MIAMI LAKES, Fla. – In a recent address at Miami Lakes City Hall, Mayor Michael Pizzi said the state of the town is good. He also said his experience as mayor is why he deserves a third term.
"They should stick with Mayor Michael Pizzi because I give them proven leadership," Pizzi said. "We've put additional police on the streets. I just cut taxes for the eighth time in eight years as mayor. I opened up our beautiful new youth center for our children. I opened up a new government center."
Pizzi has been in the spotlight over the last three years after he was cleared of bribery charges.
The man who held Pizzi's seat during the investigation, Wayne Slaton, wanted to keep it. But, after lawsuits and costly legal battles, Pizzi was eventually reinstated.
Now, Slaton wants another shot.
"Over the last few years, the leadership has taken a hit in the town of Miami Lakes, and it has created controversy and it has tarnished our brand," Slaton said. "I feel I bring the experience to come back and help us regain that brand, if you will, and to move the town forward. A key thing is you have to work together."
The third candidate for mayor is Manny Cid.
"Sen. Marco Rubio supports my candidacy, and so does Commissioner Francis Suarez from the city of Miami, and, you know, I'm proud of that," Cid said.
Cid currently serves on the town council. He told Local 10 News that he is a fresh voice and knows how to work with different levels of government to get things done.
"I was raised here. I'm a son of this community. I'll be the first mayor raised in the town of Miami Lakes," Cid said. "I have the energy to take us beyond everything that's happened, that's occurred, and one thing that I'm going to focus on is rebuilding the Miami Lakes brand."