All five new county commissioners were sworn in at separate ceremonies Tuesday after winning their elections Nov. 8 or in the August primary.
Miami-Dade Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez didn’t have to go to a runoff after getting 56% against three other candidates in the District 10 race to replace termed-out Javier Souto. The former state rep (Republican, District 118, Westchester) had State Rep. and future Speaker Daniel Perez (Republican, District 116, Kendall) swear him in.
“I am humbled by all the families and people of Miami-Dade that have put their trust in me to lead them and represent the priorities of our vibrant community,” Rodriguez said in a statement.
“Speaking with the people of District 10, we shared a vision of lessening the tax and regulatory strains on our lives, creating an environment that allows businesses to expand and is favorable for job creation and economic growth, ensuring that every parent has a say in their child’s education and that they are provided with real choices, and making sure our local government lives within its means. We also came together on challenges that we are facing with our traffic, public safety, and affordable housing.
“This is what the people of District 10 elected me to do, and it’s what I intend to act on every day that I serve them on the county commission. I look forward to leading our community forward and addressing head-on many of the challenges and issues we are facing as we work to ensure that our energetic and lively slice of Miami-Dade continues to thrive and flourish,” Rodriguez said.
Former Doral Mayor JC Bermudez also won his seat in District 12 in August against the much better funded Sophia Lacayo, 66% to 44%. He was sworn in Tuesday at Doral City Hall.
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“I am grateful for my family’s constant love and for the support of the community,” Bermudez wrote on his Facebook page. “I look forward to this next challenge, where I will join my fellow Miami-Dade commissioners to represent all of the residents of District 12.”
Newly-elected District 6 Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera also issued a statement after he was sworn in Tuesday at downtown’s Freedom Tower.
“As the son of Cuban exiles, it is the honor of a lifetime to take my oath of office at the historic Freedom Tower — Miami’s beacon of hope that welcomed thousands of Cuban exiles seeking freedom,” the statement said.
“I am ready to work and make county government more accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people it represents. I will work daily to improve our residents’ lives, particularly those struggling in this economic climate. I will work diligently with our small business community to make county government a true partner so that they can expand and grow and provide our community with the high-paying jobs our residents need and deserve,” Cabrera added.
Cabrera, former Florida campaign director for Donald Trump, beat Coral Gables Commissioner Jorge Fors Jr. in the runoff Nov. 8. Before that, he was director of constituent services for former Congressman Carlos Curbelo. And after that, he was seen shouting and banging on the door to former Congresswoman Donna Shalala‘s office alongside the Proud Boys.
As an active member of the local community, Cabrera was appointed Councilman for West Kendall’s Community Council, local land use and zoning board in Miami-Dade County, in 2015. He was subsequently elected to a full term in 2016. A Miami native and FIU grad, he is married to State Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, who won her re-election 56% to 44%.
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The new District 2 commissioner, Marleine Bastien, was also sworn in Tuesday to replace termed-out Jean Monestime.
“As the daughter of Haitian Immigrant parents and the first woman elected to serve in District 2, this representation matters for every young girl, no matter the ethnic background, with hope and dreams,” Bastien posted on Twitter.
“Most importantly, it matters to each and every working member of our community with a burning desire to serve! My presence on the dais reflects the American Dream, 41 years of hard work and determination, advocating for the well-being of all communities” Bastien said.
“Now, let us get to work for an inclusive, thriving, and prosperous District 2!”
In District 4, former Miami Beach Commissioner Micky Steinberg coasted into the seat vacated by the termed out Sally Heyman with no opposition.
“I couldn’t be more grateful,” she posted on Facebook. “As our community begins preparing for Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your support.”
Many of the new commissioners were already sorta working.
Bermudez — who attended a Sweetwater even earlier this month — as well as Cabrera and maybe Steinberg went to Monday’s ribbon cutting of Carnival’s newly redesigned and expanded Terminal F at PortMiami, which opened its doors in conjunction with the arrival of the cruise line’s new flagship, Carnival Celebration.
On Tuesday, Cabrera was tailed by Telemundo 51 as he handed out Thanksgiving goodie bags to low income residents in his district.
And although they are not new, Commissioners Oliver Gilbert and Raquel Regalado were sworn in as the new chair and vice chair of the commission.
It looks like the first meeting with this new board is Dec. 6.
5 newly-elected Miami-Dade county commissioners get sworn in, get to work added by Ladra on
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