Ken reminded me of that day it all started in Merrie Christmas Park.
"You’ll remember that day in the park when I kicked off the campaign and invited all of my competitors. Javi was throwing a football. Grace brought a pizza. Seth rode his bike. Even Teresa and Marc came by. I couldn’t get them on the slip n slide, but they came, and that was good. In that same spirit, I’m hoping that everyone will join me on Tuesday night at the Grove Spot. Not to trumpet a victory, but to celebrate Miami together. And by everyone, I mean the supporters of all the candidates," he said.
I do remember that day in the park, just like Ken describes it. It was a fun day, one of those days that stays in your mind for some reason with all the little details that he talks about and so many more. It was the start of something bigger.
What are the odds that Ken will win tomorrows election? I accept the fact that Hen Russell is to be our District 2 Commissioner for the next four years. I know he is a charming, well-spoken young man who ran an excellent campaign and is victories. But being well spoken and getting voted is no proof of qualifications to the position or assurance of being up for the task at hand. From the beginning it was obvious that there would only really be three contenders. It was selfish and irresponsible for the other candidates to waist our time at the forums. Most of them where illprepaired and unworthy of even being there. It is too bad that they took votes away from the one candidate that really had knowledge of zoning, government process and has fought for our community for many years. I suspect that you will never see most of the candidates including Teresa at any future P&Z or Commission meetings. But I bet you will see Grace Solares because that is what a true blue community advocate does whether they win or lose. Tomorrow is the run-off election that should have been between Grace and Ken, since Teresa did not deserve to be running and neither did the rest of those candidates. I am pleased that the Sarnoff’s are finally gone (as Term Limits where meant to be) but I feel that District 2 would have been in better hands with Grace at the tiller of this ship. Ken is the victor and I see no reason to vote tomorrow. Let’s wish him well. Let’s hope he doesn’t disappoint us too soon, when all the greedy developers start to come before the Commissioners requesting up-zoning for more height and density, regardless of the intention of Miami-21.
ReplyDeleteGrace would be better served by supporters who know when to call it a day. This constant barrage of trash-talk even after a convincing defeat, is sad and embarrassing for Grace and her supporters. She should speak up herself and tell them to stop, or we are left to believe that she's as poor a loser as it appears.
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"It was selfish and irresponsible for the other candidates to waist our time at the forums. Most of them where illprepaired and unworthy of even being there. It is too bad that they took votes away from the one candidate that really had knowledge of zoning"
IN A DEMOCRACY EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO RUN FOR OFFICE. WE DO NOT LIVE IN A SOCIETY WHERE ONLY A SELECT CLASS CAN RULE!!!!
I have credibility problems with whatever beliefs a person has if they can't even spell "waste" correctly in a comment. Grace may be a great community advocate but obviously a good number of voters out there didn't want Grace as a city commissioner and voted for other candidates, worthy or not.
ReplyDelete9:29 you ruined the whole premise by pointing to grammar when lack of understanding (of democracy) and complacence is the underlying issue.
ReplyDeleteIts Democratic to like Budweiser and make it the most popular beer in the country. But that does not make it the best tasting or highest quality beer.
ReplyDeleteAnyone can get elected if they convince enough voters through mass advertising and good speeches that they will have answers to all the problems. Within six months the truth will be reveled and buys remorse will set in. Enjoy the honeymoon.
Until she tells them to stop, I am imagining every one of these comments is written by Grace herself.
ReplyDeleteShe should feel as embarrassed as we feel for her.
So did Ken win today? How many people decided to turn out for this one horse race, that cost the taxpayers over $100K?
ReplyDeleteHow much is that per voter? Can we bill the Sarnoff's? Now that would be a better use for the War Chest they have remaining.
Can Grace sue herself for not winning?
ReplyDeleteToday I did what Ken Russell has done all his adult life.....I didn't vote!
ReplyDeleteDid Ken win by 100% this time? Asking folks to vote for you when you never voted is like asking a pal to help you move from your house, when you never even bothered to offer help when he could have used it. Not a very good first step in that four year road. Here is a tip for those with a lack of zoning knowledge. Don't vote to support any variances for up-zoning, no matter what developer's promise. Tell them, you can build what the property is zoned for in Miami-21. No ifs ands or buts!
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