Mayoral candidate: After insulting decision by the commission, I’m suing Miami | Opinion

I believe Miami, our vibrant, dynamic city, stands at a precipice.

We face urgent, existential threats: an escalating affordability crisis, a city and infrastructure groaning under the weight of rapid growth and a business climate that fears its own local government.

Those are some of the reasons I, a former Miami city manager, declared my candidacy for mayor in May.

As if those challenges weren’t enough, now city officials are attempting to steal our vote for mayor and commissioner this November.

Last week, our City Commission, in a brazen power grab, voted to extend their own terms by one year — even for term-limited members — and cancel the November 2025 election, moving it to 2026.

This assault on democracy threatens every Miamian’s well-being. That’s why I filed a lawsuit Monday challenging the commission’s vote.

In my 41-page complaint, I explain that moving city elections from odd- to even-numbered years effectively grants Mayor Francis Suarez and city commissioners an extra year in office — without voter consent.

Their excuses for moving the elections — higher turnout and cost savings — are flimsy and insulting, dismissing our right to choose leaders on time.

This maneuver, especially by those facing term limits, defies self-governance.

The real cost isn’t ballot printing; it’s another year of worsening conditions under ethically, if not legally, conflicted leadership that prioritizes power over the public good.

In 2017, Miami voters approved the $400 million Miami Forever Bond to build a resilient city, protecting residents, our economy and tourism with sustainable solutions. Yet critical projects have stalled and funds remain unspent — mere political theater.

Rising tide of neglect

We allocated $192 million for sea-level rise mitigation and flood prevention. Yet, because of this delay, streets in Edgewater, Flagami and Brickell will again turn into canals on sunny days. Homes will continue to flood. Businesses will face mounting losses.

Another hurricane season is here and Miami remains unprepared with inadequate storm drains and exposed infrastructure. If a major storm strikes before these projects are finished, the damage — and cost to taxpayers — will skyrocket. That means even higher living costs for residents already stretched thin. This isn’t just about water; it’s about our homes, businesses and way of life being submerged by political inertia.

Miami’s housing crisis

The bonds also designated $100 million for affordable housing. Miami already faces one of the worst affordability crises in the nation. Another year of delay means thousands more families — from teachers to nurses — will be priced out of neighborhoods like Little Havana and Allapattah.

It means more people on our streets, more strain on overstretched services and a devastating “brain drain” as young professionals flee a city they can no longer afford. The longer this money sits, the less it will accomplish as construction costs soar.

Infrastructure collapse

The $23 million for roadways and $7 million for public safety are vital. Another year of delay means longer, more frustrating commutes and slower emergency response times, directly affecting family safety and economic productivity.

And let’s not forget the $78 million for parks and cultural facilities. Another year of inaction leaves playgrounds dilapidated and community spaces neglected, impacting mental health and social cohesion.

Taxpayer dollars wasted

I filed my lawsuit to defend every Miami citizen’s right to vote for mayor and commissioner this Nov. 4.

The commission’s decision to cancel the election is outrageous. They deliberately defied the Florida attorney general’s explicit warning that this move is illegal and unconstitutional.

Now we face costly legal battles, funded by your tax dollars, draining resources from the services we need most. This isn’t just irresponsible governance; it’s an open display of contempt for the rule of law and the will of the people.

I will not stand idly by while our city’s future is held hostage. This fight is about more than an election date — it’s about reclaiming Miami’s future from those who would silence its citizens.

Miami needs immediate action — not another year of delay and political maneuvering.

Let our voices be heard. Let the elections proceed.

Emilio González is a former Miami city manager and a declared candidate for mayor of Miami.

This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM.