Three former Hialeah mayors ‘host’ quiet fundraiser for Jackie Garcia-Roves

It was like a shadow government meet-and-greet
Just when you thought that the old Hialeah politics mix of evil alliances and public distrust were behind us, along comes a secret society supper vibe from former mayor Esteban “Steve” Bovo, joined by ex-mayors Julio Robaina and Carlos Hernández.
The bad boys of the City of Progress rolled out the proverbial red carpet Wednesday night for about 30 lobbyists, consultants, developers and real estate interests at a Hialeah Park fundraiser for interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves — even if the hosts weren’t all physically there.
The invite — which arrived via whisper network, email or text — paints dog-and-pony sincerity: Garcia-Roves is not one of those power-hungry types, Bovo assures.
“Jacqueline is not a politician looking for a stepping stone or chasing a hidden agenda,” Bovo wrote in the message that came with the fundraiser invite. Because he would be able to recognize one of those. “She is a servant leader whose heart and focus are-and always have been-our community. I know her well, and I know her intentions: Hialeah comes first, always.
“That is why I want her to carry forward the work we began together, because I trust her with the future of the city we all love,” Bovo wrote.
But this is the same guy who recently bolted to become a D.C. lobbyist, while pocketing a hefty pension boost on his way — hardly the image of a selfless patron.
Read related: Steve Bovo’s parting gift: Retirement benefits for himself, Hialeah electeds
Then there’s the support from Carlos “Castro” Hernández, who famously tried to settle an ethics fine with buckets of nickels and pennies. Not exactly someone you’d invite to add credibility to a “servant-leader” brand. And don’t forget Julio Robaina, who was accused of being a loanshark and was involved in a number of absentee ballot investigations. Robaina reportedly didn’t go to the event, but has been calling people to show his support for Garcia-Roves.
Their quiet favor screams insider horse-trading.
Las malas lenguas say Bovo held court at the Hialeah Park event like he was still the mayor, which is the idea behind electing Garcia-Roves. The former state rep and county commissioner wrote in his invitation that he was “reaching out directly to you, because you have stood with me in the past and because you understand what is at stake.” Then Bovo asked them to make a contribution.
And there are several suggestions: $150,000 will get you in the Founders Circle of the host committee, $50,000 gets you in the Leadership Circle, $25,000 gets you in the Champion’s Circle, $10,000 gets you in the Advocate’s Circle and $5,000 gets you in the Friends of Hialeah.
They missed an opportunity to charge $2,500 for Distant Acquaintances of Hialeah. Or even $25 for Frenemies. Ladra can’t wait to see the next campaign reports next month.
Read related: Dueling tax cut proposals in Hialeah means campaign season is in full gear
Though historic as Hialeah’s first woman mayor (even as interim since April), Garcia-Roves is still on probation in voters’ eyes. She stepped up following Bovo’s resignation, pledging to lower water bills, fight for infrastructure, and shepherd the city until the November election. Miami-Dade Commissioner René Garcia first threatened to run for the seat and then threw his support behind her, stinging Hialeah Councilman Jesus Tundidor, a Garcia ally who thought he’d get the endorsement.
Sources say that there have been three polls taken of likely voters and that Garcia-Roves comes in a distant third in every one. The polls indicate a runoff between Tundidor and former Councilman Bryan Calvo, who is also running after resigning last year to run for Miami-Dade tax collector (he lost in the Republican primary to Dariel Fernandez).
So, this secretive, shadow-government meet-and-greet not only reeks of old-guard fealty rather than fresh ideas, it also looks like a complete waste of time.
If Garcia-Roves wants to cast off the old boys’ club image, this fundraiser/conspiracy meeting was not the way to do it.
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