MEET STEVE
Steve Hirsch has been a Sunny Isles Beach property owner since 2008 and has served 14 years on the board of his 281-unit condominium, including the last 7 years as President. Managing large budgets, collaborating with residents of many cultural diversities, and ensuring transparency, fiscal efficiencies, and resident safety are responsibilities he takes seriously — and the same leadership he will bring to City Hall.
• Florida Attorney knowledgeable in Condominium Law
• Graduate of the FBI National Academy
• Over 30 years of legal and law enforcement service, including serving two Governors and the Mayor of Chicago as a Chief of Staff
• Chief of the State Bureau of Criminal Investigation
• Graduate of the Sunny Isles Beach Residents' Academy
• Steve was a member of the Sunny Isles Beach Vision: Planning for Tomorrow Project
• Steve has experience with Performance Based Budgeting
• Steve personally met with city department leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of city operations and budgeting
Experienced
Leadership
For Sunny Isles Beach
STEVE'S
PRIORITIES
Support for
Our Police
Department
Maintain strong support for our Police Department by ensuring it has the personnel, training, and state-of-the-art equipment and resources necessary to provide proper service and safety for all residents of our city.
Budget
Be mindful of current economic conditions and mandate a conservative budget with a low tax rate.
City
Programs
Implement performance-based budgeting for the city’s budget process to assist the Commission and City Manager in evaluating which programs are working well, which need improvement, and which should be discontinued. Always strive to achieve the best return for every tax dollar.
Proper
Balance
Steve will ensure that development on the west side of Collins strikes the proper balance—keeping our city resilient, vibrant, and sustainable—while avoiding any negative impact on residents’ quality of life and enjoyment.
Beautification
of Our City
Enhance the beautification of our city, including completing the city streetscape and addressing public sidewalks and pavers that require cleaning and repair. Additionally, increase greenery and colorful plantings in public spaces.
Full Time
Commissioner
Steve plans to serve as a full-time commissioner, available to meet with residents to discuss issues, answer questions, consider ideas, and provide solutions.
Improve
Traffic and
Pedestrian
Safety
Although many vehicular traffic issues are under state control, Steve will pursue all available measures within the city’s authority to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The city’s 10-year-old Transportation Master Plan must be updated to reflect population growth and emerging micro-mobility devices, such as motorized scooters and electric bicycles, which were not adequately addressed in the existing plan.
City and
Residents
First
As your commissioner, Steve will use his knowledge, skills, and proven professional experience to always put the city and its residents first, working to improve quality of life across all areas.
Transparency
Steve will enhance government transparency and reestablish resident committees to assist the Commission in fact-finding and making recommendations to improve our city.
Flood
Protection
Steve Supports infrastructure improvements that strengthen flood protection and storm resilience.
Motivation
To Serve
Honesty, Integrity, and Public Service are at the core of Steve’s motivation to serve the people of our city.
Stand
Firmly
Steve will stand firmly to support his Oath of Office upholding our Federal and State Constitutions and laws. Steve will also stand firmly against antisemitism and all forms of hate and strongly support the security of Israel.
STEVE’S VISION FOR SUNNY ISLES
• Explore partnering with other cities to create an Intracoastal Waterway taxi service connecting south to Miami.
• Expand arts and cultural programs and explore the creation of a community theater and playhouse.
• Evaluate repurposing Heritage Park to a city water park or other athletic or recreational purposes.
• Reduce resident permit and parking costs.
• Explore totally eliminating city permit fees for the required 30 and 40 year condominium safety inspections.
• Improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety around the Norman S. Edelcup School.
• Propose improved use of space under the Lehman Causeway, such as a sports court or park, to better serve residents.
• Work with Golden Shores residents to add sidewalks, where desired, to improve pedestrian safety.
• Develop additional city programs and activities for middle-aged adults, complementing existing children’s, teen, and senior programs.