Watchdog Report Vol.14 No. 52 May 4, 2014 EST.05.05.00 I go when you cannot – Celebatteing 15 years May 5th – IT meltdown Issue

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding by the Knight Foundation with technical support from the Knight Center for International Media http://knight.miami.edu within the University of Miami’s School of Communication www.miami.edu to maintain my webpage. The Watchdog Report webpage is free, has no ads, pops-up and is just the news in a mainstream reporting manner.

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher will be on WLRN 91.3 F.M. May 5th on Topical Currents hosted by Joseph Cooper and Bonnie Berman from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and my readers should listen in to this WDR 15th Anniversary Show where we mainly discuss the end of the Florida Legislative session.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Streets

>>> Watchdog Report has IT meltdown, and why no report last week, still going strong after 15 years of trying to bring my readers the news in high definition and being physically there covering the issue – going when you cannot

There is a certain sad irony on Tuesday April 22, I had a catastrophic IT meltdown, and it was only through the efforts of Carlos of the Geek Squad located at Best Buy that you are getting this WDR.  And despite this significant setback, that tested every fiber in my body through stress at a time when I was fiscally depleted and cobbled together the money to pay for this restoration.  I give the IT Tech a Tip of the Hat for persevering and putting in the extra time over the next week, to be successful and that help is allowing me to celebrate a 15^th Anniversary this May 5. And fifteen years when you are working alone as a weekly that is no small milestone and I thank all the supporters and organizations that have financially helped make that anniversary possible. And I would like to hear from readers if there is an issue with the font, and reading the Report since the computer repair. Thank you. If there is an issue. I will take a break and try to get the system right in the coming weeks.

And this week’s report is different and not as long since I could not cover many meetings since my sole focus was getting back on line and being able to publish again. And for some reason Microsoft Word which I write the report in is acting up and if the Report’s format is slightly different I would appreciate reader’s feedback if it is not as readable as in the past.

Further after 15 years of covering government and another few years before that I have seen much in South Florida, some good and some bad, and in some ways the community is different than it was back then and while public corruption is still a corrosive issue and pervasive in our society. Some of it has been rooted out since we have the largest FBI federal Public Corruption detail in the nation.

>>> Easter Weekend in 2000 created the now 15 year old Watchdog Report after the young Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez was extracted from his relatives home in Little Havana, and Miami exploded into divisive ethnic chaos

Fifteen years ago on Easter Weekend in Miami after the little boy Elian Gonzalez was extracted by federal authorities in his relative’s home in Little Havana, a place that had become “Camp Elian” to the media and the little boy whose mother died on the trip from Cuba had become a passionate cause for the Cuban Exile Community and other Cuban Americans here and the event had ethnically charged the community and with the demographics changing. At the time you had African American’s protesting Cubans in Homestead with Anglos with Confederate Flags and the look on the black protesters faces at the surrealism, was captured in a Miami Herald photograph back then and at that point, I realized nothing I could write could make it any worse.

Further, back then I also realized trying to have an informed community was important, with some $16 billion in government where the large public institutions were like “Giant ships passing in the night,” “Flashing lights at each other,” not knowing what the other was saying or in many ways even carrying. Since they were an independent public institution, but the fact remained if they were in Miami-Dade County, we were on the ship with the 34 other municipalities and what happens in Adventura, Miami Gardens or Miami, had an effect on all of us in some way.

Moreover, with the internet and everyone getting an email address and proudly noting that it was on their business card at the time (This is the spring of 2000, and technology is now years ahead). I began the process of trying to create an information nervous system overlay of the large public institutions for there were not only millions of savings possible, but also enhancing of the community’s quality of life with more coordination between these different entities. Back in 1997. I started in a full time basis going to all the public meetings at Miami-Dade County, the Public schools, and the Public health trust and I saw first hand the lack of communication between the public organizations back then, and also some elected leaders public corruption, and it was clear that the public needed a lobbyist/ reporter dedicated to making government more efficient and accountable yet do it in a just the facts manner.

What about some of the people that inspired me to write the WDR back then?

When I first began publishing the Watchdog Report that many thought I was crazy to do. I got some of my determination and passion from Knight Foundation President Hodding Carter, III who told me what I was doing was “fundamental journalism,” and important here in Miami back in 2000. Along with encouragement from then Miami Herald Publisher Alberto Ibargüen, and the paper’s Editorial Page Editor Tom Fiedler along with news reporters Tyler Bridges and John Dorschner, and since I have a degree in Chinese Studies from The George Washington University and not journalism. I used all these people as my teachers in the very beginning and they helped me mold what is now fifteen years old. >>> Editor’s note: The Argus Report is dedicated to Ibargüen, who emailed me back in May of 2000 saying I should be the “community’s Argus,” the mythical Greek Colossus with 100 eyes guarding the fawn Io, and always vigilant.

And I have written some 30,000 individual stories over the years covering almost every aspect of Miami-Dade and the people that come here, from presidential candidates like John Kerry, John McCain and President Barack Obama and one of the more interesting interviews was with former Soviet Union Leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who came to Miami-Dade College years ago, and during a press gaggle. I was able to ask him a few questions. Further, since back then people and readers have been a great electrolyte of public information and to all the people that supported me in the beginning. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faith an belief an informed community, made South Florida a better place and our precious tax dollars needed to be watched if we were to curb waste, fraud and abuse of this public money.

>>> Intelligence Specialist at Southern Command Charged with Accepting Bribes and Helping Steal Purported Drug Proceeds

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce the filing of a two-count information charging Jose Emmanuel Torres, 37, of Cooper City, in count one, with federal bribery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§201(b)(2)(A) and (B); and, in count two, with exceeding authorized access to a government computer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1030(a)(2)(B) and (c)(2)(B)(i) and (ii) and 18 U.S.C. §2.

Jose Emmanuel Torres, who was previously arrested in February 3, 2014, was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Valle in Fort Lauderdale. The criminal information has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Robin S. Rosenbaum.

According to the information, from approximately January 2012 through December 13, 2013, Torres was assigned to the Department of Defense, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). As part of his official duties with the DIA, Torres worked with agents from Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) collecting intelligence regarding persons who were allegedly involved in terrorism and drug trafficking. During the course of his duties with DIA, Torres interviewed a cooperating individual (CI) who was attempting to gain legal residence status in the United States and had provided Torres and other agents of the United States with information regarding persons involved in drug trafficking and terrorism. Torres told the CI that he had used his influence to have the CI arrested on immigration charges. In or about September 2013, Torres asked the CI for $10,000. The CI understood that, if he did not give Torres the money, Torres could use his influence to have the CI arrested again. Torres continued to ask for the $10,000 and promised that the CI would not go back to jail even if he [Torres] had to put his “neck on the line.” In November 2013 the CI paid Torres $6,000 in order for Torres to use his influence to assist the CI with the CI’s immigration proceedings.

Torres also caused another person to access a government computer and to obtain information from the NADDIS database operated by the DEA in order to commit a theft of $500,000 of drug proceeds. If convicted, Torres faces a statutory maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000 or three times the money received. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. Mr. Ferrer would also like to thank the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Secret Service for their assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey N. Kaplan.  An information is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

How could you physically go to all of these meetings?

>>> PAST WDR MAY 2006: I was able to do these entities simultaneously because all the big local governments are so close together physically, and found in a very small corridor no more than 10 miles or so from each other. Had these government entities been spread out over the county, I could not have covered so many meetings over the years.

But as it is, the City of Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, the Public Health Trust and the county’s public school district all fall within this border and are within striking distance. Further, after so many years I know when to attend certain meetings, and yes people do alert me at times that I should stop by because something may be brewing. It was from a reader that I first heard that there were construction problems at the Performing Arts Center back in 2004, and I broke the story by sending an EXTRA stating the PAC opening was going to be 20 months late, and needed a $67.3 million infusion of new money. And I actually sent that out while the PAC construction committee was meeting and the issue had just been discussed, and some meeting attendees, were worried that “this is going to get out,” then read the story a few minutes later on their Blackberries, “saying it’s out.”

Further, the idea of an EXTRA was the suggestion of Ibargüen, and he also suggested I reference it as a special service of the Watchdog Report and to a great extent. I have learned things from practically everyone I talk to and use the community and its residents as my sounding board. Since I work alone, I run things by a number of people that I might know or meet to see what their take is or view and these comments are considered when I write about a subject.

Further, if I make an error and there is a need for a correction, I use a highlighted 16 font for the correction at the very beginning of the report and if it is a major error like in 2003, when I misquoted Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas as not supporting something that he did. I sent out a correction literally 15 to 20 minutes later to everyone that received the Watchdog Report at the time.

What about all the documents and audio tapes you have?

Since 1998 I have ever major government document on practically every subject for the public government entities I cover. Included on these documents are my hand written notes of what was said or decided, who and how many people were in the room and if I should watch these people more carefully. Further, I have audio tapes for many of the meetings as well and these have been saved and archived over the years. And I have been surprised that organizations like History Miami and other historical organizations have not asked for these documents over the years because they are a treasure trove.

>>> National profile of the publisher in The Tribune papers Jan. 2003 & UNCCH 2004 media study that cites Watchdog Report having 100,000 readers weekly

To read a national story run in the Tribune papers on my life and how this all began done by Orlando Sentinel featured reporter Maya Bell go to: To read the section’s large front page story, but without the photos and smart box graphics, go to: `I Go When You Cannot’ – Sun Sentinel 20 Jan 2003 … Sometimes Dan Ricker lives in the dark so others may live in the light. … to his weekly Watchdog Report have finally mailed their checks. … http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american >>>  And to read a University of North Carolina Chapel Hill study on the media in the Southeast United States that mentions the Watchdog Report with 100,000 readers weekly, done back in 2004 and to read the Southern Media Study go to: Daniel Ricker of the Miami Herald also writes an “influential column,” as well as an email newsletter called the Watchdog Report that goes out to more than … – – Cached.

>>> All photos in the Watchdog Report are taken from public government sites, and the Report goes on line at www.watchdogreport.net on Monday sometime during the day usually. >>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for I am a low cost news service yet I do have to live, thank you! Further, I have been honored over the years by being named a WFOR-4 Hometown Hero in 2000, being profiled in a major way by The Miami New Times, twice in The Miami Herald, and the Orlando Sentinel which ran as a nationwide story on me in the Tribune papers on Jan. 2003 and UNC Chapel Hill naming me one of the top columnists in Florida in a  multi-state study of the media back in 2004. I also thank Joseph Cooper for the opportunity to be on the WLRN/NPR showTopical Currents on www.wlrn.org since 2000, including yearly election coverage since then, and also numerous times over the past decade. Further, I am a frequent guest on WWW.WPBT2.ORG on Helen Ferre’s show Issues, and have also appeared on  Eliott Rodriguez’s show News & Views.

>>> See what was said about the Watchdog Report in the Miami New Times 2003 — Best of Miami — BEST CITIZEN  — Daniel A. Ricker

Three years ago, we said Ricker was our Best Gadfly. Given his dedication and perseverance, this new honor, Best Citizen, is well deserved. Ricker goes to 2,500 mind-melting meetings annually, from the Public Health Trust’s purchasing subcommittee to the Efficiency and Competition Commission to the Alliance for Human Services’ nominating council to the school board’s audit committee. Sometimes he’s the only public observer. Object: to be the Public Citizen for all those out there who can’t attend, and to connect and serve as an information bridge among the special-interest-dominated Miami-Dade governmental institutions that seem so problematic and indifferent to the democratic process.

This month his e-mail newsletter, The Watchdog Report, celebrates its fourth (15^th) anniversary. In a former life, Ricker made a handsome living as an international salesman of heart pacemakers. As the hard-working publisher of Watchdog Report, though, he’s struggling financially — this despite the fact that his weekly compendium of meeting summaries, analysis, interviews, and commentary has become essential reading for anyone involved in public affairs. What his written work may lack in polish, it more than makes up for in comprehensiveness. So raise a toast to the man whose official slogan says it all: “A community education resource — I go when you cannot!

>>> With the Watchdog Report closing in on 15 years, I thank all of you that have supported the effort, not for the faint of heart in many ways, including financially surviving

When I started the Watchdog Report on May 5, 2000, I never imagined that almost 15 years later. I would still be at it, and I want to thank all of you and the organizations that have financially supported me over those years. Since I essentially am funded by the community and my readers. Moreover, to say it has been a strange fork in the road for someone, who came from the corporate world, to have started this effort is an understatement, and only in South Florida could I have pulled off a mainstream news service like the WDR. However, given the colorful nature of our community and how so many of us love and create the drama, that would be good entertainment. If we were not overall such a poor community, with pockets of great wealth, yet other areas in major poverty, and why our limited public tax dollars should be spent wisely and with proper oversight and media attention. And I would not be still doing this if my life was not saved at South Miami Hospital in February 2010 and for that I am forever grateful to the skilled physician and vascular surgeon Jorge Rabaza, M.D.

In addition, it is my belief that government works more effectively when reported on, and why I have kept at this, for over the past almost 18 years. In addition, the WDR or myself, has affected and easily saved some $100 million plus in public tax dollars over those years in some way. And it is the preventing of waste, fraud, and abuse and public corruption that has kept me out in the field and reporting back in a variety of venues, from the internet, The Miami Herald, to WLRN, and WPBT Channel 2 over the years.

>>>> Diaz-Balart: HB 851 Allows Young Men & Women to Reach God-Given Potential

Press release: Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement in response to the passage of HB 851, the Postsecondary Student Tuition bill, by the Florida State Legislature.

“I commend and congratulate the Florida Legislature for passing this important piece of legislation. One of the things that defines the United States is that we are a meritocracy – we judge people not by the actions of their relatives, but by their individual merits. This bill allows young men and women who have done everything society has asked of them to seek a degree of higher education and reach their God-given potential. I thank Speaker Weatherford, Senator Latvala, Representative Nuñez, Governor Scott, and the entire South Florida State Legislature delegation for their leadership on this issue.”

>>> He’s back former Congressman David Rivera files to run in his old House district

In another Miami moment former Congressman David Rivera, R-Miami has filed to run for the congressional seat he lost to U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, D- Miami and Rivera is claiming any federal investigation of a past campaign in 2012 is the fault of the media, and blames much of it on The Miami Herald coverage. He is joining a crowded field of GOP hopefuls in the party’s primary, including school board member Curbelo and former Miami-Dade Commission Chair Joe Martinez and Curbelo has raised the most money for his campaign and is getting the endorsements of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami and Mario Diaz-Balart in the Republican primary. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/02/4094216/david-rivera-files-to-run-for.html

FLORIDA

>>> With a whopping $77.1 billion budget, life is good during legislation session that ended late Friday night, Gov. Scott continues to hammer likely opponent former Gov. Crist.

With the Florida Legislature session ending Friday night, passing the state’s $77.1 billion budget (and adds $3.1 billion into the state’s reserves) and the new budget is the highest in the state’s history, and while more robust Gov. Rick Scot is said to likely use his veto pen with prudence since he is up for reelection as well as all the state representatives and some senators’ and while Scott is likely to face former Gov. Charlie Crist in the General Election. If the former governor can get past state Sen. Nan Rich, D- Weston in the August primary, Crist is still catching flack from some Democrats for not agreeing to debate Rich and he fires back he is keeping his eye on the top prize, the governors mansion and he is not going to give the governor more campaign ammunition that such a debate would likely generate. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/02/4095046/legislature-set-to-ok-77-billion.html

Crist continues to get a fair amount of media coverage but Scott has already opened up with a barrage of negative campaign ads noting that Crist when the economy tanked tried to get out of the state by trying to get elected senator but lost to U.S. Sen. Marco-Rubio- Fla. in the 2010 election.

>>> PAST WDR: Crist wants to keep his powder dry, won’t debate Rich, says he is focused on winning the race, and why give Gov. Scott more ammunition for general election

“Give me Gov. Scott,” said preliminary Democratic Party candidate Charlie Crist for governor, during a press gaggle recently and this new taunt could be the now former governor’s new tag line but it comes with risk. Crist who is refusing to debate state Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, is taking a chance with this taunt where he also refused to debate Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez Cantera saying he would get to debate his Lt. governor running mate and not him. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/14/4058827/crist-to-address-west-palm-beach.html#storylink=misearch And Scott has chimed in that Crist should first debate Rich before the primary and then would be a legitimate Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Crist would then be debating the incumbent Scott, and this Crist strategy has real risk in what is expected to be a low voter turnout gubernatorial race.

Crist, now a Democrat after leaving the GOP in 2010 when he ran as an independent is depending on the Democratic Party embracing his candidacy because he is beating Scott in the polls and Crist is portraying the race between ‘good and evil,’ when it comes to the incumbents policies and governing style where the healthcare executive keeps the press at bay and does not participate in the usual banter and question answer of past governors. And Crist believes he may have a rallying cry in the moths ahead if he can get past Rich in the August primary and he is considered likely the party’s candidate in the end and Crist has taken to wearing that hat in this upcoming low-key primary where Rich is having difficulty getting likely voter support in statewide polls.

Scott

Crist

Rich

>>> Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade holds strategic planning session of the full board

The Children’s Trust had a strategy meeting Apr. 21 and the organization provides some $110 million in children education programs countywide and since its creation by voters back in 2002. The Trust periodically huddles and debates policy issues trying to evaluate and measure how funded programs are doing in the countywide development of the county’s children trying to ensure their early learning success and being productive adults in the community. www.childrenstrust.org

>>> Integrity Florida Statement on Passage of Ethics Reform Legislation

Press release: Ethics reform legislation (SB 846) passed the Florida Senate unanimously by a vote of 38-0 on May 2. The Florida House of Representatives approved the measure unanimously 118-0 on May 1. The bill now goes to Governor Rick Scott. “Florida lawmakers are keeping the momentum going to crack down on corruption,” said Dan Krassner, executive director of the nonpartisan research institute and government watchdog group Integrity Florida. “For the second year in a row, the legislature advanced an anti-corruption measure to improve public trust in government. While more work will be needed in the future to take on corruption, lawmakers are moving in the right direction.

We applaud Senator Jack Latvala, Representative Kathleen Passadomo and Representative Jim Boyd for their reform efforts (SB 846) to strengthen the state’s ethics laws. Senate President Don Gaetz and House Speaker Will Weatherford have delivered on their Work Plan 2014 promise to continue to improve Florida’s ethics laws. Integrity Florida is grateful for the collaborative efforts of our coalition partners in support of this ethics reform measure, including Common Cause Florida, The Tea Party Network, the First Amendment Foundation and the Citizens Awareness Foundation. SB 846 contains the following ethics law improvements: Allows the Florida Commission on Ethics to independently begin investigations when officials fail to file financial disclosure reports; Requires lobbyist disclosure at the state’s water management districts; Requires annual ethics training for elected city officials; and Applies portions of the state ethics code to Enterprise Florida and Citizens Property Insurance.

>>> And if you ever thought about adopting a child, check out the great kids on the Children’s Trust’s Heart Gallery page http://www.miamiheartgallery.org/#start looking for a home and great new parents.

>>> Children’s Movement of Florida  Voices of Florida – We all have a story, a story that defines us. It is our collective story, our challenges and our triumphs that inspire a movement. Floridians from all walks of life have joined together with an understanding that the future of our state rests on the well-being of our children. Visit The Children’s Movement website to read their stories and share your own. >>> I find it unacceptable, as all of us should, that at least a half-million children in Florida – all citizens — have no health insurance. How could this be in our beloved country that seeks to be a beacon to the world? Health insurance for all children is one of the five major planks of The Children’s Movement. With the support of Florida Covering Kids and Families, The Children’s Movement is working with dozens of local partners to help build a meaningful signing-up initiative in more than a dozen Florida communities. Already we have: Completed 18 KidCare trainings around the state. Signed up, trained and deployed more than a hundred volunteers. Begun to build a growing collaboration between local school districts and KidCare outreach coalitions. It’s a good start, but only the start. If you’d like to become a volunteer, just click here. Another way to help is to make a contribution – of any size – to help support this work. It is easy. Just click here. A real movement isn’t possible without your helping in some meaningful way. Dave Lawrence, Jr., Chair The Children’s Movement.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Mayor Gimenez getting flack for stadium deals, and gets bad news on Port Miami bond rating downgrade, with some commissioners livid at news

The County Commission Finance Committee Chaired by County Commissioner Estephan Bovo listened for hours to county budget staff and some department directors go through their individual budgets for the coming 2013-2014 year. Where the county budget has a $200 million budget gap and efficiencies and any cost cutting is the message of the day said county staff. Strong Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has committed to keeping taxes flat, but he has run into resistance with the commission that has questioned why so many contracts are ending up in the commissioner’s lap making many of the votes based on lobbyist’s arguments versus a straight recommendation vote supported by the mayor and his administration. Further Gimenez, recently, has been savaged in the press over some of the deals and discussions that are going on and a new one is the public’s concern of a new Major League Soccer Stadium for David Beckham’s team and a further gaff was the new deal with the Miami Heat that was leaked prematurely and has some of Gimenez’s supporters asking what is going on with the cool former City of Miami administrator.

Further the Port of Miami took a hit when its bonds, some guaranteed by the county’s general fund was downgraded and is causing a stir with commissioners. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/02/4094500/miami-dades-finances-getting-worse.html

>>> PAST WDR: All the County Commissioners huddle with Mayor Gimenez to discuss union contract issues, no outbursts like some past years, WDR only press outside the meeting

County Commissioners and Mayor Carlos Gimenez held a closed-door executive session on Thursday to discuss union labor negotiation issues said the public meeting notice, and the Watchdog Report sat outside as the meeting was held in the second floor conference room. The county is facing a $200 million budget gap and the union negotiations will be a prominent issue when Gimenez introduces his upcoming budget in the next few months and all the county commissioners were at the meeting, with District 7 Commissioner Xavier Suarez being the first to leave the closed session gathering. I did this because in the past, a loud verbal exchange occurred between then Commission Chair Joe Martinez and Commissioner Barbara Jordan during these past closed session discussions (and the argument I believe involved the changing of how the Head Start program was going to be run by the county.)

>>> PAST MAY 2007 WDR: For ten years the Watchdog Report has watched county hall, four commissioners picked off by authorities over the years

When the Watchdog Report first descended on Miami-Dade County in 1997. It took me almost two years to feel comfortable in county hall. As I slowly started to absorb what was going on with the then $4 billion or so in county government. There was talk about corruption on the commission dais and a few county commissioners would ultimately be removed, arrested and convicted and the elected leaders busted cut across the community’s ethnic lines and gender.

The county with a $7 billion budget this year (2007) with over 30,000 employees is an entity of its own that lurches from problem to problem with always the same answer. We have discovered the problem and have put safeguards in place to prevent it from happening in the future and at anyone time there are at least five of the county’s over 60 departments that are going through this process in one way or another.

In addition, years ago strong Mayor Carlos Alvarez disappointed the Watchdog Report when I asked him before the strong mayor form of government countywide vote that passed in January if that would reduce corruption at county hall and he responded “probable not.” He then said any large organization is going to have corruption but I was surprised at how easily he accepted it at the time, thinking lets not raise the bar to high.

Now after years of incredible property tax growth that rose 21.3 percent countywide last year (2006) to $245 billion up from $112 billion, the property tax numbers are coming down and the state legislature is coming at municipal and county governments with a financial chainsaw that depending on how it plays out, could cut county government here between $100 to 900 million. These cuts would impact everything but public safety like police and fire rescue but it could close parks, libraries and all else that is not critical in nature, but the county has also brought on some of this themselves as this perfect storm gathers in Tallahassee with the final fiscal results still a work in progress at the state capital.

>>> GMCVB press release: Total passenger arrivals for the months of January – March 2014 at Miami International Airport (MIA) increased by 0.9%.

Record MIA Passenger Arrivals
Total Arrivals
January – March 2014	January – March 2013	% Change vs. 2013
5,265,694	5,220,290	+0.9%

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> It’s over, A&M Charter School in Grove changes management with building owner Alonso-Poch

The Arts and Minds Charter School in Coconut Grove has changed its management and school founder Manny Alonso-Poch is out and this ends a saga that has gone on since 2004 when the Watchdog Report first flagged the school. Since the owner of the building was getting significant rent and ended with the nation’s fourth largest public schools district doing a critical 350 page forensic audit http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/29/4088421/board-landlord-out-at-controversial.html# And while the school did well academically, this close relationship of the owner with the school’s oversight board, essentially a rubber stamp was criticized and Alonso Poch bristles at the charge he was profiting by having the school in the Grove and it is expected to continue but under new management and the Watchdog Report for one is glad this sad saga is over.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Fla. Legislature defers implementing new funding distribution formula that would have cost JHS $140 million in reduced funding

Jackson Health System dogged a major fiscal iceberg when it came to a shift in the “tiering” and distribution of how federal public healthcare funds for the indigent and public hospitals around the state were allocated. After its implementation was deferred by the state legislature and would have cost JHS some $140 million in reduced funding for the coming year if this money went to other hospitals around the state. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/30/4090273/miami-dade-lawmakers-bring-home.html#

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Despite strong rhetoric from Commissioner Sarnoff, ULTRA Music Festival will proceed in future; just with better security in the future Miami officials are assured

The Miami Commission recently modified but approved by a 2 to 1 vote a new security plan for the ULTRA Music Fest that resulted in a tragedy recently and left a private security guard trampled and now recovering with lawsuits against the city anticipated. Ultra recently hired former Miami Police Chief Ray Martinez to handle security after security guard Mack was trampled when non ticket holders stormed the gates trying to get into the packed techno music festival.

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff a major critic after the incident has been railing in the media that Ultra should be located somewhere else given the large crowds and impact on nearby condominiums residents. And he lashed into the Ultra lobbyist Brian May and the two men crossed swords over whether someone had actually died at the concert and not later in a car. Sarnoff sporting a miniature police shield (a courtesy pin) on his lapel during the commission meeting ultimately was over turned in his attempt to end the event and was also pushed by Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado that had four other commissioners believing all that was needed was a beefed up security plan in the future after the 4 to 1 vote and Sarnoff was the only dissenter at the dais, but for Sarnoff the issue is not over and over the weekend on WPBT Issues hosted by Helen Ferre http://video.wpbt2.org/program/wpbt-issues/

He blasted the shows lobbyist and some of the misinformation they put forward. He said in the parking garage in the building where his law office was located that people were having sex in the cars and he believed such an event was not suited to the new downtown lined with residents living in the condominiums and believes the event’s economic impact is being over stated. However, during the commission discussion Sarnoff said he learned some new things. “Don’t get into a fight with The Miami Herald or with the $5 million ULTRA,” he told fellow commissioners.”

However, as was reported in past Watchdog Report’s, Miami Commissioner Frank Carolos is hoping the five-member commission will not rush to judgment on the matter. Since the annual event brings in over $70 million in economic benefit to the area and hotels and restaurants are booked solid and ULTRA is seen as a real economic shot in the arm and the city hosts other large-scale events like the Calle Ocho Music Festival. Where hundreds of thousands of people descend on the fabled street and while crowded is kept under control with a strong Miami Police presence since its creation years ago and is a community favorite event.

Carollo

Sarnoff

Regalado

VILLAGE OF COCONUT GROVE

>>> PAST WDR: When it comes to Historic Grove Playhouse, Grove Village Council will be “truth squad,” says Arts Maven Spring to explain what is going on at county for the beloved property and its ultimate transformation and reopening since closed in 06.

The future fate of the Historic Coconut Grove Playhouse was the top discussion at the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council meeting Wednesday and Michael Spring, the department’s director and now part of Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s inner circle told the members that a public hearing recently to get public input from Grovites was held but that there is a broad spectrum of ideas of what to do with the facility closed in 1996. Spring said there are a number of “conspiracy theories,” being promoted by some “Grove activists,” but the plan is to have the “Coconut Grove Village Council,” be the “truth squad.” When it comes to what is going on at the Playhouse,” Spring said, when it came to having a informed community voice in the Grove that could tell people what is really happening to the beloved site and has passions running high in the tony community.

He said a request for a “notice for Professional Consultants,” is being reviewed by the county attorney’s office over the next few weeks,” and the proposal will involve a host of disciplines including “architectural, engineering and traffic consultants,” and when this activity is finished. He said then they “will start the actual work on the Coconut Grove puzzle,” and the project will be a “design bid,” and will involve the City of Miami Parking Authority, that is currently running the parking lot. Further, Spring said he has talked to MPA Executive Director Art Noriega and explained to the organization that the planned parking garage on the site must synergistically fit into the ultimate development design.  He further noted that the garage “would not be funded out of the $20 million” the county has for the Playhouse restoration project, and while the Grove Community is passionate in getting the theater open, where it is a major economic driver. It is clear many residents are still split on what the final vision should be, a number of Facebook Pages are sprouting up, and some of the postings are not accurate, Spring considered. Here is a Grove Blog that gives a flavor of what some Grovites might be thinking, go to http://coconutgrovegrapevine.blogspot.com/ >>> Update: And the county’s 2004 GOB where $15 million was allocated, it was for the “restoration,” of the historic theater, and that will have to be factored into any future plans for this money.

CITY OF HIALEAH

>>> Former Mayor Robaina & Wife not guilty in tax evasion case, but will likely get IRS audit?

A federal jury acquitted former Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina and his wife of tax evasion this week and the high flying mayor crowed to the press that the couple was vindicated and the jury believed the $800,000 that was unreported on the couple’s taxes was the accountants fault and was not criminal on their part.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/30/4090361/tax-troubles-for-robaina-wife.html

>>> PAST WDR: High flying Mayor Robaina tax evasion trial shows, seedy underbelly of local politics, gets a Ferrari from a company he worked for “because he was the mayor”

The Watchdog Report stopped in Thursday to the federal trial of former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez charged by federal authorities for tax evasion and charging a local Ponzi schemer 36 percent ( with part of the loan paid in cash envelopes annually) for significant loans and failing to report the income on his taxes. The high flying Miami-Dade County Mayoral Candidate, the consummate salesman politician with a big smile and bear hug for all, sat in the defendant docket in a much lower key way, on Thursday next to this wife and some of the governments witnesses detailed how the mayor was able to receive a Ferrari as part of his salary with a company. And had the witness saying when asked why this was done. “It was because he was mayor,” he told the large diverse jury pool. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/19/4068771/hialeah-mayors-testimony-highlights.html

CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS

>>> Miami Gardens Resident Charged with Possession of Firearm

Press release: Indictment Stems from USAO’s Miami Gardens Violence Reduction Partnership. Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, and Stephen Johnson, Chief, Miami Gardens Police Department, announce the indictment of Randy Antonio Thomas, 45, of Miami Gardens, for the alleged possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Thomas is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Monday, May 5, 2014. The indictment is, in large part, the result of the Miami Gardens Violence Reduction Partnership, launched by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in June 2013. Through this Partnership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal and local law enforcement allies have sought to dismantle the most violent criminals the Miami Gardens neighborhood, while simultaneously working with community leaders and concerned citizens to mentor at-risk youths, provide jobs and job training to young families, and help probationers and parolees successfully re-enter society.

The indictment, returned on April 22, 2014, charges the defendant with possessing a firearm and ammunition after having previously been convicted of a felony offense, in violation Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g) and 924(e)(1). Because of his criminal history, Thomas faces increased penalties under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act. If convicted, Thomas faces a minimum of fifteen years in prison and possible maximum sentence of up to life in prison. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the ATF and Miami Gardens Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cristina Moreno. An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> U.S. Sen. Nelson takes road trip to “ground zero,” for Climate Change impact to Fl. Coast, “$31 billions in real-estate impact,” expected in coming years if not addressed, “no beaches no bucks,” he tells tourism officials

U.S. Sen.  Bill Nelson, D-Fla. Held a Senate subcommittee panel meeting Apr. 22 at a packed City Hall to discuss Global Warming and its impact on the states coast, where some 75 percent of the state’s population lives and will be severely impacted by the predicted rising sea levels of nine inches to two feet by 2060 and some $31 billion in real estate impact is predicted said Nelson. The Florida Senator held the panel on the beach to get expert testimony for the Senate record

>>> Press release: >>>May 6th, 2014 Meeting Time: 8:30 AM Meeting Place: NEW LOCATION! NEW LOCATION! Abuela’s Cuban Kitchen, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach

Our guest this week will be Michael Gorey, President of ARBA, the Alton Road Business Association which represents the businesses and property owners of Alton Road. He along with his Vice Presidents will give you their views of what is happening on the Road today and what the future looks like. Their slogan of “Moving Forward the Right Way” should be interesting given light to the overwhelming amount of road work currently occurring on Alton Road. Along with Mr. Gorey, Russell Galbut, Managing Principal of Crescent Heights will be here to give us an update on their project at 5th and Alton the largest assembled site in South Beach. There is no charge for attending and everyone is welcome. Visit our web site at www.MBTMBC.com <http://www.mbtmbc.com/>  (Miami Beach Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club)

>>> Public announcement: City Hall, Commission Chambers – City of Miami Beach

WASHINGTON, D.C.­ The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Science and Space will hold a hearing at the Miami Beach City Hall on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. titled, “Leading the Way: Adapting to South Florida’s Changing Coastline”. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) will chair this hearing on the 44th anniversary of Earth Day.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Don Worth, the Co-Founder of Friends of Marine Stadium is the featured speaker at the Ponce Business Luncheon Group where he will discuss Topic: “The Future of Miami Marine Stadium” Presented by: Don Worth, Co-Founder, Friends of Marine Stadium

Built in 1963, Miami Marine Stadium hosted many remarkable events during its 28 year history: boat races, concerts (Jimmy Buffett, The Miami Philharmonic, many rock and jazz events, Sunrise Easter Services and much more. The Stadium closed after Hurricane Andrew and has remained shuttered ever since.

In 2008, a new group called Friends of Marine Stadium (FMMS, website: www.marinestadium.org) was formed with the goal of bringing the Stadium back to life. The group has steadily built momentum since then and the campaign to restore the Marine Stadium has now generated international awareness and Friends of Miami Marine Stadium is now partnering  with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a partner in this project, has declared the Stadium a National Treasure.  In July, 2013, the Commission approved the Site Plan. FMMS is now in the “quiet phase” of fundraising for the Stadium. Don Worth will provide a power point presentation that describes the Stadium’s history, its present status, steps necessary to bring it back to life, and it’s remarkable and exciting future. He is a Co-Founder of Friends of Miami Marine Stadium. A long time preservationist, Don was a member of the City of Miami Beach’s Design Review Board from 1998-2002  In 2006, he and his wife Nina Weber Worth developed a series of exchanges with Shanghai which ultimately led to  MDPL’s 2007 Art Deco Weekend “East Meets West, Art Deco in Miami and Shanghai”, and generated a photography exhibit and book entitled “Art Deco in Shanghai and Miami Beach”.

CITY OF DORAL

>>> It’s over Mgr. Carollo is fired by Council, in dramatic fashion

It’s over. Former Miami Mayor Joe Carrollo the Doral City Manager was removed from the office by the Doral Council last week and he blasted the elected leaders at an earlier news conference saying he would be getting “whistle blower,” status when it came to any state attorney’s office investigation in the future. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/04/28/4085246/joe-carollo-expects-to-be-fired.html# Carrollo out of political office since 2001 has always been controversial and earned him the moniker “Crazy Joe,” in the media but his tenure at the city has been marred in controversy after interim manager Merritt Steirheim left last year and Carollo took the administrative position at the municipality with some 50,000 residents and a hefty property tax base for a city this size.

>>> OTHER STORIES AROUND FLORIDA

BROWARD COUNTY

>> PAST WDR May 2007: Broward’s elected officials go for the gold when it comes to competing with Miami-Dade’s sometimes bizarre incidents

Broward County, Miami-Dade’s neighbor to the north with around 1.8 million people has tried to keep its collective head down by saying everything is going fine there when it comes to politics, but history says otherwise. I first started going north on Tuesday’s, the county commission meeting day in 2001 and the county with 30 municipalities is a smaller version in many ways of Miami-Dade but they will never admit that. Further, the county’s elected county commissioners, and other elected county leaders are a colorful lot that are starting to give Miami-Dade a run for its money when it comes to controversy, scandal, and sometimes just bizarre behavior.

The botched 2002 election thrust county Supervisor of Elections Miriam Oliphant into the limelight and her budget expansion of the department and oversight did not sit well with the majority of county commissioners at the time. The battle of wills resulted in an ongoing contentious battle between Oliphant and the commission until she was removed by Gov. Jeb Bush.

Since then, I have had dust ups with former County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, Property Appraiser Lori Parrish and a number of other officials and my response each time has been to run every significant leaders yearly financial disclosure forms. Back in 2002 or 2003, the Watchdog Report first reported that Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne had some outside income listed in his years IRS 1040 tax return but I did not appreciate the significance of this new income until other news organizations later fleshed it out.

Further, as has been reported in past Watchdog Reports, there was a taproot of Miami-Dade campaign contributions to the tune of over $400,000 to all the candidates in county commission races alone in 2004. Further since then with each election cycle and I continue to be shocked at the magnitude of these outside contributions coming from Miami-Dade.

>>> Residents can review they’re county commissioners financial disclosure forms on line — Residents of Broward County can now review they’re county commissioners financial disclosure forms on line and to see the inner financial workings of these elected officials go to  http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/results.cfm

>>> Thank you for using the Broward County Commission Agenda E-mail Notification System. A new Broward County Commission Agenda is available. Point your browser to http://www.broward.org/commission/welcome.htm to view

the new agenda.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

>>> And to read all the Palm Beach elected leader’s financial disclosure reports go to http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/results.cfm

BOYNTON BEACH

>>> Facebook Fraudster Sentenced

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce that Allen Weintraub, 48, of Boynton Beach, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Donald Graham to 111 months in prison, three years of supervised release, ordered to forfeit $140,280.47, and pay the same amount in restitution to two victims of a scheme to sell Facebook shares. In February 2014, Weintraub pled guilty to two counts of mail fraud. According to an agreed factual proffer, in February 2012, Weintraub, using an alias, steered potential investors seeking to purchase pre-IPO stock of Facebook, to the website of Private Stock Transfer, Inc. by posting a response on www.quora.com. In that post, Weintraub claimed that he had purchased Facebook stock from Private Stock Transfer, Inc. When victims went to the website and sought information on purchasing Facebook stock, Weintraub responded representing that Private Stock Transfer Inc. had thousands of Facebook shares available for purchase. He directed that various forms be completed which represented that victims were purchasing shares described as  “Facebook Inc. by and through PST Investment III, Inc. Class A shares on a one for one conversion basis.” PST Investment III, Inc. was another company associated with Weintraub. After the victims sent payment to Weintraub’s bank accounts, Weintraub issued and mailed stock certificates for PST Investment III shares which would convert to Facebook shares on a one for one basis once Facebook went public. In reality, neither Weintraub nor Private Stock Transfer, Inc. had any Facebook shares. The two victims were defrauded a total of $414,000.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lois Foster-Steers. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> PAST WDR MAY 2007: Small but colorful county has its share of colorful and erstwhile political leaders, but with only 85,000 residents not a big player

What can you say about a county with a tourist tag line of the Conch Republic and also includes the eclectic city of Key West? The Watchdog Report would never have reported on anything that went on in the small county with 85,000 residents but they came to my attention because of their lack of taking care of the Homeless population there and not providing a shelter for their domestic violence victims. Since then the elected leaders have moved to resolve some of their social issues rather than to just send them to the larger county to the north Miami-Dade for these services.

>>> Elected leaders financial disclosures on line at , www.ethics.state.fl.us

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>>Kristi House luncheon: Breaking the Silence- The month of April is National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Please join us Friday, April 25, 2014 at Jungle Island from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. What better way to give back to your community than to help a child-victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking heal from the trauma of their abuse? Together, we can end this epidemic! One hour of your time can heal countless children. You must RSVP by Friday, April 18, 2014. Through the generosity of our sponsors, there is no cost for attending our luncheon. However – we are certain guests will be compelled to make a gift to Kristi House in order that we may continue to bring the specialized care these children need to restore their lives. Space is very limited – call to reserve your seat today. Bianca Fernandez – 305-547-6802

>>> Ethics Campaign Conference Confronts Controversial 1997 Miami mayoral election and 2000 presidential election

The Miami-Dade Ethics Commission is holding an event that is focused on the elections in South Florida over the years and the thrown out 1997 election of Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez, because of widespread voter fraud. However, he was never charged, but the scandal is one of the reasons I started to do the Watchdog Report, and this should be a fascinating discussion.

>>> Campaign Conference Confronts Controversy

Press release: Could an election recount similar to the Bush v. Gore 2000 dispute occur again?  Some of the key players in that historic legal battle will recount their experiences during one session of a one-of-a-kind Political Campaign Ethics Conference on Friday, May 16, 2014, at St. Thomas University School of Law.  The unique daylong event, presented by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust and the St. Thomas University Center for Ethics, offers a full schedule of panel discussions, lectures and breakout sessions sure to intrigue candidates, campaigners and political junkies of all sorts.

The impact of the controversial “Citizens United” ruling allowing corporations unlimited contributions will be debated by John Bonifaz, the head of an organization committed to overturning the Supreme Court decision,  and James Bopp, a legal advisor for Citizens United.  Another session featuring former adversaries Xavier Suarez and Kendall Coffey will look back at the 1997 Miami mayoral election that was overturned by an absentee ballot scandal and fast forward to current efforts to stem ballot scams.  Party activists Al Cardenas and Dan Gelber will examine the latest efforts to balance concerns of voter fraud with tighter restrictions on voter access.  Veteran politicians and legal minds will discuss ethnic and racial innuendo that sometimes sneak into campaigns.

More than 40 speakers, including Justice Gerald Kogan, Mark Caputo, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Joseph Klock, Jr., George Knox, Ben Kuehne, Theresa Lepore, Patricia Mazzei, Buddy Nevins, J.C. Planas, Irene Secada, Dr. Brenda Snipes and Katy Sorenson will participate.  Breakout session topics include campaign consultants, handling media coverage, the election supervisors’ guide for candidates, phantom contributors and ethical campaign practices.  Florida State Senator Jeff Clemens will provide an update of ethics and elections legislation from the 2014 legislative session.  The luncheon speaker will be Chuck Malkus, author of The Ultimate Ponzi: The Scott Rothstein Story. >>> The conference runs from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the St. Thomas Law School, 16401 NW 37 Avenue in Miami Gardens.  The cost, which includes breakfast, lunch and all materials, is $90, but early registers (prior to May 1) will be charged only $75.  Current students pay $50.  Attorneys can earn continuing legal education credit. A complete program and registration information can be found at ethics.miamidade.gov.

>>> The Margulies Collection will be closed for the summer and will reopen in the fall.

EDITORIAL

Why has the Watchdog Report publisher kept at it for 15 years, because we blow about $200 million collectively yearly in fraud, abuse, ineptitude and corruption

People ask me all the time why I keep at this and the reason is I have community history now, know all the players after ten years of watching, and with $14 billion in public money when you just add up the county, the school district, and the Public Health Trust. My goal has been to watch over and try to prevent the $200 million or so of public money wasted through fraud, abuse, ineptitude and corruption yearly, while trying to keep the public institutions and public informed about what each of the other public institutions are doing, as best I could.

Recently I received a letter from a person from the media who thought what the Watchdog Report was trying to do was important and he wanted to know more about the “organization” and the term threw me for a loop. Other people have asked how many staff I have, is it five or six people, they suggest. But in fact, the Watchdog Report staff is limited to one person that collects the news and attends meetings all week, then spends Saturday and Sunday putting a few of the stories together, and it is then sent out Sunday night.

In 2000, I realized that if someone was willing to work essentially 24/7 and write all weekend there was a news hole that could be filled and that is what I have tried to do week after week, year after year. Last year for example on the Sunday night of Thanksgiving Weekend a Watchdog Report went out, and also on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve there was a report and some readers e-mail me back that it is kind of comforting knowing that someone is out there watching, even on holidays.

Further, I have never particularly enjoyed writing but I consider the written word a tool and disseminating information is the goal trying to make South Floridians more informed, as we face a wide range of challenges ranging from the environment, to affordable housing and healthcare costs, to name just a few.

All public issues that require the use of scarce public money must be treated with fiscal respect, for the good times are over for soaring property tax revenues and with all the demands for public money going up and funding going down. Someone being a community sentinel and watchdog seemed to make sense to me back then to today, with the goal to watch over how portions of this money is used and spent, and I ultimately ended up filling the bill back in 2000.  Since I was a single man, with no children, but understood the local public institutions and the players running them and that is why I have continued to do this for all these years.

>>>PAST WDR 2007: $50 million spent fighting public corruption, $20,000 goes to six-papers that do not exist, and Watchdog Report grosses $48,000 last year, below entry county transit position

In a community that spent $50 million over five-years fighting public corruption, and funded five community periodicals $20,000 each that did not exist, the Watchdog Report has survived on a gross income of $48,000, which is less than an entry position in the county’s transit department.

Further, I have also saved directly or indirectly tens of millions of public dollars over the past 15 years and it is why I kept doing this non-stop 24/7 since May 5, 2000. The publication will soon turn 15 and I would like to thank all my past and current supporters for this has been a strange fork in the road of my life.

And If you enjoy having an outside news source, that brings you the news up-close and personal while also helping the community save millions of dollars of the $14 billion in public government funds.  Please do what you can to support the Watchdog Report. For in the scheme of things this publication costs very little and at a time we are losing press assets keeping someone with almost an 18 years watching your government in the field is needed now more than ever.

For government is more responsive and accountable to tax payers if they are being watched and that is where I come in.  For I go when you cannot, and for many of my readers that is a very comforting thought.  In addition, Consider becoming a sponsor today to keep this community educational resource available bringing you breaking and weekly news on almost a real time basis.

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 2000

ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S

HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com .

THE MIAMI HERALD     www.miamiherald.com (2000-2008)

ARTHUR HERTZ

WILLIAM HUGGETT, Seamen Attorney (Deceased)

ALFRED NOVAK

LINDA E. RICKER (Deceased)

JOHN S. and JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION  www.knightfoundation.org

THE HONORABLE STANLEY G. TATE

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $2,000 a year

BADIA SPICES    www.badiaspices.com

RONALD HALL

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov

UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.unitedwaymiamidade.org

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 a year

AKERMAN SENTERFITT   www.akerman.com

BERKOWITZ POLLACK BRANT Advisors and Accountants www.bpbcpa.com

JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST

RON BOOK

LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.

WILLIAM PALMER www.shutts.com

Rbb PUBLIC RELATIONS www.rbbpr.com

ROYAL MEDIA PARTNERS  www.royalmp.com

SHUBIN & BASS     www.shubinbass.com

WILLIAMSOM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP http://williamsonautomotivegroup.com/

>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less

CAMILLUS HOUSE, INC.   www.camillushouse.org

CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH www.miamibeachfl.gov

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY  www.fiu.edu

THE STATE OF FLORIDA    www.myflorida.gov

GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.miamichamber.com

GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA  www.hfsf.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION   www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIR www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ETHICS & PUBLIC TRUST COMMISSION

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL www.miamidade.gov/ig

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org

THE BEACON COUNCIL   www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION  www.miamifoundation.org

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA    http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI             www.miami.edu

The Watchdog Report covers a few of the meetings attended weekly. It remains my belief that an informed public will make better decisions. Therefore, I go to meetings, make the presence of an informed citizen known, and bring the information to you.   The Watchdog Report is in the 14^th year of publication and it has been an honor to be able to send this information to you. It is sent to readers in Miami-Dade, Florida, the U.S. and the world. The Watchdog Report is sent to thousands free and while readers have been prodded to subscribe the results have been mixed. Over 800 reports and Extra’s have been sent since May 5, 2000 and over two million words have been written on our community’s governments and events.  The report is an original work based on information gathered at public meetings, interviews and from documents in the public domain.

LETTER POLICY

I welcome letters via e-mail, fax, or snail mail. Letters may be edited for length or clarity and must refer to material published in the Watchdog Report.  Please see address and contact information. Please send any additions and corrections by e-mail, fax or snail mail. All corrections will be published in the next Watchdog Report. If you or your organization would like to publish the contents of this newsletter, please contact me. Please send your request to watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report www.watchdogreport.net

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2014, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> The Watchdog Report are now available to television stations web pages, and all the newspapers and other media in South Florida if the publishers have an interest to run part or all of the stories. Further, in 2000, I used to have some paper’s running the report in the Spanish press, that option is available again, and publishers should contact me.  The news content will not be free, but you can pick and chose the stories of interest, edit them if necessary but you must still keep the general story intact.  If you are a news outlet and would like to learn more about, the Watchdog Report and this offer contact me at watchdogreport1@earthlink.net for further information.  >>> Here is what past newspapers have written about the Watchdog Report publisher including a survey and regional study done by the U. North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the media in the southeast United States.

>>> The Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel & Sun-Sentinel articles on the Watchdog Report publisher over the years. >>> Published on September 9, 1999, Page 1EA, Miami Herald, The (FL) CITIZEN ADVOCATE’ KEEPS TABS ON POLITICIANS >>> Published on January 3, 2000, Page 1B, Miami Herald, The (FL) MIAMI-DADE WATCHDOG WILL BE MISSED >>> >>> To read the full section large two page front page story, but without the photos and smart box graphics, go to: `I Go When You Cannot’ – Sun Sentinel 20 Jan 2003 … Sometimes Dan Ricker lives in the dark so others may live in the light. … to his weekly Watchdog Report have finally mailed their checks. … http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american >>>Watchdog Report publisher named ‘Best Citizen’ 2003 by the Miami New Times  —The publisher would like to thank the weekly alternative paper Miami New Times for bestowing their 2003 Best of Miami, ‘Best Citizen’ award to me and I am honored.  Thank you. To read the full story go to http://www.miaminewtimes.com/issues/2003-05-15/citylife2.html/1/index.html

From the spring of 2003:  U. North Carolina, Chapel Hill:  Southeast U.S. Media Report lists Watchdog Report publisher as leading Florida commentator >>> Selected excerpts from the report on Florida’s media sources. Those who do read the newspaper in Florida have a bevy of options for state government and political coverage. The dominant newspapers in the state are Knight-Ridder’s The Miami Herald (Acquired by The McClatchy Company in 2006) and the Poynter Institute’s St. Petersburg Times. Both papers endorsed Gore in 2000 but split on the 2002 gubernatorial race, with the Herald endorsing Republican incumbent Jeb Bush and the Times backing Democratic challenger Bill McBride. Daniel Ricker of The Miami Herald also writes an influential column as well as an email newsletter called the Watchdog Report that goes out to more than 100,000 subscribers. FEBRUARY 2004 – Florida: Columnists in Abundance –ERIC GAUTSCHI, graduate student, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, UNC-Chapel Hill – D) LEADING COMMENTATORS – Resource Commentator Organization Type Web site –Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/bousquet.shtml -“First Friday” WPBT TV (Miami) TV Show www.channel2.org/firstfriday/issues.html –Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/morgan.shtml –Daniel Ricker Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter >>> Readers who would like to read the complete University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Southeast United States Media Report go to view the complete report or download all the data used in this study. >>> Watchdog Report Editor’s note to the NCU/CH study: The subscriber number referenced is incorrect and applies to readership.

General subscriber’s names will not be published in the Report. To subscribe to the Watchdog Report please use the form below as a subscription invoice.

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Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form

NOTE: Invoice is for Yearly supporter/sponsorship Rates: Thank you.

Supporting Sponsors $5,000

Sustaining Sponsors $2,000

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Please make checks payable to: Daniel A. Ricker

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