Incumbent, newcomer differ on city’s water quality

David Tringo, who has never held political office, is running for the Pembroke Pines District 4 commission seat that incumbent Angelo Castillo has held for almost 14 years.

Castillo, an executive manager with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, often engages in vigorous debates on social media and on the dais. He is a strong supporter of the city’s decision to return to using red-light cameras, saying the devices reduce crashes.

“Pembroke Pines Police Department crime stats are indisputable on this question — red-light cameras have saved lives in Pembroke Pines,” he said. “They have improved driving behavior notably, reducing accidents, including the most serious T-bone collisions.”

The quality of the city’s drinking water has been discussed at length by both candidates.

Routine testing in November 2016 revealed elevated levels of trihalomethane, a disinfectant by-product. In high levels and with prolonged exposure, it can cause health issues, according to the state’s health department.

Tringo, a plant nursery manager, said the testing revealed a serious problem with the water quality that reflects a lack of proper investment in infrastructure and the system that delivers it to residents.

Castillo has been a stalwart defender of the city’s water quality, saying it was never unsafe, based on a report by a utilities consulting firm.

Both candidates said that traffic congestion plagues the district.

Castillo has not said much about his opponent, while Tringo has repeatedly criticized Castillo.

“We definitely need a change in culture for the district, from failed leadership to someone who will always have the best interest of the community,” he said in a recent telephone interview.

District 4 covers the southwest portion of the city. The mayor is elected at-large, but each of the four commissioners is elected by voters from a single geographical district. The four districts are roughly divided by Flamingo Road and Pines Boulevard.