Apr 24, 2008 7:30 pm US/Eastern
Miami Mayor Calls On City To Invest In Future
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz
CBS4 News
Mayor Manny Diaz delivered his 2008 State of the City Address, he labeled "Investing in our Future" on Thursday at the Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Boulevard.
The mayor, in his next-to-last State Of The City address, spelled out his vision of how Miami can prosper financially at a difficult time in its history. Diaz also pointed out how investing in education, in the environment and in neighborhoods has contributed to the city's growth by reducing crime and homelessness.
"Today it is our turn to make an investment," said Diaz. "If we fail to invest in hope and opportunity, if those that can choose, choose others over us, then lets assure our city will cease to prosper."
The speech defended the $3 billion city-county megaplan public works package. The plan is still involved in a court battle, which earmarks cash for a new Florida Marlins stadium, port tunnel and other big-ticket items. Diaz and Miami-Dade County's Mayor, Carlos Alvarez, defended the funding of the plan.
"The fact of the matter is that the money that we are using for the tunnel has nothing to do with anything else, we can't use that money for schools, we can't use that money for roads, we can't use that money for public safety, we can't use that money for anything else."
The plan is also the subject of an ongoing court battle. A lawsuit filed by Norman Braman, who says the people should be able to vote on the plan. Diaz says they already have.
"We all know that we voted for a port tunnel, we all know that we voted for museums this has gone to voters," said Diaz.
Longtime Miami residents believe investing in the future and the megaplan will only make Miami a better place to live.
"I think we should be cutting edge," said Karen Marino who supports the megaplan. "We are drawing crowds from all over the word and people want to be here and it's a happening place."
As for the possibility of a pending lawsuit derailing the megaplan, the mayor said he is confident it will not, and his vision of for a new and better Miami will become a reality.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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