SOUTHEAST.(information about southern Florida)(Statistical Data Included)

Miami

A Bid for Credibility

Later this year, Miami voters will choose a new mayor, providing an opportunity to restore much-needed credibility to Miami-Dade's largest city, which suffered a series of black eyes recently. But despite Miami's tattered image, the next mayor will inherit a city on the mend: In December, bond ratings were raised to investment status for the first time in four years. A slew of new development is under way. Ethnic tensions are minimal.

Mayor Joe Carollo has already said he will seek re-election. The other contenders are