Private investigators surveilling elected officials and their families at schools and restaurants? Vandalism to cars? This is not the Coral Gables we know. There must be zero tolerance for such behavior, no matter how heated the politics have become. Everyone must take a deep breath and turn down the temperature. We call upon those behind these heinous acts to cease and desist immediately.

Yes, public officials must have thick skin. They know that criticism comes with the job. Sharp words on social media, heated debates in the public square—these are part of the democratic process. But slashing tires, stalking officials with their young children, and engaging in organized crime-style intimidation tactics cross the line into lawlessness.

What kind of city are we becoming when threats against elected officials and their families are brushed aside as “politics as usual”? Are we prepared to accept a political climate where intimidation replaces debate, where fear is wielded as a weapon against those who dare to take a stand? All because of a disagreement over how a commissioner voted?

Commissioner Ariel Fernandez put it plainly: “Let me be crystal clear—these mafia-style intimidation tactics have no place in Coral Gables, not today, not ever.” We agree.

Those behind these tactics must stop immediately. Families are off-limits. Political differences should be debated, as they always have been in Coral Gables. Threats, harassment, and violence are never the answer.

Is Coral Gables not better than this?