One of Miami’s Community Newspapers _______________________________________ Supporting local businesses since 1958
South Miami
_____________________________________ www.communitynewspapers.com ______________________________ DEC. 30, 2008 - JAN. 5, 2009
Candidates for commission seat address city’s voters
JAVIER BAÑOS
SHAWN CREWS
COMPILED BY GARY ALAN RUSE he unexpired term of South Miami City Commissioner Randy Wiscombe, who resigned last month due to health problems, will be filled on January 13 in a special election required by the city’s charter. The five candidates who qualified for that election, in alphabetical order, are Javier Baños, Shawn Crews, Frank Cuzzocrea, Jr., Levy Kelly and Valerie Newman. All five were sent questionnaires to respond to regarding how many years they have lived in South Miami, their educational background, their present job, whether they have served on any city boards or committees or other civic posts, why they’re running and why they feel they would be best for the job of representing South Miami residents. Their answers are provided below:
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JAVIER BAÑOS Baños has lived in South Miami since mid-2007.
FRANK CUZZOCREA, Jr
His educational background: Holds two bachelors degrees from Florida International University – one in Accounting and the other in Political Science. Received a minor in Economics. Holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. Is pursuing an LLM (masters in law) degree in Taxation from the University of Miami. A member of the Florida Bar, and is currently eligible and trying to pass the examination to become a Certified Public Accountant. His present job: Self-employed, managing a small legal tax firm, specializing in tax planning and IRS audits/litigations. Works with another attorney, Ms. Hernandez, who runs the family practice and litigation side of the firm. Also runs and manages two other tax preparation and bookkeeping firms, Professional Services LLC, and Florida Tax Consulting LLC. Service on a City Board or Committee: Current Chairman of the Pension Board of the City of South Miami. Has served on this Board since May of the current year. Served as a Guardian Ad
LEVY KELLY
VALERIE NEWMAN
Litem, defending abused and neglected children in Family Court receiving a commendation from the Florida Supreme Court in 2002 (prior to becoming a lawyer). Participated in VITA, an IRS sponsored program to provide low income individuals with free tax advice and preparation. Member of the Dade County Bar Association, performs free legal work for individuals with tax and bankruptcy problems through their Put Something Back program. Member of the Cuban American Bar Association, where he also provides free legal services for needy individuals. A member of “every Federal District Court of significance in Florida, as well as the 11th Circuit and Federal Court of Appeals.” Member of the United States Tax Court. What are the core principles that guide your decision-making and life? “In life I try to respect others, do not harm, be fair, and attempt to humbly improve through my actions the lives of
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CANDIDATES, page 3
Locally owned Turnberry Bank has great personal service
Pictured are (back row l-r) Turnberry Bank’s Exec. VP, Lending, Dustin Young, Head Teller Jonathan Zambrano and Customer Service Representative Tomas Palacio, Executive VP and General Counsel Joshua Young; (front row l-r) South Miami Branch Office VP and Manager Mari Colina, Operations Manager Luisa Valcarce and Teller Giselle Egues.
BY BAY PROBY xceptional personal service is the foundation for locally owned and operated Turnberry Bank – one of Florida’s strongest financial institutions. “Our goal is to provide each customer with a first-class banking experience,” says Mari Colina, Turnberry Bank’s Vice President and manager of its South Miami branch office at 7312 Red Road. “From the moment you set foot in our bank, you will see and feel the difference. And when you call us for assistance, you’ll be speaking with your own personal banker, not some call center or automated phone system. That’s the way banking used to be, and like our bank motto says, that’s ‘banking the way it should be.’” Founded in 1985, Turnberry Bank is headquartered in Aventura, Florida, with branch offices in South Miami, Aventura, Coral Gables and Pinecrest. Widely recognized as one of the state’s
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BANK, page 3