New Leadership is Coming to Opa-Locka

OPA LOCKA, Fla. - July 25, 2018 - PRLog -- For decades the same names continued to appear on the ballot for Opa-locka commission. However, back in 2014 citizens passed an amendment to the charter instituting term limits. Now, for the first time in over a decade Mayor Myra Taylor and Commissioner Timothy Holmes, both with over 20 years on the commission, can no longer run for office. Commissioner Matthew A. Pigatt has resigned his seat to run for mayor. With four out of five seats available, Opa-locka is destined to get new leadership. Commissioner Pigatt is doing something unheard of in the history of politicians. He hosting an event to teach people "How to Run for Office." On Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 6:30pm at the Helen Miller Center (2331 NW 143rd St, Opa-locka, FL 33054), the community will learn about election laws, how to run for office, how to run an effective campaign, and the role and responsibilities of an elected official. As new leadership steps up across the country to run for office, Opa-locka may get its chance to finally put an end to the corruption.

MEET MATTHEW A. PIGATT

Matthew A. Pigatt, a Miami native, is a first-generation Morehouse College grad and the youngest elected official in South Florida in 2016 as Commissioner for the City of Opa-locka. Currently, Commissioner Pigatt chairs the premier mentoring program for boys in South Florida, the 100 Black Men of South Florida Leadership Academy. He is the founder of the annual South Florida HBCU Picnic, founder of the Sankofa Cypher: A Black History, Culture, and Thought Group, and author of The Academic HustleTM: The Game Plan for Scholarships, Fellowships, and Job Offers.

In less than two years of serving as the Commissioner of Opa-Locka, Commissioner Matthew PIgatt has:
● Led the investment of over $2 million to replace defective water meters
● Orchestrated the transition of the water billing system to the #1 water management institution in the State of Florida ensuring accurate billing
● Demanded the re-milling of 2.1 miles of City streets. The first major street project completed in years
● Spearheaded transition of the city's solid waste contract from a company that was in default to a new contractor that saved residents $125 annually
● Consistently met with residents at corner stores, in community centers, and in the streets to hear concerns and educate the people about government
● Shutdown illegal activity taking place throughout the City of Opa-locka

"In less than two years, we have made the most significant upgrades to our water system and streets in decades. Imagine what we can do with more new leadership," said Matthew Pigatt, Commissioner of Opa-Locka. "I am the only difference running for Mayor. The people want change. On November 6th , business-as-usual will be over in Opa-locka. A new day has arrived," he concluded.

Commissioner Pigatt's campaign kick-off will be on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, from 6:30pm-8pm, at the Opa-Locka Train Station (490 Ali Baba Ave, Opa Locka, FL 33054). Residents, business professionals, and campaign supporters will join Pigatt during an informative evening. Small bites and refreshments will be served.

RSVP HERE! FOR INTERVIEWS WITH COMMISSIONER MATTHEW A. PIGATT, CONTACT KIANA CLARK AT KIANA@FORWARDPUBICRELATIONS.COM ARE AVAILABLE, UPON REQUESTFOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING HIS PLATFORM PLEASE VISIT http://pigattformayor.com/.