Who Will Be The Next Mayor of Miami Dade County? By Geniusofdespair

Rebeca Sosa, Esteban Bovo embracing Carlos Gimenez (looking at each other with goofy eyes), and Daniella Levine Cava.

I woke this morning thinking about who would be the next Mayor when Carlos Gimenez is forced to leave, thankfully. I am sure the planning has begun as the disastrous reign of Gimenez winds down -- another 2 years. He taught me one thing: The mistake a strong mayor can be. He has hurt the County in so many ways.  Also he is a mean-arrogant guy, and he has made his friends rich.

My guess for 3 candidates would be: Commissioners Daniella Levine Cava, Steve Bovo and Rebeca Sosa.

I do think that with Rebeca's husband's passing, she might be inclined to travel and enjoy retired life. Becky also made a bad blunder when she was Chair of the Commission, choosing Lynda Bell as her Vice Chair and letting her over-shadow the Chair at every turn.  In other words, she wasted her Chairmanship, not getting enough of a boost from it.

The other two, I have a suspicion they will run. I do think Daniella will have to deal with the Jimmy Morales curse "not being Cuban enough." One of his parents was not from Cuba.  Neither of Daniella's parents are from Cuba. Does it still hold that you must be Cuban to be Mayor? Levine-Cava is sharp, witty and very likable. I do think she is destined for higher office. Someone has to take Rubio out.

In County elections, because it is non-partisan,  the election is actually the primary in August. Only die hard voters "4's and 5's" vote in August.

Unless there are more than 2 candidates the election for County Mayor is in August. Does anyone know that? I really think having the County Government  non-partisan is a big mistake. People get too confused. If there are more than two candidates they are less likely to pass the 50% mark that is required to win. That is why Eileen Higgins, who won the District 5 race, must face Mrs. Barreiro in June. She won with too low a percentage. I think that Levine-Cava would have more of an advantage in a November election, because everyone knows the parties of the County Commissioners and aren't we expecting that blue wave?

Back to reality, "Ya Did Good" Dorrin Rolle has filed to run again. This could be a disaster for Jean Monestime. Rolle was the worst.

Whatever happened with the Charter Review Task Force recommendations? Will any of them get on the ballot? You can read the final report here.  

I don't think they did a good job. They kept the non-partisan and want to get rid of the term limit requirement that just got approved. They didn't approve eliminating the Strong Mayor. The Commission would have to approve this stuff to get it on the ballot. Maybe they did already. I am not following it closely.

County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa Disappoints...There I Said It. By Geniusofdespair

I always liked our Becky, she gets things done. She is a sucker for the spectrum in her dress, she always looks dazzling on the dais but this week Rebeca Sosa disappointed me. Can she still make the righteous move or has she been co-opted by the mayor?

We need Rebeca Sosa to remove Resoultion Item 160277 and replace it with the Executive Mayor Charter Change (or if she lost her cojones she needs to release the Executive Mayor item to another Commissioner). What am I talking about?

Rebeca Sosa has in the county pipeline a Charter Change Item to allow us a vote to repeal the Strong Mayor and return to the Executive Mayor form of government.  But this item is STALLED. Probably on purpose.  I have been calling about it for weeks.

With 160277, that Rebeca just put on the agenda, the Commission will reach their 3 Ballot items limit allowed. We don't really need this Charter Change Ms. Becky. We need to decide about the Executive Mayor vs. the Strong Mayor instead.  We have a bully form of government we did not anticipate. Stupid us - we voted in haste to put a strong mayor in power and we got a bully mayor system instead.

You might not want to fuss with the bully Mayor Carlos Gimenez even though you are a woman of action, but maybe another Commissioner will.

So I most respectfully request that you release the Executive Mayor Resolution or MOVE ON IT and get rid of that stupid Item 160277 that is not in the least important to do.  Is the Mayor pulling your strings?

I still love you Becky, but come on...all us political wonks know what is going on. We just don't know WHY.

4pm ---Her office called and assured me this is going to get done, that I should not despair.  I will take them at their word. I doubt that they made a call,  just to lie directly to me.

Home Rule Charter Double Cross. By Geniusofdespair

Libraries in Parks -- how did that possibly pass with 65% of the vote? Why don't you all just end the slow death of parks. Just fill them with condos and be done with it. Bunch of idiots lifting the Home Rule Charter protection of buildings in parks. Now we can all be like Hialeah.

ON THE 2014 COUNTY QUESTIONS HOW I WOULD VOTE. By Geniusofdespair

Genius: A big fat NO on all of them. Don't mess with article 7. They are chipping away at this very important Amendment to the Home Rule Charter, also know as the Dan Paul Amendment, that protects Parks. DON'T CHANGE IT.  NO NO NO on all of them.   The Home Rule Charter's Article 7 does not need changing.

County Questions: 
Charter Amendment to Article 7 to Allow Libraries in Parks Article 7 of the Charter currently provides that parks shall be used for public park purposes only and limits construction at parks to certain permissible facilities. Shall Article 7 of the Charter be amended to: 

(1) permit parks to also be used for library purposes; and (2) add libraries constructed within recreation facilities to the list of those permissible facilities at parks?
Genius: (THIS FIRST ONE IS SOOO BAD, NEXT IT WILL BE SCHOOLS AND HEALTH CENTERS. THERE WON'T BE ANY PARK SPACE LEFT. ARTICLE 7 IS A GODSEND, RESPECT IT.)

Charter Amendment Exempting Miami Dade Regional Soccer Park from Article 7
Except for parks explicitly exempted by the Charter, Article 7 provides that parks
shall be used for public park purposes only and construction within those parks is limited to certain enumerated facilities. Shall the Charter be amended to also exempt the Regional Soccer Park on NW 58th Street from the provisions and restrictions of Article 7?

Charter Amendment on Protecting Preservation Lands and Allowing Campgrounds and Lodges/Cabins in Camp Matecumbe 
 Article 7 of the Charter currently provides that parks shall be used for public park purposes only and limits construction at parks to certain permissible facilities. Shall the Charter be amended to: (1) further restrict development and use of County designated preservation lands that would adversely impact natural resources; and (2) add the construction of campgrounds and cabins/lodges at Camp Matecumbe to the list of those permissible facilities at parks

Charter Amendment Exempting from Article 7 Florida International University’s Expansion onto Youth Fair Site

The Dade County Youth Fair site at Tamiami Park is exempt from the public park purposes use restrictions and construction limitations in Article 7 of the Charter. Shall the Charter be amended to:
• Extend this exemption to Florida International University (FIU) for its expansion onto up to 64 acres of such site upon relocation of the Youth Fair; and
• Provide that no County funds be used for FIU’s expansion and the Youth Fair’s required
relocation?
             Genius: DO NOT APPROVE BONDS OR VOTE IN FAVOR OF BONDS
Funding Court Projects through Issuance of General Obligation Bonds
Shall the County fund emergency repairs to the 1928 Courthouse and the acquisition and construction of new court facilities by issuing, in one or more series, General Obligation Bonds paid or secured by taxes derived from the assessed value of property in the County (advalorem taxes), potentially increasing property taxes, in a principal amount up to 393 million dollars, bearing interest not exceeding maximum legal rate, and maturing within 30 years from issuance?  (The Miami Herald agrees with me: A NO  on this one)

Lordy, Lordy Lordy, Doesn't it ever stop at the County? Geniusofdespair

Now the County Commission is trying to fuck with Article VII better know as the Dan Paul Amendment in our HOME RULE CHARTER.  Citizens should not treat changes to our charter lightly.  This will be heard Monday in the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs & Recreation Committee:

RESOLUTION CALLING A COUNTYWIDE SPECIAL ELECTION IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A GENERAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS OF MIAMI DADE COUNTY THE QUESTION OF WHETHER TO AMEND THE CHARTER TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL USES AND FACILITIES AT PARKS SUBJECT TO ARTICLE VII 

Here is what article VII says (it happens to prevent buildings such as schools and libraries from clogging up our limited park space, it also stops advertising in Parks. Why on earth would anyone what to change park protection? (Also remember, they want to fill in the FEC slip our Aquatic preserve). (This is the people's - THE CITIZEN'S - charter guys, don't fuck with it). This makes me very mad. This was Dan Paul's legacy. His gift to our county.  Our only hope is that his former law firm will fight on his behalf to preserve it.  Call Committee members Javier Souto, Barbara Jordan, Jean Monestime and Xavier Suarez. and call that misguided sponsor: Bovo.  And Bovo, this charter amendment doesn't even effect your city (as Hialeah opted out on adoption) so why the hell are you doing this?? Tell the Commissioners hands off and to leave well enough alone. The county will do a mis-information campaign and win this charter change proposal and it will be the death of parks as we know them. Parcel B is subject to Amendment 4. The city of Miami opted out. People are not aware of how strong this charter amendment has been in numerous fights. This is so bad....really. This has been our only park space protection over the years.  It kept schools out of Haulover Park. Yes Haulover Park!!! Everyone wants free land and this change would give it to them, especially charter schools. And I can just see the LED signs blinking as you try to picnic. Oh, Nooo!

 Article 7

PARKS, AQUATIC PRESERVES, AND PRESERVATION LANDS
Note:
This Article does not apply to municipal property
in Coral Gables, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Miami,
Sweetwater and West Miami. See Section 7.04.

SECTION 7.01.
POLICY

Parks, aquatic preserves, and lands acquired by the
County for preservation shall be held in trust for the
education, pleasure, and recreation of the public and they
shall be used and maintained in a manner which will leave
them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations
as a part of the public’s irreplaceable heritage. They shall be
protected from commercial development and exploitation
and their natural landscape, flora and fauna, and scenic
beauties shall be preserved. In lands acquired by the
County for preservation and in parks along the Ocean or
the Bay the public’s access to and view of the water shall not
be obstructed or impaired by buildings or other structures
or concessions which are in excess of 1500 square feet each.
Adequate maintenance shall be provided.

38
SECTION 7.02.
RESTRICTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

In furtherance of this policy parks shall be used for public
park purposes only, and subject to the limited exceptions set
forth in this Article, there shall be no permanent structures
or private commercial advertising erected in a public park
or private commercial use of a public park or renewals,
expansions, or extensions of existing leases, licenses, or
concessions to private parties of public park property, unless
each such structure, lease, license, renewal, expansion,

On the County Committee Agenda March 13. By Geniusofdespair

140307 Resolution Esteban L. Bovo, Jr., Prime Sponsor

RESOLUTION CALLING A COUNTYWIDE SPECIAL ELECTION IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH A GENERAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE ELECTORS OF MIAMI- DADE COUNTY THE QUESTION OF WHETHER TO AMEND THE CHARTER TO PROVIDE THAT THE OFFICE OF THE PROPERTY APPRAISER BE CHANGED FROM AN OFFICE ESTABLISHED AND EXISTING UNDER THE HOME RULE CHARTER AND COUNTY CODE TO AN OFFICE ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO AND UNDER THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION, INDEPENDENT FROM COUNTY GOVERNMENT EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED IN THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION AND STATE LAWS

I think getting the Property Appraiser's Office out of the hands of the County Government is a good thing -- it should be more independent as should the elections department. Carlos Lopez Cantera was trying to do that before he left. He called me the other day to see how I liked the new search program. He really cared about that job. Too bad he left.

Don't we have enough concrete? Do we need more in our County Parks? By Geniusofdespair

Portion of The Dan Paul Amendment - In Our County Home Rule Charter

In the Miami Herald today it says the County Commission is considering approving putting YMCA's in 7 county parks.  Can't find the article on line as the Herald site is useless for finding things.  I tried a few search words finally found it.

I believe they would be up to 40,000 SF, 2-story buildings.  Are they kidding? The Dan Paul Amendment mentions 1,500 square foot buildings.

Our park space is at a premium.  You have to think long term.  Kids don't need another building to occupy. Kids are inside all day at school and then at home. They need open space to get outside. They need to run around in fresh air. This Y IDEA is a bad one.  Let the Y build their facilities on excess land, like the $1 million piece they were going to give to the Nigerian Community Foundation. Or let some rich dude donate the land. Or here is an even more novel idea: Let the Y buy the land.

The Dan Paul Amendment was added to the charter to protect our parkland from just such an assault. Remember, the fee would be at the lowest, $50 a month for a family to join the Y. That is $600 a year. The use of park space would be virtually free for a family with maybe a $5 or $6 fee for parking.  Have you been to a park lately? They are being used by families for parties, picnics, games, and fun. They don't need to be gummed up with a colossal building. Jack Karadys says this is done all over the country. Well they don't have the Dan Paul Amendment or a Home Rule Charter.  Think to the future Jack, when everything is paved over. The Y is a discount health club, it is not free.  Most families can't afford the fee.

Kendall Indian Hammocks Park vs. Y Facility. Which do you want in your park?

Here is the same park view. In one I inserted a 40,000 square foot office building. NICE???

Bruce Matheson on the Tennis Center Expansion Question on the Ballot: Vote NO. By Geniusofdespair

• Florida law requires that notice of a referendum proposal must be “clear and unambiguous,” cannot “fly under false colors” or “hide the ball as to its true effect.”

• Why haven’t any actual plans or specifications for this massive development ever been provided to the public? How could voters possibly know what you’re asking them to vote on?

• Where does anything you’ve provided tell voters that a professional tennis promoter and its political allies in County government are proposing a 50-year sweetheart contract requiring $50 million in County bonds to finance a massive expansion of the structures and commercial uses on the Crandon Park Tennis Center site in the heart of Crandon Park, the public’s pristine sylvan retreat on Key Biscayne?

• Why haven’t you told the public who will have to pay the $50 million in County bonds if the tennis promoter decides to leave or goes out of business during the 50-year period?

• Why haven’t you told the public that none of this proposed expansion would be permitted by the existing Crandon Park Master Plan and restrictive covenants on the land?

On the Ballot: Miami Dade County Charter Questions. by Geniusofdespair

Coming off a world tour promoting my video, Ducks, I wanted to weigh in on the proposed Miami Dade County Home Rule Charter changes.  I disagree with the Miami Herald's assessment on 2 of them (in the paper this morning).

What we agree on:
1. Home Rule Charter Amendment Relating to Term Limits of County Commissioners
Vote: YES
2. Technical Amendments to Home Rule Charter
Vote:YES
3. Charter Amendment Requiring Extraordinary Vote to Include Additional Land within the Urban Development Boundary
Vote: YES
4. Charter Amendment Pertaining to Changes in Municipal Boundaries and Creation of New Municipalities
Vote: Herald says NO, I have no opinion.
7. Charter Amendment to put the Commission Chair in charge of procurement if the mayor has a conflict of interest. Vote: NO

The Miami Herald said Yes on these I say No:

5. Charter Amendment Regarding Penalties and Enforcement of Citizens’ Bill of Rights
Shall the Charter be amended to eliminate the provision providing for forfeiture of office if a public official or employee willfully violates the Citizens’ Bill of Rights and allow, in addition to suit in circuit court, the Commission on Ethics and Public Trust to enforce the Citizens’ Bill of Rights with penalties authorized by the Code?

Why on earth would we want to eliminate what I underlined. I do not understand why anyone would would not want to get rid of an official or employee who violates the Citizen's Bill of Rights. Maybe I am missing something. This is a 2 part question with one part being unacceptable.

6. Charter Amendment Related to Option for Filling Mayoral or County Commissioner Vacancy
Shall the Charter be amended to:
• Extend the time to conduct an election to fill a mayoral or commissioner vacancy from 45 to 90 days from the decision to call such election and provide a timeframe for qualification and any necessary runoff;
• Temporarily transfer, during a mayoral vacancy or incapacity, certain mayoral powers to the Commission Chairperson, Vice Chairperson or Commissioner chosen by the Board?

Another 2 part question with the first part being unacceptable. I do not believe we want the Commission Chairperson to be our mayor for 3 months. The Chair can do damage in 3 months. We did not ALL vote for the Chair, only one of 13 districts did. Too long for him/her to be acting Mayor. Also the extended time frame hurts because people's memories are short. Seijas might still be in office if this were 90 days (if you are recalled you can run again).

To recap on other questions on the ballot:

Again, we should all know to vote NO on ALL the State of Florida Constitutional Amendments. The Miami Herald and The League of Women Voters agree with me on this one.

Vote YES on the retention of the 3 Supreme Court Judges.

Terry Murphy Actually on The Right Side of an Issue? By Geniusofdespair

The vote was 9 to 2 at the Charter Review meeting with Terry Murphy and Lawrence Percival on the right side. The disgraced Natacha Seijas' former Chief of Staff proposed that the Miami Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust have some real penalties to enforce the Citizens' Bill of Rights.  That was gutted by an amendment proposed by Hans Ottinot (Miami Gardens appointee).  Joe Centorino, head of ethics, wrote a letter to the Miami Herald about the vote.

What does this mean: One of those rights under the Citizens' Bill of Rights is the right of inspection of public records at reasonable times and places convenient to the public. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to know there is teeth when we citizens need it? Government violate our rights under the Charter all the time knowing The Do Nothing Ethics Dept. can't do very much about it -- they are corned into doing nothing. Here is a very good example of something in the Bill of Rights we could surely use:

The County Mayor and County Attorney and each City Manager and City Attorney shall periodically make a public status report on all major matters pending or concluded within their respective jurisdictions.

Have you ever seen these PUBLIC REPORTS? I have never seen one. Wouldn't it be good if they actually did these reports? We could go to Ethics and force the issue if the Department had some teeth. I don't need an Ethics opinion, I need some action!

Voting against citizens' interest -- for the amendment that weakened the enforcement provision -- were the likes of Doral Mayor Bermudez, Don Slesnik and Victor Diaz. Only Diaz is a surprise. So we will NOT get to vote on this Charter Change. But in all fairness, I don't think the County Commission would EVER vote to put it on the ballot. Maybe Heyman, Moss or Sosa would but not the rest of them.

Hit read more to see the Citizen's Bill of Rights that can't actually be enforced:

Charter Review Task Force Meetings. By Geniusofdespair

Here is the schedule in case you want to be heard on charter changes (Everyone, if you go please ask that they change the charter so there are no notary requirements on citizen petitions):

Monday, May 7, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
Miami Art Museum
101 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
North Dade Regional Library
2455 NW 183rd Street
Miami, FL 33056

Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library
10201 Hammocks Boulevard
Miami, FL 33196

Thursday, May 10, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
South Dade Regional Library
10750 SW 211th Street
Miami, FL 33189

Friday, May 11, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
Wilde Community Center
1701 W. 53rd Terrace
Hialeah, FL 33012

Looks like they don't care about Miami Beach. Actually a lot of neighborhoods are left out. Read the charter before you go!

Miami Dade County Website is a Beat Behind On County Charter Review. By Geniusofdespair

Senator Rene Garcia

There is news related to the Miami Dade County Charter Review Task Force but don't look on the County Website, it hasn't been updated since April 19th. The Task Force had a meeting on April 19th. I found out more about the Task Force by reading Miami Today.

Former School Board Member Evelyn Langlieb Greer is the Vice Chair and Senator Rene Garcia is the Chair.  I previously reported on the Senator. Thankfully, Miami Beach is putting on Victor Diaz who was the chair of the last Charter Review Task Force.  Jeff Bercow is gone -- Lobbyists aren't allowed. Let's hope Bruno Barreiro does better this time.

Regarding that lobbyist ban on members, does anyone really believe that, Barbara Jordan's pick, Terry Murphy isn't lobbying?

Xavier Suarez's pick - Rep. Carlos Trujillo - isn't his District West from Kendall to Doral? Isn't Xavier's district to the East? Why this guy? Trujillo introduced the
Water Hyacinths bill that would have repealed provisions relating to prohibitions on placement of water hyacinths in any streams or waters of the state. It died.

Does anyone know if Yolanda Aguilar, Rebeca Sosa's pick, is the Spanish language radio talk show host? She is the city Manager of West Miami according to a reader. I think I might have reported that, but who remembers what I report. I don't.

County Website person: If you call Evelyn Greer 'honorable', then you have to call Don Slesnick and Carlos Manrique honorable (all the former politicians). Or, better, get rid of that stupid word. How about 'Former Office Holder', 'washed up' or NOTHING to be more accurate. You also have Isis Garcia-Martinez as an honorable, that would mean there should be 5 more honorable titles if you want to be consistent for current office holders. And, in the name of consistency, you might dump the Esquire title you have on 2 of them as there are many more lawyers on this panel. Maybe your listing should include it all: Honorable, Former Coral Gables Mayor, Lost His Last Election Donald Slesnick, Esq. or Honorable Former School Board Member voted out, Evelyn Langlieb Greer, Esq. Vice Chair.

Here is another bill that Carlos Trujillo Sponsored (glad it too died):

Miami Dade Charter Review Task Force Membership Sucks. By Geniusofdespair

From Miami Today - Anyone Have Opinions on the other members?

The Charter Review Task Force for Miami Dade County is taking shape.  I find one thing extremely unfair: Hialeah has two Councilmen as Appointees. Councilman Isis Garcia-Martinez,  (a nasty lady) was put on by the City of Hialeah and the President of the League of Cities put himself on the Task Force - He is Councilman Luis Gonzalez also a Council-member of the City of Hialeah. So the city that wanted to secede from the County gets 2 slots at the table. I am not really hot on elected officials being on our CITIZEN task force in the first place.  There are four OTHER elected officials so far, Doral Mayor Bermudez, Senator Rene Garcia, Rep. John Patrick Julien and Rep. Carlos Trujuillo. Thus, the CITIZEN  Charter so far, will have 6 elected officials, out of 21 members. How did the Task Force morph into that? On the 2007 Task Force we had 3 elected officials, that was bad enough. There could be more politicians, all slots are not filled.

Worse, Natacha Seijas's former Chief of Staff Terry Murphy was put on by Barbara Jordan.

This is the citizen's charter folks and look what we get. It Sucks! Putting on the Barf Meter tag as suggested by a reader. It already had the Sucks tag.

Vanessa Brito Baits The County Commission. By Geniusofdespair

Sly as a fox?

Poker might be Vanessa Brito's forte. The Miami Voice chairman is forcing the County Commissioners to take a stand with her latest petition language which adds a retroactive clause to the proposed Miami Voice term limits petition.

County Commissioners Rebeca Sosa and the dastardly Lynda Bell are proposing a two 4 year term Home Rule Charter change. The County Commission has NOT approved this yet for the ballot.

Brito is proposing to amend the petition language she had submitted to the County Clerk to make it two four year terms but sitting Commissioners get only one term more. That will hurt. Brito said she would not proceed with the petition drive if the Commissioners make good on their two 4 year term change (without caveats) by putting it on the ballot. With one successful petition drive under her belt, it is not easy for the Commissioners to dismiss Brito. Her only weakness is funding but perhaps a car dealer might help her in that regard. So, she has forced their hand. Good! Let's see what unfolds.

Term Limits for County Commissioners, Let the Fun Begin! By Geniusofdespair

Vanessa Brito's "Miami Voice" is preparing for a citizen petition drive to impose two four year terms on County Commissioners. There will be no salary increase so it should pass. Vanessa Brito was the same person who ran the successful recall of County Commissioner Natacha Seijas, so she knows how to mount a petition drive.

This one is in the bag in my opinion.

Democrats: get your lard assess out of bed. By Geniusofdespair

Go vote for 2 Charter changes. Vote yes. Don't let the Republicans make the decision for you. Unlike Democrats, the majority of Republicans can keep their fat asses in bed this morning -- they use Absentee Ballots. And they also have more riding on this election...their future leader of the free world. Once choosen by Pub voters, corporate PAC dollars will lace our TV watching with unbearable ads hoping to bring this corporate-loving, xenophobic candidate to victory. Democracy rules! Dollarcracy rules is more like it.

Vote Tomorrow Independents, Democrats and Republicans! By Geniusofdespiar

There are two charter questions. Vote YES on both. The Miami Herald agrees:

This would be the first time since the 1950s that an eight-year limit has made it to the ballot.

And, if you are a Republican you can vote in your primary for your Godawful candidates.

Vote Yes, and Yes Again On 2 Miami Dade County Charter Changes, January 31st. Guest Blog by Vanessa Brito

Last year, we turned down proposed charter amendments that made a mockery of our needs. This year, we are still not getting what we want, but at least it got better...better enough to vote YES.

Most residents do not want to compromise, but in this case, it seems to be a necessary evil. Voting YES will ensure that residents and grassroots organizations will have more time to collect petition signatures for Charter amendments, without having to rely on Commissioners to put them on the ballot. Beyond that, we get to put an end to perpetual incumbency by voting YES on the second amendment, setting term limits to 8 years.

It seems like so much time has passed since Miami-Dade voters recalled Mayor Carlos Alvarez and I began the recall of Commissioner Natacha Seijas, but it has been less than a year since that historic and proud moment for voters. Now we have to keep that ball rolling, and these 2 charter changes will do just that.

With one week left to the January 31st GOP Primary and Special Election, it is expected there will be dismal turn out of Countywide electors even though we have these 2 important Charter Amendments on the ballot. Do voters know it is NOT just a Republican primary? Do they know that Democrats and Independents need to vote too?

I won't lie. I would love for Commissioner term limits to be retroactive, giving us an opportunity to completely restructure our local representation and government. The reality is, however, that unless the current commissioners approve such language for a special election ballot question to electors, it will not happen. Of course, we have one shot at getting retroactive term limits on the ballot, but that would mean that on January 31st, voters would need to approve the first proposed amendment Relating to Initiative Petitions and Elections on Charter Amendments. In this case, we would have a 120 days to collect petition signatures for a Charter Amendment. I can tell you from experience, 120 is much better than 60, any day.

I won't lie. I believe $92,000 is too high a salary for public service. Notwithstanding the almost three-figure salary, public servants should dedicate their time FULLY to responding to residents' needs and issues. That will happen if you vote YES. Commissioners will be barred from having outside employment. I would dare say that the bulk of County Commissioners that currently hold outside employment make much more than $92,000/year thanks to their connections to lobbyists, consultants, and departmental knowledge.

It is difficult to swallow a $92,000 salary, especially for people we feel have been representing themselves more than the taxpayers. Still, the second proposed amendment relating to Salaries, Service, and Term Limits of County Commissioners ascertains the one thing we have always wanted - for sitting Commissioners to finally have an 8 year term-limit. Last time the County Commissioners offered us 12 years and it failed - rightfully so.

I plead with the people of Miami-Dade to remember that the County Commission WILL NOT give you exactly what you want - not now, not any time soon. The Commission is hoping that you will vote down these amendments to justify their inaction on Charter reform in the future.

Has anyone wondered why Commissioners have not spent much time talking about these Charter Amendments and most non-Republicans are not aware that they have a right to vote on these Amendments?

Put it on your Facebook page and tell your friends and family to vote YES on these 2 Charter Amendments. Tell them: One will stamp County Commissioners with an expiration date and the second will give us more time to change that expiration date.

Only Choice in Miami-Dade is Not Salary Cut or Layoff - It is Charter Change! By Geniusofdespair

As the Mayor and the County Commission mull over their 'Sophie's Choice' whether to cut salaries or layoff -- I am over it now because we have our own choice as voters to contend with on January 31st. It is VERY important that everyone vote in the Republican primary for Charter Change.

For the first time the Commissioners have an 8 year term for themselves on the ballot. We need this to pass. It bans outside employment. So what that they get a raise in their salary. This is a no-brainer as far as I am concerned. VOTE YES!! The issue is in the Miami Herald today. There is a second charter change proposed. I have to think about that one. "Should the time allotted to obtain sufficient signatures to place a citizen initiative on the ballot be doubled?"

I like the part about the time being doubled but I am not sure if I like the provision within this second item that places citizen's initiatives on the next general ballot. Does that effect RECALLS? If it does I don't want it. Have to do some research. It could mean that if we petition a recall of someone like Natacha Seijas, we would have to wait a year instead of up to 90 days to vote on it. Here is how the Recall Provision reads now:

"The procedure on a recall petition shall be identical with that for an initiatory or referendary petition, except that"

So that means the charter change would give us more time to collect signatures for recalls, changing it from 60 to 120 days. That is very good. But would that mean the election date would be extended (BAD) if not for the "EXCEPT THAT" clause that specifically gives a time window:

"4. The Board of County Commissioners must provide for a recall election not less than 45 nor more than 90 days after the certification of the petition."

Home Rule Charter

In the "EXCEPT THAT" section of recalls, clause 4 specifically gives the amount of days. So does the "EXCEPT THAT" guard the recall petition's shorter number of days till election from this proposed charter change? If so I like this second charter change, if not I don't. Voters have such short memories -- you want that recall election ASAP!!! Lawyers, what are your opinions on this?

Proposed Home Rule Charter Changes Yesterday. by Geniusofdespair

Truthfully it was hard to figure out what they were and were not passing by watching the proceedings. Truthfully it was hard to figure out what they were and were not passing by watching the proceedings. The Miami Herald has a report today and here is what they claim:

The county panel voted 10-3 Thursday to put on the ballot a single, multi-pronged question: Should commissioners be allowed to serve only two, four-year terms instead of the unlimited tenure that exists now, be banned from all outside employment, and be paid $92,097 a year instead of their current $6,000?

They get to finish their current term...so that means someone like Lynda Bell could have 11 years in office. On the salary change, Mayor Carlos Gimenez was a voice of reason reminding Commissioners how much the people they serve make. (Read my posts yesterday on Charter Change).  I would probably vote for the above, would have to see the details. Not happy about the 8 years on their current term.

The petition changes for recalls I cited yesterday was not withdrawn it was REWORKED under a different resolution. We DO NOT want recall petitions only during GENERAL ELECTIONS. Charter petitions are okay during General Elections. This isn't clear to me. As it stands now, an election had to be scheduled for a recall within 60 and 120 days. They did in fact pass this under a different resolution (hit read more). Do not vote for this change until it is clear what the ramifications will be!!!


Here is the language I DO NOT LIKE unless it only refers to charter changes and not recall petitions but it sounds like it refers to both: