When voters in Miami Dade County hit the polls Tuesday, they might be in for quite a challenge. The language in the sample ballot regarding three charter amendment proposals is baffling, so NBC Miami is breaking it down for you.
The first ballot question asks whether the office of County Manager, currently occupied by George Burgess, should be eliminated. Proponents of the amendment argue that under a strong mayor, a county manager is stripped of most authority; and therefore, is not necessary. Opponents emphasize the importance of a non-political county administrator particularly when it comes to stemming corruption.
The second proposed charter amendment asks whether the County Commission should have the power to get rid of municipalities with fewer than 20 voters. The amendment is aimed at the tiny city of Islandia located in Biscayne National Park. Just six people are registered to vote on what is mostly federal property. Although taxes are collected, there is no functioning government.
The last question deals with county franchise agreements. Voters can say yes or no to giving up their say in Miami-Dade's contract with FPL, but no where is Florida Power and Light even mentioned. A no vote would give the Miami-Dade County Commission sole authority over public utility contracts rather than allowing voters to have a say with a referendum.
