We've never hidden our disappointment and disgust with Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez's administration. Voters handed him immense powers in 2007, but Carlos "El Fuerte" never materialized. And he sandbagged Miami-Dade taxpayers with the Marlins deal and most recently, his successful push to increase property taxes. The latter allegedly the motivation behind billionaire car dealer Norman Braman's recently announced campaign to recall Alvarez.
Well we found Norman's timing a bit suspect.
For one thing, a recall effort against the county mayor fizzled. Braman was nowhere near that one and there was plenty of reason to be pissed at Alvarez. But we do know the auto magnate lost in court against the county and the Florida Marlins. And it is no secret he supported Tomas Regalado for Miami mayor last year. Maybe Braman and Regalado got together to get some payback against a lame duck mayor.
At least that's the theory over at the blog, Take Back Miami, which also notes Braman hasn't locked his deep-pocketed sights on county commissioners who voted for the tax hike like Natacha Seijas, who happens to be tight with lobbyist Armando Guiterrez, who is close pals with Regalado.
And if Braman is gonna go all Terminator on Alvarez, he should do the same to Regalado, whose proposal to siphon millions of dollars from Miami's community redevelopment agency to help close the gap in the city's general fund should make the Bentley dealer more nervous. Braman's dealership is located in the CRA's district so that means he contributes more taxes so that money can be used to fix up his neighborhoods.
Yet you don't see him calling for Regalado's head. Do us all a favor Mr. Braman and heed Eye On Miami's advice, repeal the county charter. And throw in the city's for good measure.
