Candidate: Esther Colon

Hello family, friends and neighbors, 

I have been a resident of Miami Lakes for over thirty years, and I have extensive experience in public service and community involvement. My mission is to ensure that our government works for every member of our community. Throughout the years, I have worked tirelessly with my neighbors to advocate for our community's needs, and have volunteered to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me.

A retired public servant with thirty-two years of municipal and county service. Practical experience in day-to-day administration, including public safety operations, with hands-on knowledge of finance, budgeting, procurement, grants, human resources, contract-labor negotiation, and debt management.

I am an experienced educator in the business environment with fifteen years of academic experience as an adjunct professor in higher education. My expertise lies in Accounting, Business Law, Ethics, Finance, Economics, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and mentoring.

I am a qualified, professional, and ethical candidate ready to work as a proud public servant for the residents of Miami Lakes.

Form of Government Experience:

Mayor, Manager, and Constitutional Office – Sheriff of Broward County  

An excellent relationship builder, collaborating with public and private organizations, who fostered and maintained strong relationships with residents and community members.

Recognitions

· 2023 Recipient -Town of Miami Lakes Woman of Distinction Award -Volunteer

· 2019 Susan G. Komen Race for Cure - One of the top two local team fundraiser.

 Awards & Commendations

Recipient of the Certificate of Achievement Excellence in Financial Reporting

Recipient of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Organization: Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada

Education

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL. 1999 - Center For Advanced Criminal Justice Studies - Criminal Justice Executive Leadership Program Graduate, Saint Thomas University, Miami, FL 1993- Master of Science in Management

Florida International University, Miami, FL - Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting & Finance and Miami Dade Community College, Miami, Fl-Associate of Science, Association of Arts – Business & Accounting

Boards and Committees Served

Miami Dade County; Commission for Women, District 13 Representative

Miami Lakes; Cultural Affairs and Sheriff Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committees. Blasting Advisory Board.

Zonta International and Zonta Club of Miami Lakes – Member

Town Issues - Priorities

Public Safety: Traffic is a persistent issue that poses safety concerns, especially in school zones and busy intersections. Adequate funding ensures quickly respond to community demands. Traffic congestion is a leading quality-of-life issue. Prioritize People’s Transportation Plan funds so alternative routes can be identified and constructed to mitigate congestion.

Infrastructure: Investing in resources for aging infrastructure is essential. Proper funding for the infrastructure fund should be a top priority, with a focus on drainage projects, as well as prioritizing road and sidewalk projects. It is important to identify and allocate the collected impact fees towards the necessary infrastructure projects. Furthermore, pocket parks need to offer a safe outdoor space while preserving tree canopies to maintain the town's charm.

Fiscal Accountability: To maintain fiscal responsibility, the town’s economic stability must rely on transparent and best-practice principles. Allocating funds to essential services and meeting the community’s needs fosters economic prosperity. Projects that do not benefit residents, negatively impact our millage rate and are irresponsible.

Current Professional Organizations

Association of Government Accountant (AGA) -State of Virginia- Certified Government Finance Manager

Florida Government Finance Officers (FGOA) - Certified Government Finance Officer Designation

Government Finance Officers Organization (GFOA) – Chicago, IL

League of Women Voters – Miami Dade County, FL

International City/County Management Association (ICMA) – Washington, DC

Volunteer Organizations

Lotus House, Free the Girls, Loving Soles, Children of Inmates, Helping Hands, Giving Gators, S.T.E.P.S. in Right Direction, Habitat Women Build, Miami Lakes Elderly Affairs Commitee Women’s Breast & Heart Health Initiative, Susan G. Komen, Operation Care & Support, Camillus House, Miami Dade County State Attorney Human Trafficking and Project Phoenix

Let’s work together to make our community more transparent and better for everyone.

I’m committed to being accountable for your tax dollars.

Esther Colon for Miami Lakes Town Council – Seat 6

#Miami Lakes - A Safe Place to Live, Work, and Play

https://team-esther.com