Name: Stephen Korka

Campaign website: stephenkorka.com

Date and place of birth: 9/4/80, Buffalo, NY

In your opinion, is your city generally on the right track or wrong track, and why or why not?
Financially our town is doing great. The budget is managed very well and we have a great credit rating. The town prides itself on it’s trails and parks which are beautiful and an essential part of the town’s culture and history. Where the town has failed like many in South Florida is the mass influx of development, especially in the multi-story apartment segment. Of course there is demand. There is demand all over South Florida which paired with COVID inflation has driven prices to very difficult levels to manage. Add to that the educational corridor in Davie and it’s demands puts you in the situation we’re in now. Historical Davie Rd looks less and less like the western “town” Davie has been known for. The term “town” almost seems comical, nostalgic, when really Davie is now a major suburban city. The four lane road is beyond congested and will get worse when the apartment complexes currently under construction are finished. Pair that with the bottle neck of Reese Rd with only one entrance and exit on to Davie Rd north toward 595 and you get a headache for commuters and residents. The town council will give so many excuses as to why they were approved. All of them were the choice of the council though. None of them fall under the Live Local Act, an act you don’t need education on but is horrible with it’s ability to handcuff city councils from doing what’s best for their residents. It’s a logistical nightmare that makes me question why anyone on the council thought it was smart development. If that wasn’t enough, they have relaxed the building codes that require the storefronts to look like the “old west”. Everything going up now has a more modern take with a chic western flare, but nothing like what has given Davie it’s charm, look and feel making it aesthetically a visual standout from anyplace else in the South Florida. Though this detail does not hold real consequences and struggles for the residents I feel it’s very important and the pull back from it has also been a driving force for me to run.

List in order of importance the three most important issues in the city and briefly explain what you would do about each.
I have already spoke about two issues important to me above:

1: Over-development first and foremost. For this, I’m in the business of saying no to any and all future projects at a minimum for the near future if not for the length of my term if elected. Land is at a premium. I am very pro-environment and not in favor of rezoning. That leaves the only option for developers is to move upwards and I’m not for it. Yes, I fully understand that that could drive demand in Davie up even more over time; increasing housing prices, outpricing a segment of the population (i.e. Surfside). Though those aren’t my goals, those possibilities do not outweigh the effects this town will face if we continue to approve and build upward. Now of course, projects filed under Live Local present challenges for any council and there may be instances in that example where my hands would be tied.

2: Culture, aesthetics, maintaining the ‘western’ look and feel of traditional Davie – I moved to Davie in 1985 and have been between Davie and Cooper City pretty much my whole life and I have seen the changes but I also remember what was. The western look aggressively used to extend East to West from Turnpike to University Dr and North to South from Stirling Rd to SR84. I honestly don’t know what can be done about what is there now, but I would do anything in my power on the council to assure that anything future goes back to that. It is part of Davie identity and culture and should not be watered down.

3: Flooding – everywhere in South Florida. I think Davie has been working on this and needs to continue doing so. We need to work with the SFWD and neighboring cities to have smart infrastructure, assure that in areas we raise elevation we don’t create new flooding zones and hazards to residents and commuters. Focusing on our water supply, salt water instrusion, pumps, it’s all essential in this region. South Florida is an amazing place to live and property values and demand to live here make us a top 5 region in the country. None of that will exist if the flooding gets substantially worse than what we are already seeing. I have this at number 3 because it is the hardest to get done with real results but it honestly should be number 1 for all cities in the region.

Do you support or oppose Amendment 3, and why?
I won’t be worried whichever the way voters vote. There are both good and bad things about the proposed amendment. First and foremost, as a homeowner myself the property taxes are insane and continue to go up. I find a way to manage but I have heard from many people that have had to sell their homes because they couldn’t afford the raising property taxes. I’m also concerned about seniors. I know someone who is retired, a widow and in her early 80’s. Her and her late husband bought a house, paid if off and retired. Now she can’t afford the taxes. She is seriously debating leaving her home. This is unacceptable and shouldn’t be a fear for our seniors. It’s not what I would want for myself so why would I be ok with it happening to others? Something needs to be done. If not amendment 3, something.

I don’t need to waste anyone’s time highlighting the flaws and challenges cities will face if this is passed. What I will say is that if elected and if it passes I have no interest in cutting essential police, fire and EMS services. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look at spending in those departments and look where we can cut but nothing that would effect essential services. My trade is in entertainment and I know when budgets are tight, entertainment is the first to go. So if I’m looking to cut costs that’s the first place I’d look. We have to assure utility services are intact and updated. Roads need to be maintained, etc. It’s a lot and if this is approved every city needs to buckle down and face real challenges. I also believe that people no matter what thrive in challenging situations. We find creative solutions. If this is passed, something will happen to keep the gears running. It may be at the city or county level. It may be at the state level, but something will happen that will find solutions for the municipalities to assure life goes on safely. I actually have a solution that mathematically works. I’m keeping it close to the chest though and will come out with that solution post election regardless of the outcome. I wouldn’t want another candidate to take my ideas lol.

I really haven’t answer the question. I’ve yet to vote and I’m on the fence honestly. I’m fearful this issue won’t be properly addressed again if it fails. I’m fearful if passed, lawmakers will do stupid things instead of smart decisions that will effect residents all over. If I think about my pocket, or my senior friend who I know there are more of like her, yes. I’m a yes. If that yes means where we live becomes less safe, more flooding, derelict roads, then I’m a no. There is no clear answer and I don’t know honestly what I’ll do at this moment. It is very much in my thoughts though.

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? 
Please see above.

How would you assess your city’s ability to manage growth, development and related issues such as traffic, noise, pollution and demands on city infrastructure?
I’m going to say see above. I’m against over-development firmly. There comes a point where things just don’t fit anymore. The hotel has no-vacancy. You can’t squeeze people into a space that doesn’t exist. I think housing options will always exist in South Florida and Davie. I just can’t say what they’ll be priced at.

What single factor most distinguishes you from your opponent and why?
I’m in a four way race. I don’t know much about Jordan or Toula (other than she’s a small business owner, most notably Flashback Diner) so I won’t comment much. To put your hat in takes a lot so I don’t think there is anything sinister. I’m sure their thoughts and concerns are close to mine. Whether they would govern better than me? I couldn’t say. I just hope they’re honest. As for Starkey, I met her and she was very nice to me on multiple occasions. I don’t think she means harm. She clearly has the most experience. I know she’s done many good things for the town. I just can’t understand why her and the council as a whole would approve some of the projects I am seeing. You can continue growth all you want, but it’s not even smart growth. I didn’t mention it above but there’s another neighborhood on Flamingo Rd and Orange Dr that is literally cookie cutter houses on zero lot lines starting at $1.4 million. It’s an eyesore of a community and totally goes against the look and feel of western (the direction) Davie. Why was that approved!? I know no matter what I will remain honest and do for others what I would want for myself. I’m not saying that separates me as I don’t know any of my opponents enough to say so, but it’s what I would do and I think that matters above all.

List in reverse chronological order colleges or universities attended with years of attendance and degrees.
Broward College – Automotive Technician – ’23-26

Florida International University – BA in Hospitality Management – ’99-04

List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Korka Comics – Owner and operator

Korka Inc – Owner and operator

Seminole Gaming

Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood

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 kind of already spoke on this in an above question, but again, I’m approaching this campaign with honesty. This is my second go around as I’m sure you know I ran for state rep in 2018. I learned a lot about the business then. I know Starkey is the safe choice and she really hasn’t done a bad job, but maybe it’s time for fresh thoughts and ideas. I have answered quite a few questionnaires this cycle with responses I know the groups I were talking to wouldn’t like. I could easily give the answers people want. Instead I want to say what I think and feel. It also allows me to not have to juggle responses and come off contradicting myself. Politicians spend so much time dodging questions, telling you what you want to hear. It’s rare that any of them are being honest with you. I hate that. Up until I got involved I always thought the entertainment business was the worst, filled with fake self serving individuals that go out of their way to get facetime with people that help benefit their end goals. I was wrong. It’s politics. The level of fake, clique like high school drama is horrible. I can’t tell you how many times I’m at some politics meeting talking with a fellow candidate or just someone there and I see their eyes scanning the room on who they need to see next as they’re talking to me. It’s gross. You know, I always voted for Bernie Sanders when he was on the ballot. Not because I agreed with his entire platform but because I believed him. I want to believe the people that represent me. I want to represent people and have them believe me.