Michael Callahan is a native Miamian who has lived in Cutler Bay since 1977. He attended Centennial Junior High (now Cutler Bay High School) and graduated from Miami Southridge High School in 1982.
While at Southridge he was the Silver Knight nominee for Theatre and also received the National Speech and Drama award. He continued his theater education at Webster University and the University of Miami. From 1985 to 1990 Callahanl was the technical director and resident designer for Southwood/ South Center for the arts. He was previously the director, Facilities Management & Security at WPBT2; manager, Security & Facility Management of Macy’s; director, Facilities & Corporate Services at Simply Healthcare Plans, and facility manager at Fort Lauderdale International Airport. He is currently Senior Facilities Manager of Eastridge of Cutler Bay.
Callahan is married to his wife, Melissa, who also is a Cutler Bay resident since 1974 and they have three children — Casey, Derek and Connor.
Callahan is very active in the community and currently serves as the chair of the Parks and Recreational Advisory Committee for the Town of Cutler Bay and has been a member of the committee since 2009. He has served as president on several PTA’s and parent associations.
Questions for the candidate:
What prompted you to run for Council Seat 2? Why do you want to serve?
“I have served on the Town of Cutler Bay Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee since 2009 and have chaired the committee since 2011. I have worked closely with the council and residents on many issues during that time. I felt it was the right time to run for council to ensure that many of the projects that we have worked hard on receive the proper attention.”
What do you feel are the most important issues facing the Town of Cutler Bay now and in the months ahead?
“Over the years the increased traffic has become one of the upfront issues in Cutler Bay. Most of it due to the increased development from our communities to the south and north of us. Recently our town has started a traffic calming master plan to help ease the traffic problems. It’s important that we work together as a town to manage our development but at the same time work with our neighboring communities to ensure any future development is managed as not to increase the impact on Cutler Bay. Also it’s up to us to continue to explore alternative means of transportation.”
What brief statement would you like to make to residents as to why they should vote for you?
“I have been a resident of Cutler Bay for almost 40 years and have been involved with our community for as long. My experience on the Parks Committee, involvement with PTA’s, parent associations, community events and projects, and local youth associations have given me the experience and knowledge that I need to be a successful council member.”
His website is www.callahan4council.com/.
— Gary Alan Ruse
