After handing incumbent mayor Michael Pizzi a crushing defeat in last month’s run-off election, Manny Cid has settled in as the new mayor for Miami Lakes, and he has already begun the work that was part of his campaign promises that got him elected.
In fact, the day after he was elected, Cid, 33, met with MDX to support the N.W. 67 and N.W. 87 avenue ramps on State Road 924 to alleviate traffic congestion.
“We started from day one working right away a day after the election,” Cid said during an exclusive interview in his office at Town Hall. “Transportation is our top priority and we are hitting the ground running.”
Cid, who has been pushing for an independent zip code for three years as a council member, said the postal code is on the brink of fruition.
A bill for a zip code for Miami Lakes passed the U.S House of Representatives thanks to Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, and is headed for the U.S. Senate for a final vote in the near future.
“Miami Lakes’ own zip code means lower auto insurance premiums,” he said. “
Cid said Florida’s Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera has offered to bring infrastructure dollars to Miami Lakes, and he’s planning to visit Tallahassee to furnish the town’s wish list to state lawmakers.
“Money for infrastructure like street repairs, storm water drainage and refurbishing the roads,” Cid said. “The focus is the Miami Lakes brand, bringing back what was a long time ago.”
Cid, who co-owns an adult daycare, said Miami Lakes taking over the special taxing districts for the guard gates, lakes and street lighting from Miami-Dade is a big plus and would save town residents lots of money.
“We’re the first city to take over those districts where thousands of residents live,” he said. “Public safety is a top priority for the town.”
Cid said the ambiance at Town Hall and throughout is different following the election.
“The town is more focused, no distractions and town staff is excited and working with lots of energy,” he said. “Our goal is to enhance the quality of living for residents like transportation, public safety and our parks. We’re not looking back, we’re moving forward.”
The new mayor announced he will be having Saturday office hours for residents to visit with any concerns or problems they want to discuss..
Another goal for Cid and council members is building a trust with residents.
But a big concern is Pizzi’s lawsuit against the town, asking Miami Lakes to pay $2.5 million in attorney fees for his federal bribery case.
Miami Lakes filed its own lawsuit against the insurance carrier for refusing to cover the former mayor’s legal bill.
Cid said he’s hoping the insurance company would put taxpayers at ease.
“I’m hoping the insurance company can help us mitigate this, and not spend taxpayers’ money,” he said.
Growing up in Miami Lakes, Cid never dreamed he’d be mayor. His father worked two jobs so his family could live in Miami Lakes, and Cid and his wife wanted to raise his two kids here as well.
He’s the only Miami Lakes mayor who was raised in the town.
“It’s more than a privilege, it’s an honor,” he said. “Being the first mayor raised in the town, it’s personal because the residents and future generation deserve the same.”
Cid encourages family involvement.
His family helped him campaign for months, and his kids were helping him with work at Town Hall.
“Family is great, and as mayor, the most important job is being a father,” Cid said. “I have to balance because I need to be a good mayor and a good father.”