“First, I'd like to thank every commissioner colleague who called me while I was under the weather. Thank you. And I also would like to say a few words about Thelma Gibson. This is someone whom I've had a long years, many years of collaboration when I worked at Jackson for 13 years and when I was a board member of the Health Foundation of South Florida. So may she rest in peace and power.”

Personal tribute to Thelma Gibson

“And Mr. Chair, I'd like to have a point of privilege to welcome City Councilwoman Maggie Estime-Irvin, who is visiting us today. I'd like her to stand up and be recognized.”

Recognition of visiting official

“My district has several areas that borders Commissioner Hardeman's district, and I do have a space that could benefit from much resources, Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue, which is a major toll fair in Miami-Dade County.”

Supporting deferral and requesting resources for his district

“After all, we are one Miami-Dade County. One mission.”

Emphasizing county unity and equity in resource distribution

“I specifically want to highlight the importance of including the ancillary facilities because without them, the proposal would be void of the technology that is needed for innovation that will protect the environment and something that many of us on the dais are concerned about.”

Commissioner Bastien supporting inclusion of material recovery, composting, and digestion facilities

“Every dollar assigned to this contract must be justified, every dollar. We cannot support any proposal with hidden fees and no values to the residents.”

Commissioner Bastien emphasizing fiscal transparency and accountability