Herald recommends: For Commissioner Javier Souto’s seat, community-engaged candidate Martha Bueno is ready to serve District 10 | Editorial
READ MORE
Miami Herald Editorial Board Election Recommendations
In advance of local and state elections, the Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on various issues and how their policies will affect their constituents. The goal is to give voters a better idea of who’s the best candidate for each race. Read our 2022 recommendations below:
Expand All
Among the candidates in the race to replace longtime County Commissioner Javier Souto, there’s one candidate who’s not showing up and one who’s prepared to show up for the constituents of District 10.
District 10
Miami-Dade Commissioner Javier Souto has been a fixture in this western Miami-Dade district, representing it for 40 years, first as a state legislator and then as a commissioner since his election in 1993.
During his tenure, Souto, a “pothole commissioner,“ was considered unbeatable and never faced serious opposition. That’s impressive. He brought home the bacon to the district, but Souto’s final year in office has been somewhat marred by his ill-fated, end-run attempt to incorporate the district into a city and, some say, run to be its mayor. The sprawling district encompasses Kendall, Westchester and Fontainebleau, along with other unincorporated southwestern areas of the county. Residents’ outrage ended the incorporation talk.
This open seat has attracted four candidates: Anthony Rodriguez, a Republican state legislator who is giving up his seat to run for this local office; Martha Bueno, chair of the West Kendall Community Board and community activists Susan Khoury and Julio C. Sanchez, both with little money in their coffers but passionate in their desire to improve life in the district.
If money is an indicator, which it is, Rodriguez is by far the front runner with about $1 million, a bundle for a commission race. Rodriguez is a well-connected Republican in Tallahassee, but he has done little campaigning for this commission seat.
Rodriguez didn’t respond to the Editorial Board’s invitation for a candidate interview. We understand he has skipped other candidate forums, though the three other candidates took part. That seems to run counter to the job he wants, as a public servant.
Bueno is a registered independent, but is a self-described Libertarian. She is a hemp farmer and is for legalization of marijuana.
Bueno, a Cuban American, has raised $25,000 and says addressing the need for affordable housing and traffic issues are a priority in the district. She decided to run, fueled by dissatisfaction. She makes solid sense.
“I was upset that our voices were not being heard. I want to make a difference, and I want the district’s residents to be heard,” Bueno told the Board.
As head of the West Kendall Community Council, Bueno is well-versed in the district’s needs and appears prepared to tackle its challenges.
The Miami Herald recommends MARTHA BUENO for the Miami-Dade Commission, District 10.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the political endorsements?
In advance of local and state elections, Miami Herald Editorial Board members interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The Editorial Board is composed of experienced opinion journalists and is independent of the Herald’s newsroom. Members of the Miami Herald Editorial Board are: Amy Driscoll, editorial page editor; and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process look like?
The Miami Herald Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on public policy and how their policies will affect their constituents. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making an endorsement. The Editorial Board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. Candidates who decline to be interviewed will not receive an endorsement.
Is the Editorial Board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the Editorial Board consider which candidates are better prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with our editorial stances or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, readiness for office, depth of knowledge of key issues and understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points.
This story was originally published July 28, 2022 at 8:49 AM.
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
