The Philip Levine Camaign For Mayor in Miami Beach: Do Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures? By Geniusofdespair

Philip Levine once engaged to Lisa Ling.

When I first mentioned Philip Levine's expensive TV commercials during the play-offs, I suggested that his teeth were pretty white and I would vote for the guy with the big hands instead because Miami Beach was a handful.  Well, that column elicited daggers from some of my RUDE Miami Beach friends, calling me a hack, saying I don't know anything about Miami Beach. In other words, "My Friend" was mad at me for pointing out that the Emperor had no clothes (because I focused on the self-financing, even though Levine himself mentions it at every turn).

Actually, it is true I don't know much about Miami Beach but I do know about the good (Michael Bloomberg) and the bad (Rick Scott and Jeff Greene) of self-financed campaigns. Self-financing can cut either way, we know that by history. Personal funds were able to propel Rick Scott into office even though he pleaded the 5th amendment 75 times.

My acquaintances on the Beach (who don't even read my blog unless someone sends it to them) insist (They aren't friends anymore unless I get an apology):  

"Phil Levine is the best thing to come along to run for Mayor or anything else in a long time. He is a cut above the chaotic fray that now calls itself a commission - where the 2 other candidates are currently part of the circus. He will bring stability and a business approach to bring credibility back to the city."

I don't argue with that. I pretty much hate career politicians. They are tainted pretty quickly, and should be booted out to go back to real life after their 8 years.  Others say because Levine has no experience (and in some cases has not even bothered to vote) he will have handlers running everything. That would mean political operatives would be running the show (worse).

Someone claiming to be Philip Levine wrote:

"In fact, your followers should know that from me, you will get the absolute truth and candid response, not the typical political rhetoric that characterizes several sitting members of the current City Commission, especially my two main opponents.

It is true that I have not participated actively in our municipal elections. The reason is because I have been disappointed with our electoral options and lack of leadership on the City Commission (just like a majority of Miami Beach voters). Now, rather than complain about the wrong direction of the city and its lack of forward thinking, I've chosen to do something about it. I made the decision earlier this year that I could not sit on the sidelines anymore so I decided to make investments in my community by running for Mayor. What does that mean for our voters? I am putting my resources into my campaign and capped contributions to my campaign at $100.

This means that the days of special interests controlling the dialogue and decisions of City Hall are gone..."

The argument is tempting. Seeing Matti Bower run, yet again (what is it almost 20 years now?), I am just tired of the same old names. I do think that Levine is well-connected to a bunch of rich guys with "special interests" in Miami Beach. So he is not a newcomer as he suggests (well maybe to politics but not to power). But the others running are all connected too. Levine is saying he won't OWE favors like the others.  It will be an intriguing election, I expect a spirited campaign and lots and lots of mud.  (Be forewarned, blog comments on this kind of post bring out the tired old arguments of the campaign workers).