Carlos Alvarez vs County Commission

Looks like Mayor Alvarez and the Miami-Dade County Commission is duking it out once again.

The mayor wants to change way the county government is run to a "strong mayor" form of government. The commissioners want to keep the system the way it is, which pretty much gives them most of the power, including the power to award county contracts and the right to override a mayor's veto. The mayor's role is basically one of a glorified cheerleader.

If the county commission was competent and responsible, I would have very little problem with the current system. But anyone who has followed Miami-Dade politics for any period of time is well aware of the commissions failings, such as the absolute mishandling of Miami International Airport contracts, and their failed attempt to redirect revenue from the voter-approved half cent sales tax increase to pay off debts instead of using it for new transit projects and improvements (one of the few times a county mayor was able to positively exert his limited power).

Some say a strong-mayor form of goverment gives the mayor too much power. Maybe, maybe not. But who would you rather give the power to, a group of people who have a terrible track record, or someone who has combated corruption and has shown that he is willing to represent the people who voted him into office?

To put it mildly, the Miami-Dade County Commission is incompetent. Miami-Dade County deserves a strong mayor, one who will make the right decisions for the people, not to line the pockets of lobbyists. Mayor Alvarez plans to collect 200,000 signatures to put the matter on the ballot in November. We elected a mayor who will stand by the people, let's give him the right to make decisions for us. I plan on signing the petition, even if I have to go out of my way to do so.