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Dania Beach City Commission {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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    Kristof Von Anderson
    (NON)

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    Maoz Druskin
    (NON)

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    Diana Fahmie
    (NON)

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    Aaron "A1" Hollis
    (NON)

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    Kevin Johnson
    (NON)

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    Colman Ryan
    (NON)

Biographical Information

1. If elected, what are the two most critical issues you would like to see addressed in our city in the first 2 months? In the next 2 years? Why?

2. What should our city be doing now to help solve the solid waste (trash) crisis facing the entire county? Please discuss regarding reduction, recycling, and reuse of waste in our city.

3. Since effective responses to worker housing needs require both municipal and county levels of government, what policies should our city consider to help solve the affordable housing problem?

4. If property taxes were eliminated or significantly reduced by the state legislature, how would you determine which city services would need to be reduced? What ideas would you promote to make-up budget shortfalls?

5. What have you done or plan to do to actively involve or engage all residents in the decision- making process for shaping the future direction of the city so there is a greater feeling of unity in the community?

Occupation PreConstruction Manager
Campaign Email info@votekristof.com
Campaign Website http://votekristof.com
Campaign Phone 9546433942
In my first two months, I'd push FDOT and the county to fix the stormwater flooding hitting businesses near I-95/I-595 (Bullet Motorsports and FB Marine Group alone have lost well over $100,000 to standing water), and make sure Dania Beach's interests are protected as the Broward Solid Waste Authority finalizes its 40-year master plan before the August 2026 vote. Over the next two years, I'd focus on real workforce housing options and protecting our working waterfront and marine industry from being replaced by generic warehouses, as we're seeing at Banyan/Bay and Bay Marine Center. These issues matter because they touch our economy, our environment, and what kind of city Dania Beach becomes.
Our county's landfills are nearing capacity and Broward's overall diversion rate is well below the state's 70-75% goal, so Dania Beach can't wait on the county alone. I'd support full participation in the Solid Waste Authority's master plan, expand curbside recycling education to cut contamination, add commercial and multi-family recycling requirements, and fund a reuse program for bulky items, furniture, and electronics before they hit the waste stream. I'd also push for construction and demolition debris recycling standards on new development, since building activity here is significant, and for clear public reporting so residents can see our progress on reduction, recycling, and reuse.
Housing affordability here requires both city and county tools working together. At the city level, I'd support allowing accessory dwelling units, density bonuses tied to affordable set-asides near transit and job centers, and using CRA funds to preserve naturally occurring affordable housing before it's redeveloped away. At the county level, I'd advocate for land trust partnerships, joint funding for workforce housing near the marine and hospitality industries that employ so many residents, and streamlined permitting for affordable projects. I'd also push the city to inventory city-owned land as a potential resource, and to require real community input before large redevelopment projects move forward.
I'd start by protecting core public safety, infrastructure, and stormwater services, since flooding already threatens businesses here, and would only look at other reductions after a transparent efficiency review of every department. I'd bring residents into that prioritization process directly rather than making the call alone. To make up shortfalls, I'd look at growing our commercial and tourism tax base responsibly, using CRA increment financing where it already applies, pursuing state and federal grants more aggressively, and exploring public-private partnerships for capital projects. I would not support balancing the budget by quietly cutting the services residents rely on most.
I believe good decisions start with listening, so I plan to hold regular town halls and neighborhood walks across every part of Dania Beach, not just the areas that show up most at commission meetings. I want to offer outreach in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole so language isn't a barrier to participation, and to create a resident advisory committee that includes marine industry, small business, and renter voices alongside homeowners. I'd also push for clearer, more frequent updates on city decisions through plain-language newsletters and social media, and consider a participatory budgeting pilot so residents help direct part of the budget themselves.
Biography Maoz Druskin is a longtime Dania Beach resident, local business owner, husband, and father of three. For nearly 20 years, Dania Beach has been the place where he has raised his family, built his business, and become deeply connected to the community. As a candidate for Dania Beach City Commission, Maoz is focused on investing in youth and families, improving and beautifying neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, strengthening the city’s identity, and creating new opportunities for resident
Education High school diploma, continuing education and professional training in business, management, and entrepreneurship.
Occupation Business Owner & Entrepreneur
Civic Experience Secretary, Davie Toastmasters Club, longtime Dania Beach resident and local business owner; active participant in community events, local business initiatives, and civic engagement throughout Dania Beach.
Endorsements Mayor Larisa Svechin, City of Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Shlomo Danzinger, Town of Surfside Commissioner Gustavo Blachman, City of Aventura
Campaign Email druskinmaoz@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://www.maozdruskin.com
Campaign Phone 9545609724
In my first two months, I would focus on two priorities: improving communication between City Hall, residents, and local businesses, and identifying practical improvements to our neighborhoods, major corridors, and public spaces. I want residents to feel heard and to see that their concerns are being addressed.

Over the next two years, I would focus on long-term infrastructure and investing in our youth. That includes exploring opportunities to underground power lines where feasible, improving and beautifying our main corridors, and expanding opportunities, programs, and activities for Dania Beach children and teenagers.

These priorities matter because Dania Beach is growing. We need to manage that growth responsibly while protecting the
Dania Beach should work with Broward County and neighboring cities to reduce waste, improve recycling, and encourage reuse. But I believe one of the most important investments is education. We should involve our schools and create programs that teach our children from an early age how to reduce waste, recycle correctly, and protect their environment. If we educate our youth today, they can help build a cleaner and more responsible Dania Beach for tomorrow.
Affordable housing requires cooperation between Dania Beach, Broward County, and the private sector. Our city should encourage responsible workforce housing by streamlining permitting, using available state and county funding, and offering incentives for developments that include affordable units. We should focus especially on helping working families, teachers, first responders, and young people afford to live in the community they serve. Growth should be responsible and balanced while keeping Dania Beach a place where working families can build a future.
If property tax revenue were significantly reduced, my priority would be to protect essential city services rather than cut them. Dania Beach would need to strengthen and diversify its revenue base by attracting responsible commercial development, new businesses, and investment. Expanding our commercial tax base can help replace lost residential revenue while creating jobs and economic activity. I would also pursue grants and review city spending for efficiencies so we can continue providing the services our residents depend on.
I believe residents should be able to participate in our city even if they cannot attend City Commission meetings. Many people work, have families, or simply cannot make an evening meeting. I plan to use social media and other digital platforms to keep residents informed about what the city is doing and give them an easy way to share concerns, ideas, and problems. I would like to have a responsive team that receives these messages, follows up, and makes sure residents feel heard. City Hall should be accessible to everyone, not only those who have time to attend meetings.
Biography I am a South Florida native (born in Miami Beach) with a long history of service - whether in the hospitality field, real estate, or the flower shop I co-own with my husband. I have always lived in South Florida - I grew up between Miami and the Florida Keys and I raised my four (now adult) children in Broward County. I have a deep love for our South Florida coastal lifestyle and I believe my diverse business and life experiences will be an asset to the city I love.
Education Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High, '89, Florida International University, BS, Hospitality Management '93
Occupation Small Business Owner (My Flower Stand, Hollywood), Realtor
Civic Experience Education Advisory Board, Dania Beach; NPI Networking Professionals International, President, Hollywood/Davie Chapter; Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce
Endorsements 3 Current Dania Beach City Commissioners: Lori Lewellen, Luis Rimoli, Marco Salvino, State Representative Marie Woodson, Broward County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Union Local 4321, Broward County Police Benevolent Association, Miami Realtors/R-World, AFL-CIO
Campaign Email diana@dianafahmie.com
Campaign Website http://DianaforDania.com
Campaign Phone 954-815-8213
A) 1] Flooding and Aging Infrastructure- In the first two months-identify any new weak spots in need of the most help, over the next two years & beyond -ensure current & future stormwater projects are funded --seek help from County, State, and Federal Budget levels if necessary 2] Traffic- work with Broward County Traffic Engineering and FDOT for better traffic light timing throughout the city; also FEC Railway for train timing B) Fiscal Responsibility in all facets of the city budget--in next 2 years and sooner- 1) Identify unnecessary spending -- and evaluate needs vs wants. . . 2) Implement and evaluate new potential income producing programs and possibilities for private sector sponsorships of some events and programs.
This is a subject close to my heart. I spent time in Europe two summers ago and was blown away at how the Netherlands handled solid waste. The trash cans were 1/6th the size of ours and they had a comprehensive recycling and composting program that made me feel ashamed at how poor a job we are doing here in the U.S. I plan on meeting with Waste Management to discuss alternatives. Most people do not know how to properly recycle and unwittingly send tons of recycling to the landfills - for example one greasy pizza box will ruin an entire recycle bin. I plan on initiating a community education campaign on how to properly recycle. I would also like to create some incentives for composting and possibly a community co-op compost initiative.
Affordability is a big issue. I would like to find a way to hold developers accountable when they propose affordable or workforce housing. I would like to see the proposed rental rates more reflective of what service workers (i.e. frontline hotel/restaurant, healthcare, etc.) can truly afford. As a Realtor, I work with buyers and downpayment assistance programs. I would like to see more funds earmarked for Dania Beach residents (both from county and state levels). I would also like to initiate educational programs on first-time homeownership. . . Steps to achieving and how to maintain and plan even after closing. I've worked with many buyers who need ongoing support as they are the first in their families to own their own home.
Only non-essential city services should be considered for reduction or elimination. In the midst of these changes, public safety must remain our #1 priority always. Renewals of city contracts with private entities should be reviewed carefully to reflect fair market pricing with a greater benefit to the city. Another possible source is the opportunity for more paid parks & recreation activities. We have a beautiful new CW Thomas Park as well as other parks like IT Parker which is on the water at the Marina. We have beautiful facilities available for rent that can be advertised just like any private club or venue. This includes the large Frost residence the city purchased, we need to work on getting that up and running and producing income.
STP - See The People--availability and accessibility are key. My husband and I have been a part of the community for over 20 years -- we frequented local community gathering places like Paolo's Three's Company and Tropical Acres Steakhouse long before we lived here. My children played under the trees at Frost Park 20+ years ago. When we purchased our home in Melaleuca Gardens in 2022, we already felt home because we knew our neighbors already. Anyone can contact me at any time and I am happy to speak with and listen to residents needs and concerns. I will happily answer questions to the best of my ability and convey concerns to appropriate city staff to find resolutions. CORE events are also a great way to engage with the community.
Biography Aaron “A1” Hollis is a community advocate, environmental professional, father, and candidate for the Dania Beach City Commission At-Large. A survivor of life-changing adversity, Aaron has turned his experiences into a commitment to serve others with integrity, faith, and compassion. He is dedicated to strengthening public safety, supporting youth, protecting the environment, promoting responsible spending, and ensuring transparent, accountable leadership that puts Dania Beach residents first.
Education OSHA Certified, CERT Certified, Mold & Lead Testing, Water Sampling
Occupation Community Leader
Civic Experience Youth Development Experiences. Elder Support Experiences
Endorsements FreeDem954 Organization
Campaign Email aaron.mamasboi@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook http://facebook.com/Aonehollis
Campaign Instagram http://Instagram.com/a0ne33020
Campaign Phone 7543196139
In my first two months, I would prioritize addressing our aging 100-year-old water infrastructure to protect residents' health and safety. I would also focus on expanding healthy business development and educational resources on the northwest side to create greater economic opportunity and improve quality of life. Over the next two years, I would work to address homelessness and expand access to mental health services by supporting collaborative, community-based solutions that provide long-term stability. These issues are essential to building a healthier, safer, and more equitable city.
Our city should implement a reliable, consistent system that prioritizes waste reduction, recycling, and reuse to decrease landfill waste and turn recyclable materials into community benefits whenever possible. We also need a regular, efficient, and sanitary trash collection schedule that keeps pace with our city's growth. Partnering with qualified local, grassroots businesses to support waste collection and recycling efforts can strengthen community investment, create jobs, and improve service. Building a cleaner, more self-sustaining city should be a top priority.
Our city should work with county partners to expand access to affordable housing by reducing unnecessary administrative barriers, streamlining application processes, and reviewing eligibility requirements that prevent qualified residents from receiving assistance. We should support policies that increase the supply of affordable workforce housing while connecting residents to the resources they need to achieve long-term housing stability. Safe, stable housing is the foundation of a healthy community and should remain one of our city's highest priorities.
If property taxes were significantly reduced, I would prioritize protecting essential services such as public safety, water infrastructure, sanitation, and other core services that residents rely on every day. I would conduct a performance-based review of the budget to identify programs and services that have received substantial funding but produced limited measurable results and redirect those resources where they have the greatest impact. I would also strengthen partnerships with community organizations and local businesses to support services that can be delivered collaboratively, improving efficiency while maintaining a high quality of service.
I will increase resident engagement by creating a monthly community feedback system where residents can submit concerns, ideas, and recommendations and receive timely responses. I also support expanding programs that encourage community involvement, workforce development, financial stability, and educational opportunities, especially for young people. By providing meaningful ways for residents to participate in local decision-making, we can build trust, strengthen unity, and ensure every voice is heard. Our residents are leaders, and their input should help shape the future of our city.
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Biography I am a 4th generation resident of Dania Beach, President of the Dania Beach Improvement Committee, small business owner, and homeowner in our community. I bring a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to long-term sustainability. Over the past seven years running my own business, I’ve learned the significance of transparency, overcoming obstacles to get the job done, and ensuring that every dollar counts. I will utilize those skills on the dais to improve the quality of life for our city.
Education South Broward High School
Occupation Business owner (Broward Powerstroke)
Civic Experience Dania Beach Improvement Committee, Member of Dania Beach Historical Society, Member of Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce, Sons of The American Legion Post 304
Endorsements Broward County Fire Fighters and Paramedics Local 4321, Broward County PBA, Broward County AFL-CIO, MIAMI REALTORS+RWorld, Maura Bulman - Broward County School Board District 1, Broward Teachers Union, Broward Democratic Environmental Caucus
Campaign Email Colmanryan2026@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://Colmanryan2026.com
Campaign Phone 954-684-6022
2 Months: Update our Land Development Code. Something I want to start on day one. There are areas in our current code that leave residents exposed to unintended impacts from new development that need to be addressed. I want to address these gaps early and make sure our development standards protect our existing residents and their property first. Build our low-cost, fast-paced infrastructure plan. There are multiple weak points in our city that can be strengthened without high costs and lengthy plans, identify and repair. 2 Years: Budget overhaul. By this time real progress should be present. (see question 4) Long term infrastructure. By this time our city wide map should be completed, weakness categorized, grants in play and work starting.
Broward County recycles at about 38 percent. Palm Beach County is near 90 percent. When the gap is that large, it's no longer excusable. Recycling and composting are not only environmental solutions, they're fiscal solutions. Every ton we divert from the landfill is a ton we do not pay to bury. I will push for a real public education campaign so residents understand what can be recycled and what cannot since contamination is a large portion of what is affecting our percentage. I would also explore composting programs for yard and food waste, which could easily move us closer to our goal, if implemented correctly.
Dania has been a leader in Broward with building new affordable housing, but affordable housing should be more than just building affordable rentals. We need to help longtime residents afford to stay in their homes and give young working families a real path to homeownership in Dania Beach. Retaining our long-term residents will be reached with dropping insurance costs from strong infrastructure projects and keeping taxes and fees low with budget revision. The path to new homeownership starts with us recognizing the supply/demand issue with affordable homes and planning the development we want to see in our future.
If amendment 3 passes Dania Beach will face a revenue loss of 2.7 mil in 2027, 4.2 mil in 2028 and 6 mil at full exemption. While not as severe as neighboring cities, its still significant. However, pass or fail, my plan remains the same. Thorough review of contracted services including cost comparison to moving operation in-house. Monitor large department wants vs needs and ensure consultants are consistently worth their cost, as many studies do not need to be done annually. Bringing in more revenue, this is big. There are many ways to bring in more funds from leasing vacant property, tourism, firmer negotiations on violations and pursuing grants. I will ensure essential services do not sufferer the consequences of budget shortfall.
Resident representation is one of my key priorities. If elected, residents can count on me to be well versed on the issues before us, and when public opinion doesn’t come forward, I will go into our communities to gather it. I also want to expand opportunities for participation through online engagement, translated materials, and building our Community Outreach Engagement (CORE) conversations. Unity comes from residents feeling heard, and engagement should be part of how we govern every day, not just during election season.