Latin Times Magazine Volume 13 No 2 | Page 8

ACTION AVENUE CENTRAL FLORIDA Jackie Guido Toledo Maniscalco Candidate for Tampa City Council Latin Times: What made you decide to run for the Tampa City Council position? Jackie Toledo: My parents instilled in me the value and importance of contributing to your community.  For almost 25 years I have called Tampa my home.  As a Civil Engineer, small business owner and mother of 5, the future of Tampa is so important and dear to me.   Tampa is entering a critical time in which the needs of a growing economy will place stress on current infrastructure and regional resources.  Almost 80% of all issues before the city council revolve around land use and transportationissues perfectly suited for a civil engineer. Being the owner of a small business, I know our business owner’s need more support in order to keep creating jobs.  Recruiting, retaining and fostering business growth is good for our city and a small business owner is perfectly suited to help Tampa’s economy. As a mother of 5, I know how to manage personalities, schedules and keep everything on track.  But more than that, my kids, like your own, are our future.  They need us to prepare Tampa for tomorrow.  That means finding cost effective solutions to resolve gaps in transportation and infrastructure and reinvesting in economic engines like our airport and seaport.  It means looking at our aging utility system and making much needed updates.  We cannot afford to kick the can down the road, it’s time to come together and get things done. Candidate for Tampa City Council Latin Times: If you win, what are some of your plans on how you can help Tampa’s Hispanic communities? Jackie Toledo: Helping the entire city will help the Hispanic community.  But, specifically our community has very specific needs.  We need to focus on education and re-education.  We need re-investment in our neighborhoods.  As a member of the Mayors Hispanic Advisory Council I have already advocated for our community and will continue to do so.  Latin Times: Why do you feel you would make a good Tampa City Council person? Jackie Toledo: I will use my specialized skill set as a civil engineer, business woman & mother to answer our cities’ growth. The growth is here, we can’t stop growth nor should we, but we must respond to growth rather than stifle it.  My experiences give me the background, foundation and values to be a good member of Tampa’s City Council and their best advocate. Latin Times: What is your Favorite Cuban Sandwich? Jackie Toledo: I can’t pick a favorite since I LOVE all Tampa Cuban sandwiches.  I’m getting hungry just thinking about them.  Can’t wait till next year’s the Cuban Sandwich Festival.  Now Hiring Bilingual New Home Sales Consultant in Tampa Area Contact Joe Sholes for more information (813) 740-9720 or [email protected] Latin Times: What made you decide to run for the Tampa City Council position? Guido: I have chosen to run for Tampa City Council District 6, because I want to make sure we pass on the promise of a better future to the generations that follow us. My focus will be on creating jobs, strong leadership and continued preservation of our beautiful community and historic neighborhoods that bring such rich heritage to our multi-faceted community, our home, Tampa. Latin Times: Why do you feel you would make a good Tampa City Council person? Guido: For several years I have immersed myself in community involvement. I currently serve as a member of the City of Tampa Code Enforcement board, current president of the MacFarlane Park Neighborhood Association, member of the Hillsborough County Human Rights Council, trustee chairman for the Sons of Italy Lodge, treasurer for the Ybor City Lions Club, member of the West Tampa Optimists Club, and member of the Ybor City Round Table. Our neighborhoods are the building blocks of our community. As a neighborhood president and small business owner, I understand the needs our community and am ready to represent the people and give them a voice in city hall.