Among those serving on the board are former mayors Maurice Ferré of Miami and Raul L. Martinez of Hialeah, Miami Beach Mayor David Dermer, attorney and former Jackson Public Health Trust Chairman Larry Handfield, and retired county attorney Robert A. Ginsburg who couldn’t be present because he teaches a Monday morning class.  Other members include: Carlos Diaz-Padrón, Elizabeth Hernandez, Francois Illas, H.T. Smith, Esq., Ignacio Jesús Vazquez, John Hogan, Esq., Lynn Dannheiser, Miguel DeGrandy, Richard Kuper, Robert Holland, and Yvonne Soler-McKinley. Commissioners Javier Souto and Carlos Gimenez appointed themselves.   Commissioner Gimenez was not able to attend due to personal reasons.

The Charter Review Task Force represents our diverse community in race, ethnic background, and gender balance.  The Charter is the document that gives the County Commission its framework for structure, powers and functions of County government.  By law, the County Charter must be reviewed every five years.  The most recent change took place in January, 2007 when voters approved a change in the Charter giving the Mayor of Miami-Dade County additional powers to include his complete oversight of the day-to-day operations of the County.

The recommendations made by the Charter Review Task Force members will be presented to the Board of Miami-Dade County Commission on October 31, 2007.  “I thank you in advance for your commitment to this important process and I look forward to your report,” said Chairman Barreiro.  Once the Board of County Commissioners approves the changes, they are then presented to Miami-Dade voters who will have the last word.

The next meeting will take place on July 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the S.P.C.  Building, 18th floor.  Per Task Force motion, the official spokesperson is Chairman Victor Diaz Jr.

Cynthia Johnson-Stacks, County Attorney, Bruno A. Barreiro, BCC Chairman, Victor Diaz Jr. Esq., Charter Review Task Force Chairman, and Carlos Alvarez, Mayor of Miami-Dade County.	Miami-Dade Charter Review Task Force in session.