Lisa Mallozzi, candidate for Cooper City Commission District 2 – Sun Sentinel

Campaign website: N / A

List, in order of importance, the three most important issues in your community and briefly explain what you would do about each.

The city’s budget: For several years, this commission has wanted residents to focus on lowering their taxes. While great in theory, it comes at a price. Essential services were cut and the budget was balanced using one-time funds. They used hurricane relief money, Care Act money, and ARPA funds to help balance past budgets. The staff has been reduced by 20% through resignations let alone replacement and historically there has never been a surplus of employees. So there are now fewer employees doing the work of those who left. Replacing sidewalks, resurfacing streets, filling potholes and trimming trees barely exist. They are trying to reduce BSO hours of operation to save money, as well as reducing our rescue units from 3 people to 2 people, putting our residents in potential danger. I would eliminate the position of forest ranger and director of human resources. This will give them the money to start the services they have cut. I wouldn’t limit fema’s money, I would put it in the general fund.

How can we afford a contract increase for police and firefighters of 5% per year, which equates to about a million dollars per year. As a city, we need to stop seeing this as our problem and start looking at this with the entire county to find a solution. We need to see how as a county we can reduce police and fire department costs. Collectively, there is a better chance of finding a cost-effective solution to rising costs. Similar to how the county is looking to reduce the cost of garbage.

The dynamics of families and the family home have changed on many levels in recent years. Grandparents, parents, university graduates as well as school-aged children all live under the same roof. A lot of people have a home office, especially after Covid. Our District 2 homes are the oldest in the city, some of the smallest are in this area, and people are integrating modern living into an older home. I would like the city to set aside $1 million to use for low interest loans so our residents can “expand” their homes to accommodate their extended family or home office. Many homes need new windows, new roofs, paint, bigger driveways and other upgrades. The national average interest rate is 0.13% if the city charged this amount, it would not lose money, the resident could improve his house and everyone would win. We can also expedite permits and waive fees to encourage owners to participate in the program.

Would you like or oppose declaring a state of emergency for housing affordability in your city with a cap on rent increases of 10% per year, and why?

This is a very difficult question to answer, you want people to be able to afford to live and work in the same area, and everyone deserves to have a safe place to call home. Although I have no problem declaring a state of emergency for housing affordability. There’s no legal way to tell a landlord what they can charge for rent, that sounds good in theory, but we don’t live in a communist country. An owner can charge what he deems fair. It is up to the tenant to choose to pay or not to pay. Broward County implemented a plan several years ago under Commissioner Gunzburger that all new major developments would have a percentage of affordable housing, Cooper City has affordable and low-income housing through this plan.

Does your community have a comprehensive ordinance regulating short-term rentals, and is it effectively enforced?

Yes, a new ordinance was implemented a few months ago. As for effective enforcement, the answer is also yes if the city knows the location is actually a rental airbnb.

What factors set you apart the most from your opponents and why?

I lived in the town for 19 years, raised my family there and we are all active in the community. My whole family plays or volunteers in an Optimist sport. I have been coaching for 16 years. Davie/Cooper City Relay For Life volunteer for 14 years. I have volunteered at every school from Broward County to Cooper City and still volunteer at CCES and CCHS. The list is endless, I have always been part of this great city right next to you, my neighbor.

Have you signed a statement agreeing to follow Broward’s ethical campaign practices? Why or why not?

I signed the statement because the campaign practices set forth therein should not be used as an issue, regardless of a candidate’s signature.

List in reverse chronological order colleges or universities attended with years attended and degrees.

1992 BSSUNY Old Westbury, 1990 AS Nassau Community College.

List in reverse chronological order your work history over the past 15 years.

2006-2018 Town of Cooper City.

Have you ever been a party to any legal action, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, please provide details of the case and the decision.

N / A

Have you ever been charged with or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor, including a conviction withheld? If yes, list charges, dates and sentences.

N / A

Why should voters elect you over your opponents?

I am involved in all aspects of Cooper City, from my deep involvement with schools, optimist sports programs and various voluntary organizations in the city. I am always available to help residents with any problems. You are guaranteed an independent vote that has been sought and you will know that I have considered your voices and concerns when my final decision is made. I am proud to be able to think outside the box and to be able to put myself in the shoes of others. I face the same issues as my neighbors, and whatever I do when elected will be what’s best for you my neighbors and Cooper City.