Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Friday, May 05, 2006
Setback on Sales Tax Initiative but Hope Still Alive
It is with bittersweet feelings that I write this note to you. On one hand, I am very disappointed that Miami-Dade County voters will not have the opportunity this fall to consider the Promise of Opportunity referendum for a temporary, dedicated sales tax for Miami Dade College. Despite great support throughout the legislature and passage very likely in the Senate, the House bill was blocked in committee, essentially killing any chance of a floor vote. While several members of the committee in question favored the bill, the chairman, a legislator from central Florida, refused to place the bill on the committee's agenda. His undemocratic and unfair stance prevented the committee's consideration and the entire Miami-Dade community from expressing support for MDC at the polls.
Despite the setback in Tallahassee, it was very satisfying to receive such widespread and inspired support for MDC. It begins with all of you, our employees and students, who rallied behind a great cause. Your support and hard work over the last two months on this critical issue are immensely appreciated.
I am also very appreciative of support offered throughout the community, particularly from the media, including a strong Miami Herald editorial in support of the referendum (attached to this message). Additionally, our Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation should be commended for standing united in support of the Promise of Opportunity. With new leadership slated for both the House and Senate, including Miami-Dade County's Marco Rubio as the incoming Speaker of the House, we have reason for hope in the next session.
Overall, I can’t recall a time in my tenure at the College that so many people have been supportive and ready to take action. Thank you!
Much hard work lies ahead. This setback only suggests that we now have more time to be involved, informed and mobilized to develop support for the referendum. The months ahead will provide countless opportunities to build an ever stronger case for MDC's value to our community.
It has been said that great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance. Let us all keep up the great work.
Thank you.
Eduardo
Click here for Miami Herald Editorial