Commissioners Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez have found themselves, so far, on the short end of some 3-2 votes. But even in the minority, commissioners have an essential role to play.
EDITORIAL: Commission minority’s responsibility is to question
OPINION
In a five-member body like the Coral Gables City Commission, majority control carries the power to set the agenda, approve development and determine policy direction. A 3–2 vote is often decisive. But even in the minority, commissioners have an essential role to play.
Today, the commission majority is, for now, Mayor Vince Lago, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson and Commissioner Richard Lara. Commissioners Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez, who were part of the majority until the April election, now form the minority. The shift is a reminder that commission dynamics are fluid—but public responsibility is constant.
In any governing body, the minority serves as a vital check on power. Lacking the votes to direct outcomes, commissioners in the minority can still shape the debate by asking questions, raising overlooked concerns and ensuring that the public sees how and why decisions are made.
Lacking the votes to direct outcomes, commissioners in the minority can still shape the debate by asking questions, raising overlooked concerns and ensuring that the public sees how and why decisions are made.
This influence is procedural but significant. Even when motions fail, they enter the public record. They create visibility. They give voice to residents whose priorities may differ from the majority’s. In Coral Gables visibility matters.
A commission minority can also extend its work beyond the dais. Hosting town halls, publishing alternative views and requesting documentation and/or audits all strengthen civic transparency. These actions don’t require a majority. They require initiative—and a commitment to open government.
Constructive questioning is a public service. A strong commission depends on dialogue. When ideas are tested from multiple angles, better policies emerge.
The majority, for its part, benefits from making space for this dialogue. Listening to opposing views legitimizes authority. Residents are more likely to trust a government that challenges itself.
In Coral Gables, residents expect their leaders to ask tough questions and make thoughtful decisions. That responsibility rests with all five commissioners—those in the majority and those in the minority.
Every seat on the dais matters. A commission minority may not determine the final vote but it helps determine whether the process earns public confidence. In a city built on civic tradition, that confidence is worth protecting.
It shouldn’t be a majority or minority , all should work together for the good of the people. Not for self interest, The election reflects what the citizens want from their government not the self interests and self serving commissioners.
I urge Commissioners Castro and Fernandez to continue asking hard questions and challenging decisions, as they have been doing.
You are our voices, especially now when residents’ comments are being restricted more than ever.
Thank you for your service to our community. Your efforts are appreciated.
I hate that the city I have lived in for so long has been turned upside down with all the commissioners fighting against each other, The new power players are only interested in POWER, POWER, and not working for the good of the city. I would love to see the donations of money for all the candidates that ran this last election….T.V. adds are VERY expensive and only two who were elected had them???????
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It shouldn’t be a majority or minority , all should work together for the good of the people. Not for self interest, The election reflects what the citizens want from their government not the self interests and self serving commissioners.
Good point…..but that is NOT happening now. This new
majority is only after vengeance, not governance!!
I urge Commissioners Castro and Fernandez to continue asking hard questions and challenging decisions, as they have been doing.
You are our voices, especially now when residents’ comments are being restricted more than ever.
Thank you for your service to our community. Your efforts are appreciated.
I hate that the city I have lived in for so long has been turned upside down with all the commissioners fighting against each other, The new power players are only interested in POWER, POWER, and not working for the good of the city. I would love to see the donations of money for all the candidates that ran this last election….T.V. adds are VERY expensive and only two who were elected had them???????
Huh? Slanted editorial because one of the new “group of 2” commsrs flipped from gables insider to gazette?
So, why are you not covering the blatant public legal threats against a resident by the same Commsr who strapped us with wasted City monies ?
It’s not gonna fool nor save the “2” from re-election plus one of them no longer will march in lockstep with the other
It’s save yourself time!