Annette Taddeo

Annette Taddeo was born in Colombia. She earned a high school diploma from Grissom High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama in 1992. Her career experience includes working as a business founder and owner. Taddeo has served as the chair of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. As of 2024, she was affiliated with Language Speak.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Annette Taddeo, a proud immigrant born in Colombia and the daughter of an American WWII and Korean War veteran. I moved to the U.S. after my father was kidnapped by FARC guerrillas in Colombia, where I worked my way through college and built my own successful business, LanguageSpeak, named one of the Top 100 Minority Owned Small Businesses in Florida. In 2017, I made history as the first Latina Democrat in the Florida Senate, where I fought for the people of Miami-Dade, particularly during the pandemic. I was reelected and served in the Florida Senate until 2022, cutting through partisan noise to deliver results and put residents first. Now, I’m running for Miami-Dade Clerk of Court and Comptroller to continue my commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring every taxpayer dollar is protected.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I have a proven track record of public service, advocating for small business owners and fighting against government corruption to deliver results for Miami-Dade families. As your Clerk and Comptroller, my promise is simple- I will always work for you, and only you!As Miami-Dade Clerk of Court and Comptroller, I will prioritize transparency, accessibility, and accountability in our justice system, ensuring residents’ tax dollars are protected and efficiently managed.I bring decades of experience as a business owner and state senator, with a commitment to cutting through partisan noise and focusing on delivering real solutions for our community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about ensuring that every person has a voice in public policy, a value I inherited from my father, a proud Veteran who taught me the importance of serving the community. This belief was solidified when I moved to Alabama and faced racism and xenophobia while running for College Secretary at The University of Alabama. That experience shaped my commitment to fighting for inclusion and equality. Throughout my political career, I have been driven by the desire to advocate for those who have been overlooked and to protect the rights and well-being of all individuals, ensuring that no one is left out of the conversation.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

This office plays a unique and vital role in both state government and the legal system by overseeing the court system and safeguarding Miami-Dade's $12 billion budget. Its responsibilities require a balance of financial expertise and legal understanding, ensuring that court operations run smoothly while managing public funds with transparency and accountability. The Comptroller position is especially vital for Miami-Dade’s residents, as I will serve as the guardian of our budget, making sure that the money stays in Miami and isn’t sent to Tallahassee, where we rarely see it returned.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, worked throughout his administration to unite a country that was torn apart by civil war, beloved for his humble nature and quiet leadership style he changed the course of history when he freed the slaves from the confederacy.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Transparency, Accountability, and Hard-working values.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

First and foremost, I have a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, which are essential for building public trust. My experience as a Business Owner for over 30 years has honed my financial expertise, allowing me to manage complex budgets effectively. Additionally, as a former State Senator I am a dedicated advocate for the community, always prioritizing the needs of residents and ensuring their voices are heard. My leadership skills enable me to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and foster a culture of integrity within the office. Together, these qualities equip me to serve Miami-Dade effectively and responsibly.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office are being accountable and transparent with taxpayers. Overseeing and managing the court system, as well as safeguarding Miami-Dade’s $12 billion budget, demands a dedicated public servant, not someone driven by political agendas. This role requires ensuring that every action is carried out with integrity, prioritizing the public’s trust and maintaining the highest standards of transparency in handling both the justice system and taxpayer dollars.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

In 1984 I fled from Colombia to the US after my father was kidnapped by FARC —an extremist Colombian guerrilla group, an experience shared by many Colombians during that turbulent time. In 1985, another extremist group, M19, stormed the Palace of Justice—which remains among the most iconic events in modern Colombian history—left the building largely destroyed and resulted in the disappearances of over a dozen civilians and the deaths of nearly one hundred civilians, including eleven Supreme Court justices.

This attack on the Supreme Court encapsulates the violent era that defined Colombia in the latter part of the 20th century, a period I lived through firsthand and vividly remember. These experiences have deeply shaped my perspective on justice, resilience, and the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Newspaper Printer Shop

What is your favorite book? Why?

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is so much more than a novel from a Colombian author set in Colombia. It is a novel that explores solitude, boundaries and human desires, while also having some amazing political tones. Furthermore, it taught Western readers tolerance for other perspectives and experiences.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Tequila

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I was born with a bilateral cleft lip. When you are born without lips you can't feed on your mother’s breast milk. It's hard to learn to speak. The children at school cruelly mocked me. They told me that I was not "normal" and that I could never be "normal". I had 19 surgeries so that today I am fully fluent in two languages. People often ask me how come I am always smiling, and I tell them, because I couldn’t as a child, and anyway, the reason my smile is beautiful today, is not because of the surgeries, it’s because it comes from within.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One of the lesser-known but important powers of the Comptroller is the authority to withhold payments if there are suspicions of mismanagement or wrongdoing in county projects. In addition to managing the county's finances, the Comptroller oversees the growth of public funds through strategic investments in the financial and stock markets, ensuring responsible stewardship. Essentially, this position serves as the CFO of the county, with the crucial responsibility of safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring they are spent wisely and transparently.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, having previous experience in government or politics is highly beneficial for the holder of this office. Managing Miami-Dade’s $12 billion budget and overseeing the court system requires a deep understanding of public service, financial management, and human resources experience managing large teams . My background as a State Senator has given me experience in navigating complex government systems and advocating for transparency and accountability. It’s crucial that the Comptroller can effectively collaborate with other government officials while prioritizing the best interests of taxpayers. Experience in public service ensures that the office is run efficiently, free from political agendas, and focused on the needs of the community.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills for holders of this office are financial expertise, managerial knowledge, and strong leadership abilities. As the Comptroller manages Miami-Dade’s $12 billion budget and oversees court operations, a deep understanding of public finance and budgeting is essential for ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. Managerial knowledge is crucial for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office and ensuring effective management of resources and personnel. Additionally, leadership skills are necessary to maintain transparency, uphold accountability, and ensure that the office operates efficiently in the best interest of the public.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I only know dirty jokes

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate

AFL-CIO

Ruth’s list

Save Action PAC

SEIU Florida

SEIU Local 1991

32 BJ SEIU

Latino Victory Fund

KFPAC- Kendall Federation PAC

UTD- United Teachers of Dade

AFSCME Florida

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme

South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez

Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace

Former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber

Former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez

North Bay Village Vicemayor Dr. Richard Chevrony

State Senator Shevrin Jones

State Representative Kevin Chambliss

State Representative Marie Woodson

Former US Representative Donna Shalala

Former Republican County Commissioner Juan Carlos Zapata

North Miami Council member Pierre Frantz Charles

Palmetto Bay Councilmember Steve cody

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. As someone seeking to manage Miami-Dade’s $12 billion budget, I am committed to ensuring that every dollar is tracked and reported clearly, so taxpayers know exactly how their money is being spent. Government officials must be open and accountable in their actions, prioritizing the public’s best interests over political agendas. I have vowed to publish an Annual Report to outline the County finances in easy to understand terms to highlight how your tax dollars are managed, invested and spent.

Annette Taddeo did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

The following issues were listed on Taddeo's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

Climate Change: Climate change has real, costly, and dangerous effects here in South Florida. In Congress, I'll make fighting for solutions to climate change a top priority.

Immigration Reform: Immigration reform should reward hard work and keep families together. I understand the challenges and emotional struggles migrating families face, and I will fight for long overdue comprehensive immigration reform.

Gun Violence: Today in America, too many Florida children and parents are at risk of falling victim to the gun violence that plagues too many of our communities. It is long past time that we take action to keep our families safe.[13]

—Annette Taddeo's campaign website, http://annettetaddeo.com/