Miami Voters Choose Controversial Figure Over Newcomer For Commissioner
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Voters headed to the polls Tuesday for a runoff between one of Miami's most controversial political figures and a newcomer with some old ties.
In the end, former mayor and commissioner Joe Carollo beat out newcomer Alfonso "Alfie" Leon for the Miami District 3 commissioner's seat.
Campaign staffers and volunteers, filled the famous El Pub to celebrate Carollo's return to city politics.
He spoke for almost an hour – giving thanks, bringing up old battles and decrying corruption. He also called out his election foes.
When CBS4's Hank Tester asked how he was going to get along with the new mayor, the son of the man he replaced as mayor due to election irregularities, Carollo didn't hold back.
"You want me to lie and say they did not do everything they could to try and defeat me. That's what you want me to say? I am not going to say that," he said.
carollo says he won despite the establishment lining up against him.
"Joe Carollo is the one person that the feel will stand in the way of them owning, controlling and filling their pocket books in the city of Miami."
During his speech he did advance what appears to be his passionate concern – affordable housing.
"The number one need of all of Miami is affordable home. All we are building are homes for the rich and foreign investors," he said.
Carollo beat Leon by a healthy six points.
"I know that my neighbors spoke and I loudly heard the results and I will be helping any way I can," Leon said.
But Leon has filed a lawsuit alleging that Carollo did not move into District 3 in time to legally file for election.
Carollo told Tester the suit is active but he has not been served, and that he too will be suing. He claims that Leon has an official address in Kendall, not District 3.