Sergey Podlesnykh/Staff Writer
On November 3, Miami voters are facing more than one crucial choice. In addition to the tough Presidential dilemma, Miami-Dade County needs to elect a new mayor. The August primaries narrowed it down to a runoff race between Esteban Bovo and Daniella Levine Cava. If you are still undecided, here’s why I believe Cava is a better fit for those big mayoral shoes.
Let’s start with the big picture. County Mayor is a non-partisan position, but this election draws distinct partisan lines. Bovo, conservative Republican, and Cava, progressive Democrat, offer different views on running the county for the next four years. Without going into speculation about what will change after November, let’s take a sober look at the current realities.
Cava could be that fresh Democratic face that will bring much-needed change, balancing the Republican monopoly in Florida.
Here’s a list of Republicans today: the President enjoying a majority in the Senate; both Florida Senators and the governor; majority in Florida House of Representatives; the incumbent Miami-Dade County mayor and mayor of Miami city. If you are not completely happy with where we are today, Republicans might have something to do with it. Cava could be that fresh Democratic face that will bring much-needed change, balancing the Republican monopoly in Florida.
A month ago in the primaries, Bovo clinched the first place (29.28%) with only a half percent margin over Cava (28.79%). Curiously, two other Democratic candidates, Alex Penelas and Monique Nicole Barley, came in third (24.53%) and fifth (5.47%) respectively. If Miami-Dade Democratic voters could agree on endorsing Cava as opposed to pro-Trump Bovo, her victory doesn’t seem that far-fetched.
The last time Miami-Dade County had a female Mayor was… never. Cava is fit to break that spell like no one else. She has an impressive history of fighting for women’s rights and equality. Thanks to her efforts, Miami-Dade was the first County in the United States to sign on to the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. If you are looking for the Mayor who will champion women’s issues in Miami-Dade, it is Daniella Levine Cava.
I have to admit, Esteban Bovo presented a solid 4×4 plan covering many issues that require attention in Miami-Dade. However, it looks like a long-term development plan for the next ten-twenty years. The direction seems right, but harsh realities of 2020 demand specific steps to address immediate issues. That is exactly what we find in Cava’s program – handling of the COVID-19 and recovering from its economic damages, and addressing racial tensions. Her program is more detail-oriented and focused on today’s issues.
Similar to Trump, Bovo has been blaming his competition for the attempts to “defund the police”. The reality is, Cava presented a five-pillar reform, advocating improved police transparency and accountability, not “defunding”. She heard peaceful protesters of Miami-Dade and now tries to implement change without undermining the foundation of the police institution. If you are looking for the Mayor that listens to their constituents and presents alternative solutions, it is Daniella Levine Cava.
Miami-Dade faces unique challenges such as rising sea level and bay water pollution. If you were alarmed with the recent Biscayne Bay fishkill, you might be surprised to find out that Cava, sometimes labeled as “Water Warrior”, raised those prophetic concerns back in February. Moreover, back in 2017 she sponsored the resolution to support the Paris Climate Agreement. If you are looking for the mayor that will treat environmental issues seriously, it is Daniella Levine Cava.
Cava has had a great legal and non-profit career but the latter might prove to be a game-changing experience. The County budget was significantly stretched this year due to unexpected expenses in relation to COVID-19. Cava’s experience of running an organization with limited funds, with careful consideration of expenses and increased accountability are a necessary set of skills for the next Miami Mayor.
Many have already labeled the coming elections as the “choice of our lives”. Indeed, the Presidential election will have a direct effect on all Americans but we shouldn’t forget that our local authorities will have a more direct effect on our lives than the higher authorities in Washington, DC. The Cava-Bovo dilemma may not be advertised as broadly as the Trump-Biden one, but it will affect Miami-Dade County just as much, if not more.
I encourage you to support Daniella Levine Cava. But even if you have a different point of view, don’t stay away from the polls. Get out on November 3 and vote for your candidate-whomever that may be. If you prefer, stay at home and opt in to mail your ballot either way, participate. Because if you don’t, then you have no right to complain about the political choice that was made with your silent approval.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
Featured image from Jernej Furman on Flickr.
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