City of Coral Gables appoints Amos Rojas, Jr. as new city manager

In a decisive three-to-two vote, the Coral Gables Commission has chosen Amos Rojas, Jr. as the new City Manager during a meeting held at City Hall. Commissioners Kirk Menendez, Ariel Fernandez, and Melissa Castro supported the appointment, while Mayor Vince Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson voted against it.

The decision, however, was not without its controversies. Commissioner Menendez’s statement just before the vote raised questions about the nature of the alleged corruption he referenced. Menendez declared, “The City of Coral Gables is adrift in a cesspool of corruption. And I am here to help navigate our beloved City out of the muck and to safe harbor. So I vote, yes.”

Menendez’s statement left room for speculation, as it was unclear whether he was referring to the alleged corruption involving Mayor Lago and embattled developer Rishi Kapoor, the misuse of money with city-issued P-cars, or the recent Miami Herald article detailing Chief Hudak’s questionable dealings with a University of Miami Coach and a sex offense.

Despite the ambiguity, the Commission proceeded with the appointment of Rojas, Jr. as the new City Manager. Rojas, Jr., a seasoned law enforcement professional with experience as a U.S. Marshal, expressed his interest in contributing to the betterment of Coral Gables during the meeting.

Commissioner Castro, before casting her yes vote, emphasized the importance of not jeopardizing the opportunity to hire an overqualified candidate, perhaps indicating a collective desire for change and a fresh start in the city’s administration.

Rojas, Jr. is will oversee the 1,000 people employed by the City of Coral Gables, ushering in a new era for the city as it navigates through both administrative challenges and the shadows of alleged corruption. The community now waits to see how the newly appointed City Manager will address the concerns raised by Commissioner Menendez and lead Coral Gables towards a more transparent and accountable future.