Javier Gonzalez; running for Village Council
We have asked the Village Council nominees to send us a little something about themselves and their vision and their reason for wanting to be elected to the Village Council. Here is the next in the series, Javier Gonzalez:I grew up on Secoffee St. in North Grove, and did the public school thing attending Silver Bluff/Carver/Ponce and Gables. For the past 17 years I have resided in South Grove with my wife of 25 years.
Most know me as a “casual, relaxed and stress free” local Realtor, others know my “feet”, some know me from my blog and some of you might have eaten my pastries…….
But what most don’t know about me is my extensive business background. Over the last 30+ years I have worked, managed and interacted with a diverse group of folks. My pragmatic methods are best reflected in my current volunteer position as President of the Royal Atlantic Condo Association. During my three years of service I have been able to maintain the same low Maintenance fees (one of the lowest in SoBe), lowered our operating cost/expenditures and stockpiled reserves to prepare for any unforeseen shortfalls.
In this past year alone during a Recession we have added over 70k of capital improvements for the membership without affecting our one million dollar budget. While these things alone do not qualify me as a candidate, it does allow me to bring a unique perspective on issues and concerns that pertain to our Village.
So, why am I running for council?
I have wanted to give back to the community and over the years have given it a great deal of thought…I feel now is the right time for me to pay it forward by supporting our Village which has been and continues to be my home and an integral part of my life.
As I mentioned before, we are privileged to live in a great place but we’re perceived by the general public as a bunch of spoiled brats. We need to change this perception, and that’s what I want to bring to the table.
I sell the Grove everyday as a real estate agent from our waterfront lifestyle, to our natural beauty, to our unique individualism…now let me do it as a Council member.
I look forward to answering any of your questions, and feel free to contact me to discuss issues and concerns. Website is here: www.vote4jav.com.
Other candidate bios published were: Stephen Murray, Renita Samuels-Dixon, Will Furry and Heather Bettner.
posted by Tom Falco at 11:30 AM
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32 Comments:
"we are privileged to live in a great place but we’re perceived by the general public as a bunch of spoiled brats. We need to change this perception, and that’s what I want to bring to the table."
That's probably true, could you expand on this "perception"? Do you mean that the people from the City of Miami disregard the Grove's specific issues because of such a misguided characterization? How do you know this is the case? Can we prove it, and what can our "representatives", Mr Sarnoff, for instance actually do to change this "perception" and get more results for us?
Also, if you get a chance there's a list of issues that could be addressed in detail, posted in Stephen Murray's profile below.
Thanks, Carlos Iglesia
Carlos - where is the list of questions posted? I don't see it on my profile but would be happy to answer them. Thanks,
Stephen
How can you be cond prez in Sobe unless you live in Sobe. Are you a resident of Coconut Grove or Sobe?
Stephen, my mistake, some of the questions were posted on Monday Oct 19, "Village of Center Grove":
"Where do you stand on the following issues, what specific, hands-on, practical courses of action would you propose:
- Waterfront (Or lack thereof)
- Sidewalks ('''''''''''''')
- Bike Paths (ditto)
- Parking fees and excessive ticketing
- 3am vs 5am closings
- Glasshouse's future
- Theater
- Parks, invasive species and dog field mines.
- The Grove's misrepresentation at City Hall, lack of results vis-a-vis the City of Miami.
Etc. a dozen specific items which could be addressed in writing, with concrete, viable ideas or solutions.
Carlos.
Guys, with all due respect, this is Javier's post, not Stephen's.
Please do this via email or under Stephen's post.
The only reason I brought it up here is because he mentioned my post. I will answer those questions there at some point today. Thanks Carlos.
Oh and it was nice finally meeting you yesterday Javier, best of luck to you.
Javier, you mentionned yesterday at the meeting that you are an avid runner/cyclist, Kate Callahan is also a Triathlete, if memory serves. The first question from the audience was regarding the lack of Bike Paths and adecuate sidewalks, say, from the circle (Cartagena Plaza) to Key Biscayne, through Main Hwy, S.Bayshore..
I've been contacting the City Officials directly, from the Mayor, through Mr. Sarnoffs office, or Mr. Colin Worth regarding these issues for over a year now. I would be glad to send you their unsatisfactory and vague responses thus far. What specific solutions would you propose? Thanks, Carlos.
Thanks for all the responses.
First I live in the Grove, have for a long time.
I also own a Condo on SoBe, hence the prez thing.
To Carlos, email the details that you have about the bike paths to
javiergonzalezpa@bellsouth.net
also the list of questions and I'll respond to them directly.
As to perception, I work with individuals from all over the city daily and when you mention the Grove this is what I hear.
We need to put a positive spin on our concerns; so when presented, we can have give our representatives "cover" to sell our proposals and needs.
Stephen feel free to use the post and it was also a pleasure to meet yesterday, good luck.
Larry David
I read your blog a few days ago. I can see you are against letting the grove stay open till 5am. Not going to get my vote unless you change your mind.
Center Grove resident
Spoiled brats? We're not perfect, but I've never heard that one before.
Sorry Larry, see no reason to open until 5am; but I'll tell ya what, give me some pro's as to why and I'll consider.
As a center grove resident I have know idea why it was changed in the first place! I bought a home here because it was a vibrant place. I am here because I like to walk to do my shopping and eating out. It now seems like a dying area now. It just seems unfair to restrict business in such bad economic
times. And I have walked home from the bars at 5am!!! But thank you for actually stating your position. Rare for a candidate.
Larry David
Javier, there are several posts right here with dozens of reasons why the 3am closing don't make any sense. You'l find all the pro's and cons right there.
I'm e-mailing you now some of the responses I've received from City officials about cycling/running, Bike Lanes, they are available for all candidates or incumbents at the Village Council.
Carlos
Carlos,
Got them and will review.
I'll reach out to a couple of guys with downtown and see if we can get something done.
Larry,
I agree about and believe in a vibrant center, but just feel that we should look at all options....just not 5am closings.
and yes I did the same years ago.
We had the "key test" if you could not get the key in the car door, leave it parked and walk home.
Javier, please see the comments on the subject in the previous grapevine posts on the 5 am topic.
I just dont' understand why having Flanny's open till 5 doesn't cause the downfall of mankind, but allowing two places actually in the grove to do the same will.
The first precept of good economic policy is to never restrict unless necessary for a specific and valued interest. - there isn't one here.
TG,
I looked at the post but by making the change you could open a policy that can make 2 places become 10.
I just feel there are better ways to position our Village that will not require/need a time change.
Let's keep the conversation going.
For now I still feel that if "she has not drunk you rich or pretty by 2am" go home.
I won't vote for any Village Council candidates who are for the 3am Draconian closings. Hopefully all of them will make their positions as clear as Javier has real soon.
I don’t think a good reason to restrict businesses is because you don't find it "necessary" to allow them to be open. I commented earlier on how I don't think it will be the only thing needed to help the Grove, but I absolutely think it will help. I am not someone who drinks until 5am but from a business standpoint if other places are offering a service and you're not you're going to lose out. Sorry, I know this isn't technically what this post is about.
Anonymous, Chelsee,
I just feel that there are better ways to promote our village and 5am is not the cure.
I understand the disadvantage that we give by not being able to "compete" against other hoods for a clientele, I just prefer a different approach.
What else could we do to promote our downtown?
I love the 33133 promo yet most folks don't even know about it.
Thoughts?
Our restaurants need to be competitve to other entertainment districts...bring back 5am closings!
Please everyone, the 5 am closing is not the only answer to the "dead" problem. There is so much negative talk about this; the Grove needs to address so many important issues. We have to address parking, the Grove Playhouse, codes, marketing, and for heavens sake, clean the place up. Vibrancy is all day and night. Period. It's a beautiful place filled with great potential. The negative comments about the Grove being crap without a 5 am closing time is starting to wear thin. Promote it without the "or else".
Thank you Beth and Javier. We need to look at all the issues. 5 am is not the magic bullet. I'm not opposed to it or sold on it. I really don't care. But, 5 am won't work if the place isn't pulled together in the other areas.
I think that we need more shops/entertainment after dinner is over. We need to clean the Grove up for sure. I walked through Peacock Park the other day and it's pretty disgusting. I know 5am isn't the only thing we need (not sure if you were referring to me or not) but there's no reason to restrict businesses if they want to do it. The 33133 promo is good for those who live/work in the Grove but it doesn't bring people in. I do like it though and it keeps me here for dinner.
Beth, Babs,
Thanks for the input.
I think you both hit the issue right on when you say that "vibrancy is all day and night" and pulling in other areas.
Everything is about how you are perceived in this town and we just do not have good spin going.
What defines us?
That's the issue, and then once identified, we can market it.
I just don't want to be associated as a "drinking town", we are more than that.....we are better than that.
Heather,
5am might solve 2 or 3 folk’s problem but not the majority maybe they should look internally.
"I just feel that there are better ways to promote our village and 5am is not the cure."
No one says the 5am closings are a "cure" for this recession. Every business owner will tell you that having the FREEDOM to close later on does help. Unless we just woke up in Cuba or North Korea, and Papa Sarnoff must tell us when to go to bed every night. Any Puritan, retrograde issues? 2 words: Law Enforcement.
Carlos.
Javier: I sent you recent responses by City officials regarding other Grove issues, Peacock-Kennedy Parks. The info is open for all, Village Council candidates or incumbents.
Carlos
Carlos,
Got the emails and you should have my response, you game to meet?
Not trying to sound like Fidel, just have not heard enough evidence for what a 5am closing will do?
I'm pro live and let live but give me more than "it will help".
Chelsee, good stuff.
Javier, I run through the Grove most mornings 7-9am. Would gladly meet you or any other "Village people" then, or at night. You got my cell#. About the 5am closings, there is an over-abundance of 'evidence' about what they do and what they don't right here on the Grapevine, past 3 weeks. Or we can just talk to Center Grove Business owners. Dozens of views, facts and specific opinions are available already for anyone to form an educated opinion.
Carlos
Beth and Babs and Javier - I have yet to hear one single good reason not to allow the 5am closings. All you naysayers say is nay. You say it won't solve the problem - give a reason as to why. Support your position.
What negative will it cause? Don't go all crazy and claim crackheads will burn the city down and flood it with vomit like a certain center grovite wrote a few weeks ago, but instead give any real con.
I have yet to hear one.
TG,
meeting with Carlos next week to discuss this issue, want to join?
I could be into that. I think the best way for you to find out what that change would do is to go to business owners and ask them what there sales were before the change, and what they've been since.
math makes things easier, and it's hard to argue against.
I also think the fact that we've lost more bars and restaurants since that change is a demonstration of its negative effect. Sure, other variables too, but we don't have the power to change those variables by just deciding to do so.
If I had an off button for economic down-turns I'd have worn it out by now.
TG,
Alright game on.
I will let you know when we are meeting, as of now we have Tuesday morning.
Anyone else want to join?
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