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Jackson Rip Holmes is running for election to the Group II seat of the Coral Gables City Commission in the Apr. 13 municipal election.
Holmes was born and raised in Coral Gables. He has a law degree from the University of Florida. He owns property on Miracle Mile and works as a real estate agent.
He said his primary concern is about the pending zoning changes affecting development in the Gables, although he also wants to help create jobs and lower taxes through sound fiscal planning that meets the needs of residents.
“Because I’m a Miracle Mile property owner I’m with the voters even more than the voters are,” Holmes said. “I think what the city is doing is selling out to developers, so I would from minute number one in my first 100 days try to implement the will of the voters on these zoning code changes. With what the mayor and developers are trying to do, it’s possible I am the best candidate because I have a financial interest in opposing these zoning code changes. I think it’s the most incredible thing I’ve seen as a Coral Gables resident.
“They’re going to ruin Coral Gables. They’re going to turn it into Downtown Miami. That’s somewhat of an exaggeration, but I think that people will end up moving out. Our best residents that we have, many of them are here because they want a good place to raise their children. Now they’re going to say, ‘Coral Gables is becoming urbanized and it’s not a good place to raise my children. There’s higher crime. I’m moving to Pinecrest.’ Their children are the most important things to them.
“Now one commissioner can’t get the things accomplished that I described to you. You’d have to have three votes to be able to undo these changes if they’re put in before the election. We may have to fire the city manager. Remember the high rise annex building they started to build behind City Hall some years back. They had to stop it and pay off the developer.”
His campaign website is at www.ripholmes.com/.
