Herald endorsement: Coral Gables Referendum 5 | 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 5:
Question: Should the Coral Gables City Charter be amended to allow inspector general services to be contracted with Miami-Dade County or a private entity as needed to investigate and audit city operations in order to prevent fraud and abuse of power? The inspector general would have the power to subpoena documents and witnesses.
Recommendation: YES
In recent years, the Coral Gables City Commission has faced controversies involving allegations of favoritism, lack of transparency and misuses of power. These concerns have led to the call for independent oversight that Amendment 5 creates.
Initially, in 2024, Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson put forth a measure to create an independent Office of Inspector General. But the measure failed in a 2-3 vote because of concerns over creating an office through a commission vote.
The amendment wouldn’t create a permanent new office. Instead, it would allow the City Commission to contract with the Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General or another outside entity when needed to investigate waste, fraud and abuse. The details of outlined powers, qualifications and scope of authority beyond auditing and subpoena power would still need to be voted on by the commission.
Inspector general services are a good idea, especially in the name of government transparency and restoring trust among the City Beautiful’s residents.
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 1:59 PM.
