A.J. "AL" Lara is running for Palmetto Bay Village Council Seat 3 in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces three other candidates in the nonpartisan race: Alan Farquharson, Carl Crawford and Lasaly Changkachith.

In a Miami Herald candidate questionnaire, Lara said he is running because he cares about the community he calls home and believes his experience in leadership, operations, facilities, budgeting and problem-solving can make a difference in the village.

Candidate information

  • Full ballot name: A.J. "AL" Lara (ballot position No. 193), according to the Miami-Dade County official sample ballot
  • Also known as: Albert Lara, AL Lara
  • Office sought: Palmetto Bay Village Council, Seat 3
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Residence: Palmetto Bay, Southern Area (Seat 3 district), according to the village's registered candidates page
  • Registration date: June 27, 2025
  • Qualification date: Aug. 4, 2026

Experience and public service

Lara claims on his campaign website that he has spent nearly two decades building relationships with local law enforcement, community leaders and civic organizations across Miami-Dade County. He said he has worked closely with Mayor Jose "Pepe" Diaz, the current mayor of Sweetwater and former Miami-Dade County commissioner, gaining insight into leadership and collaboration.

Public service runs in his family. His brother serves as a commissioner for the City of Coral Gables, according to Lara.

In the Miami Herald questionnaire, Lara said he has managed operations, facilities, budgets, people and complex problems throughout his career. That experience, he said, taught him how to listen carefully, evaluate information, make responsible decisions, manage resources effectively and follow through.

On the issues

Infrastructure, public safety and development: Lara told the Miami Herald that residents want safe streets, reliable infrastructure, responsible development, effective traffic management and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. As the community grows and development pressures increase, the village must ensure that roads, drainage, public spaces and public safety services keep pace, he said.

Public safety and police relations: Lara said on his campaign website that he has made it a priority to strengthen relationships with the Palmetto Bay Police Department, working to ensure open communication and support for officers.

Fiscal responsibility: Lara's campaign home page states that he believes in responsible budgeting, full transparency and making sure taxpayer money is spent wisely with accountability at every level.

Resident-centered government: Lara said on his campaign site that local government should work for the people who live in Palmetto Bay. Decisions must be guided by community input and open dialogue, not special interests, according to his platform.

Preserving community character and green spaces: Lara said on his campaign website that the village should protect its neighborhoods and green spaces as it grows, ensuring development does not come at the expense of what makes the community feel like home.

The Nov. 3 general election includes four candidates for Palmetto Bay Village Council Seat 3. Voters can review the full candidate list on the village's registered candidates page.