A raucus packed house watched Miami Mayoral candidates Joe Sanchez and Tomas Regalado argue and attack each other at the Miami Science Museum last night during the first debate between the two.
Answering audience questions, the two city commissioners locked horns over just about everything, from the new Marlins stadium to crime to personal finances.
"I have not been investigated by the state attorney's office...and I have paid my taxes," Sanchez said, alluding to the alleged misuse by Regalado of a city credit card as well as a lien placed on Regalado's property and the fact that the IRS had garnished his wages.
"For three months they investigated, and I have a clear bill," Regalado responded.
When the issue of the new, $650-million stadium came up, Regalado, who opposed the project, went on the offensive.
"I urge you to look at it, because we cannot afford another boondoggle in the city of Miami," Regalado said.
Sanchez, who supported the building of the Little Havana ballpark, defended his decision.
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"It is about the revitalizaion around that stadium, where you're going to have opportunities, you're going to get an opportunity to improve the quality of life," Sanchez said.
When it came to crime and the job of police chief John Timoney, the two candidates found themsleves of opposite sides again.
"There have been some ethics problems that the chief has had and it is important to lead by example," Regalado said of Timoney, who he'd like to see go.
"What's going to happen in the police department is you're going to have a rebel in the police department, you're going to have another crisis in your hands in the city of Miami," said Sanchez, who would like to keep Timoney.
After an hour and a half of bickering, highlighted by outbursts of the over capacity crowd, both gave their impressions of how the evening went.
"I'm very happy about the debate today, it's great to come out here and meet with the homeowners and have an opportunity for them to know the candidate and the candidate to know the homeowners," Sanchez said.
"Commissioner Sanchez got a little personal, but it's all fair, I think we need transparency in this campaign and I'm looking forward to other residents' debates," Regalado said.
Things are sure to stay heated until election day on November 3.
