CORAL GABLES, FL – With less than two weeks before the April 22 runoff election in the Coral Gables Commission Group III race, the campaign for Richard Lara is showing no signs of slowing down. After a commanding first-round finish where Lara secured 47% of the vote, his campaign has moved swiftly into the final stretch—reaching voters through door-to-door canvassing, direct mail, text messaging, and email communications.
“The short timeline between the general election and the runoff means we have to act quickly,” said a campaign spokesperson for Lara. “Richard is out there every day, meeting voters and making the case for a new direction in City Hall.”
However, Lara’s opponent, Tom Wells, has been far less visible. Since the first-round results, there has been little to no outreach from the Wells campaign, leaving many voters wondering about his strategy.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Wells was overheard discussing his plans to attend the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia during early voting this past weekend. A longtime golf enthusiast, Mr. Wells has apparently made attending the Masters an annual tradition.
But those allegations that he was in Georgia are being dismissed by Wells himself.
In response our request for comment, Wells denied being at The Master's golf tournament instead he said he visited his mother in hospital.
"I flew to Charleston on Wednesday afternoon and flew back yesterday. My Mom is in the hospital," said Wells."I typically go to The Masters on Thursday and Friday. BUT NOT THIS YEAR. I told my client who gives me tickets to have his contact in LA use the tickets."
Additionally, questions remain about the political alliances forming around the Wells campaign. Several residents have speculated about possible endorsements from Commissioners Ariel Fernandez and Melissa Castro, and there are rumors circulating that Commissioner Fernandez may be playing a behind-the-scenes role in managing Wells' campaign operations.
Wells, who is running a small grassroots campaign, says that the only public support he has received was from local Democratic and neighborhood groups, also dismissing the rumor that he has been endorsed by Kirk Menenedez.
"I have not been endorsed by Kirk Menendez. My only endorsement is from Gables Neighbors United, an affiliate of Coral Gables Neighbors United. The Coral Gables Democratic Club is also helping me. But I have not pushed that because this is a non-partisan race," Wells added.
In the meantime, voters should be aware of the key dates: Early voting will take place on April 19 and April 20, and Election Day is Tuesday, April 22.
