Marlin Ebbert is running for the Coral Gables City Commission, Group V, in the Apr. 11 election. She is running for the seat that Jeannett Slesnick vacated to run for mayor. There are two years remaining of this term.
Ebbert, a widow, is the mother of three, the grandmother of seven and a retired teacher. Born, raised and educated in Pittsburgh, PA, she has been a resident of Coral Gables for nearly 29 years.
Ebbert has volunteered with historic organizations such as The Villagers (Life Member) and Dade Heritage Trust. She has held other leadership positions on other non-profits boards such as: Coral Gables Elementary PTA, Gables Senior High PTSA (past president), The Barnacle Society (former president), Foster Care Review, The Coral Gables Art Cinema (secretary) and the Coral Gables Garden Club.
She has served on three city boards: twice on the School/Community Relations Board, The Merrick House Governing Board, and the Sustainability Board where she launched in 2016 the successful electronic recycling program keeping over 33,000 pounds of unwanted electronics out of trash piles and landfills.
Ebbert responded to the following profile interview questions:
What motivated you to run for office?
Since my arrival to Coral Gables I have always been civically engaged and I welcome the opportunity to do more and to help plan the future course of our city. I feel that my experiences over the past 29 years puts me in a good position to do so.
What do you think are the three most important issues facing the city today?
This election season the three top topics seem to be: commercial development, traffic and public safety.
Do you think the city does a good job of soliciting and listening to citizen input on projects?
Anyone can sign a card in the hallway outside of the commission chamber and speak at a commission meeting and I have often done so. The commissioners’ and mayor’s emails and phone numbers are published and most of them do a good job of responding. Whether or not they agree with a resident’s point of view depends on the subject matter.
Do you think that Streetscape was the right use of resources at the right time?
The revitalization of Miracle Mile has been a topic of conversation almost since I arrived here in 1988. I am glad that they are finally addressing our “Main Street.” Did I agree with all of the plans? No, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is a success. I feel sorry for the merchants that they have run into unforeseen construction problems but they finally seem to be on the correct path.
Is the city managing development properly?
We live in a planned community. Rules and regulations have existed for many years and recently it seems that we have allowed commercial development to go higher and to be bulkier. Everyone uses the term SMART development. I prefer the terms thoughtful and responsible. All commercial development should be sensitive to its surroundings — whether in a downtown setting or close to a residential neighborhood.
Should High Pines and Little Gables be annexed?
I live in the South Gables and often walk and bike south of Sunset Drive. In one block I can go from Coral Gables to the county and back to the Gables again! Yes, annexation of both areas seems to make sense from a geographical point of view. As long as our wonderful city services (police, fire, garbage) don’t suffer with the added burden, then I think that it’s a good idea.
Why are you the best person for the job?
I have a very strong work ethic. I love this city and I love living here. I think that I have demonstrated by my past community involvement that I will work tirelessly for the betterment of our “small town” and for the residents of Coral Gables.
Follow at www.facebook.com/electmarlinebbert/.
