Maybe we can change Mayor Alvarez’ title to “Godfather”

I once thought ex Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas was number one on my list of corrupt or corruptible mayors from the area — at least since I’ve been following these things. Our current “godfather” may have surpassed him. Former chief of police Carlos Alvarez has demonstrated he is what was once referred to as a “strong man” in office and it has nothing to do with well-muscled physique — which I understand is one of the things he worries most about.

A quick run down:

• Alvarez pushed through the Florida Marlins baseball stadium at a time we can least afford it. We (the taxpayers) are subsidizing a multi-millionaire baseball team owner. I keep asking: and what did Carlos get?

• Alvarez surreptitiously gave his closest aides (and some friends) in his office very, very, very juicy raises while asking most county workers (usually those earning the lower salaries) to bite the bullet and take a 5% pay cut and even donate days to the county.

• The latest little scandal The Miami Herald revealed on Sunday is that Carlos allowed his top aide (and close friend from childhood) to take days off (while being paid) so he could travel to foreign lands and train policemen in the art of… who knows, maybe giving themselves raises.

And wait until Carlos starts pushing for “his” next project: the Miami tunnel. A $3 billion boondoggle which will connect the Port of Miami to who knows where so that truck traffic does not have to molest people NOT living in those huge million dollar condo building in downtown Miami.

Corruption? Looking back Alex Penelas must feel jealous…

Alvaro F. Fernandez