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In the race for the open Group III seat on the Coral Gables City Commission, one candidate
stands out for his deep-rooted connection to our city, a proven record of leadership, and a
forward-looking vision grounded in integrity and accountability. Richard Lara has earned our endorsement.
A proud honors graduate of Coral Gables Senior High School and its Silver Knight in Journalism, Lara embodies the values and civic pride that define our community. His professional credentials are equally impressive. As executive vice president and general counsel at Spanish Broadcasting System—the largest publicly traded Hispanic media company in the U.S.—Lara brings decades of experience in legal leadership, executive management, and conflict resolution. He was named the 2022 General Counsel of the Year by the Daily Business Review.
But beyond his corporate achievements, it is Lara’s longstanding community involvement that demonstrates his readiness to serve. He has chaired the Florida Bar Grievance Committee and the Third District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Committee. He also served on the Coral Gables Anti-Crime Committee and has mentored students as a mock trial judge and coach for both the University of Miami Law School and Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. As development chair for Easterseals South Florida, he has also championed causes related to Alzheimer’s and autism care.
With his wife of 27 years, Bertha, Lara is the father of three daughters and a strong advocate for family values. His campaign is rooted in restoring civility, transparency, and accountability to City Hall—qualities that residents consistently say are lacking in local politics today.
His platform is clear and compelling. Lara believes city government should focus less on political grandstanding and more on delivering real results for residents. He has committed to cutting unnecessary spending, lowering taxes, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are invested directly into the community—not spent on perks for politicians. He is also determined to preserve Coral Gables’ uniqueness, pushing back against overdevelopment and advocating for smart growth that respects our city’s historic character.
What sets Lara apart from other candidates in the Group III race is his steady, professional, and unifying approach to governance. With more than 30 years of experience as an attorney, he is a trained mediator and skilled communicator who knows how to build consensus—especially in difficult or divided situations. His commitment to inclusive dialogue and respect for due process is exactly what the Commission needs during a period of rapid change and growing resident concerns.
Richard Lara’s candidacy is grounded in service, not ambition. His deep affection for Coral
Gables, combined with his legal expertise and decades of civic engagement, make him the right person to represent residents and restore trust in city government.
For his proven leadership, unwavering integrity, and dedication to the people of Coral Gables, Richard Lara has earned our full support. We encourage voters to elect him as their next City Commissioner, Group III, on April 8.
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