Tomás Regalado Elected as Miami-Dade Property Appraiser: A Return to Public Service

Former Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado has officially returned to public office after winning the election for Miami-Dade Property Appraiser, securing 57% of the vote against Democrat Marisol Zenteno. This marks Regalado’s first public role in seven years, emphasizing his commitment to local governance.

Election Overview

• Election Results: Regalado, a Republican candidate, dominated the polls with 57% of the vote. His opponent, Zenteno, who has previously run for the position, received significant support but ultimately fell short.
• Outgoing Property Appraiser: Regalado will take over from Pedro Garcia, who served for 14 years and has stepped down at the age of 87.

The election took place amid ongoing challenges related to increasing property values, insurance costs, and the affordability crisis affecting Miami-Dade County.

Campaign Priorities

Regalado’s campaign focused heavily on affordability:

• Affordability Promises: He pledges to advocate for increased exemptions for seniors, veterans, and low-income families.
• Combating Fraud: Regalado aims to address mortgage, deed, and homestead exemption fraud, protecting residents from exploitation.
• Climate Considerations: The former mayor also intends to incorporate climate change factors, specifically sea-level rise, into the Property Appraiser’s assessments.

Quote

In his victory speech, Regalado stated, “It is imperative that we create a balanced approach to property assessment that considers not only financial implications but also the environmental challenges that our community faces.”

Zenteno’s Platform

Marisol Zenteno, who has almost a decade of experience in property assessment, offered a contrasting approach:

• Focus on Efficiency: Her platform prioritized improving the Property Appraiser’s efficiency and transparency, rather than making immediate promises about property tax relief.
• Legislative Challenges: Zenteno explained to the Miami Herald that many desired changes require action at the legislative level, noting that expanding tax exemptions often necessitates significant amendments.

Financial Dynamics of the Race

In terms of campaign financing, Regalado significantly outperformed Zenteno:

• Regalado’s Fundraising: He raised nearly $446,000, allowing him to maintain a substantial campaign war chest.
• Zenteno’s Contributions: In comparison, she raised around $110,000, relying primarily on personal donations rather than large-scale contributions.

Notable Contributions

Major Miami-Dade developers supported Regalado, showing confidence in his vision and leadership. His campaign was notably endorsed by organizations such as:

• South Florida Police Benevolent Association
• Hispanic Police Officers Association
• Miami-Dade Firefighters Local 1403

Meanwhile, Zenteno garnered support from a range of local political figures and organizations, emphasizing her constituency-based approach.

The Role of the Property Appraiser

The Miami-Dade Property Appraiser plays a crucial role in assessing property values within the county, directly impacting nearly $3 billion of the county’s budget derived from property taxes. This revenue is second only to business-derived funds in terms of overall county finance.

With property tax rates continuing to rise, Regalado’s approach is critical for ensuring sustainable growth and support for Miami-Dade residents.

Conclusion

Tomás Regalado’s recent election as Miami-Dade Property Appraiser signals a renewed focus on affordability and responsible governance in a city facing pressing economic challenges. As he transitions into this role, the community is keenly observing how his policies and initiatives will unfold in the coming years.

For more information on Miami-Dade governance and local issues, visit Miami-Dade County Official Website and stay updated on local news through sources like the Miami Herald and The Real Deal.