The Exit Strategy

Parsing the farewell narrative of Ariel Fernandez.

As of this morning, Ariel Fernandez has officially announced he would not be seeking re-election for Coral Gables Commissioner. In an email sent to residents, Fernandez stated his decision is based upon a new found opportunity with CUBATEC, the company owned and operated by former Commissioner Kirk Menendez. Despite this being an obvious red herring, Fernandez also posted a video in which he outlined his “accomplishments” over the last three and a half years.

In my May op-ed, I criticized Fernandez for his lack of substantial legislation in his term of office. His video statement only solidifies this. From taking credit for reduced garbage fees, to repairing sidewalks and potholes, to senior relief grant programs that save senior residents pennies on the dollar, Fernandez defined his short lived political career as wholly unsubstantial. These accomplishments are minuscule compared to those of Lago and Anderson, who won re-election with 55.47% and 58.24% of the electorate just last year.

To take this a step further, many of these accomplishments were not initiated by Fernandez. Most are accomplishments of the Commission as a whole with no sole individual having the right to make claim to them. Others, such as the reduced garbage fees, were originally sponsored by Vice-Mayor Anderson, and the opening of new parks being historically spearheaded by Mayor Lago. The Fire House 4 project may have been completed during Fernandez’s term, but it was initiated by a previous Commission, during Vice-Mayor Mena’s tenure. A ribbon cutting isn’t an accomplishment. It’s surprising Fernandez didn’t take this as an opportunity to take credit for his greatest accomplishment one last time…

Fernandez’s announcement is not surprising, but it is honestly disappointing. I would have enjoyed watching him lose the election. The writing was on the wall, so I guess it was easier for him to save face and bow out before things go too hot. He doesn’t have much of a reputation to preserve and if he thinks his little “accomplishment” list demonstrates credibility, he’s never been more wrong about anything in his life.

Then there is the CUBATEC element. Fernandez is banking on the Trump Administration following through on their promise to liberate Cuba, hoping this opens opportunities for the company he and Menendez are bidding on. From the looks of it, the company structure for CUBATEC is eerily familiar to the Youth Center association currently in a legal battle with the City of Coral Gables. Menendez and his daughter serve as Chairman and President, with a close ally as the CEO. Predictable, Kirk.

Taking a page from the Arroz con Leche playbook, las malas lenguas say Fernandez’s announcement was part of a deal he cut with the State Attorney’s office, the outcome of the People Count U.S.A phishing scheme. Speaking of which, Arroz con Leche didn’t spare a minute to sing Fernandez’s praises, posting an article within a couple hours of his email announcement.

Going back to CUBATEC, Fernandez’s bio states that “complementing his public-sector background, Fernandez has worked extensively with startups and established companies alike to build supply chains, structure cross-border partnerships, and develop sustainable international business relationships.” Despite listing these “successes” he fails to name a single company or business he has been associated with. Sounds a lot like his political style: make a claim but don’t provide the facts to support it.

If all else fails, Fernandez could always try meteorology:

Fernandez still has five months left in his term. Five months to stifle dissension, five months to intimidate other residents with lawsuits (we enjoyed your comments last week Gonzalo), and five months to completely disregard his responsibilities as Commissioner. He’s done it for three and a half years, why stop now?

Rumor has it two individuals are scheduled to qualify today with Laureano Cancio scheduled to qualify this Friday. The fun is only just beginning.