In District 8 race, challenger Levine Cava has the momentum

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Daniella Levine Cava is on fire.

The social services leader challenging Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda Bell has been endorsed by the county cops, the firefighters, SAVE Dade, Equality Florida, Emily’s List and Ruth’s List, which Levine Cava announced Monday.

Last week, she released her first web video and on Saturday she opened her campaign office in Palmetto Bay with more than 60 volunteers and supporters, including Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner and former county Commissioner Katy Sorenson, whose seat Bell filled in 2010 after Sorenson term limited herself.

“I’ve actually been begging her to run for at least a decade,” Lerner told Ladra, adding that she has known Levine for about 30 years, having worked with her at the Guardian Ad Litem program.

“The south is one of the most ignored parts of the county. It needs someone with vision who can get the grass roots going,” said Lerner, her grandson Dominck on her lap at the candidate’s campaign office grand opening Saturday.

“The growth is down south. The importance of bringing in transit. We need much more engaged vision for South Dade and that is her M.O. She has vision,” Lerner said, adding that Bell is not responsive to the community.

“She never comes here. She wasn’t at one of the meetings last year with MDX. I’ve never seen her or anybody from her office,” Lerner said.

Sorensen said she has known Levine for at least 20 years. “She always has the public interest and the community interest at the forefront of everything she does,” Sorenson said. “She is about empowering people. Not just the rich and famous, not the high-rollers.”

Levine certainly has more momentum in what looks like the most exciting county race so far. She told Ladra she believes it’s because her message of transparency and ethics in government resonates with voters in District 8.

“I am grateful for the early outpouring of support and know that the momentum will continue to build as our message gets out to more people,” Levine said. “The early enthusiastic endorsements, the receptivity as we walk door to door and meet people at events and public places, the generous donations of time and money are all great signs that people are ready for positive change.

“People want government that is responsive to them and community needs, that is open to ongoing citizen involvement and can tackle tough problems,” Levine said. “People who learn about my background and vision believe I can bring this kind of leadership to the county commission.”

She can also bring the bacon: Because while Bell — who did not return several calls for comment (neither did her campaign consultant) — may have more money, Levine has raised a considerable amount for a first-timer ($338K to $203K so far).

So the challenger has all the momentum and some of the money and Bell — who was fighting weak threats of a fake recall just months ago — just has some of the money.

What else does Bell have? Lots of catching up to do.

  Daniella Levine Cava, Lynda Bell