American Notes Corruption

Alex Daoud was the perfect mayor for Miami Beach. Tall, dark and amiable, he once played a bit part on the TV show Miami Vice. A dominant force in Beach politics for 12 years, Daoud also played a part in the area's comeback as an Art Deco district.

But Daoud's life may have imitated art a little too closely. The 47-year-old mayor was charged last week in a 41-count indictment with extorting money and services in exchange for official favors. Federal prosecutors claim that he tapped developers, architects and unions. His most serious offense was an alleged demand of $35,000 from David Paul, former chairman of CenTrust Savings Bank, in return for approval to build a private dock at Paul's home on La Gorce Island. Daoud, who professes his innocence, is the third mayor in Dade County to be indicted or convicted for corruption in two years. Although he already planned to step down later this month, Daoud was immediately suspended from office by Governor Lawton Chiles. He faces a prison term and fines of up to $12.7 million in cash and property.