The office of mayor is probably the most closely watched race in the Coral Gables, where Election Day is scheduled for April 9. Incumbent Jim Cason is running for a second term after two years in office, while long-time Commissioner Ralph Cabrera is trying to unseat the mayor in what many have characterized as a personal crusade. Both candidates represent very different aspects of the local community and both sides have polarized supporters.
Jim Cason has a platform highlighting his past accomplishments and promising to continue the reforms. Indeed, in the past two years, Coral Gables decreased its property tax rates to some of the lowest rates in the last two decades. Popular pension reform plans have been achieved with two public sector unions to reduce the city's unfunded liabilities. Meanwhile, the City's reserves have grown from $157,000 to $21 million.
And while Cason has a much more defined program for Coral Gables than Ralph Cabrera, he also shows some political rhetoric that shouldn't be made. When asked about the $23 million-streetscaping project in the commercial district, the Mayor argues that taxpayers will not have to pay a single penny, as municipal bonds will be used to finance the renovations. But who exactly will have to repay the debt generated by the municipal bonds?
To discuss these issues, Jim Cason agreed to take some time to answer the Examiner.com's questions.
Mr. Cason, what have been your proudest achievements as Mayor in the past two years?
Getting the Biltmore to pay us our $5 million plus interest, lowering millage rate twice, refinancing city debt and reforming two of the three pensions.
Why do you feel the need to run for a second term?
I want to see our reserves built up to $25 million and to see through the 17 projects that will improve the infrastructure of our neighborhoods; these will improve home values.
Public unions have endorsed your opponent, mainly because of your push for pension reform. Are you planning any deeper reform to curb the City's unfunded liabilities?
I will see that the fire union pensions are reformed and we have more work that needs to be done to reform teamsters and police union pensions—they are still too generous and unaffordable
Your opponent makes the case that while property taxes have gone down under your watch, fees have actually gone up in Coral Gables. Is than an accurate statement on the City's revenue sources?
I have not voted to impose any new fees since elected. The [Emergency Medical Service] fee that Cabrera mentions was imposed in 2009 before I moved to Coral Gables. In the past 2 years I voted for a budget, along with the majority of the commission, that maintained the existing fee schedule imposed in earlier years.
Would you support the annexation of neighboring territories?
For Ponce/Davis, High Pines or Little Gables to be annexed by Coral Gables, it is my understanding that 20% of the residents would have to petition for this, the County Commission would have to approve, and then our citizens would have to vote to incorporate. To my knowledge, none of the 3 neighborhoods has given any signs of wanting to become part of Coral Gables. Only Ponce/Davis and High Pines would be easy fits for Coral Gables.
The Neighborhood Renaissance Program will cost more than $25 million in total. But, just like the Streetscape Program, it is nothing more than a subsidy to merchant and homeowner associations. Why not let these groups pay for their own renovations?
The Streetscape program envisions owners paying 50% of the cost. Enhanced downtown property values would cover another 25%. The city has in its budget the other 25%. The project, costing about $16 million, would be paid for by a 20-year bond. Taxpayers will not have to pay any of this out of property taxes.
Mr. Mayor, can you explain in more detail how City Manager Pat Salerno and yourself have worked to increase the city reserves from $157,000 to $21.1 million?
City reserves have increased via cuts in payroll of $3.3 million approximately, savings from 3 debt renegotiations of $8 million, pension cuts saving us $6.3 million annually, $5 million received from Biltmore for back rent. A new management is in place and they have found many inefficiencies, resulting in greater savings. Number of divisions reduced by two, also saving money. All this was done in a period when property tax revenues were declining.
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