Two political newcomers face off for Aventura city commission at-large seat
Two political newcomers, Aventura Magazine co-founder Amit Bloom and marketing professional Alberto Zaltzberg, are running the only contested race in the city of Aventura to fill Commission Seat 6, an at-large position.
Bloom, 53, who works as a freelance writer and graphic designer, said she has lived in Aventura since 1991. She was the creative and editorial director for Aventura Magazine for over 22 years. Bloom has participated in several city boards, including the Police Department’s Community Ambassador Panel and the Community Services Advisory Board. She has been married for over 25 years to husband David, a real estate investor with whom she has two college-aged children.
READ MORE: The Herald’s Voter Guide for the 2022 general election
She called Aventura, a city of about 37,000 in northeast Miami-Dade County, “a special place” with a history of “ethical leadership and good governance.”
“I want to continue that tradition while helping the city move forward with achieving goals to solve the few problems we do have,” she said.
Zaltzberg, 47, owns a marketing company. He said he has been an Aventura resident for 12 years and described himself as a “proud member” of Aventura’s Jewish Community Center who is involved with different synagogues and an “active participant” on his condo building’s board. He lives with his wife of over 20 years, Romina, his marketing business’ general manager, and their two young children.
Zaltzberg told the Herald he is running because “it’s time to give back to my community.”
“I have the experience as an immigrant, in finance and community service. ... I will work hard and make sure everyone is heard,” said Zaltzberg, who is from Argentina. (Zaltzberg did not provide a photo to the Herald.)
Both candidates pointed to traffic congestion as a top issue and said transportation solutions like Freebee, a free car-share service for Aventura residents, are good options to alleviate traffic.
Bloom also said that building another charter school to expand Aventura’s student enrollment capacity, and keeping taxes low are priorities. Zaltzberg said other important issues for Aventura were securing more money for free city services and exploring safer pedestrian alternatives for beach access.
Bloom received the endorsement of the city commission, as well as Aventura’s current mayor and mayor-elect. She has more than $45,000 in campaign contributions, outraising her opponent by over $43,000.
Three other Aventura candidates already won unopposed. Former city commissioner Howard Weinberg will be sworn in as the next mayor. Former commissioner and real estate private equity firm partner Michael Stern will fill Commission Seat 2, and Mo’s Bagel and Deli co-owner Paul Kruss will take Seat 4.
This story was originally published October 26, 2022 at 3:34 PM.