Politics in General (national, international, local, statewide)

[Hia-leah JDM]

Somethings we can expect with Regalado as Mayor. Sarnoff will now become commission chair and director of the DDA. He's gonna try his best to kick John Timoney out of Miami. He also wants to make Cuba and Venezuela part of the city's problem and continuously make it a major discussion point in City Hall. Don't forget about that pothole in SW 6th Street and that renovated fire station in Flagiami.

http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/1316975-p2.html

Some quotes from the Herald -

Florida International University Political Science Professor Dario Moreno said someday Miami residents will look back at what Diaz accomplished and owe him "a debt of gratitude."

"Twenty years from now I think they are going to say he was the architect of modern Miami," Moreno said. "It's not going to become Detroit or Cleveland. It's too beautiful. The natural resources are there and now, thanks to Manny, you have the infrastructure."

As for the Regalado administration, Moreno said: "Worst-case scenario, it's back to the old days -- vitriolic exile politics. Best case, you get a mayor who cares about the small things."

Regalado, who takes office Nov. 11, has promised to slow the development craze of the past eight years. Yet Regalado critics say Mayor Manny Diaz's agenda made Miami more of a national player -- after decades of being portrayed as a "banana republic."

Regalado's opponent, Sanchez, used the "banana republic'' theme throughout his campaign, warning residents that a vote for Regalado was a vote for the old days.

[QuantumX]

Originally Posted by Roark

He definitely made a significant contribution.
But it wasn't really Manny's vision that gave us that skyline, it was his leadership, and Johnny Winton's Leadership and victory over the two decade plus incumbent JL Plummer, that created a stable political climate that allowed the private sector to build a beautiful skyline.

By the way, Mayor Diaz gave a nice talk on Sat. Oct 24 to the Leadership Miami class. I've never seen him so calm and reflective.

Either way, I'm happy with the difference Manny Diaz made while trying my best to keep it going in my own way.

[Endeavor305]

I can't believe that guy is going to be mayor. If he can become mayor then anyone can become anything. I am not going to bash the guy, kudos to him for doing whatever it took, but I feel he is underqualified and out of his league.

[1772]

Whats with the extremly low voter turnout? They should have the vote on the day of the presidential election.

[QuantumX]

Miami Herald
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Florida international University Political Science Professor Dario Moreno said someday Miami residents will look back at what Diaz accomplished and owe him "a debt of gratitude."

"Twenty years from now I think they are going to say he was the architect of modern Miami," Moreno said.

(Many of us here would say that now. We don't need to wait 20 years. I've already waited 20 years.)

"It's not going to become Detroit or Cleveland. (And certainly not Hartford, CT) It's too beautiful. The natural resources are there and now, thanks to Manny, you have the infrastructure."

[QuantumX]

Originally Posted by Roark

But it wasn't really Manny's vision that gave us that skyline, it was his leadership,..

Roark, I think he did have a vision of what he wanted Miami to be, which is what inspired him to become mayor, but as you said, too much has been put in place and set in motion that Regalado simply cannot undo. The city will continue to change for the better for some time in spite of Regalado. That is what I mean when I talk about the momentum created by the vision of Manny Diaz. Call it foresight if you will which is probably a better way of saying what I'm trying to say. Vision sounds a bit hocus pocus compared to foresight sounding a bit more credible and tangible. Inertia is at work now, and I think there is very little Regalado can do about those things that have already been set in motion while Manny Diaz was still in office.

[dave8721]

Regalado actually thinks this is what everyone misses about old Miami?

http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/1316975-p2.html

One of the first things Regalado said as he made his way to his victory party Tuesday night was that he wouldn't fear discussing Cuba or Venezuela from the dais. They are potentially divisive political issues that were popular before Diaz became mayor in 2001 but that Diaz generally avoided discussing from his political chair.

[1772]

Originally Posted by dave8721

Regalado actually thinks this is what everyone misses about old Miami?

http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/1316975-p2.html

- Mr. Mayor, we have a big pothole in our street. Could you fix...
- No no, we have to talk about Cuba ans Venezuela now!

[spellbound]

One of the first things Regalado said as he made his way to his victory party Tuesday night was that he wouldn't fear discussing Cuba or Venezuela from the dais. They are potentially divisive political issues that were popular before Diaz became mayor in 2001 but that Diaz generally avoided discussing from his political chair.

Memo to Tomas: Nobody outside Miami (and most likely most inside Miami) gives a rat's ass what you think about Cuba or Venezuela.

Man, I feel like City Hall has just emerged right back where it was 20 years ago.

[1772]

Originally Posted by spellbound

Man, I feel like City Hall has just emerged right back where it was 20 years ago.

2 steps forward, 1 step back, 2 steps forward, 1 step back...

[kevinkagy]

I don't understand this whole Cuba and Venezuela thing. How does that pertain AT ALL to anything here in Miami? I could care less what goes on in Cuba or Venezuela. Let them settle their own problems. Why should we purposefully bring those problematic issues to our table for absolutely no reason.

Manny Diaz brought about great changes to Miami because of his leadership. Not all my see it that way now, but like it has been said, in 5, 10, 20 years, Manny Diaz WILL be remembered for having jumped Miami into the 21st century, and for that I love him. Regalado, is going to be a lame duck mayor, who's going to bring us back many years. We can all forget about any idea of a street car to Midtown, or any other positive changes. Regalado only cares about the old Cubans in Little Havana. -sigh-

[QuantumX]

The metamorphosis of this city will not be stopped. A process has begun and it is not over. It's like when Bruce Banner turns into the Incredible Hulk. All you can do is get the hell out of there!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/...113bd798_b.jpg
image hosted on flickr

[spellbound]

Originally Posted by 1772

Whats with the extremly low voter turnout? They should have the vote on the day of the presidential election.

Beyond feeble turnout, agreed. It's comical that Regalado calls such numbers a 'mandate' but if only the ancient ones are trudging out to vote...well, this is what you get.

Semi-related note here, but this is pretty much how Dade County became 'Miami-Dade County' years ago. Tourist interests pushed for the name change but it wasn't a popular notion among voters---who needed to approve it to make it happen. Solution? Schedule a special election on a Tuesday in July...make sure county and city employees get out and vote (with 'guidance' on HOW to vote) and voila. Name-change approved with virtually zero general public vote on the matter. The turnout among the public at large was miniscule, with nothing else on the ballot. Had it been part of a major election, the change likely would have been defeated.

Completely legal, and I take no 'pro' or 'con' position on the name change (what's the difference either way, really?)...just a little electoral nugget that's been largely lost to history.

[kevinkagy]

Originally Posted by spellbound

Beyond feeble turnout, agreed. It's comical that Regalado calls such numbers a 'mandate' but if only the ancient ones are trudging out to vote...well, this is what you get.

Semi-related note here, but this is pretty much how Dade County became 'Miami-Dade County' years ago. Tourist interests pushed for the name change but it wasn't a popular notion among voters---who needed to approve it to make it happen. Solution? Schedule a special election on a Tuesday in July...make sure county and city employees get out and vote (with 'guidance' on HOW to vote) and voila. Name-change approved with virtually zero general public vote on the matter. The turnout among the public at large was miniscule, with nothing else on the ballot. Had it been part of a major election, the change likely would have been defeated.

Completely legal, and I take no 'pro' or 'con' position on the name change (what's the difference either way, really?)...just a little electoral nugget that's been largely lost to history.

Although I don't agree with these tactics of manipulating citizens, and whatnot, I think the name change to Miami-Dade County, was actually a very good move.

[QuantumX]

Originally Posted by kevinkagy

Although I don't agree with these tactics of manipulating citizens, and whatnot, I think the name change to Miami-Dade County, was actually a very good move.

Please elaborate, Kevin! Enthral me with your acumen! I love hearing from a very bright young man. I find it quite inspiring.

[AddictedToSpace]

Originally Posted by PeterSmith

He must be blind then because Miami is already a metropolis.

The only way for Regalado to fulfill his campaign promise if for a hurricane to destroy the city.

The fact that he says that Cuba and Venezuela are not off the table as far as topics of conversation during city functions shows you what that the next four years have to offer. Vitriol and endless discussion on the future of both countries even though 75 percent of the population can give a flying fuck about each. (I am of Cuban parents by the way, for any that wish to talk shit. I was born in America, grandfather was American born and my taxes go towards American needs so keep the conversation and the spending on American soil, Mr. Regalado)

[QuantumX]

Btw, sorry Hia-leah JDM, but when I quoted Dario Moreno in the Herald article, I didn't realize you had already quoted him or I else I would have just quoted you.

[spellbound]

Originally Posted by AddictedToSpace

The fact that he says that Cuba and Venezuela are not off the table as far as topics of conversation during city functions shows you what that the next four years have to offer. Vitriol and endless discussion on the future of both countries even though 75 percent of the population can give a flying fuck about each. (I am of Cuban parents by the way, for any that wish to talk shit. I was born in America, grandfather was American born and my taxes go towards American needs so keep the conversation and the spending on American soil, Mr. Regalado)

Bravo. And like you, I'm also from a family that is part Cuban.

But I think caring about Miami---LOVING Miami---is exactly why Regalado's election is so depressing and such a step backwards for the city, at least politically. In his own words he is trumpeting a return to the inconsequential nonsense that stained City Hall for so many years rather than a continuation of the forward-thinking progress made under Diaz.

I mean, who on Earth (at least the 21st Century version) is still fighting the freaking Cold War? You may as well be talking about the Romans versus the Visigoths as far as contemporary relevance goes. But apparently Tomas Regalado thinks he's about to get a speaking engagement in front of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the UN General Assembly for his VERY important views on these matters as Mayor of Miami. The reality? Nobody outside an elderly ladies luncheon at the Little Havana Community Center even knows who the guy is---or cares.

Meanwhile, there's a city to run. A big city, even a "metropolis" although the new mayor seems hostile to the notion.

All those progressive, new voices of a new Miami were absent and/or silent when this nitwit got elected. Not nearly enough cared to vote, and the election itself was between two VERY uninspiring people. As awful as Regalado is, it's not like he was running against Fiorello LaGuardia or Richard Daley.

Still...we cannot go backwards, folks. We may be stuck with Regalado for now but that doesn't mean you lose your voice. If and when he puts city business aside (and he will) to engage in this 1970's era nonsense then be HEARD. Write letters, call City Hall, whatever it takes. Confront the guy and let him know there is a NEW Miami out there unwilling (and too alive in the present) to be dragged into the tired old pile of crap Tomas Regalado represents. Miami has come too far to be embarrassed by a guy like this without a fight.

[spellbound]

Originally Posted by kevinkagy

Although I don't agree with these tactics of manipulating citizens, and whatnot, I think the name change to Miami-Dade County, was actually a very good move.

I never had any problem with it, either, and also see the logic of it. Just illustrating that it was done in a 'cover of darkness' kind of way even if completely legal.

[1772]

Originally Posted by spellbound

Beyond feeble turnout, agreed. It's comical that Regalado calls such numbers a 'mandate' but if only the ancient ones are trudging out to vote...well, this is what you get.

Aren't there any laws that demand a certain amount of turnout for the election to be legit?