Commissioner Fernandez Wastes No Time Getting Down to Business

New Coral Gables Commissioner Ariel Fernandez wasted no time getting down to business after being sworn in on April 28th. Days later, he announced that he will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting with newly elected Commissioner Melissa Castro. The Town Hall will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 6:00 PM, at the Police and Fire Headquarters.

Future of Mobility Hub & City Manager In Doubt

Fernandez has also sponsored a few high-profile items on the agenda for the upcoming City Commission meeting, including a discussion regarding the termination of City Manager Peter Iglesias and the future of the Mobility Hub project, which some have said to be Iglesias’ “legacy project.”

In his speech after being sworn in, Fernandez made it clear that one of his priorities was to stop the Mobility Hub project. The Mobility Hub is a proposed development that would include a bus terminal, a parking garage, and retail space. Fernandez has argued that the project is too expensive and that it would not benefit the city.

Fernandez’s focus on the Mobility Hub project has raised concerns among some members of the city’s hierarchy. It is possible that other members of the city’s staff may be wondering if they are next in Fernandez’s crosshairs.

Mayor Lago’s Poor Judgment

Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago, who vocally backed Fernandez’s opponent, Alex Bucelo, may be particularly concerned. Lago has had his own problems of late, including a conflict of interest involving the Little Gables development, questionable mortgages with former Commissioner Quesada, and a recent lawsuit filed against his good friend and appointed Coral Gables Waterway Advisory Board Chairman, Manny Chamizo. The real estate website, TheRealDeal.com, recently documented the connection between Chamizo and Lago and discusses how their partnership landed them in a lawsuit and Chamizo with criminal charges. Take all of these incidents and at the very least, it demonstrates Lago’s poor judgment, and at worst, suggests potential corruption. 

Chief Hudak’s Partisan Actions Spark Concerns

Chief Ed Hudak may also be feeling the heat. Hudak was reported to have made phone calls asking residents to vote for Bucelo over Fernandez. He also made comments that if Fernandez was elected it would accelerate his retirement. The matter has not been publicly addressed and seems to have been deliberately concealed by the city authorities, with a hope that the residents would forget about it.  Hudak’s actions have raised concerns about his neutrality and his ability to serve as Police Chief. If you add the current reports of the low morale in the police department and the inability to retain police officers it would not be a stretch to think the commission may ask Chief Hudak to resign.

Commissioner Fernandez Commits to Accountability

Fernandez’s aggressive style has already ruffled some feathers in Coral Gables and appears he will use this as an opportunity to show the residents that all public officials will be held accountable. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to achieve his goals, but he has certainly made it clear that he is not afraid to shake things up.