Thursday, September 1, 2011

Lago leaves job for Hialeah seat

Hialeah council candidate Frank Lago resigned from his job as chief of staff to Sweetwater Mayor Manny Maroño this week in order to concentrate on the campaign.

But the permanent exit -- Lago took a leave of absence earlier this year to run for Miami-Dade Commissioner Esteban Bovo's vacated state house seat (R/District 110) -- could also signal a split in the longtime alliance between Maroño, who backs former State Sen. Rudy Garcia in the mayoral race, and Candidate Lago, who is likely to go with former Mayor Raul Martinez.

Did everybody hear that collective gasp from card-carrying Republicans? Yes, Lago is still a conservative GOP loyalist who campaigned for Gov. Rick Scott and tried, really tried, to be a good little elephant and stay true to the party (read: he still has Tallahassee on his mind). But acting alcaldito Carlos Hernandez and Council President Isis "GutterMouth Girl" Garcia Martinez are backing Paul Hernandez for that seat. And he might have been talking to both Martinez and Garcia in the past couple of weeks, but now that David Custin -- who worked on State Rep. Jose Oliva's campaign while his "former partner" Sasha Tirador worked for Lago (more on that later) -- is on Garcia's team, Lago -- spotted talking with former councilman and candidate Alex Morales last month at Maruch, may not want to play there, either. He also strikes Ladra as a pretty sharp guy who is really eager to be an elected already. He sees this Hialeah council contest as a golden opportunity to get in the door and may be Martinez-minded for more marketable motives: The Dark Prince -- longtime friend of Lago's wife, Hialeah Planning and Zoning Board member Liz Iglesias, and her family -- leads all the credible polls (more on that later). Both he and Garcia had reported raising a little more than $100,000 so far (next reports are not due until Sept. 26), but the former Senator may be going through his checkbook faster with his name-embroidered Cubavera shirts in every color, the pricey postal pieces to come courtesy of his newest consultant, David Custin, who got Oliva elected against all odds, and the nicest candidate headquarters this watchdog has ever seen -- the Taj Majal of campaign offices (more on that later). It's even nicer than U.S. Congressman David Rivera's 2010, er, I mean the "Republican Party Victory Office" that opened in West Dade, in the same shopping plaza as David's district office, last summer. Martinez is being frugal, pulling out computers from his 2008 Congressional bid against Lincoln Diaz-Balart (more on that later) and clipping plastic tablecloths to his folding tables. He may end up with more money to spend in what has been widely reported as a tapped-out funding base, made broke by the Julio Robaina bust. And since campaign funding is what ultimately brought Lago -- who originally said he may run independently in his seat -- to Martinez's camp. He told Ladra that he figured he would need between $100,000 and $150,000 to win the seat against an incumbent running on a slate. He plans on raising about $50,000 -- because he knows the money ain't flowing like it was in March. It's about pooling resources and getting the most bang for your buck.

"My community is facing a difficult period and it is time for a new voice at City Hall," he wrote in his resignation letter to Maroño. He is officially an ex city employee on qualifying day in Hialeah, Sept. 9, but is already gone, using what is left of his vacation time. "Having filed to run for the Hialeah council, I will not be able to dedicate the necessary time to continue advancing the interests of the citizens of Sweetwater."

Neither Lago nor Martinez -- who may not trust Lago because he had supported Robaina in the county mayoral race while Martinez campaigned for Carlos Gimenez -- would say they were together. But they spoke on Thursday and are going to meet again next Friday after the qualifying deadline (read: when the reporters are all there), which is when Lago first told Ladra he would announce what side he was on. But Ladra smells it already. Garcia told me again today that he had not talked to Lago since shortly after the FIU grad did an independent poll (he said he paid for it himself to gauge his viability) weeks ago. But people close to his campaign and people who support Martinez all say Lago is with the Back to the Future slate.

So, as one might imagine, it may be difficult to work for Mayor Maroño and support and run on the slate with his pick's party pooper. Nay, impossible. But Lago says that is not what motivated him to resign from his $70,000 a year job. "It's just time to move in a different direction," Lago said. "I was waiting to finish the annexation here, because annexation was my big thing, and now I want to do something else."

Maroño told Ladra Thursday night the same thing -- but his words were more, um, shall we say curt and indicative of a riff in the relationship? "It was time to move on. It doesn't work to be working for a city as councilman and be the chief of staff of another city," Maroño said. Does that mean he gives Lago the victory so far out in the game? "It's a toss-up. Anyone can win." Will he support his protege, who has backed him up for six years? "I'm not going to support Frank in this race. I don't know why he's doing it. I don't know who he's listening to. I haven't been his advisor. I'm going to stay out of it. I am not going to support him," said Maroño, who added that he will not back any of the council candidates and is only getting involved in the mayoral race. "I'm supporting Rudy Garcia because he has been a personal friend of mine for years and we've gone through many hurricanes together. I went to Rudy about a year ago and told him I would support him. Fortunately for Hialeah, they are all good candidates. I think Rudy has fresh ideas and when I give my word, I stick to it."

He said Lago "was a friend, is a friend, and was a good chief of staff. I can almost attribute the annexation to his efforts." But he admitted after Ladra asked that he thought Lago was siding with Martinez, and he was obviously not happy about it. "I don't know who he is talking to, but I think it's a mistake," Maroño said. "He's taking a risk, but he knows what he's doing."

Lago admits it is a risk to leave a $70,000 job for a $40,000 job that isn't even yours for sure and won't be for two months. He used up all his vacation time during the state house campaign. But he said it was his time. He got the annexation done and wanted to get out of government to get into politics, his real love.

"This is my best chance. I just ran for state representative," Lago said. "I've tried to run before and someone always talks you out of it and tells you it's not your time. Well, this is my time and if I lose, I'll just get a job doing something else."

Ladra will remind him to watch for job openings in Hialeah City Hall and its housing authority.

35 comments:

  1. Ladra, sometimes you seem to amaze me on the stories you write and wether or not it is worth my time to even read or respond to them, but I had to respond to this one. I would like if you reported since you say that you are a reporter on the facts of each candidate and what they have done or not done for the City of Hialeah. Give us the residents the facts rather then gossip on the City of Hialeah mayoral Race candidates so that those that are not in the politic arena can make an educated choice on who we pick as our next mayor. Here is your next assignment find out what did your favorite acting mayor do for the city as a councilman and I am even more interested on what he did as a policeman for the City. I am sure he was not perfect. Next why is it that the Fire Department is so wanting to support the Ex mayor after he screwed them in the past. And why should we vote for someone that stole money and intimated everyone that got in his way while in office. I just dont know how anyone out of his family and possy can even consider voting for him. And also and finally what our Mr. Ex Senator do for this community while in Tallahasse. I am sure that you will get some good news there. Forget about Lago he is done how smart can a guy be leaving a $70,000 job for a maybe $40,000 job....DUHHHH Alot of brains there.Im sure Mayor Morono is crying right now for that lost. (Yeah Right)If this guy just wants to be in Tallahassee give him the map and show him the way. Now get to work and see what you can find oh and buy a nicer camera....LMAO

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  2. Whoever told you that I am a reporter on "the facts of each candidate and what they have done"? There are plenty of places to find that, and plenty of time to get to it. Ladra writes about that, too, when it adds context to the back story, the inside political machinations. Ladra's job is to the lift the curtain and connect the dots that politicians, campaign professionals and special interests sometimes use to manipulate public opinion. We also expose conflicts of interest, hypocracies, discrepancies, lies and graft. It's fun. You oughta try it.

    The camera was my new phone (assuming again, even though I told you) and I am getting better with time.

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  3. First of all you can't even spell so I'd take Lago any day over an incompetent fuck like you. Second, in his race, he is the only one I'm aware of with legitimate experience managing a budget and setting policies (under Marono's tutelage) that have benefited a city. He can bring that experience here and you can bet I'd believe he'd do more for this city than his opponents or the current Council and Mayor who comprise a Council of spineless rubber stamps for the previous Mayor and would never speak up for the interests of the residents. Lastly and most importantly you're calling a guy "done" who forced Oliva, his last opponent, to spend about 300,000 in the State House race, 190,000 of his own, and yet was able to overcome Rene Garcia's pick Ralph Perez and stay on Oliva's heels the whole campaign. Impressive for a first timer for a race of this type especially. The guy is not done because he can raise money which equals staying power. I'm tired of you stupid political prognosticator wannabes who can't make an educated argument and just want to cut everyone down. Give the kid a chance!

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  4. "Give the kid a chance?" How anal and defensive. Grow up pansy, and welcome to the word of politics... not to mention Hialeah politics.

    Your rationale and thinking is pathetic and inspire little solidaity. They dont help Lago... Im pretty sure "que el tiene abualita"

    How about some substance and ideas?

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  5. Lago has about the same chance to win as does Danny Bolanos. That may not seem a fair comparison, considering Bolanos' heavy baggage, but consider the following: Lago actually faces greater opposition than the other Martinez council slate members because he is going to have Eddy Gonzalez, Rene Garcia, Jose Oliva, Rudy Garcia and Carlos Hernandez all unified against him. No other candidate can boast or lament that. I am not saying he may not be more qualified than Paul Hernandez but as we all know it is rarely about quality in elections, especially in the City of Hialeah. His fundraising, for the poster above, will now dry up because Moreno is making sure his people are not contributing to him. Lago's only fundraising will come through the slate and time will tell how much Raul can raise for him and his minions. 

    Regardless, none of the individual council races will be won by the candidates. They will be won at that the mayor's race level, unless a candidate has some particular grevious political skeletons they are afraid to surface (more on that later).

    Elaine, I am still patiently waiting for your investigative articles on Martinez. How about the new poll that shows Martinez down with Carlos and even Rudy in prime position? Why haven't the firefighters released their poll? Why is Freddy Basura avoiding his own poll? 

    It's okay, as you wrote, showing your bias again, "Raul is up 10 points on any credible poll". Show us those credible polls! Just one poll then?  

    C'mon Elaine start moving to the center or just announce who you will be supporting for your readers!

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  6. What actually is the job of a Hialeah Councilperson? Isn't it essentially to gather information on current municipal issues and then vote intelligently on these issues? I don't see why a full time job for another municipality would preclude the ability for a council person to fulfill these duties for Hialeah. Quite to the contrary, I would think this would put this individual at an informational advantage, able to better serve Hialeah by working full time with local and state issues. Kind of a synergistic effect. To move from a $70,000 job to a $40,000 job, with the rationale that he wants to get out of government and into politics, well, that makes no sense mathematically or ideologically. I met Mr. Lago and his beautiful wife, and I must say that I was impressed and wish them well. I believe the anti-incumbent effect will be greater than acknowledged by some of the critics posting here.
    Though I don't always agree with Ladra, I do think it is unfair to criticize her for promulgating gossip rather than solely documentable facts. I believe these elections will be won on a visceral plane; that is, on deep inward feelings, rather than on intellect.
    What the people think, and feel, and misremember; may play a more important role than a candidate's legislative or criminal record. After all, this is Hialeah. Its just one big horse race.

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  7. Hey fourth post. How about you take some of your own medicine and provide substance not that short and totally defensive crap that took you an hour to edit. Calling me a pansy while whining. Grow a pair, stop talking, and actually give some real reasons for your position.

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  8. To responder yea that makes sense but I'm not so sure they'll be so crazy to jump into this race. I guess the best thing to do will be to wait and see.

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  9. Pansy… my comments were short and to the point. They were a response to your huffing and puffing. Unless you have a new definition of “whining” that’s what you were doing through your trivial and superfluous ranting. BTW, it took me about 45 seconds to write this comment and about 35 seconds for the previous one…

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  10. Fired reporter , you still writing the same boring stories and it is obvious you are up Martinez coco!!!!
    Hernandez or Garcia will win this election and soon you will be escorted out of city hall!!!

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  11. The herald got the poll from Washington pollster and not you because of your continue pulling for one candidate.. The herald will continue getting the stories. We tried to give you a chance but you fucked up. You are not fair and don't write the truth.

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  12. I hear martinez and capo are in a major lawsuit for each of them accusing each other of wrong doings. Also I hear capo has intruded martinez private household. Wow

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  13. Eric Johnson start looking for another job in November .

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  14. Mr. Payback, Please dont mistake kindness for weakness. My job is safe and secure as I perform my duties above and beyond what is required. If you are insecure of worried over a persons 1st amendment right then I suggest you look in a mirror and ask yourself WHY EVEN YOU HAVE THAT RIGHT. If you feel like attacking me I suggest you do it in person. 752 east 1st Avenue. Union office. You will find Both Mario Pico and myself there every day till late at night. We wont turn you away but rather invite even you in and offer you a drink. If we have different views than so be it, but in the mean time grow up and face reality that people do see things in a different light. Will, anonymous, and Payback, all the same person. WOW... Try using your real name... SHHHH I will keep it a secret.. Oh wait. Should i list more??

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  15. What does Elaine and Johnson have in common?

    They were both fired. Now that is funny

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  16. How do those comments challenge their ideas or concepts? If they were fired, laid off or never held a job in their life... what's the point? You’re most probably an asshole… however; you have the right to post your substantive opinions… the only downside is you haven’t gotten any, thus the poor comments above. You must be related to the pansy that wrote some other BS above. Happy labor day weekend.

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  17. I have to say your continued fascination with me is quite flattering. How long did it take you to write this time? lol I have to say that gave me a good laugh. Obviously you wouldn't cut it in the mean politics of Hialeah as you describe it given your thin skin. Still waiting on your so called legitimate and substantive reasons for why Lago won't pass muster.

    With love to my admiring fan,

    Pansy

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  18. Question to the Hialeah Fire Fighters Union. WWhy is it that you are with the Martinez Campaign when he screwwed you all while in office. Has he promised you a piece of the pie to steal even more money from the City. I hope you are prepared for a colonoscopy without propofol.

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  19. Probably because he is the lesser of three evils (Rudy-“Postalita” Garcia) or (Carlos “Papelasero” Hernandez)….

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  20. I'm no fan of Martinez, but he is the lesser of all evils among the candidates. While we're at it you say if elected he will "steal even more money..." last I recall while in office the City operated on a surplus, the bills we're paid, projects completed on time and the employees hated him but got paid. Did he make money, HELL yes! Was there graft? I have no doubt; but from how I see it, not at the expense of the day to day and business of the City.
    However, last I read Robaina gets into office with little experience and a huge fanfare, he's worth $800,000.00 upon taking office and $8 million 5 years later?
    And this during one of the worst economic downturns in our nation history? He's worked his way through a multi million dollar surplus, championed illegal gambling machines, laid off employees, closed parks and police stations and God only know what else.
    Now we have another inexperienced Mayor, who by all accounts is not the brightest bulb on the tree, whose only job has been policing. So in other words ZERO financial, budgetary or economic experience or training. Yes, he sure makes me feel confident!
    And Rudy Garcia, a nice, hardworking guy by all accounts, but a career politician with ZERO municipal experience. In my research his occupation is listed as
    businessman, and the last businessman we elected left us bankrupt!
    I just want Martinez back to straighten up this mess, Garcia should stay visible and involved. I'm sure we'll see him next election!

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  21. So what your saying is that as long as you do all that he did before while in office he can continue stealing out the back door and thats ok. Wow that was a good educated response. So what your saying is that his store front will be mayor and he his actually in control of all the money him and his buddies are making. It sounds like you are getting some of that cash. Oh and Im not saying that Mr.Prestige was our best ever, but we can get better.

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  22. Yes I'm sure we can do better, but the way politics has gotten unless you already have money or are connected you don't stand a chance. It's sad but true. And I don't approve of any stealing by any one, but realistically, Miami Dade County and politics = some level of corruption in any and all places. It's a sad state of affairs when we select our elected officials by the standard of " the lesser evil" but that's how it is today; just look at our Governor. Need I say more?
    We may disagree about Martinez but I believe we can both agree that it's not a pretty picture.

    By the way, thank you for the debate. It was nice to find some one that discussed the conversation without personal or vitriol remarks.

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  23. Your Welcome, but it is unfortunate that our elderly do not access to the internet as much as our younger generation and those are the individuals that will make their decisions based on the past. I hope that we can get a good debate for all candidates so that we can make a sound decision and not continue to have Hialeah in the radar for its dirty politics and rather because it is a place where huge industries want to set camp.

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  24. Kum bay ya, my Lord, kum bay ya;
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    O Lord, kum bay ya.

    Someone's praying, Lord, kum bay ya;
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    Someone's singing, Lord, kum bay ya;
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    O Lord, kum bay ya.

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  25. A couple of thoughts........

    1- I love all these RLM supports that couch their words by saying Raul sucks or is a crook, but...... Its like he is all we got from a bad crop of candidates. Look Raul sucks......period. He governed during a period of time when money poured into the city in buckets. The only times he "saved" the city was by raising taxes.....when he first got elected and when he replaced Julio Martinez......Raul is a tax raiser and will blame prior administrations for doing so. Notice how he never address the issue.

    2- Lago "your" city is in trouble......oye pretty boy, this is not your city, your just looking for a place to run. Doesn't matter who side you Raul, Rudy and Hernandez......people see you as an carpet bagger.

    3-Ladra, its clear someone is paying you, but at least fake it girl. Pretend you have some professionalism. I bet you will not post one thing that could be considered productive to the political processes. But again this stuff is only meant for the insiders in politics.

    Chino

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  26. All very credible coming from a guy called “chino”… from Hialeah. You wouldn’t happen to own a tow truck, smoke Cuban cigars and be related to Pansy? Are you?

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  27. Wow, it seems some common sense is creeping on to this blog. First, Lickerpoet commenting for some fair and balanced (not Fox News style) reporting. Now, some new posters (before the regulars make accusations, I've only commented once) are bring up what anyone outside of the Martinez camp already knows. 

    It's truly amazing how Hobbes was right, well, that is if you believe some of the anonymous posters. How quick some people will go back to a dictator to escape the presumed state of nature (which Hialeah does not really even resemble). 

    On Lago, I haven't mentioned the carpetbagger angle, because I really don't have an issue with him, other than what I posted above. The term although is certainly appropriate but then again that is a all too familiar occurrence these day...

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  28. Johnson,
    Starting in December you will work day shifts, Monday - Friday . No more 24 on 48 off. Now that if funny!

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  29. Payback,
    That could be great. More time to find a solution to the problems we are facing in the city. Definately more time to generate more revenue producing ideas. Take for example roof replacements on City owned buildings. Why on earth are we so quick to replace a 10 year old flat roof for a cost of 50,000 Why do we not apply and qualify for FPL incentive roof coverings (not elsatomeric)that could extend that same roof for 15 years. How about CFL's rather than a single incandescant lamp in any building. How about motion detector switches placed in every city building as to lower costs. Common sense really aint so common after all. Lets re-examine our fleet of all vehicles and determine which is penny wise and dollar foolish.. Do certain take home cars have to be GIANT SUV'S? HEll no. Get em a ford fiesta.. 48 MPG. Lets be honest Payback, I am going to bust my ass for this city NO MATTER where I am. I am very gratefull for all the city has provided my family and will do whatever it takes to make sure it stays afloat. Again though, Do not appreciate the threats or the down talk. If you know me, than you know my work ethics. Wish you a wonderful night..

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  30. Johnson,
    Those are some good points you brought up. I agree with you, but your attack on Robaina during the election were way overboard. Some were not accurate and very unfair. Maybe when this election is over we can meet and I can express my difference with you so maybe you can see another point of view.
    I accept your tone on expressing yourself on your last comment. I am good people. Just have a problem when the truth is not stated correctly . It really upsets me how journalist write stories at times that are totally false.
    Again thank you for some good points and please stay openminded and always hearvthe truth not what people want you to believe is the truth.

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  31. Payback, you must be a chick…

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  32. Or a chick that can kick your ass. Asshole!!!

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  33. A chick with a foul mouth… cool.

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I have decided to moderate comments for a while as there are some that are simply off-subject and have become personal and offensive in nature, attacking not just me but others through this venue.

Comments that add substance and context to the news and issues in the blog will be posted. Comments that use profanity and abuse this open space to attack others will be saved and, when called for, sent to the appropriate authorities.