IN HOUSE DISTRICT 115
Miami Herald, The (FL) - Saturday, January 22, 2000
Author: Herald Staff
The Herald's Editorial Board has had its differences with Renier Diaz de la Portilla, going so far as to label him the ``least-effective'' School Board member when he ran for reelection in 1998 - a race that he lost.
But the months served outside of politics (pursuing a doctoral degree) appear well spent. Mr. Diaz de la Portilla seems to have matured politically. He has approached this legislative race with a seriousness of purpose and personal humility that previously was lacking, perhaps because initial success came too quickly in his career. We recommend him to represent House District 115, which encompasses Sweetwater, Westchester, South Miami and Pinecrest.
Mr. Diaz de la Portilla rightly is troubled by Gov. Bush's grading system for public schools, although he supports school vouchers for children in ``failing'' schools. As a Republican with leadership potential, he would be well positioned to fine-tune the program.
He decries loopholes that ``circumvent the legislative intent of campaign-finance laws'' - and wants to close them. He says, too, that he wants to provide adequate funding for day care, foster care and child-abuse investigations.
We disagree with Mr. Diaz de la Portilla's opposition to abortion rights and backing for prayer in public schools. But he had a heartening record on environmental issues, backed raising developers' impact fees and supported funds for the arts and historic preservation projects.
His opponent is Ofelia Hirigoyen, a first-time candidate but longtime Democratic Party activist. She is a veteran public-school teacher who vows to try to dismantle school vouchers and direct state money into reducing class sizes.
Ms. Hirigoyen says that as a member of the minority party, the only way to accomplish anything legislatively would be by ``blocking'' Republican initiatives. Though her passion to serve is evident, those don't sound like the words of a willing or able consensus builder.
In District 115, The Herald recommends RENIER DIAZ DE LA PORTILLA.
But the months served outside of politics (pursuing a doctoral degree) appear well spent. Mr. Diaz de la Portilla seems to have matured politically. He has approached this legislative race with a seriousness of purpose and personal humility that previously was lacking, perhaps because initial success came too quickly in his career. We recommend him to represent House District 115, which encompasses Sweetwater, Westchester, South Miami and Pinecrest.
Mr. Diaz de la Portilla rightly is troubled by Gov. Bush's grading system for public schools, although he supports school vouchers for children in ``failing'' schools. As a Republican with leadership potential, he would be well positioned to fine-tune the program.
He decries loopholes that ``circumvent the legislative intent of campaign-finance laws'' - and wants to close them. He says, too, that he wants to provide adequate funding for day care, foster care and child-abuse investigations.
We disagree with Mr. Diaz de la Portilla's opposition to abortion rights and backing for prayer in public schools. But he had a heartening record on environmental issues, backed raising developers' impact fees and supported funds for the arts and historic preservation projects.
His opponent is Ofelia Hirigoyen, a first-time candidate but longtime Democratic Party activist. She is a veteran public-school teacher who vows to try to dismantle school vouchers and direct state money into reducing class sizes.
Ms. Hirigoyen says that as a member of the minority party, the only way to accomplish anything legislatively would be by ``blocking'' Republican initiatives. Though her passion to serve is evident, those don't sound like the words of a willing or able consensus builder.
In District 115, The Herald recommends RENIER DIAZ DE LA PORTILLA.
Caption: photo: Renier Diaz de la Portilla (a)
Memo: THE HERALD RECOMMENDS
Memo: THE HERALD RECOMMENDS
Edition: Final
Section: Editorial
Page: 8B
Index Terms: MH RECOMMEND
Record Number: 0001250080
Copyright (c) 2000 The Miami Herald
Section: Editorial
Page: 8B
Index Terms: MH RECOMMEND
Record Number: 0001250080
Copyright (c) 2000 The Miami Herald
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