HIALEAH, Fla. -- Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez spoke before a packed auditorium at Hialeah Senior High School as he gave his State of the County address Wednesday.

Alvarez depicted the highlights and lowlights of 2007, along with the future plans for 2008.

First on the agenda was the county budget.

"We tightened our financial belt," Alvarez said. "We trimmed our budget by a record $220 million. We eliminated 1,100 positions, consolidated departments and put merit increases for executives on hold."

The mayor pointed out the need to keep up with South Florida's No. 1 industry of tourism during the struggling economy by keeping up with growth at the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport, Local 10's Jacey Birch reported.

When it came to the issue of public safety, Alvarez pointed out that murders are down 9 percent from two years ago, when they were up 45 percent.

"We cannot skimp on public safety, ever," Alvarez said. "It would be a disservice to this community and the officers who risk their lives every day."

Alvarez recognized fallen Miami-Dade police Officer Jose Somohano, who was killed in the line of duty Sept. 13. Officers Tomas Tundidor, Christopher Carlin and Jody Wright were also wounded that day and honored for their service.

The mayor went on to discuss the upcoming general election in November and the need to transition to a new voting system.

"We must urge the state to certify the optical-scan machines as soon as possible," Alvarez said. "They provide what voters have been clamoring for -- a verifiable paper trail."

As for the proposed Florida Marlins baseball stadium, which would replace the Orange Bowl at a cost of more than $500 million, Alvarez said it might soon become a reality.

"We have forged an agreement with team owners and the city of Miami," Alvarez said. "If both the city and county commissions sign off (Thursday), this public-private partnership is one we can all put in the 'win' column."