As the clock struck noon Friday, June 12 at Village Hall, Brett Moss stood alone as Key Biscayne’s next Mayor-elect by operation of law.
No one challenged the 46-year-old architect and father of three, who spent four of his eight years on Council as Vice Mayor to Mike Davey from 2018-2022.
Councilman Ed London voiced his opinion of Moss, who aligned with him on many agenda items over the years, but also disagreed with him when he felt he could logically explain his reasons for doing so.
“I think it’s great,” London told Islander News. “Brett is well qualified, diligent, smart, and will do a great job. I have no reservations about him being the next mayor.
“He wants the best things for the Village and, like me, with the most reasonable cost with the least amount of waste.”
Moss will become just the ninth different Key Biscayne mayor since the Village was incorporated 35 years ago. If history repeats itself, his two-year term could likely expand to four years, since every other mayor was seated by the voters at least twice.
Current Mayor Joe Rasco is closing out his second double term as the Council’s leader, having also filled that role for two terms starting in 1998. He told Islander News that Moss’ approach to issues in the past should be a reflection of his leadership traits.
“I look forward to seeing Brett Moss serve as the next Mayor of Key Biscayne,” Rasco said. “Throughout his time on the Village Council, Brett worked diligently on behalf of our residents and demonstrated a strong commitment to the community we all care so deeply about. His approach reflects many of the values and priorities that have guided me, while also bringing his own thoughtful analysis and perspective to the challenges and opportunities ahead. I am confident that under Brett’s leadership, the Village will continue to flourish as a safe, thriving, and vibrant island community.
Brett Moss (right) with family outside the Key Biscayne Yacht Club. Moss is running for mayor of the island community he has called home for decades.
Photo courtesy: Nicolas Maza
“I wish Brett every success as he prepares to lead Key Biscayne into its next chapter.”
London was asked if he thought the reason no one ran against Moss was that he was far and above the best qualified or was it that the numerous difficult paths ahead for the Village (i.e., resiliency and property tax issues, for example) were too much to handle.
“I think that, obviously, if anyone was going to run against him, they would know how well-established, well-known and how very confident he is (in his decisions),” London said. “He is well-spoken and can defend his position. Maybe more people just agree with him.”
Nancy Stoner, who has served on Council less than two years, shared a similar opinion of Moss.
“Brett will lead Council well as we continue in our efforts to improve life for all Key Biscayners,” she said. “He brings a wealth of institutional knowledge as well as sharp insights and a practical approach into problem solving. The Key will be well served under his leadership.”
No other Council member responded to a similar question posed by Islander News.
Key Biscayne resident and attorney Luis “Lucho” de la Cruz, who served on Council from 2014-2018 and who has been a vocal proponent of wise spending and getting things done quickly, shared his viewpoint.
“I just don’t think the Village is being properly managed,” he said. “Brett Moss is the right guy to lead a new initiative. Obviously, he will need help from at least three others on Council, but I think he will lead us out of the significant standstill, which I guess is the right word, we’re in. Things are not great right now … we must take the bull by the horns.”
De la Cruz said he had not given much thought as to why no one ran against Moss but then offered his opinion.
“I just feel that the climate, based upon what’s been going on the past few years … I mean, we’ve spent $8.5 million in designing (a stormwater system) that we shouldn’t have even considered (with the outflow going into Biscayne Bay),” he said. “It could very well be dealing with this (stuff) or the fact that even more difficult times lay ahead with the proposed homestead exemption increases.
“We need to demand more of them, to do it responsibly and do the best at giving access to the people you’re representing. I do believe Brett Moss will be a very welcome change to the mayor’s position. He’s not going to be a caretaker mayor. He’s going to have his view, what he thinks the Village needs to do. I support him 100 percent, and I’m looking forward to his tenure. Hopefully, we elect (Council members) with new ideas.”
Moss, in his statement to Islander News earlier this month after declaring for the race, said, in part, that he intended to “pursue a clear five-year strategic plan tied directly to our annual budget, ensuring that our administration’s direction is firmly guided by your elected representatives” and that “We must approach infrastructure projects in an intelligent, fiscally feasible, and responsible manner.”
London, meanwhile, will be closing out his second term on the Council and will not be eligible to run in November. Asked if he wished he could be on the dais again with Moss, London replied, “It would be a pleasure; it’s always a pleasure working with him.
“I always welcome his agreement, or even disagreement, because he’ll usually have a logical explanation. But that’s what it’s about. It’s OK to disagree, and in the end, there might be a good compromise and (we) can work things out for the better.
“For Key Biscayne’s sake, I’m very happy he won unanimously (without opposition).”
In addition to London’s Council seat, two other seats (filled currently by Oscar Sardiñas and Fernando Vazquez, who are eligible to run) will be up for grabs in the November election. According to Village Clerk Jocelyn B. Koch, the qualifying period begins at noon, on Monday, Aug. 10, and ends at noon, on Thursday, Aug. 20.
If you are interested in becoming a candidate, scheduling an appointment with the Village Clerk is highly recommended but not required. You may call (305) 365-5506 or e-mail jkoch@keybiscayne.fl.gov or go to the Village website for more details.