Miami mayoral candidate Emilio Gonzalez announced his "Miami Conservation Policy" in an effort to protect the city's environment while being prudent in keeping government lean and accountable in his latest agenda to voters on Tuesday.
"Miami's future depends on how we protect our water, our neighborhoods, and our natural beauty," Gonzalez said. "This plan makes sure we are safeguarding what makes Miami special, while demanding efficiency, accountability, and results."
According to Gonzalez, the Miami Conservation Policy would incorporate efficient stewardship, balanced growth and conservation, and accountability through enforcement.
Of those points, Gonzalez detailed his plan for water and flood resilience in Miami, which he says includes modern drainage, reliable canal and pump systems, and stronger seawall standards to safeguard neighborhoods from flooding.
The objective also includes coastal and marine protections for Biscayne Bay and other shorelines with natural buffers, as well as strong enforcement policies against polluters and clean operation standards for local marinas.
Furthering his efforts for a cleaner environment, Gonzalez promised to crack down on illegal dumping, expand community partnerships, and strengthen maintenance of city streets and sidewalks.
Gonzalez also pledged to build park stewardship by way of its residents, publish transparent conservation reports, impose budget discipline, and hold potential violators accountable for any wrongdoing.
"Miami's residents deserve clean water, safe neighborhoods, and an honest city government that protects both our quality of life and our tax dollars," Gonzalez added. "This plan delivers on all three."
Gonzalez's latest plan follows his pitch to eliminate the "Real Estate Death Tax" for homeowners earlier this week. The mayoral candidate has also proposed getting rid of property taxes, along with cleaning up City Hall, as part of a three-pillar agenda laid out over the past several months.
As it stands, Gonzalez is one of 12 candidates looking to take over Florida's second-most populous city from Mayor Francis Suarez. Other candidates in the race include Eileen Higgins, Joe Carollo, and Xavier Suarez.
The Miami mayoral election is set for Nov. 4.
