Meet the candidates for North Miami Beach commission. Here’s what they have to say

North Miami Beach residents will elect three city commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 3. We asked the nine candidates where they stood on key issues facing the city. Here is how they responded:

NORTH MIAMI BEACH SEAT 2

Why are you running for office?

Jay R. Chernoff: North Miami Beach is the only home I have ever known. For more than 23 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving this community. I’m running to continue protecting our neighborhoods, managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, improving city services, and providing the experienced, steady leadership our residents deserve.

Whitney Padote: I grew up in NMB, now turning 100, and bring fresh perspective, leadership and vision. As a capital project manager who’s built three parks, former chair of the Public Utilities Commission and Redevelopment Advisory Board member, I understand our infrastructure and water plant challenges firsthand. Time for a results-driven commissioner, not more status quo.

Jasmine Rivera: In my pursuit of public office, I’m committed to bringing a fresh perspective to North Miami Beach. Residents deserve a candidate that prioritizes their quality of life, manages public resources and facilitates transparent communication. My vision is to cultivate where residents are not merely informed post-decision-making but actively participating.

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

Jay R. Chernoff: I bring 23+ years of service, experience and proven leadership. At different times, when our city needed experienced leadership, I stepped in as acting mayor and acting vice mayor to provide stability. I know this community, listen to our residents and have the experience to keep North Miami Beach moving forward.

Whitney Padote: I’m the best candidate for NMB Commissioner Seat 2. NMB raised me, and I became a civil engineer who’s built projects and parks and chaired public boards. Leadership Miami taught me to work with all communities. I grew up here in a hard-working family, so I know what the residents need: better city services, safe and clean neighborhoods.

Jasmine Rivera: The genuine understanding of how City Hall works behind the scenes. I am prepared to ask difficult questions, study the issues and collaborate when collaboration serves residents. I am not running to preserve the status quo. I am running to make government work better for the people it serves.

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

Jay R. Chernoff: Financial stability is one of our most pressing issues. Faced with an approximately $12 million budget shortfall, we had to restructure and make tough decisions. With 23+ years of service, I know experience matters when protecting taxpayer dollars while maintaining public safety and the essential services our residents depend on.

Whitney Padote: City Hall turmoil and rising utility costs (garbage and water) are pricing out longtime families, seniors and working people from the city that raised them. With my background building infrastructure & managing public resources, I’ll restore stability and trust at City Hall. Day 1 priority: a safe, clean NMB with better services for residents of all ages.

Jasmine Rivera: Strengthening connection with residents through timely updates, plain language summaries of major decisions and earlier community input. Residents should know what is happening, why it matters and how their feedback can shape the outcome. My vision is simple: Our City. Our Vision. Our Future.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH SEAT 4

Why are you running for office?

Eunice Flowers: I’m running to help build the North Miami Beach I needed at every stage of my life. A city where young people find opportunity, families have the resources to thrive, entrepreneurs can grow and residents can build meaningful lives. I want our city to be a place where opportunity exists at every stage of life.

Linda Joseph Noel: My agenda is to make every generation feel valued. I will create civic, educational and sports opportunities for young adults and pursue grants for a comprehensive senior center supporting physical health, mental wellness, social connection and protection from scams. I will finally open the long-overdue Washington Park community center.

Dayanara Torres: I am running for office because I believe the community deserves leadership that is present, accessible, transparent and rooted in the people it serves. I have lived the journey of North Miami Beach not simply as a resident, but as a mother who raised her family here, a business professional and someone who has consistently served the community.

Margaret Mary “Margie” Love: Awaiting response

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

Eunice Flowers: I bring the perspective of a lifelong resident, educator, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader and public servant. I understand North Miami Beach through both civic engagement and lived experience. That breadth shapes how I approach complex challenges. I can bridge perspectives and translate community needs into practical solutions.

Linda Joseph Noel: I am a child of Miami and have called this community home since kindergarten. I want to help shape the community that shaped me. I bring more than 20 years of experience organizing communities, building coalitions and turning concerns into action. I am a serious, prepared candidate with the experience and passion to deliver real change.

Dayanara Torres: I am the best candidate for this position because I know what it means to build a life here. I have been involved with youth, sports, schools, parks and recreation, community organizations and civic boards. I advocate for families and children, seniors and individuals with special needs.

Margaret Mary “Margie” Love: Awaiting response

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

Eunice Flowers: North Miami Beach’s most pressing challenge is building long-term economic resilience. We must diversify our revenue base, strengthen local businesses and pursue responsible economic development. A financially sustainable city can invest in infrastructure, expand opportunity and deliver quality services without placing an undue burden on residents.

Linda Joseph Noel: North Miami Beach needs responsible, transparent investment in essential infrastructure and every neighborhood. Residents deserve to know where their tax dollars go and see results in roads, drainage, water, safety and public spaces. I will pursue grants and partnerships, include residents in budget decisions and hold every project accountable.

Dayanara Torres: I have listened to the voices of our residents, and I am still listening. The residents of North Miami Beach matter to me. I continue to hear the concerns about the cost of living, infrastructure, traffic, public safety, responsible development. Most of all the need for greater transparency, unity and accountability in our city government.

Margaret Mary “Margie” Love: Awaiting response

NORTH MIAMI BEACH SEAT 6

Why are you running for office?

Phyllis Smith: The simple truth is, I’m running to continue to take care of the residents. I see the direction that North Miami Beach city could turn, and it’s not what the people deserve. The public knows, I am honest, hard-working and transparent. For good government, I research to share how I may best represent each and everyone. I am honored to serve.

Ariel E. Vasquez: To bring positive change to the city

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

Phyllis Smith: Living here 55 years and selling local real estate for nearly 50, I know our city inside and out. My deep history on the dais has repeatedly helped the commission make quality decisions. I have the time and tenacity to work until projects are done for our residents, ensuring the next generation enjoys a beautiful city with premium facilities.

Ariel E. Vasquez: It’s time to develop our city

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

Phyllis Smith: Funding a balanced budget without diminishing services to our community is always the top priority. Improving our communication — sharing important information in a timely manner, supporting the manager in creating clear direction between departments are steps needed to unify our city and have a prosperous future for North Miami Beach.

Ariel E. Vasquez: Bringing back the sanitation to the city