Piper and Joseph Battle for North Miami Beach’s Top Seat: A High-Stakes Mayoral Race

As the November elections approach, North Miami Beach is gearing up for a fiercely contested mayoral race between current Mayor Evan Piper and City Commissioner Michael Joseph. The outcome of this race could significantly shape the city’s future, particularly in the aftermath of recent controversies surrounding former Mayor Anthony DeFillipo, who was removed from office after being charged with voter fraud in 2023.

A Haunted Past: Political Turmoil in North Miami Beach

The political landscape in North Miami Beach has been deeply impacted by past scandals, including the removal of Mayor Anthony DeFillipo due to allegations of voter fraud. DeFillipo’s hearing is scheduled for December 2024, with a trial set for January 2025. The controversy surrounding his removal still lingers as the city attempts to move forward.

In December 2023, Evan Piper was voted in as mayor through a special election to replace DeFillipo. Now, City Commissioner Michael Joseph is challenging Piper for the top seat, citing the need for a new direction in leadership. Joseph, who has served on the city commission since 2018, brings experience and a platform focused on transparency and reform.

Joseph’s Vision for Change

When asked about his decision to run for mayor, Michael Joseph made it clear that his candidacy is not about opposing Piper personally but about offering an alternative to the “business-as-usual corruption” that he believes has plagued the city for years. Joseph emphasized his focus on addressing unresolved issues from previous administrations, specifically pointing to the public corruption scandal involving former Mayor George Vallejo, who was charged with authorizing and falsely reporting illegal political expenditures after the 2018 election.

Joseph’s campaign centers on themes of accountability and community empowerment, with a commitment to economic revitalization, affordable housing, and public safety. As part of his vision, Joseph aims to tackle inflation and support economic recovery post-COVID-19, including initiatives to help small businesses thrive.

Piper’s Commitment to Stability and Growth

Mayor Evan Piper, on the other hand, is running on a platform of stability and unity. Piper, who is also the president of the North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, has served as a city commissioner and as chair of the city’s planning and zoning board. His experience, he believes, positions him to guide the city through its current challenges.

Piper’s key priorities include maintaining public safety, improving financial management, and promoting responsible development. He has highlighted the need to modernize North Miami Beach’s aging infrastructure, pointing to the city’s nearly 100-year history as a reason for redevelopment efforts.

“We’ve been doing very well with policing, but it’s a constant thing,” Piper said, reaffirming his dedication to keeping the streets safe. His administration also focuses on eliminating wasteful spending and creating a balanced budget to address the city’s financial difficulties.

The Role of Past Controversies in the Race

The race for mayor has been deeply influenced by the controversies of the past, with both candidates using the city’s troubled history as a springboard for their campaigns. Piper accused Joseph of being a key figure in the “chaos” that ensued when the city was essentially “shut down” for four months, during which Joseph boycotted commission meetings in protest of DeFillipo’s questionable residency status. According to Piper, this boycott left the city unable to conduct business effectively.

In contrast, Joseph asserted that the city’s residents are still outraged over the corruption of past administrations and that his temporary removal was unjust. He believes that the controversies surrounding DeFillipo’s residency, as well as broader corruption issues, have left voters clamoring for change.

“Residents are outraged that I faced removal while the previous administration shielded DeFillipo’s fraudulent residency,” Joseph said. He noted that voters are energized and ready to support a candidate who will address these lingering issues.

Candidate Priorities: Visions for North Miami Beach’s Future

Both Piper and Joseph have articulated their plans for the future of North Miami Beach, each with a distinct vision for how the city should move forward.

For Joseph, his top priorities include:

• Economic revitalization: Supporting small businesses and job creation, while addressing infrastructure challenges like the city’s septic-to-sewer conversion.

• Affordable housing: Combatting rising housing costs to ensure that North Miami Beach remains an affordable place to live.

• Public safety: Restoring community trust in the city government by eliminating corruption and ensuring a transparent, accountable administration.

On the other side, Piper’s priorities include:

• Public safety: Continuing efforts to maintain safe streets and ensure that the city’s policing efforts remain strong.

• Financial management: Eliminating wasteful spending and working towards a balanced budget to address North Miami Beach’s financial challenges.

• Responsible development: Promoting the modernization of the city’s infrastructure and encouraging development that aligns with current needs.

Campaign Fundraising and Endorsements: The Race for Resources

As the November election draws closer, both candidates are ramping up their fundraising efforts. According to Piper’s campaign treasurer report, submitted on Sept. 20, he leads the race in financial backing with $51,000 in contributions and $15,936 in expenditures. Piper has emphasized the importance of mail campaigns and staffing for early voting, noting that these are essential components of his campaign strategy.

Joseph, by comparison, reported $11,000 in contributions and $3,536 in expenditures as of Sept. 20. While his financial backing is smaller, Joseph stressed that he is willing to personally invest more into his campaign if necessary. His strategy relies heavily on community engagement, and he has garnered endorsements from key organizations, including the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party, Miami Realtors, Florida Rising, the Florida Immigrant Coalition, and several labor unions.

“I prioritize building community support over relying on special interest money,” Joseph said, positioning himself as a candidate with strong grassroots backing.

Piper, meanwhile, noted that he has several endorsements pending but has not yet made them public. Both candidates are focused on maximizing their resources in the final weeks leading up to the election.

A High-Stakes Election: What’s at Stake for North Miami Beach

With early voting just weeks away, the stakes are high for both Piper and Joseph. Piper hopes to continue the momentum he believes he has built since taking office in 2023, while Joseph is running on a platform of reform and accountability.

“We’ve moved things in the right direction, and I’d love the opportunity to keep doing that,” Piper said, confident that his leadership will help the city recover from its recent turmoil.

Joseph, on the other hand, believes that his deep knowledge of the city’s operations and his track record to replace DeFillipo in a special election, assuming the role of mayor amid an atmosphere of uncertainty. However, Michael Joseph, a longtime city commissioner who has served since 2018, is now challenging Piper for the mayoral seat. Joseph is positioning himself as a candidate for change and accountability, seeking to address unresolved issues that continue to affect the city.

Joseph’s Motivation: A Call for Change

When asked why he’s running against Piper, Joseph made it clear that his candidacy is not about targeting the current mayor, but rather about shifting away from what he perceives as “business-as-usual corruption.” He believes the city needs a fresh start, particularly in light of previous scandals that still affect North Miami Beach’s reputation.

Joseph highlighted unresolved issues dating back to the 2018 election and the public corruption scandal involving former Mayor George Vallejo. Vallejo faced charges for authorizing and falsely reporting illegal political expenditures. Joseph sees these events as part of a larger narrative of corruption that continues to impact the city, and he’s determined to lead North Miami Beach toward a more transparent future.

Piper’s Defense: Stability and Progress

Mayor Evan Piper, on the other hand, emphasized that his focus has been on stabilizing the city following a period of upheaval. He acknowledged the division in the city but argued that Joseph’s previous actions contributed to some of the chaos, particularly during a time when the city commission was “shut down” for four months due to boycotts over DeFillipo’s residency status.

Piper believes that his experience and steady leadership have helped the city recover. He emphasized his commitment to public safety, financial management, and responsible development, all of which are cornerstones of his platform. “Keeping the city unified is my top priority because, without that, nothing else is possible,” Piper said.

Key Campaign Priorities: Joseph’s Vision for a Thriving Community

Michael Joseph has outlined his key priorities for North Miami Beach, focusing on economic revitalization, affordable housing, and public safety. He is particularly concerned with the city’s economic recovery post-COVID-19, emphasizing the need to support small businesses and create jobs.

Joseph is also committed to addressing the rising cost of living in the city, including tackling issues with property taxes and affordable housing. “This includes supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and addressing the lack of septic-to-sewer connections that hinder growth,” Joseph said.

In addition, Joseph is determined to combat corruption and restore public trust in the city government. He believes that his leadership will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to North Miami Beach.

Piper’s Platform: Safety and Financial Stability

Evan Piper’s platform centers on maintaining the progress he believes his administration has achieved over the past year. One of his top priorities is public safety, ensuring that North Miami Beach remains a safe place for residents and businesses alike. “We’ve been doing very well with policing, but it is a constant thing,” Piper said, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance.

Piper is also focused on addressing the city’s financial challenges. He aims to eliminate wasteful spending and create a balanced budget, which he believes is essential for the city’s long-term stability. Additionally, Piper is committed to responsible development, particularly in modernizing the city’s aging infrastructure. “We can get more modern buildings in place that are more applicable to our current way of living,” Piper said.

Endorsements and Fundraising: A Financial Showdown

As the race heats up, both candidates are vying for endorsements and financial backing. Piper currently leads in fundraising, with $51,000 in contributions and $15,936 in expenditures as of his campaign treasurer’s report from September 20. Piper emphasized the importance of using these funds for mail campaigns and staffing for early voting. “There’s gonna be a very large expense with all those workers as well,” Piper noted.

Michael Joseph, meanwhile, reported $11,000 in contributions and $3,536 in expenditures in his campaign treasurer’s report from the same date. Despite having less financial backing, Joseph is confident in his grassroots approach. “I prioritize building community support over relying on special interest money,” he said, adding that he’s willing to invest personally in his campaign to ensure victory.

Joseph has also secured endorsements from several key organizations, including the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party, Miami Realtors, Florida Rising, the Florida Immigrant Coalition, and various labor unions. These endorsements highlight his broad base of support among different segments of the community.

Piper, on the other hand, indicated that he has endorsements pending but was not ready to disclose them publicly. As the election draws closer, both candidates will be working hard to get their messages out to voters.

A High-Stakes Election: The Future of North Miami Beach

With early voting just weeks away, the race between Michael Joseph and Evan Piper is shaping up to be one of the most significant elections in North Miami Beach’s recent history. Both candidates bring different visions for the city’s future, and the stakes are high for the residents who will ultimately decide which direction the city will take.

For Joseph, the election represents an opportunity to bring about much-needed change, focusing on economic recovery, affordable housing, and government transparency. For Piper, the election is about continuing the progress he believes he has made in stabilizing the city and ensuring a safe, financially sound future for North Miami Beach.

Conclusion: A City at a Crossroads

As North Miami Beach prepares for its upcoming mayoral election, the city stands at a crossroads. The choice between Michael Joseph and Evan Piper is more than just a contest between two political figures—it’s a decision about the future direction of the city.

Joseph offers a platform centered on accountability, transparency, and community-driven change, while Piper focuses on maintaining stability, financial management, and public safety. As the November election approaches, residents will have the opportunity to decide which path they believe is best for their community.

FAQs

1. What led to the mayoral race between Evan Piper and Michael Joseph?

The race is the result of recent political turmoil in North Miami Beach, including the removal of former Mayor Anthony DeFillipo due to voter fraud charges. Piper was elected in a special election in December 2023, and Joseph is now challenging him for the mayoral seat.

2. What are Michael Joseph’s main campaign priorities?

Joseph’s platform focuses on economic revitalization, affordable housing, public safety, and combating corruption. He aims to restore community trust in the city government and address the economic challenges facing North Miami Beach.

3. What are Evan Piper’s main campaign priorities?

Piper is focused on maintaining public safety, addressing financial challenges, and promoting responsible development. He believes in keeping the city unified and ensuring stability after a period of division.

4. How is fundraising shaping up for both candidates?

Piper leads in fundraising with $51,000 in contributions, while Joseph has raised $11,000. Both candidates are using their funds to build strong campaigns, with Piper emphasizing mail campaigns and staffing, and Joseph focusing on grassroots support.

5. What endorsements have the candidates received?

Joseph has secured endorsements from organizations like the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party, Miami Realtors, Florida Rising, and various labor unions. Piper has indicated that he has endorsements pending but has not disclosed them publicly yet.

References:

• “Piper and Joseph battle for North Miami Beach’s top seat.” The Miami Times, Link to the article.