For Gables Mayor, Cabrera’s allies should not surprise

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While Ladra has not always supported Coral Gables Commissioner Ralph Cabrera’s political allies and that has led some to question my support for his run for mayor in this Tuesday’s election, I am not the only one who thinks that despite any past disagreements, he is the right man for the job.

Commissioner Maria Anderson, who came in with Cabrera and former Mayor Don Slesnick in a shake up at City Hall 12 years ago, has vigorously supported him — even though there were times they were at odds and, for a spell after the last election, did not speak outside of the commission chambers.

“Some people are surprised. And some insultingly so,” Anderson said. “Because for so long, we weren’t allies.”

It may have a little to do with her work for the past two years at the seminary and learning to forgive. But it also has to do with her debt and responsibility to Coral Gables, Anderson told Ladra.

“This is about what is good for the city. This is my hometown. My parents bought here, I live in the same house and I’m glad to support Ralph because I think he stands for the right things, in line with what I believe to be the right and the truth right now.”

Slesnick himself supports the veteran public servant, even though he was often at odds with Cabrera at the dais.

That is because, despite any issues anyone may have, they recognize that Cabrera is his own man. He does his job. He raises doubt when he has to, asks the uncomfortable questions and tries time and again to bring every important issue to public debate.

The following is an email sent to Anderson’s friends and Gables voters urging them to make the right decision. I’m sure it had a political disclaimer. But it’s still what she feels. Not because the incumbent Mayor James “The Ambassador” Cason is a bad man.

Just because Ralph would make a better mayor.

Friends,

From my vantage point of 12 years on the Coral Gables City Commission, this will be the first time since 2001 that there will be 2 – 3 new faces serving our City. These new faces on our Commission will create an entirely new dynamic at City Hall. I am humbled for the three times Coral Gables residents elected me to office, however, as I leave public service, I am deeply worried about the future of my hometown.

The Mayor’s race in particular is pivotal. The standing mayor has become the puppet for a despotic City Manager. Furthermore, the Mayor never truly expresses an opinion of his own. He is scripted by the manager, whose best interest does not seem to me to be in the best interest of our City Beautiful.

During his tenure as mayor:

1. Jim Cason refuses to admit that the City has had a 13%+ increase in crime.
2. Jim Cason approved an unprecedented number of no-bid contracts that cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars. A no-bid contract give one or two people or companies an exclusive “in” to make money without having to prove they are giving the best service. It’s the “good old boy” network at its worst.
3. Jim Cason views city employees like actuarial statistics and the manager behaves as if these employees are property because of a failure in leadership by the Mayor. Morale has flat-lined in City Hall. He’s not figured out that fairly treated employees provide the quality of service residents expect.

I have served with Ralph Cabrera for 12 years. He knows Coral Gables and has served the city for over 20 years. He raises his family and built his business here in Coral Gables. As commissioner:

1. Ralph Cabrera has voted against increased fees for over eleven years.
2. Ralph Cabrera has demanded the truth on crime issues be released and he has educated the public on the matter by speaking to WPLG just two weeks ago. Click here to view the Miami New Times Article
3. Ralph Cabrera has voted against every no-bid contract proposed by the manager and the mayor, believing that waving the rules is wrong for the City and an abuse of the process.

Please help elect Ralph Cabrera by voting and by volunteering on Election Day. To get involved, contact info@ralphcabrera2013.com and call (305) 842-2382.

I am voting for Ralph Cabrera and asking my friends and neighbors to do the same, because it is that important for our City!

Respectfully, Maria Anderson

And I hope that everyone realizes what that kind of swing and unexpected support means.

Cabrera is simply the right man right now.