Barry Moss, candidate for the Pompano Beach City Commission, District 5 – Sun Sentinel

Campaign website: Elect Barry Moss @ facebook

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

1. Control and guide the rapid growth taking place in Pompano:

Pompano is experiencing a construction boom thanks to our ARC and the availability of undeveloped land within our borders. I want to be back at the Commission to ensure that what the developers are proposing is what they will build, as well as to ensure that the type of development that is taking place best serves the interests of the residents of Pompano . We don’t need more warehouses in or near residential areas.

2. Encourage the construction of affordable housing in Pompano:

Pompano was one of Broward County’s leading cities in housing construction. Thanks in large part to our ARC, we’ve added more affordable housing than most cities our size. The neighborhood of Collier City in my district is a good example. We’ve worked with Habitat for Humanity and others to build over 70 affordable homes in this neighborhood alone. The Rick and Rita Case Habitat community in our northwest neighborhood will, when complete, add 76 new affordable homes.

3. Fight against crime:

Crime is still too high in our city, especially in our northwest section. Together with the Broward Sheriff’s Department, we have taken steps to reduce crime. We’ve installed “gunshot” devices in our NW community, are building a new police substation in the Collier City neighborhood, we’ve added license plate reading cameras to some neighborhoods, and installed cameras in and around our public parks and civic centers. The results have been positive.

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?

I would oppose it. Pompano has been more proactive than other cities in addressing the need for affordable housing. The need for affordable housing is not just in old coastal towns, but in newer communities in the western part of the county. These new communities have put in place various land restrictions and density requirements which, in effect, restrict affordable housing. Now it is their turn to make a real contribution to solving this problem.

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

Yes. When I was at the Commission, we made rules governing short term rentals, particularly in our beachfront quarters. As I left the Commission for two years, I have no direct knowledge the effectiveness with which these restrictions have been applied.

Would you support an increase in salaries and benefits for elected officials in your city? Why or why not?

No I will not. During my absence from the Commission, my former colleagues gave themselves a raise of $10,000. A commissioner’s salary is now around $47,000 a year, which I think is pretty fair and similar to other towns in Broward County.

What distinguishes you most from your opponent(s) and why?

My experience. Since I was first elected to the Commission in 2014, I have been involved in planning and executing the many impressive improvement projects that are transforming Pompano Beach. The huge Isle Casino project is in my district and I want to be back on the Commission to make sure what is promised is what is delivered. My knowledge and experience of the development that has taken place so far allows me to assess what is on offer and ensure that what is promised is what is built.

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

I believe I did when I registered to be a candidate for this position. I will absolutely adhere to all ethical campaign practices.

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

American University, Washing, DC, 1969 – 1971, graduated BA.

York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA, 1967-69, earned an associate degree.

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

I have been retired for 17 years.

Prior to retirement, I owned and operated Capital City Appraisers, Washington, DC for 25 years.

Before that, I was a teacher at the American Language Institute, Lisbon, Portugal for four years.

After college, I worked for two US Senators, Claiborne Pell (RI) and Lloyd Bentsen (TX).

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.

Nope

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.

In 2007, I was arrested for impaired driving and convicted of a misdemeanor.

Why should voters elect you over your opponents?

My experience, integrity, work ethic, and knowledge of Pompano and District Five make me qualified for this position.