Meet the candidates for Key Biscayne council. Here’s what they have to say

Key Biscayne residents will elect three council members on Tuesday, Nov. 3. We asked the five candidates where they stood on key issues facing the village. Here is how they responded:

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KEY BISCAYNE COUNCILMEMBER

Why are you running for office?

Claire Amerena London: Awaiting response.

Luis F. “Lucho” de la Cruz: Because I care for my community and believe I can help it at its present crossroads. A lot needs to be done and very little has been accomplished during the past eight years.

Oscar Sardinas: Awaiting response.

Silvia Tarafa: The time is right because I remain deeply dedicated to Key Biscayne and want to continue serving the community I love.

Fernando Vazquez: Awaiting response.

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

Claire Amerena London: Awaiting response.

Luis F. “Lucho” de la Cruz: I have lived in Key Biscayne for more than 50 years and been very involved with the village for many years. In particular, I am very knowledgeable of resiliency and sustainability issues and how to treat them.

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Oscar Sardinas: Awaiting response.

Silvia Tarafa: As a public school educator and administrator for more than 37 years, I have dealt with many challenging issues. Although serving on the village council would be a new responsibility, the skills required — research, preparation, listening, collaboration, sound judgment and accountability — are skills I have developed throughout my career.

Fernando Vazquez: Awaiting response.

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

Claire Amerena London: Awaiting response.

Luis F. “Lucho” de la Cruz: Our most pressing issue is the present state of the Rickenbacker Causeway and in particular, the Bear Cut Bridge. We have to work closely with Miami-Dade and city of Miami to reconfigure the Virginia Key portion of the causeway and replace the Bear Cut Bridge, which presents an existential issue in its present condition. There is much more.

Oscar Sardinas: Awaiting response.

Silvia Tarafa: Key Biscayne is facing important challenges that require thoughtful planning, responsible leadership and strong community engagement. My priorities would include rethinking and improving flood control projects, underground the utility lines, addressing local traffic concerns, and carefully reviewing bridge-related projects.

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Fernando Vazquez: Awaiting response.