An Open Letter to Jorge Exposito and Maria Mayer
From Sherry Roberts
November 5, 2009
Jorge Exposito and Maria Mayer each asked me to endorse them in the runoff election for the Group II city commission seat.
I will not endorse Mr. Exposito because he failed what I consider to be an important test of political character. He chose not to repudiate a mailer attacking Ms. Mayer that was contrived to appear that I was responsible for it. Mr. Exposito had an opportunity to show his mettle by speaking out against it, and did not do so.
Ms. Mayer’s otherwise dignified campaign was marred by an attack mailer against Mr. Exposito from a shadowy third-party organization.
The candidates should run on their merits and the issues.
I suggest to voters that one way to decide their vote is to measure candidates by how they conduct themselves in the negative campaign environment to which we are now subjected.
Our journey has come to an end, but we can only hope that the process will long be remembered. We ran a good clean campaign and we are very proud. What I will remember and will be able to carry with me is the people I met along the way and the friendships that will continue.
Thank you for all the support you have provided to our campaign. It did not end as we had hoped, however we raised some important issues and we hope that our goals of Protecting the Past and Preserving the Future will be shared by the next commissioners of Miami Beach.
I was appalled upon learning of a direct mail piece sent this afternoon to you the voters of Miami Beach.The political mailer attacks Maria Chang Mayer and attempts to portray me, Sherry Roberts, in a positive way.You might be asking yourself why if I was portrayed in a positive manner would I be so upset with the political mailer ?
Here's why:
The group, Tell The Public The Facts, Inc., that paid for and sent the political attack is associated with Jorge Exposito another candidate in the race for city commissioner.The shadowy front group is attempting to pit the two female candidates against each other in the campaign for Group II City Commissioner.Moreover, Jorge Exposito and his cohorts are trying to make it appear as though I am somehow responsible for the attack.
Jorge Exposito has hired a lobbyist/political consultant to run his campaign. The same consultant lists on his website that Tell The Public The Facts, Inc. is one of the outside organizations that he uses to attack candidates.
The evidence is shockingly clear and Jorge Exposito must stop these political tricks at once.Mr. Exposito I am asking you to take responsibility for these attacks and stop them now.
Furthermore, I am calling on the those good people who have donated money or endorsed Mr. Exposito to demand from him that he stop this kind of underhanded and destructive behavior.
We must expect more from our candidates and our elected officials.If we let our candidates for elected office behave in a reckless manner how can we expect them to act any better once elected to office.The time to stop these tricks is now.
In my next blog, I am reprinting the letter that I have sent to the press, my opponents, and other community leaders. I have also been on the phone to Maria Mayer, Mayor Bower, Commissioners Tobin and Libbin and many other supporters and community leaders. We share the outrage that this has tainted a positive campaign which should be about the issues and the experience of the candidates. I reiterate that neither I nor anyone associated with my campaign had anything to do with the negative mailer that arrived in mailboxes yesterday. I was as shocked and offended as other recipients. This mailer is formatted to imply that the Sherry Roberts campaign is comparing Ms. Roberts to Ms. Mayer and disparaging Ms.Mayer while praising Ms. Roberts. The photo of Sherry has been altered to put her against a background of storm clouds and the spin on all the information is distorted.
THIS TYPE OF CAMPAIGN LITERATURE IS WRONG.
Even more upsetting to me, as a woman who has fought long and hard for women's rights and who has mentored women in business for years, is the chauvinistic implication that the two women in this race are in some type of "cat fight."
This is 2009 and aren't we past this blatant anti feminism?
I am a candidate who will restore civility, respect and common purpose to the commission. i have said that the true barometer of what a person will do in the future is what they have done in the past. The city needs Sherry Roberts who will put the good of the city above winning at all costs.
Below are excerpts from an interview with Miami Beach Group 2 City Commission Candidate Sherry Roberts, published today.
Commissioner Candidate Sherry Roberts Offers Insight on Issues Facing Miami Beach
by Joshua Head
Miami Beach, FL – October 21, 2009 ---
I met up with Commission Group 2 Candidate Sherry Roberts . . .and was given an opportunity to ask a few questions.
Q. What do you feel are the three main items that set you apart from the other candidates?
A. 1. Recent and Relevant Experience in Miami Beach Government; 2. Independent voice with fresh ideas, common sense and a commitment to common purpose and civility to the Commission; 3. Passion for the Preservation of Our Way of Life.
Q. What will you do to address this large scale problem of allowing new development without addressing infrastructure improvements?
A. First and foremost we must let our infrastructure catch up with our growth. I oppose overdevelopment but I am not opposed to progress.
Q. What will you do to address our city's need to over-regulate?
A. Besides education [of staff] we need to streamline the process with technology so that plans can be reviewed by several departments simultaneously.
Q. With tourism the lifeblood of Miami Beach, do you feel that Miami Beach should be doing its own marketing?
A. Miami Beach is not Miami and I think that the marketing of this City should be lead by those who live here, work here and are as passionate about the city as I am.
Q. what do you propose be done to deal with the lack of parking and the increase of air polluting SUVs and cars?
A. I support public/city partnerships to develop more parking areas. Also we need better public transportation.I support expanding the loop bus routes to all areas of the City.
Q. Traffic enforcement:what do you feel can be done to make Miami Beach a better place for pedestrians?
A. I support cameras to identify offenders who run red lights. Police priorities need to include traffic calming. Penalties should be strictly enforced. . .
This week marks the ONE YEAR anniversary of my filing for Commissioner Group II. On October 17, 2008, I officially asked for your support as a candidate.
In these 12 months I have walked miles (and worn out three pairs of shoes),knocked on your doors, left literature, talked to you on the phone, attended your neighborhood meetings, completed the Citizen's Police Academy and Neighborhood Leadership Academy, spoken at the Tuesday Morning Club, ( I think 3 times) written position papers, filled out candidate questionnaires, asked for endorsements, served on the Board of Adjustment, attended most Commission meetings, sat through hours of budget negotiations, talked to union representatives, went to senior centers, made speeches, learned to use a tele-prompter, and asked for money (the toughest part.) And I am just as energetic and excited as I was last October. Miami Beach is our little piece of paradise and I want to preserve our past and protect our future as you commissioner.
And what I learned from talking to residents and participating in our government is that the issues are serious. Taxes, Overdevelopment, Government Waste, Preservation, and Crime. I know these are issues because I live here, work here , and enjoy the culture here. When you told me how these issues affect your lives, I understood. I did not need a poll to tell me about our fear of petty crime and gangs or the costs of the floods and drainage issues.
We are three weeks away from the election and we now know the names of our opponents. Each candidate is talking about the same issues and talking about membership in religious, civic and trade organizations.
WHAT makes me different? What do I offer that they do not?
For the last 4 years i have been continuously involved in Miami Beach City government . My experience is relevant and current.
My opponents are asking for your vote to start in City government and I am asking for your vote to CONTINUE in city government.
The City faces some very serious crossroads next year and the Commission hasn't been a shining example of civility and compromise this year. Working in government requires an understanding of how the process works and how to get things done. I have a track record of getting things done; I have been there as a citizen activist for the last 6 years. I am on a Board that functions very much like the Commission. The Board of Adjustment is quasi legal and makes decisions for the CIty.
Please vote on November 3 for Sherry Roberts TOUCH 58
At the last commission meeting, Commissioner Victor Diaz introduced a resolution proclaiming October as Spanish Heritage month in Miami Beach and last week President Obama proclaimed that Spanish Heritage would be celebrated nationally from October 15 to November 15. Hispanics make up 53.5% of our population in Miami Beach. I think that this city benefits from our great diversity and exemplifies the contributions of Hispanic men and women as well as any in the United States. i congratulate my friends and colleagues.
Yesterday morning, as I said the same prayers that were said by my parents and my grandparents I was reminded about the importance of tradition. It is my tradition to wish you all a very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, and Safe New Year. My hope is that we all be written in the book of life for the coming year. Sherry
Since the end of September i have been campaigning for the Commissioner's seat. I have told anyone who will listen that "I am in it to win it and I have not faltered in my resolve to run for commissioner in Group II. On Wednesday I made it official. I went to the City Clerk's office, paid the fee, filed the financial disclosure and signed the loyalty oath which was then notarized by an employee of the city with whom I have worked for many years on various issues.
I had thought of this as just another administrative step but surprisingly found myself emotionally touched. The privilege and responsibility of public service is the bedrock of our country and I hope that win or lose, I never forget what an honor it is to receive a vote. Votes mean that the voter has the confidence that i will represent their perspective well and act for the good of the City.
Well, now it is official. I am a qualified candidate for Commissioner of Miami Beach Group II and I am asking for your vote on Novemebr 3.
The Miami Beach Leadership Academy is an informative and energizing program provided by the City of Miami Beach under the direction of Caroline DeFreze. At the Commission Meeting yesterday i was among the 75 new graduates of the Academy who were acknowledged. There are now over 600 alumni of this 15 week program that has been established for 8 years. This year marks the first for a class in Spanish.
On each of 15 Monday evenings we met with the staff of a different department. The complexity of the budgeting, contract procurement, code enforcement, city services to seniors and children, safety initiatives, legal issues, parks and recreation, CIP were discussed. This is a very complex city with levels of needs.
I am so appreciative of this opportunity. I learned so much that is important for any citizen to know and absolutely essential for a new Commissioner (or candidate.)
The Miami Beach web site has more information. This is a great program that i highly recommend. Call me at 305-205-2030 if you want to talk about the Academy (or any issue).
Also the Alumni now has a softball team. As soon as the campaign is over I will be joining them. Watch for me at short stop.
Wednesday August 26 is Women's Equality Day, the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which provided women with the right to vote.
As the only woman candidate in Group II, this celebration is particularly poignant to me. I have been in community service all of my life and have taken for granted our right to participate in our democracy. As we mark this milestone it is amazing to me that women have only been able to vote since August 26, 1920, just 89 years. We had Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, radio, penicillin and insulin before women could vote.
I firmly believe that a candidate can understand the issues and represent voters who do not share every characteristic (such as gender or ethnic background) and I also believe that every minority should have equal rights to participate in the process and in the benefits of our democracy.
Do you know when Florida ratified the 19th amendment? May 13, 1969. Miami Beach did not elect a woman mayor until 2007. We had the first Women's Conference in Miami Beach this past March, 2009. My business, South Beach Boutique Realty was proud to be the anniversary sponsor. We have a lot of catching up to do and when elected in November I will make sure that women's issues will be considered as the priorities are established. We need better education and protection against domestic violence, better education about women's health issues, support for working mothers, senior support services to help family members who are the care givers, etc.
I am asking for your support, not because I am a woman, but because I am the most qualified candidate who can add the unique perspective of a working mother and business woman. I am an independent candidate with new and fresh ideas. Check out the Issues Tab on this website to learn more about how I will work to make Miami Beach a safer, more secure and cleaner city managed with fiscal responsibility.
I hope you are following our campaign on Facebook.com/sherryroberts.miamibeach
We are keeping our friends in touch with the most important milestones of this campaign. This is a great adventure that has introduced me to so many new faces and ideas. The process is as enriching as the outcome.
We have now walked in Neighborhoods in North Beach, Mid Beach and South Beach. We continue with our senior outreach program and have met over 1000 elders. We spend every Tuesday engaged with elders and are appreciative of their wisdom and concern for the city. I have always believed that those who do not understand history are likely to repeat it. Hearing from those who have lived the history of Miami Beach provides insight that is invaluable for those who hope to influence the future of Miami Beach.
On Saturday I participated in a candidate forum hosted by SEIU. In this great country every person should have the opportunity to earn enough to support a family. As a small business owner I provide benefits for our employees and share our profits by contributing to our 401K. As a condo president I have insisted that our contractors must make health care benefits available to their employees.
We have an exciting schedule of events in September and October and will be posting this schedule as soon as it is finalized. We are humbled to be invited into the homes of residents who are providing us with the opportunity to meet their neighbors. We have a vision and plans that will improve the safety, security and cleanliness of Miami Beach while remaining fiscally responsible in these difficult economic times.
July 8 was an exciting night. I graduated from the Citizen's Police Academy, a twelve week course sponsored by the Miami Beach Police Department. The instructors volunteer and are enthusiastic and patient providing residents with an overview of the work that is done by our safety officers. Each week focused on a different aspect of police work. What we the residents see is just the surface of the complex, difficult and dangerous work that is done every day and every night. Our officers are highly trained and incredibly dedicated. It is unimaginable to consider what this city would be if we did not have a force of this quality and commitment and I am appreciative of their service and this opportunity. We were the 38th class and were addressed by Chief Carlos Noriega and alumna, Gabriel Paez. I urge all citizens to take advantage of this great opportunity.
Recently Miami Beach held the first Police Memorial service in 10 years. There are some wonderful pictures on the gallery. Check out the Police Memorial category. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
I was privileged to join about 50 other people including Mayor Matti Bower, in honoring author Gustavo Tapanes who signed his books and shared his story. He was accompanied by his lively and gracious wife, Maria who served homemade cookies as well as the traditional David's Cafe breakfast. Gustavo was joined by lifelong companions, one even drove from Tampa to be with him today. Their story, like the story of so many others, is one of courage, hope and resiliency. I was touched when he introduced me to the audience. We had an interesting conversation about the power of democracy and human rights. It is even more precious when viewed through the eyes of those who have worked so hard to achieve it. I have a picture in the gallery of me with the author and Raquel Levy, our campaign treasurer. Raquel came from Cuba when she was 9 and has had a very successful career in banking. Check out our picture on facebook...www.facebook.com/sherryroberts.miamibeach.
i hope that you are following me on Facebook to see the events and activities I attend. I have met so many wonderful folks and am very appreciative of the support and great ideas.
I beleive the future of this city is in channeling the energy, creativity and commitment of the citizens with the skills and programs of the government.
There is a disconnenct between what the city provides and what the citizens use. There is also a disconnect between what the citizens need and what the city provides.
For example, the process of getting permits is too long and too inconsistent. As president of a condominium that is 45 years old we are often seeking permits. Just this last week I spent hours in lines, going from window to window often receiving conflicting information and at the end of the day we still did not have the permit we needed.
I talk about doing more with less or as the fiscal situation worsens, doing the same with less, and one way is to train the staff in departments to make consistent and correct decisions the first time. Another is to cross train between departments so we can rely on the information we receive.
For too long we as citizens have had the luxury of a city that was financially secure and could really do it all. This has changed, not just in Miami Beach but across the country. We need more citizen input and citizens need more information. The people I talk to want to be part of the solution but do not see the opportunity to do this. As a commissioner, I am going to make more opportunities for citizens and also work to encourage and welcome residents. I attend events and neighborhood associations that are not well attended and this is not the way to progress. One crititcal way to do more with less is to form partnerships between citizens and govenment.
We received a call Tuesday from VIctory Fund telling us that they are endorsing our candidacy. It is both humbling and exciting to receive support for our values and message. We are very appreciative of their support and their offer of technical assistance. Our team continues to grow and with the help of our great volunteers we will continue with our goal to talk to every voter. Thank you Victory Fund.
Today, it is exactly 5 months until election day, November 3, 2009. What a great adventure this has been.
I have always been involved in community service but this is my first political campaign. I did not expect to enjoy this process as much as I am. I love meeting the people that I might not have met if I had not been campaigning. It is surprising how welcomed I feel as I walk the neighborhoods. The neighborhood associations are a wealth of information and inspiring in that there are so many residents who volunteer time and energy for the betterment of their communities.
Our campaign is going so well. I have met so many wonderful citizens and heard remarkable stories of the people who came before us and made this city the paradise that it is. Sunday we attended the dedication of Henri Levy Boulevard, a portion of 71st Street. Through the hard work of Representative Luis Garcia this renaming honors a true visionary. His daughter, June Levy Newbauer, her son and other members of her family attended. She spoke eloquently about her father and mother and several contemporaries of the Levy family shared memories.
We have continued with our outreach to seniors and had a great time at the Jewish Community Center and at Edwards Apartments. There are some great pictures. I now have a play list on my ipod with Cuban and Jewish music.
I continue with my Monday nights at the Leadership Training with the city and on Wednesday evenings I continiue with the Citizens Police Academy. I will write about this incredible experience in a later blog. The classes end in July.
The Board of Adjustment meets this Friday. I am continually surprised at how many people watch the proceedings of city hall on Channel 77.
We continue to walk through neighborhoods meeting residents, listening to their concerns and talking about our vision for the city. As the economic numbers continue to decline, it becomes clearer that my experience in starting and maintaining businesses, balancing lean budgets and making good personnel decisions is important to the city at this time.
The real estate market is picking up and the pizza shop on our street had lines going out the door on Sunday. The National Association of Realtors announced that the number of signed contracts is up by 6% over last month. This is good news but our overall home values are down and this will affect the tax base further challenging the city budget.
We are walking the neighborhoods and when we come to your house let us know what you think of our website.
I have a few moments to reflect today. I cannot remember how long it has been since I had a day with no event. This week we began our outreach to the neighborhoods in ernest and met some wonderful people in Precinct 24. Thank you for the hospitality and the time you took to tell us what you think and what you need.
This campaign is very important to me and I am taking it very seriously. Campaigning is a difficult and demanding process, but you know what?
I am having a great time. I am having fun. I love to talk to people and especially to meet new people. We are so diverse and have so much in common. It is truly a humbling experience to contemplate representing people to manage and shape their city.
There are a lot of pictures on my gallery and in so many faces there is joy and enthusiasm. The gallery is my way of sharing our campaign both with those who are at these events and those who are interested in them.
We were again honored to be welcomed by the residents of Four Freedoms House. What a great building with a view from the 15th floor party room that is phenomenal. How telling that we are involved in the political process in a building named for Franklin Roosevelt's Four Freedoms; Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear.
It gave me an opportunity to practice my spanish, refresh my very limited yiddish and dance dance dance.
We had a lively discussion about the problems with cleanliness on the beach, the beach-walk and the bay-walk. I agree that this is a serious problem for residents and tourists and we need to better address these needs. I am in favor of more containers that promote recycling and better oversight of the work of our crews. We need to increase our public awareness efforts to prevent the littering as well. I am a member of ECOMB and have volunteered on a beach clean up project.
As chair of the Beach Preservation Committee I worked with the staff and walked many times helping to identify problem areas and find solutions. We must protect our beach as carefully as we protect our historic structures.
We have added some pictures of our over 90 guests. There are some terrific dancers including Harold who is very proud of being 97 years young and he wore me out on the dance floor.
It was great to share Mother's Day with our friends Barbara Grant and Jorge Luis Garcia and their families. .
The matriarchs of the group were Aida Gracia, Jorge's mother and Asia J. Grant, Barbara's mother, and her aunts Anisa Abreu and Francesca Montalro Jova .
This wonderful and welcoming brunch bunch of 16, spanning 4 generations, helped me with my spanish and provided some surrogate mothering. For those of us who have lost our mothers this day is bitter sweet; great memories as well as feelings of loss.
As is almost always the case when I am with my Cuban friends I hear stories of courage, persistence and sacrifice that remind me of how precious is our freedom. I am telling Francesca's story.
She is 91 years old. She came from Cuba 7 years ago and like so many, she left behind all of her possessions. She came with memories and hope.
In October, she became an American citizen and in November, she voted for President Obama. She proudly proclaims to all, "I am an American Woman" and it is thrilling to hear her share her feelings about being a woman of color from a country of oppression who voted in the United States for a man of color.
She not only supports my candidacy but infuses us with an enthusiasm and appreciation for the privilege of public service.
There are pictures of Francesca in the Gallery under Family.
