Why Weston?
This anniversary issue is dedicated to Weston and its people. This is why we feature interviews with local personalities that have called Weston their home because they consider this to be a premier location—more like a paradise. Residents, business owners, and political leaders agree its cultural diversity and the implementation of a great plan have turned Weston into a privileged and strategic spot in South Florida, where residents can still enjoy the small town feel while experiencing the upscale living just like in any luxurious, big city.
Orestes Porras
Citi bank Manager for the Weston Branch – As manager of an important bank, Orestes Porras believes that it is important to not only establish a solid customer base but to have the support of the local government as well—two key ingredients in the success of any business. In addition to all the amenities and the cultural diversity that have made Weston a signature location, several organizations continue to support local businesses and work collaborative to continue to foment the industry and the economy here. An example of one of these organizations is the Weston Business Chamber, on which Porras is not only a member but has served as chair as well. According to Porras, who resides in Pembroke Pines, but enjoys the commute to Weston, political leaders and supporters such as the Chamber have been key to local businesses by facilitating networking, good productivity and doing business in general. Weston’s economic bloom would have never happened without the support of the commissioners, he said, who have helped not only the big industries as Citibank is, but the small business owners as well—the mom and pop shops that are so critical to any economy. The commitment and the hands-on involvement of the elected officials have made Weston a beautiful and affluent city. Why Weston? For the unconditional support that has made the private industry flourish.
Jack Miller – President and CEO of Weston Area Chamber of Commerce – Over 20 years ago, Weston was not remotely the shadow of the cultural city that it has evolved into. Its infrastructure looked nothing like it does today and that is only because a group of concerned residents saw the potential of what was only part of a development at the time, and fought hard to turn it into the place many call paradise today. One of those activists was veteran resident Jack Miller, who continues to be active today and is the president and CEO of the Weston Area Chamber of Commerce. Along with another dozen residents, Miller worked hard to organize events and fundraising activities that gave the group much needed money for schools in the area, and that was only the beginning. He considers himself and is proud to be part of the first generation of residents who are now leaving a legacy for the children that have been born here and will have to continue what their grandparents started so many years ago. His work with the Chamber has been unprecedented in bringing more business to the area and in continuing to create awareness and spread the word about the opportunities that Weston has to offer—all in hopes of bringing more residents who will want to continue to improve their quality of life. Miller has said that a critical factor in Weston’s success and growth has definitely been the cultural diversity and the involvement of the residents—without them Weston would not be what it is today. “No one person can do it alone,” said Miller. Why Weston? Because it is where the dream of a lifetime has become a reality.
Mercedes Henriksson – City of Weston Commissioner – Commissioner Henriksson summarizes easily and briefly what Weston means to her. “It’s about the people and the plan,” said Henrikkson. The plan is the one that was envisioned in the 80s when a group of activists and residents planned what they wanted the community to look like. Nowadays the plan is not only a tangible reality but it has surpassed the expectations of those who saw it all in the making. Weston is a city that still holds true to the values of a small community—it is a family-oriented, small town in a sense—but on the other hand, it also features the amenities and the elegance of any big city. It has the best of both worlds. In addition, Henriksson said, the diversity of its people has enriched the cultural arena incredibly with all sorts of activities being planned on a daily basis. “The diversity is great […] one of the things that makes a great city,” said the commissioner. But the people are not only diverse in their backgrounds, they are activists at heart—a high percentage of residents always involved in charity events, always voicing their opinions at council meetings, and even volunteering at the schools. The motivation and enthusiasm of the residents, who take pride in their city, have been critical in making Weston the best place to live and work, according to Henriksson. Why Weston? For the diversity and involvement of its people, qualities that make any municipality a big city.
Eric Hersh – Mayor of Weston – For Mayor Eric Hersh there’s simply no better place to live and bring up a family than Weston. Hersh, Weston’s second mayor, came to the area in the 90s and along with many other veterans was witness to the implementation of the idealized plan that has made this city a premier location. The mayor agrees with the view that residents are a crucial part of the city’s success as they are committed in continuously improving their quality of life. Although Weston is a diverse city, the people are very cohesive, he said, which keeps them focused on the same goals and ideals for the future. Another significant part of Weston’s foundation has been its schools. “In order to have a first class community, you need first class schools,” said Hersh. In addition, Weston residents have benefits not found anywhere else in Broward County, such as the lowest tax rate and the lowest crime rate. Although a small city in nature, Weston has reached an enviable mature and affluent status that makes it unique. Why Weston? It is a beautiful and elegant city, yet the cost of life is reasonable and affordable.
John Flint – City Manager – A man of few words, City Manager John Flint, says Weston is a unique place because it combines two key ingredients residents look for—high quality services and reasonable prices. “There’s no place better,” he said. “When you drive into Weston, you know you are in a different place.” Weston’s appearance, that of an expensive country club, has not been achieved at the expense of the taxpayers but on the contrary, the city has a solid fiscal base and has not raised taxes at all—it currently has the lowest tax rate in all of Broward County, Flint said. Flint, a resident since 1989, was the first city manager to be chosen after incorporation and is still standing strong and working for the community. He was also a visionary who helped implement the plan for the city’s appearance when most of it hadn’t even been built and assures the final product “has exceeded the vision.” Why Weston? Simple because there’s no place better.
Nelsy Arellano , Business owner – Mailtime , Sixteen years ago Nelsy Arellano came to Weston because it seemed like a paradise—an attractive and elegant community with good schools. Weston offered the small town feel and family-oriented vision she had been looking for while still being close to main arteries or roads that could take her anywhere in just minutes. Only eight years after that, she was presented with a golden opportunity, owning a business—a small parcel store. “I wanted to have my business in the place I live,” said Arellano, so she went for it. Although still a small store, Mailtime has been standing strong for 10 years now. From the business point of view, Weston’s cultural diversity has had a lot to do with it because diversity of people means diversity of services that could be offered, said Arellano. So when the international market is down the domestic one doesn’t necessarily follow the same trend and vice versa. The clientele is always loyal, she said, and returns to the store in which they find good service, respect and professionalism. Why Weston? Because it offers the possibility of not only living but owning a business in paradise.
Lirio Casino, Business owner – Lirio’s Italian Restaurant , Lirio Casino is a Weston business owner who understand the importance of diversity and has even embraced and used it as a success tool to position herself as one of the favorites amongst customers. Casino, owner of Lirio’s Italian Restaurant, says the cultural mix has helped her in improving her dishes as customers usually comment on what they like about the options offered and she tries to implement their suggestions. It keeps her motivated, always on her toes and trying to be different and appealing. In addition to owning businesses in Weston for seven years, Casino has also made this city her place of residency because she believes her neighborhood is upscale and privileged. Above all, she is pleased with the increased security, which makes Weston the perfect place to raise kids, she said. The work of the elected officials has not gone unnoticed as Casino says their involvement and continued support has been a critical part of the city’s success. Why Weston? Because the customers motivate her to continue to improve in her restaurant.
Renee Smoley, Resident and community activist, Commonly known as “The Mother of Weston,” Renee Smoley is one of the veterans and founding members of this community, in addition to being a key figure during the incorporation movement. Smoley was part of a nine-member committee that had to prove Weston could indeed be and afford to be an independent municipality—and they did it. Not too long after, she started to see some of the changes they had hoped for and in her own words, the results are “even better than what we had expected.” Smoley believes the success is due to the involvement of so many residents and elected officials, who have worked together to create a great product, and above all, a city that is still in great fiscal shape even in today’s economy. Smoley also said that the cultural programs here have given Weston a unique and privileged status. Weston has its own philharmonic, the Weston Philharmonic Society, an organization that has received community support although Smoley would like to see more. The group is not only promoting the arts at different events, but it also visits local schools to teach children about music appreciation. Why Weston? Because it is a wonderful city, with a family-oriented vision, cultural diversity and the commitment of its residents.
Kari Pallotto, City of Weston Crime Prevention – Although Kari Pallotto has no easy task as a crime prevention practitioner, she has enjoyed working here for the past seven years because there’s a unique relationship among city workers and residents, she said. This cooperation, along with Weston’s strategic location has made it a safe community; it is actually the safest place in Broward County, Pallotto said. Weston is not a transient community, she noted, which means only people who live and work here commute through its streets, which keeps it very safe. With only three major ways to access the city, Weston keeps crooks away. The Sheriff’s Office has also helped Weston residents by providing workshops in which residents are updated on safety measures and by visiting the schools. Why Weston? Because it offers a positive work environment.
