Herald endorsement: Our choices on two Miami-Dade County ballot questions | Opinion
READ MORE
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.
Expand All
On the 2024 primary ballot, there are two referendums open to all Miami-Dade County voters regardless of party affiliation.
These ballot items require a “yes” or “no” vote and require a simple majority for approval. Both questions are non-binding, meaning that, if approved, they do not officially require a government body to do something. However, they allow voters to express their opinion and put pressure on elected officials to act on behalf of their constituents.
The primary election happens on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Early voting in Miami-Dade runs through Sunday.
Here are the Miami Herald Editorial Board’s recommendations:
‘Yes’ on straw ballot question
The Miami-Dade County Commission created this non-binding referendum asking if the county needs to expand its rapid mass transit system. Whether it’s expansion of the Metrorail, the Metromover, a 20-mile-long bus rapid transit corridor that is being built to connect Florida City to the South Dadeland Metrorail station, we all know the answer: Yes, county residents desperately need more transit options.
And they particularly need transit in the north and the far southwestern reaches of the county. The challenge has always been that the cost of such systems. But the cost of doing nothing in a metro area already overwhelmed by traffic-clogged roads impacts our pocketbooks and quality of life.
According to a 2024 Forbes Advisor report, metro Miami is the second-worst city for drivers among large cities nationwide in terms of traffic congestion, insurance costs and accidents on our roads. An INRIX study found Miami drivers were paying $1,773 more in lost time due to traffic congestion in 2022.
With only a 25-mile Metrorail system that serves mostly Kendall residents heading to and from work in downtown Miami and those who want to get to the airport, and a 4.4-mile Metromover serving downtown, most county residents really only have buses traveling on congested roads to get anywhere.
A non-binding straw ballot is obviously not enough but it might push the county to move faster to improve connectivity and help residents save time and money.
The Herald Editorial Board recommends a YES vote to the question: “Does Miami-Dade County need to expand its existing rapid mass transit system? (Rapid mass transit is defined here as elevated Metrorail, passenger rail, and/or Metromover.)”
‘Yes’ on county referendum
For almost a decade, Miami Beach has been trying to find the right spot to replace Miami Beach Fire Station No. 1 on 10th Street and Jefferson Avenue, which serves congested South Beach and has had electrical and mechanical challenges since it was built in 1967.
After considering a dozen possible sites, the city originally planned to demolish the iconic South Shore Community Center on Sixth Street for the new fire station. But the center, designed by architect Morris Lapidus, is on the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2021 “11 to Save” list. It now serves as a daycare center.
The best option for the new station is Flamingo Park off Alton Road, though a track club and others nearby do not want construction there because it would require relocating the track.
Because parks are run by Miami-Dade County, the recommendation of where to place the fire station falls on county voters, not just on Miami Beach voters.
If county voters approve this referendum, Miami Beach can start planning the construction of the new fire station at Flamingo Park. It’s not a binding vote for the city commission to move forward, but it certainly would be the best move as construction costs continue to rise. In fact, the city had budgeted $10 million for the station, and last month city officials noted they would need as much as $19 million more to build the new station between 2026 and 2028.
South Beach needs this station. It’s time to get it done.
The Herald Editorial Board recommends a YES vote on relocating Fire Station No. 1 to Flamingo Park.
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 12:16 PM.
.png)
.png)
