Michael Pizzi Back As Mayor Of Miami Lakes
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MIAMI LAKES (CBSMiami) – A jubilant Michael Pizzi returned to Miami Lakes town hall Wednesday, awash in hugs and kisses from several dozen supporters.
"The worst day of my life. The worst and saddest day of my life was when I left here in handcuffs," Pizzi said.
Pizzi fought an eight month long legal battle against the town and Wayne Slaton, who was elected mayor after Pizzi's arrest on federal corruption charges--but that fight ended Monday.
Pizzi was found not guilty in the corruption case and was ordered to be reinstated by the courts.
Supporters welcomed him back Wednesday.
"I knew from the beginning that he was an honest person and he was going to come up from all this...so we believed in him," Nelly Pino said.
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"I am back exonerated. I'm back with my sleeves rolled up. I'm back to resume my duties right this second as mayor of the great town of Miami Lakes," Pizzi said.
Pizzi pledged to heal the wounds created by the long legal fight to regain his role in office.
"As of right this second this chapter is closed and we move on to a chapter of unity," Pizzi said. He thanked his supporters.
He took his seat in the mayor's chair saying his priorities will be improving police services, parks and infrastructure in Miami Lakes.
