With just a week since the municipal elections, interim Hialeah Mayor Jacqueline García-Roves has ignited a storm by issuing a memo that forbids city employees and directors from direct contact with Mayor-elect Bryan Calvo without her explicit permission.
Seen by many as a move to hinder the incoming administration's access, this decision has reignited political divisions and raised concerns about the direction of local governance during this transitional period.
A Directive with Immediate Effect and Disciplinary Consequences
The Monday following the elections, García-Roves sent an email to department heads, deputy directors, unionized employees, administrative staff, and city workers, including firefighters and police officers.
The message commanded, "Restrict communication with the mayor-elect effective immediately."
She further emphasized, “No employee, director, or staff member is authorized to meet with the mayor-elect or his representatives, provide them with information, or communicate with them on any matter, operation, or municipal topic related to the city of Hialeah without my express written authorization.”
The memo—cited by El Nuevo Herald—warns that any breach “will be considered a violation of administrative procedures and appropriate actions will be taken.”
This move, which took many employees and local observers by surprise, has put the outgoing administration's role under scrutiny regarding its willingness to facilitate a smooth institutional handover.
García-Roves' Justification
Amidst the media and political uproar, the interim mayor attempted to justify the order by claiming it was to preserve administrative order.
“My priority is to ensure a smooth and professional transition,” García-Roves declared.
“Until January 12, my administration will remain responsible for all city matters, and all communication with the mayor-elect will be channeled through my office to maintain order and transparency,” she added.
However, this explanation has faced criticism from the mayor-elect himself and from citizen groups who view the measure as a political reaction to a decisive defeat.
Calvo's Response: "Voters Deserve Respect, Not Obstruction"
Bryan Calvo, who secured a clear victory in the November 4 elections with 52.9% of the votes, firmly responded to García-Roves' directive:
“No outgoing mayor should attempt to silence employees or block communication with the new administration,” he stated. “Voters chose new leadership, and that decision deserves respect, not obstruction.”
At 32, Calvo defeated City Councilman Jesus Tundidor (20.7%) and García-Roves herself, who finished third with 19%.
The outcome confirmed a desire for change in the municipal government's leadership.
An Unprecedented Transition with Undefined Protocols
This dispute unfolds amid Hialeah's first extended transition process in recent history.
In 2022, during then-Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr.'s administration, voters approved an amendment extending the transition period to 12 weeks between the election and the new mayor's inauguration.
At the time, Bovo justified the measure as a way to professionalize the handover.
“I believe we can achieve greater efficiency with a structured transition... to create a more seamless government process,” he told the City Council in April 2022.
However, his administration left no formal guidelines or protocols on implementing this new model. In fact, Bovo resigned from his post eight months before the elections to pursue lobbying activities, leaving García-Roves as interim mayor.
Legal Measure or Political Maneuver?
While the interim mayor insists her decision is for organizational reasons, critics and political observers suggest it is a calculated move to limit Calvo's ability to prepare adequately for his term.
“The lack of transparency in the transition raises doubts about institutional respect for the popular mandate,” commented a local analyst under anonymity.
The tension is also felt among municipal employees now caught between two conflicting orders: the duty to prepare for a new mayor and the threat of sanctions if they communicate with him.
A City Awaits January 12
Meanwhile, Hialeah remains in a sort of administrative limbo.
Calvo’s inauguration is set for January 12, 2026, when he will become the youngest mayor in the city’s history.
Until then, the political scene is marked by distrust, lack of institutional coordination, and a battle over public narrative control.
What should have been an exercise in democratic maturity and cooperation has turned into a power struggle threatening to leave scars on the city's governance.
Key Questions About Hialeah's Transition Controversy
Why did the interim mayor of Hialeah restrict communication with the mayor-elect?
Interim Mayor Jacqueline García-Roves claims the restriction was to maintain administrative order and ensure a smooth transition. However, critics view it as a political maneuver to hinder the incoming administration.
What were the consequences of violating the memo issued by García-Roves?
The memo warned that any violation would be considered a breach of administrative procedures, with appropriate disciplinary actions to follow.
How did Mayor-elect Bryan Calvo react to the communication restriction?
Bryan Calvo criticized the directive, emphasizing that voters deserve respect and not obstruction, and that communication with the new administration should not be blocked.