Last March the Board of County Commissioners failed to approve my campaign finance reform ordinance. At that time I committed to continuing to work on this very important issue. To that end, on May 9, I presented a new campaign finance reform ordinance to the county commissioners that was approved by a vote of 10-3. This ordinance will reduce the maximum campaign contributions by individuals and political committees to candidates for Miami-Dade County Mayor, County Commissioners, Community Council and Fire Board.

This ordinance is a part of my ongoing effort to restore public confidence in local government. Limiting campaign contributions to $250 reduced the disparity of political influence between large donors, small donors and non-donors. This ordinance would require candidates to reach out to a broader spectrum of citizens to raise the funds needed to campaign. It is my belief that the $500 contributions primarily come from contributors with special interests. By reducing the maximum contribution the special interest influence also is reduced. I also believe that the $50 contribution becomes more valuable when the maximum contribution is $250.

In addition to this ordinance, I will be presenting a proposed law that will provide public access via the Internet to campaign finance data by requiring electronic submission of campaign finance reports and the posting of such information on the Department of Elections web page. This electronic reporting will give residents immediate access to the campaign finance process and hold candidates and elected officials to a higher standard of responsibility.

On a different topic, a growing number of people have stood up to assert their desire to redesign Bicentennial Park. Dozens spoke out at three public hearings sponsored by a Downtown Development Association subcommittee. The overwhelming sentiment was that a stadium was welcome in downtown Miami, but not in Bicentennial Park. Most favored a site on the Miami River, in the Buena Vista Yards, if available, or in a revamped Orange Bowl. Many said they were first inclined to support a Park West site, which was promoted by the CRA, until they learned about the impact of traffic and parking on the area's future development.

At the first DDA meeting, many questions were raised about the value of tax money being spent on such a stadium. Another concern was the lack of public involvement in the process. At the first public hearing, there were questions about the overall financing scheme for the stadium, the market value of the land that city staff was passing on -- only $44 million -- and the fact that the Marlins would be getting "free land" for a private enterprise.

Under the leadership of the Urban Environment League and its Committee of Hundreds, individuals from throughout our community made it clear that the present condition of the park is unacceptable and that new design plans need to be created to bring people back. Comparing a park inhabited mostly by the homeless with a shining new stadium was not a fair comparison. The park has not been adequately maintained, was poorly designed and residents and tourists alike need open space in downtown Miami. Everyone agreed that only an active park is a safe one.

At the first DDA meeting, UEL President Gregory Bush made a presentation exhibiting historical images of what the area looked like and underscored how the park had been poorly administered for years, first being abused as the site of the Miami Grand Prix and ignored from the time the Bayfront Park Trust took it over in 1994. At present it has no signage, bathroom facilities or security. Few people ever visit the site, although the Bayfront Park Trust has started upgrading the park.

The UEL led four walks through the park over the past few months, trying to raise awareness about the beauty of the waterfront location and the potential for the park. Dozens of people turned out for design workshops that generated a series of ideas and priorities about what to do with the park. The sentiment of the groups involved was to retain as much open space as possible within a new design that allows for a small museum, a revived slip area for small boats and historical craft, splash fountains, a restaurant, perhaps a carousel and a baywalk that would go from Margaret Pace Park to the mouth of the Miami River. Participants were unilaterally interested in making sure that a greenway connected the park to Overtown and that area residents be more involved in the redesign of the park so that it fully reflects their needs.

All in all, these developments exhibit that the movement for the Miami Circle and to create a Civil Rights Park on Virginia Key were not isolated incidents, but part of a growing trend that is placing more attention on upgrading waterfront parks, as well as inner city ones.

As always, please remember that my staff and I are always available to assist you and your family. My downtown office number is 305-375-5680 and my district office number is 305-529-0599.

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