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

North Miami residents will elect a mayor and two council members on Tuesday, Nov. 3. We asked the seven candidates where they stood on key issues facing the city. Here is how they responded:

NORTH MIAMI MAYOR

Why are you running for office?

Alix Desulme: I’m running for reelection to keep North Miami affordable and continue delivering results. My priorities are easing rising costs, strengthening public safety, addressing flooding and infrastructure, and supporting seniors, families, and small businesses. In my final term, I’m committed to finishing the work we started.

George E. Duell Morgan: I am running for mayor because North Miami is more than a city — it is our home. I want every resident to feel heard, respected and valued. With compassion and a heart for service, I will work to restore trust, unite our community, and bring people and city leadership together for a stronger North Miami.

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

Alix Desulme: My experience, proven leadership and record of delivering results make me uniquely prepared to continue serving North Miami. I understand our community, its challenges and its potential. I’ve led with integrity, strengthened our city and put residents first. I’m ready to finish the work we started and keep North Miami moving forward.

George E. Duell Morgan: I’m running for mayor because I believe North Miami deserves full-time, accessible leadership focused on transparency, safer neighborhoods, stronger infrastructure and accountability to the people.

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

Alix Desulme: Affordability is North Miami’s most pressing issue. Rising housing, insurance, utility and everyday costs are straining families and seniors. We must expand affordable housing, attract good-paying jobs, provide relief where possible, and keep city finances strong so residents can afford to call North Miami home.

George E. Duell Morgan: I am running to help get our city’s fiscal house in order and ensure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly. We must secure the funding needed to build a reliable, modern water plant for our community. My focus is on responsible budgeting, strong infrastructure and long-term solutions that serve North Miami residents.

NORTH MIAMI COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

Why are you running for office?

Brian Jinks: At times, our city government is dysfunctional, judging from the problems the rest of us are forced to live with. An acute shortage of affordable housing, skyrocketing water rates, City Council members violating the city charter. I’m running to fix what ails our city and restore trust in our city government.

Kassandra Timothe: I’m running for reelection because North Miami is my home. In four years, I’ve helped expand affordable housing, built a new library playground, launched free senior computer classes and FIU trades training, created a $1,000 tree trimming grant, expanded free menstrual products and supported small businesses at my annual Business Summit.

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

Brian Jinks: I’ve knocked on thousands of doors, served as a community organizer and listened to residents who expect better from our city government. I’m not part of any political machine. I’m running to serve all of North Miami, restore trust and fix the problems voters face.

Kassandra Timothe: I bring 15+ years of government experience, a political science degree from USF and an MPA from FIU. I was born, raised and educated in North Miami and have served five years in elected office. I know how local government works and have turned residents’ feedback into action on housing, businesses, jobs, infrastructure and city services.

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

Brian Jinks: The most pressing issue is wasteful spending that has shattered trust. Millions go to parties and events, including $600K for a six-hour “festival.” Our leaders spend money like someone who just got their first credit card, leaving residents to shoulder the consequences.

Kassandra Timothe: Aging infrastructure and housing affordability. A District 2 drainage project took four years and $612,082 to complete. I’ve also spearheaded the NMCRA Homebuilder and First-time Homebuyer programs to expand housing opportunities. As North Miami grows, infrastructure must keep pace and longtime residents must be able to stay.

NORTH MIAMI COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

Why are you running for office?

Mary Estimé-Irvin: I am running for reelection to continue the progress we have made in District 3 since 2019. I remain committed to affordable housing, senior services, flooding and infrastructure improvements, and completing Cagni Park North. There is more work to do, and I am ready to keep listening, advocating and delivering for our residents.

Jobans Jules: I am running because District 3 deserves responsive, accountable leadership. After 14 years of serving North Miami Police, as a crime analyst and police officer, I understand our community’s needs. I will prioritize aging infrastructure, flooding, public safety, affordability, fiscal responsibility and transparent government.

Carolina Matamoros: I’m running because residents deserve a representative who is present, accessible and willing to listen, not just during election season. I’ve spent years serving communities and connecting residents with government resources. I want to put that experience to work for the people of District 3 and help build a city where residents feel heard.

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

Mary Estimé-Irvin: I have worked to turn community priorities into tangible projects, programs and resources for District 3 residents.

Jobans Jules: I offer integrity, sound judgment and a solutions-driven approach. I have managed difficult situations, worked with people from every background and understand how city government affects residents’ daily lives. I will ask tough questions, protect taxpayer dollars and hold City Hall accountable for delivering results.

Carolina Matamoros: I bring nearly 20 years of service in public safety and municipal government. I understand how City Hall works, have served residents directly and know how to turn concerns into action. My background has prepared me to hit the ground running and get to work for District 3 on day one.

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

Mary Estimé-Irvin: Modernize North Miami’s water infrastructure and secure the funding necessary.

Jobans Jules: The most pressing issue is District 3’s aging infrastructure, including chronic flooding and an unreliable water system. I will prioritize long-term improvements, pursue outside funding and beautify our neighborhoods through cleaner streets, maintained trees and public spaces, while ensuring transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Carolina Matamoros: Our most pressing issue is making sure our priorities match our spending. Residents are dealing with rising costs while still asking for basic improvements to roads, lighting, flooding and traffic safety. Every tax dollar matters, and our city should prioritize the services and infrastructure residents need most.