[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the elections in the City of Aventura closely approach, it is crucial to be informed and get to know the candidates who are looking to represent the community and its residents.
I had the pleasure of having a one-on-one interview with Gustavo Blachman, who is running for Aventura City Commissioner, Seat 2. I wanted to get to know him on a personal level but more importantly learn about his priorities and focus if he is elected as Commissioner.
Here is what he had to say:
1) How long have you lived in Aventura?
I moved to Aventura 20 years ago with my wife and two sons. Since then we added two more children, a son and a daughter. (Today my oldest son Matias is 27 years old and has graduated from FSU. My son Thomas is 20 years old and is studying Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech. My son Nicholas is 16 is living in Nebraska and wants to become a professional Ice Hockey Player. He is currently in one of our Nation’s top teams and was recently affiliated to a USHL team, The Sioux Falls Stampede. My daughter Mia Valentina attends Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES)).
2) Why do you want to serve for the community?
I have been an active part of the community as I have been a board member at Mystic Pointe Mystic Tower 600 and appointed to their Master Association in 1998. I have been a board member for 7 years at Atlantic One at the Pointe, and was president for 2 of those years. I am a board member at Atlantic Two at the Point where I currently reside, and I am also the president of Village By The Bay for the past 3 years. In addition, I am a member of the Jewish National Fund, Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center and the KSpace advisory board. All residents and visitors should experience the highest level of services available. By serving the community as an elected official it will allow me to assist in keeping our city safe and our education at the highest possible level. I decided to run for City Commissioner because I bring 20 years of successful business and personal experience.
3) What sets you apart from other candidates?
I am the grandson of Simcha Josef Blachman who was forced to leave Poland because of political turmoil. His ship was diverted from the United States to Argentina where he became a farmer. Ultimately, he and my grandmother became manufacturers. My father’s textile firm provided jobs for 200 people. I learned the art of doing business at a very young age. He instilled in me the value of hard work, the importance of family, and responsibility to give back. I lived in Paris, attended NYU where I learned English as a second language and moved to Miami in 1995. I am the founder and owner of a business that started as a 1-man operation and grew to staff over 50 licensed Real Estate agents. I have the experience, independence, perseverance and determination to resolve any issue that may arise. Life experience, love of community and appreciation of the opportunities I have had make me a better candidate. I look forward to continuing my service to our community and in some measure using the opportunities that this great nation has offered me.
4) What are your top three priorities as a member of the Aventura City Commission?
My top 3 priorities are: Education, traffic solutions, and public safety Education: The City Commission and City Manager comprise the Executive Board of our “A” rated charter school Aventura Charter of Excellence School (ACES). Together with an advisory board consisting of student’s parents we will continue creating and promoting a positive learning environment. Working together we will consider our options and the feasibility of a high school. Traffic Solutions: I am committed to addressing our traffic problems with a two-point plan that includes: 1) re-synchronizing traffic lights that cause many backups; and, 2) issuing warnings and then fines to motorists who block intersections. We must consider creating an access for our neighbors who like to walk to the beach by exploring safe walkways along the causeway. This project cannot be done without the involvement of our commission working together with the D.O.T and the Federal Government. Public Safety This is one of my main concerns, in some areas we are at maximum evacuation capacity. Review and Improve the lighting system to allow pedestrian traffic to walk at night time around the Golf course and under the Causeway both east and west passages.
5) What do you want to accomplish as City Commissioner of Aventura?
• I would like to see a High School in Aventura.
• I would encourage re-development of run down shopping plazas (this will bring new business opportunities and enhanced revenues).
• I look forward to the opening of the library in Aventura and would be delighted if a book store would return to our area.
• I would like to pursue a Veteran’s Commission so that we can better serve the heroes from all generations.
• Many residents have asked me to explore a safe walking passage to the beach and I will do so.
6) How would your friends describe you?
Friends, family and colleagues describe me as a determined businessman, problem solver, and a compassionate listener. I bring the same determination that made me a success in business to all facets of life.
To learn more about Gustavo Blachman, visit http://www.foraventura.com/
