North Miami Mayor Smith Joseph issued a Press Release this morning announcing that he will vote against the proposed Ordinance to change the date of the May, 2015 election. The second reading is scheduled to be voted on at the next council meeting on February 10, 2015 unless it is pulled from the agenda beforehand.
Mayor Dr. Joseph stated in his press release, “After a week of listening to residents, going door to door seeking opinions and input from residents, Mayor Joseph is now pledging to vote against amending the election dates by ordinance from May 2015 to August 2016,” and that he believes “it is in the best interest of the city and residents to keep the scheduled elections for May 2015.”
Although this proposal is legally allowed by the State of Florida (and I thought it was a good idea), Mayor Dr. Joseph is responding to the feedback he received from the residents of North Miami, who obviously do not want the date of the election changed.
Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”
Of course he shouldn’t be in favor of it. With all that African Americans have gone through to be able to vote, he would have moved us back over 50 years. That would have not been a good campaign idea!!!
As I said in an earlier reply, your opinion on this has no bearing and your rationale was flimsy given the waste of money by at least one of the council. People had already voted on this and as I said before, we don’t go back and ask people who didn’t vote in ANY election what their vote is now. Elections and voting matters!!!!!
I never said that my opinion had more “bearing” than the residents of North Miami. I just stated my opinion as a blogger, and as an outsider. I’m entitled to it whether or not you agree with me.
Just remember this… Elections have consequences.
Oooh, that sounds like some ominous warning “elections have consequences”. Sounds like we agree here, an election was held with “consequences” or if you like, with meaning. Of course elections have consequences, why state the obvious?
And by the way I certainly believe you are entitled to your opinions, many of which I usually agree with…but with all due respect I think you bought into a narrative that was in the best interest of some council members and not what was in the best interest of the residents, but we have now made ourselves loud and clear…mayor Joseph did the smart and correct thing…in my opinion.
It was no “ominous warning.” You are also incorrect in assuming that my “narrative” had anything to do with a council member. I have always been a proponent of having local elections coincide with countywide elections, long before I was a blogger, and certainly before I started covering North Miami politics. I’m all for higher voter turnout.
By the way, when Kevin Burns placed this issue on the charter referendum, were you one of his supporters who were all for moving the election?
Just asking.
Ah No, I wasn’t a supporter of Kevin Burns then or now. As for your position on getting as many voters out as possible, that is a nice idea in order to promote greater citizen participation in what we all love: democracy. However, the voters writ large who you want to encourage to vote, did so in the most recent election to fill the crooked mayor’s seat…they did not vote to have the mayor enjoy an extended tenure automatically. The issue is not cost savings or voters participating in greater numbers…it is that voters ONLY voted to have the mayor finish out the term of a mayor removed from office…period. That is the issue and the only issue. The other point you make for increasing voter participation is relevant at another time and has NOTHING to do with the issue at hand. Just tellin
you know,the whole point of a blog (and America, I think) is to have opinions. maybe please try and be civil especially with the person who is affording you space for your opinion. also I think it is always wise to not assume what people are thinking but to ask them… also more civil. here’s to a civil upcoming election. It is good we are having one, but the outcome will not change for the Mayor – but better he is elected again than people think he got in by tricks.
I do not accept your accusation of incivility, but I do think we agree on the important facts. While it is so very nice of you to provide space in your blog for anyone with opinions, I have to say that if you can’t take it don’t dish it out. Just sayin
I’m not sure where you thought I was being uncivil. Perhaps you confused someone else’s comments with mine. As for handling criticism, I can dish it out and take whatever anyone throws at me. I’ve got my big girl panties on. Trust me, lots of people have taken their best shots and I don’t even blink. But be prepared for a response. If I feel like it, that is. If not, it means I’m done with the convo.
Stephanie, can you get back on the Fire Truck story? Inquiring minds want accountability from all involved! (Including full disclosures on campaign reports and if all NM residents can claim the “Fire Truck” exemption if we are pulled over for no or old tag?”)
Kudos to the Mayor – what a stand-up guy… not self-serving. May it bring him even more votes.
And may it be a example of honesty and integrity in politics and in our city in every department.
Like I said before, we have already elected a Mayor and he is doing an excellent job in trying to bring our community together! The majority of voters have already spoken and the Mayor is already taking care of business. Nuff said!
Why take a chance on getting a person who would continue to catch free rides on our Fire Trucks? Or, use our $$$$ to put gas in his car and buy dress shirts while receiving a clothing allowance?…etc, etc. Even worse, someone who takes advantage of a highly respected senior citizen/community activist who was kind enough to loan him a lot of money and to this day, he has not even attempted to repay her….not even a penny!! If he took advantage of her, what do you think he would do to you and your family?! Lets keep Mayor Smith-Joseph, a man with morals and integrity!