It appears that there is a disconnect within our City Beautiful. Due to the consistently low voter turnout, our April elections have become isolated, with the same uninspiring group of voters repeatedly showing up to cast their ballots. During the month of April, most of my friends are usually out of town, and even those who are in town often have no idea who our commissioners are. Many of my friends are content with life in Coral Gables, believing that as long as Mayor Vince Lago remains in charge with Vice Mayor Anderson by his side, everything will continue to run smoothly. However, this assumption may not hold true. It is my opinion if more residents had been actively engaged in the April elections, we might have witnessed a significantly different outcome.
I believe that the Gables Insider bears a significant responsibility for dividing our City with its aggressive and unsettling comments, often made under pseudonyms like "Do Or Die," who claimed that "If Ariel is not voted in as Commissioner, this City will Die." Other comments like "It's time to clean house," "Lago is going down," and "Time to take back our City" have only added to the division. Frankly, I'm not sure which City these individuals are referring to because in MY City, the place I've called home for 57 years, we have one of the most competent Mayors that Coral Gables has seen in a long time. It seems to me that Commissioner Fernandez allowed this rhetoric and sensationalism to thrive in his Gables Insider, knowing quite simply that angry people vote. If you recall, Ivette Arango was initially in the lead, but not by a significant margin, and unfortunately, we ended up with a runoff election. Once again, the same group of voters mobilized and secured a commission seat for Ms. Castro. With all due respect to Ms. Castro, I am still unsure about her contributions, as I have yet to see any significant legislation from either her or Commissioner Fernandez after 100 days in office.
Commissioner Fernandez, I used to hold you in high regard, but I chose not to vote for you because I did not want to be associated with a group of individuals whose agenda seemed to include intimidation and misinformation. I believe, Commissioner Fernandez will always be remembered as the Commissioner who, on his very first day, attempted to have our City Manager expelled. A City Manager who is highly respected among his peers and shoulders more responsibilities as a PE than anyone else on the commission. Mr. Iglesias's job is a 24/7 commitment. That one may not like him personally because he’s not taking selfies at every job site he oversees, is a matter of personal preference.
But I digress. Maintaining local elections in April makes absolutely no sense. Our current voter turnout is abysmal. Our true Gables residents are intelligent and discerning. Wouldn't we prefer constituents like these - individuals who can see through the smoke and mirrors and don't subscribe to the idea that the City will crumble if a particular candidate is not elected? Holding elections in April is a disservice to our City and its residents, and your reluctance to make this change could be perceived as an act of voter suppression. How un-American is that? We live in a democracy, and having elections in November will ensure that every voice is heard.
Lucy- you were and still are very much a part of a group of individuals whose agenda seems to include intimidation and misinformation. You’re just part of a different group than you previously aligned yourself.
I recall you sending an email to Vince Lago, following a phone call, noting I was stalking your sister’s house and harassing her. I’m sure you remember a reference to a black Mercedes. You should be ashamed of yourself for the lies you told.
I can forward those emails back to you if you like to refresh your memory.
Just recently turned on to the existence of this completely delightful rhetorical nook. A pleasure to read in every regard. Thank you for taking the time.
“Gables residents are intelligent and discerning” And “those who are in town often have no idea who our commissioners are.” Hmm, these are opposites. Not a great argument.
Activists and fringe politicians love elections with low turnaround. They get elected, and their agendas passed. All in detriment of the desires of the majority of citizens. It is the ultimate manipulation of a democratic process.
A Letter to the Comission
It appears that there is a disconnect within our City Beautiful. Due to the consistently low voter turnout, our April elections have become isolated, with the same uninspiring group of voters repeatedly showing up to cast their ballots. During the month of April, most of my friends are usually out of town, and even those who are in town often have no idea who our commissioners are. Many of my friends are content with life in Coral Gables, believing that as long as Mayor Vince Lago remains in charge with Vice Mayor Anderson by his side, everything will continue to run smoothly. However, this assumption may not hold true. It is my opinion if more residents had been actively engaged in the April elections, we might have witnessed a significantly different outcome.
I believe that the Gables Insider bears a significant responsibility for dividing our City with its aggressive and unsettling comments, often made under pseudonyms like "Do Or Die," who claimed that "If Ariel is not voted in as Commissioner, this City will Die." Other comments like "It's time to clean house," "Lago is going down," and "Time to take back our City" have only added to the division. Frankly, I'm not sure which City these individuals are referring to because in MY City, the place I've called home for 57 years, we have one of the most competent Mayors that Coral Gables has seen in a long time. It seems to me that Commissioner Fernandez allowed this rhetoric and sensationalism to thrive in his Gables Insider, knowing quite simply that angry people vote. If you recall, Ivette Arango was initially in the lead, but not by a significant margin, and unfortunately, we ended up with a runoff election. Once again, the same group of voters mobilized and secured a commission seat for Ms. Castro. With all due respect to Ms. Castro, I am still unsure about her contributions, as I have yet to see any significant legislation from either her or Commissioner Fernandez after 100 days in office.
Commissioner Fernandez, I used to hold you in high regard, but I chose not to vote for you because I did not want to be associated with a group of individuals whose agenda seemed to include intimidation and misinformation. I believe, Commissioner Fernandez will always be remembered as the Commissioner who, on his very first day, attempted to have our City Manager expelled. A City Manager who is highly respected among his peers and shoulders more responsibilities as a PE than anyone else on the commission. Mr. Iglesias's job is a 24/7 commitment. That one may not like him personally because he’s not taking selfies at every job site he oversees, is a matter of personal preference.
But I digress. Maintaining local elections in April makes absolutely no sense. Our current voter turnout is abysmal. Our true Gables residents are intelligent and discerning. Wouldn't we prefer constituents like these - individuals who can see through the smoke and mirrors and don't subscribe to the idea that the City will crumble if a particular candidate is not elected? Holding elections in April is a disservice to our City and its residents, and your reluctance to make this change could be perceived as an act of voter suppression. How un-American is that? We live in a democracy, and having elections in November will ensure that every voice is heard.
Lucy- you were and still are very much a part of a group of individuals whose agenda seems to include intimidation and misinformation. You’re just part of a different group than you previously aligned yourself.
I recall you sending an email to Vince Lago, following a phone call, noting I was stalking your sister’s house and harassing her. I’m sure you remember a reference to a black Mercedes. You should be ashamed of yourself for the lies you told.
I can forward those emails back to you if you like to refresh your memory.
Just recently turned on to the existence of this completely delightful rhetorical nook. A pleasure to read in every regard. Thank you for taking the time.
Excuse any typos I could not find my readers!
“Gables residents are intelligent and discerning” And “those who are in town often have no idea who our commissioners are.” Hmm, these are opposites. Not a great argument.
Activists and fringe politicians love elections with low turnaround. They get elected, and their agendas passed. All in detriment of the desires of the majority of citizens. It is the ultimate manipulation of a democratic process.
And there you have it folks. Thank you for proving my point Ms Keller. I was wondering what took you so long. Have a lovely evening.