A new era has begun in the City of Miami Gardens when last Thursday, people including State Representatives and county commissioners to Miami Garden’s “favorite son” rapper and recording artist Flo Rida, turned out in force for the swearing-in ceremony of Oliver Gilbert.
With his mother standing by his side, and as previous mayor Shirley Gibson delivered the oath of office, Gilbert became only the second mayor in the brief nine-year history of Miami Gardens. It is the County’s third largest city with a population of nearly 110,000 residents. In addition, Miami Gardens boasts as being the largest predominantly Black city in the state of Florida.
In addition to Gilbert, two City Council Members were also sworn into office: Lillie Odom, representing Council Seat 1; and David Williams, Jr. representing Council Seat 5.
Once sworn in, Mayor Gilbert told the crowd that he wanted to build a city that his father would be proud to call home and his son would be proud to return to.
“In pursuit of a safer community, we will add more [police] officers this year,” he said. “In pursuit of better housing, we will add a housing authority this year.”
“We are looking forward to a continued great relationship [with the City of Miami Gardens],” said G. Eric Knowles, representing Sun Life Stadium, the major sporting and entertainment attraction within the city limits and home to both the Miami Dolphins and University of Miami football teams.
For Valjean Smith, 77, a resident of Miami Gardens who has lived in the community since 1966, the new era in the young city’s history was a time to reflect.
“Time moves on,” he said. “Changes are going to come. I expect to see big things from the new major.”
Former Mayor Gibson said she leaves office with a high level of hope for the future.
“You can never accomplish everything you set out to do but when starting a new city, everything is historic — from the hiring of the first city manager to hiring the first employee. I knew from the beginning that the term limit was until 2012. I’m leaving it in good hands. That is my joy and that is my satisfaction.”
By Gregory W. Wright
g.w.wright@hotmail.com
Alex
September 7, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Of all the pictures that could have been posted with this article you post this one? This is why no one takes this paper seriously. It’s read for the Obituary section. #FAIL
Angie Lambert
September 7, 2012 at 3:03 pm
I find this picture to be offensive. Is this the true representation of the Miami Gardens Political official.You mean to tell me this is the only picture the Miami Times had available of the newly elected BLACK official. Shame on you and some of the people in the picture. I am very disappointed in the Mayor.
Williams
September 16, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Yes I agree 100%. That picture is the worse and it tells it all ! And to think I voted for Gilbert. Even the church guys who are in the pic , you would think that they would know better. These are our leaders ? Very tasteless,no class,no professionalism, very disappointed,so this is the service we’re paying our taxes too. Thanks Miami times ,not a mistake ,at least now we really know, do you hear recall !
missy2@gmail.com
September 28, 2012 at 10:13 pm
This picture is inappropriate for such an occasion, I am sure there were other pictures available, if not, please take one… looks bad for new mayor. The mayor says he wants to make this a city that his father would be proud to live in, (knew his father)he is off to a bad start. How is staff going to take him seriously? I think you a good person for the job, but you have a little image building to do.
Torian Cox
November 9, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Yes this photo is not the best nor most respectful selection considering other pictures were taken . However in defense of Mayor Gilbert it was no fault of his that this picture was used. I know for a fact that the Mayor specifically instructed the photographer not to use this picture for use in the paper. This particular photo was requested by the Mayor to be taken as a private and personal picture with his Fraternity Brothers. At the event the Photographer took several appropriate photos however the Miami Times selected to use this one and bluntly neglected to abide by the wishes of Mayor Gilbert. The real question should be “of all the pictures that were taken by the Miami Times which they have access to why in Christ name was this picture selected?”
I just find it very strange and disturbing that a publication which has been TRUSTED and was designed to promote our people in a positive manner for so many years would place one of our young, dynamic and upcoming African American leaders in such an uncompromising position . Especially when SEVERAL other options were available. By boldly going against the Mayors wishes and allowing this private photo to leak out what message is the Times now trying to send our Community ?
Torian Cox
President
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. ( Miami, Fl Graduate Chapter)
P.S.
The men of Omega were lead to believe and trusted this paper to represent our beloved Brother respectfully. If the Miami Times would like to retract this picture and place a more appropriate one please feel free to contact me at tcox777@aol.com. I would be more than happy to resend you the photo that was sent to me by The Miami Times itself .