The city commission meeting Thursday turned into a shouting match between commissioners Miguel “Mike” Gabela and Manolo Reyes basically because of the contentious fight on the self-serving lifetime pensions for electeds that Gabela has championed twice before changing his mind, also twice. Gabela said he stood by the principle of his idea, which was to […]
If there was ever something that should go to a referendum for voter approval, it is pensions for our electeds. And Miami city commissioners should go to the ballot if they want to reward their behavior and “hard work” with lucrative lifetime retirement benefits. It’s not too late. The deadline for municipalities to submit a […]
This meeting has been cancelled due to weather. The agenda moves to a special meeting Tuesday. At first blush, it may seem like Thursday’s Miami City Commission meeting is a sleeper, especially compared to recent meetings. Nothing on LED billboards. Nothing on redistricting. But a closer look at the agenda reveals a bunch of items […]
If there ever was a municipality that needs an independent inspector general, it is the city of Miami. One commissioner who was suspended after his September arrest on 11 felony charges, including bribery and money laundering, in connection with is vote to give away a public park. Another former commissioner is being investigated for promising […]
City attorney’s future, manager’s excuses on agenda Grab a tub of popcorn. Don’t forget your extra large cortadito. The Miami City Commission this week promises to be a doozy. Let’s hope Pastor Eric Doss of Liberty City Church of Christ gives a really good invocation. City Manager Art Noriega is expected on Thursday to give […]
Rumors of Manolo Reyes’ impending death are vastly exaggerated. The Miami commissioner was diagnosed with leukemia last year, but has apparently responded well to treatment and is on the mend. And – after what he’s seen the city go through in the last couple of months — he’s also on a transparency and accountability tear. […]
We already missed one candidate forum in the Nov. 7 Miami elections. Who knew? But there are at least three more scheduled for voters to get to know the people running for office in Districts 1, 2 and 4. One Grove, the group of Coconut Grove residents and stakeholders who organized during the city’s flawed […]
City of Miami Commissioners on Thursday voted to add a plaque behind them that says “In God We Trust.” Like that’s gonna help the cesspool of corruption and abuse of power that is City Hall. The ones we can’t trust on the city commission are the city commissioners. Placing a sign about trusting in God […]
Police are still investigating the burglary at Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes‘ office at City Hall last week. Monday, someone tried to break into one of the commissioner’s Community Response Team trucks (he has two). Most don’t think the two crimes are related. The commissioner’s office was ransacked, but nothing seems to have been stolen. The […]
Everybody wants something. While there may be a discussion Thursday, the Miami city commission vote on the Miami Freedom Park real estate giveaway is likely a ways off, as commissioners still have not had a chance yet to make their public asks (which are different from campaign contributions). And this will be the first public […]