To the Editor:

Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago picked this fight with the police and firefighters that we didn’t ask for and didn’t want it. But he’s left us no choice.

For years, we’ve done our jobs without politics. Firefighters and police officers show up, every day, for the people of Coral Gables. We run toward danger. We protect homes and families.

Lago called us “the fox guarding the henhouse.” Let’s be honest—nobody’s buying that. The real fox is sitting in the mayor’s office, making deals with developers while public safety takes a back seat.

We didn’t want to be in the middle of this. But when he lies to the public, when he downplays the truth, and when he goes after the people who risk their lives for this city—he forces our hand.

Here’s the truth:

The mayor ignored us when we raised red flags about safety.

He looked the other way while overdevelopment changed the face of Coral Gables.

Lago says he’s protecting quality of life. But ask any long-time resident if this still feels like the Coral Gables they knew and loved.

The mayor campaigns for another term like he cares but when it’s over, it’s business as usual—and everyone, including him, knows it.

We challenged the mayor, and he tried to tear us down. Now Commissioner Kirk Menendez stands up to Lago — and the mayor’s doing the same to him.

That’s how Lago operates —anyone who stands up to him and tells the truth, he tried to smear. Firefighters, police officers, and now one of his colleagues.

But the people of Coral Gables are paying attention. And they’re not backing down.

It’s time for leadership, not intimidation. Vote Kirk Menendez. He’s standing up for what’s right—and we’re standing with him.

David Perez
President, Coral Gables Professional Firefighters