Mayor Slaton Won't Fight Decision To Allow Pizzi To Return To Office
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI LAKES (CBSMiami) – Mayor Wayne Slaton will abandon his fight to keep the mayor's post in Miami Lakes—meaning former Mayor Michael Pizzi will resume office.
Time was running out for Miami Lakes to appeal a court ruling that Pizzi should be re-instated as the town's mayor.
On Monday, during a press conference, Slaton announced he would not appeal a court's order to reinstate Pizzi.
"Therefore, I am instructing my attorney to issue the appropriate document to the Third District Court of Appeal, informing them that I will not be appealing their ruling. And I am recommending that the Town do the same," Slaton said Monday.
Slaton thanked everyone for their support, saying it "has been an honor, once again, to lead this town as your Mayor. Thank you all for your continued support."
Web Extra: Watch the news conference
"On Wednesday I'm resuming my duties as mayor of Miami Lakes. It's been a really, really long journey," Pizzi said following Mayor Slaton's announcement. "I'm really happy with the town's decision at this point to recognize and respect the rule of law."
On April 24th, the Third District Court of Appeals ruled that Pizzi should get his job back following his acquittal in a federal corruption case.
The town was given until the end of this week to file for a re-hearing.
Miami Lakes officials had been fighting to keep their current Mayor, Wayne Slaton, who was elected in a special election after Pizzi was removed from office by Governor Rick Scott.
CLICK HERE To Watch Lauren Pastrana's Report
A year later, Pizzi celebrated when he was found not guilty on all counts in a federal trial. Since then he had been battling to be reinstated in office.
The town has maintained that Slaton should remain in office since Pizzi's term had run out.
Slaton said he thinks many people have liked to see the case go to the Supreme Court, but added that process would have taken a year.
Following last week's ruling, Slaton released a statement saying, "I thank the Appellant [sic] Court for their expedited consideration of this case. My attorneys will be reviewing the court's ruling and we will be deciding the most appropriate manner in which to proceed"
Meanwhile, Pizzi returned to Town Hall that day with handshakes and hugs for supporters.
But on Monday, he spoke to reporters across the street at the Main Street shopping and entertainment plaza.
"I think the key thing now is everyone needs to unite in Miami Lakes to put this circus and bad blood behind us," Pizzi said.
The town spent roughly $250,000 on Slaton's quest to remain in office.
He says he doesn't regret it, but some residents can't justify the expense.
"With all due respect, the Town Council and Mayor Slaton, they wasted so much money," said resident Wendy Armesto.
Pizzi said his lawyers will likely try to recoup legal fees, and he wants back pay and benefits to the tune of $70,000.
Wayne Slaton hinted he would be running for office in November 2016.
When asked about his political plans for the future, Pizzi said he's only looking as far as Wednesday when he returns to Miami Lakes Town Hall as mayor
Vice Mayor Manny Cid emphasized Miami Lakes does not have a "strong mayor" system, adding the leadership of the town falls on more than just one person, but rather the council as a whole.
"It's been very difficult for all of us and we've acted in a way that residents can be proud. We're going to continue doing that," Cid told CBS4's Lauren Pastrana. "We're going to continue doing what's right regardless of who's up there."
