Oscar Sardiñas, vice mayor and council member since 2022, is seeking a second term on the Key Biscayne Village Council in the Nov. 3 general election.

The nonpartisan race has three seats open. Claire London, Fernando Vazquez, Luis de la Cruz and Silvia Tarafa are also on the ballot.

Asked in our candidate questionnaire why he is running, Sardiñas said: "Since 1984, Key Biscayne has given my family a life I could never repay. Serving it is how I give something back." He added: "Stormwater, undergrounding and flood protection make up the largest infrastructure undertaking in Village history, and on a barrier island that work must be seen through with discipline and common sense."

Candidate information

Residence: Sardiñas has called Key Biscayne home since 1984, according to the Islander News. He and his wife, Joanne, are raising their two children on the island.

Education: Coral Gables Senior High School; University of Florida (1996).

Occupation: Asked about his work history, Sardiñas said in our questionnaire: "I've led international business units across Asia, Europe and the Americas, responsible for budgets, teams and results in very different markets. Today I work as an executive coach and a consultant to small businesses."

Party: Sardiñas said: "Village Council is a nonpartisan office, and I serve it that way."

Experience and public service

Sardiñas was elected to the Village Council in 2022. He said his colleagues "unanimously elected me Vice Mayor two years running" from 2024 to 2026. He serves as council liaison to the Education Advisory Board and co-founded the Key Biscayne Children and Education Foundation.

Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Sardiñas said in our questionnaire: "As Education Advisory Board liaison, I've helped forge partnerships with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, our PTSA and EESAC. I voted to require a zoning code review before approving new site plans. And I've recommended six residents across three advisory boards, every one of whom was appointed."

On the issues

Education: Asked about his proudest first-term accomplishment, Sardiñas said: "Bringing everyone who cares about our community school to the same table. As Council liaison to the Education Advisory Board, I've worked with a remarkable group of former educators, administrators and parents … Together we've built a real plan to strengthen the student, faculty and community experience at our school."

Bear Cut Bridge: Sardiñas said in our questionnaire: "Bear Cut Bridge is our lifeline to the mainland, and it belongs to Miami-Dade County, not the Village. The County is conducting a Project Development and Environment study, begun in October 2024 and expected to finish in March 2027, weighing repair, rehabilitation and replacement …" He said the council's job is "early, relentless advocacy for a structurally sound bridge, safer lanes for cyclists and runners, and a construction plan that keeps traffic and emergency vehicles moving."

Fiscal oversight and differences from opponents: Sardiñas said: "I do my homework. Years of leading international business units and coaching executives taught me to question the numbers, and I bring that to every budget." He cited his vote to require a zoning code review before approving new site plans and said that alongside his colleagues, "we've added a new fire-rescue truck, planted 149 trees, and advanced a new library and the St. Agnes turf field."

Sardiñas's campaign platform, according to his campaign website, also includes improving resiliency, expanding outdoor open spaces and parks, and enhancing infrastructure and connectivity.

Voters choose up to three candidates.