Not everybody was shocked by the news Friday that Miami-Dade Commissioner Juan Zapata had withdrawn
his candidacy and was leaving county government. Zapata — who has repeatedly expressed his frustration with the lack of transparency and the “cost of doing business” at County Hall — has had enough.
“For the past four years, it has been my honor to serve as County Commissioner for District 11. I have fought for the residents of Miami-Dade County to ensure that their tax dollars are not wasted and that we have the most efficient government possible,” Zapata, who is estranged from Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, wrote to the elections department in his withdrawal letter.
“However, the time has now come for me to pursue other endeavors in my life,” he wrote, apologizing to Elections Supervisor Christina White for the inconvenience.
Zapata did not return calls and texts over the weekend. So we have no idea what these “other endeavors” might be? Incorporation? He’s been keen on the efforts of West Kendall residents to form their own city. Back to Tally? The former state rep has often said he preferred that elected position.
Read related story: Juan Zapata to mayor: ‘Where’s the money?’ and ‘Cut taxes’
He’s expressed frustration with county government before. And often. Usually it’s peaks around September, when the commission considers the annual budget. Lately, with the museum giveaways and the taxing district fiasco, it’s been more
of a permanent thing than a seasonal one. And it’s no secret that Gimenez wanted him gone. Everyone thinks the mayor put former Commissioner Joe Martinez up to run against Zap, one of his harshest critics. Although they fleetingly once buds, two have had problems for more than a year. Gimenez has publicly snubbed Zap at more than one event. And we are certain that his office leaked and spun that story about the Harvard course — the one he said he intended to pay himself, and eventually did. Because the mayor is a bully.
Now, no matter what happens, Zap’s term at County Hall will be marked not by his knowledge of budget operations and legitimate questions about contracts and taxing districts and county perks, not by his killing of $62 million in giveaways two years ago — but mostly by a false story planted by his enemy to smear him.
So Zapata gave up. “El Zorro” — who has come to our rescue time and time again — was basically worn out. Or chased out. The county commission is a hostile workplace for an honest and inquisitive community representative who gets dirt kicked up in his face every time he tries to make sense out of a hot mess or, here’s an idea, stop it.
But like with most things in life, this exit is both a good thing and a bad thing.
Read related story: ‘El Zorro’ Zapata rides again; kills $62 mil in gifts to insiders
It sucks because — in addition to providing evidence that county government is not the place for a sane and thoughtful elected with no special interests — Zap was the lone voice of reason on that commission
(especially now that Commissioner Xavier Suarez is all happy-go-lucky with the mayor he once blasted). Zap is the only one who asks all the right questions. He’s the only one unafraid to call the shell game what it is. He’s the only one willing to corner the mayor on his lies. And we’ll lose that in November. The only consolation we have is that, with any luck, Gimenez will be gone, too, and we won’t need Zapata so desperately.
But his exit also leaves me a little excited about the future. The future three months, that is. Because if there is someone sin pelos en la lengua on the commission, it is Zapata. And now, nobody is safe. It is open season on any commissioner who wants to use convoluted language to justify some inexcusable county expense or policy — or rubber stamp the next corporate or private bailout.
Ladra, for one, cannot wait until Thursday’s meeting.
And it’s hard to be angry at Zap for bailing. He was working in a hostile work environment.
But I can be disappointed. Especially since he should have dropped out before qualification ended. Because this leaves Martinez to run against some guy named Felix Lorenzo, who ran to oppose the incorporation effort. Which means that Martinez, who has lost bids for the mayor’s seat and a congressional seat, will finally get his coveted elected position back.
And while Zap only replaced him for one term, Ladra hopes Martinez knows he has big shoes to fill. And that his ego is not so big that he can’t see those shoes.
Chased out: Juan Zapata leaves hostile work environment added by Ladra on
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If Miami can recall politicians, is there some process to force them back into office?
I really, really, really think that we need Commissioner Zapata to continue his stewardship to help increase the efficiency of our government by focusing on operations and ensuring that we get rid of legacy contracts and nepotism and conflicts of interest, etc….
Please keep us informed on any developments regarding his next steps… Perhaps he will be doing something with
BUT JOE NEVER QUIT! JOE’s NEVER DONE DIRTY STUFF! JOE’s A MAN OF HIS WORD! AND JOE DON’T PAY REPORTERS TO WRITE STORIES, HIS LIFE IS A STORY AND GOOD ONE AT THAT. HE CAN TAKE ON THE BULLIES AND THE BARKERS.
Joe Martinez has a nice smile but he votes for every sleazy deal put forward. $3 Billion to the Marlins? No problem. Billboards? No problem. Strip mining? No problem. Questionable Airport contracts? No problem. Pandering to Cubans? No problem.
Ladra eres Una Pera you seriously justify this losers drooping out of a political seat and campaign that he sat on with well over $190 k in the bank. It’s funny you write about corruption and the Mayor but the truth is you can’t smell your own crap if your nose was jambed in it. Being your as bright as used March stick here’s some info your not privieliged too from anyone on the inside. Funny Mr stinky shoe won’t even comment to you “wonder why”. Oh yes like you say he can’t take the bullying from the Mayor, ha. It’s about time Mr Stinky foot get a taste of his own medicine, a politician please he’s a Wiesel and pond scum lier. There you have him running for the Hills scared of the storm that’s coming and that you a so called investigative reporter has no idea off. It’s great while your fed money and lies by a circle of corrupt individuals who like you throw rocks and then hide their hands not to be caught. But never fear you Mut Hound yet like a pig you all are a roast will be held. Typical Mr Foot blame everyone but himself for his mistakes and shames, I am surprised he didn’t blame his daddy and mommy for all his mistakes maybe he’s waiting for the home run derby to begin to do that. Just look around, his shadow “Stevy” walking around like a crack whore wondering what happen, what’s coming, even mentioning his never been on Mr shoes side, that he’s just a hired contractor with no political ties. Anything on that statement Mrs. Bark, Stevy boy better get his apron ready to start baking cause his political days over. But in his true fashion “Coward” we’ll see him wandering the halls of shame at the 111 building or will Columbia be their new home? Ladra can you work on that story since you sent and bark sucks azz. As far as for Joe goes don’t worry you’ll always have a special ace in his heart, he is a dog lover so don’t worry you’ll get your scraps from time to time as well as your time out period. Chased out, Hostile work environment, the typical coward fink low life MF who loves to do to others but not to him. By the way ask Mr Shoe why he left his 2 amigos property management company this past Dec., was the heat in the kitchen to hot. What I love about your blog is the ability to express my self on it directly to those involved.
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We lost the best commissioner in the BCC. Period.
How much do you hate Martinez?? He did a lot of good as well as commissioner Zapata. You like to throw how many times he lost.. why is that cause he never play the petty political games. But he also ran 3xs for the same seat and won. Just saying give credit where its due. TO BOTH OF THEM!