Norman Braman says he is 'tempted' to recall more Miami-Dade County commissioners

Norman Braman, the auto billionaire who bankrolled the successful effort earlier this year to recall Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez and supported the same effort against former Commissioner Natacha Seijas, has named his potential next targets.

Speaking Monday morning on WQBA-AM (1140), a Spanish-language radio station, Braman said the charter amendments Miami-Dade commissioners agreed last week to place on the Jan. 31 ballot do not go far enough towards reforming business as usual in county government.

"You have the same group of commissioners -- Commissioner [Joe] Martinez, Commissioner [Jose] 'Pepe' Diaz and some of the others -- that just do not want change," Braman told host Bernadette Pardo. "They want to hold on to their power and not give the voters here, the people here, the type of change that's necessary, that we all voted for. They haven't learned."

"I would be very tempted to see if Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner Diaz are right as far as how they felt their voters feel about them," Braman added, noting that Martinez said people in Miami-Dade like their commissioners. "There may be only one way to find out -- and that is to place a recall for some of them to find out exactly how the people in their districts feel about their performance."

Martinez has said he plans to run for county mayor next year.

Braman called the proposals that will be on January's ballot -- limiting commissioners to two, four-year terms without outside employment and salaries of more than $92,000 a year, based on a state formula; and making it easier to place citizen initiatives on the county ballot -- "a step in the right direction," though he said he would like the change to apply retroactively to sitting commissioners.

He praised Commissioners Esteban Bovo, Rebeca Sosa, Lynda Bell and Xavier Suarez for pushing for the changes.

But he also said he'll be looking for commissioners to try to place more questions on the ballot in the body's Dec. 3 meeting -- including a measure allowing all unincorporated areas of the county to join cities so the Miami-Dade government can focus on regional issues.

"I believe that most of the commissioners want to do as little as possible," Braman said.

Comments

[Papi_Chulo]

Braman Braman He's our man

if Braman can't do it,

No one can! Go Norman !

Recall 'em !

[SalvationTweet]

Go Mr.Braman kick the unscrupulous politicians were it hurt their wallets ;)

[Tally Folly]

Braman, this is a democracy not your personal fiefdom.

[SShortcake]

What is the basis to recall these Commissioners? I understood why we recalled Alvarez and Seijas - the taxes. What has Diaz and Martinez done that we need to pay for another million dollar election? The charter questions that the Charter Review reccommended is what is going to be on the ballot. Please explain, since Braman has not called me to see what I want and he seems to be representing all the residents in the County.

[lmmd]

I'll gladly sign the recall petition on pepe - he really needs to go! But what do you expect from a district that sent david rivera to congress?

[lmmd]

Tally Folly and Sshortcake - you two need to do your homework on diaz and martinez.........Braman is right in targeting them and they BOTH need to go

[marva Lightbourne, chairwomen concerned citizens committee, inc]

..well some people in my community are talking about our commissioner really bad.. (.. my random survey on the streets in DISTRICT 3 ).. & on the other hand there is NOBODY willing to run, some of the reason cited 1). the pay is low $ 6,000yr., people STILL HAVE TO SUPPORT THIER FAMILIES.. OK !!.. 2)..THE QUALIFYING FEES.. yes that's right.. you have to pay to run (.. HELEN WILLIAMS had to drop out the mayoral race because she could not afford the $2600 to ENTER !!!... 3)...the war chest to be obtained in trying to raise monies / fundraising, etc...anyways other than that, we have some able-bodied, MORE THAN qualified candidates.& I submit to you, one that is HIGHLY RESPECTED & lives in DISTRICT 3.. that is >> MR. JAMES BUSH (.. former house rep. 109 state legislature .).. ARE YOU LISTENING MR. BUSH ??... chairwomen, concerned citizens committee, inc. liberty city

[Mar]

Braman, I supported your recall effort to remove CArlos Alvarez, but you are becoming a dictator of the masses. The public is grateful to your contribution for a better government, but another recall will be seen as a manupulation and control of MIami Dade by you and your bodies.

[Humberto Pellon]

Bravo Norman Go

[Sshortcake]

Well said Mar.

Immd - please tell me what they have done that is so horrible that demands a recall that cannot wait for the election in August.

[A fan]

While you are at it, can you buy the Dolphins or at least start a recall with their management?

[joe diaz]

Come on old man...pls. martinez is the best Commisioner there and now you want to recall him. I have lost all respect for you!

[EDWARD CUBERO, JR.]

they all have to go. THEY ARE CROOKS ESPECIALLY AT AIRPORT AND HOUSING CONTRACTS.....THEY NEED TERN LIMITS NOW.

[Hater]

Miami-Dade County as a whole including all municipalities has a serious problem with corruption from our "Cuban Politicians" wanting to control the city; enough of the crap! The old uneducated Viejo’s from Versailles need to stop voting for the incumbents. Miami has done it their way for thirty years and like CUBA it has failed. It is time to change it! If not shut up or move out!

[lmmd]

Sshortcake - google martinez and look at the mess he had with the Latin Buildiers Assoc - google Pepe and see what a mess he's made down in the keys......these men are not out to represent their constituents but only to line their own pockets. Period.

[Mario Faz]

I think, more precisely I'm sure Mr. Braman has the coj... that other guys, specially those in the Cuban community to face the facts how they are and push, in a legal way, to go ahead and make a real revolution in Miami politics.
I have been in this city for more than 20 years and besides my opposition to the Cuban regime it also worries me how the local politicians and their bureaucratically non elected clique had bankrupted our city wich has more than 60% of its budget paying salaries and benefits for themselves, salaries way up than the rest of us, even those with professional qualifications.
Enough is enough, it's time to get rid of them.

[Sshortcake]

Everyone has a right to their opinion and should go out to vote to express it. I just dont agree that we need to be ruled by fear. That is what Braman is teaching the community. If you dont do what I say, I have the money to take you out. The democratic process calls for elections every 4-years. If you dont like or agree with a person is doing show up to vote.
Braman is becoming the God Father.. you must have his blessing in order to succeed.

[Aaron]

Braman g ood for you and the comunity,let,get reed of this two bums.
Jose Pepe Daiz and Joe Martinez. (NOW)

[Jeff M.]

Braman is out of control and so are those that follow the old fool who has hijacked Miami-Dade County for personal gain.Braman pays little or no taxes as a rich car baron and low wage paying pig...... The new mayor is puppet and everyone knows it, so get real with the go Braman chants. Tell him to pay his employees faily and offer some insurance too.

[bruce_li_roy]

When a person can spend millions of dollars to silence people who disagree with them, that's a dangerous individual. I have a hard time supporting someone like Norman Braman, even if his intentions are good. This is America. I'd be willing to bet that people are paid off to realize the things that he desires. That isn't democracy!

[barry]

One person with billions should not have the power to derail a democracy. That is the problem.

[Emily]

Let's do it...get rid of all ..bunch a thief's.

[Tomasin]

Let go Mr. Braman I am ready to walk. I'm sick and tired to see these self serving commissioners do nothing for the constituents.

[TZ]

Braman wants unincorporated areas to become cities, which in fact will raise taxes on homeowners, because taxes will increase to pay for the new mayor, commissioners of the area. Braman's interest is to lower taxes for himself and increase property taxes on unincorporated areas such as Westchester, the same people that approved his referredum.

[Orly]

Here we go again... disgruntled fools aiming to knock off the heads of elected officials at the behest of a billionaire with a personal agenda. Who elected Braman to any post? His favorite son Carlos Gimenez continues to lay off county workers while his PAC collects hundreds of thousands from powerful lobbyists and political insiders. The disaster created by Gimenez will be felt for years to come.

[Bobbyd12]

Mr. Braman, you obviously have too much money and too much time on your hands. If your so disgusted why don't you run for office instead of trying to dictate the terms of office to these people.

[MIKE]

JOSE (PEPE) IS NOTHING BUT A CROUK!!!!

[g8rgirl007]

Recall Edmonson. Recall Martinez. Recall Diaz. Recall Jordan. And while you are at it, recall Gimenez. He's a complete disaster.

[Wallace S. Bray, Jr.]

Braman is a 1 per-center. He is not one of us. Just look at the big picture. It wasn't the former mayor or the county commissioners who brought our economy to it's knees it was people like Braman. Billionaires betting all our money on Wall Street. Austerity measures which he and people like him support will finish all of us off for good. Eventually we 99 per-centers will end up in the streets begging for change or demanding change from the elites like Braman.

[Orly]

Braman cannot stand the fact that the majority of citizens in this county are of Hispanic ancestry and as such, the BCC is comprised of a majority of Hispanics. As such, he uses his money as a stranglehold with threats of recalls. By changing the charter from 13 to 6 county commissioners he intends to wrestle political power from all minorities. By incorporating all areas of the county, he seeks to lay off thousands of county employees. He uses Gimenez as a puppet. Shameful.

[Dissappointed]

Mr. Braman should keep his nose out of this. How about the Herald investigate how much Mr. Braman saved by having the taxes rolled back and how much taxes he really does pay.

[Orlando D. Santana]

This is the kind of stuff that made us moved-out of Miami-Dade. Back n forth politics and our taxes being wasted or stolen!

[Shakespeare S. Shakespeare]

Fucckk Norman Braman!

[Henry]

Why has the corpse of Ethel Merman never been elected to a postion of importance in Dade County?

It is ridiculous.

[quarterback13]

The reason why he wants to recall Commissioner Martinez is because he will not go and Kiss his ass.

Stand your ground Mr. Chairman we completely support you!

[tocamela53]

The old man is nuts. He made a deal with Gimenez and they now want to eliminate the one threat to them in Martinez.

Joe Martinez for Mayor 2012!

[Papi_Chulo]

Keep Up the Good Work Mr Braman! Thanks for watching out for the little guy! Clean House and get rid of the rest of these Commissioner aka Crooks! Mazol Tov

[Alexa]

Mr. Braman should focus on his dealership and not our community. Take care of your business first and how horrible his employees are treated by the tyrant GM he has running all the stores. Employees are constantly mistreated, verbally abused, belittled and called "Donkeys" & "Mules". Ask when was the last time he gave them a company picnic or holiday party for the employees & their families? They used to be appreciated for their dedication and long work hours, but now they're given a swift kick in the arse if production & monthly quotas aren't met. Try showing some compassion for your loyal, honest, hard working and long standing employees.

[Orly]

This old man Braman is as obsolete as the boxy Cadillacs he has been pushing for decades. Either run for office and state an agenda or go home, eat tapioca and play with your great-grandchildren. The current commission was elected by a majority. If the rules don't suit you, move to Israel.

[Marvel R. Rog]

If Mr. Braman is so concern with quality of life in Miami. He should expand his philantropic intents to the rest of our state
Gov. Rick Scott is doing far more damage to our economy and welfare at large than Mr. Alvarez. We do not have a recall provision in
Florida to recall gorvernors
Would you help us Mr. Braman

[jack]

we are all at the mercy of this billionaire, how pathetic in the end what did u save us a measly 250.00 a year wow thanks norman you saved my family. meanwhile you cost us a cool million on your recall efforts where is the savings you so preach about. the rich get richer if your such an intelligent man why dont u contribute some of your millions to helping this community u so call love. get a life and leave us alone.