Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe A. Martinez was first elected to District 11 in October 2000. He is the only Commissioner to have been elected twice to serve District 11. Commissioner Martinez has served as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Budget, Planning, and Sustainability Committee. He has been appointed as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, including Government Operations, Housing and Community Development, Airport and Tourism and Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Commissioner Martinez’s 17-year career with the Miami-Dade Police Department was exemplary. He received more than 70 awards and commendations; including 2 prestigious Gold Medals of Valor, the Silver Medal of Valor, the Exceptional Service Award, and the Lifesaving Award. Commissioner Martinez is very proud that in February 2008, President George W. Bush at his urging signed into law H.R. 1216, requiring the Department of Transportation to issue regulations related to power window safety, rearward visibility, and rollaway prevention intended to reduce the incidence of child injury and death occurring inside and near motor vehicles. Commissioner Martinez, who was born in Miami, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Barry University.