At the last city commission meeting Parks and Recreation Board Chair Richard Ward went after Mayor Philip Stoddard for approving a re-election campaign event flyer sponsored by area Democratic party groups.
“Not since 1962 has anyone brought partisan politics into local elections,” said Ward. “If the Democrats or Republicans want to endorse somebody we cannot stop them. What you did was wrong. The ad was paid for and approved by your campaign. You have violated the election laws in Miami-Dade County that are supposed to be non-partisan. You should not have put out this flyer as a fundraiser for your campaign, asking people to attend. If you had not put it that way I would not have nailed your hide to the wall. You should be more consistent and follow the election laws while your buddy on the bike hands out flyers.” Stoddard did not respond to Ward’s comments. Florida Statute Chapter 2011-40 on page 77 reads: “A candidate for nonpartisan office is prohibited from campaigning based on party affiliation.”
Eight is Enough
Commissioner Velma Palmer announced her resignation from office at the last city commission meeting saying eight years is enough and it is time for her to step down to spend more time with the family. “I will always be there to articulate things that have not been said. I will continue to bring my voice to the commission; it will just be in a different way.” Thank you Commissioner Palmer for your service and enjoy the extra free time you will now have to spend with your five grandchildren.
Mall Moves
General Manager of the Shops at Sunset Place Alein Cadalso has been promoted to General Manager at Miami International Mall, congratulations Alein! His leadership will be sorely missed. South Miami Marketing Maven for Community Newspapers Amy Donner said “As far as helping the community he has been the best. Simon Malls has strict rules and budgets and yet he finds a way to help out any way he can. He worked as hard for the merchants on the street as he did for the merchants in his mall.” Cadalso will be managing both malls until a replacement for Shops at Sunset Place is hired.
Upcoming Local Events
Martin Luther King Jr Black History Month events are coming up soon. On Saturday January 21 the Gibson-Bethel Community Center will host a prayer breakfast at 11am. The next day, Sunday, will be a “Gospel Explosion” at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. TheKick-Off Celebration for the MLK Jr Parade is Friday January 27 from 6 to 9pm at the community center. Parade line up will start at 8:30am on Saturday January 28 on SW 71 Street and 59 Place (Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard) and end at 5800 SW 66 Street. Parade times are from 10am to 5pm. For more information contact MLK Jr Committee Chair Brock Chester at 786-227-2590.
The Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear Group invites all to join them for a trunk show at their South Miami flagship boutique on Saturday January 21from 11am to 4pm. “Come experience the brand that architecture gurus, design enthusiasts and Danish royalty cannot stop talking about,” said The Beiner Group. For more information or to RSVP call 305-661-1205.
Kemy Joseph of the not for profit organization “U R Awesome” whose mission it is to spread positivity and kindness in the world will be speaking at the University of Miami regarding his “awesomeness world tour” at the University Center International Lounge (I Lounge) on January 18 at 7pm. Call 305-707-7344 for more information.
To Annex or Not to Annex
Is the City of Pleasant Living trying to expand? It seems that some commissioners would like to fill gaps around the borders and fill some spots that make sense, like the “donut holes” that exist in a few areas around town. But somehow the present city manager brought forth the idea to even out the city by nearly doubling the population and going out to the Palmetto Expressway from Sunset Drive north to Bird Road. Hmm…. an expansion to perhaps match the personality of the manager? The commission did speak up to say slow down there Bronco however it may have fallen on deaf ears. I hear the city manager wants to continue on his cantering way, determined to put together an expansion plan that will be a real eye opener.
Farewell Alex
Studio LX Boutique owner Alex Abril passed away in December after a long battle with cancer. Alex was an accomplished local merchant and past president of the Red Sunset Merchants Association.
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” -Kahlil Gibran
Got Tips?
Contact me at 305-669-7030 or Michael@communitynewspapers.com
