Candidate Profile: Ricardo De Melo Gomes — Mayor of Cutler Bay

Office sought: Mayor of Cutler Bay

Election date: Nov. 3, 2026

Campaign Email: Ricardo4Mayor.com

Why are you running for Mayor of Cutler Bay?

Cutler Bay should plan for its future instead of reacting to problems. We should be proud of what has been accomplished, but the next mayor must bring the knowledge, preparation, independent vision and leadership needed for the next decade.

What are the three most important issues facing residents?

Traffic and mobility: Congestion won't be solved by adding more cars to the same roads. We need safer streets, a pathway toward regional rail, and the jobs and businesses that let residents work closer to home instead of commuting for hours.

Responsible growth: Development should be supported by adequate infrastructure without shifting costs to existing residents. Traffic studies should be paid for by the developer but conducted by the Town before any permit is issued. High-density development should be along the U.S. 1 transit corridor.

What experience best prepares you to serve as mayor?

I bring decades of experience in construction, development and infrastructure as a Florida Certified Building Contractor, along with years of engaging residents, Town officials, County offices and transportation leaders. That experience taught me to weigh not just what something costs to build, but what it costs to operate, maintain and eventually replace.

What would be your first major priority?

Flooding and infrastructure. I have heard residents at Council meetings raise concerns about how projects get prioritized, especially when outside funding requires the Town to provide matching funds.

In my first 90 days, I would push for a review of our highest-priority flooding areas, stormwater projects and schedules, so matching-fund commitments are weighed against an objective priority list. I would also begin reviewing Town ordinances for rules that are outdated, unenforced or no longer serving residents.

How would you address development, traffic, infrastructure, flooding and quality of life?

I see these as connected. Infrastructure should lead responsible growth, not chase irresponsible growth. Development should demonstrate that roads, drainage and public safety can support it and address its impacts lawfully and proportionately rather than shifting costs to existing residents.

I also support greener infrastructure and permeable surfaces, bioswales, tree canopy and cool corridors connecting shade, mobility and drainage.

How would you work with the Council and other governments?

A mayor cannot accomplish these goals alone. I would work collaboratively with the Council and Town Manager, respecting our council-manager form of government, while actively engaging Miami-Dade County, FDOT, the Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust and neighboring municipalities.

How will you remain accessible and accountable?

Proposals should be discussed in plain language so residents can understand impacts and give input at Town Council meetings.

I will also hold regular evening open mics with the Mayor, so working residents have a standing, informal forum to raise concerns directly outside the formal Council process.

What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

An independent, professional approach grounded in real experience with construction, development and infrastructure. I ask how a proposal will work, what the cost is now and what it will cost to maintain.

Anything else voters should know?

Before I support a major decision, I ask three questions: Does it improve our quality of life? Can we afford it? Does it leave Cutler Bay stronger for the next generation?

I support a Charter amendment requiring a supermajority of voters to approve tax increases or long-term bond obligations, subject to applicable law.