Miami Beach Mayor Elect Philip Levine is having a little shindig on Friday for his slate mates — it’s called a “friendraiser,” though, because I think it is past the deadline for reporting campaign contributions.
But not every
one is included.
The event posted on facebook Wednesday is for commission candidates Michael Greico and Joy Malakoff, who are in runoff races next Tuesday against incumbents Commissioner Jorge Exposito and termed-out Mayor Matti Bower, who is running for the seat vacated by former Commissioner Michael Gongora, who left to run for mayor against Levine, who won with 50.48 percent of the vote.
Despite being on the slate and having the same campaign consultant, however, activist Elsa Urquiza — running in a third group against Tallahassee legislative wife Micky Steinberg — is not apparently worthy of raising friends for.
This has fueled the fire talk that campaign consultant David Custin was working for both Urquiza and her opponent Sherry Roberts, who was shut out of the runoff coming in third Nov. 6. And the buzz that they just ain’t pouring the same kind of effort or resources into that Group 1 race.
Others say that Levine is really only interested in taking out the two incumbents and that Urquiza is mostly the project of Commissioner Jonah Wolfson. In other words, Levine — who has voted twice in his 20-some years on the Beach — doesn’t care who wins in that contest. Ladra agrees with those who think, in fact, that they are really putting most if not all their eggs into the Joy basket. Having Bower on the dais does not do him a favor.
“Enjoy this opportunity to ask Joy and Michael some questions, tell them how they can improve our city government, listen to Joy’s and Michael’s vision and message and learn about their qualifications,” the facebook invite says about Friday’s fete at Haven Lounge, 1237 Lincoln Road, from 5:30 to 7:30 Friday.
Guess we don’t get to hear about Elsa’s qualifications or ask her any questions.
“NOTE: This event is NOT A FUNDRAISER and there is no financial commitment necessary for anyone attending — just a desire to see positive change in Miami Beach,” it stresses.
Wonder if that includes Ladra, who was tossed from a press conference at Levine’s campaign office before the primary. I would guess it doesn’t.
We know it doesn’t include candidate Urquiza.
Philip Levine team leaves slate mate in the cold added by Ladra on
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