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Born in South Miami, Brian Corey grew up in the area, spending time at the Bakery Center (now The Shops at Sunset Place) with his four siblings and attending the YMCA at South Miami Park. He is a local business owner currently sitting on the South Miami Planning Board and is a regular participant at Commission meetings.
1. What prompted you to run for office?
“I was inspired by both my wife’s nearly ten years of public service as an assistant state attorney as well as my own time on the South Miami Planning Board. I’ve seen so much potential in the city, from our excellent staff to our promising projects, and know I can help both in moving important initiatives forward and generating new creative solutions to our most pressing problems.
“I’ve also been inspired by those who came before me, including former Mayor Phillip Stoddard, who showed that a small city like South Miami could lead in the region in much needed environmental progress, and Commissioner Bob Welsh, who showed that you can make a difference and earn the respect of people who support and oppose you by having integrity and by being genuine.”
2. What do you think are the most important and pressing issues in the City of South Miami at this time?
“I believe there are three main areas:
“1) Our city’s health and safety are intrinsically connected to the health and safety of the environment. We face grave challenges in both the future and the present and need to take them on with an appropriate level of seriousness. Continuing to push an assertive and proactive agenda that includes alternative energy, green spaces, and storm resiliency, in addition to moving faster toward fixing the issues with contamination of the aquifer and subsequently the bay, are all vital to our success as a city.
“2) The preservation of the character of our city in the face of further development and a growing population should not be ignored. If we plan things well, come together as a community, and make sound decisions, we can keep South Miami a uniquely charming small town to live in – ‘The City of Pleasant Living.’ We need to improve our communication infrastructure to make sure that residents are aware of changes happening in the city. Our residents are the character of the city and will help us maintain the integrity of South Miami. We also need to continue pressing for better traffic mitigation, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and safe bike lanes.
“3) Lastly, I’m very passionate about taking on the issue of revitalizing Downtown South Miami. It’s a long-standing problem that likely doesn’t have a single solution. I believe a measured approach to smart development within the TODD (areas surrounding the MetroRail) would be appropriate, along with the building of a pedestrian bridge across US1 to incentivize more foot traffic. Lastly, we need to get The Shops at Sunset Place project back moving. It’s our cornerstone property in Downtown and if we can build consensus within the community and on the Commission, we can get the movement in the right direction for South Miami.”
3. Why do you think you are the best person for the Commission seat?
“My combined experience as a business owner and a Planning Board member helps me to approach problem solving with pragmatism and perspective. I know how to bring people together and get things done. I believe I am known by those I work with as responsible, approachable, and hardworking, connected and grounded in ways that can effectively represent our community.
“As the owner of a local advertising agency, my job is not just to come up with my own ideas, but to identify great ideas around me and then bring them to fruition. Ultimately, and I express this with all sincerity, it’s my love for South Miami that gives me the confidence that no matter what challenges we face, I will find the strength and mindfulness to help move the city in the right direction. This is our home—a place where we all should feel secure and proud.”
Visit his website at https://www.briancorey.com/
