Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago and two challengers squared off over development, public safety and the tone of city government at a candidates forum Thursday, Sept. 17.

The Gables Good Government Committee hosted the event at Coral Gables Congregational Church, drawing all three mayoral candidates and four commission hopefuls six weeks before the city's first November election, the Gables Gazette reported. Vote-by-mail ballots are scheduled to begin arriving around Thursday, Sept. 24.

Lago Highlights Financial, Public Safety Gains

Lago, seeking a fourth consecutive term, asked to speak first, citing another engagement. He defended his financial record, saying the city's pension funding had risen from 52% to nearly 80% during his 13 years in city government. He said reserves now represent about 25% of the budget and claimed Coral Gables has the second-lowest millage rate among full-service cities.

He also pointed to four new fire stations, a record number of police officers and what he called the lowest crime rate in 20 years.

Incumbent Points to Development Battles Won

On development, Lago cited votes against Plaza Coral Gables and the Lifetime building and said he fought to limit growth on Miracle Mile. He highlighted a development agreement with the University of Miami that he said gave the city more control over land-use decisions on university property and secured land for a park.

Holmes Calls Overdevelopment City's Top Threat

Challenger Jackson "Rip" Holmes, a Miracle Mile property owner and longtime attendee of City Commission meetings, made development his central issue. He accused Lago of misleading residents and warned of a "tsunami" of development that would mean "the end of Gables as a suburb."

Holmes said he had knocked on roughly 3,000 doors and claimed about 60% of residents he spoke with opposed what he called overdevelopment. He called for ending the city's contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, hiring more firefighters and trash collection workers, and reducing property taxes. He also said he supports the statewide homestead exemption referendum on the ballot.

Cancio Pitches Civility After Contentious Meeting

Challenger Laureano Cancio, an attorney and 26-year Coral Gables resident, pitched a civility-centered campaign. He said he entered city politics about two years ago after attending a commission meeting where, he said, Lago warned that residents who spoke too loudly could be removed.

Cancio was blunt about the experience. "I was aghast," he said. He described the kind of government he wants to lead as one defined by "stability, fairness and mutual respect."

Lago, Castro Spar Over University Ties

The forum also produced a pointed exchange between Lago and Commissioner Melissa Castro, who is running for the Group 4 commission seat against Nestor Menendez. Castro asked Lago about his employment with Hammer Commercial Construction and whether he was directly or indirectly compensated by the University of Miami, noting that the company's website listed him as a principal on UM projects.

"This is a first. I've never had an elected official join in the conversation," Lago responded, before noting Castro's renter status. He said he has worked on UM projects for 22 years and has also worked for Florida International University, Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Commission Races Round Out November Ballot

The Group 5 commission race features Gonzalo Sanabria and Nikki Whiting.

Voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 1. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 5, and the last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Oct. 22. A runoff, if needed, is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1.