Yesterday, Mayor Eileen Higgins did exactly what she promised: she honored her campaign pledge to shorten her own term so Miami can finally have a legitimate, voter-driven conversation about even-year elections. That’s what integrity looks like, giving something back to Miami, not taking something more.
And yet here we are again with Commissioner Damian Pardo, trying to drag this city into another round of the same self-serving power plays that embarrassed Miami last year.
Let’s not forget. Pardo’s 2025 election-delay scheme was thrown out by judges, rejected by state officials, and cost taxpayers over $100,000 in wasted legal fees. The courts called it unlawful. Residents called it a scam. And the city was humiliated statewide.
If Pardo truly believed in even-year elections, he’d follow the Mayor’s lead and shorten his own term to make the transition work. Instead, he’s using the issue as cover for yet another attempt to secure more time, more salary, more perks, all at the expense of Miami voters.
Miami deserves commissioners who will give back, not take more. Commissioners who will stand with the Mayor, not hide behind procedural games to reward themselves.
I’m calling on every commissioner, especially those who know better, to take a stand. Reject any proposal that extends your own terms, support a transition that respects the voters, and put Miami’s democracy ahead of Miami’s perks.
If we’re going to rebuild public trust, it starts with a simple principle. Leaders don’t extend their own power. Leaders sacrifice for the public good.
The Mayor just proved that. It’s time for Commissioner Pardo, and those enabling him, to finally do the same.
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James Torres is a leading advocate for the residents of Downtown Miami. As President of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, he has led the charge for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and real community representation in Miami’s urban core.
The Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) is the primary resident organization for Downtown Miami, representing more than 50,000 people who call the city’s urban core home. Through its network of condo associations and neighborhood leaders, DNA focuses on quality of life, public safety, transparency, and making sure downtown residents have a real voice at City Hall.
James believes the government should serve the people — not special interests. His advocacy is rooted in protecting neighborhoods, defending public spaces, and ensuring residents have a real voice in shaping the future of the city they call home.
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