Meet the candidates for South Miami commissioner. Here’s what they have to say
There is one live South Miami race on the ballot: Residents will elect a city commissioner for Group II on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Javier Fernandez is unopposed in the mayoral race, and Brian Corey is unopposed for commissioner in Group III because his opponent withdrew from the race in September.
We asked the two Group II candidates where they stood on key issues facing the city. Here is how they responded:
SOUTH MIAMI COMMISSIONER - GROUP II
Why are you running for office?
Daniel Guerra: Together with my wife, we have lived and raised our kids in a one-of-a-kind City of South Miami for the past 20 years. With the encouragement of my family, friends and neighbors, I decided to expand upon my decades-long community and charitable service and ask our residents for the honor to serve in our City government. During our time living in South Miami, I have seen our daughter through High School, college, and achieve a law and master’s degree from University of Miami. Our son currently attends our local public school, David Fairchild Elementary. As such, we truly live, work and play in our City and I am ready to serve on our City Commission to ensure that all of South Miami’s residents can continue to have a properly governed City with a focus on public safety, high-performing schools, fully activated parks, and properly maintained roads and other infrastructure.
Danny Rodriguez: Did not respond.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Daniel Guerra: I have been serving our community in various leadership and volunteer roles for over 25 years. I’ve advocated at the municipal, county, state and federal levels for affordable housing issues, ensuring personal property rights, environmental concerns and improved tax structures focused on families. Through this work I’ve gained the experience and knowledge that I believe has prepared me to serve in public office. I’ve been in business for over 30 years in our community and have served on various, local business groups as well. This experience is why I am honored with bipartisan support from Mayor Javier Fernandez, Commissioner Steve Calle, Commissioner Brian Corey, Senators Anna Maria Rodriguez and Jason Pizzo, among others. I am also proud to be endorsed by the Police Benevolent Association and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Danny Rodriguez: I’m not a politician and I’m not influenced by special interest. I have owned my own business for the last 20 years and I will bring a business oriented mindset to the commission. This position is not a stepping stone for me. This is all about the community for me.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Daniel Guerra: The single-most important issue for this, and any community, to thrive is for its residents to feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods. Continuing to ensure excellent response times and always improving other safety protocols and results are paramount. Ensuring we have the resources necessary for this (and other services) we must expand our commercial tax base to assure households that their pocketbooks are prioritized.
Danny Rodriguez: Revitalizing our town center and workforce housing.