Carlos Gimenez rewards family (again) in $1.6 billion deal

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Some 305 political observers may have expected Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez to recommend CH2M Hill for the fat, juicy $1.6 billion water and sewer contract, because their lobbyists include his buddies — former State Rep. turned lobbyist Marcelo Llorente and Vicky Garcia-Toledo, wife of chaffeur turned big wig pretender Ralph Garcia Toledo.

But what people may not realize is that not only is the mayor’s most favored lobbyist and BFF travel bud Jorge Luis Lopez said to be representing some subcontractor or partner of the other company, AECOM Technical Services, but so is another insider lobbyist, Al Maloof — who also happens to boss to the mayor’s daughter-in-law Barby Rodriguez Gimenez.

You know how Gimenez likes to keep it all in the family? Sangre has always come before friends in high places. Remember, Barby’s husband Julio Gimenez, the mayor’s less illustrious son, works for another company that got a juicy contract thanks to another of the mayor’s multi-million dollar recommendations. And she has always been a loyal cheerleader.

Read related story: Gimenez’s son’s firm got $4 mil PAC repair job

Maloof registered at the county as a lobbyist on Tuesday — the same day that Gimenez made his recommendation. He also registered as a lobbyist for AECOM in September of last year, but withdrew it later. Or maybe that is a mistake on the county website. Because las malas lenguas say he’s been involved at least six months. Of course, he is only one of five lobbyists, which include former State Rep. Miguel de Grandy.

Don’t worry. The other side is well represented also, maybe better, with what appears to be 10 lobbyists of their own, according to the county website. Pero por supuesto that you’re going to have lobbyists outnumber commissioners on this: It is only the biggest contract in decades — and probably for decades to come. Several commissioners have expressed some real frustration not just with the process but with the pressure. That doesn’t mean they won’t be torn the other way (more on that later).

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  Carlos Gimenez, lobbyists, Marcelo Llorente