Occasionally an idea is so self-evident that you marvel that nobody did it long ago.

That’s the case with Miami-Dade Commissioner Javier Souto’s legislation to outlaw backroom deals between the administration and commissioners to trade favors for votes.

It’s obvious that, in a state that purports to require government in the sunshine, passage would be a no-brainer.

Why, then, is it likely that the administration and a commission majority will kill the effort or water it down to make it useless?

To read the remainder of this article, visit: http://miamitodaynews.com/news/091119/story-viewpoint.shtml

Click on the property photo for more information.

New Miami Mayor Tom·s Regalado plans to start off on the right foot next week by seeking a vote that could terminate a lease to a developer who has defaulted on payments due the city.

Immediately bringing the Watson Island lease for the unborn Island Gardens project before the commission is absolutely the right first step. It shows concern for the city’s wallet that City Manager Pete Hernandez has not.

Mr. Hernandez told us last week, before the election, that he sees no hurry in seeking a quarter million dollars in late land use payments from developer Mehmet Bayraktar as the city struggles to pay its bills.

To read the remainder of this article, visit: http://miamitodaynews.com/news/091112/story-viewpoint.shtml

Click on the property photo for more information.

Even before this week’s election picture clarifies, Miami’s new leaders face an immediate test with vital long-term coloration: What to do about a long-awaited Watson Island showcase that’s clearly painted red?

A developer who variously says he has put $49 million or $54 million into a mega-yacht marina/luxury hotels project but has yet to sign a ground lease with the city, turn a shovel of dirt or get financing keeps stumbling over relatively minor monthly rent — a big red flag.

To read the remainder of this article, visit: http://miamitodaynews.com/news/091105/story-viewpoint.shtml