NORTH MIAMI (Le Floridien) – Last week’s May 9 regular election in North Miami went largely as expected: all three incumbents who were running for reelection easily retained their seats, according to results posted by the Miami-Dade County Elections Office late Tuesday. But for those following the elections, the real focus was on disappointing voter turnout, which is a major blow to the local government.
The May 9th election turnout was one of the lowest voter participation rates ever. For many observers, it was due to dissatisfaction of the voters who are unhappy with the council, the way business is conducted in the city. The incumbents’ opponents’ were also weak.
Incumbents Dr. Smith Joseph, Councilwoman Carol Keys and Councilman Philippe Bien-Aimé cruised to victory, as they defeated their opponents respectively in the races for the Mayoral, District 2 and District 3 Seats.
Sitting Mayor Dr. Smith Joseph received 2,514 votes (59.9 percent) to defeat retired medical administrator Hector Medina who collected 728 votes (17.3 percent), alternative medicine consultant Danielle Beauvais, 668 votes (15.9 percent), and middle school teacher Tyrone Hill, 290 votes (6.9 %). Mrs. Beauvais is well known as one of the most notable repeat candidates in North Miami election history.
In the race for the District 2, Incumbent Carol Keys easily beat challenger Ilyana Albarrán. Keys garnered 4,240 votes (59.83%) and Albarrán collected 180 votes (15.6 %).
Seat 3 incumbent Philippe Bien-Aimé defeated two competitors to be re-elected for a second four-year term. Bien-Aimé received 890 votes (67.6%) against security company owner Wancito Francius, 312 votes (23.7 %) and former council member Jean Marcellus, 115 votes (8.7 %). Many political analysts in the Haitian Community believe that Marcellus’ defeat at the May 9 elections is a sign that clearly indicates the former District 3 councilman is ‘politically dead’.
The swearing-in ceremony will take place Tuesday, May 23.