HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Commissioner Suarez-E-mailLiorente, Mike
Suarez, Francis (Commissioner)
RE:|NO-City of MiamiComm|ssionerFramdsSuanez-Voting[onOict Question
Commissioner Suarez:
You have inquired regarding whether you would have a voting conflict in an upcoming vote of the Miami
City Commission onthe hiring ofoutside counsel torepresent Mayor Tomas Regalado'who isa
defendant inapending law suit. The law suit has been filed byyour fellow Commissioner, Michelle
Spence -Jones. You have made this inquiry inlight ofthe fact that you have declared your candidacy for
Mayor ofMiami and will be opposing Mayor Rega|ado in the upcoming City ofMiami mayoral election.
It is my understanding that you have nopersonal orbusiness interest inthis issue. You are not involved
inthe law suit. You will not be voting on whether to retain any law firm with which you have a personal,
family orbusiness interest. The basis for any possible conflict atthis stage concerns your status asa
political opponent ofthe Mayor. Under these circumstances, you donot have any ofthe relationships
with any of the parties to this vote that would create a prohibited relationship under Section 2-11.1 (d)
of the Miami -Dade County Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance that would require your
rccusa|from the vote. There is no indication that you might personally, directly or indirectly, profit or
beenhanced bythe decision that istobemade bvthe Commission. Political adversariness,bvitself,
does not create such a conflict.
Therefore, |amadvising you that you do not have alegal conflict pursuant to the Miami -Dade Conflict of
Interest Ordinance that would require your necusa|from this matter, However, the Code provides only
aminimum standard ofethics. Any consideration ofwhether you would beable tobefair and objective
in making this decision, or the consideration of any appearance of impropriety arising out of your
involvement in this issue, rests solely inyourjudgennentand discretion.
If you should have any further questions about this matter, please feel free to call me.
Joseyh . Centorino
M Executive Director and General Counsel
Miami -Dade Commission ooEtWcmand Public Trust
lgW. Flagler Street, Snite820
Miami, FL3]l3O
Tel: (3O5)579-25g4
Fax: (3O5)57Q-0273
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