Gimenez ‘Hail Mary’ stadium pass is part of planned offense

Gimenez ‘Hail Mary’ stadium pass is part of planned offense

Now we all know why Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos “Not So Golden Boy” Gimenez missed Dade Days in Tallahassee: He was hammering out the “framework” for the Dolphins Stadium deal that three quarters of his constituents do not want. Ladra and a bunch of Miami-Dade electeds — including Miami-Dade Commission Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa, Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, […]

For Gables Mayor, Cabrera’s allies should not surprise

For Gables Mayor, Cabrera’s allies should not surprise

While Ladra has not always supported Coral Gables Commissioner Ralph Cabrera’s political allies and that has led some to question my support for his run for mayor in this Tuesday’s election, I am not the only one who thinks that despite any past disagreements, he is the right man for the job. Commissioner Maria Anderson, […]

Ladra goes to Tallahassee for drinks, er, Dade Days

Ladra goes to Tallahassee for drinks, er, Dade Days

Ladra’s walk is taking a little longer than usual — that’s because we are Tallahassee-bound for Dade Days to see what all the hoopla is about. The annual municipal melee is the week in which Miami-Dade legislators and elected officials from the county and its 34 cities, towns and villages get together to eat, drink, dance, […]

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 […]