Miami-Dade mayor recalled

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MIAMI, March 15 (UPI) -- Voters in South Florida approved the recall of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez by what appeared to be a wide margin Tuesday.

With about half of election precincts reporting results, 88 percent were for ousting Alvarez and County Commissioner Natacha Seijas, The Miami Herald reported.

The two officials must depart Friday.

Norman Braman, a former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles who owns a string of car dealerships, pushed for the recall along with a political action committee, Miami Voice. The impetus for the recall came from Alvarez's budget, which increased both county taxes and employee salaries.

Seijas supported the budget.

Alvarez, in an interview on WURN-Actualidad 1020 AM, said his budget allowed "basic" county services to remain intact.

"I knew the decision was not going to be popular," Alvarez said, adding he might have faced a recall from a different group of people if he had slashed spending for social services and the arts.

Alverez indicated he may make another run for the top county job. The Wall Street Journal quoted him as saying if a special election is called to fill his post, he would "definitely consider" becoming a candidate.