The following attracted a fair number of comments, when it was originally posted a few days ago, so I'm bumping it up for our new readers to look through.
A friend used to joke that I predicted four out of the last three recessions. I've also been optimistic that voters would eventually sweep from office those commissioners most closely associated with the unsustainable, go-go mania of the building boom that steam-rolled the public interest, the environment, and our quality of life. Perhaps that time has come, too. During the building boom in Miami, City Commissioner Joe Sanchez held up the majority supporting Mayor Manny Diaz. Miami's upcoming mayoral election will be a stamp of disapproval for the excesses and bad judgment that accompanied the development boom that turned into the biggest bust since the 1920's. Sanchez is an unapologetic pro-growth optimist; but taxpayers and voters are paying an extraordinarily heavy price for too much boosterism, not enough reflection about choices to pull up Miami from the second or third tier of American cities, too much growth at the expense of scale and public space, too much glad-handing with pushy lobbyists, zoning attorneys, developers, and wealthy baseball team owners. That was Mr. Sanchez' path. It is too late to find another one now.
81 comments:
Mayor Diaz will be seen as a visionary and Joe Sanchez is the best for the JOB!
Mayor Manny "I love concrete" Diaz will be seen as inexperienced boob. Manny pushed the City into numerous disasters including; the $17 mil Fire Fee disaster, the overdevelopment of condos, the attempted execution of the marine industry, the gift of the publically owned Orange Bowl site for the exclusive use of privately owned Marlins, the bailout of the privately owned Jungle Island, the broke museums takeover of publicaly owned waterfront park land and the biggest disaster of all the $3 bil taxpayer bailout of the Marlins. This list is not complete. Joe Sanchez would blindly vote for whatever Manny wanted.
Miami deserves better.
Mayor Diaz has done a great job. As I support Diaz, I would also like to see Joe Sanchez as a Mayor with his own positive vision.
Given the chance, Joe can lead this city into the future.
My vote goes to progress.
Funny idea of progress, Anon 3! I think Anon 2 has it just about right.
To the list of Manny Diaz and Joe Sanchez disasters I would like to add the "no-bid" contracts that benefitted lobbyist friends of Manny's, the goal to put concrete structures in every public park, the policy of allowing public employee compensation to get out of control, the massive sense of entitlement exercised by far too many so-called "public servants"..., the open door policy to selected insiders but the back of the hand to outspoken activists...
More disasters to list...?
Joe Sanchez was the cheerleader.
Let’s once again recall which Miami City Commissioner sided with which issue. Please cast your vote for the candidate that fights for the issues, quality of life and future of our community that you believe in. I voted on Monday at 8 AM for Tomas Regalado.
Home Depot Entering Coconut Grove
Joe Sanchez said YES
Tomas Regalado said NO
Fire Fee Settlement
Joe Sanchez said YES
Tomas Regalado said NO
Court agreed with Regalado and said NO
Miami River Is Dead To Marine Industry
Joe Sanchez said YES
Tomas Regalado said NO
Court said NO
Mercy Hospital Changing Zoning For Related Group 3-Luxury Condos
Joe Sanchez said YES
Tomas Regalado said NO
Court agreed with Regalado and said NO
Marlins Stadium Deal ¾ Paid By Taxes ¼ Paid By Marlines
Joe Sanchez said YES
Tomas Regalado said NO
Marlins Stadium No Bid Contract For Buildings Contractor
Joe Sanchez said YES
Tomas Regalado said NO
Miami 21
Joe Sanchez said YES
Tomas Regalado Said NO
Changing Coconut Grove Bar Closings From 5 AM To 3 AM
Joe Sanchez Said YES
Tomas Regalado Said NO
Hey Joe Sanchez campaign. Why dont you guys put the laptops down and go out there and try and get votes!
The Miami Herald's coverage of the mayoral campaign misses the mark. What's really on the mind of City of Miami voters? The reporters seem mystified that Regalado is leading. But they have not talked to real people on the street, paying taxes, trying to hold on to their jobs and resenting like hell all the Manny Diaz administration has done to help developers - from infrastructure improvements paid by taxpayers to rezonings. And now all they have is this bust and empty condos to look at. A correction is needed and the voters will make it happen election day.
I'm no fan of either one, but we need to keep in mind the need to have a mayor who is a leader and can represent the city. That requires a vision and yes, grand plans for an international metropolis. In Today's Herald Regalado says that he is now focused on three modest goals -- repaving streets in his district, completing a wall at a subdivision called Coral Gate, and building a fire station on West Flagler Street. What kind of plan is that for a City? How will we attract investors? This is not about the pothole on my street. Tomas is a fine gentleman, but he has little, if any,of the stock to be mayor of a major international city.
Both are visionless:
Sanchez has borrowed Manny's vision and, I am afraid has none of his own.
As the reader above said, Regalado is a pot-hole kind of leader. That is not what a mayor should be doing.
What a mess the City of Miami is in for.
What makes you think it's the campaign and not the campaign-er?
Miami is not an "international city". The city faces long-term financial crises because its growth has been lop-sided. In the coming years we'll see the down-side of what Manny and his crew did to taxpayers. Let's leave the pie-in-the-sky dreamers to their see-thru condos in the sky. They created an economy that only works for vultures, not for people.
Good question, SFL. It's both. It has become evident that where Manny Diaz had a vision (a vision I personally believe will be vindicated eventually, with the exception of the Marlins stadium) Joe Sanchez doesn't have one. He's as much the Miami old-style populist as Regalado is, only Regalado is much better at that game.
Regalado is going to be an absolute disaster. NIMBYs like Harry Gottlieb will find soon that you can't just say no to everything when the buck stops at your desk.
I think all of you give the voters (aka people) too much credit. When Sanchez loses this election it will not be an indictment of manny or joe. Quite simply, it will be the payoff of droning on (aka waxing poetic) for however many years Tommy (can you hear me?) has had a bite at the airways. This one's it though. La ultima para los viejitos. I think this will be the last election for the "old school" exilio dominated politics. Or at least I hope to God (aka not Genius of Despair) that it is. Lets just hope Tommy doesnt tilt.
Btw, vision? Over rated. Give me eloquence, decorum and brains over vision any day. The Mayor's job should be more about guiding a shared vision of a city than dictating one. I need a person who is better leading a converstion than a mob. Maybe next time.
ed.
Great elected officials need many attributes. Common sense and a very high IQ are both helpful in trying to find solutions to todays complicated problems. There are too many smooth talking lobbyists and lawyers (often one and the same) whispering in naive elected officials ears. Too often elected officials forget the word No in their desperate goal to get re-elected.
Joe Sanchez lacks the IQ to be an elected official.
I think we have two room temperature IQ's (granted hot rooms) in this race.
Having worked in local, state and federal government for 16 years before moving to Miami, I think all the comments make valid points. However, at this time I believe that the city's unbalanced books, political culture and cycle of wave-the-magic-wand projects have destabilized it fiscally and that periodically a less visionary mayor is needed to right the ship and restore some semblance of sobriety to the drunken sailor spending. These breaks in the building and spending fever can slow things down and end the boom and bust cycles.
Miami is too strategically located and populous to ever go back to the sleepy days of the 1950s. Restore some order and then after serious public dialogue about the city's future direction, elect a competent steward to execute that vision. Despite his lack of pizazz, I'm leaning toward Sr. Regalado, although that could change, as I will be mulling this over all the way to the polls. I have my fingers crossed for my adopted city. She does indeed deserve better.
Sorry, but I think Miami is headed for even greater tough times and neither of the mayoral candidates seems right for the job. It is true that people see Sanchez as too closely aligned with the previous administration. Regalado really loves to say "no." So what choice for real leadership do Miami voters have? Good luck to you!
Miami needs a Bilingual Mayor that speaks English and Spanish we can understand and will be able to communicate with other public officials. Joe is a great person and he cares, as an ex-cop he knows our streets and has been working closely with MPD to clean our streets.
Joe Sanchez is the best candidate of the two you can understand his English, Regalado is too old and only looking to retire with A Mayor's Salary. Joe has a open door policy and will make a great mayor. Miami is a international city and we get a lot tourists and political leaders that need a mayor to be able to communicate with ease and Regalado's english is more spanglish. Vote for Joe
Thank you
The language thing...it isn't going to cut it on this blog.
geniusofdespair what do you mean by your comment regarding language
john
We need a Mayor that has the drive and energy and has years in his favors to run this city. Regalado from what we can see is only trying to become mayor to RETIRE with a MAYOR's SALARY.
Joe we as young new voters will be supporting you.
As an American and long time resident of Miami I must agree with some of the most recent posts here. We need a Mayor than can represent all Miami residents, will make us look good when meeting with dignataries and other political figures and be able to get his point across in a way that will be understood. So yes the LANGUAGE issue is important to mention here in this blog as English is our main language here and needs to be spoken well, Regalado does not speak English well and will be a big conflict.
JOE is the best choice for Mayor he is vibrant and very street smart and knows how to handle all kinds of issues. As a former cop he knows our city and has hands on with our police daily.
ISAAC
Sanchez is the best candidate by far. He might be a little green but I would rather have that than an old guy that's been around the block , quite a few times and has accomplished, virtually, nothing. Not a thought, not an idea, not a clue. The language thing...he came over in Pedro Pan...what was that late fifties? And he still can't speak English fairly? It's a valid point in my book.
Remember Joe Sanchez pushed the other commissioners to waste over $3 billion taxpayer money to bailout the privately owned Marlins baseball team. Taxpayers will be paying for someone else's stadium for well over 40 years. It was Joe who demanded the commissioners cave in and give the Marlins the 100% of all revenues they wanted. It was Joe who demanded the commissioners allow the Marlins to keep 100% of all naming rights eventhough the taxpayers are paying 100% of the upfront expenses. Observers thought Joe was a paid lobbyist for the Marlins.
Joe needs to work in the private sector before coming back to elected office. Joe needs to meet a payroll and gain life experience.
Taxpayers cannot afford to pay for Joe's on-the-job training. We have all seen what a disaster Manny Diaz caused with his immature dictates.
Miami deserves better.
Green? Joe Sanchez has been there a decade!
What do I mean? What do you think I mean?
Que?
M
Joe is younger and has an open mind give him a chance we have watched him at the commission meetings and he knows how to deal and treat all people with kindness and respect, he is press friendly not like Regalado who is an old grouch and the ones voting for him are the old croanies that listen to his boring radio show where he constantly puts people down, that is not a welcome site. And besides Joe also took part in making the last friday of each month Cultural Fridays on Calle Ocho where tourists and local enjoy, art, music and food and security is everywhere.
Donald
genius of despair no need to make unwelcomed comment here respect all remember immigrants made Miami and many other cities so let's vote
As a news reporter here in Miami and American myself as well as other reporters have always enjoyed and found Joe more approacheable. Regalado on the other hand seems to avoid the press and always makes bad comments about others and never has time to asnwer questions we post to him that the public wants answers to JOE SANCHEZ for Mayor
Diana
WHAT ARE YOU NUTS anonymous above this anonymous.....
I said the language thing has no place on this blog...don't read anything into my comment --- that isn't there--- against accents. I am in awe of people who can speak more than one language and respect them to the utmost because I can only speak one language, and I am not proud of that. Accents are like color - I am blind to differences that do not matter.
Joe will be known as the man who got $3 bil for the Marlins.
Miami deserves better.
GENIUS no need to release your frustrations here, this blog is for all to enjoy and express our opinions Free Country remember so If language issue is not for you don't read move on
alan goldstein
And Regalado we hear used his city gas card or city card with our money to pump gas, etc. look it up
so Joe is the best man Regalado should retire and stay with his radio job where he feels at home no one can see him. Not a pretty picture to look at, on the other hand Joe has more appearance in many ways and will make Miami stand out.
MATTHEW
Yes Miami Deserves better and Joe is much better in alot of ways than Regalado, Regalado may have the FOP on his side, but only a few cops perhaps, most of us cops know and have worked with Joe and must say what you see is what you get. He was an ex-cop and knows our streets. Joe we got you covered
REAL COPS for JOE SANCHEZ FOR MAYOR
Goldstein the blog is not here for people to misconstrue my meaning to make me appear racist/xenophobic, etc.
Read and you shall see what I mean. I hate half-readers...they read a line or two and then misunderstand what is going on.
I was annoyed because meaning was placed in my words that were not there....AT ALL. It would make you angry too, that is not an exchange of ideas. I cannot fathom anyone not voting for someone based on their accent.
Genius this is Goldstein I understand about the strong accent not being an issue but if you are going to go to Tallahassee, Wash DC and other places you must be able to come across in a strong English format and quite frankly Regalado does not make the grade and as a Jew I must side for a candidate I understand entirely
Have a great Halloween
What is the Jewish connection?
So then with that logic, a Hispanic trying to understand an Anglo or a Haitian, or a Jamaican should vote only for a Hispanic because he or she has the same accent that they could understand better?
See with comments like that there is no jewish connection please respect the writers in the blog. We live in democracy so don;t spoil it
FYI Joe is more american like apple pie than Tomas. Open minds have open hearts so let's use this blog as a way to unite not separate,although we may be from different backgrounds we are one nation. Smile be happy and let's vote for whom we each want. Enough of all this B.S.
Happy Halloween
ANNA
Regalado has the accent not Joe, Regalado just said on tv at the end of the commission meeting, that don't they get a watch at least. What is that a mayoral candidate asking for a GIFT
Yes Regalado did say on tv that don't they give at least a watch. this is not the kind of aspiring respectful mayoral candidate that can be look at to represent us.
Joe Sanchez for Mayor
Thank you
Ralph
JOE is the one to make Miami return to how it was when we had the late mayor Steve Clark.
No matter who we vote for what is important is to vote.
Happy Halloween everyone
Dorisa
Let's all go out and make our vote count Joe is the best for Miami, he is young and has energy and as an ex-cop and military he knows how to deal with the diverse residents and people of all walks of life. He takes time to care for others and will take Miami into a great future.
PETER
Contrary to popular belief, Manny Diaz did not create this recession and voting records will show Joe Sanchez to be his own man.
I'm supporting Joe; this former soldier and cop has served his country and his community in an exemplary fashion. He's never been investigated by the State Attorney, something Regalado can't say.
Let's also consider Regalado's half dozen IRS tax liens. One could reference a mistake but six is habitual behavior.
Regalado as the face of Miami? The Florida legislature alone will eat him alive, this champion of potholes and "no" votes who has a clear pattern of IRS problems.
When you consider the facts, Joe's the only choice.
KIKO THANK YOU for your important and truthful message here
Joe is the best
Howard
Kiko hit the nail on the head, yes Regalado (which in english mean Given) has not given nothing but NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Joe is the best for Miami and will tackle the good and the bad with pride and honor I will vote tomorow as well as all my fireman friends for Joe
MARY ANN
Wow-it looks like all of Joe's volunteers showed up here-and even used the same format!
I can handle that , but Steve Clark? Are they kidding??
yes Kiko you are 100% right on all you have said in this blog. finally the truth.
Joe for mayor
No not Joe's volunteers
but residents who want our Miami back the way it was. It is sad how some here have taken this blog as a way to unload their inner unhappiness with life.
Be nice people we are all in this together.
Luisa and Johanna
Miami
Let's vote for Joe he is the best of the two to choose from, Regalado only wants the Mayor's seat to retire with a Mayor's salary remember Regalado is older but not wiser. And his lack of rapid response and avoiding press interviews makes him a bad choice.
Steve Clark has passed please show some respect.
Regalado history of financial irresponsibility. It looks like Regalado is trouble and troubling.
7/94 fed tax lien $4,745
9/95 fed tax lien $13,107
10/98 fed tax lien $2,592
1/99 fed tax lien $17,634
2/01 fed tax lien $$8,422
11/02 fed tax lien $1,070
7/03 fed tax lien $7,693
7/03 fed tax lien $9,258
2/03 bank of America foreclosure suit
1/77 Baptist Hospital judgement-unpaid bills $880
12/88 City of Miami sued for unpaid trash fees $1,097
5/97 U of M hospital lien $1,471
Campaign reports violations-fines $6,450
You last few are making me laugh pretty hard, it sounds like campaign workers to me. Good luck with your respective campaigns.
Steve Clark? Kidding... right? Now that was funny.
Kiko, go hold a sign at a poll. It is the best thing to do to help your candidate.
The Florida Legislature has nothing to do with the City of Miami
Hey Harry, did you see the financial history on Regalado? There's some numbers for you!
I find the Steve Clark reference humorous. Especially since Joe Sanchez has said many times how old Regalado is. Well Steve Clark was about 71 when he ran for Mayor in Miami.
WTF?
How did you guys find out the tax lien info? Let me guess you searched Tomas Regalado. Hate to break it to you guy, but there is more then 1 T. Regalado in South Florida.
All you newbies:
one rule on this blog, don't insult the blogger.
Gifted-but only one TR with all those problems. and he is running for Mayor.
Yes the Late Steve Clark was 71 but he spoke English that everyone could understand, even Mark Sarnoff and Michelle Spence Jones during the Commission meetings have asked regalado to repear himself
So Joe we just voted for you
No matter who you vote for
Vote
I am disappointed with all the barbs at Regalado's language skills. I agree with Genius of Despair on this. I don't think it is called for.
I am not voting in this election but I am ashamed of some of what I have read here. And no one with sense admires Steve Clark. If he didn't die, he might have been indicted.
If you look on-line through the available documents, you can see the six tax liens that connect to the Mr. Regalado running for mayor.
Have you noticed that some unscrupulous politicians (especially underdogs) get really desperate when they are finally faced with the reality of only a few precious days remaining before election-day! There are those that revert to Swiftboating tactics and spew innuendos, half-truths and all sorts of mudslinging from long ago, to see what will stick. It is a desperate effort to dumb down the campaign to reach some uninformed voters that they hope will actually buy what they are spinning. There are others that appoint an aggressive and mean spirited pit-bull to do their barking for them. Sometimes that barking K-9 is purposely selected to be a female, so she may have a wider appeal and get away with barking louder, sort of like that of Sarah Palin. November 3rd election-day is just around the corner and the race for mayor of Miami is approaching the finish line. Unfortunately the underdog figures he has nothing to loose at this point, so he has no regrets in wallowing in the mud that he has purposely created, even after declaring that he would take the high road. There is now even a Political Action Committee called “Tell The Public The Facts, Inc.” that is blanketing our city with angry, mean-spirited and disrespectful flyers against his opponent that just happens to be the front runner. It is ironic that this PAC professing Facts manages to conceal the fact of who they are. Could they possibly be a special interest group, some attorneys or some developers? Perhaps they are so desperately supporting the underdog, because he has been very cooperative in the past and they wish that cozy arrangement to continue! If you think changing zoning for the benefit of a mismanaged not-for-profit hospital is a bad idea, you disapprove subsidizing a privately owned sport team no matter what the cost, you are not in favor of the construction industry being our most important economic generator and you are unhappy with the devaluation of all of our properties, then cast your vote for Regalado. Otherwise Sanchez is your guy. You will have to decide for yourself who deserves to be Mayor of Miami on November 3rd. I am casting my vote for Tomas Regalado, because he is the candidate that has done more to respect the citizens of Miami, does not play political dirty tricks and always takes the high road. And his accent is not even as difficult to comprehend as Swartzenager.
How heartless comments on the late Steve Clark. Genius and the other blogger language is imperative especially English as a Mayor you must be able communicate with many important people and Miami will stand out. Only Joe has professionalism and speaks English to Americans as they deserve to be be spoken to. So Regalado is at a disadvantage there.
Yes language is called for and especially in Tallahassee which 99% are american and speak and read excellent English like Joe does, so Regalado does not have the English down pat.
Wow Genius that long boring speech Using Gottlieb as a scapegoat is very entertaining. You know TR is not for Miami accept it and move on brother. Why all the long speech get to the point see now we know why your name is despair.
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Genius since you do not know Joe please refrain from all the BS.
In order to make it a point to make unknown references about a person you must be able to show proof. So Stick to the facts. Regalado might need a loan from you soon so get that $0.00 checkbook you have out.
Wallace B
Putz.
Putz is a very offensive word
Genius of despair has chosen to offen bloggers here by using the 4 letter word in his last entry.
PUTZ is a offensive word to many.
Joe's supporters are turning undecided voters AGAINST Joe with these noisy, nasty, negative comments about his worthy opponent. If these are the kinds of people Joe will surround himself with, if elected mayor, then BEWARE! Woe to the decent, respectable citizens who detest those who play dirty politics.
Joe Sanchez demanded that the $3 bil deal to bailout the Marlins include no amendments that would have benefitted the taxpayers.
Joe Sanchez demanded that the Marlins get essentially a no down payment deal with the taxpayers paying 99% of all expenses.
I think we can move on from this post. We have heard everything, and you have all had a few days to make your point.
May the best man win.
It's not go with the flow
but vote for Joe
JOE SANCHEZ FOR MAYOR at least he has not tax liens or tries to go to state parks and not pay to enter
Joe surrounds himself with positive energy and always has time for all who need to be heard.
So be nice bloggers and all good will come to you, Patience is a virtue. But kindness is a gift we all must share in good and bad.
Genius is trying to allow us to express ourselves here but he needs to chill a bit
the blogger who said TR respect citizens does not know the real TR, if you speak and understand spanish you apparently have not listen to his radio show where he lashes out at all the cubans who are have more money than him and have clout, he does not pay his liens nor does he know how to respect the citizens when he used we heard a city credit card for person use. So JOE we vote for you the new young teen voters of Miami and we are americans just like some of the bloggers here. so respect mankind
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