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Sentinel Endorses Candidate For City Council District 2
Mayoral Candidates Come With Lots Of Experience
In the upcoming City of Tampa Municipal Election, there are three people who qualified for City Council District 2. The Sentinel Board in- terviewed two of the candidates.
Charlie Miranda is the in- cumbent in the Seat. He has served
on the board in several capacities, including as the Chairman. Mi- randa brings his vast experience and knowledge of the inner workings of city government to the table.
Miranda has name recognition and has served the community well.
Candidates for Mayor for the City of Tampa, come with a wealth of experience, either in business or city government. The Sentinel Edi- torial Board interviewed 6 candi- dates. If neither of the candidates gets 50% of the vote, a runoff will be forthcoming.
The voters are very familiar with candidate Jane Castor, who served the city for 31 years in law en- forcement, including Chief of Police. As the Mayor of Tampa, she’d like to focus on affordable housing and making sure East Tampa is con- nected in the transportation moves.
When it comes to staff appoint- ments, she’d promote from within.
Harry Cohen currently serves on City Council. He is concerned about the rising number of bicycle and motorcycle fatalities, as well as transportation and commuting.
Former judge, Dick Greco, Jr., grew up in city government; his father, Dick Greco, Sr., being for- mer Mayor of the City of Tampa. His plan to connect neighborhoods would be welcomed in the city.
Former banker, David Straz says his motto is “faith, prayer and giving.” His main focus would be quality of life for the citizens in the City of Tampa, by organizing the top 6 departments and having an audit done. In his campaign, he has prom- ised to get rid of the red light cam- eras, increase minimum wage to $15
JOE ROBINSON
CHARLIE MIRANDA
A well-liked and solid candidate. Whoever wins the election will represent all of the residents in the
City of Tampa in this At-Large seat. J0e Robinson is an estab- lished businessman and community activist. Robinson is knowledge- able not only about the community in general because of his activism. He has established himself as a per-
son who gets things done. Robinson has participated in
the Women and Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE) Program and has fought to ensure that the pro- gram is inclusive of women and mi- norities.
We feel that although Miranda has years of experience and knows how the Board works, Robinson will bring a new energy to the Board that will benefit everyone. With much debate, Robinson edged out Miranda from the Editorial Board votes. The Board endorses Joe Robinson for this position.
DAVID STRAZ
an hour, and restore the cuts made to public transportation.
Mike Suarez, a current City Councilman, is very knowledgeable of the City government process. As the new mayor he would observe all departments as he prepares to reor- ganize.
Candidate Ed Turanchik sup- ports affordable housing for all in- come levels, with the help of a housing trust fund. Stating that he is a visionary mayor, he says he would like to add a senior executive posi- tion to bring diversity and inclusion to the City.
After much discussion, the Board recommends David Straz as the next Mayor for the City of Tampa. He received the most votes.
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2019