“I would like to sea Dania Beach be a thriving sea-side gem of a city with small businesses, boutique hotels, and attract overnight cruise passengers and just kind of recover from the economic downturn and just be vibrant again,” he said.

The biggest issue in this election will be the airport expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport, he said.

One of his hopes is to help create a senior center and possibly provide transportation via a trolley. He also hopes to increase CRA membership and activity.

Harris, 57, has worked in hospitality, including at the Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt hotels.

Jones was a Dania Beach commissioner in 2009 when then-Gov. Charlie Christ appointed him to the Broward County Commission after Josephus Eggelletion was arrested on corruption charges. Jones, 66, served the county from 2009 to 2010, after which he lost the election for District 9 and came back to Dania Beach. Jones is also on the Memorial Healthcare System Board as a commissioner.

He said in an email that his main focuses will be on the airport expansion, the revitalization of the beach and marina, the redevelopment of the commercial corridors throughout the city and increasing the city’s reserve funds.

“My number one goal for Dania Beach would be to continue talking and working with county officials in resolving the funding gap of the airport expansion,” he said via email.

Jones has been a lifelong resident of Dania Beach — his parents, who still reside in the city, were pioneers here, he said.

McElyea is the current vice mayor and former mayor of Dania Beach. He’s also been on the zoning board for the city.

“I’d like to finish up the marina and get it first-class, that’s one of the main projects,” said McElyea, 80.

Another goal is keeping the water plant up to date; taxes will also be a big issue in the election.

“I have always voted to keep them where they are at or lower,’’ McElyea said.

Rae Sandler, 60, is the current president of the Melaleuca Gardens Homeowners Association, and for the last seven years has taken the lead in the airport expansion issue. With Castro being forced out, neighbors urged Sandler to run, she said.

“I’m up for the challenge,’’ said Sandler, who lives just south of where the new runway is being built. “The whole city is going to be impacted by that airport.”

Sandler, who has lived in Dania Beach for 34 years, said while redevelopment is important, she doesn’t wish to see high rises in the city. But she’s flexible, she added.

“Whatever people want,” she said.

Rae has been an administrative assistant for 14 years.

The top vote getter will serve as mayor for two years; the second-highest vote getter will serve as vice mayor for one year and then become a commissioner; the third highest vote getter will be a commissioner.

The election is Nov. 6