Mayor – Miami Dade County

November 1, 2020

Daniella Levine Cava (NPA)

Background

An attorney with a Master’s degree in social work, Cava has served on the Miami-Dade County Commission representing District 8 since 2014.

Gun Sense (brought to you by RE's Students Against Gun Violence)

Although the mayor does not have direct control over gun control laws, they can choose to enforce existing laws that have not traditionally been enforced such as at gun shows. Commissioner Cava is strongly in favor of strong enforcement of current gun control laws. Secondly, the county mayor manages the county police force and its budget. Commissioner Cava has articulated support for increased sensitivity training for police officers, a civilian oversight panel, and stronger support for mental health and other social services that may prevent gun violence.

Priorities and Points of View

- Cava will prioritize environmental protection and continue forward in “the fight against climate change.”
- Cava hopes to expand opportunities for small businesses and finds entrepreneurship critical to Miami Dade’s economy.
- Cava will continue pursuit for paid leave, especially during COVID-19
- Cava places an emphasis on justice, equality, and sustainability in reopening and strengthening economy
- Cava advocates for more opportunities to be provided to children in underserved communities.
- Cava supports expanding affordable housing.
- COVID-19
  - Cava wants to increase testing availability.
  - Cava supports unemployment benefits, support for small businesses, and stimulus.
  - Cava calls for support for essential workers and the reinstitution of trust in science institutions.
- Cava advocates for an increased accountability in the justice system, involving community leaders to reform the system so that policing is fair.
- Cava wants to ban chokeholds.
- Cava plans to create an “Office of Equity and Inclusion.”

Steve Bovo (NPA)

Background

Bovo has served as State Representative representing District 110 and, most recently, on the Miami-Dade County Commission representing District 13 since 2011.

Gun Sense (brought to you by SAGV)

Although the mayor does not have direct control over gun control laws, they can choose to enforce existing laws that have not traditionally been enforced such as at gun shows. Bovo has strong support from and has been endorsed by the police union. He has also voiced support for increased training of the police force. He has not supported the civilian oversight panel that Cava supports.

Priorities and Points of View

Bovo wants to ensure the preservation of water and water resources.
Bovo advocates for investment in combating sea-level rise, an increase in affordable housing, expansion of the tourism industry.
His education plans are focused on “hardening schools.”
COVID-19 response
- He wants to keep small businesses open and aim to limit shutdowns.
- He would strive to provide incentives for business owners.
- He calls for an increased testing availability.
He wants to expand communication between local and county governments and to increase the reach of collaboration between communities and police.
He would increase technology use in the police force.
- Supports an expansion of the use of body cameras and technologies such as the ShotSpotter tool (gunshot/bullet detection technology).