QNA: Questions Need Answers

What would it take for our public schools to become the first choice for families?

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with James Wright, candidate for Miami-Dade County School Board District 1, for a conversation about what it takes to build a safer, more responsive, and more competitive public school system.

Drawing from his experience in law enforcement, executive leadership, public administration, small business, and procurement, James explains the perspective he wants to bring to the School Board.

We discuss student safety, academic performance, leadership, teacher retention, communication with parents, school facilities, data-driven decision-making, and preparing students for college, technical education, trades, apprenticeships, and life beyond graduation.

We also get into a part of the school system that often receives far less attention: its economic impact. James challenges the focus on how many small businesses are certified to work with public agencies and asks a different question—how many are actually receiving contracts?

At the center of the conversation is James's belief that families already have educational choices, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools should work to become the option they choose first.

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

How do you turn the problems people experience every day into policy that actually changes their lives?

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with Miami-Dade County Commissioner and former Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert for a conversation about leadership, problem-solving, economic development, affordability, and building stronger communities.

Oliver reflects on his experience leading Miami Gardens and serving in county government, explaining how he approaches issues by identifying the underlying problem and looking for policy solutions that can actually get done.

We discuss economic development, zoning, public safety, parks and youth programs, housing, healthcare, wages, organized labor, education, small businesses, homeownership, and what it takes to build wealth in communities that have experienced generations of poverty and disinvestment.

We also get into Oliver's argument that social programs can help people survive today—but long-term progress requires creating opportunities for people to own homes, build businesses, earn better wages, and participate in the economy.

Now, as Oliver seeks to take his experience to Congress, we ask:

How do you turn problems into policy?

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

What does bold leadership look like when the stakes are high?

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with Florida State Representative Angie Nixon for a conversation about political courage, community organizing, working families, and what happens when an organizer becomes a lawmaker.

Before elected office, Angie spent nearly two decades organizing around issues affecting everyday people. Now, after six years in the Florida House, she reflects on bringing that organizing mindset into government.

We talk about childcare, healthcare, housing, wages, community power, direct service, and why Angie believes more everyday working people need a seat at the tables where policy is made.

We also get into Angie's reputation as a fighter and challenge her to go beyond the fighting and talk about the results.

At the center of the conversation is a bigger question:

When the stakes are high, what does bold leadership actually require?

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with Opa-locka Mayor John Taylor, candidate for Florida House District 109, for a conversation about what he's learned from governing at the local level and why he believes those lessons can be taken to Tallahassee.

John reflects on his journey from commissioner to vice mayor and mayor, as well as the challenges of leading a city operating under state financial oversight.

We talk about affordability, childcare, property insurance, infrastructure, parks, rental and mortgage assistance, homeownership, entrepreneurship, small-business support, and why simply having government programs isn't enough if residents don't know those resources exist.

John also explains why he believes elected officials should be judged by their record and held accountable for delivering what they promised.

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

Miami is growing—but who is that growth actually benefiting?

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with Satin Fye, candidate for Florida House District 109, for a wide-ranging conversation about the economic realities facing working people in Miami.

We get into Miami's cost of living, wages, affordable housing, gentrification and displacement, homelessness, development, government resources residents don't know exist, rising utility costs, automation, neighborhood jobs, and what economic growth actually means for the people already living here.

We also discuss why Satin believes communities shouldn't have to chase government for information and resources—and why elected officials need to build relationships with the people they're supposed to serve.

At the center of it all is a simple question:

Who's really benefiting from Miami's growth?

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

What does it really mean to put people before politics?

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with Angela Wynter for a conversation about community, accessibility, leadership, and what it means to truly show up for the people you're asking to serve.

Angela shares the experience at City Hall that helped push her toward seeking public office and why she believes residents deserve elected leaders who listen and remain accessible.

We talk about public safety and community policing, flooding and infrastructure, seniors and caregivers, vocational opportunities for young people, city spending, and the everyday issues she believes local government should address. Her personal experience caring for her mother also informs her interest in greater support for caregivers.

Throughout the conversation, one theme continues to surface:

Leadership starts with listening.

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with Florida House District 108 candidate Dinah Escarment for a conversation about generational change, political integrity, community advocacy, and what it takes to fight for the people you represent.

Dinah shares how her experiences as a teacher, small-business owner, and community leader shaped her approach to public service.

We talk about affordable housing and first-time homeownership, supporting small businesses, public education, development, political donors, and the realities of working across the aisle in Tallahassee.

We also get into a bigger question: How do we make room for a new generation of leaders without dismissing the experience and contributions of those who came before us?

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

What's the difference between politics and public service?

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with Paul Wilson, candidate for Miami Gardens City Council Seat 2, for a conversation about leadership, education, mentorship, transparency, and serving a community long before asking for someone's vote.

Paul reflects on his work in education, juvenile justice, school administration, and mentoring young men through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project.

We also discuss growing up as the son of Congresswoman Frederica Wilson while building his own identity and body of work in public service, public education, career pathways for young people, term limits, and the future of Miami Gardens.

Paul argues that transparency has been a constant throughout his professional life and is something residents should expect from government.

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

What builds trust in our justice system?

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with judicial candidate Arthur “Marty” McNeil for a conversation about justice, courtroom experience, public service, representation, and the responsibility that comes with serving on the bench.

Marty walks us through his experience as a Public Defender, private attorney, mediator, trial lawyer, trainer, and supervising attorney.

We discuss how our courts work, misconceptions about Public Defenders, trial experience, mentorship, judicial diversity, and why representation and experience can affect the public's relationship with the justice system.

Marty also reflects on his long history of mentorship and community service and why he sees serving as a judge as another opportunity to give back.

QNA doesn't tell you who to vote for. We ask the questions so you can hear directly from the people seeking to serve our communities and make an informed decision for yourself.

Can justice truly exist without compassion?

In this episode of QNA: Questions Need Answers, Munch sits down with judicial candidate Renee Gordon for a conversation about fairness, experience, cultural competency, rehabilitation, and what qualities we should expect from the people entrusted with administering justice.

With more than 35 years of legal experience, Renee reflects on her work as a Public Defender, attorney, educator, social worker, and community servant.

We discuss misconceptions about Public Defenders, juvenile justice, rehabilitation, judicial experience, cultural competency, and whether compassion and accountability can coexist. Renee also explains how her knowledge of community resources influences the way she thinks about public safety and helping people who enter the justice system.