Herald endorsement: Coral Gables Referendum 8 | 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 8:
Question: Should the charter be amended to require that the city keep a general fund reserve equal to 25% of the city’s operating budget and to require a four-fifths vote of the commission to change that or to spend the reserve money in ways that aren’t defined as an emergency?
Recommendation: NO
This measure has already been approved by a commission vote so it would remain the policy of Coral Gables no matter which way the vote goes. But a future commission could vote to change it unless it is added to the charter.
That is both a plus and a minus. Why should voters trust what a future commission will do? By putting the language in the charter, they would eliminate the risk of future irresponsible financial management by different elected officials.
If voters approve this, they’ll be tying the hands of future commissions who may face issues such as a recession and may need to make different financial choices. We believe voters elect their representatives to make exactly those kinds of choices.
The city can still tap the fund for emergencies. And Coral Gables already has a coveted triple bond rating, which lets the city borrow money at a cheaper rate for projects.
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 2:01 PM.
