So much is being said about the County Executive Office staff in Miami-Dade County government and misinformation is rampant. It's time to set the record straight. Miami-Dade County is a big place -- over 2,000 square miles -- which is larger than some states. We provide services in all municipalities, but unincorporated Miami-Dade remains the biggest “city” in Florida.

It takes work to deliver programs and services across a very large area to a diverse population, and no organization is without an executive team. Our table of organization is not a secret. It's available for anyone to view

Most executive staffers are content to do their jobs efficiently and without fanfare. These leaders are front and center at commission and committee meetings, understand and often use the services they oversee (they are taxpayers, too), and know that no service issue is too small to ignore. They manage the legislative process, fulfill directives from our Board of County Commissioners, review and evaluate departmental proposals, and vet contracts and agreements. The work is voluminous and complex.

Despite the fact that many executives have dedicated their lives to public service, received advanced degrees in Public Administration and worked their way to the top, they do not rest on their laurels. Everyone is expected to perform. Too often to outsiders, high-paid executives become just names with salaries next to them. That's unfair. You never truly know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes.

Like every other department in Miami-Dade County, there are cuts slated for the County Executive Office. As part of the proposed FY 2009-2010 budget, we have committed to a 10 percent reduction. Some of the positions have been identified. Others have not, but we will be determining further position adjustments prior to the start of the fiscal year. Everyone who remains is bracing for a five percent salary cut and no merit increases.

Our entire County Executive Office budget is a fraction of the $427 million budget shortfall Miami-Dade County is facing. Even so, we are scaling back and preparing our executives for increased workloads. Focusing on the County Executive Office exclusively won't solve our budget challenges. Everyone understands that programs and services don't work well unless there are competent and dedicated professionals behind them. Let's not let emotions overtake all sense of reason.

Sincerely,

Mayor Carlos Alvarez