American Dream mega mall sounds like another boondoggle Miami-Dade should avoid

Zombie mall

After seemingly being pronounced dead last spring, American Dream Miami mega mall has staggered back into Miami-Dade County Commission chambers again, looking to swallow tons of public money.

What has energized County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez this time?

The developer, Triple Five Group, has defaulted on a construction loan and has a record of financial problems. The project itself is a colossal environmental disaster. No wonder Triple Five wants public money. If the mall is a bust — and it surely will be — Triple Five will want the county to hold the bag while it skips out of town.

Where does the county’s Impervious Surfaces Ordinance fit in to this request to pave over an untold number of acres for a mega parking lot? Why not build affordable housing on this property? The county certainly could use more of that.

Our sage commissioners should put this misbegotten scheme out of its misery once and for all, before pouring our hard earned tax dollars down a rat hole.

Ashby Cathey,

Miami

Top administrator

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Merrett Stierheim, a Dade County manager in the 1970s and 1980s. He was an icon in government: always honest, deliberate and true. He was a mentor and role model.

He will be missed. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

Paul Bacon,

Hallandale Beach

Aiming for inept

Re: the July 5 story, “Hacker group claims it breached Florida Department of Health system, demands payment.” This is not a surprise given that, “After DeSantis created a new cybersecurity agency for state government, he appointed a former state lawmaker with no training on the subject to lead it.”

This is a prime example of what will happen in all areas of our federal government if ex-President Donald Trump and his “Project 2025” advocates get elected. Appointments will be made based on loyalty to Trump and adherence to the policies of the Heritage Foundation, not on merit or competence.

Robert S. Squier,

Pinecrest

Mystery at the U

As a University of Miami alumnus and one who deeply loves that institution, I am disturbed by the recent unexplained and sudden exit of President Julio Frenk. There was no warning, no transition period and no explanation.

Frenk left UM at a moment’s notice to go to an institution in California with a similar reputation. He will reportedly work in a lower tier position — chancellor instead of president — for less pay. His new job starts in six months, so the urgency of leaving Miami did not exist.

Why did he leave UM? Was he forced out by the Board of Trustees? If so, why?

No word was said about this after the announcement. UM is keeping this very secretive and has named a temporary “replacement” until finding a permanent president. This is not only suspect but it hurts the university going forward. I am sure many donors have many questions and doubts about the lack of transparency in this process.

In the past, UM presidents exited with plenty of notice and accolades. This was different. South Florida, and especially the Miami Hurricane Family, deserves a thorough explanation of what happened and what will the future bring to that Institution.

Herman Irizarry,

West Kendall

Retirement plan

Re: the July 7 story, “How long does $1 million last in retirement?” Seems the writer of this article forgot the four percent rule, which is used by foundations and money managers to develop financial plans for retirees.

If the four percent return on investment were applied, $40,000 in income the first year would be applied, reducing the principal needed by $34,108.76. The second year, the rule would generate $38,635.65, reducing the principal needed to $35,473.11.

Clearly, that would make the $1 million last for many more years. Having used the rule for the last 30 years, I know it works.

Juan A. Galan, Jr.,

Coral Gables

Best man

After the Biden/Trump presidential debate, major news networks focused on President Joe Biden’s poor performance, instead of his opponent. Donald Trump rambled, told numerous lies and failed to answer questions, especially the most important one.

Biden, on that night, appeared unwell. His State of the Union Address in March certainly reflected a man who showed greater vitality. However, a leader who may appear to be physically frail on one occasion is not indicative of one who is incapable of making rational decisions, which he demonstrated two weeks earlier when he met with world leaders.

Biden does not insult, blame, lie and threaten. Those are the tactics of a weak, insecure, incompetent person who seeks power.

The media’s focus should be on the fact that Trump had to be asked, more than once, if he would accept the election results. That he refused to respond in the affirmative should be the issue of this debate because that has major implications for the future of our democracy.

I would support the candidate who may appear to be physically frail, but of sound, rational mind, who is willing to answer that question affirmatively, without hesitancy. That person is Joe Biden.

Amoy Skinner,

West Kendall

Cuba’s economy

In the Herald’s July 5 story, “Leaked audio: Cuban government halts food price caps after backlash from the private sector,” a dynamic of the Cuban private sector was not explained sufficiently. The Cuban government has allowed certain enterprises to import and sell on the island under its approval. “Allowed” because the regime forces certain businesses that do not conduct themselves according to its expectations to stop their operations.

However, as in Cuba’s Rectification Campaign, the government is drawing back its efforts to continue the privatization of the island’s economy and returning to a more centralized approach; hence the term “War Economy.”

We should expect in the Plenary of the Communist Party of Cuba to see more accusations and political trials against small entrepreneurs, while cronyism ramps up, impeding national production in favor of remittances and imported goods from which the government benefits.

Carlos Martinez,

Silver Springs, MD

Slam dunk?

Women’s basketball player Caitlin Clark should have been selected to represent the United States in the upcoming Paris Olympics. When I was selected in 1960 to Cuba’s Basketball Olympic Team in my first year of eligibility, it was based on my skills and my records, not on seniority or tradition.

Clark broke all-time college scoring records of women and men and has brought popularity and TV audiences to the WNBA in her first year as a professional, where she has already demonstrated her outstanding skills.

She should be in Paris representing our nation.

Nelson Benedico,

Miami

July 4 lament

Being of British origin but living in the United States, the 4th of July has always been a conflicted day, as it is the celebration of the U.S. gaining independence from Britain. While attending backyard barbecues and watching fireworks displays, I always wondered which side would I have supported. I quelled the voice in my head by asserting that my support was with the ideal rather than the country; that is, freedom from rule (at that time) of an all-powerful monarch in favor of democracy.

With the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing presidents to have potentially unlimited despotic powers and with the memory of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, fireworks displays this year seemed hypocritical.

Interestingly, July 4 also was election day in the United Kingdom, where, according to some BBC reports, many people cast ballots against policies they want to keep at bay, rather than for ideals they cherish (sound familiar?).

Linda Mackay,

Dania

Elder statesmen

Everyone is focusing on whether an 81-year-old will be able to lead the country another four years.

Meanwhile, there are no guarantees his opponent, a 78-year-old obese man, will be able to survive four more years.

Sol Yanowitz,

Miami