Name: Aston Bright

Campaign website: astonbright.com

Date and place of birth: March 24, 1972 – Fort Lauderdale, FL

List in order of importance the three most important issues in your community and briefly explain what you would do about each.
Maintaining Exceptional Public Safety: Public safety must remain Plantation’s top priority. Some talk public safety, as a Captain in the Plantation Fire Dept, I do public safety! I will work to ensure our police officers, firefighters, and Fire Rescue personnel have the staffing, equipment, training, technology, and resources necessary to protect our community, especially considering potential funding cuts if Amendment 3 passes. As Plantation grows, our public safety capabilities must grow responsibly with it. We also must attract and retain the best of the best people, so we need to have compensation that can compete with the other agencies in the region. Residents should always feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, parks, and businesses.

Protecting Taxpayer Dollars and Improving Affordability: Every taxpayer dollar should be treated with the same care residents use with their own household budgets. I will scrutinize spending, prioritize essential services and infrastructure, seek efficiencies, and support responsible long-term financial planning. I have a MBA, so I understand accounting and finance; which I will use in the budget & planning process. Plantation must continue providing excellent services while recognizing that rising housing, insurance, taxes, fees, and everyday expenses are putting pressure on families and seniors. I will also support policies that help our local businesses thrive, strengthen our tax base, and grow our economy responsibly.

Managing Smart Growth Thoughtfully: Plantation should welcome responsible investment and redevelopment while protecting the character and quality of life residents value. There needs to be a balance between progress and tradition. I will evaluate development projects fairly based on infrastructure capacity, traffic, mobility, public safety, neighborhood compatibility, economic benefit, and long-term impact. However, new developments in the city should always include an ownership component, not just rental apartments. Full stop. Home ownership will attract families who will put down roots and stay for the long term. Growth should help revitalize areas that need investment, support local businesses, improve transportation options and traffic flow, and strengthen our community rather than overwhelm it. Reckless overdevelopment will be fiercely opposed.

My approach to all three issues is guided by one commitment: Residents First. City government should listen to residents, respect their tax dollars, plan for the future, and make decisions that preserve Plantation as a safe, financially responsible, economically vibrant, and exceptional place to live.

Do you support or oppose Amendment 3, and why?
I support keeping taxes low, but Amendment 3 raises important unanswered questions about how local governments would fund essential services after substantial property-tax revenue losses. Plantation receives $81 million from property taxes each year. And 92% of that goes to fund police & fire. If it passes, the projected impact for the City of Plantation is a loss of $13 million in the 1st year and $28 million in the 2nd year. There is other money that comes from the general fund that pays for services the city provides. But this should illustrate how much of the budget is consumed by public safety (police/fire).

Florida already has a constitutional process designed to examine major tax reforms. The Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is scheduled to convene in February 2027. The Governor and Legislature should have had them examine this and Florida’s tax structure and propose constitutional property tax changes directly to voters. I believe major changes to local government financing deserve that type of comprehensive analysis, including consideration of replacement revenue, public safety, infrastructure, and local control.

Amendment 3 would provide some savings to homesteaded owners, myself included, but cities would still have to fund police, fire rescue, roads, parks, and other services. If revenues decline significantly, the practical choices could include spending reductions, higher fees, other revenue sources, changes in millage rates or cuts of essential services like fire and police; Amendment 3 allows this which is why, whether Red or Blue, all 67 Florida Sheriff’s and all 67 Florida counties are against this Amendment. That is foreboding and a warning we should not ignore.

There is also a useful historical comparison. North Dakota (a very Red State) voters considered eliminating all property-taxes in 2012 and again in 2024. Voters rejected it both times. The 2024 measure even included a requirement that the state replace local property-tax revenue (which FL Amendment 3 doesn’t include), yet voters still voted No! 63% to 36%. The #1 reason voters said they rejected it: because it gave up too much local control of their money to the Capitol. Sound familiar?

I would have preferred greater legislative focus on Florida’s property-insurance affordability problem, which affects homeowners, businesses, landlords, and ultimately renters. And property insurance reform would have reduced the costs to everyone, not just homesteaded property owners. Amid soaring property insurance costs to everyone, property insurance companies had a $ 1 billion record year of profits in 2025! The state should have dealt with this and let the tax commission take up property taxes in February when they are convened.

I’m not arguing against property-tax relief. I want taxes to be as low as possible. Before we permanently change Florida’s Constitution and take away more power from local governments and restructure how communities finance local services. We The People, deserve clear financial modeling, a sustainable replacement plan, and a complete understanding of the long-term consequences.

This Amendment gives Tallahassee a blank check to ban cities from using property tax revenue from being spent on anything they decide. And they can eliminate all (non-school) homestead property taxes without having to explain how essential functions will be paid for. If Amendment 3 passes they won’t have to come back to the voters to be able to do any of this. It is buried in the bill, read it. Those in support of Amendment 3 should be careful what they wish for, because they just might get it.

Can you cite a program or service in your city that in your opinion is wasteful or unnecessary?
I go to the city council meetings, and I have analyzed the budget. Perhaps there is some overlap between Parks and Rec and Public Works since they both mow grass. We can possibly merge those overlapping services which may provide some savings. I would analyze this and look to see if there is any consolidation we can do.

What is your opinion of the proposed mixed-use development by Barron Development and Hudson Capital near the 7000 block of West Broward Boulevard, and is it consistent with the city’s character?  
It is quasi-judicial so the applicant has a right to a fair hearing of their project and as a candidate I cannot legally publicly state my support or opposition of something coming before the city council. However, I believe that a project in that area of town must fit the neighborhood in a way that protects the tradition while addressing the need for redevelopment of an aging shopping center.

I also believe that all new developments in Plantation should have an ownership component and not just be rental apartments.

Residents need to be able to buy a home and plant their roots deep in our city which will help improve our local schools and give us more families to sustain our future. We must balance progress with the tradition.

So, in my opinion, the project in its current form is probably too dense for the area where it is located. But a final decision could only be made once the applicant has an opportunity to present their project to the council where they could get a fair review which is required under Florida law.

Do you support or oppose the use of surveillance cameras known as LPRs or license plate readers in your city, and what changes would you support?
I support Plantation’s responsible use of license plate readers as a crime-fighting tool, not as a system for indiscriminate surveillance. Plantation Police controls the data, limits routine sharing only to Lauderhill Police Dept, Fort Lauderdale Police Dept, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office; and does not provide broad access to any federal agencies. The city has also stated that access is restricted to legitimate law-enforcement purposes and that misuse is subject to discipline.

These systems have demonstrated real and significant public-safety value.

Plantation’s LPR’s information assisted law enforcement after the killing of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer, whose husband (alleged murderer) was caught in Plantation after he was fleeing the scene in Coral Springs. These LPR’s tracked him down and Plantation Police Dept and other agencies did a great job catching him. They have also been used to identify stolen vehicles, locate other murder suspects, and assist in finding missing or endangered people.

At the same time, civil liberties are of the utmost importance. So, strong safeguards are essential. I would support applying protections like those already used with Florida’s DAVID database, including strict access controls, documented searches, regular audits, and serious discipline, including termination or criminal charges when warranted, for intentional misuse.

I would also support continued limits on data retention and information sharing. Florida law requires a maximum retention schedule for LPR records, while Plantation has chosen a substantially shorter retention period. State law also protects identifying LPR information from public disclosure and limits its use to legitimate criminal-justice purposes.

I am confident in how Plantation Police is currently using this technology. The goal should be simple: preserve an effective crime-fighting tool while maintaining strong privacy protections, transparency, auditing, and zero tolerance for abuse.

Captain Ryan Smith of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said, “I’ve been in law enforcement for 20 years. And it is the single greatest law enforcement tool I’ve ever seen.”

We must find a balance between using the LPR’s for their effectiveness of catching violent criminals, catching people coming into Plantation burglarizing homes and otherwise victimizing residents. And the protections residents have under the 4th amendment of the Constitution. We can do both.

Plantation’s “strong mayor” form of government and at-large or city-wide commission elections are unusual in Broward. Do you believe the system works well for all city residents, and if not, what changes would you support?
I believe it works. If you look at other cities that have districts and no strong mayor, then you can get 3 commissioners that can hold the entire government hostage. And our mayor is the chief executive of the city and has veto power. Which of course can be overridden by a super majority of the council. So there are checks and balances available.

It can be a challenge if you have the wrong person in office, however the strong mayor form of government offers long term stability. And in Plantation we have 5 council members fighting for the entire city not just for their district.

Our councilmembers build consensus since they are all fighting together for everyone. They don’t always agree but they are civil and look for common ground to be able to work from. We also have a great Chief Administrative Officer, Jason Nunemaker, who works collaboratively with the Mayor and the Council. We have a great tradition in Plantation of working together to find solutions and fix problems. We are stronger together, and if elected to the council I will be an independent voice for all the residents and I will keep that tradition and respect for the city’s reputation going forward.

Would you support an increase in salary and/or benefits for elected officials in your city? Why or why not?
Absolutely not. Serving on the Plantation City Council is a part-time public service job. We should be lean and effective requiring the least amount of burden on the city as possible.

Like all cities and counties, Plantation must comply with a state law (SB 1134) that prohibits funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion policies, starting Jan. 1, 2027. Do you support or oppose this law and what impact will it have?
The City of Plantation doesn’t have a DEI office or staff. I believe that everyone deserves a level playing field and an opportunity to show what they can do. South Florida is a very diverse community, which should be celebrated.

What factor most distinguishes you from your opponent(s) and why?
I’m a captain with the Plantation Fire Department, and I have been serving as a volunteer firefighter for 12 years. I’m not a politician, so my commitment to this city goes far beyond running for different offices. I’ve spent years serving Plantation, its residents, and our community firsthand. I was deployed for a week to Surfside to assist the City of Surfside in their Joint Information Center after the Champlain Towers condo building collapsed in 2021.

I’m also the Public Information Officer and spokesperson for the Plantation Fire Department. I understand the importance of getting the right information at the right time to the right people, so they can make the right decisions. And so, the public can be kept informed with the most accurate information possible. This fosters great transparency, keeps people in the know which helps combat rampant misinformation online and it shuts down the internet rumor mills.

I dealt with this after the gas explosion at the Market on University in 2019. I was on the 1st fire engine that arrived on scene. Once the initial response was over, as PIO, I was very busy staying in close contact with the media to stay ahead of all the rumors and wrong information being spread online.

I also work in the private sector for a very successful private Swiss pharmaceutical company, which has been a great career. This has continued to cultivat my diverse business background which complements my vast public service experience.

List in reverse chronological order colleges or universities attended with years of attendance and degrees.
University of Florida 1990-1996 (part-time 93-95 paid management internships)

Associates of Arts Degree: Sante Fe Community College 1997

Bachelor of Arts Degree Political Science: Florida Atlantic University 1998-1999

Master of Business Administration (MBA): Florida Atlantic University 2011-2013

List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals (women’s health/orthopedics) 2016- current

Galena Biopharma (oncology/hematology) 2014-2015

City of Plantation Fire Department (Rank: Captain) 2014-current

Genzyme Biosurgery (medical device/endovascular occlusion gel) 2011-2013

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
Like millions of Americans during the great recession of 2008, I went through a foreclosure during an incredibly difficult period. But there’s an important part of that story. My mortgage was included in the federal Independent Foreclosure Review process after federal banking regulators took enforcement action against Wells Fargo and other major mortgage servicers for deficient mortgage-servicing and foreclosure practices.

Those federal regulators ultimately reached a multibillion-dollar agreement with the banks to compensate 4.2 million affected borrowers and to provide other foreclosure assistance. I was one of the borrowers who received a payment through that federal settlement program. I received compensation associated with my foreclosure.

I don’t claim that the payment erased my responsibility for the financial difficulties I experienced. I was working in an industry that vanished overnight once the economy crashed. But, in life you must play the hand you are dealt and adapt and overcome any challenges. Which is exactly what I did. My experience gave me a firsthand understanding of what millions of American families went through during the economic crisis. It also showed why accountability, transparency and consumer protections matter.

I learned from that experience. It made me more financially disciplined, more resilient, and more empathetic toward families struggling to keep their heads above water. Eighteen years later, I don’t hide from this difficult chapter in my life. I take note of how I overcame it and grew from there.

It was in that moment that I decided to go back to school to obtain my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Florida Atlantic University. I went back into corporate America at a Fortune 500 company. The silver lining was this caused me to move to Plantation, join our Fire Dept, and buy the home I live in today. And almost 20 years later, that decision started me on the trajectory of public service here in our city which I’m continuing right now.

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
I have been fully vetted and fingerprinted under a Level 2 background check by Plantation Police Dept in order to serve on the Plantation Fire Dept. I’ve also been to the White House 4 times (including the West Wing) and have passed the Secret Service background checks there as well.

No, I have never been charged with a felony, but when I was in college 30+ years ago, I was charged with a misdemeanor. All cases were dropped and closed. I have never been convicted of any charges.

In 1991, while at the University of Florida in Gainesville I participated in our annual philanthropy fundraiser benefiting Leukemia research and finding a cure. We were change collecting at the intersection of 34th st and Archer Rd. We had a City of Gainesville permit to do this, but what we didn’t know was that 34th & Archer Rd was 3 blocks outside of the city limits. We got a ticket with a notice to appear in court from a Sheriff’s Deputy for Soliciting on a State Rd (FS 316.2045). We all went to court to fight it and the judge dismissed the case due to it lacking prosecutorial merit. Case was dropped and closed.

In 1992 while at UF I made a mistake and bounced a check for $20.26. I didn’t realize that it never cleared my bank. I was living in my Fraternity house at the time, so for whatever reason I never got the notice in the mail. Not sure if you have ever lived in a fraternity house in the 90’s. But that shouldn’t surprise anyone that I never got my mail. However, once I was finally made aware of the situation, I paid the $20.26 restitution immediately and had to pay some other fees. And the worthless check case was dropped and closed.

In 1995 I was driving my motorcycle with an expired tag and I didn’t have a motorcycle endorsement. So, I got 2 “fix it tickets.” I got my registration paperwork straightened out and got my motorcycle endorsement for my license, and the 2 tickets were dropped and the case was closed.

As I stated before, I have never been charged with a felony or convicted of any criminal charges. And since receiving the 2 traffic incidents in 1995, I have not had any additional incidents of any kind (except a few minor traffic tickets which were dismissed in court) for the last 31 years through today.

Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
I am running for Plantation City Council because I believe public service should always begin with one simple principle: residents come first.

For more than 16 years, Plantation has been my home, and service to this community has been a defining part of my life. As a Captain with the Plantation Fire Department, I have served residents during fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and some of their most difficult moments. Those experiences have taught me that leadership requires preparation, sound judgment, teamwork, accountability, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions when the stakes are high.

My experience extends well beyond public safety. I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, and I have built a successful private-sector career working with Fortune 500 companies. My professional background includes running multi-million-dollar business units in Fortune 500 companies encompassing sales, marketing, budgeting, strategic planning, execution and organizational leadership.

That combination of public service and business experience has given me a practical understanding of how government can deliver excellent services while respecting the taxpayers who fund them.

My commitment to service has also included the Plantation Parks & Recreation Citizen Advisory Board, the Broward County Drowning Prevention Task Force, the South Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force, student mentoring at FAU and Broward County Schools, volunteering at my church, and 6 international humanitarian firefighting deployments to Israel. Including being tasked as the Team Leader for all American Firefighters along the Gaza border 2.5 weeks after the October 7th attacks.

For my public service in 2018, I received the United States Congress Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. In 2020 & 2022 I was named Firefighter of the Year by the Plantation Fire Dept. In 2023 I received the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Broward Fire Chiefs Association, I was invited to speak at the European Union Parliament on International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Strasbourg, France, the FL Assoc of Public Information Officers named me PIO of the Year, and the GFWC Plantation Woman’s Club named me Volunteer of the Year. And in 2024 I was named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for the entire State of Florida!  I have also received several awards and citations from the Plantation Fire Dept for my PIO work during COVID.

I have been endorsed by: Miami Realtors + R World, Metro Broward Professional Fire Fighters Local 3080 representing Fire Rescue in Plantation, Broward Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, & the Broward Teachers Union.

I am not seeking office to begin a career in politics. I am seeking the opportunity to continue serving Plantation in a new capacity.

My priorities are clear: putting residents first, maintaining exceptional public safety, protecting taxpayer dollars, managing growth thoughtfully, supporting local businesses, improving affordability and mobility, and preserving the quality of life that makes Plantation a special place to call home. Service has never been a slogan for me. It has been a responsibility.

Some talk public safety. I do public safety.

Serving on the Plantation City Council would be the next chapter in that commitment to Plantation and its residents. Thank you for your consideration and I’m asking for your vote on November 3rd.