Javier Baños
Baños is the Editor of Gables Insider
On June 29, 2024, the Coral Gables Neighbors Association hosted its annual picnic and general meeting. This event was a testament to the community spirit that defines our city, with neighbors gathering to discuss local concerns while enjoying burgers and BBQ provided by the Coral Gables Firefighters and Police Unions. Residents had the opportunity to mingle with elected officials, city staff, and advocacy groups addressing a range of issues. However, amid the camaraderie, a significant theme emerged: a deep-seated frustration with the discord within the City Commission.
Throughout the event, various residents expressed their dismay to elected officials and other attendees about the poor communication and apparent factionalism within the commission. If you are a reader of this publication, or any other local one, you are likely aware of the pronounced 3-2 split in the commission. The so-called “KFC” group—comprising Commissioners Kirk Menendez, Fernandez, and Castro—stands in opposition to Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Anderson. This division has become a defining feature of our local politics, often manifesting in moments of “gotcha” tactics and relentless brinkmanship.
The perception of this discord, whether fully accurate or not, shapes the reality for many residents. The question arises: are these allegiances driven by political calculations in the ever-ephemeral quest for advancement, or are they rooted in genuine policy differences? While the answer may lie somewhere in between, the impact on the community is undeniable. The events of this past weekend should remind us that ratcheting up the debate rarely leads to positive outcomes.
It is important to recognize that political discourse, even when contentious, is not new. Our history is replete with periods of intense disagreement far more severe than what we witness today. However, these moments are often relegated to the annals of history, distant from our collective memory. In contrast, the current level of disagreement within the Coral Gables Commission is unprecedented in recent times. This departure from our tradition of political comity has been jarring for many residents.
Yet, this comity, while peaceful, did not always serve the community’s best interests. For some, it led to unwelcome results, such as rampant development and a perceived erosion of our community’s character. In response, voters elected Fernandez and Castro as agents of change. They have certainly delivered on their mandate, bringing a vigorous challenge to the status quo. What we are witnessing is a manifestation of Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This dynamic, while necessary, can be painful to watch.
Despite the visible divisions, it is crucial to acknowledge that the commissioners agree on more issues than they disagree. Having walked this city twice and spoken with a broad cross-section of the electorate—left, right, and center—I can attest that we share far more common ground than we might realize. We are all Americans, after all. Democracy is designed to accommodate disagreement and debate, which are not flaws but essential features of the system. The problem arises when we forget this and begin to vilify those with whom we disagree.
I am as much to blame as anyone for contributing to the current state of discourse. My criticisms of Mayor Lago, particularly regarding his needling of colleagues, have been sharp. While I find some of his tactics unproductive and unbecoming of his office, it is essential to recognize that his criticisms are not without merit. The rush to judgment by some of the opposition also deserves scrutiny. We must allow space for humanity and remember that the betterment of our community should be our guiding principle.
Having taken some well-deserved time off, I return with a renewed commitment to fairness and balance. It is my job to critique and hold our leaders accountable, but it is equally important to acknowledge the complexities of their roles and the sincerity of their efforts. As residents and participants in this democratic process, we must all contribute to a more constructive and respectful dialogue.
The recent community gathering should inspire us to foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Let us remember that healthy democracy requires disagreement and debate. Our collective goal should be the betterment of Coral Gables, guided by a shared sense of purpose and commitment to the common good. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead with optimism and resolve.
Thank you for continuing to engage in this vital conversation. Your participation and perspectives are essential as we strive to create a more unified and vibrant community.
Well said. Unfortunately, L’Ego is still stoking the fire behind the scenes – calling employers, colleagues or anyone that will take his side against KFC or any detractors. Instead, he should focus on the work and look internally at what he has done and continues to do to undermine our commission. Make no mistake – Vinnie IS the reason for there is so much infighting.
This is a very good article and well written. My problem is that we see an undemocratic leadership.
Persons that think they are above others. On the other side they are trying to defend what is just.
I have been a resident of Coral Gables for the last 63 years. I can remember when I used to see police cars passing by with very courteous and caring officers. I walk my dog daily afternoons, evenings and nights.
Specially at nighttime, I cannot remember the last time I saw a police car pass by.
Of course my husband and I DO NOT want to pay for the 23 + millions for annexation. The residents of that unincorporated area knew what the were buying.
Let’s concentrate in using the money to better serve Coral Gsbles.
As a 35 year resident of Little Gables, I went to the picnic on June 29 to meet residents of Coral gables and discuss annexation with them.
And I met a lot of lovely people.
And to my surprise…none of them knew about the annexation question that will appear on their August 20th ballot.
And everyone I spoke to agreed that they were against annexation and that it would do THEM no good.
THEIR lives will not improve if annexation were to take place.
It will not save THEM any money for sure.
In fact, they were shocked to find out that according to the Coral Gables presentation of November 14, 2023, the city of Coral Gables would spend approximately $23,594,000 over five years to annex my neighborhood.
I wanted to verify something with one of the police officers that was at that picnic and I asked him a question.
I asked him if it would be a burden for the Coral Gables Police Department to be forced to cover an additional neighborhood of hundreds of people with the amount of officers that they currently have and expect to have in the future.
He assured me it would definitely be a burden on the services that the current residents of Coral Gables deserve and depend on.
At a recent commission meeting, there were some people who didn’t want to spend $42,000 for a new wheelchair ramp at- the Actor’s Playhouse, but HAVE NO PROBLEM SPENDING $23,594,000 to grab Little Gables from hundreds of homeowners who specifically purchased their homes in Unincorporated Dade County because they could afford to live there….
and yes…I am one of those people…wanting to live in my home as I purchased it and have tended it for 35 years.
Dear Gables residents: PLEASE TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS.
MAKE SURE IT IS SPENT ON YOUR NEEDS AND SERVICES AND REPAIRS.
Please make sure you vote and please vote no to the question about the annexation of Little Gables.
You are smart people.
The very last line of the annexation question includes these words:
“AND ABSORBING ALL ASSOCIATED ANNEXATION COSTS.”
Please remember those “ASSOCIATED ANNEXATION COSTS” were estimated to equal $23,594,000 over just the first five years!
PLEASE VOTE NO!
And thank you so much.
Well said Javier. Being able to disagree without becoming disagreeable is a fundamental challenge for all of us. It is all too easy to demean the character, intelligence and motives of those who hold different views on topics about which we care deeply. Civility and humility is in too short supply in our politics.
Who will become the next BIG contributor to Lago, now that developer Pino has moved on. Hope all those checks don’t bounce now!!! Oh, but wait, now Lago can get a “Real Estate Commission” when all that land in the city gets sold off. Hmmm…..
As for the discord, that’s democracy. Little Lago is still stomping his feet because he lost the election. Welcome to the Hillary Clinton camp, HA HA.