Well, duh.
It was very unlikely that the union representing Miami-Dade Police officers or the firefighters would back Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda 
Bell — who has drawn the ire of labor leaders with her consistent votes against county employees — in her re-election.
Wednesday, they officially endorsed challenger Daniella Levine Cava in the race for District 8.
Nobody is surprised with that — especially since the Police Benevolent Association already contributed to her campaign — although an official endorsement does seem a little early. But maybe that’s intentional: The backing could add momentum to a campaign that is already creating a bit of a stir and making Bell and her supporters a little bit nervous.
And it also adds people — volunteers to make calls and knock on doors — and the all important cash. The Police Benevolent Association, in particular, is known for putting their money where their mouth is by funding PAC attack ads, which is good for Levine since Bell has out-raised her so far by more than 2 to 1.
We knew it was coming — which is why the PBA said “publicly” in its Facebook announcement.
“Today, the Dade County PBA and the IAFF 1403 publicly announced their endorsement of Daniella Levine Cava who is running for Miami-Dade County Commission Dist. 8 against incumbent Lynda Bell. It is in the rarest of cases when the PBA issues an early endorsement in a race,” it said. “The endorsement issued by Miami-Dade County’s largest police organization is one of the toughest endorsements for a candidate to receive. It is also the most highly sought after endorsement because of the organization’s strength and credibility with Miami-Dade County voters.”
“The choice for fresh leadership in this race was clear,” said PBA president John Rivera, who represents 6,500 law enforcement officers. “Ms. Cava will be a breath of fresh air bringing a real voice to residents in District 8. She has a desire to solve problems and is committed to providing a safe community for everyone.”
Firefighters, who came under fire in last year’s slash and burn budget season, may also be especially motivated to replace Bell, who has supported the negotiation tactics, or lack thereof, used by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
“There has been no increase in fire services to District 8 residents in years. These residents are not getting the services or the representation that they deserve,” said Al Cruz, President of IAFF 1403, which represents 2,000 firefighters.
“We are pleased to endorse Daniella Levine Cava. Daniella Levine Cava is a supporter of public service and has a strong desire to act in the best interest of the community. It’s time to support a Commissioner in District 8 who is ready to improve the quality of service and act in the best interest of the Community,” Cruz said in a statement.
Levine released the following statement after her noon press conference Wednesday.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the endorsements of the Dade County Police and Firefighters. I am proud to know that the first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis, support my efforts to keep our streets safe and strong. I admire the dedication of law enforcement and firefighters that work to keep South Florida a great place to live. With their dedication in mind, I will put forward the same effort in ensuring those services stay strong.
As your county commissioner, with the help of law enforcement and our fire departments, I will work to assure that we can all live in safe and secure communities.”
Police and firefighters endorse Daniella Levine against Bell added by Ladra on
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[…] unions previously endorsed the Mayor during her 2020 bid for Miami-Dade’s top executive post and when she successfully ran for the County […]
[…] unions previously endorsed the Mayor during her 2020 bid for Miami-Dade’s top executive post and when she successfully ran for the County Commission […]
[…] unions beforehand endorsed the Mayor during her 2020 bid for Miami-Dade’s high government publish and when she efficiently ran for the County Commission […]
This early endorsement clearly indicates where Commissioner Bell’s opponent stands. Pro-Union. As we have come to learn in the past several years, the salaries and demands of unions are ridiculous but many times they have gotten away with it and the citizens get stuck with their demands. We need a Commissioner that looks for the interest of it’s citizens and not the demands of the Unions. Commissioner Bell is one. Before you vote, take a good look at what her opponent stands for. Don’t be misled because when our taxes go up to pay for the Union demands, then we complain about the Commissioners not realizing we put them there. Vote, Vote once and be wise who you vote for.
SORRY FOR THE TYPOS
to “not a fan”: UNIONS, AS FAR AS I KNOW DO NOT REPRESENT TOP ADMINISTRATORS. THEY SUPPORTER, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE WORKING CLASS. JUST WANTED TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. GO DANIELLEA AND I HOPE OTHERS RUN AGAINST THE ESTABLISHED FAILURE IN THIS COUNTY. WE ARE A BANANA REPUBLIC, WHICH WE NEED TO SHED
Mr. Alberto De la Cruz,
This has nothing to do with greed brought on by unions, as you say; it is based on pretty simple mathematical skills using inflation as a guide. Although I do not work for the County I do work for a municipality where the same scam continually happens and unions are blamed for the downfall in its local economy. The backing of an elected official is normally based on merits of his/her past work to represent his/her constituents in a positive manner. Understanding ones past accomplishments and work ethics will serve as a guide to a successful future. It is true that labor unions have pushed to have elected representatives that will act more favorable towards themselves not just locally but nationwide. I do not see that being the case here. Remember what I said: Your past will dictate your future. As inflation has continued to climb salaries have gone down yet the recurring expenditures have gone up. So, what do you do? In your business , as I’m sure as most if the recurring expenses rise and you have lowed your workers salary then you might want to look at frivolous spending or a way of generating more revenue rather than continually cutting your employee’s which leads to low morale and a “I DON’T CARE” attitude. Most governments need to cut from the top as compared to cutting from the bottom which you rarely see happen. Labor is not the problem here, big business is, which drives more corporate greed than ever.
Another example of big labor looking after its pockets and not its members! I wonder how much Levine-Cava promised to raise their salaries? Big labor unions do not care about the little guys making under $40,000 a year they care about getting back that 5% from the majority of county employees. As it is the average salary for a county employee is $60,000 a year! County needs small government approach… Greed will bring down the unions
Yes fire and police are hugely top-heavy with six-figure administrators. But those well paid bureaucrats are management not labor
The largest labor bargaining unit at MiamiDade is AFSCME 199 representing almost 10,000 workers. The average salary across all job descriptions is $42,000 a year. Mind you that’s after years of layoffs and bumping meaning most of those employees are in the highest end of their job’s pay range. Right now most new hires are part-time minimum wage $16,600 per year., of which the mayor and the Bell also voted to take 5% healthcare contribution AND not provide healthcare.
On the other end is the mayor’s $3.2 million office staff including his quarter million a year deputies, the legion of fire Chief’s and the Army of County attorneys.
by the way the 5% was supposed to be for the bargaining units only, rumor is County attorney office voted themselves the 5% retroactively I can’t confirm that because like all executive package deals there are on the DL
Nope, no reform needed here!