+ Why are you running for office and what qualities, training, experience and skills do you bring to this position?

I am running for reelection purely out of love for our Town. My wife and I raised our family in Bay Harbor Islands, sent our children to Ruth K Broad K-8, and long ago made a decision to contribute to this community. During my years of service, I have always understood the trust this community has put in me, and made myself available to every resident in the effort to solve any issue that arose. My background as an attorney has helped provide a full understanding of how government works, its limitations and the process to create an open, responsive city management. Further, we are a small town competing with much larger municipalities for federal and state funding. My extensive experience and relationships I’ve built with our state and federal officials ensure Bay Harbor Islands receives significant funding grants that enable the Town to provide a high level of services without the tax burden falling on our citizens. This level of knowledge and experience is essential for our community.

+ What are the 3 most important issues facing your community? For each concern, how do you propose to mitigate/improve/resolve the issue?

Traffic, replacement of the bridge, and increasing community services. The reality is the majority of our traffic issues are caused by recent construction projects in our neighboring cities. The expansion of Bal Harbour Shops (along with placement of additional traffic lights at its parking garage), large new buildings in Surfside and Bal Harbour, as well as construction in Haulover, have all contributed to a significant increase in cars and traffic. Despite what some people may claim, state law prohibits Bay Harbor Islands from restricting or otherwise having any involvement in those projects. That means we need to protect ourselves from the traffic by taking measures within our own city and by reaching out to those neighbors in an effort to work together (when they are willing). We have taken that approach, and recently started the process to study traffic light synchronization on 96th Street from within BHI all the way to Collins Ave. Within our own borders, we have increased enforcement of “don’t block the box” measures, as well as added officers to both guide traffic and lower speeds throughout the Town. These are first steps, not the last. We are also adding a municipal parking garage, enforcing measures to prohibit double parking on Kane Concourse, and working to force construction crews to park their vehicles outside of our town.

The replacement of the bridge will also reduce traffic, as, after listening to citizen input at more than 5 public meetings, it will not be a drawbridge. This means there will no longer be traffic back-ups as the bridge opens twice an hour. The key future issue on the new bridge is funding. I have taken the lead to obtain federal funding for the bridge, as we do not want the cost falling to our citizens. In fact, we have already been awarded the first of the federal funds. This will be a defining project for the Town, and citizen input is essential as we set the final design. The original plan turned Causeway Island into nothing more than a highway. I rejected that plan, and sent it back to the designers with the requirement that the new plan include a large public park and unobstructed water views. I also successfully added an artificial reef to be constructed as part of the bridge project. Design, budget, funding, minimizing construction impact, and timing will all be essential in this project. My extensive knowledge and involvement in this project provide our Town the ability to complete this endeavor in a successful manner.

One of the hallmarks of BHI is our focus on providing events and services to our residents. While we provide much more than a typical town our size, it is still not enough. We need to increase park space, add sports programs for children, and broaden our offerings to seniors while staying within budget. The key is efficiency. Every program must be reviewed to determine if we are getting our money’s worth, or if we can redeploy those funds to provide better services. Our town’s physical size limits our ability to add large sports fields, but we can improve our offerings by better planning and building additional parks. Partnering with neighboring communities must always be an option. While we have tried those measures and been rejected in the past, there is no reason to stop trying. In the meantime, I am proud to have created our 95th street park and the concert series we hold at that venue. That was an example of better utilizing underused space, and should be a model moving forward.

+ Why are you running for office and what qualities, training, experience and skills do you bring to this position?

As a candidate for Town Council, with six years of experience as Chairwoman of Parks & Recreation and 17 years as a resident of Bay Harbor Islands, I am deeply invested in our community's welfare. My candidacy aims to improve transparency, communication, and accountability in local governance, drawing from my diverse background and extensive travel experience.

+ What are the 3 most important issues facing your community? For each concern, how do you propose to mitigate/improve/resolve the issue?

The primary issues facing our community include traffic congestion, responsible spending, and the need for fixed term limits in council meetings to ensure democratic participation.

To alleviate traffic congestion, I propose installing traffic bumpers and collaborating with neighboring cities to enhance transportation infrastructure.

I advocate for transparent allocation of funds, including initiatives like electric underground projects and climate control measures, to safeguard our waterways.

Addressing overdevelopment concerns, I support implementing a moratorium and term limits for local government to prevent undue influence. Public safety is paramount, with proposals for responsible leash control and designated dog parks to enhance community safety.

As a candidate for Town Council, I am committed to supporting both our senior citizens and our children. Prioritizing recreational opportunities for all residents, including establishing a kayak station for waterway use, and maximizing grants for parks and recreation will be my focus. Similarly, I aim to create safe, enriching environments for our children by advocating for resources and programs that nurture their growth and well-being.

In summary, my platform emphasizes transparency, responsible spending, and public safety, with a focus on collaborative solutions to address our community's needs. I am dedicated to fostering open communication and working with stakeholders for a prosperous future for Bay Harbor Islands.

+ Why are you running for office and what qualities, training, experience and skills do you bring to this position?

I’m running for the Bay Harbor Islands Town Council because this community is not just a temporary stop for my family; it’s our permanent home for the foreseeable future. My goal is to ensure that Bay Harbor Islands remains a wonderful, safe, and enjoyable place to live for generations to come. However, our town is undergoing significant changes. There’s a rapid increase in new developments and a surge in new residents, leading to a higher urban living density. Already, we’re seeing the effects: more traffic and increased construction activity. While these changes are not inherently negative, we must ensure that our town’s infrastructure, amenities, and maintenance keep pace with this growth.

In my professional life, I serve as the Global Head of Strategy for an international marketing firm. In this role, I collaborate with large Blue-Chip companies to tackle their most pressing market challenges, developing actionable strategies and plans to address these issues. Beyond devising solutions, I oversee project management to ensure successful implementation and measurable results. This work demands strong consensus-building skills, effective communication, meticulous cross-functional project management, and budgetary oversight.

I believe I can apply the expertise I’ve gained in my profession to the Town Council. My communication skills will help keep the community fully informed on town matters. Additionally, I intend to champion consensus-building and collaborative leadership to achieve the best outcomes for our town.

+ What are the 3 most important issues facing your community? For each concern, how do you propose to mitigate/improve/resolve the issue?

Urban Density & Congestion:

Bay Harbor Islands is not the only area experiencing urban density growth; our immediate surroundings, including Bal Harbour and North Miami, are also expanding. Consequently, our traffic situation has become a significant concern, with local commutes plagued by gridlock congestion. With the impending bridge project and potential new developments in Bal Harbour, we risk facing overwhelming congestion if proactive measures are not taken.

To address this issue, I propose several actionable steps. Firstly, I advocate for the implementation or enhancement of traffic light synchronization across our local communities, in collaboration with Miami-Dade County and the Florida Department of Transportation. While this may not eliminate congestion, it will certainly alleviate it to some extent.

Moreover, the Broad Causeway Bridge serves as a vital route to the beach communities, but much of the traffic passing through does not involve Bay Harbor Island residents. I suggest exploring options such as introducing a variable toll rate for the bridge, where tolls adjust based on congestion levels. During lighter traffic periods, the toll would be lower, whereas during heavy congestion, it would increase. Additionally, I propose implementing a fixed resident rate to shield our residents from price hikes. Furthermore, as the number of drivers on our roads continues to rise, it’s crucial to prioritize regular repaving and resurfacing of our streets. While some parts of the town’s roads have already undergone repaving, this needs to be an ongoing initiative to maintain the safety and condition of our infrastructure. Each year, specific areas of our town should be identified for rejuvenation, with plans made accordingly to minimize disruption.

Public Safety:

Ensuring public safety should be the foremost responsibility of any governing body, and while I consider Bay Harbor Islands to be a safe community, there are specific areas that require attention. Firstly, I advocate for adequate resourcing and budget allocation to our Police Department to ensure our officers receive competitive pay, thus retaining the talented individuals we currently have. As our town’s population and density grows, it’s essential to account for additional officers to maintain a low crime rate, curb petty crimes, and address traffic and speeding concerns. For instance, in October 2023, criminals were caught on video attempting to steal a vehicle. If elected to the Town Council, I would prioritize providing the Police Department with the necessary resources to expand and retain its workforce. This applies equally to our Town’s Marine Patrol, which requires additional resources to ensure the safety and proper patrolling of our surrounding waterways and waterfront areas.

I also propose implementing additional measures to mitigate speeding on key roads, such as East and West Bay Harbor Drive. I support the installation of paved speed humps and strategically placed roundabout traffic circles to deter speeding within the town.

Lastly, the maintenance and upkeep of our town’s three bridges are crucial. While the main Broad Causeway Bridge holds heightened importance, we must also address significant structural issues with the Indian Creek Bridge, which exhibits concerning levels of concrete spalling on the main slab. I know efforts are underway, but as a member of the Town Council, I would help prioritize oversight and accountability for these projects to ensure they are addressed attentively, expeditiously, and safely.

Community Services & Amenities:

As a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, I recognize the crucial role community services play in providing programs, activities, and safe spaces for our town’s residents. However, I believe there is room for improvement in what our town offers in this regard. Our neighboring communities have made substantial investments in new park facilities and programs. Moreover, I’ve heard directly from constituents who express disappointment in their inability to access these facilities for their own families. To address these concerns, I propose investing more funds into park facilities and programs within Bay Harbor Islands.

As a member of the Town Council, I would advocate for adequate budget allocations to enhance our community services and amenities. Additionally, I suggest exploring opportunities for new park spaces, such as incorporating a rooftop park into the new municipal parking structure that will soon be under construction. These shared open and green spaces are vital components of our community, particularly as our population density increases. I am dedicated to advocating for the inclusion of communal areas and amenities in both the town’s budget and in actual implementation. 

+ Why are you running for office and what qualities, training, experience and skills do you bring to this position?

I am running for the town council because I love our Bay Harbor Islands as I know you all do and plan to work hard to keep it that way.

My wife Malka and I have chosen to raise our young family here. I am a community leader and a successful small businessman who cares about making our town better.

I have worked and volunteered for many years with NGO's with social missions around the world and been involved in government and public policy at various levels.

With your support, I hope to bring new energy and a fresh perspective to our town council.

+ What are the 3 most important issues facing your community? For each concern, how do you propose to mitigate/improve/resolve the issue?

Exponential growth has brought its challenges, and traffic is clearly one of the most critical issues facing our area.

Some of my suggestions include coordinating with local municipalities to conduct a thorough traffic study as well as synchronize our traffic lights.

Implementing 'Don't Block the Box' intersections with a $200 fine would ease the flow of traffic without frustrating drivers.

Weight restrictions on the Broad Causeway bridge would open the current closed lane and remove heavier vehicles during high traffic periods.

Bay Harbor Islands is a great place to raise a family, and more amenities are a must for our community.

One of my hopes is to re-introduce a Police Athletic League that would include mentoring, SAT prep, and officer supervision for a host of activities.

Expanded access to our existing facilities and creating new extracurricular opportunities for all ages.

Keeping our streets safe is also a top priority and giving our police department the tools they need is imperative.

Listening to the needs of our department, a K-9 unit would help with search and rescue and motorcycles for traffic units.

While our exponential growth has brought immense challenges, I believe that our best days are yet ahead of us, by working together for the greater good of our community and future. I want the community to know that I will have an open door policy. The input of the community is vital as I see the residents as my partners.

I want to thank the League of Women Voters for this opportunity and ask for your vote on Tuesday April 2nd.

Vote #93 “Ezzy" Eric Rappaport so that we can work together to make Bay Harbor Islands a better place to live, work and play.