Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava appointed her rival Manny Cid as the new Senior Economic Opportunities Adviser in the county's Office of Innovation and Economic Development, which sparked strong criticism from host and former mayoral candidate Alexander Otaola, who referred to his opponent as a "puppet" pulled out of a "cesspool."
The well-known influencer stated that he was not outraged by the announcement but rather satisfied because, in the long run, they proved him right when, during the campaign in which he ran, he warned that "Manny Cid was a Muppet pulled out of the political dung heap, of little political significance and inconsequence, to compete against me."
"Just as they removed the drunk who wasn't going to achieve anything, they take out Manny Cid disguised as a Republican. I feel satisfaction in predicting what happens, seeing the fools dancing around the fire, and the idiots who supported Manny Cid today have nowhere to hide. He’s mediocre, a puppet moved according to the interests of the establishment. How do you run a political campaign against Daniela Levine-Cava saying she is irresponsible, wasteful, and has created a giant bureaucracy with invented departments, and then accept to work in a department created for you, with a salary of $200,000 a year? How are you going to combat bureaucracy with more bureaucracy?" he questioned.
At the end of his message, Otaola said that "Manny Cid mocked all of you."
Cid, who was a rival of Otaola and Levine-Cava in the recent county elections, will take on the responsibility of advancing the county's economic development agenda.
Among its objectives are support for small businesses, reducing bureaucracy, attracting greater investment opportunities, and creating new pathways for companies to interact with the county more efficiently, according to the mayor, who was inaugurated for her new term yesterday after a decisive victory of over 60% in the county elections.
Levine-Cava emphasized Cid's work and ideas, highlighting that his experience will be essential for strengthening the workforce and supporting small businesses in the region.
Cid's appointment as an advisor is seen by some as an opportunity to enhance the business ecosystem of the county, especially for the over 80,000 small businesses operating in Miami-Dade. Francesca de Quesada Covey, Director of Innovation and Economic Development, emphasized Cid's impact on the community, highlighting his extensive background in public service and his experience as an entrepreneur.
For his part, Cid expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Miami-Dade. "I am grateful for the trust that the mayor has placed in me. My goal has always been to support small businesses and create opportunities for families in the county," he stated.
Manny Cid, who served as mayor of Miami Lakes for two terms, has over 19 years of experience in public service and holds a strong academic background in Ethical Leadership and Political Science. Throughout his career, he has also been a council member, vice mayor, and is the owner of a small business in the city of Miami Lakes.
In the Miami-Dade mayoral elections, Otaola finished in third place with 12 percent of the votes, while Cid surpassed him by receiving 22 percent of the votes.
Frequently asked questions about Manny Cid's appointment and Alexander Otaola's reactions
Who is Manny Cid and what is his new position in the Miami-Dade government?
Manny Cid has been appointed as Principal Advisor for Economic Opportunities in the Office of Innovation and Economic Development for Miami-Dade County. Previously, he served as the mayor of Miami Lakes and has an extensive background in public service, in addition to owning a small business in that city.
Why did Manny Cid's appointment generate controversy?
Manny Cid's appointment generated controversy mainly due to the criticisms from influencer and former mayoral candidate Alexander Otaola. Otaola described Cid as a "puppet" manipulated by political interests and criticized his acceptance of a position in the government of Daniella Levine Cava, whom he had criticized during the electoral campaign.
How has Alexander Otaola reacted to Manny Cid's appointment?
Alexander Otaola expressed his indignation and satisfaction at the same time, stating that his criticism of Cid during the electoral campaign was justified. Otaola called Cid a "mediocre" and a "puppet," questioning his decision to accept a position in a government that he himself had criticized for its bureaucracy.
What are Manny Cid's objectives in his new position?
In his new role as Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunities, Manny Cid will focus on supporting small businesses, reducing bureaucracy, attracting investments, and creating new pathways for businesses to interact efficiently with Miami-Dade County.
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