It doesn’t seem that Coral Gables City Manger Alberto Parjus, who took over in February from the assistant position when Amos Rojas announced he was leaving, has had a lot of time to communicate with residents via email.
But Parjus made the time Thursday to send his first email message meant to assuage any fears residents may have about public safety and the shortages at the police and fire departments.
Five days before a contentious election, it reads like a political statement. Like a campaign mailer.
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“As City Manager, I am committed to addressing the challenges and upholding the standards of excellence within both our Police and Fire Departments,” Parjus started.
“The Coral Gables Police Department is currently facing recruitment challenges, a trend common across the nation. Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to maintaining high recruitment standards. Currently, we have 29 police vacancies (of which 15 are new positions added over the last 3 years). This includes 18 candidates undergoing rigorous background checks and 11 officers in training at the academy. Since the start of 2025, we have hired 8 new officers, enhancing our capabilities without any increase in tax dollars, thanks to prudent fiscal management.
“Our robust recruitment process has seen 283 applications this year alone, with 45 interviewed and 39 progressing further, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to quality. Despite challenges, our crime rates remain low and response times continue to meet the high standards our community expects. Our dedication is evident in our unchanged case clearance rates and arrest numbers.
“We are proud that more than half our police force has dedicated more than 10 years of service to Coral Gables, with 30% having more than 20 years of service. Last year, the City Commission approved a competitive pay and benefits package that includes a $10,000 hiring bonus, reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent.”
In other words, nothing to see here, folks.
This seems to be in response to the campaign against Mayor Vince Lago’s re-election, which has brought up the terrible track record he has with public safety. Both the police and fire union have endorsed Commissioner Kirk Menendez in the mayoral race. There’s no other reason for the timing of this “message.” Is the new city manager meddling in a political campaign for one of his bosses?
Read related: Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago has a terrible track record with public safety
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The message, emailed to the recipients of the Gables enewsletter, also talks about the coming opening of a new fire station on Sunset Drive, “enhancing emergency response capabilities to the south and west sides of our community, including the University of Miami area. The addition of a fifth Rescue unit to our fleet will help us meet increasing demand and improve service delivery.”
That sounds so much like a press release that Ladra is almost certain it was written by Gables spokeswoman, and Lago’s own personal publicist, Martha Pantin.
“The department is also launching a Technical Response Team to handle complex rescue incidents, ensuring preparedness for any eventuality, from construction accidents to natural disasters. This summer, we will hire nine new firefighters to address both current and anticipated vacancies, ensuring all positions are filled and our readiness is uncompromised.
“The safety and security of our personnel — and of every community member — are paramount. Our firefighters’ dedication, professionalism and courage are the foundation of our capability to serve and protect Coral Gables residents every day.”
Even the conclusion seems to scream that everything is just great under the current administration: “As we celebrate our centennial and move forward, I can assure you that both departments are focused on innovative recruitment strategies and community engagement initiatives to attract qualified candidates who share our values of integrity and service. We thank the community for your continued trust and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Coral Gables residents.”
Continued trust? Is there a more obvious way to say “Let’s keep things going as they are”?
Parjus — who, by the way, did not get the vote for his job from Lago or Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson — did not return a call to his office. Pantin told Ladra Thursday morning that she was not going to get into who wrote or didn’t write the message (read: she did) and that she would call back with information on the impetus of this first and only city manager’s message. Why now? Why this subject? Has someone complained or raised concerns?
The language about the number of police applicants also mirrors some of the language in Anderson’s campaign materials.
Five hours later, Pantin sends me a statement from the city manager via email: “As Coral Gables City Manager, my primary responsibility is ensuring the effective administration of city services, including the crucial areas of public safety. Our commitment to maintaining a responsive and well-equipped police and fire department is unwavering. The communication was to provide our community with the latest information regarding our police and fire departments, including their recruitment and retention efforts.”
So, what? The timing was just a coincidence?
Read related: Coral Gables police, fire union: Lying Vince Lago is no pal of public safety
Ladra suspects the true reason is the recent joint statement made by the police and fire unions “regarding campaign information” in an email from Mayor Lago’s political action committee blasting their endorsement of Commissioner Kirk Menendez to replace him. The email from Lago’s PAC is so egregious that they felt the need to set the record straight.
“Dear Residents of Coral Gables, public safety is the foundation of any strong community.
“Our firefighters and police officers work tirelessly to protect Coral Gables, offering highest in class service to its residents, but they can only do their jobs effectively when they have the proper resources, support and leadership in place. Unfortunately, years of neglect, underfunding, and staffing shortages have placed unnecessary strain on our public safety departments — jeopardizing the well-being of both first responders and residents,” the statement says, adding that Lago is the one misleading the public.
“While recent upgrades to fire stations and emergency services have been promoted by Mayor Lago as major feats of progress, the truth is these were not proactive investments. They were urgent repairs made necessary by long-standing neglect,” the statement reads.
The statement goes on to say that firefighters have had to deal with mold affecting their health, roof leaks, water damage and more. “Beyond infrastructure, our city has faced historic staffing shortages for both firefighters and police officers under Mayor Lago’s tenure,” it says, citing that at one time during Lago’s tenure police had almost 40 vacancies (it was 37), “a historic shortage that strained response times and officer morale. It also cited that the city’s fire department is the only one in the county that does to meet the National Fire Protection Association’s standard of 43 firefighters on duty per shift.
“This means fewer first responders available when you need them most,” the statement said. “Staffing shortfalls have led to excessive workloads, longer response times, and increased burnout among our first responders — all of which make it harder to keep Coral Gables safe.
“For years, our firefighters and police officers have fought for fair contracts and adequate funding, yet time and again, their concerns have been met with resistance by Mayor Lago, mostly due to petty grievances fueled by political retribution efforts.”
The city manager’s message is not sent in a vacuum. It looks like a reaction to this statement by the police and fire unions, an intent to influence voters. And, really, is hat the city manager’s job? At campaign time?
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