CHOICES HAVE CONSEQUENCES: OUR VOTES ARE THE LIFELINE TO DEMOCRATIC VALUES

THE ELECTION

Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Greenberg

Was labeling our last presidential election as an “existential test to democracy” an overdramatization? That is a definitive NO!

Our rights are being trampled on a minute-by-minute basis, our frustration with the federal and state injustices and lack of common sense is at a breaking point and our need to speak out and defend what remains untouched of our Constitution grows exponentially.

Elections matter — not just in Washington, they matter just as much right here at home, at the local level. Our upcoming general election carries an unexpected weight this year. Do we want to defend democratic values? Do we want to retain Miami Beach’s standing as one of Florida’s few remaining enclaves of tolerance, inclusivity, basic decency and humanity? Is it unrealistic to seek stability and a clear direction from our lawmakers?

MBDC ENDORSEMENT

The Miami Beach Democratic Club endorsed incumbent commissioners Laura Dominguez (Group 2) and Alex Fernandez (Group 3) for a simple reason: they take their jobs seriously and are managing, in the process, to respect, and collaborate with, colleagues and listen to, and advocate for, their constituents.

If it is working, why change it, right?

In our current climate of economic and political instability, we need proven leaders to stay the course and continue performing as we know they can— and we must be cautious about untested “fixers” whose experience or transparency are an unknown factor.

OUR TAKEAWAY

The defining issues of this election will be wariness of overdevelopment and focus on affordable housing, addressing rising HOA costs, ensuring public safety in entertainment districts, tackling flooding and climate resilience, and managing tourism impacts on residents.

Our challenge as voters will be to choose leaders who have met or can meet these tests. As Democrats, we can't afford to sit out this election and hand control to lawmakers who are willing to carry out Tallahassee's bid to gain local control and engage in regressive cultural wars while ignoring critical issues that impact our community.