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Ariel Fernandez, the founder and editor of Gables Insider, is running for the Coral Gables City Commission in the Apr. 11 municipal election.
“We love our city and would not live anywhere else, but there are things we can do to improve it. To accomplish that, residents need a stronger voice on the commission,” Fernandez said. “One that will ensure that the we, the residents, are the priority. I am ready to be that voice. There are several issues of great importance to residents, and my opponent and I have stark differences on our views.”
Fernandez added, “Residents are concerned with the rate of overdevelopment in our city. So am I. I have a record of speaking on this issue for over a decade. I advocated against the Plaza project, the Paseo de la Riviera project and numerous other out of scale developments in our city. Although my opponent claims to be against development, his campaign is being funded by the developers who have built these projects. Their goal is to build taller and larger, and they need his vote to accomplish that. My position on this issue is clear.
He said developers should be held to the same standards as residents.
“If a developer is allowed to build 77 feet, we should not grant any additional height. We need to enforce the zoning code and stop granting variances.”
Fernandez said crime and safety are of grave concern to the community.
“We must ensure resident safety. It is concerning that for several years, we have been unable to see monthly crime reports, but are told by the commission that crime numbers are low. Yet, day after day, we receive Ring and Nextdoor notifications of new incidents in our neighborhoods. Our police officers do a great job, but they are heavily taxed. We are losing great officers to other departments over morale in our police department and issues with benefits. Ensuring our officers are properly equipped, that we have adequate staffing and improve morale, will help provide the safety residents deserve,” Fernandez said.
“Although they constantly deny it, the actions being taken at City Hall demonstrate a concerted effort to remove our trash pits. Unlike my opponent, I can be clear, I will never vote to remove our trash pits. As residents, we are happy with the services we receive, and we have paid additional fees for years to subsidize the city’s inability to pay with our tax dollars. Removing services and raising fees should never be the option.”
Fernande said, “A financially stable city is key to providing services. The city manager has openly stated that the city has financial troubles. Sadly, the commission recently authorized $649,000 in raises to the top 50 executives, including the manager. The commission has a responsibility to be stewards of taxpayer dollars, yet they have refused to address this. We need to stop this frivolous spending.”
Fernandez said his life has always been driven by the desire to serve his community and make it a better place.
“I started in public service as an intern my senior year at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School at Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s office. I worked with many Coral Gables residents for 11 years with Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen and two with Congressman Rivera. As a resident, I have served on the city’s Emergency Management Board, the Property Advisory Board and most recently as the chair of the School Community Relations Committee. I have worked with colleagues to promote the purchase of six neighborhood parks, secure funding for the renovations of Coral Gables Senior High, create the City’s annual Literacy Festival, address school safety concerns, and stand with parents of George Washington Carver against the construction of a gas station feet away from their children’s school.
“I have heard you. For years, we the residents have been ignored, chastised, and bullied. As your commissioner, I pledge to listen, respect and be your voice on the city commission.”
For more information about Ariel Fernandez, visit voteariel.com.
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