drive and the U.S. Troops Operation Support and Care.
Colon said her family has invested in Miami Lakes in many ways.
“My granddaughter currently attends Miami Lakes K-8 Center and dances at Intensity Dancers Studio on Main Street,” she said. “We plan on staying here for many years to come. Miami Lakes means tree-lined streets, parks, local businesses, events, excellent schools, friendly neighbors, community involvement, and a passion to maintain our town-like feel.”
Colon said she’s running for a second time because she’s committed to serving “my community and our residents. My depth of experience and resourcefulness will deliver innovative solutions to Miami Lakes to help it thrive over the next four years and beyond,” she said. “I’m a retired public servant with 32 years of service in local and county government and working with elected officials brings a wealth of knowledge to my colleagues on the council.”
If elected, Colon said she would like to address a host of issues including an analysis of the current debt level for fiscal conservative policies, and legislation to address blasting frequencies and damages to residents’ properties.
Improving traffic congestion by accelerating synchronization of traffic lights, addressing power outages and community engagement and input are also on Colon’s radar.
Colon, who has raised $2,500 for her campaign, said she has chosen grassroots campaigning instead of spending a lot of money on campaign flyers and door hangers.
Colon also is presenting her overview of her qualifications by sending blast emails, postcards and phone calls and text messages to valid phone numbers on voters roll.
She said most residents don’t want more debt in reference to a proposed $55 million bond for parks improvements and buying open green space to control development.
If elected, Colon said she will have an open door policy for all residents. “I support and believe in an open door policy for our constituents,” she said. “That includes email, phone calls, community forums and any method of communication that works well for the residents.”
Colon said residents should vote for her because she has the experience to improve the town, and she’s not beholden to any special interest groups.
“I am the candidate who has not taken donations from public interest groups and is not supported by any other elected official,” she said. “My campaign has been based upon my values, and I have not resorted to false and negative attack ads. I have maintained an open line of communication with my community, participated in two debates, and I have answered the questions directed at me clearly. I am my own candidate, ready to serve from day one, and will only be beholden to residents of Miami Lakes.”
Carlos O. Alvarez is a 41-years-old principal for Hialeah Educational Academy.
He is married to Hazel Alvarez, 34, and their have three children, Brandon Garcia, 15, Audrey Alvarez, 9, and Victoria Alvarez, 8.
Alvarez, who has raised about $21,325 for his campaign, listed his civic and community duties as a member of the Miami Lakes Elderly Affairs Committee and the town’s Sports Hall of Fame Committee.
He said he moved here 12 years ago because Miami Lakes is a small town and a great community to raise his family.
Alvarez said he’s running for political office for the first time because, “I love the progress our town has made under the leadership of the council and Mayor Manny Cid. I have chosen to contribute to that progress.”
If elected, Alvarez said he wants to address public safety, blasting and the traffic congestion.
On the campaign trail, he said he’s knocking on residents’ doors and connecting with residents during debates and campaign mailers.
“Residents are satisfied but we are looking to find some solutions or progress regarding traffic and blasting,” he said.
Alvarez said he supports an open door policy and will reach out to residents by email and phone calls.
“I love this town,” he said. “I love the fact that I’m raising my children in this community. I love the direction our town is headed and I love our vision.”
Alvarez said he’s up to challenge to keep Miami Lakes on the right track.
“I may not be able to solve every challenge in the town,” he said. “However, I will devote myself to work collectively with the residents, the council and the mayor to ensure Miami Lakes continues moving in a positive direction.”