Suarez To Challenge Regalado For Mayor's Job
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez has announced that he will make a run for his dad's old job in the November elections.
In an interview with CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald, the 35-year old son of former Mayor Xavier Suarez said if elected he would work toward replenishing the city's rainy day funds, promote small business, beef up the police force and make the job of Miami's mayor a major player on the national stage.
Political analysts say Suarez will have a tough time trying to unseat incumbent Tomas Regalado who remains popular with voters.
It was Regalado who asked Suarez to serve as the City Commission chairman in late 2011. The two were often seen together but that relationship soured last summer, when Suarez grew increasingly critical of Regalado's administration. He voiced concerns about the high turnover among top staffers and questioned the finance department's ability to balance the $500 million budget on time.
Regalado, who has already launch his bid for re-election, said he welcomed the competition.
CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed to this report.
