The City of Coral Gables has always been a very special place for me. I met my wife fifty years ago while we were attending the University of Miami. We were married at the historic and beautiful Church of the Little Flower. Our three children were raised in our wonderful city and they grew up in and around the War Memorial Youth Center, only a couple of blocks from our home of 35 years. Our many friends, neighbors and family are part of the fabric of this great community.

Although I have contributed more than 40 years of community service to our city, it is but a drop in the bucket compared to what we have received in return.

Over the past decade, unwelcomed change has been chipping away at our great city. Seemingly, the city has been up FOR SALE. This has happened in other places, but I never thought it could happen here. Special interests have been given the keys to the city.

You see it in the unbridled and incompatible development, the choking traffic and the lack of resources to be able to fulfill our residents’ immediate needs.

Some neighborhoods have become unrecognizable as part of Coral Gables. Awful decisions by some politicians have brought us to the brink of losing what has made this place special for one hundred years.

I cannot continue to watch while our city disintegrates right before our eyes.

Therefore, after a lifetime of serving the community that we love so dearly, I have chosen to seek elected office to correct the assault on our residents through poor leadership. I will be running against Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, who is responsible for many of the incompatible developments, misdirected priorities, negative impact on existing neighborhoods, and a lack of action in addressing residents’ concerns.

With your help, as a commissioner, I will be:

• Restoring Respect
• Preserving City Assets
• Protecting Neighborhoods
• Acting On Resident Concerns

Sincerely,

Felix Pardo