Community Newspapers 305 669-7355
THE OPA-LOCKA REVIEW
DECEMBER 10, 2012
WHO’S WHO In City Government Mayor “Lady” Myra L. Taylor 305-688-4611
Vice-Mayor Joseph L. Kelley 305-688-4611
SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958
OPA-LOCKA REVIEW
Kelley and Santiago Won Election Sworn into Opa-locka Commission oseph L. Kelley and Luis B. Santiago were sworn into their positions as Vice Mayor and Commissioner, respectively, on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 in the Municipal Complex Building, 780 Fisherman Street after winning the November 6, 2012 election in the City of Opa-locka. Kelley, who previously served from 2000
Opa-locka residents vote for new city charter
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Commissioner Timothy Holmes 305-688-4611
Commissioner Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Johnson 305-688-4611 Commissioner Luis B. Santiago 305-688-4611
City Manager Kelvin L. Baker, Sr. 305-953-2821
City Clerk Joanna Flores 305-953-2800
City Attorney Joseph S. Geller 305-953-2808
VOL. 30, NO. 50
Vice Mayor Joseph L. Kelley sworn-in by his wife Tanbgela, also accompanied by his son Isaiah.
Opa-locka Commissioner Luis B. Santiago, sworn-in by District One Miami-Dade County Commissionber Barbara Jordan as family member Gisela Correa proudly watches.
to 2004 as Commissioner and from 2004 to 2010 as Mayor, catapulted into the position of Vice-Mayor with the highest total votes during the commission election. Kelley, a pastor of Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Opa-locka, was sworn-in by his wife Tangela. The newest member of the political arena, Santiago was surrounded by “spirited” family, friends and community supporters, as
he took the Oath of Office administered, at his request, by District One County Commissioner Barbara Jordan. Often sharing his affection for the City of Opa-locka by referring to it as ”my city,” Santiago, a car salesman, stated that he wanted to begin serving by cleaning the community before the holidays. The remaining candidates, former Commissioners Rose Tydus, Gail Miller and Terrence Pinder (who only lost to Santiago by only 47 votes), former Mayor John Riley, former City Clerk Deborah Sheffield-Irby and Andre Faustin, wished the two newly elected officials well.
In November, residents overwhelmingly voted for an entirely new city charter. The 2-to-1 vote to adopt a new the city charter streamlines the language and eliminates outdated administrative procedures. The newly adopted city charter outlines a Citizens’ Bill of Rights, provides for greater efficiency and transparency in government, and provides savings to tax payers. The adopted charter opens with a Citizens’ Bill of Rights, 12 general points, which reflect the rights of Opa-locka residents. They service as a contract with the City of Opa-locka and guide the city’s responsibility to is residents. A summary of those 12 points are: • Convenient access • Truth in government • Access to public records • Minutes and ordinance register • Citizens’ right to be heard • Right to notice of city hearings • No unreasonable postponement in issues placed on the city agenda • Right to public hearing • Notice of action and reasons when asking about a city administrative decision • Periodic reports from the city manager and city attorney • A budget summary reflecting expenses from each department • Quarterly budget comparison With the adoption of the new charter, all city boards have been de-commissioned. With staff support, the city commission will decide which boards will exist in Opa-locka and the administrative function of each board. To read the new, condensed city charter visit www.opalockafl.gov or call the City Clerk’s Office at (305) 688-4611.