| |
REPORT:
Chairman Gonzalez opened the reasonable opportunity to be heard; and the following persons appeared before the Committee in favor of removing fluoride from the County�s water supply:
Mr. Scott Kiley, 1450 Cutler Court, Marco Island, Florida, reported that his organization, Stanford Health Freedom, had successfully advocated for fluoride removal in multiple Florida jurisdictions, including Collier County, Naples, Immokalee, and Lee County through various commission votes. He stated that 19 cities and Counties in Florida had ended water fluoridation since Dr. Ladapo's recommendation, with 14 decisions being unanimous. He emphasized that citizens sought informed consent and choice rather than forced medication, urging commissioners to protect vulnerable populations including pregnant women and children.
Mr. Josh Gemmi, 16750 Northeast 10th Avenue, Miami, Florida, emphasized that the issue was fundamentally about freedom of choice regarding clean water consumption. Mr. Gemmi noted that fluorosilicic acid was being added to the water supply without providing citizens an opt-out option and referenced 72 studies that determined fluoride posed a risk to public health.
Mr. Jake Kolagan stated that people should have the right to choose what goes into their bodies rather than having decisions imposed by local government officials. He stated that introducing neurotoxins into the water supply posed known risks and that informed consent was essential.
Ms. Jill Kiley, 1450 Cutler Court, Marco Island, Florida, spoke in support of removing fluoride from Miami-Dade County's water supply. She stated that people should be allowed to choose which medications they allow into their bodies and that water fluoridation prevented this choice. She emphasized that the water supply should be safe for everyone to drink, not just some or most people, and that freedom was a foundational element of living in the United States.
Mr. Richard Schroeder, 3418 Snowy Isle, Naples, Florida, stated there was no better reason to remove fluoride than protecting unborn babies from high concentrations of toxic substances shown to reduce children's IQs. He explained that fluoride could hurt people throughout life by displacing calcium from bones, increasing fracture risk, and later leaching into the bloodstream to the brain where it was suspected of contributing to Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Mr. Schroeder characterized the fluoride in water as industrial waste fluorosilicic acid sold to humanity as a tooth decay preventive despite its deleterious effects on the human body.
Mr. Hudson Pasas, 14170 Southwest 37th Court, Miami, Florida, reported that at least 36 counties in Florida had removed fluoride from their water due to safety concerns and questioned why Miami-Dade had not done the same. He concluded by advocating to "make Florida healthy again" by ending fluoride in water.
Ms. Lily Pasas (minor, address not required) contended that adding fluoride was unnecessary and cited the New Jersey Department of Health regarding fluoride's potential to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. She referenced National Institute of Health statements about individual fluoride status not being assessed and a 2012 Harvard study showing slight fluoride exposure could be toxic to the brain. Ms. Pasas quoted a Harvard Environmental Health Professor comparing fluoride to lead, mercury, and other brain-damaging poisons.
Mr. Angel Padilla asked to be given the choice for fluoride-free water and stated that fluoride was medication automatically added to everyone's water. He asked for the opportunity to choose not to take medication when drinking water from the faucet.
Ms. Isabella Belviso (minor, address not required) stated that dangerous chemicals were present when water was fluoridated and cited New Jersey Department of Health information about silicic acid's effects when inhaled and its severe irritation and burning effects on skin and eyes. She noted that employers should avoid skin contact with sodium fluorosilicate, requiring protective clothing, yet the same chemicals were deemed acceptable for drinking and showering. Ms. Belviso stated she did not consent to putting these substances in her body.
Ms. Mariana Belviso (minor, address not required) stated that chemicals used to fluoridate water were all listed as hazardous chemicals by the New Jersey Department of Health and that she did not want to put these substances in her body.
Ms. Mackenzie Van Orden (minor, address not required) noted that fluoride was present in bath water, drinks, and water used for infant formula. She pointed out that the FDA had not conducted or sponsored independent research concerning neurotoxicity risks associated with fluoride and questioned why food was tested but not water.
Mr. Tristian Macedo (minor, address not required) cited New Jersey Department of Health information stating that silica fluoric acid might react with water and moist air to form toxic inflammable gases and was classified as a hazardous substance, questioning why it would be added to drinking water.
Mr. Harper Smith (minor, address not required) referenced a September 2024 United States District Court ruling in Northern California concluding that substantial and scientifically credible evidence established that fluoride posed risks to human health, was associated with IQ reduction in children, and was hazardous at doses too close to fluoride levels in US drinking water. She questioned why city governments continued adding fluoride when courts had declared it unsafe.
Mr. Bruce Stanley, 206 Northwest 34th Street, Miami, Florida, referenced the federal court ruling concluding after a seven-year study that fluoride was a neurotoxin with detrimental health effects on children's IQ even in small amounts. He noted that Surgeon General Ladapo's recommendation to end water fluoridation followed this ruling, calling it medical malpractice. Mr. Stanley clarified that fluoride added to water was not naturally occurring mineral but hydrofluoric acid, an industrial byproduct marked with skull and crossbones that could eat through steel and concrete, sold to local governments as a disposal solution.
Mr. Jeb Handwerger, 1091 Northeast 166th Street, Miami, Florida, spoke as a father of a special needs child and expectant parent, and expressed concern about fluoride's potential neurotoxic effects harming children's cognitive development, particularly for special needs children who might be more vulnerable. He characterized water fluoridation as forced medication that stripped away parental rights and referenced the Book of Esther regarding the critical moment to protect children and families while upholding freedom of choice.
The following individual spoke against the removal of fluoride from the County�s water:
Mr. Roger Terron, 14005 Southwest 72nd Court, Palmetto Bay, Florida, stated it was unfortunate that the commission only heard from panelists with specific anti-fluoride perspectives and noted that latest legitimate studies were mixed, including studies referenced in Miami Herald articles that recommended more research. He emphasized that this was not settled science and recommended that the commission invite qualified professionals with opposing viewpoints to provide full perspective before voting.
Seeing no one else come forward to speak, Chairman Gonzalez closed the reasonable opportunity to be heard.
|
|
| |
REPORT:
ACA Anita Viciana read the titles of the foregoing proposed ordinance along with Agenda Item 1G1 and 1G2 into the record.
Chairman Gonzalez opened the public hearing for the foregoing proposed ordinance as well as Agenda Items 1G2 and 1G3; and the following persons appeared before the Committee in support of naming the new Miami-Dade Justice Center after the late Judge Osvaldo Soto:
Mr. David Lawrence Jr., 2800 Toledo Street, Coral Gables, Florida, explained that Judge Soto helped him establish himself in Miami Dade County and had worked tirelessly to better the County. Mr. Lawrence noted that he wrote a column on Judge Soto explaining his personality and urged the Board to name the new Miami Dade Justice Center after him.
Ms. Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami-Dade State Attorney, (address exempt), spoke about both Judge Soto and Harvey Ruvin�s respective contributions to the legal profession. She described both men�s advocacy during times when discriminatory signage excluded multiple minority groups and detailed Judge Soto's role in fighting English-only ordinances, establishing the Spanish American League Against Discrimination, and advocating for legal system access. She credited Judge Soto with helping her become the first female Hispanic Cuban State Attorney and noted his influence on numerous judges and elected officials through Spanish radio advocacy. Ms. Fernandez Rundle suggested honoring the late Harvey Ruvin by naming other County facilities or clerk's offices instead.
Mr. Carlos J Martinez, Miami-Dade Public Defender, 1320 NW 14 Street, Miami, Florida, recounted the late judge�s ethical standards when requesting assistance for shrimpers facing Fish and Wildlife Commission prosecution. He noted despite the Spanish American League Against Discrimination having no income, Judge Soto ensured proper research was conducted using appropriate resources, demonstrating his integrity as "the people's lawyer."
Mr. Christopher Peneles, 151 SE 1st Miami, Florida, spoke about Judge Soto's direct impact on his family when his grandfather faced execution by the Castro regime in 1959 noting the judge secured the final writ of habeas corpus in Cuba, enabling his grandfather's escape and survival.
Honorable Judge Jose M Rodriguez, 6711 North Kendall Drive, Miami, Florida, testified as the circuit's longest-serving judge with 31 years of experience. He confirmed Judge Soto's leadership in opening the Cuban American Bar Association to all ethnicities and credited the late judge with enabling his judicial career.
Mr. Dwayne Robinson, 2525 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida, appeared on behalf of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association and voiced the entity�s unanimous support for naming the courthouse after Judge Soto. As president of the largest association of black lawyers and judges in Miami-Dade County, he praised Juge Soto's diversity advocacy and community inclusion efforts.
Honorable Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez, read a statement from Honorable Judge Gina Beovides, who was conducting judicial education. The statement emphasized Judge Soto's use of law as a democratic foundation and community building tool, citing his assistance in establishing Jose Marti School in 1974. The statement noted that 58% of current judges were Hispanic, with none achieving their positions without Judge Soto's pioneering efforts.
Honorable Judge Bertila Soto, 73 West Flagler, Suite 311, Miami, Florida, spoke as Judge Soto's daughter, describing the courthouse as a justice symbol serving all people equally. She detailed her father's efforts to overcome obstacles and earn his law degree to serve the community, emphasizing his work ensured all Miami-Dade citizens had access to government employment and opportunities. Judge Soto characterized her father�s legacy as breaking barriers for future generations.
Mr. Andres Raul Lopez, 2665 South Bayshore Drive Miami, Florida.
Honorable Chief Judge Nushin G. Sayfie, emphasized that numerous legal professionals owed their positions to Judge Soto's contributions. She noted the absence of Cuban American courthouse names despite the community's significant contributions to the region's success, and highlighted Judge Bertila Soto's instrumental role in the new courthouse's creation.
Mr. Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr., 751 Jeronimo Dr, Coral Gables, Florida, recalled the historical context of discriminatory sentiment in Miami when bumper stickers read "last American leaving Miami-Dade County, please bring the flag." He credited Judge Soto as instrumental in changing the County's nature and enabling its diverse growth, describing him as a unifying figure who sought to mediate conflicts within the legal community.
Mr. Tomas Regalado, Miami-Dade Property Appraiser, 111 North First Street, Miami, Florida, drew on his journalism background covering Soto's courthouse press conferences. He shared an example of Soto providing hope and guidance to a caller who had been fired for speaking Spanish at work, illustrating Soto's role in helping discriminated individuals pursue the American dream.
Mr. Ricardo Martinez-Cid, 2525 Ponce De Leon Coral Gables, Florida, noted Judge Soto�s work to unite various communities making Miami-Dade County unique.
Honorable Judge Yara Lorenzo Klukas read a statement from Honorable Judge Arianna Fajardo Orshan supporting Judge Soto's courthouse naming. The statement characterized Judge Soto as a pioneer, trailblazer, and relentless advocate who used law to combat discrimination in South Florida, noting that the courthouse naming would be a tribute to his lifelong community service.
Mr. Harley Tropin, 2525 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida, described Judge Soto as a giant and praised his courageous work against the English-only ordinance that helped the community realize its potential.
Mr. Bruce H Lehr, 4000 Ponce De Leon Blvd Coral Gables, Florida, described how Judge Soto handled discrimination without diminishing others and enabled Cuban Americans to become judges and Supreme Court justices, stating the community owed the late judge recognition.
Ms. Maria D. Garcia, 2525 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida, urged the Board to honor Judge Soto's work by naming the Justice Center after him, having those present supporting the effort stand for recognition.
Mr. Jorge L. Piedra, 2525 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida, spoke as Cuban American Bar Association past president and Florida Bar Board of Governors member, characterizing Judge Soto as a trailblazer like Wilkie Ferguson and Lawson Thomas, but specifically for Cuban Americans.
Ms. Amanda Fernandez, 8445 SW 143rd Street, Miami, Florida, President, Cuban American Bar Association (CABA), detailed Judge Soto's lifelong fight for justice, equality, and civil rights, noting his founding leadership in CABA and community transformation efforts. She emphasized that nearly 70% of Miami-Dade County was Hispanic with over 50% Hispanic judges, yet no courthouse was named after a Hispanic individual.
Mr. Eugenio Hernandez, 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Miami, Florida, spoke as past president of both CABA and Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. He shared personal history of studying law in Cuba with Fidel Castro, then teaching in Wyoming and Virginia before becoming a tenured professor at Iowa State. He recounted traveling to Cuba with Judge Soto for Guantanamo litigation involving detainees and refugees.
Ms. Daniela Acosta, 15032 SW 149th Street, Miami, Florida, read a letter from Jose Villalobos describing the historical context 40-50 years ago when minorities lacked representation and voice in the community. The letter emphasized that naming the courthouse after Judge Soto would recognize his legacy and reaffirm commitment to equality and opportunity while inspiring future generations.
Mr. Eduardo Palmer, 2601 South Bayshore Drive, PH 1, Miami, Florida, note that he met Judge Soto during law school when Judge Soto attended University of Havana Law School with his father. He described Judge Soto's passion for law as an instrument of social justice and his unwavering moral clarity.
Ms. Frances De La Guardia, 555 NE 15th Street, Miami, Florida, spoke as former CABA president and current Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) Vice president. She represented the HNBA's 78,000 members and 19,000 law students in supporting Soto's courthouse naming, emphasizing alignment with HNBA's mission to educate, engage, and empower Hispanic legal community members.
Ms. Haydee Sarah, 2800 Ponce De Leon, Coral Gables, Florida, spoke as Cuban American Bar Association vice president, referencing the letter signed by multiple community members supporting Judge Soto's courthouse naming.
Ms. Sandra Vierra, 945 Viera Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida, emphasized the strong community turnout reflecting deep respect for Judge Soto's legacy, and requested the courthouse naming as a fitting tribute to his lifelong fight for justice, fairness, and inclusion.
Mr. Javier Ley-Soto, 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida, commented as immediate past president of CABA, having served during its 50th anniversary in 2024, noting he served as president 46 years after Judge Soto held the same position.
Miriam Soler Ramos, 701 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida, read a statement from Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel supporting Soto's courthouse naming. The statement praised Judge Soto as inspiring generations of lawyers to work for justice and noted his energetic advocacy for freedom, characterizing him as representing what any American could accomplish with energy, commitment, and faith in fairness.
Mr. Jonathan Alfonso, 7260 SW 39th Terrace, Miami, Florida, read a letter from Miami Dade College President Emeritus Eduardo J. Padron supporting Soto's courthouse naming. The letter characterized Judge Soto as a trailblazing lawyer, civil rights advocate, and lifelong defender of equality and justice, stating his name would serve as meaningful tribute to community's past and beacon for its future.
Mr. Fabian Ruiz, 333 SE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida, read a letter from 11th Judicial Circuit Judge Jorge E. Cueto supporting Soto's courthouse naming, describing Mr. Soto's commitment to freedom from his youth in Cuba through his Miami legal career fighting for rights of marginalized people.
Mr. Gustavo Ceballos, 6141 SW 18th Street, Miami, Florida, read a letter from Honorable Judge Marie Mato supporting Soto's courthouse naming, describing him as a gentleman, unifier, courageous leader, trailblazer, and legal giant who championed civil rights and fought against discrimination.
Ms. Emily Balter, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida, read remarks from Ray Abadin, past president of CABA, supporting Soto's courthouse naming with a quote about living to serve others.
Judge Marcia Caballero shared a personal story about her first courthouse appearance where she was mistreated by a judge, with Soto following her from the courtroom to provide assistance and ensure she would never face similar treatment again, crediting him with enabling her legal career and judicial position.
Mr. Bobby Nunez, 2828 Coral Way, Miami, Florida, testified as president of the Miami Dade Trial Lawyers Association and lifelong Miami-Dade resident, supporting Soto's courthouse naming.
Ms. Aliette Rodz, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida, supported Soto's courthouse naming, emphasizing his character and community impact.
Mr. Anthony Dax Bello, 7960 SW 52nd Court, Miami, Florida, spoke as past president of CABA, noting Judge Soto was not a politician but provided community service on his own time. He emphasized that no courthouses in Florida were named after Hispanics and characterized the naming as a tribute to the generation that transformed the area into a major metropolitan region.
Ms. Victoria Mendez, past president of CABA, supported Soto's courthouse naming, sharing that several of her great-grandmother's children from Cuba were represented by Judge Soto, describing him as a wonderful and kind man.
Mr. Patrick Montoya, 201 Sevilla Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida, read a statement from Markenzy Lapointe, war veteran and former U.S. District Attorney, supporting Soto's courthouse naming. The statement provided historical context about efforts to erase American history and emphasized Judge Soto's memory as a cautionary tale against reversing civil rights progress.
Mr. Jorge Fors Jr., 1415 Algeria Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida, used his time to read names of petition signers supporting Soto's courthouse naming, including numerous judges, attorneys, and community leaders.
Ms. Iris Escarra, 333 SE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida, supported Soto's courthouse naming based on her personal experience working with him during law school and her first job. She described him as teaching the meaning of giving back through guardianship program work, visiting hospitals and homes to advocate for vulnerable individuals.
Ms. Gabrielle Lorenzo, 5410 SW 95th Court, Miami, Florida, read a letter from Ana Marie Gamez supporting Soto's courthouse naming, emphasizing his contributions to the legal community and community at large, noting this would be the first South Florida courthouse named after a Hispanic individual.
Ms. Bonnie Riley, 8306 Mills Drive, #689, Miami, Florida, supported Judge Soto's courthouse naming, sharing that despite not knowing his accomplishments when they first met, she felt like she became a member of his family due to his welcoming nature.
The following speakers appeared in support of naming the Miami-Dade Justice Center after the late Honorable Clerk Harvey Ruvin:
Mr. David Freedman, 2601 South Bayshore Drive Miami, Florida, noted support from the County employees labor union and various community leaders including mayors, elected officials, and prominent business and legal figures. He emphasized Mr. Ruvin's 50-plus years of community service and his local, national, and international contributions, including advisory roles to multiple presidents and United Nations committee service.
Dr. John Giordano, 11420 SW 23rd Place, Davie, Florida, spoke as a North Miami Police Department chaplain and traumatologist. He described his 40-year friendship with Mr. Ruvin and suggested both men deserved recognition on the building, praising Mr. Ruvin's integrity and public service values.
Ms. Risa Ruvin, Mr. Harvey's widow, provided personal testimony about her husband's dedication to community service. She shared that upon learning of his stage four cancer diagnosis, Mr. Ruvin's immediate concern was having too much work remaining for his community. She emphasized that no one had stronger courthouse connections than
Mr. Harvey and noted that detailing his 52-year contributions would require hours of discussion.
Mr. Milton Vickers, 7946 NW 162nd St Miami Lakes, Florida, spoke about Harvey Ruvin's civil rights efforts but also acknowledged Juge Soto's contributions and friendship during his County employment beginning in 1970.
Mr. Daniel Marmostein, 10520 SW 124 St, Miami, Florida, supported naming the courthouse after Mr. Ruvin while acknowledging both Judge Soto and Mr. Ruvin as deserving candidates.
Mr. Peter Kouchalakos, 920 Messina Ave Coral Gables, Florida, supported the renaming in Mr. Ruvin honor as the longest-serving Miami-Dade public official but acknowledged both men's contributions.
Ms. Brenda Spurling, 7928 East Drive North Bay Village, Florida, emphasized that greatness should be measured by community contributions.
Mr. Steven Schneider, 7700 SW 134th Terrace, Pinecrest, Florida, supported Harvey Ruvin's courthouse naming to honor his 50-plus years as an elected official, praising the technological advancement of the clerk's office and Mr. Ruvin's environmental concerns and position handling.
Ms. Elaine Bloom, 5255 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, former Florida Legislature member for 19 years, supported Harvey Ruvin's courthouse naming while expressing respect for Osvaldo Soto. She detailed Mr. Ruvin's 20 years as County Commissioner (1972-1992) and his role as president of the National Association of Counties, describing how 2000 people at the 1990 national meeting recognized his excellence. She emphasized his 30 years as Clerk of Courts and 50 total years of daily service to Dade County.
Mr. Terry Dellerson, 6000 Island Boulevard, Aventura, Florida, supported Harvey Ruvin's courthouse naming, acknowledging both men's contributions but emphasizing that naming should reflect Mr. Ruvin's 50-year blemish-free record rather than ethnicity considerations.
Ms. Valentina Augdo Matthies, 11100 SW 67th Avenue, Pinecrest, Florida, recognized Judge Soto�s accomplishments for the Latino community service while supporting Mr. Ruvin's courthouse naming. She described Mr. Ruvin walking courthouse halls ensuring flawless operations through hard work and devotion, characterizing him as inspiring generations.
Mr. Ricardo Mejia, 11100 SW 67th Avenue, Pinecrest, Florida, supported Harvey Ruvin's courthouse naming while thanking Judge Soto for his contributions. He praised Mr. Ruvin's environmental conservation work, community justice advocacy, and ability to find middle ground regardless of politics, race, religion, or national origin, describing him as radiating unity and inspiring Latino pride.
Mr. Lawrence Schweiger, 7920 Biscayne Point Circle, Miami Beach, Florida, supported Harvey Ruvin's courthouse naming based on their close friendship, describing Mr. Ruvin's boundless love for Miami-Dade County and the courts, noting that streets were closed for his funeral due to the massive turnout.
Mr. Howard Premer, 2010 NE 120th Road, Miami, Florida, characterized Mr. Ruvin as Miami-Dade County's most consequential figure, describing their relationship beginning 50 years ago when Mr. Premer was a young WKAT reporter instructed to befriend the new commissioner, crediting Mr. Ruvin with encouraging his public service career and personal development.
Mr. Steven Leidner, 11310 2nd Street, Bay Harbor Islands, Miami, Florida, briefly supported Harvey Ruvin's courthouse naming.
Mr. David Ackerman, 16121 Aberdeen Way, Miami Lakes, Florida, supported Harvey Ruvin's courthouse naming, describing his gigantic contributions that earned worldwide respect for Miami-Dade County and emphasizing his decades of service deserving recognition.
Ms. Allison Cohen, 6815 Edgewater Drive, Miami, Florida, testified as a Miami native supporting Harvey Ruvin's courthouse naming, acknowledging his 50 years of community contributions.
Commissioner Bastien advised that the Housing Committee meeting would start at 2:30 p.m. instead of 2:00 p.m.
Seeing no one else come forward to speak, Chairman Gonzalez closed public hearing.
Commissioner Higgins explained the procedural difficulties she faced in bringing forward courthouse naming items due to conflicting Board rules. She noted that one rule required only district commissioners to bring items naming buildings in their districts, while another rule involved commissioner holds that prevented her from advancing naming items. Commissioner Higgins noted multiple commissioners including Regalado and Cabrera had placed holds on courthouse naming, creating an impossible procedural situation.
Commissioner Higgins explained that the foregoing proposed ordinance was an ancillary item designed to facilitate public discussion about courthouse naming since she could not bring forward a direct naming recommendation. She expressed appreciation for both Harvey Ruvin and Osvaldo Soto's contributions to Miami-Dade County and stated her belief that an important public building must be named after a Hispanic individual to honor the Cuban community's contributions.
Commissioner Higgins proposed modifying the item to direct Chief Judge Sayfie to develop a plan for appropriately honoring Harvey Ruvin, preferably with a building befitting his environmental advocacy. She also suggested creating a place of honor for Mr. Ruvin within the new Justice Center, such as the Harvey Ruvin Memorial lobby. Additionally, she proposed establishing a process for naming individual courtrooms to honor diverse community members and educate visitors about local history.
Chairman Gonzalez acknowledged both men as giants and expressed deep appreciation for their contributions. He noted Harvey Ruvin's tremendous career and incredible character, and praised Osvaldo Soto for embodying justice principles throughout his 50-year legal career. He questioned the County Attorney�s Office about the possibility of modifying the item to rename the courthouse and advance it to the next Board meeting.
ACA Michael Mastrucci advised that amending the item to rename the Justice Center would exceed the scope of the advertised public hearing. He suggested the Board could direct the County Attorney to prepare a separate item renaming the Justice Center after Osvaldo Soto for the next Board meeting.
Commissioner Hardemon stated that a two-thirds vote would be required to waive procedural rules. He advised against naming a courthouse lobby after one of the competing candidates, as this would create daily reminders of the competition. Commissioner Hardemon also recommended against naming individual courtrooms after people, citing potential public confusion when citizens sought specific judges' courtrooms, noting that people under pressure might be confused seeing different names than the judge they were seeking.
Commissioner Regalado stated she would relinquish her hold on naming the Miami-Dade Justice Center. She recounted growing up witnessing discrimination from the English-only ordinance and credited Judge Soto with fighting against such discrimination. Commissioner Regalado stated she would not have become a Commissioner without Judge Soto's efforts for the Hispanic community and agreed with the County Attorney�s procedural recommendation/approach.
Chairman Gonzalez agreed with Commissioner Hardemon's concerns about courtroom naming confusion and supported Commissioner Higgins' preference for naming the Justice Center after Judge Soto while ensuring Mr. Ruvin received appropriate recognition through a separate building.
Commissioner Higgins revised her proposal to withdraw the individual courtroom naming component based on her colleagues' courthouse experience. She suggested making a motion to advance an item to the next Board meeting naming the Justice Center after Judge Soto, while ensuring Mr. Ruvin received honor through a separate process. Commissioner Higgins emphasized that no holds should be placed on the facility designated for Mr. Ruvin, since only the district commissioner could bring such items.
Commissioner Bastien expressed gratitude for having two giant contributors in Harvey Ruvin and Osvaldo Soto. She detailed reviewing both men's life histories and praised Judge Soto's courage in fighting the English-only policy and opening CABA to non-Hispanic lawyers, demonstrating his commitment to standing up for others' beliefs. She also recognized Mr. Ruvin's 50 years of County commitment, environmental protection work, and role as National Association of Counties president, stating he deserved significant recognition.
Commissioner Higgins moved to withdraw the foregoing proposed ordinance and asked the County Attorney�s Office to prepare an item for the following week's Board meeting to rename the Justice Center after Osvaldo Soto; and to direct the administration to coordinate with Chief Judge Nushin G. Sayfie in recommending a suitable County facility for naming after Harvey Ruvin, with a 90-day timeframe for recommendations.
Assistant County Attorney Mastrucci clarified that the item appearing before the Board would include waiver of existing holds from absent commissioners.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bastien with the caveat that procedural holds would be waived and absent commissioners would be contacted to support the initiative; and upon being put to a vote, passed 4-0 (Vice Chairman Garcia was absent).
The Committee unanimously designated Commissioner Higgins as the contact person for purposes of transmitting the renaming item being prepared by the County Attorney�s office for placement on the upcoming Board agenda for consideration.
|
|