Doral voters reelect mayor, opt for power shifts in city government
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Doral voters last week elected Mayor Christi Fraga to a second term but reduced her governing power.
Why it matters: Following months of controversy – and clashes between the mayor and council members – voters chose to diminish Fraga's authority and grant more power to the council.
Catch up quick: Over the summer, after the city approved what many interpreted to be a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, Fraga reversed course and multiple council members walked back their support, claiming they were misled by the mayor.
- In September, City Manager Rey Valdes abruptly resigned less than six months after he took office, claiming retaliation from some council members.
Driving the news: Voters approved eight of the 10 amendments that would shift the power structure in the city, increase salaries for elected officials and change oversight.
State of play: The council will now be able to create standing, special and ad hoc committees and choose their members.
- The mayor will no longer be able to take official action with other governments on behalf of the city.
- The council, not the mayor, will select the city manager.
- Council members will now get to appoint members to city boards and agencies. Previously, only the mayor did.
- Voters also did away with run-off elections for council members.
Yes, but: Voters rejected changing the form of government to a "Council-Manager" from a "Mayor-Council-Manager" structure.
The intrigue: Voters capped the mayor's salary at $77,587, the current rate, and increased members' salary to $54,310, up from $18,611.
What's next: Councilman Rafael Pineyro, a close ally to Fraga, won his reelection with 60% of the vote, but the race to succeed Vice Mayor Oscar Puig-Corve is heading for a run-off after no candidate earned more than 50% of the vote.
- Juan Carlos Esquivel will face Nicole Reinoso Dec. 10, per the city.