Herald endorsement: Coral Gables Referendum 6 | Opinion

By the Miami Herald Editorial Board

Updated April 17, 2026 6:06 PM

Coral Gables commissioners held their first meeting inside the public safety building on March 10, 2026, as the historic City Hall prepares to undergo restoration. Michelle Marchante mmarchante@miamiherald.com

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.

Expand All

Here is the Herald Editorial Board’s recommendation on Coral Gables’ Referendum 6:

Question: Should the city’s charter be amended to require voter approval for any change in compensation for the city’s elected officials, aside from annual cost-of-living raises?

Recommendation: YES

This ballot item is coming to voters for good reason. In 2023, the previous city commission voted 3-2 to give itself a hefty pay raise along with an increase in their spending allowances.

The raise, which caused controversy, has since been rescinded. Last year, the newly reelected mayor, Vince Lago, and vice mayor, Rhonda Anderson, joined with new Commissioner Richard Lara to roll it back. Lago and Anderson had voted against it originally.

The previous commission’s action showed the danger in letting elected officials grant themselves big raises. These offices are considered to be part-time, with current annual compensation at about $47,000 for the mayor, about $41,000 for the vice mayor and $38,500 for the other three commissioners.

If commissioners want to be paid more for their public service, they should have to make their case to the voters who have to pay for it.

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

Who 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 2:00 PM.