Councilman Alex Sanchez is a candidate for Seat 4 in the Nov. 3 election.
Sanchez, 42, was appointed to the seat in 2024; it was previously held by Josh Dieguez, who was elected mayor.
In 2016, Sanchez filed to run for the council but withdrew from the race, according to town records. This year’s race is his first time campaigning for the position.
Sanchez is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and previously volunteered on the town’s Veterans Committee; Planning and Zoning Board; Town Manager selection committee and the Neighborhood Improvement Committee.
During the 12 months he has served on the council, Sanchez has largely focused on traffic issues, specifically those surrounding Bob Graham Education Center, and it will be a subject he campaigns on.
“I want to continue the focus on traffic,” Sanchez said. “I have been spearheading a few projects to improve the traffic flow in Miami Lakes.”
He said he doesn’t want residents to waste time sitting in traffic while driving across town.
His second campaign issue is to lower taxes.
“I know our taxes are pretty low,” Sanchez said. “We have one of the lowest millage rates. I want to make sure we’re still within that but not deterring the maintenance and beauty that is Miami Lakes. I want to make sure our image stays where it is, if it means fluctuating the tax a little bit. I am open to that suggestion.”
As for accomplishments made during his time on the council, Sanchez said he is most proud of proposing a town volunteering program for high school students.
“It’s a great way to [promote] our town events,” Sanchez said.
He said he hopes that in the last 12 months, he has gained confidence of the voters.
“[And] that I have shown that I am an advocate for the people and [it’s] not just an agenda that I have … I am a representative of the people,” Sanchez said.
Shown in the photo: Candidate Alex Sanchez (seated at the desk) was joined by his family in a meeting with Town Clerk Gina Inguanzo (at left) as he filed campaign paperwork on Feb. 4.
Inguanzo also serves as the town’s Supervisor of Elections. Standing are Sanchez’s wife, Yaquelyn Sanchez and the couple’s sons, Aiden Sanchez and Alain Sanchez.
Courtesy photo.