Name: Brian Paruas

Campaign website: brianparuas.com

Date and place of birth: South Miami Hospital, 05/06/1974

In your opinion, is your city generally on the right track or wrong track, and why or why not?
As a Florida native and long-term resident, I believe our city is better than it has ever been, and we are on the cusp of something great. We should build on the progress we have made while being thoughtful about how we move forward. That means investing in our aging infrastructure, some of which is nearly 100 years old, thoughtfully redeveloping areas that need it, and making sure growth is balanced with the needs and character of our neighborhoods. We need to take the time to make smart decisions that benefit our entire community. We are One Hollywood, and we all have a role in moving our city forward.

List in order of importance the three most important issues in the city and briefly explain what you would do about each.
1. Stormwater and Resiliency

My top priority is moving Hollywood’s Stormwater Master Plan forward as quickly as possible while making sure we build a more resilient city. Improving our stormwater infrastructure will help protect our streets and properties from flooding, strengthen property values, and can help address rising insurance costs.

2. Taxes and Insurance Costs

With property taxes and insurance costs putting pressure on families and businesses, I will work to keep taxes low and pursue ways to help reduce insurance premiums. By making thoughtful investments in infrastructure and building a more resilient city, we can help address some of the factors contributing to rising insurance costs.

3. Public Safety

Public safety is essential to our quality of life and to Hollywood’s future as a destination city. I will work to ensure our police and firefighters have the resources and tools they need to protect our community. We should also continue incorporating technology into public safety, including tools that can help first responders monitor activity, respond more quickly, identify potential threats, and better coordinate their efforts. As the city grows, we need to make sure our first responders have both the personnel and technology necessary to keep pace. Our residents and visitors should feel safe in our neighborhoods and on our beaches and Broadwalk. We can not have another shooting on our beach!

Do you support or oppose Amendment 3, and why?
I support Amendment 3 and would vote yes, although I recognize there are still unanswered questions about its impact on local government revenues. My wife and I own our home outright, and I understand the concern about continuing to pay property taxes on land we have worked to own free and clear. I have also spoken with elderly residents who have paid off their homes and want greater relief from the ongoing cost of property taxes, as well as single residents who may not have children in public schools or regularly use certain public services but still contribute to those costs through their property taxes. I believe we need to listen to those concerns while also being responsible about the impact on our city. If the amendment results in a significant loss of revenue to the City of Hollywood, I would be willing to forgo a substantial portion of my salary to help make up some of the difference.

If you are elected and Amendment 3 passes, you will have to reduce services or raise other fees. Can you cite a specific city program or service that is wasteful or unnecessary? 
In order for me to really understand this, I would want to conduct an internal audit completed by an independent third-party company, to identify where the city may be wasting money and where we can operate more efficiently. For example, I have observed city vehicles left running while employees are conducting routine city business, resulting in unnecessary fuel consumption. That may seem like a small expense, but these types of inefficiencies can add up across a large organization. Before reducing services or raising fees, I want to make sure we are being responsible with the resources we already have.

What single factor most distinguishes you from your opponent and why?
What distinguishes me is the combination of my deep Florida roots, experience as a Hollywood small-business owner, community involvement, and career in public service. As a native Floridian, I understand the complexities of our state and the unique challenges facing our community. I own and operate a law firm in Hollywood and serve on the Board of Trustees of Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood. Those experiences have given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing local businesses, families, and our community. I also previously served as a Federal Air Marshal and federal law-enforcement officer protecting our nation’s airports and seaports. I am the only District 1 candidate endorsed by local police, firefighters, and municipal employees. Together, these experiences give me a different perspective on the issues facing our community and how they affect the people who live and work here.

List in reverse chronological order colleges or universities attended with years of attendance and degrees.
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Juris Doctor (2004-2007)
Florida International University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1992-1997)

List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Mager Paruas, PLLC. – Owner/ Managing Partner
Brian A. Paruas, Esq., PLLC. – Owner/Managing Partner

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
No.

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.
No.

Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
I bring a combination of experience in government and public service, a career as an attorney, and experience as a small-business owner. My career in public service took me from working in the Florida Senate, to marine enforcement with the Department of Justice (DOJ), and ultimately to serving as a Federal Air Marshal with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). That experience has given me a strong understanding of government, public safety, and service. I will be a strong advocate for District 1 while working constructively with the entire Commission to turn our community’s priorities into results. My goal is to make sure District 1 has a strong voice and to turn that voice into meaningful results for our residents.