And a slew of electeds supporting him
After what is arguably a successful first term, Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian is getting ready to run for re-election this year. Samuelian filed his first paperwork on Monday and kicks-off the campaign next week with a virtual political powwow of elected leaders, current and former.
The other two seats on the ballot this November are open due to term limits that see both Commissioners Michael Góngora and Micky Steinberg going bye-bye. Each of those seats has a pair of contestants and more on that later.
But Samuelian is so far unopposed — and likely will stay that way. Not just because he plans to loan himself $100,000 to scare any would-be challengers away. But also because he is a popular and proactive commissioner with an engaged base of supporters.
They include Mayor Dan Gelber, Commissioners Góngora, Steinberg, Ricky Arriola, and Steven Meiner, as well as former commissioners Kristen Rosen Gonzalez and Michael Grieco, now a state representative. That’s right, Arriola and Grieco are on the same side for once.
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The list of former commissioners is long and includes former Mayor Matti Bower and former commissioners Ed Tobin and DeeDee Weithorn as well as every living elected past or present in Miami Beach except lobbyist Niesen Kasdin and, interestingly enough, Commissioner David Richardson.
Richardson brilla por su ausencia.
Joining the Beach delegation for this virtual campaign kickoff on Wednesday are Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and county commissioners Sally Heyman and Eileen Higgins, whose districts include parts of Miami Beach. And former commissioners Xavier Suarez and Katy Sorenson.
If this were a live event, it’d be a party for political paparazzi.
Samuelian, a business consultant with an engineering degree, has broad resident support as a former activist and president of Miami Beach United. Earlier this month, he hosted a virtual community meeting on crime and public safety, addressing concerns after a spate of violent incidents.
He said he wants a second term to continue to address the COVID-19 crisis and its toll on Miami Beach, rebuild the city’s economy, invest in public safety, improve the city’s resiliency program and enhance pedestrian and cyclist accessibility.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust and support of our residents and excited to announce my re-election campaign,” Samuelian said in a statement:
“I am committed to continue working on the many issues that are important to our great city. The last year brought significant challenges to our community, but it has motivated me to keep fighting for what is best for Miami Beach. We have much work to do ahead as we overcome COVID-19, invest in public safety initiatives and protect our treasured quality of life.
“I am dedicated to continue improving our beautiful city of Miami Beach as I have done during my first term as City Commissioner. My number one priority is to continue advocating for our residents with an unwavering eye on our city’s long-term interest. In 2017, I promised to always fight for what’s right, and I am pleased with the progress we have made since then. I am confident that we can do even more, and I am committed to improving our city and the life of our residents.”
Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian
The election is Nov. 2. Deadline to qualify is in September so there’s still time to pick up a challenger. But who? Everyone is already on the host committee for the kick-off, which will also serve as a chance for Q&A.
“From COVID-19 to crime, I want to hear your thoughts so that I can keep working to make Miami Beach a better place to live,” Samuelian said in an email blast announcing the kick-off and giving voters a chance to link into the Zoom event at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 3 “to learn more about my priorities for Miami Beach.”
Mark Samuelian announces bid for second term in Miami Beach election added by Ladra on
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