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Miami Community Newspapers is proud to endorse longtime Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora for Mayor of Miami Beach in the upcoming November 7 th election.
Michael Gongora has been elected three times to the Miami Beach Commission, starting in
2006.
Michael Gongora has been elected three times to the Miami Beach Commission, starting in
2006.
He is the most accomplished of the candidates, having delivered results including forming the Sustainability Committee, being the point person on the City of Miami Beach Stormwater Master Plan to combat flooding, sponsoring a lunchroom for low income seniors to receive a hot meal and having spearheaded incentives for the creation of more affordable and workforce housing in Miami Beach.
Gongora brings institutional and historical knowledge to the dais– having served with many
different Mayors and Commissioners over the years. He also served on all three of the
Commission sub-committees. He would bring a sense of stability to the Commission in a year where more than half of the members of the Commission are leaving. It is also important to note that all three of the remaining City Commissioners, Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, Alex Fernandez, and Laura Dominguez, have endorsed his candidacy.
Out-of-Scale Development Gongora understands the voters want to halt out-of-scale development. Unlike two of his opponents who serve and have served on the commission, Michael opposed the recent Deauville ballot question to allow for a much taller building on the site, and also opposed the construction of office towers on city parking lots abutting Lincoln Road. While on the commission in 2020, he stopped the proposed sale of the Byron Carlyle Theater in North Beach.
different Mayors and Commissioners over the years. He also served on all three of the
Commission sub-committees. He would bring a sense of stability to the Commission in a year where more than half of the members of the Commission are leaving. It is also important to note that all three of the remaining City Commissioners, Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, Alex Fernandez, and Laura Dominguez, have endorsed his candidacy.
Out-of-Scale Development Gongora understands the voters want to halt out-of-scale development. Unlike two of his opponents who serve and have served on the commission, Michael opposed the recent Deauville ballot question to allow for a much taller building on the site, and also opposed the construction of office towers on city parking lots abutting Lincoln Road. While on the commission in 2020, he stopped the proposed sale of the Byron Carlyle Theater in North Beach.
Civic Leadership Michael is a proven community leader. He has been actively involved in several resident and civic organizations. As Florida Bar Board Certified attorney in condominium and planned development law, he is currently elected as the President of the Miami Beach Bar Association.
In a city where more than half of the residents live in condominiums, his legal knowledge will serve those residents well. He also previously served as President of the Environmental
Coalition of Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce.
Coalition of Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce.
Sustainability and Resiliency
In 2007 shortly after his first election he created and chaired the Sustainability Committee to focus on protecting Miami Beach from flooding and other environmental initiatives. In 2013, he served as the point person on the Stormwater Master Plan to keep Miami Beach dry. In 2021, Gongora sponsored a first of its kind Fertilizer Ordinance to protect Biscayne Bay from contamination. He remains committed to protecting the environment while also upgrading aging infrastructure.
Public Safety
He says public safety is his # 1 issue in running for Mayor. Miami Beach needs a leader that can work with the police on a better policing plan and send a message that Miami Beach is a city of law and order. As the Miami Beach Fraternal Order of Police endorsed candidate, we believe he is in the best position to do so. During his last year on the commission he championed increasing funding to place more police officers on the street engaging in proactive policing. He also made sure that the Police Chief provided the commission with monthly reports and data.
Conclusion
Miami Beach needs a Mayor focused on keeping the city safe and clean. He was the first
candidate to step up and declare this as his reason for running for office. Miami Beach residents would be well served with Gongora as Mayor and Miami Community Newspapers recommend Miami Beach put him back in office.
candidate to step up and declare this as his reason for running for office. Miami Beach residents would be well served with Gongora as Mayor and Miami Community Newspapers recommend Miami Beach put him back in office.
