Norman Braman Is Not Done Yet: Proposes Term Limits and Reducing Number of County Commissioners

By Kyle Munzenrieder Wed., Mar. 16 2011 at 10:55 AM

Recall financier Norman Braman emerged victorious in last night's recall election, firmly hoisting Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez's political scalp above his head, but the auto-magnate billionaire isn't done yet. Calling the recall "not an end in and of itself," Braman has set off on his next step to bring change to county hall by proposing significant changes to the county charter and the makeup of the county commission.

"It is important that the new mayor be elected by the voters and not appointed by the county commission," Braman said in a news release. "So tonight, I am calling upon the county commission to do what is right and expected: immediately schedule an election to choose a new county mayor."

Braman has also teamed with Victor Diaz, chairman of the 2008 county charter review commission, to present a "covenant with the people of Miami-Dade county for charter change."

Among the goals of the "covenant":

Term limits for commissioners.
Reducing the number of county commissioners from 13 to nine with two being elected from at-large districts.
Banning commissioners form holding outside employment.
Banning commissioners from lobbying for a certain amount of time after their service has concluded.
Allowing charter reform initiatives to be placed directly on the ballot.

"It is time to move forward with these and other ideas from the citizens of Miami-Dade," Braman's release concluded. "Today voters took the first step towards a brighter future. We hope this sends a powerful and unforgettable message throughout county hall."

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Tags:

Carlos Alvarez, Miami-Dade County Commission, Norman Braman

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Ariztokat_921

I don't feel comfortable with just 2 Commissioners. Look @ Cuba a Dictatorship with the 2 brothers making the decisions. Venezuela with Chavez. Libya with the Dictator's family. There are 13 Districts therefore, 13 Commissioners. Also, as for term limits - 2, like the Mayor. As for outside employment none, but they would need more salary because no one wants to work for $ 6000 a year.

Clorenzo64

The more levels of government the more inefficiency. These covenants make sense and public officials should have their power in check and held accountable for what/how decisions are made. I think improving the charter and helping the people is the most civil thing to do. The Chinese sentence their pubic servants to death for corruption and mistakes we can do it with words.

guest

Can we enlist billionaire Baron in the recall effort against Wisconsin Republicans?

Biscayne Bystander

Thanks for having the balls & bankroll to do this Norman!

KingChiefGator

He won't endorse Uncle Luke. Tell Braman to STFU!

creepin

He forgot to propose to make it mandatory for himself to fund the democratic process on all these proposals, if there is a vote. Has to be right? Since when can having money alone change the County Charter?