Meet the candidates for Coral Gables mayor and commission. Here’s what they have to say
Coral Gables residents will elect a mayor and two commissioners on Tuesday, April 8. We asked the nine candidates where they stood on key issues facing the city. Here is how they responded:
Coral Gables Group I (Mayor):
Why are you running for office?
Michael Anthony Abbott: Using my work experience, bring positive changes, including: 1) effective & efficient spending (more for less; cut spending not beneficial), 2) a beyond reproach mayoral candidate, seek to eradicate corruption, and 3) as smart growth proponent, bring civility, goodwill and respect back across business, government, labor and the broader community.
Vince Lago: I’m running for reelection to preserve Coral Gables’ charm, protect residents and ensure transparent government. My priority is preserving character via responsible development, public safety and a resident-first approach. We’ve lowered crime, expanded green spaces and fought overdevelopment. I’m ready to keep leading with integrity and vision.
Kirk Menendez: As a lifelong resident of Coral Gables for 62 years, and as someone who has served our community for over 40 years, I have seen our city handed over to deep-pocket special interests by elected officials who cater to the politics of the day instead of the residents; the very heart of our great city.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Michael Anthony Abbott: My prior and current business experiences, including over three decades of leadership experience in general accounting, finance and auditing — together with my civic involvement within the city over the past 23 years, including as a founding member of the Coral Gables Action Committee, Inc.
Vince Lago: My background is rooted in lifelong public service, community engagement and responsible leadership. My service as mayor, vice mayor and commissioner, alongside my involvement in civic organizations, gives me a deep understanding of our city’s needs. My dedication makes me uniquely qualified to continue leading Coral Gables into the future.
Kirk Menendez: I’m not beholden to developers and other special interests. I serve the residents of Coral Gables. My work experience dealing with local, state and national government, plus my service at the community level, gives me the tools present legislation to reinforce the pillars of our city government from attacks that undermine and destroy our community.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Michael Anthony Abbott: Restoring ethical conduct and promoting good moral character in all facets within the city of Coral Gables.
Vince Lago: The biggest challenge is restoring trust through transparency. When residents feel heard, engagement grows. I propose referendums on ignored issues: rescinding 101% pay hikes by Commissioner Menendez, moving elections to November to boost turnout and letting voters decide on an inspector general, which I support but my opponent does not.
Kirk Menendez: A system corrupted by special interests to maximize profits enabled by elected officials too willing to abide while turning a deaf ear to the voices of the residents of Coral Gables. When combined with a lack of civility from the top, our community is slowly being torn apart. We must return our city back to the people; our residents.
Coral Gables Group II:
Why are you running for office?
Rhonda Anne Anderson: I am running for reelection to complete significant projects I started and to improve the quality of life in Coral Gables. It is impossible to provide my history and four years of legislation sponsored in the small space allowed here. Please see rhondaforcoralgables.com and Rhonda’s Reports at coralgables.com/staff/rhonda-anderson.
Laureano Cancio: I want to make sure that the historical past and aesthetic beauty of our city is protected by limiting rampant construction. In addition, a greater effort must be made to support and fund the arts. Lastly, our public school system must guarantee that every child in our city will be able to attend a school that is within the city’s boundaries.
Felix Pardo: I am running against Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, who is responsible for many of the incompatible developments, misdirected priorities, negative impact on existing neighborhoods and a lack of action in addressing residents’ concerns.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Rhonda Anne Anderson: My opponents claim I am responsible for overdevelopment resulting from zoning changes prior commissions made 15-20 years ago. The cornerstone of my actions is resident input. During my term, I only voted for projects that residents support, and residents have made it clear that reducing density and increasing tree-shaded green space is a priority.
Laureano Cancio: We need new leadership to help us resolve the stalemate that is tearing us apart. As a labor attorney and a former HR director, I have a lifetime of experience finding viable solutions to difficult human resources problems. I would be honored if selected as the person given the responsibility of addressing the madness engulfing our community.
Felix Pardo: I have contributed more than 40 years of service to our city as a member on some of the most important boards and committees. As a registered architect for 46 years, I have the skillset to encourage compatible development. I will restore respect, preserve city assets, protect our neighborhoods and act on resident concerns.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Rhonda Anne Anderson: Density/over development, traffic, pedestrian safety, infrastructure (sidewalks, roads, drainage, septic to sewer), property insurance, taxes, permitting, saltwater intrusion, maintaining tree canopy and historic buildings, and careful management of the budget to maintain the quality of living without rendering the city unaffordable for many.
Laureano Cancio: There is no doubt that the construction boom in Coral Gables has upset many of our citizens. The character of our city is under assault, and a better balance must be achieved between the needs of our community and property owners. We are not talking about banning construction but about making sure that the uniqueness of our city is preserved.
Felix Pardo: Unbridled and incompatible development has altered every phase of life in Coral Gables. The residents’ priorities have taken a backseat to special interests that seem to have been given the keys to the city.
Coral Gables Group III:
Why are you running for office?
Richard Lara: I am running for Coral Gables city commissioner because I believe it is time to restore civility, transparency and accountability in our local government. My deep affection for the City Beautiful drives me, but more importantly, I am committed to ensuring that our residents’ voices are heard and valued — not ignored or silenced.
Claudia Miro: I am running to be a true voice for the residents of Coral Gables. With my knowledge, articulate communication and political savvy, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve and lead effectively from the dais. My goal is to bring real, informed leadership to the table and make meaningful progress on the challenges our city faces.
Thomas O. Wells: Coral Gables has been my home for over 30 years where I raised two daughters, built great friendships, have my law firm, and am active in my church and community. The lack of civility and transparency at city meetings must end. My focus is Neighbors Restoring Civility, providing timely information to residents and stopping incompatible development.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Richard Lara: My service on the Florida Bar Professionalism Committee, as chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee and as a Judicial Nominating Commissioner has reinforced my commitment to integrity, fairness and ethical decision-making — principles I will uphold as commissioner.
Claudia Miro: As a fresh face with fresh ideas, and the most qualified, I bring a new perspective to City Hall, backed by 25 years of public service experience, and a master’s in public administration that allow me to lead effectively from day one. I have the knowledge, expertise and leadership skills to find creative solutions to long-standing issues.
Thomas O. Wells: I am the only candidate who is on a city committee; advocates resident issues at city meetings; is a 36-year corporate/business attorney with an accounting background; and works at my Coral Gables law firm with flexibility to serve residents. I am independent and self-funding my campaign. You hear from me and not PACs or $1,000 non-resident donors.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Richard Lara: One of the most pressing issues facing Coral Gables is the lack of respect in City Hall. But of even greater concern is the budget and how uncontrolled spending will unreasonably and dangerously burden our residents now and for decades to come if we continue on this path.
Claudia Miro: There are several pressing issues at the forefront of this election. The biggest challenges facing Coral Gables are public safety, irresponsible development, a lack of transparency and a lack of decorum in government.
Thomas O. Wells: Pressing issues are lack of civility/transparency by city officials; over-development causing traffic and safety issues; preserve the city’s look and feel; improve permitting process; and ensure police/fire have needed personnel. I will enforce our city and civility codes, limit zoning exceptions and require projects address needed infrastructure.