Melissa Castro: (They Will not silence me)

Melissa Castro: (They Will not silence me). ”From the first day I sat on the commission, the mayor publicly attacked me.”

In an exclusive interview with Mercy Pérez for Mercy’s Corner, Coral Gables Commissioner Melissa Castro delivered a striking and emotional account of the political harassment, retaliation, and misinformation campaign she claims to have faced since taking office. “From the first day I sat on the commission, the mayor publicly attacked me.,” Castro declared. The full interview, produced in partnership with News Miami Dade, offers an unfiltered look at the uphill battle of a woman in local politics.

Full Interview available May 19, 2025 at 5 pm

Video Completo

Smear Campaigns and Public Confrontations

Castro says she has been targeted in a nearly $1 million smear campaign led by the mayor, aimed at discrediting her and two other commissioners. “I’ve been called a communist, publicly humiliated at events, and even had my term shortened by five months through a last-minute election date change,” she said.

She recounts a disturbing incident at the Barranquilla Carnival where the mayor allegedly disrespected her in front of her son. “He said, ‘I will never respect you.’ Then went on to claim I attacked his wife and daughters — people I’ve never even spoken to,” she explained. A police report has been filed, and an investigation is ongoing.

Salary Raise Controversy: What Really Happened?

One of the most controversial claims circulating on social media is that Castro and other commissioners secretly approved a salary hike. Castro denies this: “It was discussed during three public hearings, all on the record. Nothing was done behind closed doors.” According to Castro, commissioner salaries had not been adjusted in decades and now stand at $65,000 per year — an amount she says does not even cover the cost of living in Coral Gables.

“I spend more than 40 hours a week serving this community. This is not about money — it’s about dedication.”

Community Engagement Blocked

Castro also denounced what she sees as calculated moves by the mayor to dismantle her community outreach efforts. Among them: a resolution introduced while she was recovering from surgery, aimed at eliminating her popular “new resident welcome packet,” a program designed to inform and engage Coral Gables newcomers.

She also developed a fast-track permitting program to help small businesses — many of which struggle under high rent and slow bureaucracy — but claims the mayor is now attempting to revoke it. “Months of work gone in one stroke. These are not ideological disagreements — they are direct attacks.”

“This Isn’t for the Weak”

Despite the hostility, Castro remains firm. “Sometimes I ask myself if it’s worth it. Then a police officer stops me to say thank you, and it all makes sense again.”

To young women considering entering politics, her message is clear: “Be strong. You’ll need thick skin. This isn’t for the weak, but if you’re here for the right reasons — to serve, not for money — keep going.”

Pérez echoed similar sentiments, recounting how she too was labeled a “communist” merely for hosting open conversations. “Women are being attacked for having a voice,” she said. “It’s time we support each other.”

Next Commission Meeting: May 20

Commissioner Castro urges residents to attend the upcoming May 20 commission meeting, where decisions that affect programs like hers will be made. “This isn’t just about me. It’s about protecting what’s in the best interest of the city — for our families, our businesses, and our future.”

YOUR VOICE MATTERS, MIAMI-DADE!

Citizens, it’s time to be the guardians of our democracy.

In Miami-Dade, every political decision affects your life: from traffic to schools, from safety to taxes. But the real power is in your hands.

WHY GET INVOLVED?

1️⃣ Your politicians work FOR YOU – Verify that their actions fulfill their promises.
2️⃣ Transparency = Less corruption – Demand access to key documents and votes.
3️⃣ Change starts locally – The most impactful policies are born in your county.

3 CONCRETE ACTIONS TODAY:

✅ Attend town hall meetings (your presence makes a difference!).
✅ Check official votes at www.miamidade.gov.
✅ Join neighborhood groups that monitor officials.

“A vigilant community is a powerful community. If we don’t monitor our leaders, others will.”

#MiamiDadeVigilance #TransparentPolicy #ThePowerIsYours

📍 Share this article. Tag 3 neighbors who should see it.

👉 Have you ever questioned a local decision? Tell us in the comments!

Coalition for a Fair Miami-Dade | #WeAreNotSpectators

✨ Together, we are the change. ✨

Did you know that 70% of residents don’t review their commissioners’ votes? Break the statistic!