As elections approach in the City of Coral Gables, public safety has become a campaign talking point for all candidates. Earlier this week, the city’s police and fire unions issued a campaign email accusing Mayor Vince Lago of endangering residents by ignoring staffing concerns. However, a detailed response from City Manager Alberto Parjus a few days later raises questions about whether the unions’ narrative tells the full story.
The union’s open letter is forceful, emotional, and combative. They claim the mayor has ignored warnings about declining safety. They accuse him of retaliating against them due to their support for Commissioner Kirk Menendez.
However, the City Manager’s response paints a different picture—one of proactive planning, investment, and data-driven progress. While acknowledging staffing shortages in the police department, the city emphasizes that 15 of the 29 vacancies are newly added positions, created by legislation spearheaded by Mayor Lago, not lost ones. Recruitment is ongoing, with nearly 300 applications this year, and eight new hires already on board in 2025—all without additional tax burden to residents.
“Our robust recruitment process has seen 283 applications this year alone,” writes city manager Parjus. “With 45 interviewed and 39 progressing further, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to quality.”
The fire department, meanwhile, is expanding. A new station and rescue unit are launching this summer, with nine new firefighters being added to ensure full coverage. The unions fail to mention that the land for this new station was acquired after Mayor Lago led the charge to purchase the property on Sunset Drive. A specialized Technical Response Team is also being introduced to handle complex emergencies. These efforts hardly reflect the neglect the unions suggest.
“This summer, we are excited to announce the opening of our fourth fire station on Sunset Drive, enhancing emergency response capabilities to the south and west sides of our community, including the University of Miami area,” wrote Parjus. “The addition of a fifth Rescue unit to our fleet will help us meet increasing demand and improve service delivery.”
So where does the truth lie?
While the unions have right to express their concerns—particularly about staffing levels and the impact of development on the community —the city’s data suggests a system that is far from broken. Response times remain strong, crime is under control, and long-term officers make up a large portion of the force. These aren’t hallmarks of a public safety system in crisis.
“I can assure you that both departments are focused on innovative recruitment strategies and community engagement initiatives to attract qualified candidates who share our values of integrity and service,” stated Parjus in his closing statement.
Political motives may also be at play. The timing of the unions’ letter – just days before an election, their endorsement of the mayor’s lead opponent, and the personal – and at times - spiteful tone directed at Mayor Lago in their campaign communications raise the possibility that this is not purely about safety—but about influence in city government.
Residents heading to the polls should ask critical questions: Are staffing challenges being exaggerated? Is public trust being weaponized for political gain by the unions? And most importantly—are the unions telling the whole truth?
