The following pictures were taken by
Mr. Wilfrid M. Pressa, President & CEO of Radio R.C.H., Inc, while in attendance
at Mayor Carlos Alvarez's News Conference to address "Citizens for Open
Government" vs. "Citizens for Reform" Ruling
August 11, 2005
Stephen P. Clark Center
Miami-Dade County Mayor, Mr. Carlos
Alvarez
Mayor Carlos Alvarez's Staff assisting
the News Conference
Mayor Carlos Alvarez
Mayor's Assistant, Ms. Nadia Pierre
Mayor's Assistant, Ms. Nadia Pierre
(L to R): Director of Communication, Ms.
Vicky Mallette, Mayor's Assistant Ms. Nadia Pierre, and Media Relations
Specialist, Ms. Suzy Trutie
(L to R): Director of Communication, Ms.
Vicky Mallette, Mayor's Assistant Ms. Nadia Pierre, and Media Relations
Specialist, Ms. Suzy Trutie
Attorney Stephen Cody, PA, answering
questions from the Media
Attorney Stephen Cody, PA, answering
questions from the Media
Attorney Stephen Cody, PA, answering
questions from the Media
Attorney Stephen Cody, PA, answering
questions from the Media
Attorney Stephen Cody, PA, answering
questions from the Media
Attorney Stephen Cody, PA, answering
questions from the Media
Mayor Carlos Alvarez's Address:
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I am disappointed by the
court’s decision. There are thousands and thousands of voters today who are
disappointed along with me.
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Citizens for Reform
worked diligently to ensure the proposed reforms and changes to the county’s
charter were in accordance with local and state laws.
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Under the proposed
charter, the county commission can control the budget, set the tax
rate, override decisions on the hiring and firing of the manager and
department heads. If those are not tools for
governing, then I don’t know what
they are.
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When I read the
judge’s ruling, ten words stood out in my mind –
“Citizens have a right to alter their form of
government.”
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Voters have sent a
message. They want change. We clearly have the masses behind us.
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We
have nearly 124,000 signatures validated.
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Signatures from
every part of this county – as far North as Aventura, as far south as Florida
City, as far east as Miami Beach, and as far west as Kendall.
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I believe thousands
more people want the chance to
vote on this issue.
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This is not over. We
will appeal. We have a team of expert attorneys on our side to
argue our case.
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I campaigned on a
platform of reform – to change from a system that is
responsible for all, but accountable to none
-- to a system that demands more accountability, more efficiency, more fiscal
responsibility. I could not live with myself if I did not at least try to do
what I promised.
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With change comes
resistance. There are forces within this community determined to embrace the
business practices of the past. There are those who want nothing more than
business as usual. There are those who continue to put self-interests and
special-interests before the people’s interests.
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I
will continue to fight for what I believe in – and for what the people want.
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We have suffered a
setback, but I believe it is one that can be overcome.
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Meanwhile, I will
continue on with county business – protecting the urban development boundary,
improving transportation, closely monitoring construction at the north
terminal and the performing arts center, and on and on.
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Finally, I want to end by thanking all of our supporters – the thousands of
people who have given their time and money. Thank you.
For coverage of your special event
contact Mr. Wilfrid M. Pressa of Radio R.C.H., Inc at 786-229-8681