Resolution to remove City Manager Barbara Hernandez passed

DORAL, FL – On Wednesday, January 31, the City of Doral held a special council meeting to vote on a resolution to replace the City of Doral Manager, Barbara Hernandez. Councilmembers Digna Cabral, Oscar Puig-Corve and Maureen Porras voted in favor.

The decision was made after a lengthy public comments session in which many Doral residents expressed their support to the City Manager and denied recent allegations that question her work in the face of a resolution proposed by Councilwoman Digna Cabral on January 24 during a press conference at City Hall.

During the press conference, Councilwoman Cabral called for the replacement of Hernandez, citing concerns and irregularities that, according to her, some city residents have raised.

Even though many Doral residents manifested to be against removing the City Manager from her role, they also highlighted her achievements, and spoke highly about her job in the city and her character. In addition, some were visibly upset about the resolution, which was considered “unfair” and politically motivated.

The councilwoman’s arguments behind proposing this resolution were that the City of Doral has produced and posted videos on various social media platforms that expose the city’s elected officials and their work. At the same time, the allocation of funds for the Department of Public Affairs was increased by around 41 percent in the budget for this fiscal year, which Cabral said happened on the recommendation of the City Manager.

Lastly, she cited a conflict of interest, saying there has been exposure “extended exclusively” to Danny Espino, current Miami-Dade School Board member for District 5, who also happens to be Hernandez’s husband.

“I really do care about the community; I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t the case. The allegations described here are not true. I can go one by one, but I have written a memo to answer each to show there’s no proof of anything,” said Barbara Hernandez during the council meeting.

She continued saying: “One of the main things that was stated is that there is an appearance of conflict with the school board member, which is my husband. I came into the position with him being my husband, it wasn’t a secret, and the Mayor and Council approved in agreement with the School Board for him to have an office here at City Hall”.

“As you all know I requested an opinion from the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust with regards to the interactions between my administration and my husband’s office. The opinion concludes the limited interactions were appropriately handled”.

She also disagreed with the allegations that said she wasn’t doing her job, stating she has always been open to help councilmembers when needed.

After the vote concluded, the now former City Manager addressed the audience one more time. ” I will tell my team that you guys are amazing. You keep working with your heart and moving this amazing city forward, okay? I love you guys. I love all my residents. And I care. Whatever you guys need; you know I’m right here. I’m always happy. Thank you.”

With this decision, Deputy City Manager Frank Rios will serve as the new Interim City Manager.