As Coral Gables voters prepare to head to the polls, the city’s political landscape is defined by familiar issues—overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and public safety. While candidates largely agree on these concerns, key differences emerge in their backgrounds, priorities, and records. With Election Day approaching, here’s how the candidates compare in the three races.
Mayoral Matchup
Experience
Vince Lago (Incumbent, 47) – Elected in 2021 as the city’s youngest mayor, Lago previously served eight years as a commissioner and sat on the Planning & Zoning Board. His biography describes him as an executive at a management and design firm.
Kirk Menendez (Challenger, 62) – Elected as commissioner in 2021, Menendez has deep ties to Coral Gables, having lived there his entire life. He has served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and coached at the War Memorial Youth Center.
Michael Abbott (Challenger, 60) – An accountant with more than 30 years of experience, Abbott has no prior government service. He moved to Coral Gables in 2002 and became active in local issues, notably opposing the city’s rescinded truck ordinance and the Fire Fee.
Head-to-Head: Voting Records and Clashes
Lago and Menendez frequently clashed on the commission, with Menendez voting against Lago on several high-profile issues:
- Commissioner Raises – Lago strongly opposed a 100 percent pay increase for commissioners, calling it excessive. Menendez defended the decision, saying it was legally implemented and long overdue.
- City Manager Turnover – Menendez cast the deciding vote to fire the city’s manager, a move Lago opposed. He also supported hiring two replacements without a formal search, which Lago criticized.
- Election Timing – Lago advocated moving city elections to November to cut costs and boost turnout. Menendez voted against the change, arguing it would politicize nonpartisan races.
Abbott, an outsider to City Hall politics, has positioned himself as a fiscal conservative, supporting government efficiency and transparency but offering few detailed positions on city-specific disputes.
In Their Own Words
Menendez: “One of the biggest differences between myself and my opponent, Vince Lago, is our approach to leadership. I am committed to listening to the residents and making decisions that prioritize their needs. Under Lago’s leadership, we’ve seen overdevelopment, rising costs, and a lack of transparency that has eroded trust.”
Abbott: “I’m not a politician chasing power, but a public servant driven by purpose. Coral Gables needs transparency, strong civil rights protections, and leadership that puts the community first.”
Lago did not respond to a request for comment.
Group II Commission Race
Experience
Rhonda Anderson (Incumbent, 62) – Elected in 2021, Anderson was appointed vice mayor two years later. An attorney with 37 years of experience, she has served on multiple city boards, including Planning & Zoning and Public Safety.
Felix Pardo (Challenger, 70) – An architect with 46 years of experience, Pardo has been involved in city governance for decades, serving on various boards and committees. He currently sits on the Planning & Zoning Board.
Laureano Cancio (Challenger, 74) – An attorney with a Coral Gables-based practice, Cancio has minimal government experience before entering this race.
Key Differences
Anderson has aligned with Mayor Lago on major issues, voting against commission raises, opposing city manager firings, and supporting the failed election date change. She has campaigned on her record of promoting public safety and traffic-calming measures.
Pardo, however, argues she has not done enough to curb overdevelopment. “The closer we get to the election, the more my opponent is looking like me,” he said. “I have consistently fought for responsible development for over 40 years, while special interests have eroded the Coral Gables way of life.”
Cancio focuses on governance and conflict resolution. “As a labor attorney and former HR director, I have experience resolving disputes. I am the leader Coral Gables needs to heal divisions.”
Anderson did not respond to requests for comment.
Group III Commission Race
Experience
Richard Lara (56) – Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS). His campaign website cites involvement with the now-defunct Coral Gables Anti-Crime Committee, but he has no elected or appointed city government experience.
Claudia Miro (49) – A director of Business and Government Affairs at Freebee, a transit service operating in Coral Gables, Miro has served on the Planning & Zoning Board and ran for commission in 2021.
Tom Wells (62) – An attorney and long-time Coral Gables resident, Wells has actively participated in city governance. He serves on the Charter Review Committee and frequently engages with commission meetings.
Key Differences
Miro positions herself as the most experienced in government, emphasizing her knowledge of state and local funding. “I am the only candidate in this race with real experience navigating government and securing necessary funds for the city.”
Wells highlights his financial independence and transparency, noting, “I am self-funding my campaign, showing my independence from PACs and special interests.” He also touts his law and accounting background as essential skills for governance.
Lara did not respond to requests for comment.
