North Miami is approaching one of its most decisive elections after years of political turmoil and financial mismanagement that has left residents feeling neglected. This election offers a critical opportunity to overhaul the city's leadership and confront its most pressing challenges head-on.
Political chaos began with a controversial decision by council members on Dec.13, 2022, to delay their election by 18 months. The election was originally set for May, 2023, but it was rescheduled to coincide with the 2024 general election. This move also extended the terms of District 1 council member Scott Galvin and newly appointed Mayor Alix Desulme.
These events sparked intense community backlash, including a protest accusing the council of violating the city charter, and an unsuccessful lawsuit led by activist and mayoral candidate Hector Medina, reflecting widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
(Paloma Pimentel)
North Miami's exposed 62 year old Winston Water Treatment Plant.
The heat that erupted the community’s volcanic rage and signaled what critics claim as clear signs of corruption was the abrupt termination of city manager Rasha Cameau in May after just 15 months on the job. District 2 Commissioner Kassandra Timothe, District 3 Councilmember and Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin, and Pierre Frantz Charles — the only one up for reelection this year, voted to remove Cameau without giving clear reasons why. Residents contend that Cameau was fired for doing her job — holding council members accountable for mismanagement and rejecting proposals for expenditures of unbudgeted dollars.
This turmoil has shaken the community, as Cameau was widely favored by residents and praised by peers for fixing a $14.7 million deficit in city funds caused by past mismanagement. Her removal triggered a Sunshine Law violation lawsuit from activist Eileen Bicaba and a recall campaign against Vice Mayor Estimé-Irvin, who led the charge for her termination.
Cameau’s firing highlights the crucial role of a city manager in running the city and the fallout from standing up to mismanagement. As the council prepares to elect a new city manager, the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Anna-Bo Emmanuel has stepped in as interim, now juggling both roles.
Also, a cyber1 attack in July and August severely crippled the city's computer system, disrupting numerous services and sparking immediate state and federal investigations.
(Paloma Pimentel)
▶ North Miami City Council voted 4-0 on the development of 8 18-story buildings in a vacant lot inside of Claude Pepper Park and across the street from a neighborhood of single-family homes.
This year’s candidates express the need for responsible and transparent leadership to improve critical issues, including rising property taxes and housing costs driven by a 7.4% millage rate, a crumbling water and sewer system threatening residents’ pockets and sustainable health, obtrusive overdevelopment, and a vital need for smart infrastructure to rejuvenate its center.
As the city’s first municipal election since May 2021 approaches, these issues could be a game-changer, potentially swaying public opinion and the outcome at the polls.
THE RACE FOR MAYOR
(Courtesy Ffloridapolitics.com)
Incumbent Mayor and candidate Alix Desulme.
Desulme, appointed unanimously by the council to replace former Mayor Philippe Bien-Aime without a public vote and whose personal information was exposed during the hacking of the city’s computer system, is running for reelection. When it comes to money, he leads the race with significant campaign funds of $65,890, heavily backed by major donors from real estate firms and private business owners. Additionally, Desulme has secured a substantial $170,750 from the United as One PAC.
Desulme's city service dates back to 2009, when he was city clerk before joining the council in 2015 as its youngest member. He secured re-election in 2019 and now faces a pivotal reelection.
As mayor, Desulme says he is committed to tackling the urgent housing affordability crisis by leveraging CRA efforts that offer financial incentives to developers for including affordable units in their projects over the next 20 years. He highlights the successful 'Residents at NoMi' development at 950 NE 124th St., which received $16 million to create 38 affordable units allocated to families through a lottery. While similar agreements are in place with other developments, he emphasizes that much more needs to be done.
Desulme is also spearheading ongoing efforts to replace the city's aging 62-year-old water plant, which has been neglected for years despite alarms raised and plans for its reconstruction dating back to 2005.
Consequently, North Miami has faced severe floods, skyrocketing water bills, and a failing sewer system that has left residents with low water pressure and constant water shortages.
Following the departure of Cameau, who had been instrumental in securing the city's financial standing for a critical $220 million EPA loan to fund the new water plant, Desulme aims to build on that effort. Yet, city consultants estimate costs for the water plant will reach nearly $400 million, a daunting price tag that critics believe the city is unlikely to afford.
Desulme is working with the city’s interim manager and staff to develop a comprehensive plan, aiming to apply for an even larger EPA loan by the March 2025 deadline. He acknowledges the uncertainty ahead but remains committed to exploring all options.
Ironically, the city has fumbled several opportunities to secure a new water plant, including a rejected $38 million loan from the Obama administration and the chance to prioritize a replacement when it was estimated at $50 million in 2005.
Desulme emphasizes that funding remains his greatest challenge in improving the city, even after establishing $2.5 million in general fund reserves — the first financial cushion North Miami has seen in nearly a decade. However, critics argue that the mayor and council's soaring salaries, highlighting the questionable allocation of $100,000 in discretionary funds per council member and slating their prioritization of annual Haitian festivals, are depleting city resources and serve as a stark indication of mismanagement.
(Courtesy Medina4northmiami.com)
Mayoral Candidate Hector Medina.
Longtime activist and candidate Medina could be Desulme's strongest rival, having raised $39,953 in mostly self-funded campaign contributions and built a strong base of support from his previous runs for mayor and a district two seat. Medina highlights his years of involvement in community advocacy through neighborhood associations, council meetings, and protests, showing his commitment to residents and determination to improve the city.
Medina's priorities focus on sustainable, smart development, which includes opposing high-rise buildings near single-family neighborhoods, revitalizing the downtown area to boost local economic growth, protecting and maintaining green spaces, investing in public safety by expanding the North Miami Police Department, and continuing to lead efforts for a new water plant and improved infrastructure.
Desulme is also challenged by former State Sen. Daphne Campbell, as well as Naomi Esther Blemur, a former candidate for state agricultural commissioner and self-described author, business leader, and community advocate.
DISTRICT 1 SEAT
(Courtesy Miamidadedems.org)
District 1 candidate Evan Shields.
Four candidates are vying to take over District 1, as longtime Councilman Scott Galvin steps down after 25 years due to term limits.
Evan Shields, a former educator in low-income public schools, small business owner, and community advocate, has secured the most campaign funds with $58,617 from more than 500 individual donors. Shields claims this reflects his strong support base of residents and business owners and the success of a professionally managed campaign.
“I'm one of the few candidates across districts that has a professionally managed team, which I think is not just a competitive advantage, but honestly, the people of our city deserve to have candidates who give a damn,” said Shields.
He emphasizes how his impact-driven real estate business, Indelible Capital Partners, offers affordable housing initiatives that have helped over 22,500 individuals and proves his solidarity with residents in improving the housing affordability crisis.
Shields has been recognized by Councilmen Galvin, who appointed him to chair the city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and become a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for five years.
In a public panel of District 1 candidates held on Sept. 19, Shields heavily advocated to “turn the page on chaos and bring in a new era of competence in our government,” criticizing the political opaqueness of past and current council members and saying, “It’s time to cut out special interests in our politics.”
District 1 represents Keystone Point, Arch Creek East, Sole Mia, and Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus, key areas that are on the table for development.
(Courtesy .Votersopinion.com)
District 1 candidate Kevin Burns
In the past, the council has been in hot water for attempting to change zoning laws to accommodate developers in constructing over height limits, such as in the White House Inn development controversy that sought to change limits from 35 to 169 feet. Developers from Related Group almost won the battle with the council on board but hit a wall when residents of San Souci and community advocate Medina, who played a crucial role in the zoning board at that time, voted against it. They settled for a resolution of 115 feet instead.
Yet, the council still wants to do the zoning change from 115 to 238 feet and increase building limits to 24 stories along Biscayne Bay's waterfront on both sides of the 123rd Street Broad Causeway, aiming to attract new development but stirring further debate over the city's evolving skyline and its impact on the community.
Medina said this is something to look out for as the city elects new council members whose decisions on development can cause irreversible damage or positive growth.
Among those in the race is Kevin Burns, real estate broker associate, lobbyist, and Christmas tree business owner, who observers say might go head-to-head with Shields.
With similar priorities as Shields, Burns has been praised by peers for doing good in the city as former mayor. He helped the city implement the Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve, which is currently under threat with Florida International University’s constant battle to turn it into a new main entrance for the university.
Critics from North Miami’s Homeowner Association have said this would increase traffic hazards and pollution, lower property values for more than 1,000 residents, disrupt habitat restoration efforts, and disrupt residents’ quality of life. The preserve also plays a key role in protecting North Miami from future storm surges.
Both Shields and Burns say they are committed to protecting and increasing local wildlife in the preserve. Burns also promises to push for affordable homeownership, specifically for condo owners.
The race is also joined by former city staff member and community advocate Vanessa Pierre, and community volunteer, longtime ballet instructor, and daughter of former city Mayor Frank Wolland, Jessica Wolland.
DISTRICT 4 SEAT
(Courtesy Nrthmiamifl.gov)
District 4 incumbent and candidate Pierre Frantz Charles.
Charles, the incumbent District 4 Commissioner who was appointed by the council and was a key player in the trio that voted to fire Cameau, is running for reelection and stands out with $77,010 in campaign funds with contributors categorized as ‘consulting’ and ‘unknown.’
Following Charles' appointment, residents raised concerns about transparency and accountability in city leadership. Furthermore, Charles declined to speak with the Biscayne Times for further comment on campaign details.
According to his campaign website, Charles' priorities include investment in public safety, expanding affordable housing policies, providing job training programs, and improving access to healthcare.
Candidate and community advocate Beverly Hilton emphasized that District 4 communities, located on the west side of North Miami, have shown significant neglect over the years, with unfinished sidewalks, visible makeshift house repairs, and a lack of crucial air conditioning units.
(Courtesy Beverly Hilton Campaign )
District 4 candidate Beverly Hilton.
Hilton said she is running to “help residents get the resources they need.”
She said this is due to a cumbersome permit process that residents, many of whom speak limited English, find impossible to navigate, as well as a disconnection between them and the city’s resources.
Hilton could be Charles' strongest competitor, with a previous report by the Miami Times demonstrating her popularity during a council meeting that debated the District 4 appointment, where residents outspokenly favored her to take the seat.
With a vigorous canvassing effort underway, Hilton pledges to prioritize the modernization of public parks, creating job opportunities, enhancing public safety, and fostering sustainable growth in infrastructure and development.
(Courtesy Vanessa Joseph Campaign)
Incumbent City Clerk and unopposed candidate Vanessa Joseph.
Also joining the race are Daniel Calixte, community leader, political volunteer, and former lobbyist; Nacivre “Charlie” Charles, business owner, real estate investor, and community advocate with a history of campaign violations in the past; and community advocate Bethynel Vega.
CITY CLERK
Incumbent City Clerk and attorney Vanessa Joseph is running unopposed for reelection in North Miami. Known for her legal work representing low-income immigrants, Joseph also brings experience in public relations and marketing.
She pledges to leverage her administrative role to improve transparency by holding regular community forums, streamlining constituent services, enhancing access to public information, and fostering citywide partnerships. Her focus includes supporting startups, helping small businesses grow, and driving economic development across the city.