Commissioner Eileen Higgins to Run for Mayor of Miami

Introduction to the Candidate

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins announced that she intends to run for mayor of Miami, a race that promises to be a close one.
Higgins, who has built her political career in the county, says it’s time to bring her vision of leadership to the city she calls home.

Background and Experience

Higgins, who was born in Ohio and has served District 5 for seven years, was re-elected unopposed last year. More than half of the district she represents is in the city of Miami, where she also resides.
"When they elect a mayor, the people deserve a mayor who shows up at City Hall and is in meetings and is giving advice about how permitting can get better, for example," she said.

Key Priorities

Among her main priorities, Higgins has emphasized the need to improve public transportation, accessibility to affordable housing and strengthening public safety.
"So my priorities as mayor are gonna be very simple. We need a city that’s prosperous and affordable for all," she said.
Higgins also stressed the importance of optimizing key municipal services, such as the permitting system for home repairs and the expansion of the trolley to improve mobility for residents.

The Role of the Mayor

Unlike her current position, the Miami mayor’s office does not have a vote on the commission, but does have the power to appoint the city manager and exercise veto power. Higgins says her experience in decision-making and implementing public policy makes her the right person to lead.
"I’m a city of Miami resident. Like everybody else in the city, we watch sometimes in horror at the dysfunction in the city of Miami," she said.

Challenges and Competition

She refers to conflicts in the city commission that she says have prevented significant progress, including controversies involving embattled District 3 Commissioner Joe Carollo.
He, too, may throw his hat in the mayoral race.
"There are gonna be a lot of people that run for the city of Miami mayor," Higgins said. "I welcome the competition, that’s what’s great about democracy. What I know the residents of Miami are gonna recognize is that I’m the one that has a track record of delivering results, not chaos."

Conclusion

Higgins’ announcement marks the beginning of what is expected to be a highly competitive mayoral race. With her experience and vision for the city, she is poised to be a strong contender. The people of Miami will have to wait and see how the race unfolds, but one thing is certain: the city is in for a exciting and potentially transformative election season.

FAQs

• Q: Who is Commissioner Eileen Higgins?
  A: Commissioner Eileen Higgins is a Miami-Dade County Commissioner who has announced her intention to run for mayor of Miami.
• Q: What are Higgins’ main priorities as mayor?
  A: Higgins’ main priorities include improving public transportation, increasing accessibility to affordable housing, and strengthening public safety.
• Q: What is the role of the Miami mayor?
  A: The Miami mayor has the power to appoint the city manager and exercise veto power, but does not have a vote on the commission.
• Q: Who else might be running for mayor?
  A: Other potential candidates, including District 3 Commissioner Joe Carollo, may also throw their hats into the ring.