ditobet Meet the candidates for NMB mayor and commissioner. Here’s what they have to say
North Miami Beach residents will elect a mayor and three commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
We asked the 12 candidates where they stood on key issues facing the city. Here is how they responded:
NORTH MIAMI BEACH MAYORWhy are you running for office?
Michael Joseph: The American Dream is alive and well, and I’m living proof. In 2018 with the support of my wife, family, & neighbors, I was elected to office with a desire to give back. Witnessing firsthand the corruption that plagued our city, I felt a calling to lead NMB toward a better future. I’m committed to a pro-opportunity leadership that benefits everyone.
Evan S. Piper: When elected in the special election last December, the City had significant and vast issues. I knew I was the person who could turn things around and move the City in the right direction. I have done just that during my tenure and feel that we have more work to do to stay on the current positive path and move to the next level.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Michael Joseph: I have a deep understanding of our city government’s operations and needs. Additionally, I’ve secured millions in grants through my strong political connections at the county, state, and federal levels. My endorsements include the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, AFSCME, and Law Enforcement Unions.
Evan S. Piper: Having over 30 years of experience as a City leader in different capacities, I have the integrity, experience and skillset needed to be a great Mayor. My experience as Planning & Zoning Board Chairman, Commissioner and Mayor are further proof of my qualifications. This and my extensive business experience are a recipe for excellence.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Michael Joseph: It is imperative that we tackle the cost-of-living crisis and regain public trust. The top three issues facing NMB are: economic revitalization — this includes supporting small businesses and addressing the lack of septic-to-sewer connections that hinder growth in our city; affordable housing and property taxes; and public safety and ethics reform.
Evan S. Piper: We have several issues that are improving under my leadership as Mayor. The most pressing are a unified city and resolving our fiscal difficulties. As Mayor, these priorities have been significantly improved, however, we must continue the momentum.
NORTH MIAMI BEACH COMMISSIONER - GROUP 3Why are you running for office?
Hubert Dubé: Did not respond.
Daniela Jean: I am running for office because I have a deep passion for serving my community and uplifting the voice of our residents. I have brought fresh ideas and policies. To enhance the quality of life of residents. And a perspective that will help bring accountability to local government. This is my destiny to be of service. I grew up here as a child.
Margaret Mary “Margie” Love: Did not respond.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Hubert Dubé: Did not respond.
Daniela Jean: I believe I am the best candidate because I have a proven track record of leadership. And community advocacy and engagement. From beautification to public safety, advocating for local schools and working with the business, I have listened to my constituents and offered a solution focused approach. I’ve passed dozens of policies, new programming, initiatives.
Margaret Mary “Margie” Love: Did not respond.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Hubert Dubé: Did not respond.
Daniela Jean: One of the most pressing issues in North Miami Beach is our infrastructure and the demand for our roads, water system and transportation, public spaces to be enhanced and improved period Intersection upgrade. Infrastructure upgrades are important for the quality of life of our residents. And the long-term preservation of their investment in community.
Margaret Mary “Margie” Love: Did not respond.
NORTH MIAMI BEACH COMMISSIONER - GROUP 5Why are you running for office?
McKenzie Fleurimond: I am running for re-election because I believe our city needs experience to address housing attainability and environmental concerns. My time on the commission as well as the police and fire pension board have allowed me to understand the specifics of how to move North Miami Beach forward for the residents and employees.
Ketley Joachim: I am running for office to impact the North Miami Beach community positively. As a longtime resident I have been deeply involved in community initiatives and boards. I have served on Education committee library, code, status of women, Multi cultural, Gand reduction program and countless others. I am seeking to bring about a positive change.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
McKenzie Fleurimond: I am the best candidate because I am familiar with our city budget, staff and stake holders. Our community is very diverse. I have made inroads into various neighborhoods and have a good grasp on the needs of our residents. Along with my experience; I believe that I am best able to continue serving the residents of North Miami Beach.
Ketley Joachim: I am the best candidate for the position because I am willing to show up and do the work regardless of the political pressures, It was unfortunate to see the erosion of a once collegial Commission to one that did not prioritize the needs of the residents. I am committed.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
McKenzie Fleurimond: There have been too many changes in our administration over the years. We need consistency and continuity to achieve our strategic goals and provide a better quality of life for our residents. I am committed to uniting our commission to achieve our goals of a more safe, beautiful and affordable North Miami Beach.
Ketley Joachim: The community’s top three issues are persistent flooding from old roads and drainage systems in residential neighborhoods, housing, and hiring more police officers to keep residents safe.
NORTH MIAMI BEACH COMMISSIONER - GROUP 7Why are you running for office?
Eunice Flowers: I am running for office to ensure North Miami Beach remains a vibrant, inclusive community. By focusing on economic growth, youth programs, and arts and culture, I aim to create opportunities for all residents. With fresh perspectives and dedication, I’m committed to advancing policies that foster community engagement and sustainable development.
Ellis Keeter: I want every resident to love living in NMB. My sole guiding principal is to ensure that every resident enjoys a high quality of life. By building a financially stable, efficient, responsive, and transparent city organization, I am ready to bring practical solutions to address the needs of all residents.
Maggy Belizaire Lopez: I am running for city commissioner to reduce crime and provide a safe environment, improve community services, advocate for local issues, increase transparency in community budgets, and foster community engagement.
Lynn Su: I’m running to uplift North Miami Beach by driving transformative change. My nonprofit work has shown me the need to tackle systemic issues for lasting impact. As your commissioner, I’ll fight for long-term solutions that improve quality of life and create a stronger, brighter future for all residents.
Paule Villard: Retiring after nearly 30 years in law enforcement, I saw an opportunity to continue my public service career by providing a voice to our seniors and families. I have championed and will continue to do so for lower taxes, public safety and make sure everyone is represented.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Eunice Flowers: I am the best candidate because of my deep-rooted commitment to our community, fresh perspectives, and a focus on economic development, youth programs, and arts and culture. My experience in advocacy, passion for public service, and understanding of local needs enable me to create meaningful change and ensure a better future for all residents.
Ellis Keeter: I am an institutional change-maker, transformational leader, and problem-solver with a record of making profound, enduring impacts. My training as an attorney and understanding of government has positioned me to conduct financial and operational analysis, with the ability to create strategic solutions to address difficult issues and challenges.
Maggy Belizaire Lopez: As a successful businesswoman, for more than 20 years, I have strong communication skills, a commitment to community engagement as an advocate, and a data-driven approach to decision-making. I will focus on understanding the needs of residents, promoting transparency, and working collaboratively to tackle local issues, specifically crime.
Lynn Su: I bring global business expertise, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to our community. I excel at finding solutions, managing budgets, and turning challenges into opportunities. My leadership, shaped by lived experiences, reflects the values and aspirations of North Miami Beach.
Paule Villard: I have the most experience in this race having previously served on the commission. I have a proven track record of advocating for good policies such as emphasizing public safety and our seniors. I have also held my office and the commission to the highest standard of integrity by supporting for ethics reform.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Eunice Flowers: The most pressing issue in our community is economic inequality, affecting access to jobs, housing, and essential services. To address this, we must create sustainable economic opportunities, invest in workforce development, and ensure equitable access to resources, while supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs to drive growth.
Ellis Keeter: The lack of a true external economic driver places far too much onus on the tax-paying residents and the Norwood Water Treatment Plant as North Miami Beach’s primary revenue generators. We need to find smart, strategic, and sustainable ways to generate revenue for the city that will lessen the burden on our residents.
Maggy Belizaire Lopez: Gun violence: My daughter Junisha Niclasse got killed in North Miami Beach May 17, 2024 due to gun violence. The over-spending the taxpayer’s money with unnecessary thing, or personal used, affordable housing, and many more.
Lynn Su: A key issue I hear from from canvassing and town hall meetings is the lack of strong code enforcement, which affects safety and cleanliness. We must hire more personnel to ensure our streets are well-maintained and secure, improving the quality of life for law-abiding, mindful residents and restoring pride in our community.
Paule Villard: Restoring the public trust and creating economic opportunities for our residents to prosper go hand in hand as the most pressing issues facing the community.
This story was originally published October 2, 2024, 7:00 AM.
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