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Est. 2022 ·
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Est. 2022 ·
A CDM Site
  • Cooper City's Future: Support Juan Carlos "JC" Sanchez And "NO" On Ordinance 26-08

    October 26, 2026
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    Coral Springs — As residents of Cooper City, Broward County, head to the polls this election season, the community stands at a pivotal crossroads. The choices made on the ballot will directly shape the quality of life, governance and democratic integrity of the town for decades to come. Beyond selecting leaders who represent our core values, voters are tasked with defending the very foundation of local democracy.

    To preserve Cooper City’s character as “Someplace Special,” two critical actions are clear: (1) supporting Juan Carlos “JC” Sanchez for City Commissioner (Seat 3); and (2) voting “NO” on the proposed Charter Amendment under Ordinance No. 26-08.

    A Proven Leader for Cooper City Families: Vote Juan Carlos “JC” Sanchez
    When evaluating candidates for City Commission, experience, independent leadership and commitment to community wellbeing matter. Juan Carlos “JC” Sanchez brings a fresh, results-driven perspective, detached from old political establishments and special interest groups.

    A resident of Cooper City for over 15 years, Sanchez has consistently demonstrated his dedication to local service. As Vice Chairman of the Monterra Community Development District (CDD) Board of Supervisors, he has proven his capability to solve real community problems, listen to residents, and deliver tangible results. Professionally, Sanchez is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in media strategy, data analytics, and corporate leadership for global organizations, as well as an entrepreneur serving as CEO of Familyplayland.com. His strong background in management and data equips him to tackle city governance with efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

    Sanchez’s platform centers on core priorities that resonate across every neighborhood in Cooper City:
    1. Protecting Open Spaces and Low-Density Living: Sanchez advocates for preserving low-density construction, protecting local parks, and saving green spaces, including Cooper City’s golf course, from high-density redevelopment and special interest pressure.

    2. Fiscal Responsibility & Lowering Taxes: Understanding the financial pressures on local families, Sanchez prioritizes affordability, smart municipal spending, and keeping property taxes low.

    3. Enhancing Public Safety: Sanchez supports strong neighborhood patrolling, disaster mitigation infrastructure, and high-tech safety initiatives to keep families and neighborhoods secure.

    4. Smart Infrastructure: From road improvements to water quality projects, Sanchez supports modernizing city infrastructure while preserving Cooper City’s cherished hometown feel.

    With his family-first focus, independent vision, and active record of local governance, Juan Carlos “JC” Sanchez is uniquely qualified to serve as the next Cooper City Commissioner.

    Defending Your Right to Vote: Why You Must Vote “NO” on Ordinance 26-08
    While electing qualified leaders like Sanchez is essential, protecting the electoral process itself is equally vital. On the ballot is a charter referendum stemming from Ordinance No. 26-08.

    Currently, the Cooper City Charter guarantees that if a City Commission seat becomes vacant, a special election is triggered, so that residents may vote to elect their next representative. Ordinance No. 26-08 proposes to eliminate these special elections permanently, allowing the remaining City Commission members to fill vacancies through backroom appointments rather than special elections.

    The Official Narrative vs. The Reality
    The official ballot question frames this charter amendment as a cost-saving measure, emphasizing the price tag of holding special elections. However, saving administrative funds should never come at the expense of stripping residents of their fundamental democratic rights.

    If approved, the amendment dictates that:
    1. Under two years remaining in a term: Appointees would serve out the full remainder of the term without voters ever casting a ballot.

    2. Over two years remaining in a term: Appointees would serve up to two full years until the next regular general election, leaving residents unrepresented by an elected official for half a term.

    This proposal is a clear attempt to consolidate political power within the City Commission chamber, taking voting power away from taxpayers and handing it to sitting politicians.

    A Concerning Trend Across Florida
    Cooper City is not acting in a vacuum. Across Florida, municipal governments have increasingly attempted to replace special elections with commission appointments under the guise of fiscal efficiency. Communities like Venice, Florida, approved similar charter changes, resulting in long-term appointments without votes by citizens. Conversely, towns like Sanford have actively fought back to protect voter-driven elections.

    Article VIII, Section 2(b) of the Florida State Constitution mandates that municipal legislative bodies shall be elective. Circumventing this principle through permanent charter amendments undermines local self-governance. Once a charter is changed to eliminate special elections, returning that power to voters requires another referendum, leaving residents at a disadvantage.


    Standing Up for Cooper City’s Future
    Our local democracy thrives when citizens stay informed, engaged, and protective of their voting rights. The upcoming election presents an opportunity to reinforce community values on two fronts:

    1. Electing strong leadership: By casting a vote for Juan Carlos “JC” Sanchez, voters choose an experienced leader who prioritizes public safety, low taxes, green spaces, and family-centered policies.

    2. Protecting voter representation: By voting “NO” on the Referendum (Ordinance 26-08), voters ensure that future vacancies on the City Commission remain in the hands of the people, not determined behind closed doors.


    Cooper City’s strength lies in its active community and commitment to hometown values. Make your voice heard at the ballot box—support JC Sanchez for City Commissioner, and vote “NO” on Ordinance 26-08 to preserve your right to vote.

    For more information on JC Sanchez’s campaign, visit www.jcsvote.com. To learn more about protecting local voting rights and the charter referendum, visit www.savecoopercity.org.

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    Author

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    Gloria Guillo

    Gloria Guillo, MPA  is a former NYC administrator who worked for Mayors Koch, Dinkins, Giuliani, and Bloomberg. She has resettled in sunny South Florida, where she writes and co-hosts the nonpartisan podcast Uncontrolled Opposition on WBAI 99.5 FM.
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