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When it comes to choosing the next mayor of Coral Gables, Coral Gables News sees no better candidate than the incumbent, Vince Lago.
Challenging him in this election are Commissioner Kirk Menendez, a former assistant Miami city attorney with experience in public relations and real estate, and Michael A. Abbott, an accountant and logistics entrepreneur.
By many measures, Commissioner Menendez is certainly competent enough on the dais, and Mr. Abbott, while ambitious, remains largely untested. But neither comes close to matching the energy, commitment, and proven effectiveness that Mayor Lago has demonstrated throughout his years of service. His leadership stands apart — defined by prudence, action, and results.
To be clear, we don’t agree with him on everything. However, for these reasons and more, we proudly endorse Vince Lago for re-election as mayor — and encourage the voters of The City Beautiful to do the same.
A proven leader with a record of results
Before being elected mayor in April 2021, Lago served as a city commissioner for eight years, including two as vice mayor from 2019 to 2021. As mayor, he has consistently delivered on his promises, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety, smart growth, and transparency. Under his leadership, Coral Gables has reduced crime to historic lows, expanded green spaces while resisting reckless overdevelopment, and maintained the city’s desirability — without raising taxes.
He has fought to preserve Coral Gables’ historic charm while ensuring responsible, resident-focused development — not development driven by special interests.
Keeping Coral Gables safe and thriving
Mayor Lago understands that public safety is the foundation of a great city. In his first term, he added 15 new police officers and 15 new firefighters, invested more than $100 million in public safety, and helped Coral Gables achieve its lowest crime rate in history.
Protecting green spaces, managing growth responsibly
Mayor Lago has been a champion for preserving the city’s beauty and livability. He successfully secured five new downtown parks — at no cost to taxpayers — committed to adding five more in his next term, and pushed back against reckless overdevelopment to keep Coral Gables green and vibrant.
A champion for transparency and accountability
Transparency builds trust, and Mayor Lago has made government accountability a priority. His leadership has driven increased voter participation through efforts like moving elections to November — saving taxpayers $200,000 per election — and greater fiscal responsibility by proposing referendums on key city issues like commission salary increases and the creation of an inspector general’s office.
A vision for the future
Mayor Lago isn’t just running on past accomplishments — he has a clear vision for Coral Gables’ next century. His priorities include expanding public safety investments to keep crime at historic lows, growing more green spaces while protecting the city’s character, ensuring responsible, resident-first development that respects Coral Gables’ history, and advancing sustainable infrastructure and innovation for long-term economic growth.
The clear choice for Coral Gables’ future
Vince Lago is the leader Coral Gables needs as it moves into its next century. His proven record, commitment to transparency, and forward-thinking vision set him apart.
In this decisive election, Mayor Lago invites voters to move forward together — and Coral Gables News proudly stands with him. On Election Day, Apr. 8, re-elect Vince Lago as mayor of Coral Gables.
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