Bryan Calvo challenges continuity in Hialeah: Enough is enough.

Bryan Calvo challenges continuity in Hialeah: Enough is enough. “Hialeah needs real change, not more recycled politicians.”

Hialeah, April 2025 — At just 27 years old, Bryan Calvo not only represents a new political generation in Hialeah but also the frustration of a city that, in his words, has been hijacked by cronyism and corruption. A former councilman, Harvard-trained attorney, and former White House staffer under Donald Trump, Calvo isn’t afraid to speak out: “This city is stagnant, and the ones responsible are the same people who’ve been passing power among themselves for 30 years.”

A City Paralyzed by Neglect

Calvo’s criticism is blunt: dirty streets, rusted hydrants (20% are nonfunctional), iconic businesses like Stephen’s Deli closing after 70 years, and rising crime. “People are selling their homes because they can’t afford to live here. Meanwhile, the government has raised taxes by $111 million in three years and approved golden pensions for themselves,” he states.

As a councilman, he was the only one to vote against three consecutive tax increases (13%, 12%, 11%) and pushed for an investigation into the Water Department, revealing that Hialeah pays the third most expensive service in Miami-Dade. “Water is a piggy bank to finance excesses like retroactive pensions. We’ll lower rates by cutting those abuses!”

Public Safety: Same Number of Police for Twice the Population

“We have 200 police officers for 300,000 residents — the same number as 20 years ago. People live in fear,” he warns. His plan:

• – Hire and retain more officers (many leave for other cities).
• – Reinforce 911 services (he denounced the lack of operators).
• – Keep trained personnel on the force.

“Today we have the same number of police officers as 20 years ago, but twice as many residents. People are afraid to go out at night or open their doors,” he says.

Retroactive Pensions: A Robbery Against the People

Calvo exposes one of the most outrageous scandals: outgoing Mayor Esteban Bovo granted himself a retroactive pension using public funds before leaving for a lucrative lobbying job in Washington. “After only three years as mayor, taxpayers will now pay him for life. Meanwhile, neighbors who worked 25 years get no retirement,” he reveals.

But there’s more: in 2013, 80% of Hialeah voters approved a referendum to eliminate pensions for elected officials. “Bovo and his team ignored the will of the people. It’s theft in broad daylight,” Calvo declares. As mayor, his first action will be:

• – Eliminate political pensions permanently.
• – Block any future attempt to reinstate them.
• – Audit every dollar wasted on these benefits.

“This isn’t just corruption — it’s betrayal of the people who trusted them.”

“The current mayor is going to Washington with a lifetime pension he himself voted for. The voters didn’t approve that; he gave it to himself when he left. It’s a mockery.”

Fighting Corruption in Buildings and Beyond

Calvo exposes HOA fraud: “This is financial crime. As mayor, I’ll use the Police Department to investigate embezzlement, fraudulent fees, and collapsing buildings.” He criticizes the current administration’s inaction: “They say it’s a state issue, but we’re the city with the most condos in Miami-Dade.”

Vacant Land and Economic Development

He also challenges how city funds are used. He proposes leasing or developing the 55 acres of vacant city-owned land to generate revenue without raising taxes. “We must get creative. Raising taxes can’t always be the answer.”

Proposals include:

• – Attracting businesses (permits currently take 2–3 years). “While Doral grows, Hialeah looks stuck in time.”
• – Building affordable housing.
• – Leasing land to industry to generate revenue without new taxes.

Double Standards on Cuba and the Cubamax Case

Calvo calls out companies like Cubamax for allegedly collaborating with the Cuban regime under the blind eye of local officials. “I pushed for a resolution against Cubamax for violating city ordinances. It passed. And what did the mayor do? Nothing.”

“I’ll create a municipal task force with prosecutors to investigate them,” he promises, claiming many of these companies violate local and federal laws with impunity.

“While street vendors are fined, these companies do whatever they want. That double standard ends with me.”

“I’m Not Here to Please — I’m Here to Tell the Truth”

“I didn’t come here to be liked. I came to change Hialeah,” Calvo states. “I know my direct style makes some uncomfortable. But I’m not here to say what people want to hear — I’m here to say what others won’t and do what others haven’t.”

“I won my council seat with 67% of the vote because people are tired of empty promises. Change isn’t a slogan. It’s about auditing every dollar, fighting corruption, and restoring dignity to this city.”

He also voiced support for influencer Alexander Otaola’s lawsuit against County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I’ve sued politicians myself — sometimes that’s the only way to get justice.”

The End of the Old Guard?

For Calvo, the favoritism toward René García — backed by Esteban Bovo — confirms that the cronyism is still alive. “It’s the same names playing musical chairs. I’m the change. They are the status quo.”

The political chessboard in Hialeah took a suspicious turn this month when County Commissioner René García quietly filed his mayoral candidacy — on April Fool’s Day — just as Mayor Esteban ‘Steve’ Bovo secured a controversial retroactive pension and departed for Washington.

But veteran political observers see a calculated move: García’s ghost campaign could be a strategy to freeze the field in favor of Bovo’s handpicked successor — all while keeping his county seat.

The Suspicious Timeline:

• • April 1: García files candidacy with no public announcement.
• • April 8: Bovo claims on La Poderosa that he’s “still trying to convince” García to run — despite the filing.
• • Meanwhile, Councilman Jesús Tundidor — a potential mayoral candidate — suddenly switches to run for García’s county seat.

“This reeks of political theater,” says former councilman Bryan Calvo, the only declared candidate challenging Bovo’s machine. “They’re playing musical chairs with public offices while residents suffer under crumbling infrastructure and the highest water bills in Miami-Dade.”

García’s Non-Denial

Pressed by reporters, García told Political Cortadito he is “seriously considering” running but admitted public reaction has been mixed. His hesitation reveals:

• – A third county seat could become vacant after Kevin Cabrera’s departure.
• – García claims commitment to NW Miami-Dade projects.
• – Three weeks after filing, he has yet to campaign or raise funds.

Calvo’s Counterattack

Undeterred by political maneuvering, Calvo — who previously exposed abuses in the Hialeah Water Department — vows to confront any of Bovo’s proxies:

“Whether it’s García, Tundidor, or some last-minute puppet — I’ll fight 30 years of corruption. Residents see through these games. They want real change — not musical chairs.”

Why It Matters

There’s a lot at stake in Florida’s fifth largest city:

• – Bovo’s self-granted pension (against a 2013 voter referendum).
• – $111 million in recent tax increases.
• – Crumbling infrastructure and a shortage of police.

As one lifelong resident said: “They treat Hialeah like their personal ATM. Enough is enough.”

What’s Next?

All eyes are on July’s qualification deadline. Will García truly run — or is it all just a staged diversion? One thing is clear: Calvo’s reform campaign is the unexpected force threatening Bovo’s carefully scripted plan.

For the full investigation into the water department scandal and pension abuses in Hialeah, read our exclusive with Bryan Calvo at NewsMiamiDade.com.

Don’t miss the full interview on Mercy’s Corner!

If you want to know more about Bryan Calvo, his proposals, and vision for Hialeah, watch the full interview on the YouTube channel **Mercy’s Corner**, under the playlist **Conoce tu Candidato**.

🎥 Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from the candidate. Hit play, get informed, and be part of the change Hialeah deserves!

🔹 YouTube Channel: Mercy’s Corner

🔹 Playlist: Conoce tu Candidato

Your vote and your voice matter!

#ChangeForHialeah #BryanCalvo2025 #EndCorruptionNow

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