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 |  Los Angeles Times -
Nov-04-2009A New Mayor for Miami(topic overview)
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With 97 of 128 precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Regalado had 71.74 percent and Joe Sanchez had 28.26 percent. Both candidates are city commissioners, who were running to replace outgoing Mayor Manny Diaz. [1] "Radical change is something we've not been receptive to." Ford said she called 46-year-old Foster about 8 p.m. to concede the election and thank him. "I'm sad, a little disappointed with the outcome, but extremely thrilled with the amount of volunteer support and financial support in these tough economic times," the newspaper quoted Ford as saying. The Miami candidates are both city commissioners. They were vying to replace outgoing mayor Manny Diaz, who has served two four-year terms and can't run again. Regalado, 62, was born in Havana and came to Miami with his younger brother in the so-called "Pedro Pan Flights" of the early 1960s.[2] Regalado, 62, was first elected as a city commissioner in 1996. He replaces outgoing Mayor Manny Diaz, who is barred from seeking a third term.[3] Two city commissioners in Miami were vying to replace outgoing Mayor Manny Diaz, who has served two four-year terms and can't run again.[4] In Miami, voters are headed to the polls to select a new mayor, with two city commissioners vying to replace outgoing Mayor Manny Diaz.[5]
In St. Petersburg, with all precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Bill Foster with more than 52 percent of the votes and Kathleen Ford with just over 47 percent. Foster and Ford are both lawyers and former city commissioners. They were vying to replace popular Mayor Rick Baker, who was also limited to two four-year terms. [2] A former television reporter, Regalado was first elected as a city commissioner in 1996. Sanchez, a Cuban-born former state trooper, was appointed to his commission seat in June 1998 and has since been elected to two four-year terms. He is now the commission chairman. Regalado had said he will focus on growth and economic development, but added that any major city-financed projects should be placed before the voters. In St. Petersburg, Ford, 52, developed a grass-roots campaign built on volunteers and sharp criticism of the status quo and what she said is a political good ol' boy network in Florida's fourth-largest city. She has been an outspoken critic of Baker's administration and challenged him unsuccessfully for mayor in 2001. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)[2] The next Mayor of Miami will inherit a $60 million budget hole, disgruntled city employees and arguably the worst economic outlook of any major city in the state. City commissioners Joe Sanchez and Tomas Regalado will show up at the polls with shirts with cheesy slogans about economic stimuli while they fight for the coveted title of Mayor of the Magic City.[6] Commissioner Tomas Regalado was elected Mayor of Miami Tuesday evening as fellow commissioner Joe Sanchez conceded the mayoral race late in the evening. The City of Miami District 4 Commissioner was named the frontrunner, in no small part, because of his fame as a longtime radio and television newsman.[7]
In Miami, with all of the precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Tomas Regalado had nearly 72 percent and Joe Sanchez had just over 28 percent.[2]
Joe Sanchez wants to jump-start the economy by investing tax money in job-creating projects, while Tomas Regalado says major city-financed proposals should be put before voters.[4]
"And we will do it by not wasting money." Sanchez said he called Regalado to concede, but spoke with his chief of staff. "The voters in the city of Miami have exercised their democratic process. I certainly respect that we live in great country and I wish him the best," Sanchez said.[2] Regalado was one of the most vocal commissioners to kill a deal between the city and the team to build a new stadium in Little Havana using tax payer money. Diaz thinks the Marlins are a world-class organization that will carry Miami's great name, even if they didn't host fundraisers for him or contribute thousands of dollars to his campaign. Regardless of who wins, tackling the city's out of control budget will test their metal at the outset and will likely define their tenure. Sanchez wants the union employees to bear the brunt of cutbacks by attacking pensions, which he says contributes to 80 percent of city expenses. It would be a challenge for Regalado to take a similar stance because of his alliance with the unions, which are supporting him in the election. He's already sacrificed his own pension and pay to show that he will do anything to be the mayor, including laying off his coffee fetish.[6] The vote may boil down to current Mayor Manny Diaz, who is leaving quite a mess for his successor to clean up. If you like the outgoing leader, you'll probably vote for his 44-year-old disciple, Sanchez. If you didn't agree with his policies and wanted to toss the Marlins out of town, then "Diaz Hater" Regalado, 63, is your man. Both have represented their districts for over ten years and have steered clear of scandal, which can be hard to do in South Florida politics.[6]
The Republican had 72 percent of the vote with 113 of 128 precincts reporting. [7]
SOURCES
1. Regalado appears to have won the Miami mayor race - ABC-7.com WZVN News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida
2. Miami, St. Petersburg Elect New Mayors - cbs4.com
3. The Associated Press: Havana-born city commissioner elected Miami mayor
4. Polls For Miami, St. Petersburg Mayors Race Close - Miami - WKRG.com
5. Poder 360'' - Page One Daily News - Election Day 2009 ''' Miami-Dade County
6. Election '09: The Battle for Head Magician | NBC Miami
7. Poder 360'' - Page One Daily News - Regalado Wins Miami Mayor Race
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