Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Opinion

Who’s running for Coral Gables’ commission? Watch our interviews with Group Three candidates

The Miami Herald Editorial Board spent the past few weeks interviewing 13 candidates competing for open seats for mayor and the City Commission in the Coral Gables’ municipal election on April 13.

The Group Three Commission race pits four candidates with varying backgrounds vying for the seat being vacated by Commissioner Patricia Keon, who is running for mayor.

The burning issue in Coral Gables is the fight to keep development in check and in the spirit intended by city founder George Merrick. Other hot topics are the revitalization of Miracle Mile and policing in the City Beautiful.

The candidates answered questions about a recent vote on a rezoning compromise for Miracle Mile and what they think are the Gables’ biggest issues.

If no one receives more than 50 percent of votes, the top two winners will face each other in a runoff.

We’re presenting the full videos of our candidate interviews so that Miami Herald subscribers can see what they had to say about the most pressing issues facing Coral Gables residents. The Editorial Board’s recommendations in each race will follow.

Group Three Race:

  • Javier Baños, attorney and CPA

  • Alex Bucelo, attorney who has served on city boards

  • Kirk Menendez, community activist and public affairs expert

  • Phillip “PJ” Mitchell, attorney and businessman

Want more? You can find all Miami Herald coverage of the Coral Gables elections here.

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This story was originally published March 26, 2021 at 1:17 PM.

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