Candidates for the Group II and Group III City Commission seats participated in what is likely their final joint event before the April 8 election. The Gables Good Government Committee Candidates Forum, held March 12 at the Coral Gables Museum, provided an opportunity for candidates to outline their priorities and address residents’ concerns.
While the event did not yield major policy revelations, it offered insight into the candidates’ platforms and governance approaches. One notable absence was Felix Pardo, who is challenging Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson for the Group II seat. Pardo was present before the event but left early to attend a meeting of the city’s Planning & Zoning Board, of which he is a member.
Group II Candidates
Rhonda Anderson
Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson focused on development, a longstanding issue in Coral Gables. She presented maps and detailed descriptions of ongoing projects, emphasizing her role in curbing overdevelopment and securing green space.
During the Q&A session, Anderson addressed residents’ concerns. She said the city’s landscape development plan would be ready within 30 to 60 days, explained that tree trimming follows a four-year cycle, and encouraged residents to hire licensed private trimmers when possible. On garbage pit filling, she invited residents to provide specific locations. Regarding traffic and public safety, she urged residents to report issues, emphasizing the challenge of monitoring all areas.
Laureano Cancio
Newcomer Laureano Cancio remarked that the city, like the nation, is polarized. He expressed concern that much of the election discourse focused on commissioners not on the ballot. He advocated for greater support for the arts and improved education alternatives.
Cancio defended the commission’s decision to approve salary increases, explaining that the process was conducted transparently and legally. He argued that fair compensation reduces conflicts of interest. He also opposed appointing an inspector general for the city, asserting that existing prosecutors are sufficient to address corruption.
Felix Pardo
Although Pardo did not speak at the event, a letter he submitted was read. He explained his absence, citing a Planning & Zoning Board meeting discussing the Live Local Act. Pardo’s statement characterized the legislation as a potential threat to local zoning control, stating that it has been used to justify upzoning under the guise of affordable housing. He pledged to protect the city’s autonomy.
Group III Candidates
Richard Lara
Richard Lara, seeking the seat Commissioner Kirk Menendez vacated, praised Coral Gables as “the best city in the United States.” He said specific issues motivated his candidacy, particularly the commission’s pay raise. Lara criticized the process, arguing that residents should have been consulted.
During the Q&A, Lara denied involvement with any political action committees. When asked about his residency, he clarified that while he has always considered Coral Gables home, he has not continuously lived there. His response prompted laughter from the audience.
Claudia Miro
Second-time candidate Claudia Miro emphasized her experience at the city, county, and state levels. She positioned herself as the most qualified candidate and committed to independent leadership.
Miro called for curbing overdevelopment, stating that Coral Gables has 120 high-rises with 30 more planned. On the annexation of Little Gables, she said the city should first focus on internal issues before expanding.
Tom Wells
Tom Wells encouraged residents to research all candidates before voting. He pledged to oppose incompatible real estate developments and exceptions to zoning laws. He also advocated for competitive salaries for police officers and firefighters to enhance recruitment and retention.
Wells called for increased government transparency and civility among officials and residents. He opposed the annexation of Little Gables, consistent with his previous stance when the issue was last on the ballot.
During the Q&A, Wells stated that Coral Gables does not handle immigration matters. His remark contrasted with a recent announcement from the city’s police chief, who confirmed an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to train officers as immigration agents.
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The fact that the first line of any of Mr. Lara’s campaign material clearly states he has been “calling Coral Gables home since he was 14 years old” is deceitful. It’s just more of the same smoke and mirrors that politicians love to use to convince voters that “they are the one”. Why would anyone vote for someone who’s opening line is not forthcoming? Candidates should be truthful and honest. Mr. Lara is neither. It’s no wonder he hasn’t voted in a Coral Gables municipal election is 25 years. He hasn’t lived here! He lived in Westchester. Yet he wants our vote. Then of course, to reinforce his deceit he adds “I live in and own a historic home in Coral Gables”. Big deal, whoopie!!!! That makes you an honest candidate and now we should believe you! Lot’s of people own historic homes in Coral Gables. Owning a historic home in Coral Gables does not qualify you to be on our commission.
If anyone attended the Gables Good Government candidate forum this past Wednesday he was asked about having a PAC, to which he replied “No, I don’t have a PAC”. I guess the better question should have been “Do you benefit from or use funds from Mayor Lagos multiple PAC’s?” He can’t say no to that one. Mr. Lara is a tool of Mayor Lago in the hopes of having him get that “it only takes 3” vote. From the onset, when Mr. Lara announced his candidacy during a commission meeting, my first thoughts were “Is this guy for real?” and “How could the mayor allow this to take place?” Now I understand why.
Shame on you Mr. Lara for attempting to fool the residents of Coral Gables with your untruths. I am sure we will have more of the same if you were to be elected.
LARA….. Lago’s Adherent Responsive Aficionado You live, lie, and act by the cool aid you drink buddy…
There’s an old saying about politicians: When they’re not lying, they’re stealing children’s Lollipops. After reading all this, I can’t come to any other conclusion. They’re asking for everything to change, so everything stays the same. Nothing new.
Let’s be clear and accurate, something Richard Lara hasn’t done. According to public records, he lived on Cadagua Avenue from 1998 to 2003. He last voted in a Coral Gables municipal election in 1999, but he lived here until 2003! Obviously not interested or engaged enough to vote in the city he professes to love so much. He then lived outside the city from 2003 to 2021. In February 2021 he bought his historic home on Coral Way. Again a resident of the City Beautiful, but not interested, concerned or involved enough to vote in the 2021 election or runoff, nor in the 2023 election or runoff! Why???
As a 35 year continuous, uninterrupted, actual resident of Coral Gables, (although I don’t own a historic home), I have never missed an opportunity to vote in our elections. It’s a right and a privilege…and I am appalled and incensed that someone who hasn’t exercised their right to vote in all these years would expect anyone to vote for them!
To add to Richard Lara’s hypocrisy, he is pushing the same agenda as Vince Lago, and wants to change our April elections to November to “increase voter participation”. What a joke. If he wants to increase voter participation, he can begin by voting himself.
100 years of April elections have worked just fine for Coral Gables, with and without Lara’s vote.