Veteran Miami Dade Commissioner officially inducted as the 2009-2010 Board of County Commissioners Chairman
MIAMI – Surrounded by his mother, wife, nephew, friends, and county staff veteran Commissioner Dennis C. Moss was inducted in an official ceremony as the 2009-2010 Board of County Commissioner Chairman.
Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz was sworn-in as his Vice-Chairman. The event took place on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at Board of County Commission Chambers. The new Chairman and Vice-Chairman will begin their official duties on January 1, 2009, positions previously held by the current Chairman Bruno A. Barreiro and Vice-Chairwoman Barbara J. Jordan.
“To my colleagues and the community, know that I will lead the board over the next two years by adhering to three guiding principles: is it right; is it in the best interest of the people and the community; and is it in the best interest of the commission and the county,” said the newly-inducted Chairman. “Our county like others around the country, is facing tremendous challenges, some known and some unknown; Nevertheless, during other tough times and with other tough issues, we have always found a way to persevere and there is no doubt that we have the will and we will find the way to address the tough challenges of today.”
In his first 90 days, the new Chairman will assess the many issues facing the county and will then hold a press conference to inform county residents how the Board of County Commissioner under his leadership will battle the challenge of the housing market, lower property values, job losses, a transit system that is underfunded, financial systems that are on red alert, the need to overhaul an overburdened water and sewer system, a corrections master plan that needs implementation, a new animal services shelter that needs building, a viable fire district that needs addressing, the need to insure that in these economic downturns public safety remains a priority, a Jackson Hospital that needs help carrying out it’s mission, and a North Terminal at Miami International Airport that needs completion and projects at the Seaport like the Tunnel or some alternative projects that make us competitive.
Both Commissioners Moss and Diaz were elected to their new positions by the entire County Commission on November 20, 2008. The new Chairman was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners in April 1993 and has been re-elected for five consecutive terms. He represents District 9, the largest geographical commission district which includes the bulk of South Miami-Dade, and Florida City and City of Homestead.
Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz was first elected to represent District 12 in September 2002 and is currently serving his second term. His district includes much of northwest Dade – Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Doral, Medley, Sweetwater, Virginia Gardens, and a large part of unincorporated Miami-Dade.
Miami-Dade has 13 commissioners elected in non-partisan, single-member district elections who serve four-year staggered terms with no term limits. Elections are scheduled every two years. Every election cycle, a new Chair and Vice-Chair are chosen to serve for two years.
