WMG Volume 7 • Issue 19 October 1, 2020
Wilton Manors Gazette FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE
ELECTION
Wilton Manors Candidates Share Future Plans With Residents in Zoom Forum By Sallie James It was a candidates’ night like no other, with mayoral and commission hopefuls weighing in via Zoom from the comfort of their homes as they answered questions about their plans for the city’s future. Thanks to COVID-19, voters with an interest in how candidates for Wilton Manors mayor and city commission had to log into a Zoom meeting earlier this month to find out how the competitors measured up. As many as 145 people in addition to the nine candidates joined the event, which took the place of traditional doorknocking and face-to-face fundraisers. Organizers said the participation level was almost the same as in person. “A lot of residents have expressed deep appreciation for doing the Zoom meeting. A lot of the people know nothing or very little about the candidates running,” said Jon O’Connor, vice president of the Westside Association of Wilton Manors. “We always do it for every election and we normally do it so residents can make an informed decision on candidates because they may not meet them.” Meeting candidates in the best of times is often hard for the general public. The pandemic has made it even trickier.
Three candidates are running for mayor: Julie Carson, an incumbent city commissioner; Scott Newton, a former longtime mayor and city commissioner who lost his bid for re-election in 2018; and political newcomer Josie SmithMalave, a chef and owner of Bubbles & Pearls restaurant in Wilton Manors. In addition, six people are vying for two open commission seats: Chris Caputo, board chair for the Pride Center at Equality Park; Mike Bracchi, who manages a pharmacy consulting business; Doug Blevins, vice-chair of the Wilton Manors Improvement District; Joseph Sansone, a licensed realtor; Jason Basilico, owner of Matty’s at Wilton Park; and Juan Melecio, who has managed a barbershop and has acted in porn films. The candidates all logged into Zoom and answered questions from three neighborhood association leaders during the event. Former Wilton Manors Mayor John Fiore, president of the East Neighborhood Association, explained that Zoom was the only way they could give residents a chance to “meet the candidates.” “All in all it worked out well. There were some technical glitches,” Fiore said, noting that the sound cut out a few times
AS MANY AS 145 PEOPLE IN ADDITION TO THE NINE CANDIDATES JOINED THE EVENT.
The three candidates running for mayor were among those who attended, including Julie Carson (left), Scott Newton (center) and Josie Smith-Malave. Photos via Facebook.
when Sansone and Melecio tried to speak. Those listening in couldn’t ask questions; one of the down sides, Fiore said. “We had to do it ourselves, which made it different. The people I talked to thought it went well,” Fiore said. Candidates answered questions on everything from development and density to taxes, vacation rentals and whether or not a hotel should be built in downtown Wilton Manors. HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS: Newton, who is straight, said he would bring balance and experience to the city.
Everyone on the current Wilton Manors Commission is gay. He portrayed himself as a defender of the city’s neighborhoods in the face of development and voiced disapproval for vacation rentals, which are sometimes disruptive and noisy. “We need to hammer on those people who just don’t care about our communities,” Newson said. When it comes to development, Carson said elected officials must be mindful not to “deteriorate” the quality of life in the city. She said she invites conversation and open dialogue to find out what residents want. Asked if she would approve an eight-story building, she said it would depend on where it would be located.
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