Newly-elected Coral Gables commissioners Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez were sworn in Friday during a short investiture ceremony where they repeated their commitment to put residents first.
Oh, yeah, Mayor Vince Lago, who was re-elected without opposition, was also sworn in again. But he didn’t seem to have as happy a day. He seemed pouty and depressed. Maybe it’s because he now has to sit between the two new commissioners, both of whom he worked hard against.
Talk about eating crow. He looked like a crow sandwich.
Before Lago spoke, the lights flickered as lightning struck nearby. Everyone looked at each other. Even God is mad at the mayor.
His speech was part pity party — it’s been such a bear to be the mayor — and part state-of-the-city address, pledging to build 10 parks in the downtown area and bragging of accomplishments that he knows aren’t really his. He needed someone to pat him on the back. So he did it himself.
He also defended the staff and administration and anyone who knows the Gables knows that the comments were directed at Fernandez, his nemesis and a frequent critic of city services.
“We agree or disagree on topics but your ethical leadership and unwavering commitment to the city not only should be complimented but should be admired and respected,” Lago said, directing his words to the city manager, city attorney, city clerk and police chief, among others.
Read related: In Coral Gables, Melissa Castro wins runoff with huge mandate margin
The mayor ended the 17-minute diatribe — it felt like 45 minutes — with what could be viewed as a warning to the two newbies, especially Fernandez, whom he vowed to “destroy” during the campaign.
“Let’s work on accomplishing greatness together. Because a win for the city is a win for all of us,” Lago said, because he wants everyone to forget that he lost big both on April 11 and in Tuesday’s runoff.
“Let’s remember that it is only with shared vision, integrity and respect that we can take our city to the next level. Together, let’s explore what problems unite us, instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.”
Doesn’t really sound like an olive branch, does it? In fact, it seems that Lago was playing Bingo Blitz or Candy Crush while Commissioner Castro was sworn in and wiping the sweat from his brow when Fernandez took the oath. He knows a reckonin’ is coming.
Fernandez did extend an olive branch to the whole commission, inviting them to join him and Castro at the new commissioners’ first joint town hall meeting next Monday, May 8. “This will be an opportunity for us as a commission to hear from residents and for residents to have their questions answered by our city’s administration,” Fernandez said.
“It is an honor and a privilege to sit in this room today as a voice for residents,” he started. “I am humbled by the great responsibility you, the residents of our City Beautiful, have placed upon me, to advocate on your behalf and ensure a ‘residents first’ government in our Coral Gables.”
Read related: Residents win in Coral Gables with Ariel Fernandez commission victory
In a four-minute speech — including five interruptions of loud cheering and applause — Fernandez thanked his friends, family members and volunteers who helped with the campaign.
“First and foremost, to our residents, I pledge to always be accessible and to work on the priorities you have entrusted me to address Stopping overdevelopment by strictly enforcing our zoning code, streamlining our permitting process, improving safety, fixing our broken sidewalks, increasing our fiscal responsibility and stopping the construction of the Mobility Hub.”
That last one, which was a big part of the Fernandez platform, got a huge applause. Apparently, the parking garage disguised as some high tech novelty is not popular among Gables residents. At least those in attendance at City Hall Friday. Only the first row, filled mostly with Lago’s family and outgoing Commissioner Mike Mena — who did not clap once during Fernandez’s comments — stayed quiet.
Fernandez, who has been a strong critic of some city administrators and staffers, pledged to “roll up my sleeves and work with you to advance the goals of residents,” he told them. “My sole requests from you are honesty, hard work and respect and commitment to residents.
“To my colleagues, I pledge my respect and commitment to work together on behalf of residents,” he said. “Residents must always be first.”
Read related: Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak calls, pressures voters in commission race
Castro also repeated her commitment to residents during a short speech — less than two minutes — during which her voice cracked as she became emotional thanking her family, friends and volunteers. “With only two weeks in the runoff and ten percent of what my opponent raised, our community was able to come together and get me elected,” she said. “And for that, I will be forever thankful.
“I can only imagine what we can do in the next four years,” Castro said.
“I am beyond humbled that you placed your trust in me to lead our community forward. I pledge to serve with honestly integrity and transparency. I will work tirelessly to ensure the city remains a city of the residents and that it remains a safe, beautiful and prosperous place to live and raise our children.
“I will listen to your concerns, seek out your input and make decisions that are in the best interests of our residents and community,” Castro said. “I look forward to representing you and being your voice.”
New Coral Gables Commissioners Ariel Fernandez, Melissa Castro are sworn in added by Ladra on
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