Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago is under scrutiny by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust for his involvement in the annexation of Little Gables. It has been alleged that his lobbyist brother, Carlos Lago, represents the largest property owner in the area. Mayor Vince Lago claimed at a public commission meeting on August 24 that he and his immediate family had no business interests in the area.
Mayor Lago Signs Affidavit
Mayor Lago’s Brother is a Registered Lobbyist For Mobile Park In Little Gables
Contrary to Mayor Lago’s statement, his brother is registered as a lobbyist for Titan Development Partners, the business that owns the mobile park in Little Gables. Lago’s affidavit, signed “under penalty of perjury,” contained a footnote that defined “immediate family” according to Miami-Dade County Ethics Code, which includes siblings, half-siblings, and step-siblings, but Lago stated in public that neither he nor any member of his immediate family had a business interest in Little Gables.
Bluffing The Residents On The Dias
The city is reviewing the annexation of Little Gables, citing public safety concerns, but the issue of Lago’s potential conflict of interest remains unresolved. It appears Mayor Lago may have been playing games on the dais. On the affidavit that City Clerk Billy Urquia notarized, there was a footnote at the bottom that read, “Immediate family’ is defined in accordance with the Miami-Dade County Ethics Code (Sec. 2-11.1(b)(9), as spouse, domestic partner, parents, stepparents, children, and stepchildren.”
The Miami-Dade County muni-code includes siblings,
“(9)The term “immediate family” shall refer to the spouse, domestic partner, parents, stepparents, siblings, half-siblings, step-siblings, children, and stepchildren of the person involved.”
It appears he added a footnote and intentionally left out the term siblings to deceive the public.
“That’s why I’m putting everything on the record. Being as transparent as possible. There is no hidden agenda. There is no other benefit on my part.”
Vince Lago on conflict of interest in Little Gables – Coral Gables August 24, 2022 Commission Meeting
What Is Mayor Lago’s Definition of Transparency?
It will be difficult for Mayor Lago to deny that he did not know that siblings are considered “immediate famliy” because since 2015, state law requires all elected municipal officers to take four (4) specific hours of ethics training each calendar year. It seems that every commission meeting Mayor Lago uses the term “transparency.” If that is his definition of transparency, what else has Mayor Vince Lago been “transparent” about?
How is possible to have left out the most important part of this whole scam.
Vince Lago declared himself the chef negotiator for the annexation. Does he now negotiate with his brother? Where there is smoke there is fire. Keep digging because there is more.
He lied. Lago is sleazy as they come.
We are living in an age where politicians are never held accountable for their actions, lies, and misdeeds to the citizens they swear an oath to represent. Our Vince lago continues to deceived the Police, the Fire Department, the general employees, and the uninformed patrons in this city whose votes place trust in his leadership and get him re-elected. If there is any dignity left in Mr. Vince Lago he should wrestles with the idea of real truth that is threatening to him and announce his resignation to restore trust for the patrons of the city of the beautiful Coral Gables community.
How does Lago, Peter, and all of the commissioners not know what an immediate family member is? If you check the City Rules and Regulations it states that a brothers is an immediate family member. That, at the bare minimum, would raise your internal red flag and if you’re being transparent you would at least mention it.
Mayor Lago’s alleged violation of the code of ethics and apparent lying under penalty of perjury is a serious matter that demands accountability and swift action. As elected officials, they hold a position of trust and responsibility to their constituents. The public places faith in them to act with integrity and in the best interest of their communities.
Corruption is a repugnant and damaging act that undermines the trust and confidence of the public in their government. It is an abuse of power and can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and the community at large. The mere suggestion of unethical behavior can erode public trust, and in some cases, it can have a devastating effect on the public’s faith in their elected officials.
It is imperative that Mayor Lago be held accountable for any actions that violate the code of ethics and the law. This should include a thorough investigation into the allegations and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law if found guilty. Failure to take decisive action in cases of public corruption undermines the rule of law and undermines the principles of democracy.
Elected officials have a duty to serve their constituents with honor and integrity. Any breach of this duty is a disservice to the public and must be met with appropriate consequences. The public deserves to have confidence in their government and the officials they elect to represent them. It is vital that we hold our elected officials to the highest standards of ethics and integrity, and we must not tolerate any behavior that undermines these values.
Well said..
[…] 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, […]