Silence Isn’t Leadership — Miami Beach Deserves Better

Miami Beach was built on bold ideas, creative expression, and the courage to stand up for what’s right — not on silence and fear. Yet today, Steven Meiner’s pattern of avoidance and inaction threatens the very values that make our city thrive. From staying quiet as symbols of equality are torn down, to supporting laws that stifle free speech and protest, to walking away when accountability is needed most, Meiner has shown that silence isn’t strength — it’s surrender. Miami Beach deserves leaders who listen, engage, and lead with integrity — leaders like Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, who stands up for our residents, our rights, and our future.

🚫Steven Meiner: A Proud Silencer of Speech

Miami Beach has always been a city that celebrates art, culture, and community. Yet under Steven Meiner, that legacy is under threat. His record paints a troubling picture of censorship, hypocrisy, and misplaced priorities — from attacking artists and free expression to undermining women’s safety and civil rights.

Silencing the Arts: The O Cinema Controversy

When O Cinema, a cherished local nonprofit theater, screened “No Other Land” — a documentary about Palestinian life under occupation — Meiner joined the chorus of officials calling for the theater’s eviction. Instead of defending artistic freedom, Meiner used his platform to pressure the venue and question its funding.

This act of political retaliation sent a chilling message: dissenting or complex narratives have no place in Miami Beach. O Cinema has long been a space for independent voices, from LGBTQ+ filmmakers to local artists — but under Meiner’s watch, even art became a target.

Residents, artists, and activists alike have watched as Meiner used his position not to foster civic engagement but to limit it. Miami Beach deserves leaders who listen — not those who weaponize their office to mute opposing voices.

Criminalizing Protest and Suppressing Voices

Under Meiner’s watch, Miami Beach passed a restrictive protest ordinance that civil rights groups quickly challenged in court. The law requires advance notice for demonstrations — in some cases, within one hour of their organization — effectively making spontaneous protests illegal.

As CBS News Miami reported, the law sparked a federal lawsuit alleging free-speech violations, arguing that it was designed to intimidate activists and suppress public dissent. Instead of listening to community concerns, Meiner doubled down, defending policies that limit Miami Beach residents’ constitutional right to assemble and speak out.

Turning His Back on Women and Accountability

Meiner’s record of avoidance doesn’t stop at silencing residents — it extends to how he handled serious issues involving women in the workplace. During his tenure at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a sexual-harassment investigation took place within the agency. Rather than standing with women or demanding transparency, Meiner remained silent and eventually resigned from the SEC after 17 years of service — just three years shy of qualifying for his full federal pension. The decision raised questions about accountability and judgment, particularly from someone who built his career on oversight.

The timing raised questions about accountability and judgment, particularly from someone who built his career on oversight. Whether in Washington or Miami Beach, the pattern is the same — when scrutiny arises, Meiner steps back instead of stepping up.

Silence on the LGBTQ+ Community

Miami Beach has long been a symbol of pride, acceptance, and inclusion — a city where the LGBTQ+ community has played a defining role in its culture, economy, and leadership. Yet Steven Meiner hasn’t spoken publicly on key LGBTQ+ issues, even as the community faces increasing hostility statewide.

Most recently, Meiner hasn’t addressed the removal of the iconic rainbow crosswalk — a symbol of Miami Beach’s decades-long commitment to equality — after it was pulled from the ground. For a city built on the belief that everyone should be seen, valued, and safe, that silence has not gone unnoticed.

At a time when leadership and solidarity are most needed, Meiner’s lack of engagement on LGBTQ+ issues underscores the importance of having leaders who actively stand for inclusion and reflect the values that define Miami Beach.

Kristen Rosen Gonzalez: A Proven Leader Ready to Move Miami Beach Forward

In an era when local leadership defines the strength and spirit of a community, Dr. Kristen Rosen Gonzalez stands out as a voice of integrity, vision, and compassion for Miami Beach. A professor at Miami Dade College and lifelong advocate for education, Kristen holds a Ph.D. and has built her career around protecting residents, supporting small businesses, and preserving the unique character that makes Miami Beach a world-class community.

A Record of Service and Integrity

Kristen’s time on the City Commission has been defined by action and accountability. She has consistently championed policies that make neighborhoods safer, improve quality of life, and bring residents closer to the decision-making process. Whether fighting for fair wages, advocating for flood mitigation, or standing up against overdevelopment, Kristen has shown she’s not afraid to take tough stands for what’s right.

Her commitment to transparent government and open communication has earned her the trust of voters across the city. Kristen believes residents — not developers or special interests — should have the loudest voice in City Hall.

A Champion for Small Businesses and Innovation

As a former small business owner, Kristen understands firsthand the challenges that entrepreneurs face in Miami Beach. She’s worked tirelessly to revitalize our commercial corridors, attract new customers to local shops and restaurants, and promote tourism that benefits the entire community — not just a few. Her forward-thinking approach to marketing and development has already inspired innovative campaigns to bring energy back to our neighborhoods.

Protecting the Environment and Our Future

Miami Beach’s future depends on resiliency and environmental leadership, and Kristen has long been a strong advocate for sustainability. From pushing for cleaner water and green infrastructure to prioritizing smart, historic preservation over reckless overdevelopment, she is determined to ensure Miami Beach remains a safe, livable, and beautiful place for generations to come.

A Vision for Everyone

Kristen Rosen Gonzalez is not just running for office — she’s standing up for every resident who believes in fairness, inclusion, and progress. She represents a new generation of leadership — one that listens, collaborates, and takes decisive action for the people.

Her campaign is rooted in the belief that Miami Beach works best when everyone has a seat at the table. Whether it’s ensuring public safety, protecting the environment, or empowering local voices, Kristen is ready to lead Miami Beach into a stronger, more unified future.

🗳️ It’s Time to Move Forward Together

Kristen Rosen Gonzalez is more than a candidate — she’s a proven advocate for the people. With your support, we can continue to build a Miami Beach that values safety, sustainability, and community over politics and division.

Vote for Kristen Rosen Gonzalez for Mayor of Miami Beach — a leader who listens, acts, and delivers.