Conversation With Armando Linde

How do you feel about the United States relaxing diplomatic relations with Cuba?

The easiest answer is it’s been 50 years, and it’s time. I come down reluctantly, though, in favor of it. That’s because Cuba still gets millions of dollars in aid a year from Venezuela. But Venezuela won’t be able to afford to continue that aid at some point because inflation is sky high there. I predict Cuba will go through a period of misery when that aid stops even with the increased tourism it will see from the United States. That extra tourism, though, could extend the dictatorship beyond the demise of Fidel and Raul Castro.

You haven’t been back to Cuba since you fled when you were 16. Will you visit now that diplomatic relations have been restored?

My initial reaction answer is, I don’t need to go and see it because it hasn’t changed a bit since I left. But my brother keeps telling me we should go visit, and I’m sure I’ll cave eventually.

What’s your take on the volatility of the U.S. stock market in the last week?

China and rising interest rates were the trigger. The value of Chinese currency is tied to the U.S. dollar, and China’s economy is slowing down, and there’s consequences for countries that export to China. Two main factors driving growth are an increase in the labor force and productivity increases. Well, productivity has been stagnant for the last six to seven years here. And the 200,000 new jobs a month we’re seeing is just a 1% increase over the country’s base. We’ll continue to see upheaval and an erratic stock market for awhile. What I see for the future is low inflation, low growth, low investment, a stock market that won’t see gains of 9% to 10% for a while and a period of very slow growth until policies begin to turn away from socialism.

Will you run for the Longboat Key District 1 commission seat being vacated by Lynn Larson?

I’m contemplating it. The filing deadline is mid-November. I have time to decide.

Are there any issues you have with Town Manager Dave Bullock’s 2015-16 recommended budget?

No. It makes me smile when we don’t have an increase in the millage rate. We’ve been conservative during hard times. I’m hopeful for better times with the real estate market being more buoyant.

Do you support Town Manager Dave Bullock’s merit-based employee raise system?

It’s a wonderful idea, but it’s difficult to implement. Employees will complain. But that’s how we gave raises in the IMF. It’s an incentive to work hard and get ahead.

What’s your favorite part of being the president of the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key and working with that organization?

I traveled so much when I was working I could never be active in the communities I actually lived in. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life. And my favorite event is not the Lawn Party or the Valentine’s Day Dance. My favorite event happened last month when we awarded scholarships to deserving students. Everyone left that day with smiles on their faces.