Just weeks ago, Miami’s Community Newspapers reported that former State Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla was the obvious front-runner in the race to win the District 1 Seat with the Miami City Commission (Biscayne Bay Tribune, Sept. 30, 2019).
We were right, because in last week’s general election, our front-runner pick ended up netting 39 percent support – putting him well ahead of the field but just short of a majority to earn the seat outright.
So while we can see Senator Díaz de la Portilla is clearly the people’s choice after all, there is one more hurdle before him in his bid to win in District 1. He and the second-highest vote-getter, Miguel Gabela with just 21 percent, will face each other in a runoff election on Nov. 19.
We stand behind Alex Díaz de la Portilla for many reasons, not the least of which is his view on affordable senior- and workforce-housing as a top priority. He says housing is a key part of the formula for smart growth and prosperity. And we agree, perhaps it is even the main ingredient.
We also support his responsible and proactive stand on such major challenges facing the City of Miami as sea-level rise and transportation – all of which require a great sense of understanding in order to find the right solutions.
District 1 needs someone with the right mix of solid experience and compassion for the people, a candidate who knows what he is doing from day one. Alex Díaz de la Portilla is that candidate.”
Born and raised in Little Havana, Alex Diaz de la Portilla is the consummate hometown candidate. After attending the University of Miami, he quickly entered politics. Between 1994 and 2000, he served in the Florida House of Representatives, before being elected to the Florida State Senate. Here, he was reelected three times, serving as president pro tempore between 2002 and 2004, and as majority leader from 2008 to 2010.
For Miami City Commission Seat 1, Miami’s Community Newspapers endorses Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla in the City of Miami District 1 Runoff Election on Nov. 19.
