Herald endorsement: Coral Gables referendum 3 | Opinion
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Editorial Board’s endorsements for Coral Gables election
Coral Gables registered voters will receive mail ballots for eight referendums April 21. Read the Miami Herald Editorial Board’s recommendations on each measure.
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Here is the Herald Editorial Board’s recommendation on Coral Gables’ Referendum 3:
Question: Should the charter be amended to allow a city commissioner or official who appointed a member to a city board or committee to remove that member from that position prior to the expiration of their term, for any reason, if that removal doesn’t conflict with state law?
Recommendation: NO
Members of the city’s advisory boards, such as Parks and Recreation, are nominated and voted on by the full City Commission. Currently, they can only be removed by a majority of the commission, and some boards require cause under state law, the Herald reported.
There’s no need to change this system.
If this referendum passes, a commissioner or other top official, such as the city manager, could single-handedly remove a person they appointed to a board without a commission vote.
Some may argue that those who giveth can taketh away. But how can we expect members of powerful advisory boards making important decisions to act independently when they can be easily removed if a Gables official doesn’t agree with them? Asking for a commission vote isn’t such a tall order, and it ensures these decisions aren’t made on a whim or as retaliation.
The Coral Gables special election is April 21. It is a mail-ballot-only election. All registered voters will receive ballots in the mail. Ballots must be received by the elections office by 7 p.m. on April 21.
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 March 31, 2026 at 1:58 PM.
