Eileen Higgins pressures Sierra Club and Ken Russell resigns as lobbyist

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Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins might be serious about her bid to run for Miami Mayor this November, after all, which could be why she went out of her way to get former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell, another candidate in the crowded race, basically fired from his day job as the lobbyist for the Sierra Club’s Florida chapter..

Russell actually resigned last month, but only because Higgins told the members of the environmental group that she would not meet with them as long as he was part of the team. Or, rather, that she would meet with them — “as soon as you get rid of Ken Russell.”

The organization didn’t accept his resignation. But they also didn’t renew their contract with Russell’s firm, Arquest Partners, which he formed 18 months ago.

Read related: Miami-Dade garbage incinerator talks look more like a stinky dumpster fire

“I’m reaching out to offer to step down early from my current engagement, if doing so would help preserve the Sierra Club’s ability to engage fully and effectively with key elected officials,” Russell wrote in the July 21 note to Cris Costello, the senior organizing manager. The email was also copied to Marcelo Balladares, organizing representative for The Everglades, Noel Cleland, vice president of the political committee, and Steven Liedner, vice chair of conservation.

“As mentioned on our call, today Steven shared that Commissioner Higgins told him she is not willing to meet with the Sierra Club while I remain involved,” Russell wrote in his letter. “Given the urgency of the work ahead, including efforts to stop the incinerator, protect the Everglades, and to promote a strong composting ordinance, I want to ensure that my involvement does not become an obstacle to your advocacy or strategy.

“There are only a couple weeks left on my current contract, and we have not yet discussed any potential for renewal. More importantly, I remain committed to the success of the campaign so disengaging might be best. I would prorate my final invoice which would provide a savings for Sierra Club as well,” the ex commissioner and onetime congressional candidate wrote, adding that he felt privileged to have worked with the “advancing environmental priorities with real impact.”

Russell has been working with the Sierra Club for almost a year. He was hired to provide a new model on how to lobby for initiatives and write simple legislation. He has spoken at several commission meetings, including in Miami on the controversial tree ordinance. He helped the Florida chapter get several cities, including Coral Gables and Miami, to pass resolutions against having an incinerator. He tried, but failed, to get the county to reject the incinerator and opt for other alternatives.

Read related: Miami tree removal ordinance changes unnecessary and tainted by lobbyists

“And when I am elected mayor, my first resolution will be that none of our garbage will go to an incinerator,” Russell said.

Higgins, who will have to resign her seat on the county commission by Aug. 26 to run in the Nov. 4 mayoral race, did not return calls and texts from Ladra. She never does. But she voted yes last month to build a new incinerator — calling it a “waste to energy facility” but it’s the same thing — with the rest of the county commission, somewhere. They just couldn’t decide on where.

Russell told Political Cortadito this week that he was surprised by Higgins’ abusive actions — denying access unless he was canned — but didn’t give his resignation a second thought.

“I’m supposed to be here to help, and if the politics are going to get in the way of that, well then its of no use,” Russell said.

The Sierra Club’s Costello said that she also heard the story from Leidner that way but that Russell’s contract would have expired in July anyway. And they weren’t going to extend the contract if he was running for office.

But there’s still a stark difference: One candidate is offering to sacrifice the thickness of his wallet for the wellbeing of all — going so far as to offer a partial refund — and the other candidate is shaking down a non-profit environmental group for the friends it keeps. This is a huge abuse of power and not a good sign for someone who wants to be the top elected in Miami-Dade’s largest city.

Voters should remember this on Election Day.

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  Eileen Higgins, Ken Russell, Miami Elections 2025