Congresswoman “La Reina” IRL runs her own show

Congresswoman “La Reina” IRL runs her own show

You gotta love how Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen takes charge. Ladra is going to call her La Reina from now on. Not only because, as the first Hispanic woman elected to the U.S. House, she is political royalty. Not only because it gives me a quick fix at my alliteration addiction. But also because she rules like […]

Cason’s Gables campaign lacks track record and context

Cason’s Gables campaign lacks track record and context

Coral Gables Mayor James Cason lied again. Cason really doesn’t have much of a track record to campaign on or anything substantial he’s brought to the city — all his alleged accomplishments would have likely happened without him. Like he really single-handedly brought back the Fourth of July fireworks. Ooooh. Ahhhh. So his tack is to tear down […]

Miami’s Suarez surprises at snoozefest Gables debate

Miami’s Suarez surprises at snoozefest Gables debate

It is a sad state for the Coral Gables voter that the most exciting part of Tuesday night’s debate was when Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez — on a mayoral campaign of his own in the neighboring city — popped in unexpectedly. Suarez came in during the second debate, a little late but there to support […]

Gables Group 3 race reveals interesting dark horse

Gables Group 3 race reveals interesting dark horse

All the drama in the Coral Gables election is in the mayoral race. Both commission contests pale in comparison. The Group 2 race to replace Commissioner Ralph Cabrera, who has challenged Mayor James Cason, seems like a predictable slam dunk. And, yes, more on that later. But in the Group 3 race to replace termed-out Commissioner Maria […]

Gables mayoral election has few pops, mostly misfires

Gables mayoral election has few pops, mostly misfires

The gloves are off in the Coral Gables mayoral race as both candidates shot a few choice zingers at each other at their first debate Thursday night. “Ralph is definitely a slick talker, but words are not deeds,” said Mayor James “The Ambassador” Cason. “He should be given an Emmy,” Commissioner Ralph Cabrera said. But […]

Anti maquinita wave: part real, part politically expedient

Anti maquinita wave: part real, part politically expedient

Well, well, well. I guess it takes the investigation and resulting resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll due to her ties to internet gaming cafes and simulated slots for the local political community to wake up and smell the illegal activity. In the wake of Carroll’s forced abrupt departure, there is an avalanche of support […]

Dueling gay endorsements in Gables mayoral race

Dueling gay endorsements in Gables mayoral race

First, Coral Gables Commissioner Ralph Cabrera, who championed the City Beautiful’s domestic partner ordinance, scored the SAVE Dade endorsement for the upcoming mayoral race next month. Then, incumbent Mayor Jim “The Ambassador” Cason and/or his campaign quickly snagged the support of the Gables’ most prominent gay couple — renowned and enormously talented fashion designer Rene […]

Gables mayor’s race has third ‘candidate’ — the manager

Gables mayor’s race has third ‘candidate’ — the manager

The Coral Gables mayoral race between the incumbent newby and a longtime city commissioner might be seen as a referendum on City Manager Pat Salerno. Mayor “Ambassador” Jim Cason, a former chief consular official at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, is solidly with Salerno and, apparently, lets him lead. Ladra even believes Salerno was feeding him […]

As Gables election nears, Lago, er, new faces are certain

As Gables election nears, Lago, er, new faces are certain

With the Coral Gables election less than a month away on April 9, we are certain about getting two new faces on the city commission. Two new commissioners will be elected next month to replace the termed-out Commissioners Maria Anderson and Ralph Cabrera, the latter of which is running for mayor (more on that later). […]

Miami race to replace Suarez could be crowded carnival

Miami race to replace Suarez could be crowded carnival

Whenever it happens — whether it’s concurrent with November’s mayoral election or a special election right after or a special election next year — the race to replace Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez, who has challenged Tomas Regalado for mayor — may become the most fun to watch. And the most colorful. Because not only could Manolo Reyes, a […]