Arriving to Hollywood in 1974, at the age of 11, I realized Hollywood was a unique place. Although it was difficult as a young man going to Apollo middle school, I appreciated the character that made up the people of Hollywood. They told you how they felt: good, bad, or indifferent, and that was fine, since that’s how I was raised. Our household was a no-nonsense, humble home. Afterschool, I had to work. Sometimes mowing lawns, other times doing odds and ends jobs with my father. Back then, there was always work to do.

To know more about my childhood in Hollywood, please read a book written by Kitty Oliver, called Race and Change in Hollywood. It is available at any Broward County library; it gives a greater history about Hollywood and its transition. As I got older, the workload increased as my family started a business. It was then that I realized that I appreciated diplomacy more than politics. In diplomacy, you can say how you feel in a polite way; in politics, you can’t always say how you feel without being misunderstood. That is why, as chair of Hollywood Sister Cities International, I enjoyed representing Hollywood abroad. Although I’m running for commissioner for district 2, I represent the average Hollywood resident and their interests.

Throughout the years, I started volunteering for boards such as: the Broward County Zoning board, Hispanic Affairs council, Unsafe Structure board, Sister Cities International, Developing Review board, and other subcommittees. I also became part of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. With time, I became chair/president of most of these organizations, realizing that through giving, one receives.

Being a small business owner, I am no stranger to hard work. The every day struggles and obstacles that face every business today can, and will teach you how to survive. Just as businesses do, cities have challenges of their own. In 2012 I had the privilege of being elected to represent district two as a city commissioner. Being on the commission has taught me many things. It gave me the opportunity to bring my experiences as a business owner to make sure your tax dollars are spent responsibly. These past few years, I have seen the many ways we can improve the lives of our residents. Whether it's by adding water mains, re-paving streets, improving lighting conditions, and working with city residents to address their issues as best as possible. It has been a pleasure to help make a positive difference in the lives of my Hollywood neighbors. With your support, I hope to continue the work we have started in making Hollywood a city that puts it's people first.