The South Florida Police Benevolent Association, formerly the Dade County PBA, announced on Tuesday their endorsement of Miami-Dade Public Safety Chief Jems “James” Reyes in the historic election for Miami-Dade sheriff, the first since the 1950s.
“In his current role as our Chief of Public Safety, James has demonstrated his commitment to law and order and providing our officers with the resources they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively,” PBA President Steadman Stahl said in a statement. “As we navigate this transition from the Miami-Dade Police Department into an independent Sheriff’s Office, we have confidence in Chief Reyes at the helm because of his proven high-level command experience in a Sheriff’s Office, tireless advocacy for our officers, and above all his commitment to public safety.”
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In his own statement, Reyes said he was “incredibly proud and honored to have earned this endorsement from the South Florida PBA, whose members keep our community safe.
“Throughout my career, I have been a tireless fighter and advocate for our officers and their families, and I promise to keep that commitment as our first elected sheriff in more than 60 years,” said Reyes, who has also been endorsed by the South Florida AFL-CIO, AFSCME Florida, and GSAF Local 100.
Stahl told Political Cortadito that the PBA, which represents more than 7,500 members, sent all the candidates a questionnaire and the selection committee interviewed all but three. Two of them did not go to the interview: Democrat Ritchey Mitchell, who was a cop for five minutes and now runs a funeral home, and Republican Ernesto “Ernie” Rodriguez, who is currently with the department’s Agricultural and Environmental Crimes unit. John Rivera, a retired officer and former president of the PBA, wasn’t included because, well, the members know him already. “There was no reason,” Stahl said.
“This is going to be a big move for Miami-Dade County,” Stahl told Ladra. “There are a a lot of good candidates. This is probably the hardest endorsement we’ve had to face.”
Reyes, he said, was deemed the best qualified “to move the police department and the corrections department to the sheriff’s office. He’s well-knowledge. He’s well-versed.
“It was a hard decision. I’ve got a lot of personal friends running,” Stahl added.
But they didn’t have to make a hard decision yet and could have waited until after Aug. 20, because Reyes is a sure thing for the Democrat primary. And, instead, Stahl has pissed off some members of Miami-Dade Police force — including some of the other candidates. Las malas lenguas say Stahl succumbed to political influence. The SFPBA also endorsed other candidates, both Republican and Democrat — but all of them incumbents.
Reyes is seen as an incumbent because he is already heading the county’s public safety. Allegedly.
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Mayor Daniella Levine Cava hired him November and las malas lenguas also say that she did so two months before he announced his candidacy because she knew he would be her replacement for former Public Safety Chief Freddy Ramirez, who tried to blow his brains out in his car but just got enough of it to lose his political career, and his position but not his employment. Before that, Reyes’ entire career was with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office — in corrections. Now, his campaign consultant is her campaign consultant, Christian Ulvert, who is having one helluva year with multiple races.
“James Reyes has never been a police officer, has never work the Miami-Dade Police uniform,” said retired major Ignacio “Iggy” Alvarez, another candidate, on the Actualidad 1040 morning show Tuesday with Roberto Rodriguez-Tejera and Ricardo Brown.
“The only reason Steadman Stahl made that decision is because he is in the pocket of the mayor,” said Alvarez, who is now an attorney after serving 25 years at MDPD, the last of which were as head of the special victims’ unit. He added that, if he is elected, he will ask for a union members’ vote of no confidence on the president.
“He represents himself. We need someone who represents the officers,” said Alvarez, who noted that he has the endorsement of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police District 6, which represents the police officers in most of the county’s municipalities.
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Stahl said he understands there’s going to be hurt feelings. “There are 15 candidates. Fourteen of them are upset, and 14 of them have to come up with different reasons.
“But I’m not sure how that was a favor for the mayor. Our contract has already been negotiated and settled” he said, adding that the union got the largest cost of living increase in 30 years. “We’re good til 2026. And that’s going to be negotiated with the sheriff, not the mayor.
“I’m not looking to be an undersheriff. I’m 59 years old and I enjoy being the PBA president,” added Stahl, who also happens to be Republican.
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Joe is a scammer.
I find it so incredibly comical to read the so-called positive comments on the PBA endorsement of unqualified, non- police Reyes. And let’s not talk about his involvement with funneling money into sheriff Tony corruption for self gain. Reyes is a co-conspirator in that case.
PBA got this so wrong and they are completely out of touch with rank and file because the sentiment is not what is being portrayed with some of the phony posting here.
The most comical comment from stahl was when he said he wasn’t looking to be under sheriff- as if he really could!!!!
I had hopes for Greenwell but he’s just as incompetent as the Guy above him.
The status quo and business as usual in MDPD needs to end. I’m extremely proud of the PBA for doing the right thing and endorsing a candidate that has what it takes to lead this agency during one of the most crucial times in its history. Reyes has the experience, courage, and intestinal fortitude to get the job done. Gone are the days of the narcissists kicking garbage cans and threatening employees like children when something doesn’t make them happy. Gone are the days of promoting subpar commanders only because they won’t challenge leadership and stay quiet because the king says so. Reyes fosters healthy debate, promotes critical and out of the box thinking, and demands that his command staff be LEADERS. I’ve been a PBA member for many years now and have never been more pleased with them than I am now with this endoresement. Now more than ever does the law enforcement profession and MDPD need people like Reyes to step up and lead us into the future. Godspeed Sheriff Reyes!
Mr. J Aragu,
There is a big level of distrust of you at your own District, which is a microcosm of MDPD. You have zero following within your own agency and none of your peers respect you, let alone trust you. It’s funny how the non politicians turn very political and start giving themselves accolades that no one else sees.
Hey folks, as someone who’s been with the PBA for years, I gotta say I’m pumped about our endorsement of James Reyes for Sheriff. This guy’s the real deal – he knows his stuff and actually cares about us on the streets. I’ve worked with Reyes before, and let me tell you, he’s got our backs. It’s great to see the union recognizing what many of us already knew. Reyes is the kind of leader we need right now. Let’s show up and support him all the way to election day!
There is a level of distrust within MDPD. There is a level of distrust within the PBA. I am honored to serve as the Major of Miami-Dade Police Department’s Midwest District Station to address the important public safety needs of our residents and visitors from a community-first perspective. My 21-year law enforcement career and high level of collegiate education has formed my philosophy behind Traditional Community Policing and Law & Order. I am respected by my peers for my leadership. I am honored by the community for my generosity. Vote for me as your next sheriff.
It’s been a long time coming. Miami Dade County needs someone that can bring all public safety to a higher level of professionalism and accountability. Mr. Reyes talents encompass a broad spectrum of public safety services. His endorsements speak volumes, as those that align with him, have realized that he is the only candidate that can bring Miami Dade county’s fractured public safety to stable and prosperous levels.
Mr. Reyes’ energy and drive are apparent for he has taken greater responsibility not once but twice and continues to improve processes and services for the community.
In conclusion there is no better candidate for Dade County Sheriff than James Reyes
PBA gets it RIGHT!!!!!! A huge part of leadership is serving those you lead. Reyes has an amazing reputation with those he has served both in Broward and Miami Dade. He has also gained the confidence and support from his former boss, Sheriff Tony, and current boss, Mayor Cava. During his short time as Chief of Public Safety he has united the police, fire, and corrections departments and has tons of support from all three departments. If one takes the time to look at the list of PBA endorsements, one finds Republicans and Democrats, a clear indication that Stahl is vetting candidates properly for content not party affiliation. Great job PBA and Congratulations Mr. Reyes!!!!!
James Reyes is the obvious choice. He brings the global perspective of a Sheriff’s Office and the leadership required to changing the culture and dynamics of the agency. The candidate pool is extremely shallow and deficient in moving the needle forward. Those that dwell on his status or lack there of are ignorant to his pedigree. Clearly accept the fact that he is the only one who can propel the agency forward. Embrace the inevitable and enjoy the ride. Good things are on the horizon.
This is TOO MUCH POWER & CONTROL for the Mayoral office. It’s a waste of time if we don’t have a CONSTITUTIONAL SHERIFF. The last thing we need is this CONFLICT of interest. It is not good for THE PEOPLE. There is no balance in this county & everything under this Mayor has been a disaster. She stacked her depts with “activists” that aren’t even from Miami. Somehow, they bypassed people that have NO UPWARD MOBILITY to look forward to. Look at the CRIMINAL she hired that made the news. We are getting the worst PR with the dilapidated govt buildings/airport because nobody is MAINTAINING any of them. It’s an embarrassment & 3rd world OPTICS. Now, she wants to add an political hack in a vital position? How is any of this good for OUR quality of life in this county? It seems the office of Mayor will be ruled by an UNELECTED BILLIONAIRE (Ken Griffin$) who OWNS who he BUY$. Look at her net worth to see how she’s enriched herself & her campaign manager: the REAL MAYOR, from the time she was commissioner. Look at her qualifying documents/personal investments etc so you can see that she becomes richer from the MISERY OF HER RESIDENTS> asset seizures. Her partners NEED HER IN THIS POSITION for obvious reason$$$
Not qualified. PBA after politics. Shame on you SS. Vote for Mario Knapp.
Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Race. Why I support, and urge you to support, IGNACIO ALVAREZ. 7-10-24
Jackson Rip Holmes
https://youtu.be/-lVlpqrQlWM?si=YJnV93bzgbk3nUeu
As a third generation officer with Miami Dade Police I have heard many a story of yesteryear. Thankfully my grandfather is still alive and a mind sharp as a tack.
The PBA, according to dad and grandpa, has never been weaker in backbone as it has been now. They have embraced anti police or anti employee politicians while ignoring others. I don’t know john Rivera as Stahl mentioned but according to the two men in my life whom I respect unequivocally they don’t hesitate to say that he was the best PBA president ever and secured the best benefits in Tallahassee and the best raises locally.
They kept the old contract booklets and after comparing those years with this last contract, it is clear that this latest contract, while good, is not the best in the last 30 years.
Which begs the question, why does Stahl have the need to lie about something that is easily verifiable.
Anyway, most members I know don’t pay attention to endorsements from the PBA since the PBA does not represent their political views and this Reyes one is just another one where the members will ignore.
PBA members should cancel their memberships immediately. Why provide dues to an organization that doesn’t value the wishes of their members?
James Reyes is the candidate of the County Mayor, who controls all county contracts. Accordingly, county contractors do not dare to cross the County Mayor.
Why are there 11 Republicans running for Sheriff, but none for States Attorney?