Herald endorsement: Miami City Commission District 3 | Opinion
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In the crowded District 3 Miami City Commission race, voters have eight candidates to choose from — one with a well-known political name and seven others with little political experience but a drive to serve.
With no incumbent, it’s a wide open race for the seat being vacated by controversial Commissioner Joe Carollo, who has been term-limited and is now one of 13 candidates running for Miami mayor, a job he held before.
Our choice in this race is Oscar Alejandro, 26, a newcomer to politics. We think voters want fresh ideas in Miami.
No doubt the best-known candidate is Frank Carollo, a former commissioner who was his brother Joe’s predecessor in District 3, which covers Little Havana, Shenandoah and The Roads.
During his two terms from 2009 to 2017, Frank Carollo, a certified public accountant, helped balance city budgets, upgrade stormwater infrastructure to address sea-level rise, champion a free Little Havana trolley. He also pleaded no contest to an ethics complaint and paid a fine after he called the Miami police chief during a 2012 traffic stop in Coconut Grove.
But it’s unclear today whether Carollo could even serve another term if he’s elected. As part of the Nov. 4 election, Miami voters will decide whether to impose lifetime term limits. The change, which would be retroactive, would restrict elected officials to two four-year terms as commissioner for their entire lifetime. A court might have to resolve the issue.
And then there is the dynasty factor. A Carollo has been in City Hall in one capacity or another, on and off since the late 1970s. Joe Carollo has frequently been a disruptive force within the commission and is facing a $63.5 million federal judgment. It’s time to give others a chance.
Also running: Yvonne Bayona, a paralegal and community activist; Brenda Betancourt, a real estate broker and community activist; Rolando Escalona, a real estate broker and restaurateur who runs Sexy Fish in Brickell; Denise Galvez Turros, a community activist and co-founder of Latinas for Trump; Rob Piper, a retired Marine and community activist who led an effort to recall Commissioner Joe Carollo and Fayez Tanous-Vasquez, who has done minimal campaigning.
Alejandro, our pick, is a U.S. Navy veteran, IT service engineer and community activist who is the son of Honduran parents. Alejandro has no political experience and no large campaign coffer. But he told the Board he walks his neighborhood daily, talking to neighbors, picking up trash and hearing firsthand about rising rents, small businesses under pressure and communities losing faith in government. Basic grassroots work — that’s what this district needs right now.
He wants to tap into the youth vote and talk to residents even if they don’t vote. “I want people to be involved in their community so they have a say in the decisions being made in their name,” he told the Board.
Alejandro grew up between Miami and Virginia Beach, returning home to Little Havana after military service three years ago with a mission of community engagement and innovation.
Residents have made it clear that they are focused on three issues. The housing crisis with skyrocketing rents and shrinking availability of affordable homes is threatening longtime residents and families. Public safety is also key, ranging from crime to traffic hazards for pedestrians and drivers.
A perceived lack of government transparency and engagement is also a concern, with many residents unsure of their local government’s responsibilities or how to make their voices heard in a city hall that too often shuts them down.
Escalona, general manager at the Sexy Fish restaurant in Brickell, promised to focus on affordability, public safety and expanding housing through zoning and funding policies. Questions about his residency within the district have clouded his candidacy.
Galvez Turros has filed a lawsuit alleging that Escalona’s residency is a “sham.” Galvez Turros ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2017 and says she is tired of the shenanigans at city hall.
The Board was also impressed with Piper’s dedication to the city.
We believe Alejandro, although not a traditional candidate, is committed to improving his neighborhood in a refreshing way. He will show up every day, prioritize the people of District 3 and can be a bridge to rebuilding trust between residents and city hall.
The Miami Herald Editorial Board endorses OSCAR ALEJANDRO for Miami City Commission District 3.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the political endorsements?
In advance of local and state elections, Miami Herald Editorial Board members interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The Editorial Board is composed of experienced opinion journalists and is independent of the Herald’s newsroom. Members of the Miami Herald Editorial Board are: Amy Driscoll, editorial page editor; and editorial writers Luisa Yanez, Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process look like?
The Miami Herald Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on public policy and how their policies will affect their constituents. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making an endorsement. The Editorial Board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. Candidates who decline to be interviewed will not receive an endorsement.
Is the Editorial Board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the Editorial Board consider which candidates are better prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with our editorial stances or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, readiness for office, depth of knowledge of key issues and understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points.
