Question 1. How will you ensure residents’ voices are heard?

If elected, how do you plan to stay engaged with Shenandoah residents and neighborhood associations like MSNA? What steps will you take to remain accessible, transparent, and responsive to community concerns? Past commissioners have had very different approaches—how will you foster consistent communication and accountability? Would you commit to regularly attending MSNA’s monthly meetings or sending a representative from your office?

Response: As a Shenandoah resident for over a decade I have regularly attended MSNA meetings (even before I decided to run). This won’t change for me win or lose. If elected, I (or a representative from my office) will commit to attend all of MNSA’s monthly meetings. In addition, I plan to host (at minimum) monthly town halls in the former NET building on 12th avenue where residents can ask me questions and get better informed about city government. I will also continue my regular practice of sending out weekly update newsletters in my capacity as president of the Democrats of Coral Way, but as Commissioner, these updates will be expanded to include all of District 3’s neighborhoods and feature information relevant to all District 3 residents.

 

Question 2. Traffic Safety in Shenandoah

Speeding and reckless driving remain persistent concerns on Shenandoah’s residential streets, particularly around schools, parks, and the library. In 2018, the City of Miami paid for a comprehensive traffic calming study by Kimley-Horn, which identified more than 250 potential improvements. To date, only a handful of those recommendations have been implemented. 

Will you commit to prioritizing and implementing the Shenandoah Traffic Calming Plan if elected? What specific steps would you take to ensure these improvements move forward and make our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers?

Response: One of my campaign plaform’s seven pillars (found at robpiperheretoserve.com) is TRAFFIC CALMING & TRANSIT EXPANSION. This includes streamlining the implementation of traffic calming devices on neighborhood streets and introducing an ordinance to establish a Traffic Mitigation and Transit Improvement board that functions like the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) at county level. I am wary of prioritizing one neighborhood’s needs over the needs of the other six District 3 neighborhoods (that is the kind of shenanigans that our current Commissioner engaged in). I will, however, be relentless in ensuring the County implements Shenandoah’s Traffic Calming Plan since the actual plan has already been paid for by the City.

 

Question 3. How will you support public safety in our neighborhood?

Please share your approach to keeping Shenandoah safe. How would you collaborate with law enforcement and the community to address crime prevention, emergency response, and neighborhood concerns?

Response: Another one of my campaign plaform’s seven pillars is PUBLIC SAFETY, but via a balanced approach that includes both a law enforcement and community safety aspect. One thing I am looking to do is introduce an ordinance to create a Public Safety Advocacy Board that brings expertise from stakeholders (law enforcement, emergency response, neighborhood associations, community leaders, etc.) to make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners that will improve crime prevention, emergency response, and neighborhood safety in the most efficient and effective way possible.

 

Question 4. What is your vision for improving city services in Shenandoah?

Many residents face issues with trash/recycling collection and obtaining permits for routine maintenance like trimming trees. How would you work to improve the consistency and quality of city services in our neighborhood?

Response: Another platform pillar is REVENUE & AFFORDABILITY. Revenue pays for services like trash/recycling collection, park maintanence, etc. With millions in untapped revenue, I hope to introduce an ordinance to establish a Revenue Generation Task Force to publicly analyze and give expert recommendations on expanding the City's revenue base. For permitting, another pillar is ENGAGEMENT TOOLS to make civic participation less cumbersome. Under this, I will introduce legislation to create tools to make permitting more responsive and user-friendly. A fifth pillar, ETHICS & TRANSPARENCY, includes introducing an ordinance to reinstate the Auditor General (or similar office) to objectively assess if city services are done efficiently and effectively. 

 

Question 5. How would you support beautification?

Shenandoah residents consistently express a desire for more tree canopy and neighborhood greening. What are your plans to support tree planting and increase our urban canopy as part of your vision for neighborhood beautification?

Response: A sixth pillar of my platform is CLIMATE RESILIANCY, which specifically includes continuing to strengthen the protections to Miami’s tree canopy and the implementation a city-wide reforestation plan that complements existing city initiatives and the county’s efforts. Climate resiliancy dictates that Miami has to be protected from rising temperatures, and tree canopy is one of the most effective ways to protect residents from the extreme heat associated with these temperatures.

 

 

Question 6. Will you support recreational programming at City parks for all ages?

Will you continue to support these types of initiatives—and expand access to youth programs such as after-school activities, summer camps, and mentorship opportunities—to help keep children, families, and seniors active, healthy, and connected through sports and enrichment?

Response: I will always support recreational programming at City parks for all ages. Access to youth programs like after-school activities, summer camps, and mentorship programs is a critical investment in Miami’s future. Which is why I feel that REVENUE & AFFORDABILITY is so important. I plan work with the experts to critically assess the funding needed to best support these programs, and use the tools mentioned above to publicly advocate for the revenue needed to make said funding possible.

 

Question 7. Resiliency & Flooding:

Shenandoah, like many neighborhoods in Miami, is vulnerable to flooding and other climate-related challenges. What strategies or initiatives would you support to improve neighborhood resiliency and address stormwater management or flooding concerns?

Response: Another aspect of my pillar of CLIMATE RESILIANCY is the pursuit of improvements for flood protection and reduction (which may include land acquisition, draining infrastructure, and mangroves). Since I am not an expert on climate resiliancy, I will be leaning heavily on the expertise of Miami’s Climate Resiliancy Board to assist me with crafting additional legislation to further improve neighborhood resiliency, stormwater management, and flood protection. And with the pillar of REVENUE & AFFORDABILITY, we can locate the revenue to pay for implementation.

 

Question 8. Zoning & Development:

What is your position on zoning changes or development proposals that may affect the character and affordability of our neighborhood? For example, Agenda Item PZ-7 permitting the construction of a second, smaller residential unit (Ancillary Dwelling Unit, ADU) on single-family (T3-R) properties.

Response: As a homeowner who’s property came with and currently has two ADUs, I feel that as long as the ADUs do not pose a legitimate hazzard or safety risk, they are critical to addressing the affordable housing shortage that has plagued the City for years and should be encouraged.

 

Question 9. Closing Question – Why You?

Why should Shenandoah residents vote for you? What sets you apart as the best candidate to represent and serve this community?

Response: I am HERE TO SERVE. My entire adult life has been about service, first in the Marines, and then in the eight years as a community volunteer since retiring from active duty in 2016. My mission since then has been to inform, engage, and empower voters to bring about better (more accountable, transparent, responsive, efficient, and effective) government, whether as the Chair of the committee to recall Joe Carollo, the president of the Democrats of Coral Way, or as a Doctor of International Relations. And whether I am on the dais or not, my mission and dedication to service will not change.