Three seats are open in Miami Lakes election. Here’s what to know about the candidates
When checking off their ballots, Miami Lakes voters will have the opportunity to elect three town council members.
Seven candidates, with varying levels of experience in government, are competing for the three seats up for grabs in November’s general election.
Three candidates are in the running for Seat 2 as Vice Mayor Jeffrey Rodriguez steps down. Two incumbents are running for re-election — Seat 4 and Seat 6 — against political newcomers.
For voters who want to get a jump on the election, early voting starts on Oct. 24 and mail-in ballots should be be arriving. Election Day is Nov. 8.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of casting your ballot.
Seat 2
Raymond Garcia
Garcia, who dreamed of living in Miami Lakes during his youth, summarizes his vision for the Town Council as the “three Ts:” taxes, traffic and trees.
He said he would fight to keep taxes low, cut traffic by keeping the 154th and 170th Street bridges closed, and provide programs, events and updated infrastructure in parks. Garcia also aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and support police and first responders.
For more information, visit Garcia’s campaign website.
- Age: 49
- Occupation: Health insurance manager
- Experience: Former Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Hialeah Gardens
- Money Raised: $6,445 as of Oct. 17
Ian Anthony Medina
Medina, who was raised in Miami Lakes, lists his priorities as lowering property taxes and fixing the flooding issue in the West Royal Oaks neighborhood and in Loch Doon Road.
He also said he wants to uplift Miami Lakes by bringing luxury retailers to Main Street instead of making Miami Lakes Golf Club and Miami Lakes Optimist Park a commercial or residential property.
For more information, visit Medina’s Voter Focus page.
In July, Medina was arrested and charged with practicing law without a license, organizing a scheme to defraud, grand theft and making false statement.
- Age: 28
- Occupation: None
- Experience: None
- Money Raised: $390 as of Oct. 17
William G. Perez
Perez, who moved to Miami Lakes from Havana in 1974, considers his priorities to be promoting traffic studies to reduce congestion and improving the stormwater system to avoid flooding.
He’s also against the Optimist Park funding through a $19.5 million bond issue on the November ballot that would have to be paid through property taxes over 30 years. In light of inflation and increased cost of construction due to Hurricane Ian, Perez believes voters shouldn’t have to be burdened because 75% of the park is owned by the Miami-Dade School Board.
For more information, visit Perez’s campaign Facebook page.
- Age: 57
- Occupation: Retired lawyer
- Experience: Former Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps
- Money Raised: $7,850 as of Oct. 17
Seat 4
Miguel Comesana
Comesana, a political newcomer, lists his priorities as addressing damage from quarry blasting, supporting local businesses and simplifying the process to obtain permits.
He also believes the town needs to improve technology like cameras to deter crime. Comesana said he would promote use of the Freebee vehicles to alleviate traffic and reassess funding to Optimist Park.
- Age: 29
- Occupation: Case manager at a personal injury law firm
- Experience: Served on board of his condo’s HOA
- Money Raised: $300 as of Oct. 17
Josh Dieguez
Dieguez, a councilman and lifelong Miami Lakes resident, is defending his seat. He considers his priorities to be keeping taxes low, increasing police patrols and planting more trees to beautify the town.
Through another four year term, Dieguez said he would continue to combat flooding around town, require developers to protect water resources while building, and push for more sustainable practices such as increasing electric charging stations and switching town buildings to solar power.
For more information, visit Dieguez’s Voter Focus page.
- Age: 33
- Occupation: Attorney at Dieguez & Associates
- Experience: Miami Lakes Seat 4 Councilman
- Money Raised: $37,175 as of Oct. 17
Seat 6
Carlos O. Alvarez
Alvarez, a councilman and resident of 16 years, is defending his seat. He lists his priorities as supporting police, keeping fees and tax rates low and welcoming private investment.
Through another term, Alvarez said he would continue investing in drainage projects to address flooding issues, repairing sidewalks and cul-de-sacs, and improving parks and recreation with upgraded equipment.
For more information, visit Alvarez’s biography on the Miami Lakes website.
- Age: 45
- Occupation: Principal at City of Hialeah Educational Academy Career and Collegiate Academy
- Experience: Miami Lakes Seat 6 Councilman
- Money Raised: $14,400 as of Oct. 17
Angelo Garcia Cuadra
Garcia, a longtime resident but political newcomer, considers his priorities as bringing relief to residents affected by mine blasting and ensuring that the council doesn’t raise taxes.
He doesn’t support the Optimist Park bond referendum and believes the required funds shouldn’t be collected from residents’ pockets. Garcia also said town contracts need more oversight to ensure tax dollars are maximized.
For more information, visit Garcia’s campaign website.
- Age: 61
- Occupation: Bartending school owner
- Experience: Member of Blasting Advisory Board
- Money Raised: $19,193.40 as of Oct. 17
This story was originally published October 18, 2022 at 3:00 PM.
