DORAL, Fla. – In 2022, Christi Fraga won a special runoff election to become the first female mayor of Doral. Now, he is running for re-election and facing a challenge from a former supporter.
In an interview with Local 10 News’ Christina Vazquez, Fraga delved into her ideas for addressing what the businesswoman and former councilwoman considers a major quality of life issue in Doral: traffic.
“I have a background in finance and accounting, with a specialization in real estate acquisition,” he said. “Today, more people are choosing to live close to their work, which will help (improve traffic); However, in the meantime, we must make more responsible decisions in traffic development and solutions. We are considering redesigning our trolleybus routes, routes that are more direct and efficient; Otherwise, people won’t use them.”
“I’ve heard you say publicly that overdevelopment is a problem. How do you define that and how do you handle that issue?” Vazquez asked.
“It is addressed on a case-by-case basis,” Fraga responded. “So when a project is presented, I analyze it based on its merits. What are you asking for? What will it contribute to our community? How can we improve it and find a middle ground to meet the needs of the community?”
Fraga’s challenger in the election is Roxanna Garay, who is running for public office for the first time.
Garay is co-owner of a logistics company and said her approach is based on applying concepts she is currently learning in an advanced degree program on sustainable smart cities.
“Are there any public transportation options or policies you are considering?” Vazquez asked.
“Adapt to new technologies,” Garay responded. “I think the vision I have for transportation is, first, changing the technology that is being used, such as biodiesel.”
“How do you define sustainable development and what does it mean to you? What would be a policy that you would implement?” Vazquez asked.
“Green development policies, in terms of energy efficient building codes to take advantage of every aspect of nature,” he said. “For example, trying to use construction and even rain to help centralize circular water efficiency in construction. Thus, adapting the entire environment to the new construction.”
Another topic of focus is the county’s incinerator. Since a major fire damaged it, Doral has argued that it should be rebuilt elsewhere.
Last month, Miami-Dade County commissioners postponed a decision on the issue until after the election, in part to give the county administration time to explore Doral’s contributions to moving costs if commissioners decide to relocate it. .
“My initiative is to work with the county and developers to find a beneficial solution for the residents of Doral,” Garay said.
Fraga added: “The whole argument was that we should cover the cost difference, but they don’t even know what that difference is because they haven’t chosen a location. “I am not willing to sign a blank check for our taxpayer funds to the county.”
