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Miami-Dade Mayor Ousted

Carlos Alvarez recalled by huge margin

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 15, 2011 10:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – An overwhelming majority of voters in Miami-Dade county have decided to chuck their mayor out of office before the end of his term. Almost 90% of voters chose to oust Carlos Alvarez in the biggest recall of a local politician in American history, the Miami Herald reports. Alvarez, a Republican, was elected to a second term in 2008 but his popularity crumbled after a series of missteps, including a massively unpopular 14% hike in property taxes.

Billionaire businessman Norman Braman launched the campaign to recall Alvarez. "County voters have demonstrated by their ballot that they are tired of unaccountable officials, of being ignored, and of being over-taxed in this very difficult recessionary time,’’ Braman said after elections results came in. “We’ve empowered the people of this county to take back the government and ask the government to be responsive to the people.” He urged county commissioners to call an election for a new mayor instead of appointing a replacement.

Billionaire car dealer Norman Braman talks to the media in Miami yesterday.
Billionaire car dealer Norman Braman talks to the media in Miami yesterday.   (AP Photo)
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez attends ground-breaking ceremonies for the new Children's Courthouse in Miami last month
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez attends ground-breaking ceremonies for the new Children's Courthouse in Miami last month   (AP Photo/J Pat Carter, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 22 comments
anothernewsjunkie
Mar 16, 2011 2:38 PM CDT
let's take the focus off the billionaire for a second. the republican raised taxes!
John
Mar 16, 2011 2:13 PM CDT
More proff that big money (individuals and businees) can do as they wish. The billionaire didn't want to pay more taxes, so just get rid of the polition. Same on the national level.
TARDIS
Mar 16, 2011 1:34 PM CDT
another one bites the dust

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