When Patricia Saintil-Joseph introduced her husband, Dr. Smith Joseph, as the newly elected Mayor of North Miami, you’d have thought that a rock star had walked into the room. Whoops of joy filled the Mayor Elect’s victory party at the filled to capacity Moca Cafe last night. The air of excitement was undeniable.
After months of campaigning, a race decided by a nearly 10 point lead finally came to an end. Dr. Joseph’s acceptance speech was one of the most inspiring I have ever heard, given by a humble, unassuming man who took the high road in what could have been a contentious election.
He first thanked his amazing (and beautiful) wife, who worked tirelessly to get her husband’s message out to the voters, followed by expressions of gratitude to all who helped him in his campaign. It was a pleasant surprise to hear Dr. Joseph address his supporters in English, French, Creole and Spanish. By doing so, the new Mayor sent a symbolic, but perfectly clear message that he intends to represent all the residents of North Miami. This is a sign of a true leader.
On the evening before the election, Ms. Santil-Joseph told me that they did all they could possibly do, and that the final decision will belong to the people of North Miami.
With 7,048 of the 12,967 ballots cast in Dr. Joseph’s favor (per updated Miami-Dade County Elections Official Results), I’d say the people of North Miami have decidedly spoken.
In the final analysis, I’m pleased to report that Smith Joseph did not resort to a single dirty political trick during the entire election. He made it very clear from the beginning that his only objective was to bring much needed integrity to the North Miami City Council – the same integrity he brought with him on the campaign trail.
Dr. Smith Joseph did not send out hit pieces attacking his opponent, nor were any mailers sent out on his behalf by mysterious Political Action Committees or Electioneering Communications Organizations.
He didn’t pay for radio air time to spread rumors or tell lies about his opponent.
He didn’t squander his own time by trashing any sitting or former Council members or Mayors.
He made no promises other than to serve the City of North Miami to the best of his ability.
Dr. Smith Joseph simply reached out to the residents of North Miami, expressed his sincere desire to work for them, and asked them to trust in his vision for the future of their city.
I’ve been actively engaged in politics my entire adult life, and blogging about local elections for several years. I can tell you without a doubt that Dr. Joseph has run as clean a campaign as any I’ve ever seen. His Campaign Treasurer’s Reports all appear to be in order. He has not been accused of any misconduct or disregard for the laws of either the State of Florida or the Charter of the City of North Miami. No one has filed any complaints against Dr. Joseph with any Ethics Commission or the Florida Elections Commission.
Most importantly, Smith Joseph has never been indicted or arrested for anything.
Considering this is North Miami we’re talking about, that is a big deal!
But, what I most admire about Dr. Smith Joseph is that he is a genuine human being and a true gentleman.
Dr. Joseph has already earned the trust of the majority of voters in North Miami. For the sake of your community, I hope all the residents – and especially those who did not vote for him – will give him the opportunity to prove that your trust is well deserved.
Congratulations to Mayor Elect Joseph on a campaign well run and best wishes for a successful term in office.
Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”
Thought Burns would be best, but Joseph will do.
Let’s move forward… together.
Congratulations to Smith and the residents of North Miami. Best wishes from NMB
What a great moment
Considering the amount of money Dr. Smith spent on his campaign, I’d question his intelligence.
I voted for Dr. Smith an I also agree with your comments about Dr. Smith good ethics. But I take great offense with you negative opinion of north Miami. When you said ” considering the North Miami we live” I hope you are only insinuating about just last year North Miami issues with ethics. By saying it like this you are giving the impressions that we are corrupt city. I love this city I have live went to North Miami high School married my high school sweet heart and I m raising my four beautiful children here in North Miami. Yes this last year event dealt us a black eye but for the better part of the twenty two years that I have lived years most of our city government have led with integrity. So I think you lump us with the rest of the less ethical issues just think when was the last time we had something like this. Even with that we should withhold judgement until the court decision. I hope and know that Dr. Smith will keep the line of good governance of the past. But most of all I hope he work hard to restore the good name of our city against all who seek to tarnish it.
I voted for Dr. Smith an I also agree with your comments about Dr. Smith good ethics. But I take great offense with you negative opinion of north Miami. When you said ” considering this North Miami we are talking about” you are insinuating that North Miami a has a culture of corrupt. The herald also thought the sme and just like I tried to rectify them. I m also asking you to rectify. I hope you are not insinuating about just last year North Miami issues with ethics amount to a culture . However By saying it like this you are giving the impressions that we are corrupt city. I love this city I have live went to North Miami high School married my high school sweet heart and I m raising my four beautiful children here in North Miami. Yes this last year event dealt us a black eye but for the better part of the twenty two years that I have lived years most of our city government have led with integrity. So I think you lumping us with the rest of the less ethical other City would not be fair. Just think when was the last time we had something like this of course we have some management and ethical issues but even with those we should withhold judgement until the court decision. So I hope and know that Dr. Smith will keep the line of good governance of the past. But most of all I hope he work hard to restore the good name of our city against all who seek to tarnish it whether with their actions or the writing.
Yes, I was referring to the corruption that has plagued your city for the last several years. If you have read my previous columns, you’d know that I think North Miami is a wonderful city. Like any other municipality, it has its problems. But I do believe that in the end, a city is more than its government – it’s the people who live there. I have never had anything but praise for the residents of North Miami. It is my hope that Dr. Joseph will help bring integrity back to City Hall. I wish him and all of you nothing but the best.
I have not lived in North Miami as long as you. I first moved to N.Miami in 2005.
Kevin Burns was mayor back then. It was not paradise, but it was OK.
Then Andre Pierre was elected mayor, and since THAT day, this city has been the laughing stock of South Florida politics.
-Magical Porsches that appear and disappear.
-Candidates endorsed by the Lord Jesus himself.
-Political voodoo wars
-Public accusations of bigotry vs. prostitution
-Tropical ski slopes
-Illegal camera surveillance
-Police badges for friends and cronies
-Deluxe pressure washing (price only)
-Under the table trash collection contracts
-Candidates with sweetened genitals (Coco Deuce anyone?)
-Mayor accused of mortgage fraud
-Uff!! should I continue?
If you want to cling to memories of times long gone, knock yourself.
But don’t go around praising North Miami and pretending that its political cesspool “don’t stink”.
Ricardo,
You left out a few:
Commissioner Steril using taxpayer funds to buy a house for her mother, the FEDS demanded their money back, North Miami taxpayers paid them back, and Steril continues on as if nothing happened.
Andre Pierre’s exclusinve free use of North Miami Stadium.
Absentee ballot fraud
Disappearing Biscayne Landing money
—just to name a few more