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1. Why are you running again for the mayor’s seat in Palmetto Bay?
“I am running to continue the important work ahead that preserves the greatness of our village and prepares us for the future.
“I have spent the last four years focused on getting our village back on track by putting our financial house in order, revamping our Downtown code, standing up against county overreach, working with local businesses to assure their success, prioritizing policy to make us more sustainable, and addressing our resident priorities — public safety, sidewalks and streets, and parks.”
2. What do you consider the most urgent issue for village residents? How will you tackle it?
“Fiscal Responsibility — I have taken important steps to make our village fiscally sound and more responsive to our residents. I passed a budget that puts money aside in reserves, creates a maintenance fund for our public buildings, adds police officers, and secures our future. Getting there has not been easy, but we have managed to keep our taxes lower than when I first took office in 2014 and one of the lowest amongst cities in Miami-Dade.”
3. Why do you consider yourself to be the best person for the job?
“Development — I have led the way in holding the line on development by decreasing height and density in our Downtown area, eight stories to five, 7,500 units to 2,500 units, and keeping transit-oriented development on the US1 commercial corridor where it belongs. I have stood firm in opposition to the county’s plans for preempting our zoning and other initiatives that will negatively impact our quality of life. I have brought programming and partnerships to help our businesses thrive with over 100 new businesses opening in the height of the pandemic.
“Environment and Infrastructure — To plan for the future of our village and create a more sustainable village, I initiated policy that will reduce flood risk and lower flood insurance premiums, budget money to improve water quality, increased funding for long overdue drain cleaning, sidewalk repairs, street paving, and eliminated the use of dangerous pesticides in our park and public spaces. We have prioritized canals to protect wildlife and keep them safe for those who enjoy kayaking and boating while working to identify those that need bank stabilization.
“Parks and Public Safety — I have prioritized and enhanced our park and public spaces because these are the places our community gathers. We have expanded our programming for all ages, including our seniors and teens, and expanded events that bring our residents together. I am also proud of the work we have done to make our village safer for our residents. The numbers show that our commitment to public safety has resulted in some of the lowest crime rates in the county.”
4. What closing statement do you want to make to our readers?
“I am excited for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. How we deal with future development, environmental concerns, traffic, and transit will impact our quality of life for years to come. I am proud of all that has been accomplished, but our work is not done.
“With your support, I look forward to continuing to move our village forward while continuing to maintain the fabric and vibe that we have all come to call home. I will continue to lead with integrity and purpose to make our village an even better place to live, work, learn, and play.”
Campaign website is www.karyncunningham.com/.
To see more #Miaminews from #Aventura to #Coralgables to #SouthMiami, #Pinecrest, #Palmetto Bay and #Cutler Bay and all throughout #Miamidadecounty go to:
www.communitynewspapers.com
