Congratulations are in order for Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian. The city election is not until Nov. 2, but Samuelian won re-election to his seat last week when a judge ruled that his challenger be removed from the ballot because he was not qualified to run.
Fabian Basabe, a New York City transplant socialite and reality TV alum turned real estate pro, filed paperwork to run in the Group 2 race earlier this month, saying he lived on Belle Isle. But records show Basabe voted in Bay Harbor Islands in the 2020 general election.
The address on both his voter’s registration and his driver’s license was listed as 10201 E Broadview Drive, Bay Harbor Island, on Sept. 10, when he qualified to run in Miami Beach.
Jo Manning, an active Beach resident and Samuelian supporter, filed a lawsuit against Basabe because he did not meet the residency requirement of a year when he qualified. Her lawyer was J.C. Planas, who also represents the Samuelian campaign. Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Reemberto Diaz found that he did, in fact, violate the requirement.
Know more: Miami Beach resident sues to get candidate off ballot for residency rule violation
Basabe, who changed the address of his documents in April, said he had always been registered at his parents’ home.
He wrote an email to his friends expressing disappointment but otherwise accepting the decision — as a postponement. He maintained that the Belle Isle address was his “primary address” and that he was unaware that his voting or billing address would result in disqualification.
“Today was humbling, but this tremendously pales in comparison to how humbling it was to know that so many people believe in me and support me,” Basabe wrote. “My time will continue being spent for the betterment and well-being of Miami Beach. My commitment remains resolute; and with this spirit in mind, my next campaign, is one that we will win, together.”
There’s no better time to campaign than the present, though. So he does.
“I hope through my hard work, to continue to inspire a higher level of integrity in local politics,” Basabe wrote, still sounding like a candidate. “I will fully support our law enforcement agencies – our heroes. I hope I have made clear that shining a light on our educational programs and our dedicated teachers will become a top priority. I hope my idea to implement a scaled income housing program for our Miami Beach workforce will become a plan in action.”
He also took a well-humored dig at the incumbent, saying he walked away with “an appreciation” for Samuelian and his campaign for having sued.
Know more: Mark Samuelian announces bid for second term in Miami Beach election
“Their time and investment to stop me simply confirms that I am a true threat to the established and inefficient status quo,” Basabe wrote. “And, in difficult moments such as these, it is not only comforting but a flattering validation.”
He also had a message for the members of the commission and other candidates: “There are people with my determination and dedication to Miami Beach keeping watch.
“To all of those who believed in me, thank you – and to the citizens of Miami Beach – here is another loud message: I’m not going anywhere. Here’s to 2023.”
The ballots are already printed and, in fact, absentee ballots go out next week, so Basabe’s name will be on there. But any votes for him won’t count. There will be signs at polling places and a notice will are sent for absentee or vote-by-mail voters to let them know that he is not a qualified candidate.
Mark Samuelian wins in Miami Beach as challenger loses in court, disqualified added by Ladra on
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