1 Why did you decide to run for mayor of Pinecrest?
Pinecrest is one of the best places to live and raise a family in Florida. I love working with our neighbors to solve the day-to-day and long-term issues that come up. I decided to run for mayor because I feel I can make a positive difference. Most of us don’t need government every day, but when we do, it is one the most important things in our lives at that time. Being helpful and assuring our interactions with government are smooth and positive drives me. In Pinecrest, we have a rare opportunity to perfect that interaction. I believe that level of service separates good places from great places. My experience as an urban planner who has worked with local governments across the country dealing with similar issues, as well as my experience with Pinecrest since our incorporation—working on its comprehensive plan, serving as chairman of the planning and zoning board, and serving two terms on the village council—will be useful in helping us achieve our goals. Twenty years ago, many people predicted that we would fail. If not for the leadership and vision of Evelyn Greer, Gary Matzner and the councils they led, we may have. They, along with former mayor Cindy Lerner and the recent village council, have set a high standard for us to live up to. I’m looking forward to the challenge of doing that.
2 What’s your career outside of public office?
As the president of The Corradino Group, a planning and engineering firm, with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, Louisville and Indianapolis, I help communities assess their options as they improve their quality of life. I specialize in working with cities as they address issues related to land use, transportation, zoning, development and comprehensive planning.
3 What issues in Pinecrest are important to you?
The broader issues include protecting and preserving our neighborhoods. If we do that, we will only get better. From a more-immediate standpoint, we need to work on providing potable water to those who want it, keep working to address storm water and wastewater issues, continue our coordination with our public and private schools, assure that our police force has everything it needs to combat crime effectively, keep pace with the best practices related to climate change, and work to do this within one of the lowest tax rates in the county.
4 Who has had the biggest impact on your life?
Without the patience, encouragement and dedication of my parents I would not be the person I am today. They continually stressed upon [my siblings and me] the power of hard work, selflessness and dedication. They impressed on us how important it is to personally and professionally make the right decisions, learn how to listen, think of others first, and make the world a better place.
5 What is something that no one knows about you?
Few people know I am a shy person. I don’t like to draw a lot of attention to myself. That’s not often the personality type that typically runs for public office. But I’ve never been one to be let obstacles like that get in my way.
6 What is the secret to your success?
I believe that if you work hard, learn to listen, and are fair when you deal with others, you will maximize your potential.
7 What’s the best part of living in Pinecrest?
It’s the synergy of all the things we have that provide us with the best quality of life in Florida. It is beautiful, well cared for, and close to jobs and recreation. Aside from the natural beauty, and other amenities, our geographic location in South Dade is remarkable. Only 12 miles south of downtown Miami and Miami Beach, you can get there by train if needed. Biscayne Bay is merely minutes away. We can visit two national parks without traveling north of Kendall Drive. The whole place is wonderful.
