A couple of hours ago, during deliberations by the Miami-Dade County Commission to approve a May referendum asking voters to help foot the bill, Commissioner Bruno Barreiro made a motion to change the deal so the Dolphins can do the renovation regardless of whether Miami gets a Super Bowl two years or three years from now. As long as it is a Super Bowl. It could be 2015 or it could be 30 years from today. None of his colleagues or Mayor Carlos Gimenez objected.
See also:
- Norman Braman's Contributions Dried Up For the Nov. 6 County Commission Run-Offs
- Bruno Barreiro and Barbara Jordan Collect Thousands From Developers Who Benefit From Their Votes
- Miami Marlins, Miami Dolphins Give Big To Political Committees
It's no surprise that Barreiro is playing the toady role. During last year's election, he collected $6,500 in bundled contributions from companies owned by the Related Group of Florida, the development company owned by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. The Dolphins also donated $51,500 to political action committees that helped Gimenez, Barreiro and three of his colleagues retain their seats.
When Barreiro made the motion, Gimenez called on Dolphins Chief Executive Mike Dee -- who as a Broward County resident cannot vote for the stadium deal in a May special election -- to clarify why the stadium deal should not have the Super Bowl clause. Dee said NFL owners could feel Super Bowl L or LI condition might "contaminate" award process.
An ultimatum would "puts us in a much less position of strength" when NFL owners meet May 21-22 to make award, Dee added.
It's the first bait-and-switch on a deal that is stinkier than Biscayne Bay after a sewer line rupturing.
Follow Francisco Alvarado on Twitter: @thefrankness
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
