EFTA00694493.pdf

From: Philip Levine for Mayor cj To: jeevacation(iigmail.com Subject: Philip Levine for Mayor - Condemn false attacks Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:51:37 +0000 Levine For Mayor Dear Friends and Neighbors, Please read below two letters to the Miami Herald editor from two very different but very well-respected members of the community. Former Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas is a respected leader and prominent voice in our Hispanic Community. Frank Del Vecchio and his wife Marian are long-time activists who genuinely care about our city's well being. EFTA00694493 I thank them for standing up against the politics of hate and the divisive, false, and slanderous attacks by Commissioner Gongora, Mayor Bower, and their political apparatus. Please visit my web site to learn about my vision and platform for a new city government in Miami Beach: www.levineformayor.com With your continued help and support, together we will realize victory in this election and bring new leadership to our city! Thank you, Philip Levine The Miami Herald The readers' forum Levine victimized by false political attacks Published on Wednesday, 10.16.13 http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/10/15/3691501/levine-victimized-by-false- political.html I always follow with interest the politics of our local municipalities. Recently I read of the latest developments in the contest for mayor in the city of Miami Beach and was saddened to learn of the tone that race has taken; it reminded me of some of the sad tactics that were often used in the 80's and 90's. Since last Tuesday, my good friend Philip Levine, candidate for Miami Beach mayor, has been victimized by false political attacks. To suggest that Mr. Levine is racist or anti-Hispanic is simply false; and to make these allegations only in the Spanish media in a richly diverse and multi-ethnic community like Miami Beach is cowardly and exactly the type of tactic that was so prevalent several decades ago. It's wrong to take the voters down this path and even worse that his opponents are simply lying about his record. Voters are hungry for electoral contests that are based on issues and solutions, but at a minimum, on the truth. Allegations of anti-ethnic behavior are serious and have no place in today's elections unless there is a clear basis for the attack. Unfortunately, we know when election season is upon us, scoring political points is more important than sticking to issues and facts. I've known Levine for over 20 years; he has always been a loyal friend and supporter even when it wasn't popular to support a Hispanic candidate countywide. He has always treated everyone, regardless of background or race, with the same respect and demeanor. To suggest that he is anti-Hispanic is to ignore his passion for diversity, his effort to learn Spanish well before entering public service, and the fact that because of his business success, he has created hundreds of jobs in our community, including jobs for many Hispanics. In fact, his business success story and his commitment to his community show that Levine has a deep respect and admiration for Miami Beach's diverse community and believes that is what makes his community so special and unique. EFTA00694494 Miami Beach will be well-served by having Levine as its next mayor. His leadership, vision and integrity is what we need more of in local government. I rarely become involved in local elections, but in this case I couldn't stand idly by as my good friend, Philip Levine, was unfairly attacked. I'm proud to stand with him in his campaign for mayor of Miami Beach. Alex Penelas, Miami The Miami Herald Letters to the Editor Condemn unfair tactics in Miami Beach race Posted on Thursday, 10.17.13 http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/10/17/3695561/condemn-unfair-tactics-in- miami.html Re the Oct. 16 letter from Alex Penelas, Levine victimized by false political attacks: The campaign to inflame the passions of Cuban-American voters against challengers to Miami Beach incumbents began with the assertion that term limits were anti-Hispanic. Next was a smear mailer to Hispanic-surname voters depicting mayoral candidate Philip Levine between Fidel and Ra0I Castro. Now, the party line is that there is a slate of Anglos on the ballot, ergo, "anti-Hispanic." Since no Hispanics filed for runs against incumbents Michael Gongora, Matti Bower or Jorge Exposito, are voters who prefer a change on the commission dais guilty of ethnic discrimination? Racial, gender, ethnic or religious discrimination is un-American. The abuse of political free speech to foment ethnic backlash under false pretenses is un- American. The Miami Beach Commission incumbents on this year's ballot should publicly condemn these tactics. Frank Del Vecchio, Miami Beach Political advertisement paid for and a roved b Phil Levine for Mayor of Miami Beach. Philip Levine for Mayor I I 960 Alton Road Miami Beach. FL 33139 Forward this email This email was sent to jeevacabon@gmail.com by Update Profile/Email Address Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribew Privacy Policy. Philip Levine for Mayor 960 Alton Road Miami Beach FL 33139 EFTA00694495