By Bob Welsh, Chairman

I grew up in the Bronx, NY.  Went to DeWitt Clinton High School and received a BA from Hunter College and MA from NYU.  I was a teacher, Student Dean and Assistant Principal in the New York City High School System before my retirement in 1995.  I have lived in Winston Towers for more than 13 years, my wife, Sara, and I have two daughters and eight grandchildren.

After becoming active in Winston Towers I became involved in the incorporation of Sunny Isles Beach, Mayor Norman Edelcup selected me to head up the committee to investigate the feasibility of a charter of public school on Sunny Isles Beach.  My committee, after much work, recommended a public school and became the liaison with the school construction authority.  I am now the vice president of the SIB K-8 Community School fund, raising much needed funds for our new school.

I became president of the Arnold Klein Democratic Club of Sunny Isles Beach over two years ago and we are very active in local, state and national politics.

I find the position of chairman of the Long Range Planning and Technical Matters Subcommittee exciting, challenging and constructive.  This subcommittee works within the framework of the Mayor and the Advisory Committee, and helps identify future projects and technical tasks.  At our open meeting, we help develop plans for implementation or modifications.  We have had discussions and listened to complaints from residents regarding problems with some sidewalks including flooding situations. We have recommended traffic light cameras and beach replenishment and have reached out to state senators and representatives for their help.

I welcome more citizen input at our upcoming meetings and will add your concerns to our discussions.  Please contact our Assistant City Clerk, Mauricio Betancur, at (305) 792-1703 to be placed on the agenda.