MARIA’S PRIORITIES

  • HIGHLIGHT: Correctly staffing and funding our emergency services including police and fire and increasing safety measures on our roadways.

    1. ENSURING OPTIMAL EMERGENCY SERVICES - To bolster public safety, a primary focus will be on maintaining a well-staffed and equipped police and fire force. Adequate staffing levels are essential to ensure the timely response and efficient handling of emergencies. By prioritizing resources for recruitment, training, and equipment, we can enhance the overall effectiveness of our emergency services.

    2. SAFER ROADWAYS - crucial aspect of public safety involves creating roadways that cater to the diverse needs of our community members. Embracing the concept of complete streets ensures that our roads are designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind. This involves the implementation of dedicated lanes, proper signage, and traffic-calming measures to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the overall safety of our streets.

  • HIGHLIGHT: Combatting our traffic congestion by (1) synchronizing our traffic lights (2) creating more effective ingress and egress for schools, and (3) increasing access to transportation alternatives.

    1. SYNCHRONIZING OUR TRAFFIC LIGHTS - I propose advocating for our city to invest in synchronized traffic signals and updating traffic data. Leveraging my experience with the County government, I am aware of available funding sources through the Mobility Advancement Program (MAP Broward) Transportation Surtax Plan.

    2. SCHOOL TRAFFIC - The issue of school traffic requires immediate attention, especially as many students have opted out of taking the bus post-COVID due to safety concerns. Rebuilding trust and overhauling drop-off and pickup strategies at schools are imperative. This involves implementing better traffic direction by security and law enforcement to ensure a smoother flow of traffic.

    3. INCREASED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Our city currently lacks a comprehensive public transportation system. To address this, we need to invest in more attractive bus stops equipped with proper shelters, benches, and reliable schedule postings. This approach aims to encourage greater participation in public transportation.

  • HIGHLIGHT: We can render the proposed incinerator unnecessary and by bolstering (1) recycling programs, (2) ensuring widespread access to composting, and (3) educating residents on proper waste reduction practices.

    1. BRINGING BACK OUR RECYCLING PROGRAM - The City of Pembroke Pines must reinstate a robust recycling program for residents. We must focus not only on waste collection but encourage both businesses and residents to embrace environmentally conscious practices – enabling the city to move towards a circular economy, wherein byproducts are recycled and repurposed rather than discarded.

    2. COMPOSTING PROGRAM - A local composting program is crucial for overall waste reduction and diverting waste from landfills because organics in solid waste constitute the largest contributors to methane gas emissions.

    3. WASTE EDUCATION - comprehensive education campaign is essential to remind and inform residents about responsible waste management practices. We should work collectively with County and State partners, like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, using their comprehensive “Rethink. Reset. Recycle.” education program.

  • HIGHLIGHT: Our residents and business owners deserve elected leaders who listen, understand their concerns, and work to solve problems big and small. I will put my local government experience to work for YOU, creating more opportunities for civic engagement and access to city services while bridging the gap between residents, local businesses, and our government.

    Please feel free to always reach out to Maria if you have any questions or suggestions. Her phone number is (954) 998 - 3804 and her email is maria@mariaforpines.com