Aquarius Board Elections 2022
The elections for the Board of Aquarius will be Tuesday January 18, 2022. Votes must be in by 6:30 PM.
On Tuesday January 11 there will be a ‘Meet and Greet’ with candidates. It will in the Cascade Room at 6:30. Zoom (online) participation available.
The candidates for the 2022 Aquarius Board of Director are: click the name and you will go directly to the information written by the candidate
Leon Behar,* Zinaida Bluband,* Paul Finfer, Elzbieta Fishman, * Bhagwan Gupta,* Keit Ngo, * Judity Ort, Victor Rocha, Linda Satz,* Mark Zeitser
* These candidates intend to participate presenting their positions to the community.
The quality of some pictures are not good. Candidates are encouraged to send better pictures to be posted.
Leon Behar, 1404S
My wife Rita and I moved to Aquarius in December 2020, after living in North Miami Beach for 34 years. I am a medical doctor and formerly operated a network of clinics in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. I also served as medical director for insurance companies in Florida. I have been involved with a Condo Board in Israel for the past 15 years.
I would like to use my management skills for the benefit of the Aquarius Board of Directors.
I would appreciate the opportunity to become a board member and I pledge to represent the unit owners with honesty and integrity to promote the needs of Aquarius.
Leon Behar (1404S)
Zinaida (Zina) Bluband. 902N
My husband and I have been residents of the Aquarius since January of 2013. In December of 1974, my family immigrated to the USA, settling in Minneapolis Minnesota. My education is in Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I worked as a Design engineer for two privately held companies involved in the in the design and development of material and air handling equipment for special applications including but not limited to mines and nuclear plants for 10 years. During those years, I was the owner and the president of Sir Speedy Franchise printing operations, business that we sold in 1986 for me to dedicate my career to the Mechanical Engineering that I loved. From 1986 to the 20081 had the privilege of working as a Valuation Engineer for the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. My responsibility was to provide professional and accurate development of technical issues related to Fortune 500 companies’ corporate returns as well as efficient and effective resolutions to more complex engineering and valuation issues. I held a certified general appraiser license that is the highest level of licensing allowing licensee to appraise all types of property with no value limit for federally related transactions. I completed numerous continued professional education classes on valuation of special purpose properties, historical properties, manufacturing facilities, intangible properties such as software and patents, building inspection, financial accounting, etc…
As an appraiser I provided Valuation assistance, including appraisal of tangible property, valuation of a business interest, stocks, or intangible property to Appeals, Counsel, and the U. S. Department of Justice and prepared engineering expert reports for the Courts.
As engineering member of Issue Team, I was responsible for performing risk analysis, holding issue discussions with the corporate officers, corporate attorneys and accountants and to resolve issues if possible or support alternative issue resolution.
I was the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Bay hill Condominiums, Minnetonka, Minnesota until 2012, when we sold the property and moved permanently to Florida. In the capacity of Treasurer, I was fully responsible for reviewing financial reports of condo association and preparing annual budgets that were based on historical performances and future anticipated expenditures. The Aquarius is the only home my husband and I have. We are full time residents of the Aquarius and will remain as such for the foreseeable future. After moving to the Aquarius, In January 2013, I have been a member of the Budget committee, Social committee, Co-chair of beatification committee, Co-chair and the Chair of the Construction committee during the 40-Year certification project
I discovered a long time ago that running for the Board of Directors in the condo association is not a popularity contest I will not promise “no increases in the maintenance fees. Maintenance fees more than likely will need to be adjusted to accommodate the inflation that happens every year and to compensate for the increases in costs of material, labor and produce. I will not promise “no new special assessment’. After all, Aquarius has no reserves and any material replacement of the building component will require financing. I wish for the Aquarius owners to have the option to approve only partial funding of the reserves to cover deferred maintenance cost of the items with the replacement cost that exceeds $10,000. While the Aquarius property underwent extensive renovation during 40-year certification and is in much better shape today than it was 7 years ago, the fact remains that the Aquarius is 48-year-old property. In 2023 Aquarius will have to go through a 10-year 48-year-old. Although there was a tremendous amount of work done, the continued reoccurring maintenance could make 2023 recertification less financially painful. I have no personal agenda, and would like to assure all residents that I take fiduciary obligations of the Board very seriously and will do my best to make sure that the Aquarius is kept in proper operating conditions to ensure the safety and pleasure of the owners that invested significant amounts of money to keep their home up to date.
Paul Finfer, 702S
Education:
- BS in Business Administration,1960, with honors, majoring in Accounting and Finance
- JD degree in 1963; Admitted to the Bar in NY State that same year
Aquarius Experience:
My wife and I purchased our apartment in 1995 and became full-time residents in 2003.
Since 2004, I have had the honor of being elected to the Board eight times. I served as president for four years, VP one year, and for the last three years, as member at large.
During my first year as president, we were advised that the Trump Organization had purchased the land immediately North of us, land which had previously belonged to Aquarius. That land was sold years before to a company which then built a three-story motel. Upon reviewing the original sales documents, I noticed that the land was sold subject to a covenant that no building higher than three stories could be built upon it. We then filed a lawsuit against the Trump Organization and settled for 4.1 million dollars. Those funds were used to improve our buildings and to keep maintenance low.
The current board has successfully repaired, beautified and modernized our buildings through hard work and cohesiveness. It has been very rewarding to be a part of this winning team for the past three years. With your support, I hope to continue using my experience and expertise for the benefit of our association.
Sincerely,
Paul Finfer
Elzbieta Jankowska Fishman, 1104S
Married to Oleg Fishman- Purchased apartment and became fulltime resident in 2020
Qualifications
Full time resident of Aquarius Condominium
Expertise In organizational skills including 25+ years of managing a large Manufacturer and Production in Poland and running distribution & logistics centers in the broader US
Expertise in managing multiple commercial and residential properties
Extensive experience in successfully creating and operating large manufacturer and real estate budgets
Extensive skills in negotiating & managing contracts with large retailers and manufacturers, such as Costco
Wholesale Worldwide, Burlington Coat Factory, TJX Companies, Crate& Barrel, etc.
Extensive expertise In Engineering Design
Great Communication and interpersonal skills
Extensive Budget and Contract Negotiation skills
Multi-Tasking skills
Multilingual: English, Polish, Russian
BS in Engineering of Science & MBA In Management and Economics — 2002 – University of Science & Technology—Krakow, Poland
Being the owner of a large Manufacturer and Production corporation, I would like to dedicate years of my knowledge and expertise in Engineering Budget Management and Contract Negotiation— to benefit the future of Aquarius Condominium. I believe that my extensive opulence in managing a group of employees at different levels and dealing with various issues can successfully contribute to a bright and prosperous future of Aquarius Condominium, as well as bring our community together and make It a better home for all our residents.
Hobbies and Interests
Business and Economics
Product Design
Reading
Culture & Arts
Cooking
BHAGWAN (BUCK) GUPTA, S-804
Born In India, I came to the United States in 1961 to pursue advanced study by attaining M.B.A. and a Ph.D.
Taught Business courses at college level. Served as Chief Facilities Officer at Miami-Dade Public Schools. I oversaw projects ranging from $200,000 for renovations, to building brand new High Schools, Middle Schools, & Elementary Schools under a Bond Issue passed by voters for 1.3 billion dollars. With Annual external Audits completed each year, there was not a single incident where any questions were raised relative to misappropriation and/or mismanagement under my jurisdiction.
My wife and I decided to downsize our home in Coral Gables and elected to purchase a unit at Aquarius with the belief that this property has lot of potential based on its location. However, we must pull it together to achieve common goal. If elected, I will take my role at the Board seriously to represent all unit
Owners and not be concerned with trying to please everyone.
The current Board has completed 40 years recertification for Aquarius. Most recent projects completed were total Hallway renovation, Elevator modernization and completion of many amenities. The current challenges we face is to finish outstanding projects listed as part of the newly approved Assessment in 2021.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at bgupta1@yahoo.corn. tel.: 786-402 4269
December 14, 2021
Kiet Ngo, 1801N
I am honored to run for a director role on the Aquarius Board of Directors.
My wife, Mindy, son, Mikal and I moved to Aquarius during the 40-year certification early 2018 and are year-round residents. We bought and fully renovated our home with the vision most Aquarius homeowners have…that is Aquarius is a hidden gem and now that gem is shining brightly. We love everything here, from the building to the people.
I am currently the Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture and Integration for the largest homebuilder in the nation. Formerly before that, I was an IT Executive for a Fortune 500 company and have worked in the information Technology space for over 20+ years mostly in the State of Florida. I’m responsible for millions of operational dollars a year and lead projects that range anywhere from thousands to multiple million-dollar budgets. I also have experience as a Director on a Homeowners Association Board of Directors in Orlando, FL. in the early 2000s. The reason I bring up my experience is not only to show my background as a leader and a contributor, but I take my responsibilities and my ability to lead delivery of projects very seriously.
The main platform I am running on is financial thoughtfulness as we provide enhancements and ongoing maintenance while ensuring that Aquarius continues to not only be our loved home but also our growing investment. I will provide a new perspective along with experience around collaboration, communication, and accountability. We need to know our numbers and work not only with our property managers but the many different trades to provide more accurate quotes and timelines. We need to hear what our fellow neighbors are concerned about and provide feedback. We also need to make sure we’re working together and being held accountable towards delivering the same shared vision and goals for Aquarius. I want to do this and with your support, I would love the opportunity to be on this Board of Directors to continue making Aquarius the GEM it really is.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kiet Ngo, 1801N
JUDITH ORT, 1605N
PERSONAL
U. S. Citizen, immigrated from Budapest, Hungary in 1956. Went to American University in Washington, D. C., where I met my husband of 53 years, Victor M. art_ I have two children and five grandchildren. We have owned our home and resided on Centre Island, Oyster Bay, New York since 1970. In addition, we owned a home on Prince Edward Island, Canada for over 35 years. Prior to moving to Aquarius, we owned in the Hallandale Beach/Hollywood Beach area since 1972.
COMMUNITY AND CIVIC SERVICE
I have been active in the Centre Island Association for many years and currently serve and have been a member of the Architectural Review Board and the Planning Board of the Village of Centre Island for the past 11 years. As a Board member, I am charged with reading blue prints, building plans, and site plans and approving and improving upon plans for subdivisions, additions and new construction in the Village. In addition, I work with the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, the Department of Environmental Control, Army Corps of Engineers and the State of New York. I have served on the Aquarius Board of Directors since 2016.
I was actively involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America for over fifteen years including serving as a Director and Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Oyster Bay/East Norwich Chapter. In addition, I am involved with and support many worthwhile charities.
PROFESSIONAL
Upon graduation I became pamphlet editor for the Anti-Defamation League of the B’nai Frith both in New York City and in Boston, Mass.
In 1972 I began Stonlinpex, Inc. a constructor/ installer and import-exporter of stone, marble and tile. It became one of the first certified women owned business enterprises in the State of New York (MWBE). In 1984 I began Stonimpex Gallery as a wholly owned subsidiary. I closed both businesses in 2003 when I retired.
From 1981 to 1995 I worked in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York in Westbury, Long Island.
GOALS
I want to continue to keep our Aquarius Condominium the absolute best it can possibly be. I am thankful the 40-year certification is completed and I want to continue to augment the value of each and every Aquarius unit in the most economically viable way. I will utilize my many years of experience in negotiating contracts and in running a successful business to best accomplish this goal.
Victor Edward Rocha, 1404N
I have been a resident of South Florida since 1965 and I have seen it grow from a small town to a huge metropolis in one of the most beautiful, desirable areas in the world. I have practiced law here since 1983.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community through the 40-year Re-Certification Process and the follow up regarding the project. I hope and I trust that the vast majority of our Aquarius community is pleased with the outcome of the work that has been done so far and I look forward to working on the projects that still remain, such as the new root new stairway to the beach and others. The hallways were completed and they look fabulous. The value of our property here at Aquarius has gone up significantly. This Board has been successful not only in accomplishing what we set out to do but also in developing a great and open relationship between the Board and the residents of the Aquarius Condominium Association. We have been exceedingly transparent in everything that we do and we publish every new expense that we incur for repairs at every Board Meeting. I believe that Aquarius has returned to its place as a pleasing„ Luxury, Ocean-Front Property as it was always meant to be.
In my time on the Aquarius Board of Directors, it has indeed been a pleasure to work hard and to serve the people of the Aquarius to the best of my ability. This experience has helped this Board to make the very important decisions that have to be made on a daily basis here at Aquarius. Thank you for your prior support and I trust that I have lived up to your expectations. I am very proud of the work this Board has done, especially with respect to the 40-year re-certification project.
Finally, I would like to welcome all of our new owners and residents to Aquarius. We have worked hard to make Aquarius a pleasing destination and we hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed improving not only the property but the atmosphere here at Aquarius.
Thank you for the kind way in which you have treated me here at Aquarius. I cannot even believe how many wonderful, bright, happy and kind people I have met here. I look forward to your continued support.
Sincerely
Victor Rocha
Linda Satz, 1108N
Married to Robert Satz
Current Board of Director 2015 — 2021.
Full time resident of Aquarius;
Expertise in organizational skill; Including 20+ years volunteer manager in a hospital.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Master of Science in Education
- President of ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation and
Training) - President of PTA.
Dear Unit Owners,
It has been an honor and privilege to be elected to the Aquarius Board of Directors. I have spent countless hours with the other board members assuring that our Contractors were diligently working on the jobs assigned to them. Our President, Mr. Bhagwan Gupta, has continuously gone outside every day at 5 AM to check on their progress and ensure the job is getting done. We can all appreciate the successful transformation this building has gone through. Although we have had to endure the endless noise, dust, and Inconvenience due to the construction, it has been worth it because we can see the beautiful results.
I am most happy about the coming together of unit owners as a community. There is peace and harmony, people are smiling and we talk to each other. That is a gift to be treasured.
I thank you for your confidence and faith in me that I can do the job. I am pleased to run again and ask for your vote.
Respectfully,
Linda Satz
Mark Zeitser, 203S & 301N
Hello fellow owners,
My name is Mark Zeitser and I am running this year for your board of directors here at Aquarius, where if I am voted in, I plan on being a proxy for you.
I have been an owner here at Aquarius since 2015, where I have split time between working here in Florida and back in my original home of Brooklyn, NY I finally made Florida my full-time home since 2020 and am looking forward to a bright future for our property.
I possess several bachelor degrees from Brooklyn College, both in Business and Psychology, which has served me well for my own companies, which entail and focus primarily on property management and development, as well as financial management. I am also a trained paralegal and was also trained as an EMT at one time back in New York. I believe my experience would be an asset to the Association and my neighbors.
If elected I plan on operating with full transparency and regard for my fellow owners, welcoming questions and meetings with any other fellow owner to discuss their concerns. I will have my personal number and email available to all owners. I will spend the time leading up to election in the lobby and meeting rooms for whoever would hie to meet with me. Come and say hello! I want to give Aquarius back to its owners. I can only do that with your vote
Thank You
-Mark Zeitser 203S & 301N 12/01/2021
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I really love this commercial by Google. No matter how many times I watch it my eyes get a bit wet. Always. SEARCH ON!
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Aquarius Condominium, Hollywood Florida 
HI Decilio, Can you please send me the TEAMS link to attend the meeting this evening. Thanks!!
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