As self-serving as the move might seem to some, Miami city commissioners voted on Tuesday to give themselves – and future commissioners – a lifetime pension if they clock seven years of service. The vote was 3-to-2 with Commissioners Christine King, Miguel Gabela and Joe Carollo voting in favor. Commissioners Damian Pardo and Manolo Reyes voted no. Carollo and Gabela said commissioners deserved a pension, in addition to the salary and benefits they already receive, because of how hard they work. “Commissioners are on call just like a doctor is,” Carollo said. “Every time there is a problem somewhere in your district, you are expected to be there.”
Pardo said he would prefer to put the question to voters. “I think this case should be made to voters, and it should go to a vote. Otherwise, for me, I see it as self-dealing,” he said. But King nixed the idea, saying she did not trust voters to decide the issue. “I am definitely not in favor of that. Let me tell why I am not in favor of it – because people are M&Ms – mean and miserable,” she said.
To make her point, King cited two emails from a “constituent” who criticized the City of Miami for its response to Hurricane Milton, and the commissioner herself for a hat she wore. “Unbelievable,” King said. “I would not leave my livelihood up to voters like that.” King prevailed when the vote was called, but the commission’s decision may not stand. Mayor Francis Suarez has 10 days from October 15 to veto the measure. In the meantime, Pardo said he would take the pension, despite his “no” vote. “If it passes, I will take the pension,” he said.
To watch the full discussion, go online here. The discussion happens at 4:18 p.m., about three hours and 35 minutes into Tuesday’s meeting.