§ 8.5. Initial Election of City Council and Mayor.

(A)

Transition. This Section shall apply to the initial general and runoff elections for Council and Mayor. Any conflicting provisions of this Charter shall not apply to such elections.

(1)

The general election shall be held on June 24, 2003. The first City runoff election, if necessary, shall be held on July 22, 2003.

(2)

The general and runoff election in 2003 shall be held pursuant to the general election procedures set forth in this Charter except as follows:

(a)

Only those candidates will qualify for election who have filed written notice of candidacy for Council member or Mayor (but not more than one) with the Miami-Dade County Elections Department, which notice is received between 7:30 a.m. on the first day of qualifying, May 15, 2003, and 5:00 p.m. on the last day of qualification, May 16, 2003, and which notice shall:

(i)

indicate whether the candidate seeks the office of Council member or Mayor; if for Council member, a particular seat 1-6 shall be designated;

(ii)

contain the candidate's certification that s/he is a qualified elector of the State, is registered to vote in the City and that the person has resided continuously within the area comprising the City for one year prior to the qualifying date;

(iii)

if applicable, a certificate that the candidate has resided continuously in the Residential Area they are seeking to represent for one year prior to the qualifying date;

(iv)

contain or be accompanied by such other information or statement, if any, as may be required by the Miami-Dade Election Department;

(v)

be signed by the candidate and duly notarized; and

(vi)

be accompanied by a check payable to the Miami-Dade County Elections Department in the amount of $200.00 in addition to any fees required by Florida Statutes, as a qualifying fee.

(3)

There will be one Mayor, and six Council seats to be filled. By majority vote of the Council, the Vice-Mayor will be selected.

(4)

The Mayor will be elected to a term expiring in November 2008 or election of his/her successor.

(5)

The odd numbered seats for Council members shall be elected to terms expiring in November 2008 or election of his/her successor.

(6)

The even numbered seat for Council members shall be elected to terms expiring in November 2006 or election of his/her successor.

(B)

Induction into Office. Those candidates who are elected at the first regular election shall take office at the initial Council meeting, which shall be held as early as one day after the election of the officers, but no longer than two weeks after the election of the officers, or if a runoff election is necessary for any Seat, the initial Council meeting shall be held as early as one day after the runoff election of the officers, but no longer than two weeks after the runoff election of officers.