Cutler Bay Candidate Rejects Endorsements for Voter Focus

A Cutler Bay commission candidate is explaining his campaign’s decision to skip traditional endorsements and focus on direct engagement with voters. He stated this approach aims to avoid political “tribalism” and ensure his accountability rests solely with the residents he seeks to represent.

The candidate, actively canvassing neighborhoods including The Falls and Cutler Ridge, believes endorsements can become “badges of allegiance” rather than genuine assessments of a candidate’s qualifications. He aims to govern with the same directness he uses in his campaign, answering only to the people he wishes to serve.

Concerns about endorsement processes arose in late August. The candidate received an email from the president of the Coral Gables Fraternal Order of Police stating an endorsement decision had been made for another candidate. This occurred despite the Lodge not meeting or interviewing him. The email cited “established relationships built over prior years” as the basis for the decision.

The candidate argued that an endorsement process without interviewing all candidates cannot “fairly claim to be an evaluation of merit.”

Following this exchange, the Lodge president agreed to invite all candidates for interviews to ensure a merit-based evaluation. However, the candidate declined the interview, stating that interviews conducted after a decision has been made do not constitute a meaningful vetting process. He expressed respect for the officers but did not wish to participate in a process that appeared fair but had a predetermined outcome.

While he has not sought endorsements, the candidate noted receiving “support” from sources such as Miami Community News and residents he met while canvassing near Cutler Bay Middle School. He views this as community backing rather than endorsements secured through organizational channels.

With vote-by-mail ballots arriving and early voting beginning October 19, the candidate reiterated that “the only process that matters is the one that puts the decision directly in the hands of the voters.” He is asking residents for their endorsement as they cast their ballots.