Two more candidates say they will run for Coral Gables commission in April

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Two more people have said they will run for office in Coral Gables’ April election. Both have been candidates before: Architect Felix Pardo, who lost a commission race in 2005, and Freebee lobbyist Claudia Miro, who lost one in 2021.

In what’s become a new tradition, Pardo — a longtime Coral Gables activist and architect — announced at Tuesday’s commission meeting that he was running for office. He didn’t say which office and hasn’t filed any paperwork available on the city’s website as of Friday, but sources told Political Cortadito that he is going to run against Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson.

Pardo, who lost a 2005 commission race 56% to 44% to former commissioner Maria Anderson (no relation that we know of), spoke during public comments about the City Hall renovations after he toured the building and saw the cracks and shoring himself. “I am here out a a sense of great urgency,” he said, adding that he “personally observed structural issues throughout the building from the ground floor to the third floor.

Read related: Two more candidates file for Coral Gables commission race in April

“The most troubling factor is that over these many years, we have been prioritizing things like the mobility hub and a building that shouldn’t have been purchased by the city,” said Pardo, who is Commissioner Ariel Fernandez‘s appointment to the charter review board and the planning and zoning board.

“I am very concerned what the next 40 years are going to look like and I have no choice but to say that I’m going to run for public office,” he ended.

Miro, lost in a crowded race for an open commission seat in 2021 that also included candidates like Tania Cruz Gimenez, daughter-in-law of the congressman, and Jose Valdes-Fauli, brother of the former Gables mayor. Rhonda Anderson eventually won the race in a runoff against Valdes-Fauli.

This time, the 20-year Gables resident is running in the open seat left vacant by Commissioner Kirk Menendez‘s move to challenge Mayor Vince Lago. Attorneys Richard Lara and Tom Wells have also filed to run for that seat.

“Miro brings decades of experience, a steadfast commitment to residents, and a vision to preserve and enhance the unique character of the City Beautiful,” reads a press release sent Saturday morning. 

She has remained engaged in city issues, serving on the planning and zoning board until she was booted for voting on an item against the wishes of Lago, who blasted her in a series of text messages for her vote.

Read related: Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago blasted Claudia Miro via text after P&Z vote

Miro is vice president of business development and government affairs for Freebee, a micro-transit company providing free, on-demand door-to-door service in some cities paid for by government funding. She previously has worked for Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, for the Florida Attorney General (2012-2014), for the city of Sweetwater, for the county and for the Republican Party of Florida. Her press release says she is a “passionate advocate for sustainable public transportation” and that her campaign will emphasize “preserving Coral Gables’ green spaces and waterways while ensuring thoughtful planning for the city’s future.” 

“I know many residents know me through my 30 years of steadfast public service and my role on Planning and Zoning,” Miro said in the statement. “I will continue to advocate for what is fair and listen to all sides with care and respect.

“I believe in statesmanship, protocol, and decorum, and I am committed to working collaboratively with my colleagues to always do what is best for the city and its residents.” 

  Claudia Miro, Coral Gables politics, Felix Pardo