Four candidates are running to become Cutler Bay’s next mayor, succeeding the town’s current mayor, who is term-limited. The race includes Robert “B.J.” Duncan, who has held Seat 1 since 2018, Suzy Lord, who holds Seat 2, licensed builder Ricardo De Melo Gomes and tech entrepreneur Clint Rodriguez.
Duncan said he wants to continue work already underway, including traffic and infrastructure improvements and ongoing projects. He said South Miami-Dade is growing quickly and needs more jobs and better-paying opportunities, which he argued would raise incomes and make homes, apartments and condos more affordable.
Lord said the rising cost of living has hurt many residents. She pointed to the town’s rating through the National Flood Insurance Program, which gives residents a 35% discount on flood insurance. She said that saves her about $1,000 a year and that she wants to improve the rating further. She also cited an intergenerational housing project the town recently approved, which will offer lower costs for first responders and military members.
Gomes said Cutler Bay needs to balance the interests of longtime homeowners and new residents. He also said teachers in South Dade earn less than workers in many other fields, and he raised concerns about traffic, safety and how the town will pay for maintenance tied to new developments.
Rodriguez is also running but declined to appear on camera for the interview.