I am taking this moment to briefly address yourself and your readers on the subject matter of bonding together as a community in service of each other during this trying time in our nation and world. This brief piece is also in response to some of your recent blog posts.
When I took the oath to become a Commissioner in the City of North Miami Beach; it was with the understanding that public service would be at the forefront of my duties. The definition of public service and purpose is rapidly changing. As a result of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, our cities have been placed in the unique position of responding to our residents needs in an unprecedented manner. I believe that where it is feasible, we as elected officials must step up and serve.
I have received numerous calls from residents in need. I have also heard from community stakeholders asking for North Miami Beach officials to get more involved in relief efforts in various ways. This may include public service announcements as well as participation in food distribution efforts.
In response to the pandemic, I have personally been on radio media outlets and other media, providing timely information to residents on preventing transmission of Covid-19. Many of my colleagues have done so as well and I applaud them for their diligence. It seems (based on your recent blogs) that you have interpreted certain response efforts as “campaigning” or “self promotion”.
It is our duty and responsibility to be involved in response efforts. Our platform should be used to help our residents stay informed and meet their needs. I have also promoted Farm Share events as well as other programs available for businesses and individuals. I have been on the phone almost daily with our City Manager and Chief of Staff to advocate for our residents and businesses. I am happy that during this State Of Emergency our City Manger, Police Chief and Staff reacted quickly to assure the safety or our residents and to provide uninterrupted water utility services to our residents.
As to the use of social media (to keep people informed on our efforts); it has garnered many inquires from residents on how they can receive food assistance and services from North Miami Beach. In support of our restaurants, I have also promoted local eateries that are providing delivery and pick up service. I am glad to see the city has also formed a similar list. Many on the “front line” use Facebook, Instagram and other tools like constant contact to communicate up to date information on relief efforts that they are either spearheading or participating in. With incumbency comes default inquisition into our actions as elected officials. I believe in carrying out my responsibilities with honor and proper consideration. This does not mean that we (elected officials) are above reproach. Our community must keep us accountable. But facts (for the edification of the people) should always prevail when publishing content.
To specifically respond to your commentary on the donation of gift cards by Publix and practicing of social distancing; the picture with the CEO was taken in November of last year during a food drive. I recently called a contact at Publix to request assistance for residents and businesses. I requested provisions and they were gracious enough to provide gift cards for some residents. This allowed for several families to receive aide. Publix has contributed millions to great causes over many years. I am grateful the Miami Division provided some help to our residents. In the interest of transparency our City Manager and Attorney were kept in the loop of any efforts my office was making. To prevent perception of preferential treatment; the selection of families were made by our city staff based on need.
As for social distancing; I have practiced (as best as possible) the recommendations. While distributing food door to door, we were in full gear to protect each other. Joshua’s Heart Foundation, NFL Player Johnathan Cyprien and the City of North Miami Beach were mentioned in my post on social media. The event was not “hijacked” for personal gain as you mentioned in your article and the use of my current Vice-Mayor title is consistent as I was recently appointed by my colleagues to that position for the next few months. Every member on the commission (that was present) posed for pictures individually and with each other (6 ft apart). This is an ever changing new normal for us all.
My priority continues to be the people of North Miami Beach. Everyone needs help. In my capacity, I will work with the City Manager to push for more resources to be allocated to our residents and the survival of our businesses. I will work with our County, State and Federal contacts in any way possible to advance this common cause. In this climate I urge you to please use your platform to help those in need and provide accurate and fully vetted information. The need is great. Lets combine our efforts and resources to meet it. Anything in the contrary may lead to unnecessary divisiveness.
I salute our first responders, nurses, doctors and those who are fighting the good fight against this invisible enemy. Many of them are my friends and family. I pray for the patients in hospitals still fighting. They are involved in a way that we cant imagine. I pray for them and I pray for us to overcome this horrific virus soon. With God’s help we will.
Be well and stay safe.
Yours in service,
The Vice Mayor is giving everyone an important lesson in turning the other cheek. Thank you for your decency.
As McKenzie mentioned, the Mayor & Commissioners are using the Constant Contact Service to email constituents from their private emails. I wonder if these records can be requested under Florida’s Sunshine Law like emails from the City’s Email system?
I never gave permission for these people to use my email address to send me information. My email was submitted for the city to send me updates as I am a member of some city committees, not for campaign (last election) emails like I received from many candidates. I have been opting out when received and have complained to the City Clerk’s Office when Pamela was our Clerk.
Email addresses provided to public agencies become public records. There is a disclosure at the bottom of every correspondence from the city which reads, “PLEASE NOTE: The City of North Miami Beach is a public entity subject to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes concerning public records. E-mail messages are covered under such laws and thus subject to disclosure. All e-mail sent and received is captured by our servers and kept as public record.”
By the same token, when you submitted your name and email addresses to the city to receive updates, you became a subscriber to its mailing list, which list is a public record. This is the law. You can choose to opt out of the city’s mailing list, but you would also have to opt out of every mailing list compiled by anyone who obtained that list via public records request.
Bottom line – it’s all about transparency, which is a good thing.
But again, are the emails sent to us by city official’s private email addresses subject to Public Record requests under the Sunshine Law? There is no proof if they exist as they are not kept on the city servers.
I believe they are on the servers. However, you could check with the IT department for more information.