Meet the candidates for Aventura city commissioner. Here’s what they have to say
Aventura residents will elect two city commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
We asked the five candidates where they stood on key issues facing the city. Here is how they responded:
AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION - SEAT 1
Why are you running for office?
Gustavo Blachman: It is my way to give back to the community where I live.
Michael Isaac Jacobs: I love the City of Aventura and love giving back to the community. I want to enhance the City of Excellence and implement some fresh ideas.
Alberto Zaltzberg: I’m running for office because 15 years ago, I chose this city as my home and where I built my life. My children were born and raised here, and it’s become a vital part of our family’s story. I’m fully committed to this community’s growth and success, and I want to see it thrive, ensuring a brighter future for everyone who lives here.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Gustavo Blachman: With my extensive background in real estate and over 20 years of experience on condo boards, I am deeply concerned about the challenges that many condo owners are now, or soon will be, facing.
Michael Isaac Jacobs: I am a deeply compassionate, empathetic person with lots of energy and a high level of critical thinking skills.
Alberto Zaltzberg: I’m the best candidate because, as an immigrant, Jew, and Hispanic, I represent much of our community. After 15 years here as a tenant, homeowner, business owner, and parent, I live the city’s daily experience.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Gustavo Blachman: We are approaching a perfect storm that will impact all of us, especially if your property was built before the year 2000. The tragic collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside has triggered new legislation, adding to the already numerous requirements for condos.
Michael Isaac Jacobs: Security, education, innovation.
Alberto Zaltzberg: The most pressing issue in our community is resource allocation. We often spend money ineffectively, so by redirecting funds to initiatives that genuinely improve residents’ quality of life, we can make a meaningful impact.
AVENTURA CITY COMMISSION - SEAT 2
Why are you running for office?
Cindy Orlinsky: Promoting public safety, academic excellence, and community engagement, while preserving our city’s charm and focusing on sustainable growth in our cultural diverse community.
Gary Pyott: The driving force for running is to complete my dear friend the late Michael Stern’s two-year term of service and to move the City of Aventura forward. Through dedication and hard work, and with the support of our commission, I will see the initiatives and policies Michael was working on, and ensure progress is made every step of the way.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Cindy Orlinsky: I’m the best candidate for Commissioner Seat 2, bringing a genuine commitment, 30+ year resident in Aventura, 20+ years of public service and a strong business background to tackle public safety, education, and community engagement.
Gary Pyott: I have an established proven record of work and leadership through the different committees and community boards I have been involved in and currently a part of such as Aventura Police Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Cindy Orlinsky: The city faces critical challenges: maintaining sustainable development and addressing insufficient school capacity for our expanding population, both of which require immediate solutions.
Gary Pyott: Owners of condominiums in Florida are bracing for mandatory rules going into effect by the State. My background with 30 years of experience with condo Associations/HOA Boards will be an added bonus on the dais, help our community in assisting residents and Associations to navigate new state regulations and understand assessments.