Miami City Attorney Victoria Méndez has been ousted from her post amidst a swirl of controversy and criticism. The City Commission, in a decisive 4-1 vote, chose to strip her of her duties. Méndez, who has a two-decade tenure at City Hall behind her, will now serve in an advisory role to aid the transition for her successor. Commissioner Joe Carollo was the solitary figure opposing the termination, as reported by NBC Miami.
Details emerging from a Miami Herald report suggest that the chop came after Mendez’s “insubordinate and at times disrespectful” behavior, according to Commissioner Damian Pardo, Mendez's demotion was driven by his initiative. With John A. Greco designated as the interim city attorney during the search for Méndez's permanent replacement, Deputy City Attorney George Wysong will step in temporarily, as Greco is currently out of the country until April 22. Despite the shake-up, Méndez took the opportunity to thank her colleagues and the city of Miami in a sentimental farewell speech, affirming her commitment to her work despite the upheaval.
The controversy that has encircled Méndez includes a legal tussle involving Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela over residency requirements in a past District 1 election. Méndez, undeterred, stood by her decisions, stating she was merely executing her responsibilities under the city's charter. Yet, Gabela expressed a deep-seated mistrust in her judgment, telling Méndez, "Every time we ask you a question, I don’t trust you."
Méndez’s departure comes at a time when the City Hall has been under the magnifying glass due to various allegations. Among them, claims of Méndez’s involvement in a house-flipping scheme with her husband, a subject of a lawsuit in circuit court and an inquiry by the Florida Bar. Additionally, Méndez has been scrutinized for providing legal counsel that led to a questionable tax rate vote by the commission, as of City Manager Art Noriega’s account. As the commissioners continue their search for a new city attorney, they have tasked the human relations department to present a candidate by April 19 with the goal of making a selection in the upcoming April 25 meeting, as per The Miami Herald.
Despite the proceedings, the question of how this will affect Méndez's pension remains unanswered. Eligible for retirement later this month, Méndez is looking at a pension cap of $8,333.33 per month, or $99,999.96 annually. The commission's vote raises concerns about potential implications for her financial future, leaving more questions in the wake of her sudden demotion.
