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Latest updates from the campaign:
Grant Miller Speaks with Brook De Melo Gomes, Candidate for Town of Cutler Bay Council Seat 2
Flyer for the 4th Annual Educational Summit, Planned for October 17th at 6:45 PM
Meet Brook De Melo Gomes: Your Candidate for Cutler Bay Council Seat 2
Dear Cutler Bay Residents,
My name is Brook De Melo Gomes, and I’m running for Council Seat 2 in the upcoming General Election on November 5th. I’m pleased to introduce myself, share my vision for the Town of Cutler Bay, and encourage you to get involved in this important election.
Fiscal Responsibility
It concerns me that the Town Council failed to act earlier to limit the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increases. Over the past two years, COLA has significantly inflated salaries, including a 10.15% adjustment for the 23-24 budget and a 7.72% adjustment for 24-25. Using publicly available data, I’ve created a visual breakdown of the impact these increases have had on Town Manager’s salary as an example.
I’m committed to revisiting Resolution 17-30 and proposing a variable cap on COLA rates, ensuring higher wage earners receive smaller increases, making adjustments fairer while safeguarding tax payer’s dollars and the town’s financial health. You can fact-check all of this on the "Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility" section of my website, where I’ve posted links to public records and budget worksheets.
Strengthening Community Engagement
As your representative, I’ll work to increase transparency and community input in decision-making. For example, in March 2022, a General Obligation Bond of up to $37 million passed with only 19.68% voter turnout (3,720 votes in favor, 1,930 against). As a result, property taxes are expected to increase by approximately $89 per year over 30 years to support the project. While the result adhered to town rules, I believe major financial decisions should require broader community participation. I will advocate for aligning such votes with higher-turnout elections or requiring a minimum percentage of eligible voters to participate, ensuring broader representation.
Enhancing Town Services and Processes
I want to address the transparency of town hiring practices. Two and a half years ago, a job was posted with a low salary range, and only one qualified candidate applied. Instead of re-advertising at a more competitive salary rate, the town manager hired that candidate at 40% above the posted maximum salary, despite their previous record. I will introduce a resolution to establish clearer guidelines for advertising town jobs and to give preference to qualified candidates from Cutler Bay to build a stronger community from within.I’m eager to represent our town with fresh ideas and a commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community involvement. Please visit my website, brookdemelogomes.com, to learn more about my platform and vision for Cutler Bay. Your voice matters, and I am committed to representing your concerns. My goal is to foster open communication, encourage community input, and work together to make meaningful improvements that will strengthen our town. I would be honored to earn your vote on November 5th.
I encourage you to get involved and vote in this important election. The deadline to register to vote is October 7th and the request for mail-in-ballot is quickly approaching, so don't delay! See my website for links to voter information including a sample ballot and the two referendums proposing changes to Section 3.11 of the Town Charter.
Your support means everything! Please consider sharing this message with your friends, neighbors, and family in Cutler Bay to help spread the word about my campaign. Together, we can build a stronger community from the ground up.
Sincerely,
Brook De Melo Gomes
Candidate for Council Seat 2 in the Town of Cutler Bay
Read where Cutler Bay council candidates stand before election | Miami Herald
How I would enhance accountability, transparency, and ensure greater community input
Recently, I was asked how I would enhance accountability, transparency, and ensure greater community input in our town's decision-making. Below, I’ve highlighted three key observations along with the specific actions I plan to take to address these issues.
Open Mic Night on Monday, August 26th at 6 PM at Cutler Bay Town Hall
Come out and share your concerns and feedback with Town Manager Rafael Casals at Open Mic Night.
Town Council Budget Workshops and Budget Hearing for 2024-25 Budget
Property Taxes will be rising in Cutler Bay if proposed millage rate of 3.0006 is adopted. Learn more about the 2024-25 Fiscal Budget and how to voice your your opposition to the rise.