Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Prioritizes an Open Dialogue with the Community
We interviewed Daniella Levine Cava, the newly elected mayor of Miami-Dade, who gave us an overview of what is to come with her administration.
Daniella Levine Cava spoke exclusively with Go! Latinos Magazine on different issues that affect her administration, such as Covid-19 (she tested positive and successfully recovered), the vaccination program already taking place in the county and her plans for the economic recovery of many businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic.
Below are some questions and answers.
Q: We know that you tested positive for Covid-19 and that you successfully recovered. Tell us how the experience was?
A: I was in quarantine for two weeks, I had cold symptoms, and I still have a cough. Luckily, I had only mild symptoms. I had a lack of energy but recovered satisfactorily well and was able to resume my duties. Thank God it wasn’t worse.
Q: Regarding Covid-19, what is happening right now in Miami-Dade in terms of prevention measures?
A: We are working in a coordinated manner with federal, state and local governments to speak with one voice so that we all comply with the recommendations, including using masks and maintaining social distancing. Likewise, we have a tracking system that allows us to know who has tested positive and quarantine those who have had contact with those infected.
Q: Now that the vaccine is available, how will the vaccination process occur in Miami-Dade?
A: With the leadership of Jackson Memorial Hospital, thousands of people have been vaccinated since December. The first to get vaccinated were frontline and long-term care facility workers. Everything is going well, and we are hopeful to move on. Although vaccination will take months, we can say that we are entering the pandemic’s last phase. When we have 80% percent of the population vaccinated, we will be able to say that we have won.
Q: Tell us now about the programs that your government has planned in the short term?
A: My priority is to have an open dialogue with the community so that there is more transparency, and we will know first-hand what’s happening in our government. In this way, responding to our community’s needs, we plan to launch two essential programs: Thrive305, an innovation program, and Recover305, for companies experiencing difficulties after the pandemic. We want to hear people’s priorities and what they need from the local government through these programs.
Q: What is this Recover305 program about, and how does your government plan to improve the economy, especially for small businesses?
A: The Recover305 program will focus on small businesses experiencing difficulties, and with the help of industry leaders, we plan to create new businesses that generate new jobs. Likewise, programs like the federal government’s Cares Act are providing financial assistance to small businesses and residents of South Florida that have been hit hard by the pandemic. We look forward to receiving more federal funds to continue these programs.
Finally, I want to emphasize that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We must continue to support them and provide them with the necessary tools to get them back on their feet.
Haz clic para leer en Español: Alcaldesa Daniella Levine Cava, Mi prioridad es tener un diálogo abierto con la comunidad
