Carlos Gimenez Throws Hat In Ring For Mayor's Job
MIAMI (CBS4) - Throwing his hat into the ring for a position that's not even open, two-term Miami-Dade County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez said would he will run for mayor if current Mayor Carlos Alvarez is recalled this spring.
"Today I announce my candidacy for the Mayor of Miami-Dade County," said Gimenez at a Monday morning press conference.
Gimenez, who is a former Miami Fire Chief and City Manager, has been one of Alvarez's most vocal critics. He adamantly opposed the mayor over the Florida Marlins Stadium deal and the recent granting of raises for union workers. He also came out strongly against a tax rate hike that was approved to pay for those raises.
"The tax increase in this year's budget reflects the administration's insensitivity to the financial plight of Miami-Dade County residents," said Gimenez.
It was this tax hike which put Alvarez's job in jeopardy after businessman Norman Braman succeeded in getting enough signed petitions for a recall vote for Alvarez.
During Monday's announcement, Gimenez touted his management credentials at a time when he said every budget line must be given a second look.
"There is no free lunch," said Gimenez. "This government can't be all things to all people."
Gimenez is not the only South Florida politician hoping to become Miami-Dade County's next mayor.
Doral Mayor J.C. Bermudez also announced Monday he's running to be the next mayor but not before 2012 when Alvarez' term officially ends.
If Alvarez is ousted from office during the recall election set for March 15th, commissioners could appoint a replacement until the general election or they could hold a special election to fill the position.
If that happens, the candidates so far include Gimenez, Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina and former state legislator Marcelo Llorente. A special election would have to take place within 45 days of the recall vote, which is expected to cost taxpayers between $4 million and $5 million.
Also facing a recall vote that day will be County Commissioner Natacha Seijas, who had tried to keep her name off the ballot with Alvarez.
