Gimenez Gives State of the County Address

Gimenez said that job creation is his top priority in 2012.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Giminez gave his annual State of the County address Tuesday morning, touting what he calls his accomplishments in running a more efficient government.

Gimenez considers his brief tenure a success, speaking of tax cuts, reducing the size of government and creating private sector jobs.

He called the past few years "challenging," but said that job creation is his top priority in 2012.

"There are already reasons for cautious optimism on the jobs front," Gimenez said.

The county had the second largest monthly job increase in Florida in December, according to the mayor.

Gimenez's address also included his strong advocacy for 8-year term limits for commissioners, something he says he has been promoting since 2007.

"Our residents wanted term limits back then, and they want them now," said Gimenez. "Whether by citizen-initiated petition or the commission follows the lead of commissioners Lynda Bell and Rebecca Sosa and places the question on the November ballot."

Regarding Miami-Dade's budget, Gimenez also said the county can expect to save $30 million this year and $40 million next year.

The Police Benevolent Association said that the mayor has been lying about his promises. In a prepared statement, the union said that after laying off law enforcement officers, Gimenez will only save the county half of what he once promised.

"Much like a zebra can’t change his stripes, Gimenez doesn’t seem to be able to tell the truth," said the statement.

The PBA filed numerous legal challenges to the mayor's office in January because it claimed the layoffs violated contractual agreements between the union and the county.

Gimenez has been the mayor for eight months. He replaced Carlos Alvarez, who was ousted by voters in a historic recall election.

Gimenez will run for office again in August.

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