The State Attorney, What could she have done? By Fran Bohnsack

State Attorney Katherine Rundle's staff had a hard decision to make: whether to arrest Commissioner Spence-Jones BEFORE or AFTER the election and if after, how long after? And could they also have held off on charging and making a deal with Commissioner Angel Gonzalez?

A critical error was that the City of Miami Commission was left without a quorum the way the State Attorney's office did it. If Rundle had waited on the Gonzalez case, the Commission could have made an appointment for the Spence-Jones seat, putting off the pending special election till after her trial. The way it was forced on the City, by Rundle's office, because of the City's charter it will be costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars they don't have, and Spence-Jones, who is running again, will probably be reelected. She might have to be taken out for a second time if she is convicted and a third special election held. If there had been an appointment, with Angel Gonzalez voting, and Spence-Jones was cleared, she would just go back to the seat and the appointment would vacate. Or, if Spence-Jones had been charged 2 weeks later, the new Commissioners would have made a quorum.

Runoff in the City of Miami Tomorrow

Manolo Reyes is at top and Frances Suarez below him. Suarez was endorsed by the Miami Herald. May the best man win! The seat needs to be filled to have a quorum in the City of Miami due to the arrest and removal of Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones. Commissioner Angel Gonzalez also agreed to resign today, facing charges. The only Commissioners left on the dais are Marc Sarnoff and the recently sworn in Frank Carollo. 3 makes a quorum in the City.

Civility Absent at City of Miami Debate

There was a candidates forum at the Museum of Science last week for the candidates for Mayor of the City of Miami. The audience was rude, calling out and shouting down other people in the audience. It was reported that a woman spit on someone.

It is a sad state of affairs when we can't come together and respect each other's point of view. Moderator, Michael Putney could not control the behavior.

The last time the UEL saw this type of occurrence was at a forum we sponsored in North Miami Beach. It was a debate between County Commissioner Rolle and Former State Rep. Phillip Brutus. The campaign workers for Rolle shouted out during the questions and answers disturbing the listeners.

Any suggestions you might have for maintaining decorum in these situations would be appreciated.

Chance to Hear City of Miami Candidates

Monday September 14, 7-9PM, Mayoral Candidate Forum
Friday October 9, 7-9PM, Commission District 3 and District 4 Candidate Forum
All events will take place at Shenandoah Park Clubhouse 1800 SW 21st Ave.

Miami Shenandoah Neighborhood Association is sponsoring the event. They say:

Come to hear our prospective new leaders’ plans to enhance the quality of life in our City and in OUR neighborhood. You can ask the candidates questions relevant to what is most important to you…your home and your community.