It happens every year. Elected officials glom onto the efforts of local organizations and food banks to give turkeys and other Thanksgiving trimmings to Miami-Dade residents.
This has always seemed like a desperate and, frankly, pathetic publicity stunt to garner favor with voters and even local media.
Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz partnered with Sweetwater Mayor and Commissioners Jose Marti, Saul Diaz, Ian Vallecillo, Reinaldo Rey and Isidro Ruiz — because nobody was going to turn down this photo opportunity — at a drive-through giveaway Saturday at Ronselli Park.
Read related: It’s that time of year again: Turkeys handing out turkeys
“Last year, Thanksgiving wasn’t the traditional celebration for many families due to COVID-19,” Diaz said. “This year, I wanted to make sure families were provided with everything necessary to make their Thanksgiving Day extra special with their loved ones.”
Except he didn’t. The food is provided by Farm Share and other food banks. Volunteers, including Marines at the Sweetwater turkey line, can hoist the bags into the vehicles’ trunks. Diaz wasn’t there to make sure families had what they needed for Thursday. He was there for the positive headlines and other political campaign material the event provides.
Remember, he is running for Sweetwater mayor in the near future.
In the city of Miami, Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla had his first turkey and trimmings giveaway last Friday. No word on who provided the birds or other goods in the green Team ADLP bags. Ladra can’t help wonder if any of them were bought with any of those missing $250 COVID-19 relief gift cards that are unaccounted for.
Because he’s got more coming. Diaz de la Portilla, or more likely his staff, is having another turkey giveaway at 9 a.m. Wednesday and while supplies last at Grapeland Park, 1550 NW 37th Ave.
Read related: Missing Miami COVID relief gift cards to be audited by city’s inspector general
In Miami-Dade District 9, Kionne McGhee turned it into a turkey tour — seven stops in 10 days, ending Tuesday evening at Everglades Village in Florida City. District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado worked her morning radio show remotely from Tropical Park Tuesday, as she gave away turkeys and other trimmings.
Same morning in Cutler Bay, District 8’s appointed commissioner, Danielle Cohen Higgins, said her team gave away 300 turkeys and 300 desserts, in partnership with the Miami Dolphins Foundation, Peterson’s Harley Davidson, Publix and small district businesses Lola the Baker, the Fude Pie Co. and Redland’s Ice Cream and Bakery.
Pies are easier to carry than frozen turkeys.
“Thankfully, some families are recovering from the pandemic, however many still find themselves in great need. I take pride in giving back to my community especially during the holidays trying to ensure that every family is treated with dignity and no family goes hungry,” Cohen Higgins said in a statement.
“I am grateful to the partnering organizations that helped make today’s drive a reality,” she said.
Because, you know, they couldn’t have done it without her. Really, does anyone believe that if these electeds weren’t there for the cameras, that the people who need it wouldn’t get a turkey and other holiday staples?
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, whether you got your turkey from an elected turkey or you got it yourself.
Another Thanksgiving means another bunch of turkeys giving away turkeys added by Ladra on
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