As election season comes to a head, the candidates for North Miami Council Districts 2 and 3 are sharing their thoughts on the biggest issues facing the city. In exclusive interviews with The Miami Times, the five candidates emphasized transparency and inclusivity should they be elected — or re-elected — to office.
Concerns about infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and affordable housing take precedence in the race, which features two incumbents and three political newcomers.
Looming against this year’s race is a recent court ruling that impacted both incumbents, council members Kassandra Timothe and Mary Estimé-Irvin. The two could be facing possible removal from office after a judge ruled that they violated the city charter when they voted to terminate former City Manager Rasha Cameau two years ago.
Following two years of litigation, Circuit Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez issued the verbal ruling on Aug. 26, 2026. While the ruling does not preclude the incumbents’ ability to run for re-election, both Timothe and Estimé-Irvin are subject to potential suspension from office — an outcome that plaintiff Eileen Bicaba said she intends to pursue.
District 2: Brian Jinks and Kassandra Timothe
In District 2, incumbent Timothe hopes to continue her six-year tenure on the city council, during which she has served as both vice mayor and council member. For Timothe, experience in government matters, and she hopes to leverage her experience to continue serving the city’s residents.
“I worked in North Miami for about five to six years before being elected, so I understand the city’s budget process, how capital projects work, how to move things through government,” said Timothe. “I have relationships that allow me to advocate directly with different levels of administration from the county to the state.”
She argues that her track record on the council speaks for itself. Her focus as she seeks to continue her work in District 2 is on affordable housing and infrastructure. She believes in addressing rising costs not only for renters but for homeowners as well, in the face of “skyrocketing” property insurance rates.
“I’ve been working very diligently for the past five years to increase our amount of units that we’ve been able to allocate [for affordable housing] in North Miami,” said Timothe.
She emphasizes accountability in government, citing her State of the District Town hall, which she hosts to receive feedback and address residents’ concerns.
“You need to know where your money is being spent, and you should be able to see it spent in your community,” she said.
Opposing Timothe in District 2 is Brian Jinks, a community organizer and 23-year resident of North Miami. He’s campaigning on the potential of a new perspective, believing that his experience as part of the community can bring renewed energy to local government.
“I keep my ear to the street,” said Jinks. “I really listen to what residents have to say, what their concerns are, and I want to put resolution to those problems and act upon them.”
Like Timothe, infrastructure takes precedence in Jinks’ campaign. The biggest issue for him is the city’s water plant.
“I know talking about a water plant is not the most colorful thing on the campaign trail, but it is reality,” he said. “Every door that I knock on and citizen I talk to is very concerned about this. Your water bills keep escalating.”
Furthering development on the water plant isn’t the only infrastructural change he hopes to implement. Creating safer streets by addressing traffic patterns, recalibrating traffic lights and decreasing congestion is a top priority on his list. He hopes to look into the allocation of funds from the city budget, bringing in state auditors to “look over this budget and see where we’re going.”
Jinks highlighted his desire to stay connected with the population of District 2, closing the “big divide in our community” by offering equal representation to all.
District 3: Jobans Jules, Mary Estimé-Irvin and Carolina Matamoros
In District 3, incumbent Estimé-Irvin has served as councilwoman since 2019. As a resident and public servant, she spotlights her work with families, youth, seniors and small businesses.
Estimé-Irvin’s campaign is built around three core pillars: transportation and infrastructure, technology, and transparency. For her, the most urgent issue is modernizing the water treatment plant.
“We cannot wait for infrastructure bottlenecks to turn into full-blown emergencies before taking action,” she said. “Relying on yesterday’s outdated infrastructure to build tomorrow’s city is not an option.”
Estimé-Irvin aims to expand access to governmental programs and ensure citizens feel heard by “bringing City Hall directly to the people.” She hosts district town halls, neighborhood walkthroughs and occasional open office hours prior to certain council votes.
“District 3 deserves leadership with a record of getting things done and a clear vision for tomorrow,” said the councilwoman. “I have proven I know how to deliver, and I am ready to keep fighting for North Miami residents.”
Up against Estimé-Irvin are two faces that would be new to the council, both with track records of serving the city.
Joban Jules has worked for the North Miami Police for 14 years. He is running with the intent to reestablish trust in government and reengage the community, ensuring people feel like the government continues to work for them.
“I saw a lot of things on the road as an officer I couldn’t address from my capacity as far as the quality of life [and] the way the residents are living,” said Jules. “We need to inspire the youth, we need to elevate the middle class, and we need to protect our seniors.”
For him, the two biggest issues in North Miami are fiscal accountability and infrastructure, including flooding issues and public lighting. He wants to “manage our tax dollars [and] utilize our tax dollars for the community.”
“[Tax dollars are] not there for self-interest and to have events and parties,” said Jules. “I’ve served as a police officer, so I’m able to connect with the people, and I understand what they need. I’m more empathetic towards that, and I’m readily available. They have access to me now, and they will have access to me even when elected.”
Opponent Carolina Matamoros has worked for the city of North Miami since 2014. She made the decision to run for the District 3 council seat after “seeing the decline in services being offered for our community and the lack or representation that we’ve been experiencing.”
Matamoros stressed that she brings a “people-first approach to governing which hasn’t been experienced in District 3.”
“I was born and raised in the city,” said Matamoros. “I have a sincere and heartfelt care for the community and for the changes that are being made in the city.”
For her, the biggest issue facing the community is the “lack of priorities” in city spending. She hopes to reallocate funds to address infrastructural issues such as flooding and drainage. A community leader and volunteer, she believes clear communication is a pillar of good government.
“I would make sure that I’m interacting and responding to every email [and] every phone call,” said Matamoros. “I think that on top of communication, it’s really important to ensure that [residents] are in the know so that imagination doesn’t run wild… People don’t know the facts of certain things, so then rumors start. And then from rumors, it becomes people’s reality.”