Recall financier Norman Braman emerged victorious in last night's recall election, firmly hoisting Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez's political scalp above his head, but the auto-magnate billionaire isn't done yet. Calling the recall "not an end in and of itself," Braman has set off on his next step to bring change to county hall by proposing significant changes to the county charter and the makeup of the county commission.
"It is important that the new mayor be elected by the voters and not appointed by the county commission," Braman said in a news release. "So tonight, I am calling upon the county commission to do what is right and expected: immediately schedule an election to choose a new county mayor."
Braman has also teamed with Victor Diaz, chairman of the 2008 county charter review commission, to present a "covenant with the people of Miami-Dade county for charter change."
Among the goals of the "covenant":
- Term limits for commissioners.
- Reducing the number of county commissioners from 13 to nine with two being elected from at-large districts.
- Banning commissioners form holding outside employment.
- Banning commissioners from lobbying for a certain amount of time after their service has concluded.
- Allowing charter reform initiatives to be placed directly on the ballot.
"It is time to move forward with these and other ideas from the citizens of Miami-Dade," Braman's release concluded. "Today voters took the first step towards a brighter future. We hope this sends a powerful and unforgettable message throughout county hall."
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