Editorial

The Importance of Local Politics

City of Miami Commission, District 2. By Amal Solh Kabbani.

Downtown NEWS
Nov 4 · 2 min read

On Tuesday, November 5, downtown residents were called on to exercise their civic duty and elect the City Commissioner for District 2. Incumbent Ken Russell, running for reelection, won with 60% of the vote. He faced three challengers, real estate broker Jim Fried, businesswoman Rosa Palomino, and real estate agent Javier Gonzalez.

Candidates for City of Miami Commission, District 2, at a debate organized the BNA. Photo Sue Nelson.

While local elections might appear insignificant in comparison to national politics, it’s really the opposite. Local elections have a direct impact on downtown residents’ lives. The City Commission enacts city laws, decides how taxpayers’ money is used, and, as we have seen, has the last word when it comes to public land. The City Commission, for example, allowed mega music festival Ultra to return to Bayfront Park — a public park surrounded by residential towers.

Food for Thought

Understanding and applying the philosophy of at the service of the peopleinvolves not only integrity but diligence and dedication to fight the exploitation of the public’s interest, be it in politics, zoning or economics, on and off the Dias.

Representatives are expected to be clever at manipulating crowds to get votes and achieve power. Unfortunately, for many elected officials the only goal seems to be elected, and no sooner they are in power they forget why people elected them. Taking care of their own interests and those of the lobbyists who supported them becomes the priority.

The DNA

The responsibility of an organized body such as the DNA is to hold our elected officials accountable and remind them constantly of their duties, even when public opinion trends might justify detouring from duty and ethics.

But the responsibility of keeping elected officials under scrutiny should not rely solely on civic organizations. Each and every one of us should hold our elected officials accountable, reminding them of the promises made on the campaign trail.

It’s not what politicians want. It’s not about their opinions or visions. It’s all about what the electorate demands; that is, you and me.

Amal Solh Kabbani. Photo Niels Johansen.

Amal Solh Kabbani is the DNA President.

Don’t miss a fabulous Downtown NEWS Art Week Special Edition

Out December 1, 2019. Deadline for Advertising and Promotions November 15. : rguerrero@dassmiami.com

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Local Perspective - Downtown Miami

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Local Perspective - Downtown Miami

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