Well, duh.
It was very unlikely that the union representing Miami-Dade Police officers or the firefighters would back Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda 
Bell — who has drawn the ire of labor leaders with her consistent votes against county employees — in her re-election.
Wednesday, they officially endorsed challenger Daniella Levine Cava in the race for District 8.
Nobody is surprised with that — especially since the Police Benevolent Association already contributed to her campaign — although an official endorsement does seem a little early. But maybe that’s intentional: The backing could add momentum to a campaign that is already creating a bit of a stir and making Bell and her supporters a little bit nervous.
And it also adds people — volunteers to make calls and knock on doors — and the all important cash. The Police Benevolent Association, in particular, is known for putting their money where their mouth is by funding PAC attack ads, which is good for Levine since Bell has out-raised her so far by more than 2 to 1.
We knew it was coming — which is why the PBA said “publicly” in its Facebook announcement.
“Today, the Dade County PBA and the IAFF 1403 publicly announced their endorsement of Daniella Levine Cava who is running for Miami-Dade County Commission Dist. 8 against incumbent Lynda Bell. It is in the rarest of cases when the PBA issues an early endorsement in a race,” it said. “The endorsement issued by Miami-Dade County’s largest police organization is one of the toughest endorsements for a candidate to receive. It is also the most highly sought after endorsement because of the organization’s strength and credibility with Miami-Dade County voters.”
“The choice for fresh leadership in this race was clear,” said PBA president John Rivera, who represents 6,500 law enforcement officers. “Ms. Cava will be a breath of fresh air bringing a real voice to residents in District 8. She has a desire to solve problems and is committed to providing a safe community for everyone.”
Firefighters, who came under fire in last year’s slash and burn budget season, may also be especially motivated to replace Bell, who has supported the negotiation tactics, or lack thereof, used by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
“There has been no increase in fire services to District 8 residents in years. These residents are not getting the services or the representation that they deserve,” said Al Cruz, President of IAFF 1403, which represents 2,000 firefighters.
“We are pleased to endorse Daniella Levine Cava. Daniella Levine Cava is a supporter of public service and has a strong desire to act in the best interest of the community. It’s time to support a Commissioner in District 8 who is ready to improve the quality of service and act in the best interest of the Community,” Cruz said in a statement.
Levine released the following statement after her noon press conference Wednesday.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the endorsements of the Dade County Police and Firefighters. I am proud to know that the first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis, support my efforts to keep our streets safe and strong. I admire the dedication of law enforcement and firefighters that work to keep South Florida a great place to live. With their dedication in mind, I will put forward the same effort in ensuring those services stay strong.
As your county commissioner, with the help of law enforcement and our fire departments, I will work to assure that we can all live in safe and secure communities.”
Police and firefighters endorse Daniella Levine against Bell added by Ladra on
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