Herald recommends: Miami-Dade Commission hopeful has right focus — District 2’s well-being | Editorial
.png "Marleine Bastien, the director of a respected nonprofit, and Philippe Bien-Aime, the mayor of North Miami are running to represent District 2 on the Miami-Dade County Commission.")
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Editorial Board November 2022 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 November 2022 recommendations below:
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Of the six candidates seeking to represent District 2 on the Miami-Dade County Commission, two fought their way to the top — and into a runoff to replace term-limited Commissioner Jean Monestime: Marleine Bastien, the director of a respected nonprofit, and Philippe Bien-Aime, the mayor of North Miami.
We recommended Bastien in the primary, and we do so again in the November runoff.
This district encompasses portions of Miami to the south, North Miami, Opa-locka, Hialeah, unincorporated areas of Liberty City and Biscayne Gardens, then heads east to North Miami Beach.
Bastien brings true boots-on-the-ground experience, gained as the founder and director of the Family Action Network Movement — FANM. The nonprofit has served a broad swath of low-income and working-class families since 1991 and offers literacy classes for adults, immigration assistance, parenting classes and after-school care. “We also give them the tools to contribute to their own transformation and empowerment,” she told the Editorial Board.
Her opponent, Bien-Aime, is serving his second term as North Miami mayor, having first joined the City Commission in 2013. He says that the pandemic hit this working-class district pretty hard and wants to push its recovery forward. He would bolster assistance for small businesses, addressing the need for jobs that can sustain families and jump-start the availability of more affordable housing. However, he told the Editorial Board, “The district needs a comprehensive plan before addressing the housing crisis.”
Bien-Aime’s tenure in office has not been smooth sailing, though. A city employee accused him of sexual harassment. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount. He also has been caught up in property-tax problems.
Leading up to the primary, Bien-Aime’s campaign donations were heavily weighted toward real-estate and development interests, and we were impressed that Bastien’s donations came mostly from small business owners and residents, which speaks well of her longtime community engagement.
Bastien’s background in growing FANM — formerly the Haitian Women’s Center — into an accomplished organization leave her well prepared to address the challenges District 2 faces. According to a survey by miamidadematters.org, more than 90,000 people in the district were without health insurance; residents had a median income of about $30,000.
She laments a lack of effective public transportation in the district and a dearth of affordable housing. Looking farther afield, she does not support moving the Urban Development Boundary, which would encourage even more sprawl toward the Everglades.
We believe she is the more capable candidate in this runoff, sincerely committed to improving the quality of life for the district of working-class residents pursuing the American Dream. We think she is more in touch with their needs and has the know-how to help them.
The Miami Herald Editorial Board recommends MARLEINE BASTIEN for Miami-Dade Commission District 2.
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 October 13, 2022 at 9:04 AM.
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