Coral Gables voters will pick a mayor this November and also decide a ballot measure that would extend the mayor’s term from two years to four. If approved, the longer term would begin with the 2028 election, so whoever wins this year will serve a standard two-year term.
Mayor Vince Lago, who is running for re-election, supports the change. He pointed out that Coral Gables city commissioners already serve four-year terms. Lago said constant campaigning pulls elected officials away from their work.
Residents are split. Margaret Meeks said two years is not enough time to finish major projects. Rhonda McNeil, who has lived and voted in the city for four decades, said shorter terms keep officials accountable. She has already mailed in her ballot to keep the two-year term.
Coral Gables, Miami Beach and North Miami currently use two-year mayoral terms. Miami, Miami Gardens and Hialeah have four-year terms.
