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Doral council appoints Ray Valdez as inspector general after committee recommendation
Summary
The council appointed Ray Valdez to the new inspector general position by a recorded 3–2 vote after committee interviews and discussion about impartiality, recusal, and the office’s powers to initiate investigations.
The City of Doral City Council voted May 14 to appoint Ray Valdez as the city’s first inspector general, following a selection committee that interviewed two candidates and unanimously recommended Valdez.
City Attorney presented the committee’s work, noting the committee met twice, interviewed two candidates and voted unanimously to recommend Valdez. Valdez answered questions from council members during the meeting.
Vice Mayor Maureen Porras and Councilwoman Cabral raised concerns about independence and impartiality because Valdez previously served as the city manager and had publicly expressed criticisms of sitting council members at the time of his resignation. Porras and Cabral questioned whether Valdez could objectively investigate matters involving people or departments he previously oversaw. Valdez responded that he would be impartial and that his track record, including 40 years in law enforcement and prior municipal roles, demonstrates integrity. He also said he cannot unilaterally initiate investigations; he must receive a sworn complaint to commence most inquiries and would act within the ordinance’s procedures.
City Attorney said the ordinance requires independent and impartial performance and explained that potential conflicts under the city's ethics code would be handled if specific circumstances arose; he did not find a general legal bar to Valdez’s appointment. After debate, the council approved the appointment; votes in favor were Councilman Rafael Pinedo, Councilman Bienho (motioning councilmember name in transcript as a supporter), and Mayor Christie Fraga; Councilwoman Cabral and Vice Mayor Porras voted no. The clerk recorded the motion as passing with three yes votes and two no votes.
The council directed the mayor and city attorney to negotiate Valdez’s contract; Valdez indicated he prefers an independent‑contractor arrangement and acknowledged the contract would include a two‑year clause and the office is not intended to allow unilateral initiation of investigations without a sworn complaint or council direction.
