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For decades, the city of Coral Gables has served as a paramount of integrity and efficient management in municipal government in our county. Unfortunately, recent comments and public statements among some of our elected officials have brought us to a crossroads. The allegations of corruption that have been made during city commission meetings are not only disheartening but, if left unchecked, have the potential to undermine the public’s trust in our city officials and hard-working employees. It is our duty to act decisively and transparently to dispel these doubts and ensure the continued faith of the public in our governance and integrity of our city employees.
Therefore, I am calling on all my colleagues in the commission to support the establishment of an independent Inspector General for our city. The role of an Inspector General will be crucial in maintaining continuous oversight of our operations, ensuring that our actions align with the law and public interest. This position will serve as a deterrent against malfeasance and as a beacon of accountability and integrity.
In tandem with this, I also ask all my colleagues to put their differences aside and support the commission of a forensic audit of our city’s finances. While I recognize that the cost associated with such an audit may be substantial, we must consider this an investment in the very foundation of the city’s civic administration. The expense of conducting the audit pales in comparison to the cost of allowing allegations of corruption to fester and erode the public’s trust in us and our city’s government.
It is crucial that we address these issues expediently. Our commitment must be to the citizens we serve, ensuring the administration they depend on is operating not just effectively but ethically. The introduction of an independent Inspector General and the execution of a comprehensive forensic audit are essential steps to fortify our city’s governance.
I urge my colleagues to unanimously approve both these measures at the next city commission meeting. It is not merely our responsibility, but our obligation to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in our roles as public servants and by approving these measures, we will be doing exactly that.
