It seems like so much time has passed since Miami-Dade voters recalled Mayor Carlos Alvarez and Commissioner Natacha Seijas. It’s been less than a year since that historic and proud moment for voters. However, we are seeing a dismal turnout of countywide electors. With two important charter amendments on the ballot, I’ve spoken to dozens of voters whose apathy seems to override the desire for local change.

I’d love for commissioner term limits to be retroactive, giving us an opportunity to completely restructure our local representation and government. The reality is, however, that unless the current commissioners approve such language for a special election ballot question to electors, it will not happen. We have one shot at getting retroactive term limits on the ballot, but that would mean that on Jan. 31 voters would need to approve the first proposed amendment R elating to initiative petitions and elections on charter amendments. In this case, we would have 120 days to collect petition signatures for a charter amendment, which would be a lot better than 60 days.

I feel $92,000 is too high a salary for public service. Notwithstanding the almost three-figure salary, public servants should dedicate their time fully to responding to residents’ needs and issues. Jan. 31 may be our last chance in a very long time to see some real change in Miami-Dade. It just might be our last chance to keep elected officials on their toes.

What message are we sending if we don’t vote or turn down both proposed amendments — that we can recall a veteran commissioner and ask for nothing more? The commission is hoping that you will vote down these amendments to justify their inaction on charter reform in the future.

The second proposed amendment Relating to Salaries, Service, and Term Limits of County Commissioners ascertains the one thing we have always wanted — for sitting commissioners to finally step down. I would dare say that most of the county commissioners that currently hold outside employment make much more than $92,000 per year thanks to their connections to lobbyists, consultants and departmental knowledge.

Last year, we turned down proposed charter amendments that made a mockery of our needs. This year, we are still not getting what we want, but at least it got a little better.

Vanessa Brito, chairman,

Miami Voice PAC, Miami