Miami Lakes Mayor Michael “Muscles” Pizzi decided not to run, after all, for the seat from which he was suspended earlier this month, after he was arrested on federal bribery and extortion charges in an FBI sting where he allegedly and knowingly facilitated bogus grant applications in exchange for kickbacks and campaign contributions.
The race to replace him will be crowded enough anyway, however, with five wannabes vying for the post, including three anti-Pizzi veterans: Councilman Nelson Hernandez — who already has the support of most of the elected crooks in that area — founding Mayor Wayne Slaton and longtime activist David “Doc” Bennett. Nobody knows much about the other two: retired Hialeah firefighter Luis Espinosa and Realtor Edwin Romero.
Pizzi, who was re-elected this past November against Slaton to a four-year term, didn’t jump in, though his son had picked up a candidate packet at Town Hall last week. Maybe he was just trying to psyche everyone out, because he apparently believes that he doesn’t have to run because the seat is still his.
“I am still mayor and as soon as I get exonerated I will be returning as mayor,” Pizzi was quoted as saying in the Miami Herald (he won’t return my calls or emails). “Whoever is running right now is running to temporarily occupy my mayoral job until I come back.”
Come back from prison? Or come back from the depths of dishonor? Because although the case against Pizzi is not as strong as the one against Sweetwater Mayor Manny “Maraña” Maroño — arrested the same day Aug. 6 and in the same sting but unrelated to each other — it is hard to believe anyone won’t forever picture Pizzi in that closet accepting $3,000 cash from lobbyist Rich Candia. In fact, I almost want him to run just so I can see that attack mailer.
Three people filed to run for the council seat vacated by Hernandez: Frank Mingo, who is an employee of State Rep. Jose Oliva‘s cigar company and husband of the legislator’s district secretary — and who already mailed out an ad with his legislator boss’s endorsement — an attorney named Lorenzo Ciobella, who has political ties of his own, and a relator named Star Rodriguez, who might steal it in this anti-insiders environment.
And besides, we need a woman back on the council, which has been way too testosterone-rich since Councilman Manny Cid beat veteran Councilwoman Mary “Puppet” Collins last year.
The Oct. 1 election was forced after Gov. Rick Scott suspended Pizzi the day he was arrested because the city charter requires a special election within 90 days if there are more than six months left in the term of the vacated official. But, wait, isn’t that just under 60 days? Seems rushed. Ladra was told that the county insisted on a shorter timetable and I am to find out why (more on that later).
The warp speed window means a lot will be going on real fast in coming weeks… no, days… no, hours. After all, the first campaign finance report is already due a week from today, on Sept. 6.
Post-scandal Miami Lakes candidates qualify, 5 for mayor added by Ladra on
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@ Curioso Na’Ma’
if these are facts, do you have hard evidence or proof that these transactions involved Hernandez personally? and if only 46% and 38% how is it Hernandez’s responsibility to make sure these students pass??
doesn’t really make too much sense…
What is the difference between Pizzi and Hernandez?
1- Pizzi allegedly took money from a company who he thought was receiving tax dollars for services it did not intend to perform.
2- Hernandez takes money from Dade Medical College who receives tax dollars (Pell grants) for educational services it does not perform (only 46% and 38% of Dade and Hollywood students, respectively, pass the state licensing exams).
These are facts, not accusations.
Hernandez is going around telling residents he has the support of all the other councilmember and that is totally untrue. If he is not going to be honest with us about who is supporting him what else is he going to lie to us about. Miami Laakes deserves better.
To “MiamiLakesResident,”
I kindly ask that you explain your comment as to why Nelson Hernandez would say something like that? Nelson personally came to my house this past weekend, and spoke to me regarding what his plans are for our Town. Never once did he say any “chisme” or implied anyone was backing him from the Council. To my knowledge, he is running this race with one entity in mind. The Residents of Miami Lakes. Whether you are a former “Pizzi Supporter,” or just want to hide your identity because of the false accusations you are saying, I highly recommend that you listen to what Nelson can bring to this Town. He has been the only one to personally speak to me regarding his plan and the future he has for Miami Lakes, especially during this weekend’s bad storms. To me, that’s called dedication. Though all candidates can bring good to the Town, only Nelson has the People’s hearts in mind, has the support of many, and can get the job done. Bottom Line. Do yourself a favor, “MiamiLakesResidence,” take time to learn what he has to offer, before you cast the stone…or should i say hotdog???
JF Miami Lakes Resident,
Did Nelson Hernandez explain why he voted in support of Sunshine Universal? I hope you know that the vote was unanimus. Boy did he represent us well and he wants to be our Mayor. Come on. His only hope are his Hialeah-Tallahassee friends, Sen. Rene Garcia, State Reps. Jose Oliva, Eddy “Here Comes Hialeah” Gonzalez and Manny Diaz, Jr., as well as Miami-Dade Commissioner Esteban “Stevie” Bovo. The question is who will be representing us? Him or them.
Really, Peter?
The vote was unanimous because it was presented to the town council in such a way, by the mayor that many people voted for in the last election that got us in this mess to begin with, that it would not cost the town a penny. And isn’t it the town’s elected officials priority to save the town money? Well to me, free is the best form of saving money.
Oh yes, and who did the mayor reach out to to present this? Do a little research.
Really, Peter?
The vote was unanimous because it was presented to the town council, by the mayor that many people elected in the last election that got us in this mess to begin with, that it would not cost the town a penny. And isn’t it the town’s elected officials priority to save the town money? Well to me, Free is the best method of saving money.
I guess you prefer elected officials that like spending our money.
Well, then, Miami Lakes Resident,
Can you prove this? If not, than stop the false accusation.
Many of us are tired of people, like you, bashing the candidates; they want to do what is right for the town.
Why don’t you try running rather than hide behind a computer.
To Eric Johnson all I can say is amen! Lets not forget that Luis Espinosa is also known for being loyal, honest and with enough integrity to give to those that have none.
Oh boy…. Miami Lakes, HERE I COME!!!
Luis Espinosa for Mayor.
You talk about someone committed to the public-lets see.
1. Retired Hialeah Firefighter.
2. Founder of the Firefighters Calendar which has long supported Jacksons Burn center, an idea he came up with when Jackson was having financial difficulties.
3. A TEACHER. A person who picked one of the hardest schools to work in where he can make a difference for inner-city children.
4. The host of HERES HELP radio show on Y-100. Where substance abuse and other problems are brought to light and CHILDREN GET THE HELP THEY NEED due to his efforts.
No political past (thank god) NO SPECIAL INTERESTS!! He owes No one nothing except the community he serves.
A man of Dignity, Character and respect!!
Citizens of Miami lakes: You have a chance to end the Status Quo and elect a representative by the people for the people.
Unfortunately it is no longer “WE THE PEOPLE” It has become “WE THE POLITICIANS”
Lets take South Florida back by restoring democracy.
Supporting Lou is the first step!
GO STAR!!!!!
She is the only candidate for Town Council without political ties or aspirations. Those of us with a vested interest in the town should support her and not be accessories to hidden agendas.
This is not a paid political announcement