MIAMI LAKES, Fla. – A closed-door meeting was held in Miami Lakes Friday as town leaders decided whether to appeal a court's decision to reinstate former Mayor Michael Pizzi.
Miami Lakes City Council members met with the city attorney for nearly three hours, and emerged determined to finish the fight with Pizzi.
"I think our charter is a very important document; it's the main document," Vice Mayor Manny Cid said. "When I was first elected, the madam clerk administered the oath and that was the first document I said I would defend."
The city has already spent a reported $175,000 in legal expenses over the past eight months trying to prevent Pizzi from returning to the top spot at city hall. Pizzi lost his job in 2013 when he was suspended by Gov. Rick Scott after he was indicted on federal corruption charges.
But last August, Pizzi was acquitted and has been fighting to be reinstated. Three judges now have sided with him, but city leaders said they aren't giving up despite the additional tax dollars it will cost to appeal their latest loss in court.
"It is their responsibility and it been something that has been extremely concerning to all of us, including those of us on the legal team," city attorney Raul Gastesi said.
"But despite the concern, you're moving forward?" Local 10 News reporter Roger Lohse asked.
"I would believe that to be the case," Gastesi said.
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