Watchdog Report Vol. 16 No. 19 EST. 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating 16 Years of weekly publishing

>>> 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 www.knightfoundation.org to maintain my webpage. The Watchdog Report webpage is free, has no pops-up and is just the news in a mainstream reporting manner.

>>>> The Watchdog Report publisher needs fiscal help and new Sponsors and I have for 16 years now, reported back weekly how your billions of public dollars in local government are being spent. And how to do that is at the end of the WDR. Thank You. And to my Supporters and Sponsors, I thank you for your confidence over the past 16 Years. >>> CLARIFICATION: Philanthropist Adrienne Arsht donated $30 million to the Center named after her to get it on solid fiscal health and the she has continued to make contributions over the years. I apologize for the error.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>>> GOP debate another must see entertainment, 22 million viewers event even at three hours, Trump wanes, Bush, Rubio come back with Fiorina making her case

With the second GOP debate over and CNN having a record 22 million audience of viewers, political pundits are discussing which candidates were winners and losers and would Donald Trump continue to dominate the discourse with his bombastic style, and he was more subdued this time around and former Gov. Jeb Bush who wants his Secret Service name to be “Eveready,” to Trump’s “Humble and after the joking exchange had the two men giving a high five on the hot stage with glaring lights and Carley Fiorina gave a passable performance as did John Kasich and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. Staked his claim saying when he speaks in Spanish, it’s because he does not want translators at Univision to speak for him in the language. After trump made an issue of him speaking Spanish at events. But the GOP world is divided among voters looking for fiscal restraint and effective governance that for many voters see is in short supply, and is reflected in the increasing number of people registered No Party Affiliation and with the future winnowing of the GOP field because of lack of funds. The Trump juggernaut seems to be regrouping and candidates are looking for the poll results after the debate to see if they are still politically alive and it appears in the polls that Fiorina, another out sider business woman got a bump in her polling numbers after the debate but she has a mixed reputation in the business world that is now being extensively examined by the media and candidate opposition research. http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-primaries/254220-poll-fiorina-won-gop-debate

>>> 13 Year Prison Sentence against Leopoldo López is a Miscarriage of Justice, Says Ros-Lehtinen “I call on all responsible nations to condemn this miscarriage of justice and call for Leopoldo’s immediate, unconditional release.”

Press release: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R – FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement following the sentencing of Venezuelan activist Leopoldo López to approximately 13 years in prison. Statement from Ros-Lehtinen: “It is well known that the kangaroo court in Venezuela is biased and influenced by the Maduro regime so it’s not a surprise that this shameful verdict against Leopoldo occurred. Leopoldo should be free and the people of Venezuela deserve to live under a free society; not under this regime that continues to violate human rights at every turn. The malicious use of the judicial system as an instrument to punish and persecute dissent is only part of the problem with Maduro’s brutal regime that persists on ruling Venezuela with an iron fist. I call on all responsible nations to condemn this miscarriage of justice and call for Leopoldo’s immediate, unconditional release. In addition, the United States should apply sanctions immediately against the judges, prosecutors, and prison officials who were involved in this politically motivated sentencing.”

FLORIDA

>>> With 4,000 appointments during a four year term, Gov. Scott’s people starting to populate more and more local boards, that can have huge impacts, when it comes to the environment

Gov. Rick Scott will appoint some 4,000 people to a host of local and state boards during his term as estimated by Florida TaxWatch http://www.floridataxwatch.org/ in the handbook they do for incoming governors and some of his appointments have environmentalists howling as Scott, a former healthcare executive guts some past environmental programs that has Floridians wondering if he cares at all about the environment, though he argues otherwise. And below are some of his recent appointments some of who have a whiff of politics and he argues he is appointing people who concur with him that taxes must be lowered and this week he picks a new school board member in Levy County.

>>> Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Brad Etheridge to the School Board of Levy County.

Press release: Etheridge, 40, of Williston, is the owner of Etheridge Cattle Company LLC and is currently serving on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board and the Levy County Board of Adjustments. He is also a member of the Levy County Chamber of Commerce and founder of the Williston Future Farmers of America Foundation.  He is appointed to fill a vacancy created by the passing of Robert Philpot, for a term beginning September 18, 2015, and ending November 15, 2016.

>>> Press release: Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Douglas Harrison and the appointment of Karen Harrington to the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.

Harrison, 46, of Pembroke Pines, is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Miami. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and law degree from the University Of Florida College Of Law. He is reappointed for a term beginning September 9, 2015, and ending June 30, 2019.

Harrington, 51, of Dania Beach, is the owner of Rickey’s Restaurants in Broward County. She attended Broward College. She succeeds Albert Jones and is appointed for a term beginning September 9, 2015, and ending June 30, 2019.

>>> Press release: Governor Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Shirlee P. Bowne and appointment of Alvin Alsobrook to the Judicial Qualifications Commission.

Shirlee P. Bowne, 79, of Tallahassee, is a retired marketing and development consultant. She is reappointed for a term beginning September 4, 2015, and ending December 31, 2020.

Alvin Alsobrook, 80, of Gainesville, is the owner of Alsobrook and Associates. He succeeds Dr. Steven Maxwell and is appointed for a term beginning September 4, 2015, and ending December 31, 2020.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>>> Smooth sailing for final public $6.8 billion budget hearing 11 to 2 BCC vote, has Zapata and Suarez dissenting, both potential mayoral candidates in 2016

The Miami-Dade County Commission 11 to 2 (with Commissioners Xavier Suarez and Juan Carlos Zapata voting no) passed a $6.8 billion budget for 2015-2016 and the issue of global warming and climate change was the talk of the evening Thursday night and a “resiliency officer,” is going to be hired to replace Suzie Torriente whose office was cut back in 2007 and some $75,000. Is being budgeted for the person but Torriente when she was there was making around $159,000. At the end. Because she had been a long serving assistant county manager at Miami-Dade. So I don’t know what kind of person they will find for this crucial job though a national search will be done and the Dutch have been studying this for years though they have a “different geology,” said Gimenez. And Mayor Carlos Gimenez up for reelection in 2016 told commissioners “this was a sustainable budget,” though Zapata thought more should be saved for a rainy day and to be able to afford maintaining what is created. In the future Gimenez may face off with potentially Suarez and Zapata for the top job that also has school board member Raquel Regalado in the hunt but neither men have announced their intentions. Though Suarez periodically snipes at administration executives including the County Attorney’s office known as “The Firm,” to insiders given the office’s size and number of attorneys, who are some of the County’s top earners that Suarez believes should be paid no higher than $200,000. He has said on the dais a number of times and he also believes the vice mayors are also overly compensated. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article26645788.html

What about County Attorney Robert Cuevas, Jr.?

“The Cuevas,” as County Commissioner Javier Souto likes to call the Miami-Dade County Commission Attorney Robert Cuevas Jr., who had his last meeting Thursday night after 45 years of working in the County Attorney’s Office. And his inseparable law partner Abigail Price-Williams is following the calm bow tie wearing man. As the top attorney in the pressure cooker job that back in 2001 had to deal with the controversial Cuban Ordinance. Created by commissioners that county contracts could not be given to any company doing business with Cuba. And when the federal courts ruled on a case in New England (I think it was Connecticut). Then top attorney Robert Ginsburg told commissioners during a four hour commission session where commissioners were looking for ways to get around the restrictions the court set. Which was essentially that only the United States of America can do foreign policy, and “don’t go there,” he warned was a frequent refrain from the seasoned Ginsburg to the officials at the time, and a wide swath of the County’s attorneys went to a host of top schools including many Ivy’s and FIU and UM to name just a few. And the Watchdog Report has never had a problem with any of these attorneys at the many meetings I attend.

Cuevas

Abigail Price-Williams

What if the County’s bond rating could stop sea level rise infrastructure projects? Huge costs, money will not be cheap S&P acknowledged local government downgrades based on vulnerability to climate change,” writes S. Miami Mayor Stoddard, Ph.D.

And the issue of global warming is being flagged by the major bond companies like S&P and “Last year S&P announced their intention to issue local government downgrades based on vulnerability to climate change related hazards such as sea level rise, wrote S. Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard, Ph.D., to the Watchdog Report last week. And he pointed this out to the Miami-Dade Commission during their public budget hearing last week. And the Watchdog Report asked the mayor. If the downgrade comment was a true statement and his response adds a new wrinkle. For all the infrastructure design and creation that will have to be bonded out by the County, and having a poor credit rating would only make it even more expensive. Since interest rates will not be staying so low, much longer, and even after improvements on South Beach. And a host of new pumps a local environmental good government blogger http://eyeonmiami.blogspot.com/ She noted, fish are coming through the drain gratings “in South Beach and Aventura and she is pushing them back,” But she suggests that is how challenging sea water rise has become and even included a Climate Change Task Force report chaired by County Clerk Harvey Ruvin. And created by Commission Chair Rebeca Sosa who is reported to have talked to her friend Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla about the need to deal with the ramifications of climate change that are coming in a relentless manner to the shore line and will impact home owners in the Village of Pinecrest for example, where “around 1,000 homes,” said Commissioner Suarez are “still on septic tanks.” And the need for infrastructure will become apparent when people cannot flush their toilets, Stoddard surmised at the commission committee meeting Thursday. And to read the Climate Change Action plan go to: http://www.miamidade.gov/greenprint/pdf/climate_action_plan.pdf

Why did M-DC CFO Moon get a shout out from Mayor Gimenez?

And during the public budget meeting Thursday night, budget Director Jennifer Moon got a standing ovation and a major shout out from Mayor Gimenez who said his kind words of the job well done, but “did not come with a raise,” he joked, when the clapping died down during the public budget hearing. And Moon is one of the few people along with her assistant Hugo Salazar (who understand the some 78 revenue streams that come into Florida’s largest County’s coffers).And City of Miami Manager Daniel J. Alphonso came out of the department prior to joining the City of Miami. And he too is a fiscal maven and is why the city for the first time in years Miami has $130 million in reserves, a first for city.

What about Farm Share food distribution programs and the impact of the Fruit fly quarantine?

Further, at the County’ budget meeting former Sen. Daryl Jones, D-Miami, speaking for Farm Share funding. Jones said at three recent food distribution events at three police stations and had hundreds attending and residents got to know the officers because it was “easier to talk,” and become friends with the officers, the former senator said. And tips to the police hot line has “exploded,” by some “200 percent,” and is another communication avenue when it comes to community policing the former legislator suggested. Jones also said the quarantine of South Dade farm produce because of the Oriental Fruit Fly infestation is killing Farm Share that collects produce not sold and distributes to the needy and hungry around the state and http://farmshare.org/fact-sheet/ Further, Jones said that “53 percent,” of all the produce collected stays in Miami-Dade but with the quarantine crop production is expected to be less and perhaps less left over food is expected to be collected and distributed to the needy.

What about the budget planning process?

Commissioner Juan Carlos Zapata believes the crafting of the new budget should start earlier and “not in the ninth inning,” he told a commission committee members last week and since Miami has a cyclical economy. The county should bank more money for a rainy day, or return some of it. That is planned to have $100 million in reserves by 2020 says Gimenez.

What about Le Roy Jones warning about new forms of “social media,” that “is killing our kids,” parents are not monitoring but available to kids?

LeRoy Jones who runs the County’s Mom & Pop small business loan program said when it comes to the rampant murders in the inner city. That kids are using some “new forms of social media,” not “Facebook,” because their parents might see them. And Jones said they know in advance who is the next person to be gunned down. He told County Commissioners Thursday in chilling remarks during the public budget hearing and he said new “social media,” is “killing of our kids,” and it must be recognized and he is sounding a new alarm when it comes to the deaths of young people in Miami-Dade that is almost a daily tragedy. And during the budget hearing Mayor Carlos Gimenez noted when it came to buses there are new electric ones that have 150 mile charge even when the air conditioning is on he said during the discussion on transit.

Miami-Dade County Budget approved with funding for Sea Level Rise and Ludlam Trail

Press release: On Thursday, September 17^th, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners approved Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s budget for the 2015-16 fiscal year.  The adopted budget, in particular, is pivotal in that it secures funding for the Ludlam Trail and for the implementation of adaptation strategies to combat sea level rise. Both initiatives have been spearheaded by Commissioner Rebeca Sosa. The approved budget includes funding for a resiliency officer who will prepare a multifaceted approach to ensure that Miami-Dade County withstands the challenge of sea level rise while pivoting towards a more dynamic and energy efficient economy. A line item allocation was also funded to implement long-term adaptation strategies with the guidance of an engineering firm. “I commend Mayor Gimenez and his staff for prioritizing sea level rise in this year’s budget,” said Commissioner Sosa. “My pledge is to continue advocating throughout the fiscal year to ensure that Miami-Dade County is prepared to implement its adaptation strategies in the face of sea level rise. While we have taken a step in the right direction, there is still more work to be done.”

The approved FY 2015-16 budget also includes a $3 million earmark for the Ludlam Trail. The allocation of road impact fees for the six mile trail compliments other efforts led by Commissioner Sosa to obtain the much needed funds with the support of the Governor and state legislators.  “The Ludlam Trail needs to happen,” said Commissioner Sosa. “The investment we have approved will provide a transportation alternative to over 32,000 people along a corridor spanning 6.2 miles. That’s over 60 acres of beautiful, ecologically friendly green space connecting people and communities.” Continued Commissioner Sosa, “I find it very encouraging that Mayor Gimenez included funding for the trail and am more determined than ever to see it through. I want to thank the Friends of the Ludlam Trail and all of the neighbors for their support. “The fiscal year 2015-16 budget becomes effective October 1, 2015.

>>> After 66 months of steady growth county wide sales tax growth for PTP and JHS comes in at 1.9 percent growth in June

After 66 months in a row of sales tax revenue growth, the revenue from the countywide half cent sales taxes for Jackson Health System (JHS) and the Peoples Transportation Trust (PTP) has slowed and in June and collections are down 1.9 percent but overall is still up 6 percent for the year, but the extra surge in funding has helped JHS run in the black and also the county’s transit department and the past robust sales tax growth has been a pleasant surprise and it remains to be seen if this important revenue source begins to plateau. And currently provides some $219 million a month in revenue to both the PTP and JHS.

What about homeowner’s property tax bills?

The Watchdog Report has talked to a number of people about their property tax bills TRIM and what is surprising them is all the listed funding items from the Florida Inland Navigation District, to the bond for Jackson’s renovation, the Children’s trust, and the school board bonds and while they say these are worthy organizations to fund. The aggregate number of items when combined are what they are shocked about and also includes a $2.9 billion County GOB passed in 2004 and is still being paid off. And it shows taxpayers have been generous to these public institutions but they are at their limit. And elected leaders should not expect any more such funding requests will be passed by county voters until these new debts are retired in some 20 to 30 years and these precious new tax dollars must be used efficiently and with great care for the well is dry and any further tapping of voter good will for new funding is over and they are waiting to see what they actually get for their hard earned tax dollars.

What about County Commissioners wanting to modify the Florida Sunshine Law?

County Commissioners on Tuesday discussed asking the Florida Legislature via a resolution to modify the open meeting law that makes meetings open to the public, must be advertised, but does not cover state legislators and Commissioner Juan Zapata, a former state Rep. thinks modifying the law would make the local legislature more efficient and effective. And Bruno Barreiro, also a former state representative called the Sunshine Law, “the lobbyist empowerment Act,” from his experience in the House but it was a legislative urging on the County’s agenda with the state and would exclude any judicial cases like zoning said Zapata, but critics hope it does not open the door to less transparency and concern of insider deals on issues.

What about the issue of a new MPO director’s name?

A reader did a public records request and below are the names of the Metropolitan Planning Organization” s finalists applying for the $200,000 or so pay level job and coordinating regional transportation issues to the 22 member MPO board that is chaired by County Commission Chair Jean Monestime, and below are the names the reader got from MPO staff handling the matter and the reader provided the links of who these people are and their past accomplishments. Here are the names: Aileen Boucle https://wts.fiu.edu/first-guest-speaker-event/ , Carlos Cejas, P.E. ,  https://www.linkedin.com/pub/carlos-cejas/9/537/247, Harold Desdunes, P.E., FDOT Director of Transportation Development  http://www.micdot.com/news_room/biographies/Bio%20-%20Harold%20Desdunes%20PE%20-%20MIC%20Ltrhead%2010-1122.pdf, Wilson Fernandez  http://www.miamidade.gov/citt/wilson-fernandez.asp ( a current MPO employee) Huasha Liu, Linked-In profile   https://www.linkedin.com/pub/huasha-liu/12/7a4/120

(photo) http://qpc.co.la.ca.us/liu.asp   http://www.scag.ca.gov/about/Pages/Departments.aspx and Erik Steavens  http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/rail/bio.html a transportation consultant have all applied for the coveted job of trying to resolve the region’s transportation nightmare. And oddly Commission Chair Jean Monestime wants to decide who the next MPO director will be alone, when in fact the full 22 member board has to vote on the selection.

>>> And to read the Miami-Dade County’s budget go to http://www.miamidade.gov/budget/fy15-16-proposed.asp

>>> County Committee moves ahead on Honor Code, great idea and should be considered by the BCC

Ethics Commission press release: A Miami-Dade County Commission committee today took a step forward to adopting a Public Service Honor Code for elected officials and employees.  The Strategic Planning and Government Operations Committee voted 5-0 to approve the proposal, initiated by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust (COE). If the resolution, implementing order and ordinance – all sponsored by Commissioner Rebeca Sosa — are adopted by the full Commission and implemented by the County, all officials and employees would be obliged to follow an honor code of conduct that revives a long-ignored 1964 County Administrative Order requiring that they report criminal government misconduct to appropriate authorities when they know about it.  It adds directives that employees monitor their workplaces for misconduct, place the public interest ahead of personal loyalties, and cooperate truthfully with investigations.  Failure to abide by the code could result in disciplinary action. “It is time to bring a public service honor code into all levels of Miami-Dade County government,” said COE Executive Director Joseph Centorino.  “No one whose primary duty is to serve and protect the public may be said to perform that duty adequately by remaining a bystander after becoming aware of corrupt practices by a colleague or supervisor.” Also today, the BCC Committee adopted a resolution proclaiming Thursday, October 22^nd as Ethical Governance Day 2015.  The resolution echoes the Ethics Commission call for all public and private institutions and residents to participate in appropriate civic or educational ethics programs.  In addition, for the fourth year in a row, the COE will place community leaders in almost every 12^th grade government and economics class on that day to emphasize the importance to high school seniors of civic engagement.   For more information or to volunteer, visit www.ethics.miamidade.gov

GMCVB press release: RECORD ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD SERVICE JOBS IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REPORTED FOR AUGUST 2015 MARKING 5 YEARS AND 8 MONTHS OF CONSECUTIVE JOB INCREASES
Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service jobs increased 5.4% in August 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. This marks 5 years and 8 months of consecutive increased employment in Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service Industry.

Record Greater Miami Accommodations and Food Service Jobs
August 2015	August 2014	% Change
119,800	113,700	+5.4%

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Supt Carvalho knows importance of perfect attendance, all such students going to college, many in posse program, from Emory to Syracuse University to UM, FIU and others, Jones warns new forms of “social media,” is killing our kids,” he tells County Commissioners last week

Alberto Carvalho knows the importance of school attendance and the issue was highlighted in a story in the http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article35727615.html And the long serving superintendent brought this up weeks ago when honoring students with perfect attendance over their years in school and all of them, some in the posse program were all going to colleges and universities from Emory University, Syracuse and given the academic success of the students it is a clear indicator attendance is a key factor and children note a lot of factors go into a child missing school, and since many parents have to get to work, they may have a hard time keeping their children on schedule, and the District should also sound the alarm about new “social media technology,” that community activist LeRoy Jones brought up at a County budget hearing and is “killing our kids,” and the kids know in advance who is going to be shot, he said and given the velocity of this technology and its ramifications in bullying and violence. The District should assist in keeping abreast of these new technologies.

>>> PAST WDR: September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and teal is the color to bring home this “tragic issue,” afflicting women of all ethnic groups and is “The Silent Killer,” UM Health doing study, and district’s 29,133 women employees welcome to participate in program

An early disease detection initiative is being raised with the Miami-Dade County’s Public Schools District’s, 29,133 women employees after a long time staffer, of Board member Raquel Regalado, Marisol Perez-Picon, passed after being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2010. And she later passed in 2012 of the disease. That if detected early has a better survival rate and Brian M. Slomovitz, M.D., MS, the co-leader of the Gynecologic Oncology Cancers and site disease Group at the University of Miami Miller Medical School and the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and is an expert on the disease at the School of Medicine. He talked about a study, available to employees being done by the University of Miami Health System. Dr. Slomovitz spoke to the school board members on the need for early detection and the disease is considered “The Silent Killer,” if not diagnosed early said the physician. And The American Cancer Society estimates some 21,290 women a year in America will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 14,180 women will die from this disease nationwide and in Florida the average number of new cases of ovarian cancer was 1,395 and the average annual number of deaths was “104.” Sates the district documentation on the matter. And when detected early some 95 percent pf patients live longer than 5- years after diagnosis, however, “many women are not diagnosed until the disease has begun to spread to the ovaries,” and survival rates dip as well. For more on ovarian cancer, the symptoms and the physicians at UM Health go to http://obgyn.med.miami.edu/gynecologic-oncology/ And the Watchdog Report wishes them good luck in eradicating and treating this dreaded disease for women and cuts across all ethnic groups in South Florida.

Dr. Slomovitz

>>> Bond funding spending through Aug. hits $193 million, $46.3 million goes to technology

Alberto Carvalho gave a schoolboard committee an update on the $1.2 billion GOP bond projects approved by voters in 2012 and out of “152 accelerated GOB small projects, 101 have been completed and 20 more are in construction,” states a handout the superintendent gave the Watchdog Report at a school board Committee meeting Wednesday. The document also state’s as of Aug.31, 2015, bond expenditures totaled $193 million of which $46.3 million went to technology and $147 million for facilities and there is another $119.3million contracted out, states the summary handout given to the school board members and Carvalho says, the results reflect “promises made,” to the public when the bond passed, and is “promises kept, “ he reiterates from the board dais and while the new money was desperately needed for the ageing 400 public schools of which most were over 50 years old, and are now getting renovated.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> PAST WDR: President Migoya tells county commissioners health trust is expanding its brand with new strategic clinics opening, also warns “CMS is trying to end [public money] addiction, to public hospitals”

Past WDR: Jackson Health System CEO Carlos Migoya updated Miami-Dade County Commissioners on the Trust’s progress with utilizing the recent $830 million GOB and how the health system is opening up outpatient clinics in Doral, Miami Beach and other locations, and one “buildout,” clinic was ahead of schedule and “under budget,” he remarked to commissioners. At the required quarterly update the commissioner’s asked for when they approved putting the bond on the ballet a couple of years ago. However, the former banker has said while the trust is in the black, the third year in a row. The government and “CMS is trying to end [the public money] addiction to public hospitals,” and that was why Gov. Rick Scott “created the Task Force to see where this public money is going,” said the health system president, to commissioners. He also warned this public money has been critical to the JHS turnaround and the Trust has done a remarkable job after years of hemorrhaging red ink and the County Commission created a smaller oversight board to watch over the health trust, now Chaired by businessman Joe Arriola.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Auditor Guba, finds City lost $6 million on bond investment, because of callable bonds, and interest rates not going down as anticipated, writes auditor in Sept 11, 2015 report to Mayor and commissioners, presented at Miami finance Committee meeting

The city of Miami lost $6 million in an investment because of the type of callable securities it sold from Jan.1, 2010 through June 30, 2013, “And the investigation of circumstances surrounding the purchase of certain bond investments that were sold at a loss to meet financial obligations,” and were callable at any time, “and interest rates “did not go down as expected,” was discovered by the Commissioner’s Independent auditor Ted Guba, C.P.A. And in a Sept. 11, 2015 report requested by the Miami Finance Committee, a volunteer board that keeps watch on the city’s public tax coffers. Guba writes there was a concentration of these bonds and the city’s total portfolio book value was $416.9 million. And one committee member Richard Brodsky Thursday said there was “misconduct,” found in this report, and it should not be thrown into a dust bin,” Since based on the city’s history “we could slide back,” the man an attorney considered.

He also noted none of the Miami senior finance management back then were still with the city. And Guba makes eight recommendations and currently there are “38 callable bonds in its investment portfolio totaling $302 million in amortized book value of which 36 had maturities of four or five years from the date of issue,” wrote the Certified Public Accountant in the investigation report. He writes as on June 30, “the unrealized or ‘paper’ loss in the fair value of the City’s bonds was $6.008 million.” He also notes the City had a loss of $119,000., on $30 million of its investments in federal agency instruments,” and an effort to refinance interest in order to save $900,000 in interest payments only netted $781,000 and the “realized, losses indicated that the City’s portfolio was not in compliance with the three year weighted average maturity requirement,” and the “maintenance of liquid objectives in the Investment Policy, which mandates all investments be safe and secure and not having a risk factor. The auditor notes 72.6 percent or $302. Millions of the portfolio was concentrated in callable securities with five year callable at the time of the purchase. And the portfolio only has 1.16 percent or $4.5 million of non-callable federal agency securities and 26.24 percent of $109,176,378 was “comprised in investments of commercial grade,” states the report not yet on line and to see other audits go to: http://www.miamigov.com/internal_audits/pages/

What about Sarnoff’s email and will it bleed into his wife’s campaign effort?

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, whose wife Teresa says “He is trainable.” He noted at a recent Miami commission meeting. And the Watchdog Report has become aware that the commissioner uses two email accounts when he conducts public business. And I asked his law partner Jay H. Solowsky, if his “server was secure?” last Wednesday and he said the salaw account was supposed to be used “only for business,” but that is not always the case. And Solowsky said the firm’s server “was as secure,” as one can be in today’s world he noted referencing all the cyber-attacks that have hit the nation.

And at a Miami Exhibition and Sports Authority (MESA) meeting that Solowsky sits on with Commissioner Sarnoff, Willie Gort and is chaired by Mayor Tomas Regalado. A speaker making a presentation noted the people in the room were very “erudite,” and Sarnoff, quipped he must be talking about only “Solowsky,” but it was a snarky comment the others in the room did not deserve. And later at this same meeting when Regalado started to give an update on the MLS David Beckham new stadium, Sarnoff asked if it was on the agenda and since no, was the response. He and Gort left the meeting because Sarnoff saw “press [was] in the room,” including David Smiley of The Miami Herald whose beat is Miami. And voters should watch what Sarnoff does as his time on the dais winds down, “and there is only 60 more days,” of him on the dais, he joked.

For he is not happy camper about stepping down from the five member body, that when he first chaired it, there was only one other commissioner. After two commissioners were picked off, later acquitted by the Miami-Dade State attorney’s office for corruption and the commission was in turmoil, until elections settled on who was to be on the body. Further during a budget discussion. Sarnoff took a joking shot at activist Elvis Cruz, calling him a “despicable,” person and Cruz was once a close friend to Sarnoff when he first ran, but that was in the past. But residents should expect more of these sophomoric shout outs at people before he departs the dais and rides off into the sunset, yet has people wondering why his wife would want to run, and she is seen as a continuation of his own administration that many consider very autocratic and his Coconut Grove base has changed and many people are no longer supporting him like past years. And supporters of Teresa sent the following link to District 2 candidate Ken Russell talking about the Yo-Yo Mafia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob1EP5J3xZM and I asked him for a comment to the video and he wrote back, “You asked for a comment on the yo-yo video. “It’s true.  In high school, I became a professional yo-yo player.  It was a great experience, and it really showed me that I always wanted to be involved in a fun business that people enjoy,” wrote the District 2 candidate back but with the election heating up and qualifying closed the race is expected to get nasty. Further, Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez won reelection when no one opposed his race Friday and Commissioner Willy Gort is getting a challenger on the five member commission.

What about the Brickell District 2 debate last week?

The Miami Commission District 2 candidates made their pitch to the Brickell Homeowners Association, moderated by former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora who failed in his mayoral bid. But Brickell is a powerful new voting bloc for a seat that stretches along the coast and the urban downtown and is the largest contributor to the City’s property tax base and general fund and Teresa Sarnoff appeared flat, Grace Solaris, and Lori Woods, and Russell made some headway and to watch the other candidates make their pitch and thanks to investigative reporter and blogger Al Crespo, the event can be seem on video at http://www.crespogram.com/index_public_html/INTRO_PAGE.html and voters can make up their own minds who looks like a candidate they will want to support. And the pack of candidates all said they would be “listeners,” of residents’ concerns and a higher resident satisfaction rating should be achieved. And Ken Russell is calling for developer “impact fees,” to stay in “the District” and he believes we don’t have accountability on how this money is utilized, he said. Candidate Javier Gonzalez said we are in “the service,” business and you are not voting on someone’s staff. You are voting for me. And Teresa Sarnoff is; heading the fundraising race with $563, 0000 and Solaris, Russell all have enough money to run a campaign but the fiscal edge of Sarnoff gives her a ability through television to reach voters in the high rise condominiums, where many voters reside and cannot be entered by candidates as long serving Congresswoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami found out a few years ago during an election cycle.

Solaris argued there has to be “transportation choices,” since the Brickell area is chocked in traffic made worse by the bridge when it opens. And when it comes to accepting developer’s money. She said she considers it one of the “three legs,” of a campaign stool, where Russell quipped, one leg was larger than the others, he joked. Further, Sarnoff said she was working on her “third,” walking district listening tour and don’t make people “go to a town hall meeting,” go to their door and talk to them to find out their concerns she says. However, some day. If she wishes to win she must address the elephant in the room. Her termed out commissioner Marc, and she does not acknowledge or address how odd it is for her to run after her husband’s over eight years in office and people either love or hate the attorney, who is an enigma to many people for his endless self-promotion. Including a book done by the Miami DDA detailing all his accomplishments while he was in office. And while Teresa says she is her “own, women,” the question is will voters believe that since her. Husband is such a control freak, and is a magnet for conflict and controversy in contrast to her saying she is a “bridge builder,” and believes “sustainability,” when it comes to the environment and Miami’s less than stellar record, including removing a couple of hundred mangroves on Virginal Key and the City’s contractor is having to do mitigation of the fragile area. And to read all the campaign reports for the candidates go to: http://www.ci.miami.fl.us/City_Clerk/Pages/Elections/CampaignReports15.asp and for more on the race go to fhttp://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article35858511.html .

What questions would the WDR have asked?

Voters should get on the record that any candidate elected will not use the Commission Sargent-of Arms like a chauffeur, especially since they get a $1,100. monthly car allowance and whether they will only use only one email account, under the City’s control so the integrity of the messages is protected when someone might do a public records request of past email traffic, yet has not been followed by Sarnoff. And will the candidates crank back the imperial aspect of being a commissioner, never seen before over the past 16 years of watching Miami government. Further, the candidates need to start going to some of the internal meetings like the Finance Committee meeting if they are to have a clue what is going on.

What does Commissioner Suarez want to brag about?

Francis Suarez during the City of Miami budget hearing believed when it came to Miami’s crime rate “it is nothing to brag about,” he told the Miami Police Chief in office since January and Commissioner Sarnoff said he was visiting some people in Coconut Grove, and the pop pop of gunfire was heard and all the people in the room “simultaneously.” Dropped to the floor, and he was the only one left standing said the termed out attorney, and it was almost a “Pablovian reaction,” he said during the City’s public budget hearing recently. And he also said he has a “Miami callus,” which usually means he has had something stolen or a crime committed on himself at the meeting.

What about the Miami Museum Science Dock?

The Philip and Patricia Frost Science Museum will have a scientific barge in the bay notch on submerged land owned by the city of Miami and was a hot topic of discussion at a Miami Waterfront Advisory Board meeting. And a $200,000 grant from the Knight Foundation is helping in the major scientific attraction that will offer 15 STEM labs and is a $25 million investment said Ted Caplow, Ph.D. and a member of the Frost Science museum board and the floating barge is modeled after a similar one in Manhattan and currently in the Bronx and the education programs are aimed at school children in third grade, and there will be many hands on activities including peering into the Biscayne Bay where cameras are on the bottom of the barge and the attraction hopes to be a “catalyst of sustainability,” said the scientist and his power point presentation to the waterfront board was amazing and is a new addition to the future new Miami Science Museum. http://www.miamisci.org/ being constructed in Museum Park.

>>> MESA Topic of the day is who holds licenses for seaplanes and helicopters?

When the Miami Exposition and Sports Authority (MESA) board meets Sept. 16 at noon the main topic will be the dispute between the FAA and FDOT if there is one or two licenses for a helicopter and seaplane base on Watson Island long dormant and “considered abandoned,” and Mayor Tomas Regalado noted at a past MESA the issue “was a mess.” said Regalado. And on Thursday there still was confusion on the matter and it will be discussed at the next MESA meeting, but it is stalling efforts to get the bases back open and generating revenue to the city.

>>> Will litigation stall Watson Island getting sea plane and helicopter service back, FAA may have the final say?

“We have a mess,” Mayor Tomas Regalado told Miami Exhibition and Sports Authority members recently and reported in a past Watchdog Report. The problem is with the FAA and who owns the license for a seaplane base service and helicopters services on Watson Island and the litigation is flying said one knowledgeable source and MESA needs the concessions for funding and after the Caulks Airways crash, the FAA license has been inactive and there is also an issue with FPL infrastructure and state and federal authorities don’t seem to realize there are two separate entities and the debate probable through attorney’s will continue and currently MESA does not have an executive director. And at Wednesday’s MESA meeting the discussion went on and given all the litigation involved in getting the seaplane and helicopter base operational continues and talks on the matter are continuing but had the proposed seaplanes operator saying he holds

>>> PAST WDR July 19, 2015: When it comes to seaplanes and helicopters coming to Watson Island, “We have this mess now,” says Mayor Tomas Regalado

“We have this mess now,” said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado at the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority (MESA) meeting a few weeks ago referring to the fact the license for Helicopters and seaplanes “are both in the city of Miami’s name,” he told authority members. The city for years have been negotiating with two companies to bring the amenities back to the City. However, a Jun.15 letter from the Florida Department of Transportation says the Miami Heliport license was “revoked, due to abandonment,” of the site and the “airport license and Airport site location was included in that revoking, and MESA has to meet again to resolve the issue with FDOT because “This could mean the end of two projects that we want,” said the mayor. Further any reestablishment of the air services also includes electrical infrastructure needs and MESA may have to pay $348,273 to FPL, and this funding has yet to be approved given the limited funding the organization has in in bank accounts. And the body will meet again and see if any resolution to the issues have been resolved but the clock is ticking for the reestablishment of these air services, that made Caulk’s Mallard Seaplanes an iconic part of Miami but ended after a tragic crash a few years ago.

Regalado

What about the Miami Commission District 2 race?

>>> Campaign reports through Sept 10^th have been filed and Grace Solaris has $156,999 in her campaign war chest, Teresa Sarnoff is posting $561,236 and Ken Russell has $103,000 in his war chest and Javier Gonzalez is trailing the pack with $50,545 in their race for the District Commission seat now occupied by termed out Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.

Further, Sarnoff the husband knocked on my door last week and he left a canvas bag emblazoned with his name and the seal of the City of Miami, and inside was a book on his achievements in office and what he did to clean up Merri Christmas Park that was contaminated with ash. But the bag was probable bought with public funds since his office has been giving them out for some time, but the man is blurring the line of who is the candidate running for office, she or the husband, and the very official looking bag has no markings that it is a campaign give away item.

And Sarnoff, an attorney was once a big President Barack Obama supporter, but in 2012 supported Florida Gov. Rick Scott and he is an enigma to many people and voters are just getting to know his wife Teresa who has the financing to by-pass voter interaction and just use the television airwaves to make her case in the District 2 commission race. And some of the candidates coming on strong are Grace Solaris and Ken Russell, Lori Woods, and all the candidates are first time runners and excluding Solaris, and Russell are rarely seen at Miami City Hall and that also applies to Teresa. But the race is expected to get nasty, some candidates are expected to drop out. Further, people are getting annoying robo calls and they sent to the Watchdog Report some comments on the calls, “I’m getting very robust and annoying robo-calls from the Miami Fraternal Order of Police endorsing Teresa Sarnoff. How did she get the endorsement? Was it paid for through her campaign funds? And if it was a through a contribution to the Miami Fraternal Order of Police how much was paid? (No not paid said the union representative, and she was the only candidate that reached out to him, he said during a press gaggle), last week. And the emailer was concerned about retribution because “I’ve been told Marc is vindictive!” the emailer wrote but that fear and concern of her husband is an obstacle candidate Teresa has to face and overcome if she is too successful in her own campaign that is sure to bank heavily on the absentee ballot brokers in what is expected to be a low turnout race. And Solaris is getting help from incumbent Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado raising money for her campaign. And for more on the race go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article35858511.html

 

>>> Stream Channel 77, for all City of Miami meetings, Public Budget Hearings or (Commission, Village Council meetings, Waterfront, Zoning, PAB, Code, etc. hearings)    http://videos.miamigov.com/

 

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Commissioner Wolfson gets mic on dais cut off, in exchange with outgoing Commissioner Tobin, peace in the valley is disrupted for get it done Mayor Levine

 

And Mayor Philip Levine who was on auto pilot to get reelected in November is having trouble keeping peace on the dais after Commissioner Jonah Wolfson got his mic cut off by outgoing Commissioner Ed Tobin after a sharp exchange between the two men and Wolfson is not going out peacefully from the dais and the Watchdog Report may have incorrectly reported a PAC Wolfson created with some $1.5 million in it and caused a firestorm has not been dissolved and it may still be accepting contributions. And Levine who is self-financing his campaign had a tin ear when it came to the public’s perception of the PAC designed to elect good candidates on the commission, and while the PAC was legal and the County Mayor had a similar one, it still drew criticism and became a tussle in the media for both men.

>>> PAST WDR: After media firestorm Commissioner Wolfson PAC dissolved, after reflection, returns the $1.5 million, but it now haunts candidate races and the qualifying period is over

After a public relations firestorm over a PAC with $1.5 million in it from city vendors and others called Relentless for Progress formed by termed out Beach Commissioner Jonah Wolfson. The commissioner an attorney after reflection (and after a discussion with former Miami Beach Mayor David Dermer). Wolfson has decided to dissolve the entity (which may not have happened yet), and return the money prorated to the donors and the PAC had become a very public irritant drawing numerous stories in the media. But as in many such cases, the damage may be done when it comes to Beach voters considering the candidates running for office and includes Mayor Philip Levine seeking re-election who was associated with the PAC as well and was drawing criticism and the incumbent is now facing a challenger David Wieder, who would probable not have run. If not for this PAC controversy, that looked bad to many, and since Levine is self-funding his race, that subtle aspect was lost on many residents who have supported him for the job he has done as mayor since taking office two years ago in a tough race for the office. And Levine last week officially announced he was a candidate for mayor and he will again self-finance his campaign as he did when he first ran for office.

CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI

>>> Clean Campaign Class set for South Miami

Press release: Candidates, campaign workers and politically active citizens involved in local elections are encouraged to attend the “Clean Campaign Class” sponsored by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust on Monday evening, September 21, 2015, in South Miami City Hall.  Votes are scheduled in Miami-Dade’s largest cities — Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah and Homestead — during the next few months, but this class is geared toward those earlier in their campaigns. Candidates and campaign workers involved in elections during 2016 (Florida City, South Miami, Indian Creek, Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, West Miami, Key Biscayne, Miami Gardens, Aventura, Bal Harbour, Biscayne Park, Cutler Bay, Doral, El Portal, Medley, Miami Lakes, North Bay Village, Opa-Locka, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, and Sunny Isles Beach, as well as district, judicial and County-wide posts) can learn how to properly open campaign accounts and start off on an ethical path. The two-hour seminar, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., will feature representatives from the Ethics Commission and the Elections Department who will provide essential information to avoid legal pitfalls, correctly raise and report funds, properly keep records and understand the legal and ethical obligations of seeking public office.  The class is free and open to the public.  Attorneys can earn Continuing Legal Education credits from the Florida Bar.

Clean Campaign Class, Monday, September 21, 2015, 6:30 p.m., South Miami City Hall, 6130 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL 33143
for more information or to reserve a seat, call Robert Thompson at 305-350-0630 or e-mail robthom@miamidade.gov.

 

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

 

>>> Gov. Scott taps Judge Kim Hernandez Vance to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court.

 

Press release: Judge Vance, 54, of Tampa, has served as a Hillsborough County Court judge since 2014. She was previously a Shareholder with GrayRobinson, P.A. from 2005-2014, with Cohn & Cohn P.A. from 1999-2005, and with Rahdert, Anderson, McGowan & Steela, P.A. from 1997-1999. Judge Vance received her bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and her law degree from Stetson University. She fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Bernard Charles Silver. Governor Rick Scott said, “Judge Vance has demonstrated throughout her career, a commitment to serving Florida families. I am confident she will be a valuable addition to the circuit bench.”

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Varekai: Cirque Du Soleil BB&T Center More info >> Lazy Fair MTC’s Sandbox Theatre, Miami Shores More info >> IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival Miami-Dade County Auditorium More info >>
Peter Pan at Wick Theater Tuesday, 11 Aug 2015 GableStage I’ll Eat You Last Opening Wednesday, 5 Aug 2015 Mad Cat Theater Presents RAM at MTC Friday, 31 Jul 2015 View all photos Video Gallery Arsht’s Lookingglass Alice Monday, 13 Jul 2015 The Consul at Florida Grand Opera Tuesday, 12 May 2015 View all videos

Editorials

>>> Are New forms of “social media killing our kids,” children know in advance who might get shot, warns activist LeRoy Jones

What kind of society is social media creating as the watchdog Report sees more and more families where the children at the table are on their devices, and not talking with each other and it is also affecting their ability to concentrate and focus. And given the velocity that technology is moving consider the social ramifications in the future and its impact on the family unit and how our kids interact with other cultures could become a real issue for digital communication is a two dimensional world with no shades, in a world that is not so black and white in nature. But part of growing up is socialization and I wonder what the blowback will be to a society so addicted to technology and only the future will tell us what we have lost when it comes to social skills and empathy for our fellow humans around the planet.

And at a County public budget meeting chilling comments by Le Roy Jones about new social media platforms where kids know in advance who might be targeted to be shot are popping up he said and these outlets without adult adult supervision are “:killing our kids,” he warned and the public schools must get involved for violence is plaguing our community like never before and the killing of our children must come to an end but is technology overriding our community efforts in this regard for if true. Society faces another unwanted challenge for the safety of our youth.

>>> Trump embodying electorate discontent, “like a car crash you have to look at,” why no party affiliation fastest growing voter party demographic

The Donald Trump show is an expression of voters discontent over the past 16 years, where elected leaders say one thing but then do another and I have written in the past what a corrosive affect this has had on the electorate and their confidence in their politicians, and all their promises made but not kept and with the social media revolution Trump has become the “car crash that you have to watch,” said one person and the microphone (as one news pundit said Sunday) for Americans trying to get special interests and money out of political campaigns and makes candidates become crack addicts when it comes to fundraising efforts regardless of the political party. And this disgust is being reflected in nationwide polls and people in government now are viewed like used cars and voters are considering buying a new one and for the moment it is called Trump. But leaders should not discount this level of discontent because it is reflected in what is the fastest growing group of registered voters, No Party Affiliation. A demographic that has only grown since 2004, and politicians who do not value the sacred bond of trust with voters are in trouble. For people are finally demanding something different in their elected leaders at all levels and they ignore this truth and honesty anger at their political peril.

LETTERS

>>> Great story on the Pets’ Trust.  I’d love to speak with you and tell you more.  You are right…..it will be an issue in the Mayor’s race.  

Please watch this…      Pets’ Trust…the Story    password is     movie         

 And read this……..  http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/joe-cardona/article2087823.html

Michael Rosenberg

President Pets’ Trust

Rita Schwartz Cofounder

>>> We are having an incredible exhibit at the Warehouse of Anselm Kiefer, one of the foremost artists this century. Anselm will be here October 21st for an intimate dinner with the proceeds to benefit Lotus House. It is the best exhibit we have ever had in our fifteen years. Please make sure you see it when we open in late October.
Marty Margulies

>>> The Watchdog Report is Celebrating 16 years of weekly publishing since May 5^th 2000 and when I started back then I never thought I would be doing this so

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog. And while I have taken a licking over the years including some medical issues I have kept at the job thanks to my supporters who I thank so very much over the many years. And the community’s public institutions are better when it comes to them knowing what the other is doing and why I have tried to be an information electrolyte for these giant institution’s leaders and things and here is a national story done on why I started to watch government back in 2000 http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and to all the people along the way that have helped me I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Publisher’s Statement on the mission of the Watchdog Report and the special people and organizations that make it possible:  Government Subscribers/Corporate Subscribers/Sustaining Sponsors/Supporting Sponsors

 

***** LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & Initial sponsors since 2000

 

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 2000

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ALFRED NOVAK

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THE HONORABLE STANLEY G. TATE

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

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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

>>> 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 HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION ON ETHICS and PUBLIC TRUST www.ethics.miamidade.gov  

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/

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

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

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

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

Publisher’s Statement on the mission of the Watchdog Report and the special people and organizations that make it possible:  Government Subscribers/Corporate Subscribers/Sustaining Sponsors/Supporting Sponsors 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 fourth 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 250 reports and Extras have been sent since May 5, 2000 and over one 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. I welcome letters via e-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

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2015, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

Published on January 20, 2003, Page 1E, Orlando Sentinel, PAPERWORK TIGER, Miami’s citizen watchdog piles up government files in his quest to keep the “little people” informed. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog

>>>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/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517

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 –www.miami.com/mld/MiamiHerald/news/columnists/dan_ricker/

 

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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

Corporate Sponsors $1,000 (All levels above will be listed in the report with web-site link if desired)

 

Large Business Supporters $500

Small Business Supporters $250 

Individual Supporter $150

 

Name & Address Make checks payable to Daniel A. Ricker

Send to

3109 Grand Avenue, #125

Miami, FL 33133

To contact the Publisher please e-mail: to watchdogreport1@earthlink.net