In advance of the upcoming general elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5adbackhome or ad casino, 2024, the Editorial Board interviewed and researched candidates to better understand their views on various issues and how their policies will affect their constituents. The goal is to give voters a better idea of who’s the best candidate for each race.

Miami-Dade voters are electing a tax collector for the first time in the November elections, and it’s a big decision because massive changes are coming to this agency. Up until now, the mundane-sounding county department job was by appointment, but a 2018 constitutional amendment turned it into an elected, partisan, independent position.

The Office of the Tax Collector collects money from property taxes, motor vehicle registrations, renewals, license plates and titles. It also issues business permits, handicap permits and fishing and hunting licenses. The office will soon also takeover from the state the task of issuing driver licenses to all county residents.

In this crucial juncture for the office, voters must elect a tax collector who is qualified and has the leadership chops and vision to transition the office while bringing much-needed online innovation to better serve residents.

Seeking the job on Nov. 5 are Democrat David Richardson, 67, a forensic accountant, former Miami Beach commissioner and state legislator, and Republican Dariel Fernandez, 46, a business owner who has never held public office. Fernandez, who is running for public office for the second time, defeated Hialeah Commissioner Bryan Calvo in the August primary. Richardson was unopposed in the primary. Incumbent Tax Collector Peter Cam chose not to run.

Our choice is Richardson for his varied experience in government and finance.

In their interviews with the Miami Herald Editorial Board, both candidates were well-versed in the office’s deficiencies. They both recognized the need for accessibility and modernization of the office and expanded services through additional offices and flexible hours.

But the difference in promising these changes and shepherding them to reality is critical. That requires experience as the size of the office is expected to grow significantly from its current 200 employees as it moves away from county supervision and becomes a separate entity.

Richardson knows state and city budgets. He has extensive experience in public service that uniquely positions him for this role. As a Certified Public Accountant and former elected official, he has 37 years of experience navigating the complexities of government finance and operations. He is also a former auditor for the U.S. Department of Defense.

“I want to make the office more efficient, accessible and customer-friendly, all while maintaining transparency and the public’s trust,” Richardson told the Board.

Fernandez lacks governmental and big department leadership experience. His main expertise is running a software company with a handful of employees.

He told the Board that his tech know-how will help him “modernize and improve the Tax Collector’s Office, ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability in serving our community.”

Richardson is focused on enhancing service delivery through collaboration with the state, advocating for more mobile service options and ensuring a smooth transition as the Tax Collector’s Office begins issuing driver licenses. His proactive approach will bring essential services closer to the community, particularly in underserved areas, he said.

Because he is a CPA with extensive public service and administrative experience from Tallahassee to local government, the Miami Herald Editorial Board endorses DAVID RICHARDSON for Miami-Dade tax collector.

Lawmakers reacted quickly and forcefully after the Surfside collapse highlighted the safety crisis facing condominiums. They should not wait until a new affordability crisis develops to mitigate it.

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Editorials are opinion pieces that reflect the views of the Miami Herald Editorial Board, a group of opinion journalists that operates separately from the Miami Herald newsroom. Miami Herald Editorial Board members are: opinion editor Amy Driscoll and editorial writers Luisa Yanez and Isadora Rangel. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.

Op-Eds, short for “opposite the editorial page,” are opinion pieces written by contributors who are not affiliated with our Editorial Board.

Columns are recurring opinion pieces that represent the views of staff columnists that regularly appear on the op-ed page.

The Editorial Board, made up of experienced opinion journalists, primarily addresses local and state issues that affect South Florida residents. Each board member has an area of focus, such as education, COVID or local government policy. Board members meet daily and bring up an array of topics for discussion. Once a topic is fully discussed, board members will further report the issue, interviewing stakeholders and others involved and affected, so that the board can present the most informed opinion possible. We strive to provide our community with thought leadership that advocates for policies and priorities that strengthen our communities. Our editorials promote social justice, fairness in economic, educational and social opportunities and an end to systemic racism and inequality. The Editorial Board is separate from the reporters and editors of the Miami Herald newsroom.

The Editorial Board accepts op-ed submissions of 650-700 words from community members who want to argue a specific viewpoint or idea that is relevant to our area. You can email an op-ed submission to oped@miamiherald.com. We also accept 150-word letters to the editor from readers who want to offer their points of view on current issues. For more information on how to submit a letter, go here.

Click here to send the letter.

Editorials are opinion pieces that reflect the views of the Miami Herald Editorial Board, a group of opinion journalists that operates separately from the Miami Herald newsroom. Miami Herald Editorial Board members are: opinion editor Amy Driscoll and editorial writers Luisa Yanez and Isadora Rangel. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.

Op-Eds, short for “opposite the editorial page,” are opinion pieces written by contributors who are not affiliated with our Editorial Board.

Columns are recurring opinion pieces that represent the views of staff columnists that regularly appear on the op-ed page.

The Editorial Board, made up of experienced opinion journalists, primarily addresses local and state issues that affect South Florida residents. Each board member has an area of focus, such as education, COVID or local government policy. Board members meet daily and bring up an array of topics for discussion. Once a topic is fully discussed, board members will further report the issue, interviewing stakeholders and others involved and affected, so that the board can present the most informed opinion possible. We strive to provide our community with thought leadership that advocates for policies and priorities that strengthen our communities. Our editorials promote social justice, fairness in economic, educational and social opportunities and an end to systemic racism and inequality. The Editorial Board is separate from the reporters and editors of the Miami Herald newsroom.

The Editorial Board accepts op-ed submissions of 650-700 words from community members who want to argue a specific viewpoint or idea that is relevant to our area. You can email an op-ed submission to oped@miamiherald.com. We also accept 150-word letters to the editor from readers who want to offer their points of view on current issues. For more information on how to submit a letter, go here.

This story was originally published October 2, 2024, 5:19 PM.

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In advance of the upcoming general elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, the Editorial Board interviewed and researched candidates to better understand their views on various issues and how their policies will affect their constituents. The goal is to give voters a better idea of who’s the best candidate for each race.

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