Latest news with #Bovo
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The party had an ice sculpture, custom espresso cups — all on Hialeah taxpayers' dime
Former Hialeah Mayor Esteban 'Steve' Bovo's April farewell party must have been quite the shindig — to which the public was not invited, even though taxpayers footed the steep bill of more than $45,000. No expense was spared, it seems. There was more than $20,000 spent for Brazilian grill catering — quite the splurge! — plus $8,015 for decor that included elaborate floral centerpieces and gold charger plates for 350 party guests that included city council members and local elected officials. This one is must have made quite the impact on them: custom espresso cup and saucer sets that cost $4,667.50, the Miami Herald reported Wednesday. And then there was the crowning touch: $1,500 for a deluxe espresso and cappuccino bar staffed by two baristas. Or perhaps this was the most impressive element: an ice sculpture for $745 with Bovo's seal: 'Hialeah first, Hialeah always.' Sounds like quite a bash. The irony of this logo shouldn't be lost on Hialeah taxpayers, whose dollars Bovo and the Hialeah City Council were elected to oversee, not spend them on frivolous party details usually reserved for weddings and celebrations that people pay for out of their own pockets. It's unclear who green-lighted the $45,000 expense, which was never brought up before the City Council for approval. In Hialeah's strong-mayor government system, the mayor, the finance management director and the purchasing department director must approve any expenditure, but it's unknown if Bovo personally signed off on it, according to the Herald's reporting. Tellingly, the city did not provide documentation, when the Herald asked, on which department authorized the event or which budget the money to pay for it came from. If a $45,000, four-hour, going-away lunch isn't galling enough, think about this: The median annual household income in Hialeah is just over $53,000, the Herald reported. That means Bovo's party cost almost as much as the entire annual income of many people in his city. It also cost more than the $44,000 that council members earn annually, as the Herald reported. What a bad look — especially when Bovo resigned seven months before the end of his first mayoral term to join a lobbying firm that reportedly is paying him a lot more than what he made as mayor: a $150,000 annual salary and a $40,000 expense account. Before he left city hall, Bovo got another gift from taxpayers, this one courtesy of the city council: a reimbursed retirement benefit of $44,594, the Herald reported. Hialeah used to have a decade-old rule that banned retired elected officials from receiving retirement benefits while in office. In March, the City Council voted unanimously to lift the restriction. Bovo, who spent nearly 30 years in public service, should have known better. Whether he personally approved the bill for his party or somebody else in city government did and he didn't ask questions, it's all the same. This isn't how you put 'Hialeah First.' Click here to send the letter.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
The party had an ice sculpture, custom espresso cups — all on Hialeah taxpayers' dime
Former Hialeah Mayor Esteban 'Steve' Bovo's April farewell party must have been quite the shindig — to which the public was not invited, even though taxpayers footed the steep bill of more than $45,000. No expense was spared, it seems. There was more than $20,000 spent for Brazilian grill catering — quite the splurge! — plus $8,015 for decor that included elaborate floral centerpieces and gold charger plates for 350 party guests that included city council members and local elected officials. This one is must have made quite the impact on them: custom espresso cup and saucer sets that cost $4,667.50, the Miami Herald reported Wednesday. And then there was the crowning touch: $1,500 for a deluxe espresso and cappuccino bar staffed by two baristas. Or perhaps this was the most impressive element: an ice sculpture for $745 with Bovo's seal: 'Hialeah first, Hialeah always.' Sounds like quite a bash. The irony of this logo shouldn't be lost on Hialeah taxpayers, whose dollars Bovo and the Hialeah City Council were elected to oversee, not spend them on frivolous party details usually reserved for weddings and celebrations that people pay for out of their own pockets. It's unclear who green-lighted the $45,000 expense, which was never brought up before the City Council for approval. In Hialeah's strong-mayor government system, the mayor, the finance management director and the purchasing department director must approve any expenditure, but it's unknown if Bovo personally signed off on it, according to the Herald's reporting. Tellingly, the city did not provide documentation, when the Herald asked, on which department authorized the event or which budget the money to pay for it came from. If a $45,000, four-hour, going-away lunch isn't galling enough, think about this: The median annual household income in Hialeah is just over $53,000, the Herald reported. That means Bovo's party cost almost as much as the entire annual income of many people in his city. It also cost more than the $44,000 that council members earn annually, as the Herald reported. What a bad look — especially when Bovo resigned seven months before the end of his first mayoral term to join a lobbying firm that reportedly is paying him a lot more than what he made as mayor: a $150,000 annual salary and a $40,000 expense account. Before he left city hall, Bovo got another gift from taxpayers, this one courtesy of the city council: a reimbursed retirement benefit of $44,594, the Herald reported. Hialeah used to have a decade-old rule that banned retired elected officials from receiving retirement benefits while in office. In March, the City Council voted unanimously to lift the restriction. Bovo, who spent nearly 30 years in public service, should have known better. Whether he personally approved the bill for his party or somebody else in city government did and he didn't ask questions, it's all the same. This isn't how you put 'Hialeah First.' Click here to send the letter.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Hialeah's $45,000 farewell to Bovo: When public money pays for private parties
'Hialeah first, Hialeah always.' That was the slogan proudly displayed at the four-hour farewell luncheon for then-Mayor Esteban 'Steve' Bovo on April 25, held at the Milander Center for Arts and Entertainment — a city-owned venue typically reserved for public gatherings and cultural exhibitions. But at what cost? It came straight from the pockets of Hialeah's taxpayers. Public records from Hialeah's city clerk show that the city spent over $45,000 on the farewell party. For comparison, the median annual household income in Hialeah is just over $53,000. The send-off was anything but modest, drawing 350 guests from across Miami-Dade's political spectrum, including council members, commissioners, mayors, and other elected officials — but the public was not invited. The event featured an elaborate ice sculpture and custom mug sets emblazoned with Bovo's personal logo. The expenses of the farewell party included $20,250 for Brazilian grill catering and $8,015 for decor such as navy blue Capri linens, gold charger plates, napkins and elaborate floral centerpieces. Another $7,155 went toward printing, lighting and additional decorations. The city also purchased 350 custom espresso cup and saucer sets for $4,667.50 and paid $1,500 for a deluxe espresso and cappuccino bar staffed by two baristas. Seating and table settings, including gold Chiavari chairs and dinnerware, cost $1,620. The rental for decorative plants, including 30 areca palms, 20 ferns and 20 silver bays, was $1,080, and $745 was spent on one ice sculpture, with Bovo's seal: 'Hialeah first, Hialeah always.' The event's expenses were never brought before the City Council for a vote or formal approval. Several council members privately expressed surprise and discomfort to the Miami Herald upon learning that the city had spent more than $45,000 on a farewell party for the departing mayor. However, none were willing to comment publicly, reflecting the reluctance of local politicians to openly criticize controversial decisions in a city governed by a strong-mayor system. More than a month after the Miami Herald requested public records on April 29, the city has yet to provide documentation identifying which department authorized the event or which municipal budget the funds were drawn from—leaving taxpayers with more questions than answers. It remains unclear whether Bovo personally approved the expenditures for his own farewell or if a department director acted on his directive. The Herald requested comment from Bovo and the city's current chief operating officer, Ismare Monreal — who previously served as Bovo's chief of staff — but neither responded. Under Hialeah's protocol as a city with a strong-mayor government, any expenditure must be authorized by the mayor, the finance management director and the purchasing director after the department directly involved requests the money — in this case, the director of the Division of Special Events, which operates under the Parks and Community Engagement Department. The farewell was framed as a tribute to Bovo's nearly 30-year political career and his early — and for some, unexpected — departure from office. Bovo stepped down seven months before the end of his first mayoral term to join Corcoran Partners, a lobbying firm reportedly offering 'way more' in compensation. As mayor, Bovo earned a $150,000 annual salary, along with a $40,000 expense account. Bovo's career in public service began in 1998 when then-Mayor Raúl Martínez, a Democrat, helped appoint him to the Hialeah City Council—marking the beginning of his long tenure in elected office. Though once political allies, that alliance is long over. Martínez criticized the farewell party in sharp terms: 'If city money was used to celebrate a mayor who didn't complete his term and whose performance was mediocre, it amounts to a robbery of the taxpayers,' he said. 'Those who supported it are complicit in misusing public funds.' Although Bovo repeatedly told the Herald that he had no intention of leaving for another position, he ultimately departed early when a more lucrative opportunity arose, leaving Hialeah in a state of political uncertainty. His early exit created a power vacuum that has yet to be resolved. Interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves, now in her first month in the role, has struggled to lead the City Council toward appointing someone to temporarily fill her former seat. Meanwhile, the race to succeed Bovo is already heating up, with several council members and Miami-Dade Commissioner René Garcia vying for the office. Before leaving, Bovo received a reimbursed retirement benefit of $44,594, despite a decade-old rule in Hialeah prohibiting retired elected officials from collecting retirement benefits while holding office. The City Council amended the rule in March—just one month before Bovo publicly announced his departure. Although Bovo officially announced on April 7 that he would leave office on April 27, the Herald had broken the news in February. The council unanimously approved the amendment unanimously, making it retroactive to October 2021 —one month before Bovo was elected mayor — effectively lifting the restriction. An interesting side note to the cost of the farewell party: It was more than the $44,000 annual salary of a Hialeah council member earns.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Historic shift in Hialeah politics: First woman mayor takes office amid council shakeup
From housewife and mother of three to mayor of the second-largest city in Miami-Dade County—Jacqueline Garcia-Roves made that leap in just six years. Garcia-Roves is becoming the first woman to serve as mayor of Hialeah, a strong mayor position, taking on the role in an interim capacity during the city's centennial anniversary, following Esteban 'Steve' Bovo's resignation to become a lobbyist in Washington, D.C, a move that took effect on Sunday. Garcia-Roves, 42, a mother who homeschooled her children, entered politics following in the footsteps of her father, Bernardo Garcia-Roves—a respected community leader who advised several of Hialeah's mayors and council members. Though politically connected for years, she formally stepped into the public spotlight in 2019 with the backing of then-Mayor Carlos Hernandez. Running on his slate, she defeated Milly Herrera, a prominent advocate for Hialeah Park. Known for her quiet presence during meetings, Garcia-Roves has typically supported items on the agenda and rarely voices opposition. 'I may be quiet, but I'm a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. I don't believe in speaking without purpose' said Garcia-Roves in her speech as mayor. 'I am here to work, to listen and to lead by example, with a clear focus on doing what is best for our beloved city.' To the media, Garcia-Roves said she plans to follow in the footsteps of former Mayor Bovo in governing the city. However, she pledged to ease the burden of Hialeah's high water and sewer fees—the fourth highest in Miami-Dade County. While she did not specify who would benefit from this relief, her office said the plan would be subsidized through grants the city has received. A similar promise was made by Bovo during his tenure but ultimately went unfulfilled. In 2023, during an election year, the city announced it would invest $250,000 in the Utility Assessment Relief Program (UARP) to help seniors offset a water rate hike that was implemented in September 2022. However, public records obtained by El Nuevo Herald revealed that only $4,711.50 in grants have actually been distributed through the program. One of the most defining moments of her political career came in 2022, when she led a public campaign to raise mental health awareness after losing a family member to suicide. Last year, Garcia-Roves gained attention again when Hialeah opposed Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's proposal to hold a referendum for a $2.5 billion debt plan. As council vice president at the time, Garcia-Roves made an unusual statement on behalf of Bovo's administration, announcing the introduction of a resolution opposing any county bond referendum. Garcia-Roves was reelected unopposed to the city council in 2023, and a year later, she was chosen by her fellow council members to serve as council president—a symbolic role unless the mayor's seat becomes vacant, as it has now. According to the city charter, when the mayor's seat is vacated, the council president assumes the role. Although the next mayoral election is scheduled for November, a recent change to the city code allows for a two-month transition period after the election. As a result, Garcia-Roves will serve as interim mayor until January 2026—unless she decides to run for the office herself. When asked by the Herald whether she intends to run, Garcia-Roves didn't rule it out. 'It's a big decision I have to make,' she said. 'I need to sit down with my family and determine that. Right now, I'm focused on the position I've been entrusted with. But I have until June to make up my mind.' Several politicians are eyeing the mayor's seat in Hialeah now that it's officially open. Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia entered the race on March 31, filing his candidacy documents. He is set to challenge former council member Bryan Calvo, who was the first to launch his campaign after learning that Bovo would be stepping down. But they may not be the only contenders. Although no one else has formally filed paperwork, Councilwoman Monica Perez, reelected in 2023, told the Herald she is 'considering' run for mayor. She said several residents have encouraged her, though she made it clear she would not run against Commissioner Garcia if he decides to stay in the race. Garcia has told multiple TV outlets that he has not made a final decision and will wait until the qualification period, which runs from July 7-28, to determine whether he'll remain a candidate. Another potential contender: Council Member Jesus Tundidor, who, like Perez and Garcia-Roves was elected in 2019 under then-Mayor Carlos Hernandez, and reelected unopposed in 2023. However, Tundidor filed on April 4 to run for the Miami-Dade Commission seat that Garcia may vacate—anticipating a possible shuffle in political positions. Once considered the front-runner to succeed former Mayor Bovo, Tundidor was widely expected to have the former mayor's endorsement. Instead, Bovo threw his support behind Commissioner Garcia. With Garcia-Roves stepping into the mayor's role, her city council seat will remain vacant until at least January 2026. Two potential candidates have emerged as front runners to fill it. One of them is William Marrero, 21, who currently serves as an aide to Council Member Luis Rodriguez, who is also up for reelection. Marrero is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Public Administration at Florida International University, after earning an Associate in Arts degree in Public Policy and Services. He has been involved in public service since the age of 15, including four years working with Rodriguez. Marrero told the Herald he believes the city needs leaders who listen. His experience in politics, he said, gives him firsthand insight into how local government operates — and where it needs to improve. Marrero is also the boyfriend of Lorena Romero, 24, the newly appointed chief of staff to Mayor Garcia-Roves. Romero rose quickly through the ranks, going from a council aide to one of the city's most influential positions. Marrero's potential candidacy has raised questions about his independence and whether he may receive preferential support from the mayor. While the mayor does not have a vote on the council, the symbolic weight of the position and Garcia-Roves' influence could sway the council's decision. The other potential candidate is Eduardo Santiesteban, 49, a community activist and advertising professional whose political involvement began after a personal crisis involving his daughter. Her respiratory condition was endangered by limited access between Hialeah and Miami Lakes, particularly in the city's newly developed area near I-75. Motivated by the urgency of the situation, Santiesteban led a successful campaign to open a connecting bridge along Northwest 170th Street. He gained the support of Bovo, at the time a county commissioner. After becoming mayor, Bovo fulfilled the promise in August 2022, improving access for more than 16,000 residents in the area. Santiesteban ran for city council in 2021 in hopes of doing more for his neighborhood in Hialeah Heights, but lost in the primary. The seat was ultimately won by Bryan Calvo, who went on to become the sole opposition voice during Bovo's mayoral term. Another candidate in that race, Angelica Pacheco, later won a seat in 2023 but was removed by Gov. Ron DeSantis amid an ongoing FBI investigation into alleged healthcare fraud. Her trial is currently underway. When Pacheco's seat became vacant, Santiesteban attempted to fill it. However, then-Mayor Bovo reportedly pressured council members to withhold their support, arguing that since Santiesteban had previously lost an election, he should earn a seat through the voters, not by appointment. Local politicians told the Herald at the time that Bovo even threatened to veto the appointment if it moved forward. 'If you have run for office and not won, you should pursue the position through an electoral process,' Bovo said last year. The open mayoral seat, combined with four council seats up for election—including two currently held by interim appointees—raises the possibility of a complete political overhaul in Hialeah. If Garcia-Roves and Perez decide to run for mayor, and Tundidor pursues a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission, every seat on the City Council could be in play this election cycle.
Miami Herald
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Historic shift in Hialeah politics: First woman mayor takes office amid council shakeup
From housewife and mother of three to mayor of the second-largest city in Miami-Dade County—Jacqueline Garcia-Roves made that leap in just six years. Garcia-Roves is becoming the first woman to serve as mayor of Hialeah, a strong mayor position, taking on the role in an interim capacity during the city's centennial anniversary, following Esteban 'Steve' Bovo's resignation to become a lobbyist in Washington, D.C, a move that took effect on Sunday. Garcia-Roves, 42, a mother who homeschooled her children, entered politics following in the footsteps of her father, Bernardo Garcia-Roves—a respected community leader who advised several of Hialeah's mayors and council members. Though politically connected for years, she formally stepped into the public spotlight in 2019 with the backing of then-Mayor Carlos Hernandez. Running on his slate, she defeated Milly Herrera, a prominent advocate for Hialeah Park. Known for her quiet presence during meetings, Garcia-Roves has typically supported items on the agenda and rarely voices opposition. 'I may be quiet, but I'm a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. I don't believe in speaking without purpose' said Garcia-Roves in her speech as mayor. 'I am here to work, to listen and to lead by example, with a clear focus on doing what is best for our beloved city.' To the media, Garcia-Roves said she plans to follow in the footsteps of former Mayor Bovo in governing the city. However, she pledged to ease the burden of Hialeah's high water and sewer fees—the fourth highest in Miami-Dade County. While she did not specify who would benefit from this relief, her office said the plan would be subsidized through grants the city has received. A similar promise was made by Bovo during his tenure but ultimately went unfulfilled. In 2023, during an election year, the city announced it would invest $250,000 in the Utility Assessment Relief Program (UARP) to help seniors offset a water rate hike that was implemented in September 2022. However, public records obtained by El Nuevo Herald reveal that only $4,711.50 in grants have actually been distributed through the program. One of the most defining moments of her political career came in 2022, when she led a public campaign to raise mental health awareness after losing a family member to suicide. last year, Garcia-Roves gained attention again when Hialeah opposed Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's proposal to hold a referendum for a $2.5 billion debt plan. As council vice president at the time, Garcia-Roves made an unusual statement on behalf of Bovo's administration, announcing the introduction of a resolution opposing any county bond referendum. Garcia-Roves was reelected unopposed to the city council in 2023, and a year later, she was chosen by her fellow council members to serve as council president—a symbolic role unless the mayor's seat becomes vacant, as it has now. According to the city charter, when the mayor's seat is vacated, the council president assumes the role. Although the next mayoral election is scheduled for November, a recent change to the city code allows for a two-month transition period after the election. As a result, Garcia-Roves will serve as interim mayor until January 2026—unless she decides to run for the office herself. When asked by the Herald whether she intends to run, Garcia-Roves didn't rule it out. 'It's a big decision I have to make,' she said. 'I need to sit down with my family and determine that. Right now, I'm focused on the position I've been entrusted with. But I have until June to make up my mind.' Several politicians are eyeing the mayor's seat in Hialeah now that it's officially open. Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia entered the race on March 31, filing his candidacy documents. He is set to challenge former council member Bryan Calvo, who was the first to launch his campaign after learning that Bovo would be stepping down. But they may not be the only contenders. Although no one else has formally filed paperwork, Councilwoman Monica Perez, reelected in 2023, told the Herald she is 'considering' run for mayor. She said several residents have encouraged her, though she made it clear she would not run against Commissioner Garcia if he decides to stay in the race. Garcia has told multiple TV outlets that he has not made a final decision and will wait until the qualification period, which runs from July 7-28, to determine whether he'll remain a candidate. Another potential contender: Council Member Jesus Tundidor, who, like Perez and Garcia-Roves was elected in 2019 under then-Mayor Carlos Hernandez. However, Tundidor filed on April 4 to run for the Miami-Dade Commission seat that Garcia may vacate—anticipating a possible shuffle in political positions. Once considered the front-runner to succeed former Mayor Bovo, Tundidor was widely expected to have the former mayor's endorsement. Instead, Bovo threw his support behind Commissioner Garcia. With Garcia-Roves stepping into the mayor's role, her city council seat will remain vacant until at least January 2026. Two potential candidates have emerged as front runners to fill it. One of them is William Marrero, 21, who currently serves as an aide to Council Member Luis Rodriguez, who is also up for reelection. Marrero is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Public Administration at Florida International University, after earning an Associate in Arts degree in Public Policy and Services. He has been involved in public service since the age of 15, including four years working with Rodriguez. Marrero told the Herald he believes the city needs leaders who listen. His experience in politics, he said, gives him firsthand insight into how local government operates — and where it needs to improve. Marrero is also the boyfriend of Lorena Romero, 24, the newly appointed chief of staff to Mayor Garcia-Roves. Romero rose quickly through the ranks, going from a council aide to one of the city's most influential positions. Marrero's potential candidacy has raised questions about his independence and whether he may receive preferential support from the mayor. While the mayor does not have a vote on the council, the symbolic weight of the position and Garcia-Roves' influence could sway the council's decision. The other potential candidate is Eduardo Santiesteban, 49, a community activist and advertising professional whose political involvement began after a personal crisis involving his daughter. Her respiratory condition was endangered by limited access between Hialeah and Miami Lakes, particularly in the city's newly developed area near I-75. Motivated by the urgency of the situation, Santiesteban led a successful campaign to open a connecting bridge along Northwest 170th Street. He gained the support of Bovo, at the time a county commissioner. After becoming mayor, Bovo fulfilled the promise in August 2022, improving access for more than 16,000 residents in the area. Santiesteban ran for city council in 2021 in hopes of doing more for his neighborhood in Hialeah Heights, but lost in the primary. The seat was ultimately won by Bryan Calvo, who went on to become the sole opposition voice during Bovo's mayoral term. Another candidate in that race, Angelica Pacheco, later won a seat in 2023 but was removed by Gov. Ron DeSantis amid an ongoing FBI investigation into alleged healthcare fraud. Her trial is currently underway. When Pacheco's seat became vacant, Santiesteban attempted to fill it. However, then-Mayor Bovo reportedly pressured council members to withhold their support, arguing that since Santiesteban had previously lost an election, he should earn a seat through the voters, not by appointment. Local politicians told the Herald at the time that Bovo even threatened to veto the appointment if it moved forward. 'If you have run for office and not won, you should pursue the position through an electoral process,' Bovo said last year. The open mayoral seat, combined with four council seats up for election—including two currently held by interim appointees—raises the possibility of a complete political overhaul in Hialeah. If Garcia-Roves and Perez decide to run for mayor, and Tundidor pursues a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission, every seat on the City Council could be in play this election cycle.
