Herald endorsement: Runoff for Coral Gables Commission Group III | Opinion
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Miami Herald Editorial Board Endorsements: Coral Gables Election
Ahead of the April 8th Coral Gables election, the Editorial Board interviews candidates to understand their views and policies. The goal is to give voters a better idea of who’s the best candidate for each race. Read our endorsements below:
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In the April 22 runoff for Coral Gables Commissioner in Group III, residents will decide between Richard Lara, executive vice president and general counsel for the Spanish Broadcasting System, and Thomas O. Wells, a lawyer and Gables resident of more than 30 years.
Voters have a difficult choice. Both candidates have strengths and weaknesses. Both emphasized the need for civility on the dais, a strong theme throughout this election. Our choice is Wells.
Wells, 62, is a corporate, business, tax and estate planning lawyer. He has deep roots in the community, an important factor in a local election. Additionally, he serves as vice-chair of the city’s Charter Review Committee, a group that does the detailed work of re-examining and suggesting changes to the basic governing document for a government. That kind of core knowledge about how the Coral Gables government works should help him understand the city from the ground up if he wins.
Wells, who also was a CPA, said his priorities would include a focus on preventing incompatible development in the city, the need to increase police pay and fully enforcing the zoning code.
“I love the city,” Wells said. “Why I’m running is because I see a problem with lack of transparency and instability and also with incompatible developments.”
Wells, who is self financing his campaign, cited his attendance at 14 city commission meetings to advocate for residents’ issues as evidence of his engagement in the community.
We did not endorse either of these two candidates in the April 8 election. Our choice then was Claudia Miro, vice president for micro-transit company Freebee. She came in third, with about 13.5% of the vote. The top vote-getter was Lara, 56, with about 47% of the vote. Wells came in second with about 39%. Because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, which is required to win outright in Coral Gables, Wells and Lara are in this runoff election.
Lara has said he is committed to fostering civility; “factionalism” was the No. 1 issue he heard about from residents, he told the Editorial Board. He was appointed by then-Florida Gov. Rick Scott to serve on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Third District Court of Appeal, and he is development chair for the Easterseals South Florida board of directors. He is interested in preserving the historic character of some of the Gables’ older buildings.
Demeanor will be important for whomever wins. The commission has been hamstrung by divisions that emerged in the last few years, with 3-2 votes causing deepening rifts among commissioners and angering voters who have repeatedly told candidates this year that they’re fed up with the infighting. As Wells noted, “Potholes are not blue and red, they’re black.”
Wells, who said he signed a “clean campaign” promise form, has displayed some unbecoming behavior. He described to the Editorial Board calling a neighbor who had a pro-Lara sign in their yard, asking “Have I done something to offend you?” The neighbor, according to Wells, told him they didn’t know how the sign had gotten into their yard. Still, badgering residents about their yard signs is not a good look for Wells.
Additionally, during his interview, Wells brought up a 2009 ethics complaint about Miro, even though he knew it had been dropped. Miro has thrown her support behind Lara.
The candidate who wins this seat could serve as the swing vote on commission decisions. The winner should focus on staying away from petty fights and allegations to focus on what’s best for residents.
There are continuing allegations and counter-allegations about which candidate is aligned with which faction. But Coral Gables residents have made it very clear: They want to see a return to civility and an end to factionalism.
Wells would be well advised to listen to the voters. And Lara, who said he wants to see “smart and responsible development,” should consider serving on a government board or committee to demonstrate his desire to serve the community.
In the runoff race for the Coral Gables Commission Group III seat, the Herald Editorial Board endorses THOMAS O. WELLS.
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 April 17, 2025 at 3:26 PM.