Commissioners reject elected positions proposals

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The Miami-Dade Commission has voted against two proposals that would have asked voters to elect a police director and elections supervisor.

On Thursday, commissioners voted 8 to 3 against the proposals, maintaining that those positions continue to be filled by appointment. "I believe we don't need another politician in Miami-Dade County," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. "We certainly don't need a political police director, and so I'm opposed to it. We need a professional police director to run that department the way it's been run for 50 years."

The decision comes days after Chairman Joe Martinez, a former police officer, proposed charter amendments to elect a police and elections supervisor. Police Benevolent Association President John Rivera said he is in favor of an elected police director, as well. "I'm looking for someone to come in and look after the interest of the people," he said. "so that when he or she has to investigate corruption, that they can do it freely and not with the pressure of his boss and can do their job without the interference of someone who knows nothing about public safety."

Director James Loftus retired as head of the Miami-Dade Police Department last week. The mayor said a national search will be conducted to find his replacement.

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