The Dec. 2 meeting of the Cutler Bay Town Council saw some changes to the members gathered on the dais.
Peggy Bell, who previously served as the Seat 3 councilmember, is the new mayor, the town’s fourth, following John Cosgrove, Paul Vrooman and Ed MacDougall. In the Nov. 4 election Bell received 5,252 votes (56.09 percent) to candidate Art Nanni’s 4,111 votes (43.91 percent), winning the seat.
Bell said in an interview before Thanksgiving that she appreciates the opportunity to continue serving the community in a new role.
“I am very honored and grateful to have received the ultimate vote of confidence from Cutler Bay residents to lead our town in the years ahead as mayor,” Bell said. “Our town is moving forward with the momentum that was started when we were incorporated in 2005.
“Even while celebrating this new momentous beginning of even better things, I am anxious to work with all of the residents and community leaders to accomplish a vision for the town’s future.”
Bell said that from attending public meetings and talking to voters during her campaign, she believes tackling traffic issues, creating a community center, and encouraging new businesses that will enhance the quality of life are most important to the residents.
“Because these are priorities for the residents, they will be priorities for me,” Bell added. “We have much work ahead of us, and I look forward to working with everyone.”
Mary Ann Mixon, the incumbent Seat 3 councilmember, was re-elected to that position on Nov. 4, receiving 4,792 votes (56.95 percent) to challenger Ed Wolmers’ 3,623 votes (43.05 percent).
Interviewed on Nov. 30, she expressed her feelings and plans for the months ahead.
“I feel happy and extremely honored the people of Cutler Bay decided to re-elect me for a second term,” Mixon said. “I am also very much looking forward to continuing where I left off.
“Last summer we — the council — had a series of public workshops, the Strategic Master Plan, the Transportation Master Plan, and the Floodplain Mitigation Plan, where the citizens came and expressed their goals for the town. It will be my privilege to help implement those goals.” Additionally, Mixon attended a very informative sustainability conference just prior to being re-elected.
“I brought back a tremendous amount of information that can help Cutler Bay become more sustainable,” she said.“I look forward to sharing that information and helping to develop a sustainability plan for the town.”
Roger Coriat ran unopposed for the Seat 3 council position vacated by Bell and was deemed the winner in that race in August after the qualifying period closed. He was sworn in with Bell and Mixon on Dec. 2.
“I am really looking forward to taking my place as a member of the Cutler Bay Town Council,” Coriat said when declared the winner in August. “I am happy to succeed Peggy Bell, who has held this seat for the past eight years, and continue the commitment and dedication she and the rest of our town council have shown.”
