Ethnic vote split commission chair election for Rebeca Sosa

Ethnic vote split commission chair election for Rebeca Sosa

Well, as expected, the votes for the new commission chair and vice chair were basically split down racial and ethnic lines giving the Hispanic majority — now that a Colombian is on the commission and it ain’t a Cuban thing anymore — an edge. Ladra says “basically” because of Commissioners Bruno Barreiro — the breakout […]

Commission Installation stars: Dennis Moss and Juan Zapata

Commission Installation stars: Dennis Moss and Juan Zapata

There were a whopping eight people sworn in during the Miami-Dade Mayor and Commission installation Tuesday. But, while everyone graciously thanked their staff and friends, and their families and supporters, only two speakers really shone: Commissioner Dennis Moss and freshman Commissioner and former State Rep. Juan C. Zapata. The longest serving commissioner and the shortest […]

Political buddies Beca and Bell now commission co-chiefs

Political buddies Beca and Bell now commission co-chiefs

Ladra should have seen it coming. I was right about Commissioner Rebeca Sosa being elected chairman of the Miami-Dade County Commission today but hadn’t even given thought to the vice chair position, which went to none other than Commissioner Lynda Bell, one of Sosa’s biggest allies on the dais. This marks the first time that […]

And the chair goes to…Rebeca Sosa. Told ya

And the chair goes to…Rebeca Sosa. Told ya

Well, I was mostly right, anyway. It was a woman, and it was Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa who was elected by her peers as the new board chairman of former Chairman Joe Martinez, who lost a challenge to the mayor in the August primary. But she was tossed up against Commissioner Barbara Jordan, and […]

Good money is on Rebeca Sosa for new commission chair

Good money is on Rebeca Sosa for new commission chair

It’s most likely going to be a woman — the Miami-Dade County Commissioner that replaces former Chairman Joe Martinez — who lost a mayoral challenge to the incumbent two weeks ago. And according to the malas lenguas in the know, it really boils down to one of two choices: Vice Chairwoman Audrey Edmonson and Commissioner […]

Joe Martinez says bye-bye county… hello Congress?

Joe Martinez says bye-bye county… hello Congress?

Days before the swearing-in of seven new county commissioners (okay, six old and one new), exiting Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Joe Martinez said good bye to his electronic constituency via his weekly e-newsletter. But maybe it’s just a “see you later” instead. Martinez told Ladra Friday that while he’s “gotta find a job in the private […]

Good thing Machado lost… he shouldn’t even be a cop

Good thing Machado lost… he shouldn’t even be a cop

Now that Miami-Dade Police Det. Manny Machado lost his bullish bid to become county commissioner, let’s hope the police department investigates his tactics — which are unethical and misleading and not what one wants of their law enforcement officials. Can you say Internal Affairs? Let’s forget, for a moment, that Machado — who thankfully lost […]

Obama’s coattails, GOP gaffes, cause local chaos

Obama’s coattails, GOP gaffes, cause local chaos

It’s been a week since the election, enough time for Ladra to lick her wounds and take a step back to look at the damage. Call Geico. It’s a total loss. Last week’s win by President Barack Obama also ushered in local victories for other Democrats that would be unthinkable in a non presidential year. […]

Poll watch parties sprout up for Tuesday’s vote count

Poll watch parties sprout up for Tuesday’s vote count

There are several places one can go to watch the numbers tally in Tuesday’s election — watch parties for all shapes and sizes and, well, parties. The Democrats aren’t having one that I know of, though they have a post election party on Wednesday. They call it a campaign “wrap” party and it starts at […]

Vote Zapata: Because bullies have no place on the commission

Vote Zapata: Because bullies have no place on the commission

One of the closest local races to be decided Tuesday is the county commission contest in district 11, vacated by Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Joe Martinez in his failed bid for mayor. And it shouldn’t be this close. Because one of the candidates is a respected and experienced leader on a national level who has served […]