2008-26784 ResoRESOLUTION NO. 2008-26784
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA
URGING AND ENCOURAGING THE DEMOCRATIC
NATIONAL COMMITTEE, FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC
PARTY, U.S. SENATOR, HILLARY CLINTON AND U.S.
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA TO FIND A SOLUTION
THAT WILL ENSURE FLORIDA DEMOCRATS A VOICE IN
THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION.
WHEREAS, the City of Miami Beach, has zealously encouraged its community to
register and vote in both general and special elections; and
WHEREAS, on January 29, 2008 voters went to the polls for the Presidential
Preference Primary, yet said voters were disenfranchised inasmuch as the Democratic
National Committee ("DNC") has not agreed to seat Florida's convention delegates
based on said Election results; and
WHEREAS, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean has
indicated that said disenfranchisement of voters will remain undisturbed unless the
Florida Democratic Party comes up with a solution that is acceptable to the DNC, U.S.
Senator Clinton and U.S. Senator Obama; and
WHEREAS, it is critical in order to ensure meaningful voter participation and
democracy in government that the Democratic National Committee, Florida's
Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton and U.S. Senator Barack Obama
expeditiously act to ensure that Florida Democrats are afforded the right to have their
votes count.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, the Democratic National
Committee, Florida Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton and U.S. Senator
Barack Obama expeditiously must reach consensus in devising a method for ensuring
that Florida Democrats are not disenfranchised and that their votes are counted.
PASSED and ADOPTED this itch day of March , 2008.
ATT ST:.
~~~
City Clerk
Robert Parcher
Mayor
Matti Herrera Bower
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
2-0
ity Attorney Date
Im MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION
MEMORANDUM
TO: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
Jose Smith, City Attorney
FROM: Richard L. Steinberg, Commissioner
R~S't~
DATE: March 11, 2008
SUBJECT: Agenda Item- Resolution Calling forthe Democratic National Committee, Florida
Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton and U.S. Senator Barack Obama to Find a
Solution that Will Ensure Florida Democrat's a Voice in the Presidential Nomination
The City of Miami Beach, through efforts like Vote Miami Beach, has zealously engaged our
community to register and vote. However, Miami Beach Democrats, and Democrats throughout
Florida, are being disenfranchised. When one considers that our Country's government is
based on democratic elections, one can only reach the conclusion that such a
disenfranchisement is completely unacceptable and unconscionable.
Governor Howard Dean has recently reiterated the Democratic National Committee's position
that the DNC will not seat Florida's convention delegates based on the election results of
January 29`h. Governor Dean has also indicated that the Florida Democratic Party must come
up with a solution that is acceptable to the DNC, Senator Clinton and Senator Obama.
I would like the City of Miami Beach to speak out loudly on behalf of our residents and demand
that Democrats in Miami Beach, and throughout Florida, not be disenfranchised. Accordingly,
please draft a resolution for the March 12'h Commission meeting calling for the Democratic
National Committee, the Florida Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton and U.S.
Senator Barack Obama to expeditiously act to ensure that Florida Democrats are afforded the
right to have their votes count, whether through the January 29"' election or by holding an
election by mail in Florida.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact my Aide, Ms. Marlene
Taylor at ext. 6087.
RLS/mt
Agenda Item ~9~~ N/~
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