by Javier Manjarres
With the Miami-Dade County special election behind us, the forthcoming run-off elections on June 28th are expected to be even more contentious and controversial. Both Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina and County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez failed to secure the needed majority vote to win the mayoral special election, we we can now expect them both to bring out the ‘big guns’ and aim them squarely at one another. Both men have been the focus of recent attacks both substantiated and unsubstantiated, but regardless of whether or not the numerous allegations levied are true or not, it will interesting to see what other lines of attack emerge from both candidates.
Recently controversy regarding the Mayor’s race has left a bad taste in everyones’ mouth, especially voters living in the city of Hialeah after a mysterious robocall went out that took a swipe at the Hialeah way of politics.
“Irresponsible development, traffic congestion and noise, backroom deals and illegal gambling — is that what we want in our neighborhood? Of course not,” the unidentified voice said. “We aren’t Hialeah. Nor do we want to be.
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“Let’s stop Hialeah’s Robaina from importing his brand of shady politics to our neighborhood.”
Julio Robaina demanded and apology from Gimenez, whom he assumed was responsible for the calls. As for Gimenez, he too has been the target of attacks when Dade County PBA Friends of Law Enforcement PAC officials asserted that Gimenez was currently recieving several retirement pensions. The truth of the matter is that Gimenez is only receiving (1) pension from his days as a firefighter and serving as the City of Miami’s Fire Chief- read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/23/2231163/pba-assault.html#ixzz1NwhwhOrf
Many expect this race to get uglier, and some are saying that Robaina could very well lose the race since he was not able to win the special election outright in spite of his money and name ID advantages. It is also being said that because Gimenez is not facing as many rumors of impropriety like Robaina has been subjected too, that Gimenez’ rise in polls is not a fluke and he in position to upset the popular mayor from Hialeah. Stay tuned for more fireworks…
