During a special meeting on Tuesday night, North Miami councilmembers voted to dismiss city manager Rasha Cameau ahead of the regularly scheduled city council meeting on May 14.
District 2 Councilperson Kassandra Timothe spearheaded the effort to remove Cameau, alleging a lack of confidence in her leadership. Concerns cited included a perceived lack of oversight and effective direction, as well as failure to adhere to council instructions.
Members cited they had a lack of confidence in the city manager. Along with accusing the city manager’s “lack of acceptable oversight and effective leadership.” As well as mention the city manager’s “failure to follow councilmember’s direction and instruction,” as reasons for the resolution to remove Cameau.
Ultimately, Cameau was fired after the commission voted 3-1 in favor.
Councilman Scott Galvin was the one member to stand by Cameau’s side.
“I think Rasha Cameau has been a fantastic manager,” Galvin said. “I’ve worked with her for several years in office. She’s hardworking, she’s smart, she’s looking out for the bottom line of the residents.”
Emotions ran high as Cameau, surrounded by supporters, revealed plans to take a break and reflect on her future. Galvin, acknowledging her exceptional contribution, thanked Cameau for her outstanding service to North Miami.
“I’ve, in my 25 years [as councilmember], had 13 city managers that I’ve had the privilege to work with. You stand above them all,” Galvin said to Cameau. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for the city of North Miami.”
Resident protest in North Miami
Prior to the meeting, over 30 residents gathered outside the Museum of Contemporary Art in protest, donning red t-shirts and chanting slogans in support of Cameau. Some of the signs also read “Enforce the charter” and “Recall Mary District 3,” signaling an ongoing recall effort against Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin for an alleged charter violation. The Biscayne Times reported last month that some residents believe Estimé-Irvin wrongfully interfered with the suspected firing of public works director Wisler Pierre-Louis, who resigned the same morning he was scheduled to meet with Cameau.
Three individuals filed a complaint against Estimé-Irvin, as well as councilmembers Kassandra Timothe and Pierre Frantz Charles, with the state attorney’s office last week.
In the wake of Cameau’s dismissal, Anna-Bo Emmanuel, the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) director, was appointed as interim city manager.
Cameau is being credited for reversing a city in financial decline, steering a multi-million dollar, long-stalled water supply project, and holding staff accountable while raising morale.
