http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/07/2206750/legislatures-zaniness-pales-next.html
Carl Hiaasen explains how the power of money has taken over the soul of the state legislature.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Election May 2011
After a recall petition drive easily garnered the signatures needed to oust Mayor Alvarez from office, only 8% of those registered to vote actually voted to support the initiative (a startling 88% of those voting). Now we have a special Mayoral election and Charter Reforms in the Special May 24 Election. Thanks to Mr. Braman for creating a renewed interest in county government and paving the way for some important reforms. While the proposed Charter Reforms do not go as far as he would like, they do provide some important improvements to the status quo.
I provide recommendations for the Mayor, District 7 County Commission seat and the Charter Reforms. Read below and pass the word.
Early voting starts May 9, and May 24 is the final election day.
Happy voting!
Daniella L.
I provide recommendations for the Mayor, District 7 County Commission seat and the Charter Reforms. Read below and pass the word.
Early voting starts May 9, and May 24 is the final election day.
Happy voting!
Daniella L.
District 7: We Endorse Julio Robaina
This is the OTHER Julio Robaina, not the Mayor of Hialeah who would be Mayor of Miami-Dade. This Julio Robaina is the former State Rep who also served as mayor of South Miami. He is a moderate Republican with a strong record of support for the needs of working people. He is balanced, open and community-minded. He will be a strong and reasoned voice on the Commission that is already suffering from Katy Sorenson's departure.
Join his campaign as a donor and volunteer at http://www.juliorobainaforcommissioner.com/
The other candidate in this race, Xavier Suarez, has a troubled record from his days as City of Miami Mayor. He was investigated for voting irregularities and was generally viewed as erratic. While Robaina's record is not totally untarnished thanks to inside politics in South Miami (although these allegations should not inhibit your support), he is by far the better equipped for this office.
Join his campaign as a donor and volunteer at http://www.juliorobainaforcommissioner.com/
The other candidate in this race, Xavier Suarez, has a troubled record from his days as City of Miami Mayor. He was investigated for voting irregularities and was generally viewed as erratic. While Robaina's record is not totally untarnished thanks to inside politics in South Miami (although these allegations should not inhibit your support), he is by far the better equipped for this office.
Miami's New Mayor: We Endorse Gimenez
It is a crowded field. Several are very thoughtful and have a strong vision for our county's future. However, in the reality of Miami-Dade's contentious politics, the top runners are the ones I will focus on. Of the three, Gimenez, Llorente and Robaina, Gimenez is the best prepared to lead. He has a strong record of integrity and serious governance. He understands the county government and county needs better than any of the other candidates. He is straightforward, accessible, transparent.
Despite my support for Commissioner Gimenez, I hope that he will not allow the anti-tax sentiment to further erode basic health and human services. Healthcare and social services are part of our critical infrastructure just like roads and water. Rolling back the millage would indeed be "pennywise and pound foolish".
Allegations swirling around Julio Robaina raise concerns that have not been resolved. He has not been forthcoming about these concerns. Llorente has a promising future, but is not best prepared for this position. Gabrielle Redfern is the most well-spoken candidate with a command of the issues. Let's hope she plays an active role in policy advocacy from another perch.
To learn about all 11 candidates and their stands on the issues, see
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/07/2205518/the-candidates-and-the-issues.html
Despite my support for Commissioner Gimenez, I hope that he will not allow the anti-tax sentiment to further erode basic health and human services. Healthcare and social services are part of our critical infrastructure just like roads and water. Rolling back the millage would indeed be "pennywise and pound foolish".
Allegations swirling around Julio Robaina raise concerns that have not been resolved. He has not been forthcoming about these concerns. Llorente has a promising future, but is not best prepared for this position. Gabrielle Redfern is the most well-spoken candidate with a command of the issues. Let's hope she plays an active role in policy advocacy from another perch.
To learn about all 11 candidates and their stands on the issues, see
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/07/2205518/the-candidates-and-the-issues.html
Charter Reforms
I agree with Merrett Stierheim and disagree with Norman Braman. Essays by each of them, published in the Miami Herald, are provided below. Former Commissioner Katy Sorenson, now head of the Good Government Initiative hosted at University of Miami, also supports the Stierheim view and presented that in several forums.
In summary, I recommend to vote NO on #1 and YES on the others. Reasons below in Stierheim's commentary. Essentially, while 2-6 are not perfect and in many cases do not go far enough, they are a good start and improve citizen involvement and transparency.
Stierheim's view
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/04/v-print/2201367/most-proposed-charter-changes.html
Braman's view
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/05/2203188/braman-why-im-voting-no-to-all.html
Miami Herald News Coverage
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/08/2206152/miami-dade-charter-reform-is-something.html
In summary, I recommend to vote NO on #1 and YES on the others. Reasons below in Stierheim's commentary. Essentially, while 2-6 are not perfect and in many cases do not go far enough, they are a good start and improve citizen involvement and transparency.
Stierheim's view
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/04/v-print/2201367/most-proposed-charter-changes.html
Braman's view
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/05/2203188/braman-why-im-voting-no-to-all.html
Miami Herald News Coverage
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/08/2206152/miami-dade-charter-reform-is-something.html
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