Meet the candidates for Cutler Bay mayor, council. Here’s what they have to say

Voter Guide admin September 22, 2026 0 Comments

Meet the candidates for Cutler Bay mayor, council. Here’s what they have to say

Cutler Bay residents will elect a mayor and two council members on Tuesday, Nov. 3. We asked the nine candidates where they stood on key issues facing the town. Here is how they responded:

CUTLER BAY MAYOR

Why are you running for office?

Ricardo De Melo Gomes: Cutler Bay needs leadership that plans ahead, maintains what we own and protects our neighborhoods. I am running because I have lived the same flooding, traffic and rising costs as my neighbors. I am not a career politician. I am a builder, father and resident who believes public service should produce measurable results.

Robert “B.J.” Duncan: Because this is home. My parents live here, I live here, my kids are growing up here — three generations in one town. Every vote I take is on the place that raised me and the one my children inherit. This town doesn’t belong to whoever shows up loudest. I’m running so Cutler Bay works for everyone: every age, every background, every street.

Suzy Lord: As a 47-year resident of Cutler Bay, my roots here run deep. I was raised in this community, and I raised my sons here. Moving forward, my priority is to ensure the community vision we established together in our charrette over 20 years ago is fully protected, cared for and respected, while adapting to changing times.

Clint Rodriguez: Awaiting response

What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?

Ricardo De Melo Gomes: Practical construction experience and independent judgment, not campaign promises. As a Florida Certified Building Contractor trained in architecture and community development in Europe, I evaluate projects the way a builder does: cost, drainage and who pays for maintenance years later. Residents deserve a mayor who answers to them, not insiders.

Robert “B.J.” Duncan: Because I’ve already done the job. Twelve years of service, eight elected, all before 40. I didn’t spend them giving speeches or taking pictures — I wrote laws: the Town Center District ordinance protecting our aquifer, and the one governing how U.S.-1 grows. Anyone can complain about U.S.-1. I’m the only one who’s already passed something to fix it.

Suzy Lord: My record of leadership, experience and drive. I work closely with the elected officials that represent Cutler Bay. I work to protect greenspace and wetlands in Cutler Bay. I prioritize development that elevates our community without overwhelming it. I have been awarded: 2024 Woman of Impact Award and 2025 Outstanding Woman of South Florida Award.

Clint Rodriguez: Awaiting response

What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?

Ricardo De Melo Gomes: Traffic and flooding are Cutler Bay’s most pressing challenges, and both are worsened by growth outpacing our infrastructure. Traffic burdens residents daily, and heavy rain keeps exposing the same stormwater weaknesses. Known flooding areas need funded projects on real schedules, not promises for someday.

Robert “B.J.” Duncan: Cost and affordability. The families who built this town are being priced out of it. The answer isn’t to stop building, it’s to build right: homes people can actually afford, businesses that bring jobs close to home, and rules that protect our drainage, our trees and our aquifer. Developers should have to meet our standards, not write them.

Suzy Lord: Bringing jobs to Cutler Bay, the economic stability of the town, and the town’s safety and well-being.

Clint Rodriguez: Awaiting response

CUTLER BAY COUNCIL SEAT 1

Why are you running for office?

Ricky Fernandez: Awaiting response

James Richie Hawkins: Awaiting response

Mary Ann Mixon: Awaiting response

What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?

Ricky Fernandez: Awaiting response

James Richie Hawkins: Awaiting response

Mary Ann Mixon: Awaiting response

What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?

Ricky Fernandez: Awaiting response

James Richie Hawkins: Awaiting response

Mary Ann Mixon: Awaiting response

CUTLER BAY COUNCIL SEAT 3

Why are you running for office?

Rene Gomez: Awaiting response

Richard Ramirez: My heart is in Cutler Bay, not only as a councilmember, but also as a firefighter and time spent serving my community. Plus, I show up to many events to represent this town.

What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?

Rene Gomez: Awaiting response

Richard Ramirez: Experience. Logical thinking on what makes the best sense for the residents of Cutler Bay. If I am reelected, I will have the most political experience on the council of anyone who will be seated.

What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?

Rene Gomez: Awaiting response

Richard Ramirez: Responsible growth plus making sure that the money is spent properly. Traffic is an issue which we deal with the county “experts.”