The Miami-Dade Controversy: Manny Cid and Levine Cava’s New Open Position

The Miami-Dade Controversy: Manny Cid and Levine Cava’s New Open Position

The recent appointment of Manny Cid to the Miami-Dade administration as Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity in the Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) has sparked intense debate. This appointment, made by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, has been criticized as a political move rather than a strategic decision, raising questions about ethics, transparency, and the true motivations behind this choice.

Manny Cid’s Appointment: A Strategic Decision or Political Play?

Manny Cid, former mayor of Miami Lakes and political rival of Levine Cava, took on a key role in the OIED with an annual salary of $200,000. According to the mayor, this new position was created to centralize efforts to support small businesses, reduce bureaucracy, and attract investments to the county. However, critics such as Alexander Otaola, a former mayoral candidate, have openly questioned this action.

Otaola called the appointment a “consolation prize,” arguing that Cid, who criticized the county’s bureaucratic expansion during his campaign, now leads a department that he would have previously opposed.

“How do you fight bureaucracy with more bureaucracy?” Otaola stated, describing Cid as a figure manipulated by the political establishment’s interests.

The Role of Manny Cid and the Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED)

Levine Cava defended Cid’s appointment, emphasizing his experience as a mayor, businessman, and community leader with over 19 years in public service. According to the mayor, his role will be crucial in strengthening economic development, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and attracting new investments to the county.

The OIED already handled economic development functions before the creation of this new role, including:

• Economic Development: Promoting local investment in key sectors such as agriculture, entertainment, and international business.
• Economic Innovation: Implementing innovative methods to strengthen climate and community resilience.
• Economic Opportunity: Creating programs that boost employment and support small businesses.

Francesca de Quesada Covey, director of the OIED, supported Cid’s appointment, highlighting his ability to strengthen the county’s business ecosystem, which includes over 80,000 small businesses. For his part, Cid expressed his gratitude, stating:

“My commitment has always been to support small businesses and create opportunities for families in the county.”

Redundancy of Roles or a Need for Centralization?

The creation of Cid’s role has raised questions about its justification, given that the responsibilities assigned to this new position were already covered by other departments, such as the Department of Economic and Tourism Development and the Department of Regulatory and Economic Affairs.

This redundancy of roles raises a central question:
Is the creation of a new position truly necessary, or is it a political strategy to neutralize an electoral rival?

Otaola, along with other critics, believes that this decision does not align with the county’s priorities but rather serves as an attempt to consolidate Levine Cava’s power. According to Otaola:

“This is not a strategy for the community; it’s a strategy to maintain power.”

The Context of an Expanding Bureaucracy

Levine Cava’s administration has been criticized for the constant expansion of the county bureaucracy, growing from 28,000 employees in her first term to over 31,000 in her second. The creation of new departments, such as the one now led by Cid, reinforces criticism that her management prioritizes political interests over administrative efficiency.

Otaola remarked:

“Politics should focus on the community’s well-being, not on tactics to weaken the opposition.”

The increase in bureaucracy not only raises concerns about the use of public resources but also about its impact on taxpayers and the county’s priorities.

A Strategy to Consolidate Power?

For some analysts, Cid’s inclusion in Levine Cava’s administration is not just an attempt to reduce his influence as an opposing figure but also a move to project an image of bipartisan collaboration. However, others view this gesture as a political maneuver to absorb the opposition.

Otaola questioned the sincerity of this strategy, stating:

“It’s an insult to voters. You can’t criticize a government for its irresponsibility and then accept being part of that same structure.”

Alexander Otaola’s Statement: Criticism of Manny Cid’s Appointment

The controversy surrounding Manny Cid’s appointment and the creation of a new position within Daniella Levine Cava’s administration has generated intense debates in Miami-Dade. Among the most vocal critics is Alexander Otaola, a former mayoral candidate, who issued a scathing statement on January 5, 2025.

In his message, Otaola denounced the move as an example of political manipulation designed to consolidate Levine Cava’s power, while calling the new department a mockery of democracy and a betrayal of voters. Otaola’s full statement provides a detailed perspective on his criticisms of Cid’s appointment and the political strategies behind this decision.

Alexander Otaola’s Full Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Criticism of Political Manipulation in Miami: The New Department for Levine Cava’s Rival

January 5, 2025

In politics, as in any other field, transparency and honesty are fundamental pillars. However, in Miami, it seems we are witnessing a move that is not only questionable but also leaves a bitter taste for those of us who value integrity in public service.

The recent creation of a tailor-made department for Manny, former mayor of Miami Lakes and political rival of Daniella Levine Cava, is an alarming example of how politics can be manipulated to the detriment of the community.

First, it is essential to point out that this appointment is not merely a bureaucratic move. It is a clear manifestation of a political strategy designed to consolidate Levine Cava’s power while simultaneously weakening the candidacy of Alexander Otaola, who has emerged as a strong and promising figure in county politics.

The creation of this new department, which seems more like a consolation prize for Manny than a necessary service for citizens, raises serious questions about the ethics of those leading the local government.

What is at stake here is voter trust. Politics should be a space where ideas and solutions that benefit the community prevail, not a chess game where pieces are moved to secure positions of privilege.

This act, which appears intended to divide the vote and minimize Otaola’s influence, is a maneuver that disregards the true essence of democracy. At the end of the day, voters deserve clarity, and what we see is confusion orchestrated by those who should be public servants, not players on a power board.

As an activist for individual freedoms and a proponent of accountability, I cannot remain silent in the face of this mockery of democracy. Local politics should focus on the community’s well-being, not on tactics to weaken the opposition. Instead of implementing actions that strengthen the values and spirit of unity in our community, divisions are being created that only breed distrust and apathy.

We must not allow this type of maneuver to continue. It is time to demand integrity, responsibility, and respect for voters. The citizens of Miami deserve representatives who focus on collective well-being and not on their own political agendas. We need leaders who prioritize transparency and accountability, not those who seek to play politics in a Machiavellian way.

It’s time for real change, and that starts by saying “no” to these manipulative practices. We are here to restore integrity to our county’s politics and ensure that every vote counts. True democracy is built on honesty and respect, not on strategy and manipulation. Let’s work toward a fairer and more transparent Miami!

Alexander Otaola

Conclusion: A Step Forward or More of the Same?

The appointment of Manny Cid and the creation of a new position in the OIED represent a controversial move within Miami-Dade politics. While Levine Cava defends this decision as a measure to strengthen the local economy, critics argue it reflects more of a political framework than a true commitment to the county’s economic development.

Questions remain:

• Why not strengthen existing departments instead of creating a new position?
• Is this move really intended to benefit small businesses, or is it just a tactic to consolidate political power?

As Levine Cava seeks to project an image of progress and collaboration, the echo of criticism highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in her administration’s decisions.

Time and the outcomes of the new department will determine whether this decision was a step toward progress or simply another chapter in the expansion of bureaucracy and political strategy.