Miami is a fast paced community with a rapid fire news cycle. Our blog keeps you current on the most important issues affecting the tax payers of Miami-Dade county. Read, share, comment, and as always let us know what topics you want us to tackle.
Florida Watchdog: Florida businesses give back after federal tax reform
Florida Watchdog: Florida businesses give back after federal tax reform
Politico: Scott campaign says he raised $10.7M in second quarter
Politico: Scott campaign says he raised $10.7M in second quarter
Republican congressional front runners plan to snub Kendall voters forum
If you had a political forum, and the Republican front runners weren’t there, did it still happen?
We shall see on Monday evening when the Kendall Federation of Homeowners welcomes every Democrat candidate and five of the Republican hopefuls to the District 27 seat vacated by the retirement of U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
According to the email blast and KFHA President Michael Rosenberg, four Republicans — including the top three potential vote-getters — are not going to make it to the 6:30 p.m. powwow at the Kendall Village “Civic” Center, in the middle of the shopping plaza, at 8625 SW 124 Ave.
Maria Elvira Salazar, the Spanish-language TV news magazine star who everyone thinks has the lead now that Bruno Barreiro‘s wife lost her county commission race, had been out of town until Saturday, Rosenberg said, but was supposed to confirm after that and has not. Barreiro, Angie Chirino and Maria Piero have not responded.
“Bruno, I’ve invited eight times. Not even a response,” Rosenberg said, adding that he also texted Zoraida Barreiro, who used to respond quite quickly when she was running for office, and got nada back from her either.
“They want our vote, they just don’t want to talk to us,” he said.
Wanting to talk are former Doral Councilwoman Bettina Rodriguez-Aguilera, right, and four people you probably never heard of: Elizabeth Adadi, Stephen Marks, Michael Ohevzian and Gina Sosa. They have all confirmed attendance at the forum. For these people, a day without Maria Elvira, Barreiro and Angie Chirino is a good day.
On the other hand, every Democrat confirmed: Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, Matt Haggman, Michael Hepburn, David Richardson and Donna Shalala all said they would be there.
Maybe that’s all that matters, since the Democrat winner in August has the advantage in November in what many are saying is one of the most flippable seats in the country. Maybe Bruno has the right idea in not giving it 110%.
“This will be a civil meeting to learn about these candidates. educate the community about these candidates,” Rosenberg said. “We are going to tell the candidates not to go off road, to focus on the questions and answer it so voters can learn about them. Otherwise it is a wasted meeting.”
Republican candidates will go first start at 7 p.m. The Democrats start at 8:15. They will have two minutes to introduce themselves and then a minute to answer six questions.
“That means you need to be right on point, clear, and not waste a second from the context of the question,” Rosenberg wrote to the candidates.
Each candidate will also get two one-minute challenges to use if another candidate specifically names them or misrepresents their position. So if it happens a third time, Ladra supposes they just have to live with it.
Or maybe address it in the end, where there will be a two minute summary or closing statement.
The KFHA also plans forums in the following weeks for candidates to the Miami-Dade County Commission (July 23) and to the Florida House (July 25). Hopefully, all the viable candidates will be there for that.
Times-Union: As Florida panther deaths continue, apparent drop in kitten births raises concern
Times-Union: As Florida panther deaths continue, apparent drop in kitten births raises concern
Post: Opioid deaths declining? New numbers offer hope, says state attorney
Post: Opioid deaths declining? New numbers offer hope, says state attorney
NBC: Gwen Graham, the only woman running for Florida gov, hopes to break the glass ceiling
NBC: Gwen Graham, the only woman running for Florida gov, hopes to break the glass ceiling
Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Republican raising money for Democrat Margaret Good
Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Republican raising money for Democrat Margaret Good
TC Palm: Protecting 'real' Florida means embracing smarter growth
TC Palm: Protecting ‘real’ Florida means embracing smarter growth
Ledger: Parkland teens call for voter registration in Lakeland
Ledger: Parkland teens call for voter registration in Lakeland
NPR: Felons in Florida want their voting rights back without a hassle
NPR: Felons in Florida want their voting rights back without a hassle



