Debates in October for town, state races

Community By David Snelling, Reporter Wednesday, September 30, 2020

     Candidates in four races which will impact the Town of Miami Lakes are to debate on either Oct. 13 or Oct. 16.   

     The date is pending confirmation by all of the candidates, the town said.

     The forums are scheduled to happen at Ana G. Mendez University.

     Ambrosio Hernandez, chief anchor of Univision’s Noticias 23 who is also a town resident, will moderate the debates planned for 10:00 a.m. to noon.

     To submit questions to candidates, send an email to candidateforum@miamilakes-fl.gov.

     The event will be presented live on the town’s website and social media pages.

     The Town of Miami Lakes Economic Development Committee is host.

      Seeking seats on the town council are Raymond Garcia, who is challenging incumbent Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano.

     Garcia, a health care insurance manager, is a former member of the Miami Lakes Neighborhood Improvement Committee.

     Ruano, an accountant, is seeking a four-year term in her first competitive race. 

     She was appointed to the council in 2017 to replace Vice Mayor Tony Lama, who moved out of town.

     Ruano ran unopposed the following year.

     Former Town of Miami Lakes Youth Activities Task Force chairman Antonio Fernandez and Nayib Hassan, former chair of the town’s Veterans Committee, hope to replace Vice Mayor Nelson Rodriguez.

     Rodriguez is term-limited and will leave office after the Nov. 3 election.

     Hassan is a criminal defense attorney; Fernandez runs a technology services firm.

     In the Fla. District 103 race, incumbent Rep. Cindy Polo, D-Miramar, faces political newcomer and Miramar attorney Thomas Fabricio, a Republican.

     Fabricio defeated Rodriguez in the GOP primary in August.

     Seeking to represent District 110 in Tallahassee are Country Club of Miami Community Council Vice Chair Alex Rizo, a Republican, and teacher Annette Collazo, a

Democrat.

     Rizo also owns an education consulting firm and was assistant principal at three area public schools.

     The winner will replace Fla. Rep. and House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, who’s term-limited this year.

     The forum will be closed to the public but will be livestreamed online.