Miami-Dade property appraiser candidates hold first debate in the Gables

Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia and his challenger, Carlos Lopez-Cantera, held their first election debate in Coral Gables last night, sparring over issues including taxable values, fraud and the proposed tax value of Garcia’s own home, the Miami Herald reported. Lopez-Cantera said he had visited Garcia’s office to find out his proposed tax value, but was told it was not available. The property appraiser’s office has an annual budget of $30 million. Lopez-Cantera has served in Florida’s House of Representatives since 2004 and is majority whip. [Miami Herald]