Herald endorsement: Our choice for Miami-Dade County Commission District 11 | Opinion
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Miami Herald Editorial Board’s 2024 Election Endorsements
In advance of the upcoming primary elections on Aug. 20, 2024, the Editorial Board interviewed and researched 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.
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If District 11 in Miami-Dade County were a city, it would be the third largest in the county, behind Miami and Hialeah. This southern area extends into Country Walk, the Hammocks, Kendale Lakes, West Kendall and other suburban and farm areas that touch on the Everglades.
With 215,000 residents, District 11 counts solely on county government services.
County Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, 37, a lawyer, was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in November 2022 after former Commissioner Joe Martinez was arrested on charges of introducing legislation in exchange for a cash payment. Martinez has denied the allegations and is running for sheriff while awaiting trial.
Gonzalez, who ran for the state Legislature as a Republican and lost in a previous election, told the Herald Editorial Board:
“The governor trusted me to take this position. Now I have a bigger responsibility — to earn the trust of the people in the district.”
Running against Gonzalez in this nonpartisan race are Bryan Paz-Hernandez, 29, a high school history teacher and former social worker, and Claudia Rainville, 43, a private-school educator who did not attend the Editorial Board interview with the candidates.
Paz-Hernandez is the former president of the Kendall Democratic Club but is now registered as an independent. He has a solid grasp on issues facing his district, from the need for better transportation options to affordable housing. He is against the Kendall Parkway proposal and has received the endorsement of the Sierra Club.
He says his top three priorities are fighting overdevelopment in the district, reducing rising property insurance costs and extending the Metrorail to District 11 “to reduce traffic congestion.”
Gonzalez supports the parkway to reduce congestion if it is shown it can be done in an environmentally safe way to protect the Everglades. His focus, he said, is on providing more opportunities for residents to “live, work and play” within the district and has worked to increase transparency of homeowner associations, an important issue in District 11.
Gonzalez supports Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s affordable housing proposals, expanding and improving parks, attracting more businesses to the area and ensuring property tax bills are affordable for seniors on fixed incomes.
However, Gonzalez has made some partisan and divisive missteps that he should steer clear of if he is to remain on the commission and truly be nonpartisan. For instance, he posted an image of an upside-down American flag on his Instagram feed — used to signal protest, danger or distress — after former President Donald Trump’s criminal conviction in New York.
“We need less division,” he told the Board.
Yes, we do. We can start by not hanging upside-down flags.
Overall, though, Gonzalez has done a good job of focusing on his constituents’ needs, remaining nonpartisan on the dais and learning how the county government works. He said he meets regularly with the mayor, a Democrat elected to a nonpartisan position, to ensure there is open communication.
“I make decisions because it’s the right thing to do. I always listen with an open mind,” Gonzalez said.
For the Miami-Dade County Commission District 11, the Herald Editorial Board endorses ROBERTO J. GONZALEZ.
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 August 12, 2024 at 11:22 AM.
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