Watchdog Report » Vol 10

Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 40 April 11, 2010 Medical Issue

editor — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:46:14 +0000

CONTENTS

Argus Report: FBI opens up 2^nd public corruption task force, “public fed up with corruption,” says FBI’s Gillies

Florida: Republican Party spending habits continues, junior staffer racks up $1.3 million in AX charges, not all hers

Miami-Dade County: Commission discussion on PHT oversight slow going, everyone has an opinion, powers of 25A almost enough as it is

Broward County: Geller and Gunzburger will face off for commission Dist. 6 seat; voters should expect political fireworks

Palm Beach County: County woman charged with preparing fraudulent income tax returns

Pinellas County: Two sentenced after three county car chase in Nov. 2009

Leon County: Gov. Crist appointed Robert R. “Rob” Wheeler of Tallahassee to County Court.

Miami-Dade Public Schools: District opens new TERRA Environmental Research Institute April 21

Public Health Trust: Vice Chair Medina says there was no attempt to “restrict access” for attendees at the Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Restructuring Committee

City of Miami: Atty. Bru takes a 17 % cut in salary, total savings across board $176,000 over next two-years, says Commissioner Suarez after negotiations

City of Miami Beach: State prisoners spotted cleaning-up causeway, shows financial state of Florida

City of Doral: Clerk Herrera and others get ethics advocate warning letter, after Rubio fundraiser e-mail

Community Events: Friends of the Japanese Gardens and the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation Present — HARU MATSURI (Spring Festival)

Editorials: PAST WDR: OCT 2005: What is it about some people in Miami-Dade who believe only they should serve on a board or in a position? — Government courtesy dashboards given to civilians on community boards should not be abused, for they also can be a government liability if something happens

Letters: Reader on the Watchdog Report and my health

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding the University of Miami’s Knight Center of International Media http://knight.miami.edu within the University’s School of Communication www.miami.edu assistance to rebuild my web site www.watchdogreport.net that is now on line again, since the previous one was shut down in July 2008. Past reports will continue to go on line in the future, potentially as far back as May 2000. This institutional support is a major break through for me, and I am deeply appreciative of the help these two substantial international institutions have given me at a time the site was an unbudgeted expense and to keep the Watchdog Report a community education resource, while also being a decade old news service.

>>> I will be on Topical Currents on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM, May 5 and it will be the 11^th anniversary of the Watchdog Report and readers should listen in.

>>> If you think it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider becoming a supporter or sponsor. For there is no trust fund and I do have to live. A convenient form is at the bottom of this week’s Watchdog Report with all the instructions on how to support this decade old newsletter and news service soon to start its 11^th anniversary on May 5.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> FBI opens up 2^nd public corruption task force, “public fed up with corruption,” says FBI’s Gillies

A Thursday press conference at Miami police headquarters downtown announcing the arrests of some officers and city staff, and the removal of a number of senior administrators continues to highlight South Florida’s fight against political corruption and incompetence. John Gillies, the Special Agent in Charge for the FBI said in his travels since arriving here last year from “Ft. Pierce to the Keys.” He said “the public is fed up with corruption” and he is pursuing a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to these wayward public officials. Gillies, a 27-year veteran with the agency said he has “opened a second public corruption task force” and he has around 460 special agents in his South Florida field office. He also thanked the public for the numerous “tips” about illegal activity and noted most law enforcement is doing their job “honestly”. He thanked his own federal agents for their work and “major commitment” to the “tough job” saying fighting “corruption matters” if a community is to be vibrant with politically healthy public officials and institutions watching over Americans taxpayer dollars and how these monies are being spent.

>>> What about the U.S. Southern District of Florida?

The Watchdog Report has been reporting on the local federal district since 2000 and I have watched many elected leaders and public servants go down either through the state attorney’s office, the federal authorities or both and it should be a wake-up call for politicians that it is not only the authorities that can cause trouble. For citizens and residents are not potted plants and with the proliferation of cell phones and other cameras proliferate and these can easily document political leaders activities and any wayward transgressions. Further, it is not only public corruption that has had Gov. Charlie Crist suspend 36 elected officials since he took office in Jan. 2007, roughly one a month but fraud and a wide variety of other crimes have been associated with Florida elected officials. R. Alex Acosta, the former U.S. attorney when I asked about all the Medicare and Medicaid fraud that topped $1.1 billion over a 13-month period said yes at the time, “We are the graduate school for fraud.”

What about state and federal investigations?

State attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle (Net worth $1.34 million) is challenging a couple of the people arrested Thursday and in the media claims, the acts did not rise to criminality. However, the Miami Police Chief said a judge believed there was probable cause and signed the arrest warrant for the men who worked with a local community based organization. Further, there is a real difference between how the state prosecutors and federal agents work in many ways. Many of the state investigations are based on documents and peoples testimony, but the idea of offering money like in some of the federal stings is out of the question, since there is no spare money said one state attorney source. But for the federal agents, they have the financial resources to troll and see if someone is tempted to be brought over to the dark side and these individuals usually end up with a federal plea deal after they have been busted.

>>> Press release: Zogby Interactive: Most Support Stronger Regulations on Big Banks, Taxing Them To Pay Back Bailouts 63% Say Government Not Responsible for Insuring Big Banks Don’t Fail

Legislative proposals to regulate financial institutions and limit their size have the support of a majority of likely voters, including 55% who favor a tax on large banks to cover any government losses from bailouts. Those are among the findings of a Zogby Interactive survey of 3,351 likely voters conducted from April 1-3, 2010. The survey has a margin of error of +/-1.7%. The survey also found that 63% do not agree that the federal government has a responsibility to insure that big banks do not fail and only 33% said they had confidence in the Federal Reserve to enforce regulations on the nation’s financial institutions. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1845

>>> I wanted to thank the over dozen people and organizations that have sent me money over the past weeks and it was more than appreciated and you will each hear back from me by mail in the future. Thank you for the support. The report is also shorter and with less real content because I am still weak and do not have my past energy level that allowed me to write all day Saturday and Sunday as in the past almost 11-years that I have been doing this. I ask for my readers understanding during this time. >>> 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, 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 Topical Currents on www.wlrn.org since 2000, including yearly election coverage since then and also the opportunity to be on Helen Ferre’s show Issues on issues@wpbt.org numerous times over the past decade.

>>> PAST WDR: I have been in the hospital after emergency surgery, one more procedure to go, need the community’s financial help to keep at this!

I have not communicated or sent out a Watchdog Report since the end of January because I had a catastrophic medical issue that required one emergency surgery and another in a few weeks after about two months of convalescing at the hospital and home. I would like to thank surgeon Jorge R. Rabaza, M.D., (Recently honored and awarded the Person of the Year at South Miami Hospital) and the rest of his vascular surgery team of Verdeja, Rabaza, Gonzalez, P.A., who practice at South Miami Hospital (http://www.miamihope.com/doctors/index.asp.). I went to the emergency room Feb. 8 and later in the evening, the operation was done, and it was touch and go. I also want to thank all the nursing and support staff located in the forth floor annex of the hospital who took care of me for over a week after the operation and your kind manner and medical attention was deeply appreciated. I have not had the strength and mental clarity to write until the last few days and to say I need a miracle is an understatement regarding my financial survival. I have been unable to send invoices to past supporters and just paying my rent currently is a big deal and hope you will consider doing what you can to keep me out in the field and reporting back after I get back on my feet and I am feeling better. The support form is at the bottom of this truncated issue for your convenience and if high definition transparency of what your public institutions are doing is important to you. Please help and support me financially during this particularly rough patch. >>> Editor’s note: If you see people that represent these two organizations, let them know you appreciate how they helped me keeping this free news resource out in our community for all to read if desired.

>>> FURTHER, THERE WILL BE NO Watchdog Report for THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND I HOPE TO BE BACK FOR THE 11^TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE.

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

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

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 2500 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 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!”

FLORIDA

>>> Republican Party spending habits continues, junior staffer racks up $1.3 million in AX charges, not all hers

The Republican Party of Florida is reeling www.miamiherald.com from new revelations that a junior staffer had $1.3 million in charges, using a card not under her total control but the news is a body blow to the party’s state organization with the upcoming primary and general elections in November. The staffer Melanie Phister, then 25 when she had the job is now working in a staff position in the House and on the card she blended all kinds of charges including a trip to Europe. The paper quotes Republicans as being ‘apoplectic’ about the mess and the amount on the party’s American Express Card and it just continues the turmoil for senior party officials who are trying to gear up for the elections.

What about the state Democratic Party races?

While state Republicans are licking their self inflicted wounds it remains to be seen if Democrats will necessarily benefit since both parties faithful are not as energized for the 2010 election that has all the cabinet positions up in the air. However, Democrats have rarely projected a united front when it comes to many of the anointed candidates the party runs, many times after a tough primary. Further, the Republican majority legislature has passed a bill, (SB 6), that is sending state educators, teachers and parents over the moon and Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $466,000) is mulling over what to do with the contentious new legislation and whether to veto the law. Crist is still trying to get back into the U.S. Senate primary that has him trailing former House Speaker Marco Rubio (Net worth $8,351) for the race in August and Crist is lagging the 39-year old for the first time in fundraising for a quarter, though overall Crist’s war chest is larger at over $7 million.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Commission discussion on PHT oversight slow going, everyone has an opinion, powers of 25A almost enough as it is

A Thursday marathon commission meeting discussion concerned what to do with the Public Health Trust, its board and administration that is looking at a $229 million budget hole that is trying to be plugged through a massive restructuring of the almost $1.8 billion public health system. Four commissioners have introduced ordinances offering a variety of new oversight plans that will be refined into one when certain conditions trigger such an event, such as the trust not being able to make payroll would have the commission get more involved. However, the extended Thursday afternoon discussion also showed the wide variety of opinions on how to address the looming financial challenges that the current administration and the health trust board are trying to resolve.

Commissioner Natacha Seijas (Net worth $655,000) at the meeting said she has no beef with the PHT board, it is “with the administration” she has lost confidence with. Commissioner Katy Sorenson noted the county commission already had the power to make major changes of the trust governance, including the removal of incumbent trustees for a variety of reasons for “cause.” Commissioner Javier Souto, a voting PHT board member who sponsored a resolution calling for state agencies like ACHA to get involved, which was later withdrawn, said the body should hear from Chris Mazzella, the county’s inspector general whose office had done some critical reports on the PHT over the years. Further, Souto was going to speak his mind and at one point he refused to stop speaking that had Commission Chair Dennis Moss (Net worth $477,000) calling for everyone on the dais to settle down.

What next?

The commission Committee of the Whole will be meeting in the future to thrash out any further legislation and its specificity but the health trust is under county management watch, and Mayor Carlos Alvarez and George Burgess said they would be on top of the situation that will likely include some county employees working at the health trust campus.

>>> Commissioners and Mayor’s administration have verbal rumble on budget “tweaks” Souto says are getting out of hand

There has been an ongoing tension between the county commission and Mayor Carlos Alvarez’s (Net worth $1.66 million) administration over the past few years since a strong mayor form of government was approved by county voters and it is much like one sees at the state and national level. Last week commissioners had an extensive discussion regarding how the administration makes budget adjustments in the course of the budget year that ends Sept.30. When commissioners hammered Manager George Burgess about the internal funding changes that in this case was to end the popular Boot Camp program he said the administration takes the budget adjustment issue very seriously and you “don’t want us to end the year with a large cash deficit,” he noted. He also reiterated that the commission will face “face tough [budget] choices” in the coming budget year discussions in September since overall revenues are anticipated to continue to drop. However, Commissioner Javier Souto (Net worth $856,000) said this kind of internal manipulation of the approved budget was out of hand and believes the “tweaking” by the administration was becoming excessive and taking that authority from the commission.

>>> The commission had a discussion of a Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com article concerning a new large cruise ship being berthed at Port of Ft. Lauderdale and county manager George Burgess said it was continuing “the status quo” of the business and the faculties at both ports. He believes both facilities have there own strengths and the portrayal of one port as a winner and the other a loser and “at the Port of Miami’s expense.” He said that characterization was “not right.”

>>> Press release: GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF NINTH ANNUAL NONPROFIT NOVO AWARDS

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Business Committee presented the ninth annual NOVO Awards today at Jungle Island during the Chamber’s monthly Trustee Luncheon. The NOVO Awards honor nonprofit business innovative excellence in two categories – nonprofits with a budget of $2 million and above and those with a budget of less than $2 million. In the $2 million and above budget category, the NOVO Award was presented to United HomeCare Services–TeleHealth Monitoring Services. Founded by United Way in 1974, United HomeCare Services provides community-based healthcare solutions to help older and disabled adults live at home independently. TeleHealth Monitoring Services provides hospital-grade wireless remote monitoring devices that take vital sign measurements, as needed or recommended by their physician. This information is then transmitted to a central station nurse who reviews the data, identifies appropriate action, provides at home visits if needed and communicates with the client’s physician or caregiver. This program decreased the number of patients hospitalized by 58 percent and number of days hospitalized by 72 percent.

In the under $2 million budget category, the NOVO Award was presented to Human Services Coalition–The Prosperity Campaign. Founded in 1995, Human Services Coalition monitors changes in health and human service delivery, provides information and mobilizes public planning and response. The organization’s mission is to empower individuals and communities to create a more just society through engagement, economic fairness and access to vital services. The Prosperity Campaign serves low to moderate-income individuals and families, addressing their financial needs and helping them build a secure financial future. It connects them to existing economic benefits and financial literacy programs that help them improve their standard of living. Since 2002, the program has prepared 12,715 tax returns totaling $13,488,374 in federal returns, which translates to an economic impact of a minimum of $139 million for Miami.

The Chamber also recognized the following finalists in the $2 million and above budget category — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, Inc.–School to Work; and Community Smiles–Improving Smiles; under $2 million budget category: Overtown Youth Center, Inc. — Youth Development Program; and PanZOu Project, Inc.–Gang Prevention and Intervention Program. >>> The 2010 NOVO Awards were made possible by Gold Sponsors: Compuquip Technologies, Inc. and Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company; Award Sponsors: Health Foundation of South Florida and Tropical Financial Credit Union; and Supporting Sponsor: Terremark Worldwide, Inc. >>>For information about the NOVO Awards or to apply for next year’s awards contact Jennifer Sanchez, 305-577-5451 or jsanchez@miamichamber.com.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Geller and Gunzburger will face off for commission Dist. 6 seat; voters should expect political fireworks

Let the political battle begin for the seat held by Broward County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger (net worth $1.34 million) for the past decade now that former state Sen. Steve Geller (Net worth $1.24 million) a long term serving Democrat has announced he is sticking in the 2010 race. There had been speculation that Geller might run for the open commission seat being vacated by Commissioner Diana Wasserman Rubin after her recent announcement she would not run in again because of a medical illness www.miamiherald.com . Geller, a high-powered attorney/lobbyist in his spare time has been out of office since 2008 when he was termed out, both he and Gunzburger are seasoned campaigners, and this race is expected to become politically brutal in the months ahead. Since the county commission races are partisan, one of the two will face any Republican contender in November. However, Broward is heavily Democratic and whoever wins in the Aug. 24 primary is expected to coast to victory in November.

>>> PBA contractor sentenced for tax fraud

Press release: Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, announced that defendant John A. Gullett, of Parkland, FL, was sentenced today before U.S. District Court Judge William P. Dimitrouleas to 51 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gullett was ordered to pay restitution of $255,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. On January 22, 2010, Gullett was convicted following a jury trial of four counts of filing a false tax return. According to the four-count criminal Indictment and evidence introduced at trial, Gullett knowingly and willfully subscribed to false Form 1040 Individual Income Tax Returns, statements, and documents for tax years 2002 through 2005. Gullett under-reported his gross receipts from 2002 through 2005, and filed the tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service knowing that the returns contained materially false information, in violation of Title 26, United States code, Section 7206(1).

According to statements made in court and evidence presented during the trial, Gullet contracted with the Broward County Police Benevolent Association (BCPBA) and the Dade County Police Benevolent Association (DCPBA) to solicit local businesses to buy advertisements in a book that Gullett published listing local businesses. The book was distributed to PBA members. In exchange, Gullett paid BCPBA and DCPBA between $3,000 and $5,000 per month and kept whatever funds he raised in excess of these amounts. Defendant Gullett failed to report approximately $3 million of income received from this operation from 2002 through 2005. Gullett used these monies to purchase a personal residence in Parkland, FL, and various luxury automobiles, including two Ferraris and a Lamborghini. Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertha R. Mitrani. >>> 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.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

>>> Press release: County woman charged with preparing fraudulent income tax returns

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, today announced the arrest and unsealing of an indictment against defendant Marvel Ebanks, of West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, and unincorporated Palm Beach County, on twenty-two counts of assisting and advising in the preparation and presentation of fraudulent income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in violation of Title 26 U.S.C. § 7206(2). Ebanks is being detained pending a pre-trial detention hearing, scheduled for Friday, April 16, 2010 before Magistrate Judge Linnea R. Johnson. The indictment alleges that Ebanks owned and operated Marvelous Enterprises Inc, a tax return preparation business located in Palm Beach County, Florida. Ebanks operated her business from her various residences in Palm Beach County. The indictment further alleges that Ebanks prepared and caused to be submitted Individual Income Tax Returns claiming tax refunds on behalf of various taxpayers, knowing that these returns contained materially false information. Specifically, Ebanks claimed nonexistent expenses or inflated itemized deductions making it appear that the taxpayers would be due a larger tax refund than was allowed from the IRS. The taxpayers were typically only sent the signature page of their returns and were unaware of the false information that Ebanks used to inflate their refunds.

If convicted, the maximum statutory term of imprisonment is 3 years as to each of the preparation and presentation of fraudulent income tax return counts. Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emalyn Webber. An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless 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.

PINELLAS COUNTY

>>> Press release: Two sentenced after three county car chase in Nov. 2009

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), John T. Czernis, Director, Florida Highway Patrol (“FHP”), and Roberto Fulgueira, Chief, Sweetwater Police Department, announced yesterday’s sentencing of two defendants involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy on November 24, 2009 that resulted in the assault on federal officers. On April 8, 2010, United States District Court Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced the defendants, Orenthal Marcel Butler, 24, and Solvin Bowie-Forbes, 44, both of Clearwater, Florida, to terms of imprisonment of 420 (35 years) and 108 months (9 years), respectively. Butler pled guilty on January 7, 2010 to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute four kilograms of cocaine, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. Bowie-Forbes pled guilty on January 12, 2010 to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute four kilograms of cocaine.

According to the factual proffer submitted at the defendants’ change of plea hearings, on November 24, 2009, the defendants agreed to purchase four kilograms of cocaine at $21,000 per kilogram from undercover agents they believed to be drug dealers. Once Butler showed the undercover the money with which he intended to buy the cocaine, surveilling agents arrested Bowie-Forbes without incident. According to the factual proffer, however, as ICE agents and officers of the MDPD attempted to arrest Butler, Butler fled in his white Mazda, leading them on a high-speed, three-county car chase. The chase ended when Butler, traveling at approximately 130 mph, crashed into a black F-150 truck, collided against the metal barrier along the east side of the highway, crashed against the concrete wall along the west side of the highway, and finally came to a stop just north of the 45th Street overpass in Palm Beach County.

Butler, who was unharmed, was immediately taken into custody by troopers of the FHP. In a search incident to his arrest, officers found, in Butler’s pocket, a wad containing $4,210 in cash. Butler consented to a search of his vehicle where officers recovered, in the rear passenger seat, one blue gym bag containing approximately $83,830 in cash. The factual proffer further states that, after Butler’s arrest, a civilian resident of Livingston, Texas, who had seen the car chase on CNN Headline News, called the MDPD and reported that, during the chase, Butler had tossed what appeared to be a gun from the passenger’s side window of the speeding car. Based on the information provided by the concerned citizen, the police recovered a loaded, .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol from the side of the road. >>> The indictment was the culmination of a two-week investigation by ICE’s Office of Investigations in Miami and the MDPD, with assistance from the Sweetwater Police Department and the FHP. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roy Altman. 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 http://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 http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

LEON COUNTY

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Robert R. “Rob” Wheeler of Tallahassee to the Leon County Court.

“Rob’s patience, insight and careful consideration will make him a fair and unbiased judge, and I am confident he will respectfully hear and regard every case that comes before him,” Governor Crist said. “His 21 years of practicing law, in both the private and public sectors, ensure his ability to make reasoned decisions in a timely manner and in accordance with the law.” Wheeler, 46, has served as general counsel for Governor Crist since June 2009 and as assistant general counsel beginning in January 2007. Previously, after 10 years of private practice, he served in the criminal appeals division of the Office of the Attorney General since 1998, beginning as an assistant attorney general in the Palm Beach office. In 2000, he relocated to Tallahassee and became bureau chief of the division in 2003. Wheeler received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a law degree from the University of Florida. “”I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the bench of the county court, which serves as ‘The People’s Court’ and provides citizens the right to be heard fairly and with respect,” said Wheeler. “I am committed to working hard for the people of Leon County in this capacity.” Wheeler will fill the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge James O. Shelfer to the Second Judicial Circuit.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> District opens new TERRA Environmental Research Institute April 21

Press release: NEWS RELEASE FROM ANA RIVAS LOGAN -April 8, 2010 – WHO: School Board Member Ana Rivas Logan, representatives from District and regional administration, students and parents WHAT:SAVE THE DATE! -TERRA Environmental Research Institute Dedication ceremony – WHEN: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 – 10 a.m. WHERE: 11005 S.W. 84 St., Miami, FL. 33173 – WHY: TERRA Environmental Research Institute is the District’s first green school. The school showcases the District’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. Environmental principles are incorporated into the school’s curriculum and construction. The new magnet school’s innovations include utilizing the condensation from the air conditioning units to water plants, water faucets on 20-second timers, bathroom facilities that use less water and lights on motion sensors.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Vice Chair Medina says there was no attempt to “restrict access” for attendees at the Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Restructuring Committee

Angel Medina, Jr. the vice chair of the PHT board and chairs the subcommittee that is dealing with the restructure whose meeting locations I criticized for being in a smaller conference room in the DTC responded back last week. Medina a long serving member of the 17-member board and a former banker wrote back, “I hear you. I have always been about transparency and have no reason to want to restrict access. Frankly, I thought that there would be less staff than the numbers that [do] show up. Your point is well taken-heard and [I] will address accordingly. Thank you for your support and concern for Jackson, wrote Medina.

What about where these sunshine meetings are being held?

The Watchdog Report has covered the PHT since 1998 and during this time the organization has its up and downs when it comes to the press coverage it has gotten over the years. However, the health trust at this juncture should error on the side of more public access to meetings and using a small meeting room at the Ira C. Clark Diagnostic Treatment Center for a committee chaired by Vice Chair Angel Medina, Jr. this Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. is the wrong way to go. Further, efforts should be made to facilitate the press getting access into the medical complex at such an early hour if one of the media is not to make a Sunshine violation complaint that recently got a state attorney’s attention in Broward County and Gov. Charlie Crist suspended two municipal commissioners last week.

>>> Press release: Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Restructuring Committee – Angel Medina, Jr., Jorge L. Arrizurieta, Ernesto A. de la Fe, Marcos J. Lapciuc Martin G. Zilber — Please be advised that all future meetings of the Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Restructuring Committee will be held from 8:00 a.m. to

10:00 a.m. in the West Wing Board Room. See future meeting dates below: Wednesday, April 14, 2010; Wednesday, April 21; Wednesday, April 28; Wednesday, May 5, Wednesday, May 12; Wednesday, May 19, Wednesday May 26; Wednesday, June 2.

>>> April 12^th, Jackson North Financial Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., JNMC, 2nd FL Auditorium, 160 N.W. 170th Street, North Miami Beach, FL

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for almost 11-years

Since May of 2000, I have been covering the PHT in all its aspects over the years and its financial challenges since then have never been far below the surface of any story over this time. In 2004, I ran the headline about the $84 million charge the organization was having to take for the year and the numbers in many ways never got that much better, week after week, month after month, to where we are today. Some of the county commissioners are carping about all the sudden press and media attention the hospital system with 12,000 employees is getting but that is what happens in Florida where the state sunshine and open records laws makes all these activities public events. However, the commissioners should also be asking why they and the Fourth Estate did not kick in earlier to alert South Florida of the pending financial train wreck. The chronic problem was apparent to anyone that read the Watchdog Report over the decade, but in many ways, my role seems to be of Cassandra for we, as a community did not necessarily have to be where we are today, if corrective action had occurred years ago.

>>> PAST Dec: 2005 WDR: Overall cash balances climb to $400 million but trust gets hit with $8.5 million in hurricane loses

The PHT financials continue to get moderately better after the health trust closed the year at the end of September with an $800,000 surplus after five years in the red. The health trust with a $1.5 billion budget over the years has been dealing with an antiquated billing and information technology system, cuts in Medicaid funding, and unfunded county mandates that are now dropping to about $5 million a month as the county reassumes some of the costs for correctional health care service and county nursing homes.

However, with 10,300 employee’s cash is king within the institution after hitting a low of only 18 days of cash in October 2004 but that position has improved. Currently the health trust has more cash on hand since September of 2001 and in total. It is about $400 million but that includes restricted monies, and other cash that is limited to use. Further, the recent hurricane season took its toll on the health trust and the numbers are coming in. PHT documents state hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma cost the organization $7.47 million in salaries and related costs. Total non-labor costs came to another $1 million for a total hit to the PHT of $8.5 million for this year’s hurricane season.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Atty. Bru takes a 17 % cut in salary, total savings across board $176,000 over next two-years, says Suarez after negotiations

Commissioner Francis Suarez turned in a solid review of the city Attorney Julie O. Bru’s compensation after being assigned the project by Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff. Suarez, an attorney was able to get concessions from Bru given the city’s tough economic state and is a start at bring down some administrative staff salary costs. The city attorney took a 17 percent cut in her $274,000 salary that will now come in at $228,000. She also is taking a $31,000 cut in vacation and sick time available for payout and another $19,000 of accrued payouts were eliminated. A worksheet Suarez gave to the Watchdog Report Thursday during a commission meeting shows there will be $176,000 savings under these new terms over a two-year contract term.

>>> Press release: City of Miami Commissioner Richard P. Dunn II, will present his first State of the District Address entitled: A New Vision for District 5 “ Building Bridges One Block at a Time” on Monday, April 12, 2010 at Charles Hadley Park Black Box Theater located at 1300 N.W. 50th Street. The District 5 Address will start promptly at 12 Noon and is free and open to the public.

Commissioner Dunn was appointed to the City of Miami Commission, on January 26, 2010, to represent District 5, which includes Overtown, Liberty City, Little Haiti, Buena Vista and Wynwood. During his speech, the commissioner will outline his vision and goals for District 5 and address key topics such as: job development, economic development, crime reduction and affordable green housing. City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado will attend the State of the District Address along with other City and County Commissioners, community leaders and District 5 residents. For more information, contact the Office of Commissioner Dunn at (305) 250-5390. Who: City of Miami Commissioner Richard P. Dunn, II., What: State of the District Address, When: Monday, April 12, 2010 at 12:00 Noon, Where: Charles Hadley Park Black Box Theater, 1300 N.W. 50th Street.

>>> The following e-mail was sent to (now former) Mayor Manny Diaz using his e-mail address on his extensive city web-page on Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. and to date there has been no answer from the mayor.>>> “Mayor Diaz, I wanted to ask you in the chamber today but not in front of Chair Joe Sanchez. My question is where did the extra $400,000 in the 2007 disclosure form come from? I will run what ever you respond unedited but I would appreciate closing this issue, as I am sure you do. Sorry but I have to ask. Best to all. Dan” >>>> The Watchdog Report through Dec.7 has yet to get a response or catch-up with Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz on where he got the extra $400,000 in cash listed in his 2007 financial disclosure forms. To see what CBS 4 reporter David Sutta’s take on this issue and the other city leaders financial disclosures go to cbs4.com Blogs . >>> Readers should stay tuned and catch the meeting on the city’s cable station channel 77. >>> Stream Channel 77, for all City of Miami meetings, (Commission, Village Council meetings, Waterfront, Zoning, PAB, Code, etc. hearings) http://videos.miamigov.com/

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> State prisoners spotted cleaning-up causeway, shows financial state of Florida

With the Florida economy down in the dumps the Watchdog Report on Friday saw something I may have missed in the past. I traveled across Macarthur Causeway and near the Fisher Island Ferry entrance were state workers, but they were prison inmates doing roadwork and landscaping. It caught my eye because normally you see these details along the larger highways and the turnpike, but their use visually shows the financial straits of the Sunshine State. Ironically, the use of the chain gang gained prominence in the mid 1990s when then state Sen. Charlie Crist sponsored the legislation and got him the moniker of “Chain Gang Charlie.”

>>> Press release: Who: Miami Beach Vice Mayor Jerry Libbin is having another beach cleanup with Commissioner Gongora, Ecomb, Surfrider Foundation, Sofi K-9, Smith & Wollensky and Marriott South Beach plus many other volunteer organizations. What: The Beach Cleanup will target South of Fifth street beach areas and South Pointe. Where: Volunteers will meet on 2nd Street and Ocean Drive (Marjory Stoneman Douglas Park) When: Saturday, April 24th at 10:00 a.m. lunch will be provided to all who rsvp. Rsvp to Enid at Commissioner Libbin’s office (305) 673 7000×6722 or jerry@miamibeachfl.gov

>>> Brilliance on the Beach* Thursday, April 15 and Friday April 16, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, 2000 Convention Center Drive 305.673.7256 www.mbgarden.org Arts for Learning presents an exhibition of student artwork created at garden classes as well as performances and art integrated learning units created by Miami Beach teachers.

>>> LOX WITH BLACK BEANS & RICE: PORTRAITS OF CUBAN JEWS IN SOUTH FLORIDA* Opens April 27, 2010, Jewish Museum of Florida, 301 Washington Ave. 305.672.5044 www.jewishmuseum.com The photographs by Randi Sidman-Moore include brief oral histories of Cuban Jews. They reflect the daily lives and life and holiday cycles rituals of a people and how they are different or similar to the larger society. These “Jewbans” are examples of diversity within one cultural landscape.

CITY OF DORAL

>>> Clerk Herrera and others get ethics advocate warning letter, after Rubio fundraiser e-mail

City of Doral Clerk Barbara Herrera got a wake-up call March 19 after she received a letter from the county’s ethics commission advocate concerning “allegations” that a city e-mail list was used to promote a fundraiser for former state Rep. Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, now a U.S. senate candidate facing off against Gov. Charlie Crist in the Aug 24, closed Republican primary. As the Michael Murawski letter notes, this kind of activity of a public office, supporting a candidate, is a no-no and why the Watchdog Report made a big deal about it last week when a Miami Beach city employee did a variation of this, though not for a political candidate.

>>> Here is the letter: March 19, 2010, Barbara Herrera, City Clerk, City of Doral Re: Use of City resources for political campaigns — Dear Ms. Herrera, Mayor and Council

I am writing to you with the hope that this letter will serve as a guideline for you and other municipal government officials to prevent the possibility of ethical transgressions in the future. Recently, my office received some information alleging that the City of Doral’s e-mail system was used to disseminate invitations to a campaign related function for Senate candidate Marco Rubio.

The Ethics Commission recently opined that the Mayor of Miami-Dade County was prohibited from endorsing a judicial candidate using County stationary. The Ethics Commission reasoned that while the Mayor was free to personally endorse whomever he pleased, he could not create the impression that the County endorsed the candidate. The Ethics Commission used the same analysis to conclude that the Mayor could not disseminate, through the County e-mail system, a political endorsement that he received from the Firefighters Union and the Police Benevolent Association. We also advised a former City of Homestead Mayor that she could not utilize the City e-mail system to invite people to a Mario Diaz-Balart fundraiser.

The Ethics Commission has deemed the dissemination of political e-mails through a government e-mail network as violative of the Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics ordinance. For future reference, be advised that it could be considered an exploitation of official position[1] to disseminate political campaign material using City resources (i.e. e-mail) or utilize tax payers money to create political advertisements for a third party. If you are ever in doubt as to the propriety of any official action, I urge you all to contact my office or request an opinion from the Ethics Commission. If you have any further questions or need any other information please do not hesitate to call me at (305) 350-0609 or e-mail me at murawsk@miamidade.gov, wrote Murawski with a copy to Doral attorney, former county Commissioner Jimmy Morales.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Friends of the Japanese Gardens and the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation Present — HARU MATSURI (Spring Festival)

Sunday, April 25th, 2010 from 10:00am – 5:00pm the public is invited to the Ichimura Miami-Japan Garden on Watson Island for their annual Spring Festival (HARU MATSURI). Event organizers Ms. Agnes Youngblood and Ms. Connie Stieger state, “This is a wonderful event that offers something for every member of the family. It is a nice way for a family to spend a Sunday afternoon together.” Musical entertainment will be provided by the exciting FUSHU DAIKO Drummers, Koto musician, Yoshiko Carlton and Japanese Flute musician, Marc Berner. Attendees may participate in classes featuring Japanese folk crafts, cooking, Japanese Calligraphy, Origami, Bonsai, Ikebana and the Martial Arts. All events are FREE! Lunch and drinks will be available for purchase. >>> Ichimura Miami-Japan Garden is located at 1101 MacArthur Causeway Adjacent to JUNGLE ISLAND. Parking: Public Parking Lot across from the entrance to the Garden or in the Jungle Island Parking Building. >>> For membership, please inquire at the reception table. This event is sponsored by the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation and the Friends of the Japanese Garden. For more information, please contact: Agnes Youngblood at 305-858-5016 or 786-457-6446

EDITORIALS

>>> PAST WDR: OCT 2005: What is it about some people in Miami-Dade who believe only they should serve on a board or in a position?

Miami-Dade County with 2.3 residents seems to have a few people that consistently believe only they have the Holy Grail of truth and knowledge when it comes to being on different public boards and that is wrong. I see so many of the same people who believe only they should serve the public in these capacities, sometimes enhancing their role and capabilities and many advisory or oversight boards end up with the usual community suspects versus what this community needs so bad, new blood and new ideas. It is fascinating watching some boards blow up, or see ongoing personality clashes among board members many times brought on from disputes years ago but this does not serve the community interest. South Florida has changed markedly over the past decade and public boards should reflect these changes for the community is moving forward not looking only at its past.

Mega builder Armando Codina had the right idea when he took over as chair of the board of Florida International University years ago. At the time, he said he would step down and leave after his term, which is what he did. He could have said he had changed his mind, the university needed his steady hand on the tiller and stayed but he understood that you serve and do your duty but then leave. People who apply for these public oversight boards should keep that in mind for these positions are not for life and if there is one thing I have learned over the last decade watching this community. It is that change is good and people serving should remember that being in an elected office or on a public board is not a right but a privilege, a belief that sometimes gets lost with some of the giant egos some board members bring to public service.

>>> PAST WDR 2005: Government courtesy dashboards given to civilians on community boards should not be abused for they also can be a government liability if something happens

Courtesy government dashboard plates that are given to civilians on city or county boards need to be monitored for they are seen all over the place, being used for parking or other perks throughout Miami-Dade County. Over the past weeks, I have seen many upscale cars ranging from a BMW Z-4 and Mercedes Benz 500SL driving down Bayshore Drive or parking at up scale restaurants and there on these peoples dash board is a official city plate saying the car and occupant are on official city business. The people that get this perk are supposed to use them only when they are participating at a board event, not 24/7 and that is the problem. They do sign a form that tells them how to use the plates and that they still must pay the parking meter, but that seems to have gotten lost in the translation.

Further, many of these people are given official city or county identification allowing them to enter government buildings without going through the checkpoint, versus what the Watchdog Report goes through at the city of Miami’s security checkpoint at city hall. After a critical story of Manager Joe Arriola and his temper. I now get patted down. The Watchdog Report in the future is going to do a public records request with the City of Miami General Service Administration to find out who has these plates, and I will watch how they are being used. For a civilian that is a quasi government employee raises a number of issues, and concerns about the city’s liabilities and that new variable is the last thing the new Miami needs.

LETTERS

>>> Re GOP party mess; thank you for your kind words, I hope that you are feeling better

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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 Extra’s 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.

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

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Watchdog Report

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>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

The Watchdog Report is no longer exclusively with The Miami Herald, and excluding the one story a week that is printed in the paper on Monday in the Metro & State section by me. The rest of the 20 or so news stories weekly sent out Sunday in 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

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.

>>>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

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/ >>> 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.

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Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 39 April 4, 2010 Medical Issue

editor — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:43:19 +0000

CONTENTS

Argus Report: U.S. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen seeks sustainable fishery management but not at fishing industry and sport fishing expense

Florida: Crist calls for federal investigation of Greer, marked contrast to when Cardenas top of state GOP

Miami-Dade County: Commissioner Rolle continues to misread the ethics compass, chaired committee meeting without revealing business ties with lobbyists

Broward County: There he goes again, Gov. Crist suspends two municipal commissioners, brings governor’s total removals to 36 since taking office

Palm Beach County: Feds arrest four and charge them with identity theft of cancer patients

South Lake County: Gov. Crist made the following appointments: South Lake County Hospital District Board of Trustees

St. Johns County: Gov. Crist taps two for Governing Board, St. Johns River Water Management District

Monroe County: Gov. Crist taps Walters for SFRPC, three county regional planning council

Public Health Trust: Marathon PHT meetings, critical Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Restructuring Committee should be able to handle larger public attendance

City of Miami: Mayor Regalado says SEC has expanded scope of investigation of past bond sales and documents

City of Miami Beach: “Mr. Miami Beach” Aller makes major mistake potentially beneficial to Solomon’s winning $100,000 wedding

City of Doral: Feds indict 16 in Black Market money laundering scheme

City of South Miami: Manager Carleton fires back after last week’s story, in his own words, slightly edited

Community Events: Friends of the Japanese Gardens and the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation Present — HARU MATSURI (Spring Festival)

Editorial: As the months click by, will “New Normal” of national economy sink in with public institutions?

Letters: Reader on the Watchdog Report and my health

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> May you and your family have a happy, safe and reflective Passover and Easter Holiday.

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding the University of Miami’s Knight Center of International Media http://knight.miami.edu within the University’s School of Communicationwww.miami.edu assistance to rebuild my web site www.watchdogreport.net that is now on line again, since the previous one was shut down in July 2008. Past reports will continue to go on line in the future, potentially as far back as May 2000. This institutional support is a major break through for me, and I am deeply appreciative of the help these two substantial international institutions have given me at a time the site was an unbudgeted expense and to keep the Watchdog Report a community education resource, while also being a decade old news service.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> U.S. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen seeks sustainable fishery management but not at fishing industry and sport fishing expense

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami Tuesday met with fishermen from Miami to the Keys to discuss the impact of new federal legislation on the local industry. Fishermen over the decade have been hammered by the numerous hurricanes that have hit South Florida. Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado held the event at city Hall he told the Watchdog Report. He said they also discussed a idea put forward by the AFL-CIO trying to help Haitian immigrants possible through a HUD program.

The veteran congresswoman and ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee sent the following letter to the Obama administration last week on the subject. >>>Dear Administrator Crabtree: I am writing to voice my strong opposition to Amendment 17B, as approved by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. If enacted, Amendment 17B will economically devastate commercial and recreational fishermen in South Florida, as well as the shore side small businesses they support. The recreational and commercial fishing communities face tremendous challenges in the wake of multiple fishery closures and extended bag limits, including Amendment 17B. While I fully support the need for a long-term, sustainable fishery management plan, I feel that the actions undertaken by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council completely disregard the economic consequences of enacting multiple, wide-ranging fishery closures at once. Generations of commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, and charter boat captains are being regulated out of businesses. I sincerely hope that you will consider the economic future of these hardworking men and women, as you make your final recommendations to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. Thank you for your prompt attention and consideration. I look forward to discussing this important issue with you, as it affects so many members of the South Florida community that I am privileged to represent.

What about the meeting with AFL-CIO officials?

Regalado said the congresswomen met with Fred Frost of the AFL-CIO to discuss a way to use HUD funding to rehabilitate a building that could be used by Haitian and other not for profits or community service agencies and create some jobs.

>>> Press release: THREE INDICTED FOR ILLEGAL ARMS SALES TO BOLIVIA -Fourth Man Charged as Felon in Possession of Firearm

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (“MDPD”), announced the April 1, 2010 indictment of Moises Vargas Rojas, 22, of Miami, Frank Roman Goycochea, 20, of Miami, and Alfredo Asbun, 51, of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in connection with their participation in an alleged conspiracy to illegally export arms to Bolivia. In addition, defendant Alfredo Rodriguez, 55, of Miami, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The defendants were previously arrested and charged by complaint. Vargas, Roman, and Asbun were arraigned this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrea M. Simonton. Rodriguez will be arraigned Tuesday, April 6, 2010, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Brown. According to the indictment, from September 2009 through March 18, 2010, defendants Vargas and Roman purchased hundreds of firearms at gun shops in South Florida for resale in Bolivia. Vargas and Roman would either sell the firearms to defendant Asbun in Miami, who would ship the arms to Bolivia, or would ship the arms by common carrier to an individual in Bolivia. According to the indictment, at no time did any of the defendants tell the shippers that the boxes contained firearms. Instead, the defendants falsely told the shippers that the boxes contained automobile parts. Moreover, neither the defendants nor the Bolivian recipients of the firearms were licensed to deal in firearms.

U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman stated, “Although there is no terrorist connection in this instance, we cannot underestimate the potential danger that illegal arms trafficking poses to our national security. Illegal firearms can easily fall into the wrong hands. For this reason, we will continue to aggressively prosecute arms smugglers.” “Stopping the illegal flow of firearms continues to be one of our top priorities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Hugo Barrera. “This multi-agency investigation, the seizure of these deadly firearms and the arrest of these gun traffickers is just another example of how we do that.” Director James Loftus of the Miami-Dade Police Department stated, “The issue of gun violence extends beyond the borders of Miami-Dade County. We stand committed to working with our state and federal partners in this ongoing effort.” According to the indictment and affidavits filed in support of the previous criminal complaints, defendants Vargas and Roman purchased the firearms, and completed the required ATF Forms 4473. In these forms, the defendants falsely claimed that they were the ultimate owners of the firearms. In fact, however, the defendants knew that the firearms would be resold to Asbun or shipped to others in Bolivia, where they would be resold at a higher price. In this way, from September 24, 2009 through March 18, 2010, defendants Vargas and Roman allegedly purchased 372 firearms from Miami Police Supply, a licensed gun dealer in Miami-Dade County, completing corresponding false ATF Forms 4473 for each of these purchases.

More specifically, on March 18, 2010, ATF agents observed defendants Vargas and Roman deliver several boxes to Knez Trading, a freight forwarding company. The defendants told the shipper that the boxes contained automobile parts for shipment to Bolivia. In fact, however, the boxes contained 39 firearms, including twenty-three (23) assault rifles. According to the criminal complaint affidavit, on March 18, 2010, ATF agents and MDPD detectives followed Vargas and Roman to a residence in Miami. While at the residence, agents observed a Chevrolet Trailblazer pull into the front yard of the home. Defendant Alfredo Rodriguez, the owner of the Trailblazer, and defendant Asbun got out of the Trailblazer and entered the home. A short while later, all four defendants (Vargas, Roman, Rodriguez and Asbun) left the home carrying firearm cases, which they began to load into the trunk of Rodriguez’s Trailblazer. According to the criminal complaint affidavit, agents then approached the defendants and ordered them to put down their weapons. A subsequent search of the Trailblazer led to the seizure of four (4) Olympic Arms .223 caliber assault rifles and approximately 3,200 rounds of ammunition. A subsequent search of Vargas’ home resulted in the seizure of 15 firearms, including 10 assault rifles. A search of Rodriguez’s home resulted in the seizure of another 84 firearms.

The 16-count indictment charges defendants Vargas, Roman, and Asbun with one count of conspiring to deal in firearms without a license and to deliver guns to a common carrier for shipment to Bolivia, without providing notice to the shipper that the shipment contained firearms (Count 1). These three defendants are also charged with one substantive count of dealing in firearms without a license (Count 2), and various counts of making or aiding and abetting the making of false statements in ATF Forms 4473 (Counts 3-13). Defendants Vargas and Roman are charged with delivering arms to a common carrier for shipment to Bolivia, without written notice to the carrier that the shipment contained firearms (Count 14). Defendant Asbun is charged with illegal possession of firearms by a non-resident alien (Count 15), and defendant Rodriguez is charged with illegal possession of firearms by a convicted felon (Count 16). In addition, the indictment seeks the forfeiture of the firearms, ammunition, and $4,000 cash seized during this investigation. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 5 years in prison on Counts 1-14, and 10 years in prison on Counts 15-16. Today’s indictment is the culmination of a two-week investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Miami Dade Police Department. In addition, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sloman also thanked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their assistance in this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roy Altman. >>> 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 http://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 http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov

>>> Press release: Zogby Interactive: 27% Say Someone in Family Has Lost Job in Past Year; 59% of Jobless Have Been Out of Work More Than One Year

23% in Job That Pays Less Than Previous Employment UTICA, New York – Twenty-seven percent of U.S. adults say they or a family member has lost a job in the past year, and 59% of the unemployed have been out of work for more than a year. Among those with jobs, 23% are earning less than they did in their previous employment. These are among the results of a Zogby Interactive survey of 2,471 U.S. adults conducted from March 17-19, 2010. The poll’s margin of error is +/- 2.0 percentage points. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. Main findings include: Job Losses – Job losses in the past year have struck people across all demographic groups. Overall, 27% report having lost a job in that time, and that includes 17% of people with household incomes of more than $100,000 and 26% of people with college degrees. Those with household incomes of less than $35,000 reported job loss at 41%.Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1840

>>> I wanted to thank the over dozen people and organizations that have sent me money over the past weeks and it was more than appreciated and you will each hear back from me by mail in the future. Thank you for the support. The report is also shorter and with less real content because I am still weak and do not have my past energy level that allowed me to write all day Saturday and Sunday as in the past almost 11-years that I have been doing this. I ask for my readers understanding during this time.

>>> PAST WDR: I have been in the hospital after emergency surgery, one more procedure to go, need the community’s financial help to keep at this!

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

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

FLORIDA

>>> Crist calls for federal investigation of Greer, marked contrast to when Cardenas top of state GOP

Jim Greer, the former head of the Republican Party, under investigation for how party monies were being used, a secret contract given out to himself has now fired back at his critics by suing the party but Gov. Charie Crist (net worth $466,000) seems to have given him up calling for federal authorities to launch their own investigation. Greer was hand picked for the job by Crist and for years the governor gave him cover but the revelations have continued to come with Greer getting the heave ho a few months ago and he was replaced by state Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine. This political turmoil comes while every statewide office is up for election including the whole Florida Cabinet and Greer is the antithesis of what a state party chair should not be with these irregularities.

Greer also was a cheerleader for Crist running for the U.S. Senate early on and he alienated many conservatives in the state who were just starting to look at former House Speaker Marco Rubio; R-West Miami (net worth$ 8,351) long shot bid that now has the 39-year old state legislator leading by double digits in the polls. Further, back when Gov. Jeb Bush first won office, the state Republican Chair was Al Cardenas and the attorney kept a low-key profile, raised a lot of money for the party and lived in a small apartment when he lived in Tallahassee. The attorney while also a great speaker realized any political party should watch over how this party money was raised and was it used responsible.

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following appointments and reappointments: Environmental Regulation Commission (Senate Confirmation Required)

Rhoda Glasco-Foderingham, 63, of Coral Springs, attorney with the City of Coral Springs, reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending July 1, 2013.

Cari L. Roth, 52, of Tallahassee, attorney and shareholder with Bryant Miller Olive Law Firm, reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending July 1, 2013.

Melissa L. Meeker, 40, of Stuart, consultant with Hesperides Group LLC, succeeding Paul Parks, appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending July 1, 2011.

Sarah S. Walton, 32, of Pensacola, attorney with Philip A. Bates P.A., succeeding Anthony Clemente, appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending July 1, 2013.

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following reappointments and appointments: Board of Pilot Commissioners (Senate confirmation required)

Frances Bohnsack, 59, of Miami, director of Miami River Marine Group, reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2013.

Jeffrey Jones, 47, of Miami, sales associate for Coldwell Bankers, reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2011.

Donald Molitor, 72, of Cocoa, retired, reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2012.

Louis de la Porte, 49, of Tampa, general counsel, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, succeeding John Hiers, appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2011.

Jorge Viso, 50, of Tampa, harbor pilot for Tampa Bay Pilots Association, succeeding Harold Brandenburg, appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2013.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Commissioner Rolle continues to misread the ethics compass, chaired committee meeting without revealing business ties with lobbyists

Dorrin Rolle (net worth$ 1.02 million), the long serving county commissioner representing District 2 got a write-up in thewww.miamiherald.com last week concerning a company he set up with Roosevelt Bradley, a former director of the transportation department and lobbyist Mark Coats. While the men claim the company never got any business regarding of all things the MIA baggage shrink-wrap contract. The commissioner who chairs the commission’s air and seaport committee never disclosed this relationship when he ran the meetings in 2009. Rolle since taking over the commission district seat after his predecessor James Burke went to federal prison has had past run ins when it comes to ethics issues. In the early 2000s, Rolle using his official commission stationary wrote a memo to then Mayor Alex Penelas asking that the mayor put more county money into the budget for the James E. Scott Community Agency, an organization he was the CEO at. The Watchdog Report at the time broke the memo and the ethics commission ruled the elected leader could not use his official capacity to enhance public funding for the community’s oldest social service organization founded in 1925 by Captain Scott. However, since then the organization has had many issues to deal with including Rolle’s successor at JESCA also going to prison.

Further, Rolle, in a county television interview when asked how he could do both jobs said he believed the two jobs came together with one helping to provide needed services for at risk youth while helping to get county funding for the organization. However, it has been that relationship that has dogged the commissioner over the years and extensively reported in the Watchdog Report including JESCA having around $170,000 in bounced check charges back in 2004. Further, Rolle in his leadership capacity was paid over $170,000 a year in salary though about a year ago, he retired and the social agency is now mired in bankruptcy and its state was documented in a county IG report. >>> Audit of the James E. Scott Community Association, Inc., IG08-66A, October 2, 2009.

What about the shrink-wrap contract at MIA?

For some reason, the shrink wrap-contract for over a decade has been a tumultuous affair that one time went on for over four hours in a packed commission chambers and was a classic meeting with then county manager Merritt Stierheim defending the administration’s company selection that was being challenged by a large swath of the county’s busiest lobbyists. Further, within this contentious discussion was a sub drama of whether a hearing judge was awake, dozing or full asleep during the competing arguments and the county after that instituted the video taping of such hearings.

>>> Memo dust up between Commissioner Jordan and Manager Burgess.

Commissioner Barbara Jordan (Net worth $ 1.9 million) has a beef with county Manager George Burgess after he sent the District 1 commissioner a memo on her legislation to add a trained medical person to a county SWAT team. A reliable source that has seen the correspondence said Jordan believes the manager is taking her idea and she shows the legislative timelines at the commission. She also believes it is a pattern with the Mayor Carlos Alvarez (Net worth $1.66 million) administration that commission requests and wishes are sometimes twisted or modified when it comes to implementation.

>>> Crunch time for county departments as next year’s budget looms in Oct.

Anyone that thinks Miami-Dade County is not feeling financial pain after already cutting $800 million over the last three years has not looked at the Fire Rescue cuts which are around $60 to $70 million in the next budget year. And that large department is not alone feeling the financial crunch and why any extra funding for the Pubic Health Trust is a non-starter.

>>> GMCVB: PORT OF MIAMI REPORTS CONTINUED GROWTH OF CRUISE PASSENGER NUMBERS IN JANUARY 2010 –The latest figures released by the Port of Miami indicate that cruise passenger traffic for the first month of January 2010 stands at 508,712 passengers, an increase of 20.7% over last year’s 421,629.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> There he goes again, Gov. Crist suspends two municipal commissars, brings governor’s total removals to 36

There he goes again; Gov. Charlie Crist suspended two municipal commissioners last week, number 35 and 36 for the governor since January 2007 when he took office. Broward residents are still reeling from the arrests and sentencing of a slew of elected leaders and high profile citizens. In this most recent case, Coral Springs city Commissioners Vincent Boccard and Tom Powers got busted for meeting with union representatives www.miamiherald.com though they say they are innocent and did not break the Florida Sunshine Law as accused by the state attorney. The men meet with police union representatives for more than an hour and relations between the city police are not great after the elected body shot down a raise for the officers during the current budget year. The paper says if the two are convicted, they could face a $500.00 fine and up to 60-days in jail.

Broward has a long history of elected leaders meeting out of the public earshot and the most glaring example is the county commission. That body historically, after they elect their new mayor for the year, goes out to a tony restaurant for lunch and a few years back when Commissioner Lois Wexler was tapped to head the county as mayor. I followed them to the restaurant. And once there I was told it was a private affair, though they were all in a glass-enclosed room and I watched the whole gathering, which included about 35 county senior employees.

>>> Press release: Governor’s Executive Orders 10-74 and 10-75 >> Please find attached Executive Orders 10-74 and 10-75, regarding the suspensions of Coral Springs City Commissioners Vince Boccard and Thomas Powers.

>>> Four City of Sunrise Fire Rescue officers, including a captain on the force took a road trip Friday to Coconut Grove and ate lunch at Scotty’s Landing, a local establishment on the water next to city Hall. I first noticed their official vehicle in the parking lot for the commission and they happened to be sitting next to two county employees and a Miami assistant manager having lunch as well. Perhaps they were in the area for some meeting or event but it did seem unusual for them to be so far from their assigned municipal district.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

>>> Feds arrest four and charge them with identity theft of cancer patients

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Michael Fithen, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, announced the unsealing of a nine count indictment charging defendants Sharita Hubbard, 31, Onakia Griffin, 31, Lakenya Knight, 33, all of Pompano Beach, Florida, and Cherralyn Milton-Browner, 37, for their alleged participation in a scheme to steal personal information of patients at medical clinics and to use the patients’ stolen information to obtain fraudulent credit accounts. According to the indictment, Sharita Hubbard was employed at various times by University MRI Diagnostic Center, Holy Cross Hospital, North Ridge Medical Center, and Oncology and Hematology Associates of West Broward in the medical records department. In the course of her duties at each medical records department, Hubbard was authorized to access patient files and copy patient face sheets.

The indictment alleges that from October 2008 through February 10, 2010, the defendants conspired to unjustly enrich themselves by having Hubbard steal personal information of patients of University MRI Diagnostic Center, Holy Cross Hospital, North Ridge Medical Center, and Oncology and Hematology Associates of West Broward, including, among other information, the patients’ names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, and addresses, and then use the patients’ stolen information to obtain Care Credit accounts and Chevron Visa credit cards. In this manner, the defendants applied for and obtained credit cards in the patients’ names, and defrauded the victims of approximately $162,000. The indictment charges the individual defendants with conspiracy to commit wire, identity theft, and credit card fraud, substantive wire fraud, credit card fraud, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years on the conspiracy charge, 20 years on each charge of wire fraud, 10 years on the credit card fraud charge, and a mandatory consecutive 2 years on each charge of aggravated identity theft. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the agents of the United States Secret Service for their hard work in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Keene. An Indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and 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 orhttp://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

>>> Gov. Crist taps four for Florida Commission on Human Relations (Senate confirmation required)

Loyda “Lizzette” Gamero, 34, of West Palm Beach, community disaster coordinator, American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter, reappointed for a term beginning April 1, 2010, and ending September 30, 2013.

Joanna Cunningham, 38, of Palm Beach, town clerk of Palm Beach, succeeding Onelia Fajardo, appointed for a term beginning April 1, 2010, and ending September 30, 2013.

Michael Keller, 32, of Brandon, co-founder of International Direct Selling Technology Corporation, succeeding Anne Hopkins, appointed for a term beginning April 1, 2010, and ending September 30, 2010.

Darcell Streeter, 36, of Jacksonville, special events coordinator, succeeding Anice Prosser, appointed for a term beginning April 1, 2010, and ending September 30, 2013.

SOUTH LAKE COUNTY

>>> Gov. Crist made the following appointments: South Lake County Hospital District Board of Trustees (Senate Confirmation Required)

Curtis A. Binney, 48, of Clermont, certified public accountant with Sines, Girvin, Blakeslee & Campbell P.A., succeeding Tomas Ballesteros, appointed for a term beginning April 1, 2010, and ending July 5, 2013.

Mark J. Graff, 52, of Clermont, president of Graff Holding LLC, succeeding Debra Hunt, appointed for a term beginning April 1, 2010, and ending July 5, 2013.

Tony D. Hubbard, 53, of Clermont, owner of Coldwell Banker Tony Hubbard Realty Inc., succeeding Bing Hacker, appointed for a term beginning April 1, 2010, and ending July 5, 2013.

Paul B. Rountree, 36, of Clermont, president of First Green Bank, succeeding David Batman, appointed for a term beginning April 1, 2010, and ending July 5, 2013.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist taps two for reappointment and appointment: Governing Board, St. Johns River Water Management District (Senate confirmation required)

W. Leonard Wood, 63, of Fernandina Beach, consulting forester and president of Jowett & Wood Inc., reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending March 1, 2014.

John A. Miklos, 39, of Orlando, environmental consultant and president of Bio-Tech Consulting, succeeding Susan Hughes, appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending March 1, 2014.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Gov. Crist taps Walters for SFRPC, three county regional planning council: Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following reappointments and appointment: South Florida Regional Planning Council, Region 11 (Senate confirmation required)

Paul Wallace, 66, of Miami, attorney with Hinshaw & Culbertson, reappointed for a term beginning March 29, 2010, and ending October 1, 2012.

Sandy Walters, 57, of Sugarloaf Key, principal, Sandra Walters Consulting Inc., reappointed for a term beginning March 29, 2010, and ending October 1, 2012.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Marathon PHT meetings, critical Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Restructuring Committee should be able to handle larger public attendance

The marathon of meetings continue at the PHT as it tries to right size itself in the face of dwindling financial reserves while trying to continue to make its roughly $80 million monthly payroll. The trust board is meeting at a number of locations this week and all the meetings are important since a clock is ticking and elected leaders at the county are more than impatient about the $1.8 billion organization’s state of financial affairs and its forecast $229.4 million shortfall. That has the PHT administration scrambling to close the massive gap. However, politics are also being played out and scaled back medical services at Jackson North and South Hospitals are going to be resisted by the local commission champions. Commission Chair Dennis Moss (net worth $477,000) and Commissioner Katy Sorenson (Net worth $1.34 million) are expected to defend care being given at the southern hospital and Commissioners Dorrin Rolle, Barbara Jordan, Audrey Edmonson (net worth $286,000), and possible Natacha Seijas (Net worth $655,000) who gets her medical treatment at the northern location.

What about where these sunshine meetings are being held?

>>> April 5th (Due to a Jewish Holiday, the Jackson North Advisory Board will not meet.)

>>> April 5th > Special Executive Committee Meeting, 8 a.m., JMH, West Wing Board Room, 1611 N.W. 12 Avenue, Miami, FL A special meeting of the Executive Committee is scheduled for Monday, April 5, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. in the West Wing Board Room. The sole purpose of the special meeting is to approve the SEIU Attending Physicians Collective Bargaining Agreement and the amended Collective Bargaining Agreements for AFSCME, SEIU RN’s, and SEIU Professionals.

>>> Jackson South Financial Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting -3 to 4 p.m., Tour of the hospital (meet in main lobby entrance) 4 to 6 p.m., JSCH, Suite 100, 9275 S. W. 152 Street, Miami, FL

>>> April 7^th, Ad Hoc Financial Sustainability Restructuring Committee, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., JMH, Clark DTC Room 252 1080 N.W. 19th Street, Miami, FL

>>> April 12^th, Jackson North Financial Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., JNMC, 2nd FL Auditorium, 160 N.W. 170th Street, North Miami Beach, FL

>>> County Commissioner Natacha Seijas appeared on Issues, hosted by Helen Ferre over the weekend and she verbally lambasted the health trust leadership and its use of consultants that has saved the institution $500 million over the years. The long serving county commissioner also carped about the Jackson Memorial Foundation and noted three ordinances essentially dissolving the PHT board is in front of the commission this week. She said she was the first to push legislation but noted Commissioners Barbara Jordan and Carlos Gimenez (Net worth $753,000) have introduced their own legislation. To see the show go to This Week on Issues – 04/02 & 04/04 >>> ISSUE ONE: Interview with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natacha Seijas, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natacha Seijas joins us on the program to discuss her thoughts on Jackson Health System’s financial crisis and whether or not she has confidence in Jackson CEO Eneida Roldan. Natacha Seijas, Miami-Dade County Commission District 13 >>> Second story: Florida’s Census Returns >>The U. S. Census takes places every ten years to measure the population of the country. Recent estimates show Florida’s returns at are 51 percent; how does this compare to the national average? Guest: Rafael de la Portilla, U.S. Census 2010.

>>> Press release: Commissioner Souto’s urges the Florida Legislature to provide oversight and advisory support to the Board of County Commissioners to assist the County in addressing the Public Health Trust’s current financial crisis including a letter to Secretary Arnold. Souto’s resolution urges the Florida Legislature to provide oversight and advisory support to the Board of County Commissioners, through the Agency for Health Care Administration, in order to assist the County in addressing the Public Health Trust’s current financial crisis. In addition, On March 26, 2010 Commissioner Souto wrote a letter to Secretary Thomas W. Arnold from the Agency for Health Care Administration asking for their assistance to resolve the Jackson Memorial Hospital crisis.

>>> Here is the letter to Secretary Arnold: As a former State Senator and Representative who served in several committees involving health, economic, and crime issues and someone who knows your integrity and commitment to the residents of our State, I would like to beg of you to assist us in the Miami Dade County Board of County Commissioners to resolve in the best way possible the severe crisis involving Jackson Memorial Hospital. Time is of the essence.

The Agency for Health Care Administration could provide an impartial and honest assessment and help us steer this vital institution to safe port. AHCA has the experience, know-how and capacity to take the lead role and help us implement institutional controls that will significantly reduce or eliminate unnecessary administrative costs, fraud and corruption and at the same time help augment revenues. This is a crisis of unprecedented magnitude involving a health system, which serves thousands of poor residents in our community daily. A financial collapse of Jackson Health System will have significant statewide repercussions. It is important to all Floridians to stabilize this institution that has provided top-notch charitable health care to millions of Floridians since its inception in the 1950s, wrote the commission District-10 commissioner.

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for almost 11-years

>>> Part IV: What about past Watchdog Report stories since 2000? >>> Another Past WDR: OCT 2004 >>> PHT closes books for last year with $64 million loss, includes extra $7 million for U.M. medical school

The Public Health Trust’s fiscal affairs committee met Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., the red ink at the institution continues, and the final year-end loss through September will be $64 million. This number includes an increased $7 million payment for medical services provided by the University of Miami’s Medical School and another $20 million write-off in fixed assets. This is the fourth year in a row that the public hospital system with a $1.4 billion budget next year posted a loss but cash reserves used in the past to cover this have been depleted to dangerous levels. Treasurer Andres Murai noted that the health trust continues to pick up the unfunded mandated costs shifted from the county, which is about $103 million next year, and he said it is “an impossible situation.” Further, the public health institution provided $462 million in charity care this past year and is budgeting $487 million of that type of service in the current year that started October 1.

PHT CEO & President Marvin O’Quinn later in the morning at a county commission meeting during a PHT update told county commissioners that while recreate Jackson, which is a restructuring of the health systems management and processes is expected to generate over $100 million in revenue in the future. He said there still could be “in a worse case scenerio125 people who could actually leave the organization” in the coming months. The number of employees that could have been affected at one time was possible 500 people but the plan now after the county pledged $76 million in assistance in a number of areas in the new budget year has reduced that number.

O’Quinn now believes that after an aggressive early retirement program, which is expected to accelerate employee attrition, coupled with a tightening of the management oversight in using outside agencies, staff overtime, temporary, and probationary personnel. They will have reduced that number, he said. The PHT has 10,500 employees and O’Quinn has been trying to downsize the institution’s management where “there are 900 people in different type of management positions,” he said. The goal is to reduce current organizational layers from 7-9 to 5 people, and expand the number of people managed from 1:10 to 1:17 people. PHT documents state the institution is hit with a “$1.2 million cost to the organization” every month the reforms are not implemented.

The county commissioners after the presentation stressed that O’Quinn should work closely with the different unions to find efficiencies, aggressively go after revenues due to the institution by patients, make sure surrounding counties patients sent there for treatment are paying and to minimize job loss through reassignments. County Commissioner Betty Ferguson said while she “understood the pressures commissioners are under” from constituents. She believed that keeping the PHT financially viable “should be at the top of the list,” its survival had to be the paramount consideration, and more money should be directed at the hospital for it would affect everyone living in the community. County Commission Chair Barbara Carey-Shuler closed saying to O’Quinn, “I am totally supportive of the plan that you brought us to bring that hospital in line.” She also believes that the county commission should let the president do the job he was paid to do and she remembered decades ago when “you would not send your dog there [Jackson Memorial Hospital] to be treated” versus “now when it is one of the finest in the country.”

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Mayor Regalado says SEC has expanded scope of investigation of past bond sales and documents

Mayor Tomas Regalado (Net worth $5,000) told the Watchdog Report last week in an exclusive interview that the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) had requested even more information on city bond deals done from 2006 to 2009. The mayor inherited this ongoing probe with the federal government and was first reported months ago in www.miamiherald.com. Regalado, along with new Manager Carlos Migoya have also been dealing with a financial tsunami and the federal securities investigation has been an unneeded distraction.

>>> Will Mayor Diaz finally disclose a gift after being given a bike by his city staff? Zero filed gift disclosures for 8-years

A bike given to former Mayor Manuel Diaz (Net worth $1.8 million) has the Miami Police involved says www.miamiherald.com but since it was a gift organized by his chief of staff and paid for by staff donations. The investigation will likely go nowhere. However, since the bike is valued at over $300.00 the mayor who has never filed any gift disclosures while in office the county’s ethics commission found in a study. He will have to this time, along with one more financial disclosure for the past year while he was still in office and the Watchdog Report hopes he does the required paperwork.

>>> The following e-mail was sent to (now former) Mayor Manny Diaz using his e-mail address on his extensive city web-page on Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. and to date there has been no answer from the mayor.>>> “Mayor Diaz, I wanted to ask you in the chamber today but not in front of Chair Joe Sanchez. My question is where did the extra $400,000 in the 2007 disclosure form come from? I will run what ever you respond unedited but I would appreciate closing this issue, as I am sure you do. Sorry but I have to ask. Best to all. Dan” >>>> The Watchdog Report through Dec.7 has yet to get a response or catch-up with Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz on where he got the extra $400,000 in cash listed in his 2007 financialdisclosure forms. To see what CBS 4 reporter David Sutta’s take on this issue and the other city leaders financial disclosures go to cbs4.com Blogs . >>> Readers should stay tuned and catch the meeting on the city’s cable station channel 77. >>> Stream Channel 77, for all City of Miami meetings, (Commission, Village Council meetings, Waterfront, Zoning, PAB, Code, etc. hearings) http://videos.miamigov.com/

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> “Mr. Miami Beach” Aller makes major mistake potentially beneficial to Solomon’s winning $100,000 wedding

Michael Aller, known as “Mr. Miami Beach” is in the spotlight this week after he sent a pitch for publicity maven Tara Solomon winning a $100,000 wedding on a city e-mail list and the story made www.miamiherald.com last week. Using a city e-mail list to promote a private citizen is a no no and Aller, an experienced public servant should have known better. Solomon tries to justify it because it was ‘done innocently’ with Aller saying ‘this is an old friend that I did a favor for,’ he told the paper. However, this was not for a charity or city sponsored event but someone winning an over the top wedding in these tough economic times and it shows how out of touch the social diva is with the reality facing many Beach residents on a daily basis.

The city manager’s press office has apologized to recipients of the e-mail and ‘reminded staff of its e-mail policy,’ but this is the kind of thing that once out has a greater impact. For now, the couple has gotten a ton of free publicity including The Herald piece and with that story. Any ethics questions regarding the whole affair is to late when it comes to a private citizen accessing indirectly a public e-mail list for her own personal and fiancés gain. And while I am sure Aller is apologetic, the damage and enhancement of this couple’s chance of winning is increased.

CITY OF DORAL

>>> Press release: 16 people indicted in Black Market money laundering scheme

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Investigations, Miami Field Office, announced an indictment charging sixteen individuals with conspiracy to launder narcotics proceeds using the Venezuelan Black Market. Indicted were defendants Herman Rafael Solorzano Caguaripano, 58, and his son, Herman Alejandro Solorzano Rincon, 32, Georges Toutounji, 50, Fortunato Farache, 55, Douglas Enrique Sanchez Soto, 60, Edgar Hadad Azraca, 48, and Alba Villalobos Vergel, 61, all of Doral, FL, Alfredo Ramon Soto Diaz, 42, Miguel Jose Perez Rivero, 32, Luis Enrique Homez Garcia, 36, and Henry Eduardo Bilbao Movilla, 61, all of Miami, FL, Rafael Polanco, 38, of Hollywood, FL, Antoine Jean Melhem, 51, of Coral Gables, FL, Johan Alberto Rincon Medina, 58, of Pembroke Pines, FL, Nercido Sosa Medina, 58 of New York, and Luis Rafael Diaz Plaza, 41, of Puerto Rico. ICE special agents arrested most of the defendants earlier today and they are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, April 2, 2010, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrea Simonton.

In September 2008, ICE special agents assigned to the Miami Special Agent in Charge Financial Investigations Group initiated an investigation into financial transactions involving the proceeds of narcotics trafficking. According to the indictment and previously filed complaints, the defendants would receive contracts to pick-up narcotics proceeds in Puerto Rico and New York and then smuggle the money to South Florida. Once the currency was picked-up in Puerto Rico or New York, it was secured in hotel room safes and in locked bags kept in the hotel room. Members of the conspiracy would then secretly transport the currency, usually in $100,000 increments, via commercial air, to South Florida. The money would be divided into smaller amounts to avoid the possible seizure of all the currency if detected by law enforcement. Once in Miami, the money was either deposited in various bank accounts in the names of nominees or delivered to individuals in South Florida. U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman stated, “Drug traffickers need to launder their money to continue and expand their drug operations. Recently, we saw how traffickers exploited weaknesses in our banking system to launder billions of potential drug proceeds. Today, we see another example of traffickers using South Florida to launder millions in drug proceeds. We will continue to use our expertise in financial cases to follow the money, with the goal of depriving drug traffickers of their illicit gains.”

ICE Special Agent in Charge Anthony V. Mangione said, “ICE has taken a leading role to focus our efforts on targeting the individuals and criminal organizations involved in the flow of large quantities of illicit money across the U.S. border. The black market bolivar exchange is an example of the sophisticated and complex systems used by drug trafficking organizations to launder narcotics proceeds. ICE’s financial investigations are designed to target, disrupt, and dismantle these payment systems which are a threat to the financial infrastructure of the United States.” The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $7,000,000. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum of twenty years in prison. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Joan A. Lenard. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of ICE’s Office of Investigations in Miami with the assistance of ICE’s Office of Investigations in San Juan and New York, Office of the ICE Attaché Caribbean, the Miami Dade Police Department, the Broward County Money Laundering Task Force, the Florida City Police Department, City of Indian Creek Police Department, the Doral Police Department, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner Department Forensic Imaging Bureau. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Gonzalez. An Indictment is only an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and 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 http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI

>>> Manager Carleton fires back after last week’s story, in his own words slightly edited

Your piece on March 28, 2010 relative to South Miami could not be further from the truth. On a personal note, my trip to Hawaii was planned before I became Acting City Manager in late October, 2009 and was noticed in hard copy and electronically the City Commission at least a month in advance. As relates to the phantom employee who made an off hand remarks about the trip, we cannot identify that person to validate your statement. Perhaps you can do that so we can clear up the matter. As relates to your generalization about City employees drawn from an off-hand remark made about a journey to Hawaii, even if it were true, the Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Commission and City Attorney are supporting me in cleaning out the Augean stable with which we were all presented. This process is well along and will continue for awhile since we do not have the luxury of changing the culture without intense scrutiny as does the private sector. Following are a few examples of our progress:

Recently an employee was approached to meet someone “after work hours” to discuss a situation. The employee had the wisdom to feel uncomfortable with the request and the confidence to inform their department director. The situation was resolved without fanfare or rancor and the public was well served. An employee who has been with the City for many years and who is one of the most solid, courteous and beloved folks we have in the South Miami family approached me saying “Mr. Carlton, you look very tired “I told him that he was correct and he said “the employees think you are doing the right thing” What could be better to renew your vigor and commitment. I recently observed a code violation in the Town Center area where a landlord was posting banners outside a recently vacated store trying to bring in tenants. Code Enforcement Director Carmen Quinn was notified at approximately 6:00 pm and she told me a few minutes later that a Notice of Violation had already been sent to the landlord. Good for Carmen and good for her employees.

Two very hardened and polarizing issues were discussed at the March 23, 2010 Committee Of The Whole meeting. The Murray Park Pool project and the Municipal Garage taxation issues have been a source of controversy and rancor for years. Under the leadership of Mayor Stoddard, the issues were discussed in a civil manner, the discussion was televised, citizens were given a chance to weigh in and after the two hours, direction was given to the City Attorney and City Manager that will be formalized in the April 6, 2010 Commission Meeting. Kudos to the Commission for this civilized behavior which was open to the public and televised.

We have completed two of the three union negotiations in the past two months and the City Commission has approved those agreements. This was done with mutual respect from both the union leadership and the administration. I want to thank the union leadership and the members who unanimously ratified the agreements.

We are also airing our difficulties and corrective actions as another example of transparency. A few days ago we received notice form the Children’s Trust that our Parks and Recreation Department After School Reading Program was put on a red light status to correct deficiencies. This program is critical to our residents and to the safety of our children. A commitment had been made by our previous Park and Recreation leadership to resolve the issues. This is one of the reasons I lost confidence in the former director. I will be meeting with Moe Abety, Director of the Children’s Trust, as soon as he returns to the office from an extended absence and will develop a corrective action program that will resolve the issues. Thanks to Carol Aubrun and Maria Stout-Tate who will be held responsible and accountable for the solutions.

Finally, we are becoming an employer where people want to come to work. Three months ago, we advertised for a Public Works Director. After the resumes were vetted by the Human Resources Department and a selection Committee, I was told that only two candidates were worthy of meeting with me. I spoke with one by phone (living out of town) and was impressed and met with the other and was not impressed. I then went through all the resumes and found nine candidates who inexplicably were not presented to me for review. This is one of the reasons we needed to change our HR leadership. While I want to give Acting Public Works Director Rudy de la Torre great praise for the job he is doing, we will be interviewing a number of candidates if they are still available and will be involving citizens in the process. More importantly, we opened the HR Director position recently and have 196 resumes. There are also a large number of Finance Director resumes. While some of this great response is economy driven, credit must be given to the cultural change and positive media coverage about how we dealing with our problems as a team including the administration and elected officials. Dan, as you know I have great respect for the job you do. In the case of South Miami, we are succeeding. I invite you to visit the City of Pleasant Living and learn more, wrote Carleton.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Friends of the Japanese Gardens and the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation Present — HARU MATSURI (Spring Festival)

EDITORIAL

>>> As the months click by, will “New Normal” of national economy sink in with public institutions?

The “New Normal” is how Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff described the American economy and its public institutions at a meeting months ago and around the country; cities, counties and states are facing a new reality that has a number of them teetering into financial bankruptcy. Many of these government entities have already floated more financial paper than one can imagine and debt payments have skyrocketed with the nation’s deficit being the mother of all obligations. Further, states and local governments tapped into the federal stimulus program the last few years to keep the economy from “falling off a cliff,” said Gov. Charlie Crist recently but that money runs out in the future and what are these entities going to do in the future.

Then there is the issue of public employee pensions, that while earned perhaps initially have ballooned into the stratosphere for some of the recipients and compromise has got to be achieved. For every government is maxed out when it comes to its fiscal obligations, that run in the trillions of dollars and only the low interest rates on some of these public financial instruments has saved these institutions from the anticipated blood bath that will occur when rates start to rise, along with inflation. The Watchdog Report does not have the answer to this vexing problem but leaders at all levels must show leadership and commitment to address this financial iceberg for it cannot be avoided, and growing the national economy will help but will not resolve the hole on its on and the time of just political rhetoric is over. And let’s hope our leaders get this message for the current financial debt trajectory is unsustainable and taxpayers know it. Let’s see if elected leaders also get the memo.

LETTERS

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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. TheWatchdog 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 Extra’s 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.

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 theWatchdog 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

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Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report

Est. 05.05.00

>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

>>> 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.

>>>Watchdog Report publisher named ‘Best Citizen’ 2003 by the Miami New Times –The publisher would like to thank the weekly alternative paperMiami 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 tohttp://www.miaminewtimes.com/issues/2003-05-15/citylife2.html/1/index.html

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 Heraldendorsing 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 Columnwww.sptimes.com/columns/morgan.shtml –Daniel Ricker Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter -www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/columnists/dan_ricker/ >>> 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.

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Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 38 March 28, 2010 Medical Issue

editor — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:09:01 +0000

CONTENTS

Argus Report: Great, Florida initial Census mail back rate only 9% vs. 20% average for rest of nation, 2000 undercount cannot be repeated with billions at stake

Florida: Crist and Rubio go head to head on Fox TV debate, heated but real fireworks in months to come

Miami-Dade County: And they’re off, Commissioners Heyman, Sosa, unchallenged in Aug.; Incumbents Rolle, Souto, Diaz get opposition

Broward County: PAST WDR 2005: Miami-Dade light years ahead of Broward ethics and conflict of interest code

Palm Beach County: PAST WDR FEB. 2007: Long serving County Commissioner Aaronson had net worth of $552,447 in 2005 – up from $245,000 in 1991

Collier County: Three defendants arrested in counterfeit Medicare check scheme

Monroe County: Gov. Crist made the following reappointment and appointments: Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Will school employees have to undergo polygraph tests? Issue “tabled” for now while being reviewed by board attorney

Public Health Trust: Part III: Will meetings upon meetings, reports, bleed into the running of the massive health complex?

City of Miami: Chair Sarnoff says trouble with Miami is it performs “like a snail” but eats public dollars “like a goat” after budget briefing

City of Miami Beach: Commissioner Libbin believes relief for condo maintenance fees may be near

City of South Miami: Controversies continue in tony city, WDR saw some of the city attitude back in Dec. during visit

Editorials: WDR Nov. 2007: One never knows what you will find in elected leaders financial disclosure forms, why I always check them — Watchdog Report reader at county was glad I returned cruise tickets, because it would have “hurt me”

Letters: Readers on the Watchdog Report and my health

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding the University of Miami’s Knight Center of International Media http://knight.miami.edu within the University’s School of Communicationwww.miami.edu assistance to rebuild my web site www.watchdogreport.net that is now on line again, since the previous one was shut down in July 2008. Past reports will continue to go on line in the future, potentially as far back as May 2000. This institutional support is a major break through for me, and I am deeply appreciative of the help these two substantial international institutions have given me at a time the site was an unbudgeted expense and to keep the Watchdog Report a community education resource, while also being a decade old news service.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Great, Florida’s initial Census mail back rate only 9 % vs. 20% average for rest of nation, 2000 undercount cannot be repeated with billions at stake

The recent report, that around the nation, when it comes to the U.S. 2010 Census, Florida is at the bottom of the states with residents responding during the initial phase, and Miami-Dade has not responded in a big way. That fact should scare every individual in South Florida for the stakes are huge, and another 2000 census fiasco and undercount cannot be allowed given the fiscal demands on the community and the $400 billion in federal money and congressional political representation that comes with the national count.

Back in 2000, I watched county preparations for the upcoming census back then and while smaller an effort than the current year. There was a big disconnect between what was going on at county hall and the reality that was occurring in the field as census enumerators tried to count people who did not return their mailed census form. Here in South Florida we were in the social thralls of the extraction of the young Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez and the local federal counters ran into all kinds of obstacles including residents sending dogs after the Commerce Department employees trying to get an accurate head count, and this poor performance cannot be repeated. For the full story go to Andres Viglucci at www.miamiherald.com and for more information about the county’s Complete Count Census Committee go to www.miamidade.gov or www.2010census.gov

>>> Press release: Healthcare Sets Battle Lines For Mid-term Elections By John Zogby >> In an opinion/editorial piece published today on the BBC pollster John Zogby lays out the political ramifications of last night’s passage of the healthcare reform plan. Here is an excerpt: With the passage of healthcare reform, the battle lines are firmly drawn for the congressional elections in November. This will be a classic ideological war, the like of which we have rarely seen in the US. Republicans not only refused to vote for this package, their opposition was passionate and, at times, shrill. They sense that President Barack Obama and the Democrats have crossed the line of fiscal responsibility and even common decency by using congressional procedures to pass the bill and offering perks to some recalcitrant Democrats to win their support.

Read the OP/ED here: BBC OP/ED by John Zogby

>>> Veteran radio reporter Johnson saying sayonara to WLRN-Miami Herald News gig, will be missed

Joshua Johnson of WLRN-Miami Herald News is leaving the station April 2 and Johnson will be missed. He joined the hybrid station when it first began this relationship with the general daily paper and had a distinct voice when he was on the air. He covered anything big or sometimes small stories but many involved the most influential people from around the world. In an e-mail sent by Johnson, the veteran news reporter writes. “No one had ever heard of a public radio station and a newspaper collaborating so intimately… but here we are. It works! And that start-up spirit, that sense of enterprise and courage, was what thrilled me about joining this team back in 2004. Today I am a smarter, tougher, more resourceful person than I ever was before, due to this experience. Through WLRN, I built a solid reputation as a rigorous, insightful and creative journalist. I am grateful for that, and I honor you for giving a native son of South Florida the chance to serve his community for six intense years.” >>> The Watchdog Report has gotten to know him over the years and he will be missed and I wish Joshua all the best in his future endeavors, you will be missed out in the field.

>>> PAST WDR: I have been in the hospital after emergency surgery, one more procedure to go, need the community’s financial help to keep at this!

I have not communicated or sent out a Watchdog Report since the end of January because I had a catastrophic medical issue that required one emergency surgery and another in a few weeks after about two months of convalescing at the hospital and home. I would like to thank surgeon Jorge R. Rabaza, M.D., (Recently honored and awarded the Person of the Year at South Miami Hospital) and the rest of his vascular surgery team of Verdeja, Rabaza, Gonzalez, P.A., who practice at South Miami Hospital (http://www.miamihope.com/doctors/index.asp.). I went to the emergency room Feb. 8 and later in the evening, the operation was done, and it was touch and go. I also want to thank all the nursing and support staff located in the forth floor annex of the hospital who took care of me for over a week after the operation and your kind manner and medical attention was deeply appreciated. I have not had the strength and mental clarity to write until the last few days and to say I need a miracle is an understatement regarding my financial survival. I have been unable to send invoices to past supporters and just paying my rent currently is a big deal and hope you will consider doing what you can to keep me out in the field and reporting back after I get back on my feet and I am feeling better. The support form is at the bottom of this truncated issue for your convenience and if high definition transparency of what your public institutions are doing is important to you. Please help and support me financially during this particularly rough patch. >>> Editor’s note: If you see people that represent these two organizations let them know you appreciate how they helped me keeping this free news resource out in our community for all to read if desired.

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

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FLORIDA

>>> Crist and Rubio go head to head on Fox TV debate, heated but real fireworks in months to come

Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $466,000) and former House Speaker Marco Rubio (Net worth $8,351) both Republican U.S. Senate candidates finally got their debate face off Sunday morning on FOX TV at 9:00 a.m. www.foxnewssunday.com and the 40 minute exchange was an eye opener for Florida’s Republican voters with the primary in August. Crist and Rubio, both wearing grey suits, white shirts, red stripped ties and with American Flags on their lapels took verbal shots at each other after the show opened with political ads the candidates recently ran attacking the other. Crist, initially the party’s national favorite in the race last year, defended his past years in office performance during these tough economic times and while he did accept federal stimulus funding that has kept people in jobs he said on the program. “The economy was falling off a cliff” and some of this “economic policy was started by President [George] Bush,” Crist noted. Rubio hammered back that the federal “stimulus [program] was a failure” and he would have worked with Republicans on legislation that “would have created more jobs.” The former legislator said Crist was not the frugal and conservative person that he portrays and of course, the Crist hug last year of President Barack Obama was brought up. The governor continued to raise questions about Rubio’s honesty and “trust” after some credit card charges on a Republican Party credit card for a range of activities surfaced in the press www.miamiherald.com while Rubio was a state representative and the first Cuban American Florida Speaker in 2007.

Crist when pressed on whether he would switch his party affiliation to Independent since he is trailing significantly in the statewide polls now with Rubio having a double digit lead. The governor clearly said he would not leave the Republican Party. A recent Mason-Dixon poll has Rubio at 48% of Republicans versus 37% for Crist though the governor in the past has said the only poll he cares about is the “one on election night.” He also cited being a Republican in the mold of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan with Rubio questioning some of the accuracy of the governor’s words and there reality. Crist referenced Rubio’s voting for a tax increase when he was a municipal commissioner but Rubio pooh poohed that comment. The governor also brought up whether Rubio would release his IRS 1040s like Crist has (since the early 2000s and I have most of them) and would these tax documents reflect any of this possible unreported income, asking would amended tax returns be filed? Rubio, looking confident said he paid back any monies incorrectly billed to the party credit card and with his high poll numbers. He at one point was shown making notes while Crist was speaking and while one debate does not make a Florida senate campaign. Republican voters should regard this as a first skirmish, and the race up to the closed party primary five months from now is expected to get much more intense, with further political charges expected to be flying on the airwaves.

The two men have come a long way in their political careers with this being the fifth time Crist has run for office since he ran for the state senate after being a senior aide for Republican Florida Sen. Connie Mack in 1994. Rubio, started his political career as a city of West Miami commissioner and won his House office in 2000 and then state Rep. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach (Net worth $973,000) called the young attorney the “pick of the [legislative] litter,” of newly elected Republican candidates back then and was reported in the Watchdog Report. Since then, Crist, an attorney has been the commissioner of education, attorney general and now the governor while Rubio scaled the political ladder becoming speaker at the tender age of 36, while pushing a policy based on his book of 100 Ideas for the state of Florida to improve government many coming from the average residents. However, Rubio also has worked as a lobbyist, including for Jackson Memorial Hospital after he left office. On the family front, Crist was recently married in 2008, has two stepdaughters while Rubio is married, and has four children.

What about the Democratic Senate candidates?

So far the Democratic Party candidates are U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami (Net worth around $62,000 in 2002) and he is expected to submit the tens of thousands signatures statewide needed to qualify on Monday at the Miami-Dade elections office. Former Miami Mayor, state legislator, and county commissioner Maurice Ferre (net worth $2.16 million) is also in the race with former North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns but Meek leads the fundraising race and has a few million in his campaign account versus the people that are challenging him. The Democratic candidates trail the Republicans in the polls with Rubio getting 48% and Crist 37% when polled against the congressional representative.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> And they’re off, Commissioners Heyman, Sosa, unchallenged in Aug.; Incumbents Rolle, Souto, and Diaz get opposition

The Watchdog Report looked briefly at the county commission races in 2010 and for District 2 there are three challengers to incumbant Dorrin Rolle (Net worth $1.02 million) first appointed to the seat in the 1990s after his commission predecessor James Burke was arrested and later went to federal prison. Rolle since then has had only one real challenge during the 2002 primary, which was a tight race for the man, nicknamed “The Governor.” Rolle chairs a commission committee and is one of two voting commissioners on the Public Health Trust board. Candidates running against him in the August primary are former North Miami Mayor Josaphat “Joe” Celestin, Jean Monestine, and Florence “Flomo” Moss.

In commission District 4, Commissioner Sally Heyman (Net worth $ 426,000) has yet to draw any opposition since being elected to the commission in 2002 after serving in the state house. She faced a challenger in 2006 but she easily defeated the former municipal leader. Her district includes Aventura and parts of northeast Miami-Dade and part of Miami Beach. For her campaign, she has raised $53,500 to date.

In commission District 6, Commissioner Rebeca Sosa has also yet to draw a challenger and she came to office in the early 2000s after the previous commissioner plead to a deal with the state attorney’s office that included him leaving office. Sosa, a former Mayor of West Miami has raised $23,500 for her campaign and she is a big Marco Rubio supporter for the Senate over Gov. Charlie Crist. Her supporting the younger Rubio is understandable since she has known him since he was a West Miami commissioner, had her district office in the same building and floor as the state representative and finally Speaker of the Florida House before his current run for national office.

The real commission race that will be a horse race is District 8, a seat currently held by Commissioner Katy Sorenson (Net worth $1.34 million) who has decided to retire after 16-years in elected office. Sorenson has been a tireless advocate of controlled development and the need to preserve the environment in the process after having served for years on the South Florida Regional Planning Council board. She initially won facing a pack of candidates including an incumbent and that has never occurred since in a county commission race, where openings only occur when someone retires or is arrested and indicted. The five candidates vying for the seat so far are former Homestead Mayor Lynda Bell, Mayor Eugene Flinn, Jason Henry Cutler, Pamela Gray and Albert Harum Alvarez.

In the District 10 race, long serving Commissioner Javier Souto is facing Miriam Planas (no relation to the Republican state representative with the same last name) and he is a former state representative and senator prior to being elected to the commission in the 1990’s. Souto has $30,150 in his campaign war chest and hers is $7,600.

Finally, in District 12, incumbent Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz (Net worth $226,000) is being challenged by Heather Pernas. Diaz, the commission vice-chair has $87,545 for his campaign so far and she is posting none.

>>> IG Press release: Charles Leon Cutler (Cutler), a Miami-Dade County resident and the President/Director and Registered Agent for Veteran’s Employment Transition Services, Inc. (VETS), a Florida non-profit corporation, was arrested today as a result of an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. Cutler was charged with three counts of Grand Theft, third degree felonies, for misappropriating grant funds received from the County and City, which were intended to benefit military veterans.

The OIG investigation uncovered that in 2007, VETS received a $100,000 grant from the City of Miami and its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). VETS also received $117,800 from the Miami-Dade County Office of Community & Economic Development (OCED), now known as the Department of Housing and Community Development. The City CRA grant funds were to be used for the creation of the Hospitality Institute, a job training and placement program in the Overtown area of Miami. The OCED monies were to be used for a separate and independent job training and placement program.

In December 2008, the CRA grant was assigned to Miami-Dade College and VETS was required to return any unused funds. Rather than transferring the funds, Cutler wrote and negotiated several checks to himself totaling $4,000. Cutler’s theft was uncovered by City of Miami officials and he was advised on January 5, 2009 that they would notify law enforcement. The very next day, Cutler repaid Miami-Dade College by diverting funds from the County’s OCED grant. The OIG uncovered that Cutler falsely certified the amounts of employee salaries to OCED in order to repay the CRA funds. Additionally, he diverted $1,000 for his personal use.

Cutler was also charged with the theft of County funds that he claimed was used for an event that was, in fact, partly funded by the City of Miami. Cutler, through various transactions, withdrew $9,232.50 of a $20,000 contract award from the Miami-Dade County Department of Human Services (DHS). He paid his daughter $2,500 and his ex-wife $2,000 for what he later claimed to be coordination and catering services for the Veterans’ Summit. The investigation found that the 2008 Veterans’ Summit was organized by the Liberty City Trust, held on City of Miami property, and catering was funded by the City of Miami with no financial support from VETS or Cutler. >>> Copies of the arrest affidavit are available at the Office of the Inspector General, 19 West Flagler Street, Suite 220, Miami, Florida, telephone number (305) 375-1946, or at the State Attorney’s Office, c/o Ed Griffith, 1350 N.W. 12 Avenue, Miami, Florida, telephone number (305) 547-0535. >>> OIG Investigation Results in the Arrest of a County Grant Recipient Who Stole County Grant Funds to Pay Back a Theft of City of Miami Grant Funds, IG08-46, March 24, 2010.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> PAST WDR 2005: Best of the Watchdog Report- February: Miami-Dade light years ahead of Broward ethics and conflict of interest code

The government and elected leaders of Miami-Dade County are always being criticized for being corrupt and unresponsive to the people, but from my vantage point the community has made progress but part of that is because we have a county ethics commission and a county Office of the Inspector General and soon a county commission auditor. In addition, while commissioners have tried to get a pay increase, voters repeatedly believe the $6,000 salary and other benefits they get is enough for now. However, that is not the case for our neighbor to the north and in Broward County commissioners are paid $84,000 but they are still allowed to work in other jobs and in some cases, the commissioners are lobbyists. While there is nothing wrong with this profession, it does create a potential conflict if someone is also an elected leader and here in Miami-Dade, any elected official that ventures into that arena knows how sensitive the issue is and treads with caution.

However, that same abundance of caution found here does not seem to apply to Broward County elected leaders and recently there have been two examples, Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman, (Net worth $1.33 million) who registered as a lobbyist in her married name with the Broward Public School Board. Now we have the County Commissioner, Proud Mother Memo, from Lori Nance Parrish (Net worth $647,000), a long serving Broward Commissioner who has also headed up the commission. It is clear that Broward electorate should consider the creation of an ethics commission and an office of the Inspector General for this conflict of interest trend needs to be nipped in the bud. Broward hates any comparison with Miami-Dade but in some ways, we are light years ahead of our smaller neighbor to the north in the area of ethics and conflicts of interest. What is funny is we freely admit the need for these entities versus there, where some elected officials, when challenged about these activities, respond by making counter accusations. Further, these outside jobs held by commissioners, deep six’s the idea that if commissioners were well paid, that income would be enough to sustain them financially limiting potential conflicts. Broward elected leaders are planning what it wants to be in the future and the public and community leaders during this public discussion should debate if there is a need for these types of institutions, and changes in the county conflict code. For the Watchdog Report can assure the residents in Broward, that if something like the Parrish memo was done in Miami-Dade there would be a public firestorm, so maybe there is a difference after all with Broward, and the public here likes that.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

>>> PAST WDR FEB. 2007: Long serving County Commissioner Aaronson had net worth of $552,447 in 2005 – up from $245,000 in 1991

Well the regional conference with the Miami-Dade and Broward Commissions is over but the Watchdog Report continues to scan the Palm Beach County commissioners. This week it is long serving County Commissioner Burt Aaronson and he represents District 5.

What do we know about his finances?

He first reported his income to the Florida ethics commission in 1991 and back then, he had a net worth of $245,000 and $110,000 in household goods. In 2005, that net worth rose to $552,447 and he listed $150,000 in household goods.

He lists assets of $2,011. in cash, $175,000 in deferred compensation, $17,788 in a pension plan, $11,309 in an IRA and a condominium valued at $260,000. He lists no liabilities. Aaronson had income for the year of $22,996 from Social Security, $90,000 as a county commissioner and another $3,193 in retirement benefits. Editor’s note: Aaronson’s current net worth in 2008 was $626,000 and he is the current county commission chairman and survived the purge of commissioner going to federal prison a few years ago.

COLLIER COUNTY

>>> THREE DEFENDANTS ARRESTED IN COUNTERFEIT MEDICARE CHECK SCHEME

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, and Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, announced the arrests of Daisy Alonso, 36, formerly of Naples, Florida, and her brother, Ovidio Alonso Sanchez, 37, of Naples, Florida, for exchanging counterfeit Medicare checks, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 473; and the arrest of Azdrubal Martinez, 71, for money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957. The defendants were charged in three separate cases. Daisy Alonso was charged with four counts and Ovidio Alonso Sanchez with seven counts of exchanging counterfeit Medicare checks. Each counterfeit check count carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Defendant Martinez is charged with two counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years on each count. All defendants have made their initial appearances in federal court. Previously, defendants Ovidio Alonso Sanchez and Azdrubal Martinez were released on bonds. Today, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen T. Brown ordered Daisy Alonso detained pending trial.

According to statements made during today’s pre-trial detention hearing, Daisy Alonso established a corporation called “West Hialeah Phay, Inc.” and opened two separate bank accounts for this company. Although West Hialeah Phay, Inc. had no dealings with Medicare, approximately $191,198 in Medicare checks was deposited into the two West Hialeah Phay, Inc. accounts. After the checks cleared, thousands of dollars were withdrawn from the accounts. According to statements made in court, the Medicare checks deposited into Alonso’s West Hialeah Phay, Inc. accounts were fraudulent Medicare checks, with dates and amounts matching checks actually issued to West Hialeah Pharmacy, Inc., another clinic not associated with Alonso that billed Medicare. Ovidio Alonso Sanchez was charged separately with receiving $327,697 in counterfeit Medicare checks in connection with a company called West Hialeah Pha., Inc. Finally, Azdrubal Martinez was charged with money laundering for negotiating a $13,500 check from West Hialeah Pha., Inc., and a $15,500 check from Daisy Alonso’s company. >>> An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Ron Davidson. 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 http://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 http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

>>> Gov. Crist today announced the following appointment: BIG CYPRESS BASIN BOARD (Senate confirmation required)

John Vaughn, 76, of Naples, self-employed realtor with Coldwell Banker, succeeding Aliese P. Priddy, appointed for a term beginning March 22, 2010, and ending on March 1, 2013.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist announces the following reappointment and appointments: Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board: (Senate confirmation required)

Joni Herndon, 54, of Tampa, residential appraiser for Real Property Analysts Gulf Coast Tampa Florida, reappointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2013.

James Hudson, 45, of Altamonte Springs, vice president of Avant Healthcare, succeeding Jay Small, appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2012.

Christopher Sante, 55, of Tavernier, president of Bankers Mortgage Corporation, succeeding Susan Dailey, appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2013.

Jennifer Vigil, 36, of Panama City, assessment coordinator for Bay County, succeeding Gary Rosner, appointed for a term beginning March 31, 2010, and ending October 31, 2012.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Will school employees have to undergo polygraph tests? Issue “tabled” for now while being reviewed by board attorney

The Watchdog Report missed the crucial school board Audit Committee this month for medical reasons but I have reviewed the handout package and there are two issues that caught my eye. One is a review of the board’s attorney’s office and the other concerns the possible use of lie detectors when appropriate to ask district employees questions in the future. The audit of the attorney’s office references a number of areas of improvement, including having a codified policy for attorneys working at home, and how they keep track of their time working on district business. The issue took on importance and first surfaced when the past board attorney worked at her home in Palm Beach, had not moved to Miami-Dade and she was later separated from the district after a mutual agreement was reached.

The use of a polygraph is suggested in a memo from an audit committee subcommittee “to make it a condition of employment for employees to have to submit to polygraph tests, if requested” and was part of a general response to whether forensic audits should be done by the nation’s fourth largest school district. The Feb. 25 memo says the idea was “tabled” to allow the school board Attorney Walter J. Harvey “an opportunity to review the possible legal and labor contractual implications such a requirement may entail.” The forensic audit capability was the legislative brainchild of board Member Marta Perez but the cost of these possible audits was seen as excessive; and “the cost of this type of audit engagement ranged between $325,000 and $525,000” states the memo from sub-committee chair Manuel A. Gonzalez, CPA. The four member sub committee also includes audit committee chair Frederick Thornburg, Esq., Susan Kairalla, also a committee member and school board Member Perla Tabares Hantman. The audit committee and the school board must approve any further legislative action in the future for this to become a school district reality.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Part III: Will meetings upon meetings, reports bleed into the running of the health complex?

It was a full week for the PHT board and the administration struggling with a financial tsunami at the Jackson Health System that now how has the county administration led by Mayor Carlos Alvarez (Net worth $1.66 million) and George Burgess jumping in with both feet after Miami-Dade agreed to accelerate (through a variety of ways and sources) $80 million but includes countywide half-cent-sales tax receipts due to the health trust in the coming months less millions in bond payments. John Dorschner of The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com has been dutifully reporting the meetings over the past months and the issue of Jackson’s survival finally has the community’s attention, and its importance as a healthcare provider and an economic engine that has two medical school affiliations employing at its peak 12,500 employees, with an $85 million monthly payroll.

Eneida Roldan, M.D. the PHT president and CEO since taking the trust’s leadership reins in June of 2009 has had a rough ride after it became apparent late last year patient receivables and bad debt, the funds owed by patients and providers came in at a much lower number than originally anticipated resulting in a $229 million deficit for the current year. However, last week she has gotten some union agreement concessions, and the federal and state governments are accelerating some payments but much of the hospital systems structural problems still remain. Roldan, on Saturday also got a major front page story and profile bywww.miamiherald.com on her trials and tribulations, including the verbal political buzz saw some county commissioners have pointed in her direction, with long serving Commissioner Natacha Seijas (Net worth $655,000), questioning her competency to lead such a large institution and the president’s past statements had Seijas saying the executive could not be trusted. Roldan, so far has survived walking through this political and financial minefield but she now faces major outside oversight and that raises the question if trust staff, already dramatically reduced in their numbers, can do all this while also running a roughly 1,500 bed facility at the main campus and over 30 satellite operations, including Jackson North and South and these newly designated outside monitors should keep that fact in mind.

Further, with this management agreement with the county signed last week, one of the provisions is the county having a complete understanding of what organizational and financial savings are being instituted, and the first meeting was on Friday states The Herald where Burgess laid out these ground rules. The county manager first started coming to PHT board meetings about four months ago, and it was the first time since 1998 that I ever saw the manager show up at these meetings, that historically were assigned to an assistant county manager. In the case of Burgess, at Monday’s trust meeting he brought along the assigned assistant manager, and her staff associate but the third person was the county’s budget and strategic planning director Jennifer Glazer-Moon and these additions show how concerned the county is about the PHT.

What about new CFO Shaw?

Ted Shaw has been appointed the new CFO after a national search and his $600,000 salary was competitive with the market, even though it comes out at about $2,500 per day in compensation. Roldan told the board the trust had to pay in this range to get a qualified candidate given the critical nature of the hire and said the man had faced similar challenges with other health systems. However, some trust board members challenged some of the president’s comments and the proof will be in the man’s performance over the months ahead during this critical juncture with the PHT and what it will be in the future years. Editor’s note: Shaw was on a speakerphone during the extensive discussion of his coming on board and salary. As a new PHT employee after listening to the conversation, he has a good idea of the lay of the political land he is entering and working in. The Watchdog Report wishes him all the luck and success in succeeding at this crucial job in this time of great revenue need for the PHT.

What about where all these meetings are being held?

The leadership of the PHT board should consider where they hold public meetings; for one of the requirements is, the location should be suitable for the expected attendance and with all the press covering the meetings. The West Wing boardroom is one possibility or the larger DTC location used for the televised board meetings is another but using a small conference should be the last resort and such locations can breed misinformation, confusion, and suspicion at a time transparency and clarity of the discussions are the watchwords of the day.

What about past Watchdog Report stories since 2000?

>>> County IG Press release: Jackson Health System’s and the Office of the Capital Improvements’ Status Reports to the OIG’s Final Audit Report on the Public Health Trust / Jackson Health System Equitable Distribution Program for Architectural and Engineering Contracts, Ref. IG08-15A, March 4, 2010.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Chair Sarnoff says trouble with Miami is it acts “like a snail” but eats public dollars “like a goat” after grim budget briefing

As the Miami commission met Thursday in the commission chambers it was clear to the Watchdog Report that this was deja vue of the worst kind when it came to the city’s dwindling cash reserves that will be raided another $54 million just to cover last year’s budget deficit and even more cash will be required for the current shortfall with parks, police and fire budgets over by more than $20 million. The commissioners got the financial budget briefing in the morning and the conversation was grim. The city of “Miami acts like a snail” when it comes to delivering municipal services but when it comes to spending public money it “eats like a goat,” said Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff (Net worth $2.28 million) describing what he had just heard. He also noted that the city was coming dangerously close to insolvency declaring the city manager, who is the person who contacts the governor’s office if such a state exists, should call a “state of financial emergency”. Further, Frank Carollo, the commission vice chair said paychecks for two old employees gone since November are still arriving at his office and questioned the city’s paycheck controls that clearly need attention.

Mayor Tomas Regalado (Net worth $5,000), who gave his first state of the City speech Friday, cautioned commissioners about calling a financial emergency believing they were not there yet. He said changes were being implemented regarding city spending that would stem some of the financial hemorrhaging being implemented by new city Manager Carlos Migoya, a former banker working for free in the interim during the tough budget negotiations, including dealing with the city’s three unions.

What about the state appointed financial emergency oversight board?

For five-years that ended in Nov. 2001, the city of Miami had a state appointed financial oversight board made up of high profile community leaders that did not live in the city. Regalado and Commissioner Willy Gort both politically lived under this mother may I scrutiny that kept a fiscal blow torch on leaders and the administration that saw revolving door managers through the late 1990s after ex manager Cesar Odio, after years in that capacity went to federal prison. This board also had the added firepower of the governor’s inspector general attending these meetings and during the bulk of the time when then Gov. Jeb Bush held office. The state IG was Marcia Cooke, now a federal district judge and she kept a close eye on some of the ideas the commissioners had while helping the municipality financially right itself. Cooke, it should be noted is well over six feet tall and would periodically start to get up at meetings when something was being discussed and essentially said, “don’t go there,” to the city’s elected leaders that attended these meetings.

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Commissioner Libbin believes relief for condo maintenance fees may be near

Commissioner Libbin newsletter: Thank you for joining in the efforts to change the statutes pertaining to the inequities in current condominium foreclosure laws. I appreciate that many of you were interested in helping to organize a “Rally in Tally” trip in March to visit with state legislators. Unfortunately, due to the low number of participants available during the planned dates, I have had to cancel the group trip. I am pleased to announce, however, that I received word from our lobbyists in Tallahassee, advising that Senate President Jeff Atwater has reversed his position and is now requesting that the Senate create a bill to provide a measure of relief for condo maintenance issues. This is a victorious step for us and leads me to believe that Mr. Atwater is finally convinced that action needs to be taken to assist condominiums owners facing financial crisis. I believe that he is also convinced that we, as determined and vocal activists, will not cease in our efforts until we get relief.

I will attend Dade Days in Tallahassee this year as I did last year, where I plan to meet with the members of the House and Senate who have the strongest pending bills. Below I have provided Senate President Jeff Atwater’s contact information as well as the names and contact information of legislative representatives who sit on the Insurance, Business and Financial Affairs Policy Committee voting on the bills. I urge you to please reach out to them and very importantly to your local district representatives as well to request their support for the essential relief offered in the bills. I have also drafted a sample letter for your use, if you prefer. Thank you again for your interest and continued efforts in this crucial matter. Please contact our office at 305 673 7106 orjerry@miamibeachfl.gov if you have additional questions or if we may be of service to you.

>>> The Miami New Times reporter Tim Elfrink last week did a story on the last few years at the Beach police department and while not reflective of all the officers on patrol in the municipality. The story brings up some concerns. To read the story go to Miami Beach cops are paid up to $225K and face lawsuits galore

>>> Press release: County Commissioner Katy Sorenson will speak at the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club, Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 8:30AM – 10:00AM, David’s Cafe II, 1654 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach.

Since 1996, the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club has been gathering every Tuesday at 8:30AM at a local Miami Beach restaurant for informal, non-partisan discussions of issues – political, governmental, etc. It is not affiliated with any other organization. We are currently meeting at David’s Cafe II, 1654 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach, between Lincoln Road Mall and Macy’s (formerly Burdine’s). There is plenty of parking at that hour in the adjacent municipal parking lot. One orders from the menu or simply has coffee. Guest speakers range across the political, governmental, business, and social issues spectrum. Sessions are open to everyone. Simply show up. www.mbtmbc.com

CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI

>>> Controversies continue in tony city, WDR saw some of the city attitude back in Dec. during visit

The Watchdog Report usually does not write about some of the smaller municipalities but given the continued turbulence, scandals and general political chaos with lawsuits flying at the City of Pleasant Living, one has to wonder what is going on there? In December, I stopped by city Hall and went to the manager’s office to get his business card but was told he was out of the office and on a vacation. I picked up a card but then a man sitting in a chair piped up that Roger Carleton, the chief administrator was in “Hawaii” versus us being stuck here and he said essentially isn’t that the life. I asked the man if he was a city employee, which he was but that kind of attitude among any cities workers is corrosive and suggests a wide spectrum of problems that have since been manifested in news reports done by www.wfor4.com and www.miamiherald.com .

Further, the city has been under the watchful eye of the Miami-Dade ethics commission and a number of rulings have come out of that body with some still pending. However, to be fair some of the complaints were political retaliation and frivolous but the intense nature of some of the commission meetings over the past 18-months shows residents and elected leaders need to reduce some of the heated rhetoric and remember what Ghandi used to say. “Make it the strength of your argument, not the stridency of your voice” something that might interject civility back into the fabric of the political discourse.

EDITORIAL

>>> PAST WDR Nov.2007: One never knows what you will find in elected leaders financial disclosure forms, why I always check them

I was recently asked why I run elected officials financial disclosure forms so often, and it is because this is the only time the public gets to peer into someone’s life and about 10 percent of the time something later turns up, as was the case with now jailed Ken Jenne, the former Broward County sheriff. I would run his financial disclosures in early July every year after the forms were due, first because he had the largest operation, around $700 million in the county under one elected official and he was top dog on the disclosure food chain list.

Jenne used to file his IRS 1040 with his wife and it was here that I first noticed that after years of no outside income, he listed $25,000 from one organization and another $10,000 from another source. At the time, I just noted that he now had outside income and the media and public corruption investigators took it from there. In other cases an elected official might have more cash than normal, say $500,000 as was one case and that person years ago would later have difficulty explaining where that came from.

Some people try to make their forms and the information difficult to read, or are incomplete in some way and it says a lot about a person. People that are straight up many times just file their IRS 1040 but as we see with Jenne, this is not fool proof either. Some elected people challenge the need for these financial disclosures to be made public, but it comes with the turf if you are an elected official and that is the way it is and get over it. For with the profile, responsibility and power that comes with elected office the public has a right to see someone’s financial holdings and it is one of the best aspects of the Florida Sunshine law.

>>> Watchdog Report reader at county was glad I returned cruise tickets, because it would have “hurt me”

The Watchdog Report has gotten many comments about my returning cruise tickets for two that I won in a raffle recently, and would later return to be raffled off again. Some people thought since it was a raffle that I should have kept the tickets and it would have been okay. However, one county Watchdog Report reader in a elevator down at county hall last week said it all when she said she was glad I had returned them and it would have “hurt me” if I kept them. That was the same conclusion I had about 90 seconds after the drawing, and since I am a solo operation it was clear what I had to do and that is what I did.

LETTERS

>>> Readers on the Watchdog Report and my health

Hello Mr. Ricker, your work goes highly under appreciated throughout these years in Miami. I’ am sorry to have heard about your medical issue and hope and pray you stay healthy for the rest of 2010 and beyond. You saw first hand what good quality care is at South Miami Hospital part of the Baptist health network. I’ve never met you in person, but I mean the words that I write and keep up the good work as loyal follower of the Watchdog Report.

>>> You have all my thoughts and prayers over your recent catastrophic surgery. You are a great guy who has made a terrific difference. I am struggling through this recession like a lot of other people and wish I had money, but I’ll spread the word on your behalf. Wishing you every blessing….

>>> I am very glad you are back and better. My prayers continue with you.

Rebeca Sosa

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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. TheWatchdog 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 Extra’s 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.

LETTER POLICY

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report

Est. 05.05.00

>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

>>> 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.

>>>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 Reportpublisher 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 Heraldendorsing 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 Reportthat 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/ >>> 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 Vol. 10 No. 37 March 21, 2010 Medical Issue

editor — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:02:07 +0000

CONTENTS

Argus Report: I filled out the 2010 Census this week, will you? Feds distribute $400 billion yearly based on community population, Dade lost out in 2000

Florida: State residents need to keep pressure on legislature for Open Government and access to public records, says Gov. Crist

Miami-Dade County: Registered agent Forbes fails to report income from community groups and law firm, settles with ethics commission

Broward County: Tri-Fecta of elected leaders going down, Salesman next up in the judicial box

Palm Beach County: Feds add more defendants in mortgage fraud case

Hillsborough County: Gov. Crist taps Hillsborough County Court Judge Huey of Tampa to the 13th Judicial Circuit Court.

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Perez kicks off Healthy Smiles in Our Schools, 17 sites in district

Public Health Trust: Part II: The PHT board lives another day, how we got to where it is today?

City of Miami: Chair Sarnoff gets ethics complaint concerning Mercy Hospital, thrown out

City of Miami Beach: Ethics commission says Libbin can serve as Chamber CEO, but with limitations

City of Coral Gables: Gov. Crist today taps Brooks, Haggard of Coral Gables and Sembler as FSU trustees

Editorials: WDR NOV. 2005: High definition transparency in government is available with the Watchdog Report, news extras only a click away — WDR OCT. 2005: Dade Home Rule Charter created to “protect the governed, not the governing” and the media has a role in that mission

Letters: Reader on PHT graph – Readers on my medical issue and being gone

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> Clarification from a reader: The term “No Margin, No Mission” was coined by American Hospital Association then-President Sister Irene Krauss–in the 1980′s.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> I filled out the 2010 Census this week, will you? Feds distribute $400 billion yearly based on community population, Dade lost out in 2000

The publisher got his 2010 Census form last week; I filled it out, and mailed it back the next day. The U.S. Census is the most critical event facing the community in some ways over the last decade since we are still feeling the pain of the 2000 undercount that occurred in the middle of the Elian Gonzalez saga that had split the community down along ethnic lines and many residents saw census workers not as members of the treasury department working in confidence, but a federal agent. The federal government gives out about $400 billion in federal funding a year based on these numbers and the count determines political representation in Congress. In my case, only two questions caused me to pause, though I supplied the information. The 10-question form asked for my phone number (for possible follow-up) and my date of birth which while confidential when it comes to the census. It is gateway information (with a social security number the Gold standard) if one is trying to do a scan of somebody and what they might be up to. Readers that want more information about the local Census activities go to www.miamidade.gov/census2010.

>>> New Zogby Interactive survey also finds 49% have concerns about confidentiality of Census data – As Americans receive their Census forms in the mail this week, results of a new Zogby Interactive poll suggest that a large majority of American adults will complete the census. However, nearly half express doubt about either data confidentiality or whether the results of the Census will benefit their community. Overall, 87% of adults say they plan to complete the Census, while 6% do not, and 8% are not sure. Republicans express more trepidation than Democrats or independents, with 8% saying they do not plan to complete the Census, and an additional 12% saying they are not sure whether they will complete the Census.

Do you plan to complete the 2010 Census?

	Overall	DEM	IND	GOP
Yes	87%	95%	84%	80%
No	6%	4%	7%	8%
Not Sure	8%	2%	9%	12%

Pollster John Zogby: “The one in seven who are unsure or will not complete the Census is very troubling.” Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1833

>>> Press release: Ros-Lehtinen Cautions Europe & U.S. on Devastating Consequences of Appeasing Russia

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the following remarks at a hearing this morning warning of the dangers of making overtures to Russia. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “We should not appease a Russian regime that sponsors widespread corruption, represses it political opponents and mounts open aggression and intimidation against neighboring countries. “We should also recall how appeasement in Europe has been a certain path to a bitter, devastating outcome leading to the death of millions during the Second World War. Today, European appeasement of the Cuban, Iranian, and Russian regimes clearly show they have not learned the lessons of history. “The leaders in Moscow today, despite their occasional, soothing statements, quite simply recognize that they need to create the image of an ‘enemy’ for their people, in order to justify their continued rule. “Our efforts to appease the Russian regime will only lead them to raise the ante.

“Why? They have done little to nothing to set a strong foundation for Russia’s future economic progress. They have also done little to set a realistic foreign policy that will provide true security for Russia in the future. “Instead, they have enriched themselves while sponsoring the most shameful methods to eliminate their internal critics, all the while keeping the Russian people distracted by creating a façade that their country faces a threat from the West, particularly the United States. “We cannot expect to have any real credibility if we condemn Russia’s invasion of Georgia, but then ignore Russia’s continued occupation of Georgian territory, re-admit Russia into NATO’s councils and then offer to sell it our advanced weapons.

“We cannot make major reductions in our strategic nuclear forces and play with negotiating away our right to deploy strategic missile defenses simply to cater to the Russian leadership. “We cannot talk of human rights with sincerity if we ignore the all-too-obvious campaign of beatings and murders of independent reporters, lawyers and activists in Russia in recent years. “No. This is not the time for appeasement, arms sales and abandonment of those struggling for democracy in Russia and the countries that once formed the Soviet Bloc, including those yearning to be free in Cuba, just 90 miles from our shores. “It is important that the leading states of Europe set for themselves a role that reflects the reality of the world as it is – and of events and policies in Russia as they are – rather than continuing to take the paths of least resistance and wishful thinking.”

>>> Zogby Poll: Down 10 Points From Nov. 2008 The percentage of people who believe it is possible for themselves and their families to achieve the American Dream has dropped 10 points since immediately after the November 2008 elections, falling from 67% then to 57% now. This result comes from a Zogby Interactive survey of 2,068 U.S. adults conducted from Feb. 17-19, 2010. The poll has a margin of error of +/-2.2%. Loss of belief in the attainability of the American Dream was fairly consistent across all demographic groups. It was largest for those with household incomes below $25,000, falling from 46% in 2008 to 28% now. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1834

>>> PAST WDR: I have been in the hospital after emergency surgery, one more procedure to go, need the community’s financial help to keep at this!

I have not communicated or sent out a Watchdog Report since the end of January because I had a catastrophic medical issue that required one emergency surgery and another in a few weeks after about two months of convalescing at the hospital and home. I would like to thank surgeon Jorge R. Rabaza, M.D., and the rest of his vascular surgery team of Verdeja, Rabaza, Gonzalez, P.A., who practice at South Miami Hospital (http://www.miamihope.com/doctors/index.asp.). I went to the emergency room Feb. 8 and later in the evening, the operation was done, and it was touch and go. I also want to thank all the nursing and support staff located in the forth floor annex of the hospital who took care of me for over a week after the operation and your kind manner and medical attention was deeply appreciated. I have not had the strength and mental clarity to write until the last few days and to say I need a miracle is an understatement regarding my financial survival. I have been unable to send invoices to past supporters and just paying my rent currently is a big deal and hope you will consider doing what you can to keep me out in the field and reporting back after I get back on my feet and I am feeling better. The support form is at the bottom of this truncated issue for your convenience and if high definition transparency of what your public institutions are doing is important to you. Please help and support me financially during this particularly rough patch. >>> Editor’s note: If you see people that represent these two organizations let them know you appreciate how they helped me keeping this free news resource out in our community for all to read if desired.

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

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

FLORIDA

>>> State residents need to keep pressure on for Open Government and access to public records, says Gov. Crist

Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today hosted an Open Government reception at the Governor’s Mansion in honor of A Week of Sunshine in Florida. The Governor issued a proclamation recognizing March 15-21, 2010 as Sunshine Week for the citizens of the State of Florida, urging citizens to celebrate Florida’s dedication to making state and local government accessible and transparent to the public. The Governor also honored the winners of the 2010 Sunshine Week essay contest. “Florida’s open government and sunshine laws are among the strongest in the nation, and my administration has been proud to carry on and strengthen this legacy,” said Governor Crist. “Government exists to serve the people and Floridians of all ages are entitled to have every tool at their disposal to hold their elected officials accountable, ensuring an honest and open process. Teaching this fundamental right to our children is also critically important to the continuation of our democracy. ”

The Sunshine Week essay contest was open to all Florida high school students in grades 9-12. Essay participants were asked to, “Read and study the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Explain the importance of one or more of the civil liberties found in the First Amendment and how Florida’s open government laws protect these liberties.” The first place winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship, the second place winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship, and third place will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The winners are as follows: First place: Emily Cochrane, Coral Reef Senior High, 9th grade, Miami Second place: Melissa Phillips, Lakewood High School, 10th grade, St. Petersburg, Third place: Ronald “Charlie” Charles Johnston Jr., Stanton College Preparatory School, 12th grade, Jacksonville …

In June 2007, the Governor appointed the Commission on Open Government Reform. He charged the nine-member Commission to review and evaluate the public’s right of access to government meetings and records. The commission held four public hearings throughout the state, hearing suggestions from Floridians. The Commission submitted its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives on January 27, 2009 and is working with the legislature to enact them during the 2010 legislative session. About Sunshine Week >>> In 2002, the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors launched Sunshine Sunday to increased public and legislative awareness of Florida’s strong public record and open meeting laws. After Florida’s trailblazing actions to establish these laws, many other states adopted Sunshine Sunday, which resulted in the American Society of Newspaper Editors designating a Sunshine Week in March 2005 and each year thereafter. Sunshine Week is an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the benefits of open and transparent government operations. For more information on Governor Crist’s open government initiatives, please visit http://www.flgov.com/og_home.

>>> Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following appointments: Governing Board of Suwannee River Water Management District (Senate Confirmation Required)

Alphonas Alexander, 60, of Madison, independent contractor for The Forestry Company, succeeding Oliver Lake, appointed for a term beginning March 19, 2010, and ending March 1, 2014.

Donald “Ray” Curtis III, 28, of Perry, self-employed attorney, succeeding Donald Curtis Jr., appointed for a term beginning March 19, 2010, and ending March 1, 2011.

Guy N. Williams, 53, of Lake City, self-employed certified public accountant, succeeding Georgia Jones, appointed for a term beginning March 19, 2010, and ending March 1, 2014.

>>> Check out what Florida TaxWatch has to say about the ongoing legislative session

Florida TaxWatch is a statewide, non-profit, non-partisan research institute that over its 30-year history has become widely recognized as the watchdog of citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars. Its mission is to provide the citizens of Florida and public officials with high quality, independent research and education on government revenues, expenditures, taxation, public policies and programs and to increase the productivity and accountability of Florida state and local government. Its support comes from homeowners and retirees, small and large businesses, philanthropic foundations, and professional associations. On the web at www.FloridaTaxWatch.org.

>>> Press release: EIGHTH ANNUAL SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY AT THE CAPITAL – Promoting awareness about this devastating public health problem. According to the Florida Department of Health, 2,723 Floridians lost their lives to suicide in 2008 at a rate of 7 people per day. Of those, 231 were between the ages of 10 and 24. Tragically, many Florida families and communities have been affected by the suicide deaths of their loved ones, friends, classmates, co-workers and neighbors. The Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention is holding an awareness day to address this silent epidemic. Suicide Prevention Day at the Capital is a statewide event in which the Office of Suicide Prevention and Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition are joined in Tallahassee by advocates, survivors, grassroots organizations, other state agencies, and youth to bring suicide to the forefront as a public health issue. This year Suicide Prevention Day falls on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010. Beginning at 8:00 AM, multiple advocacy and human service organizations will be hosting educational display tables in the Capitol Plaza Rotunda. A press conference will begin at 11:00 AM in 22nd floor observatory featuring Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon, Director of the Office of Drug Control Colonel Bruce Grant, Senator Evelyn Lynn, and former Department of Corrections Secretary, Colonel Jim McDonough.

The 2007 Florida Legislature passed a bill which was signed into law by Governor Crist that created the Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention within the Office of Drug Control to coordinate and provide oversight to statewide efforts. This law also established the Suicide Prevention Coordinating Council to advise and make recommendations to the statewide office. The Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention is charged with coordinating Florida’s suicide prevention efforts by developing mechanisms for implementing the Florida Suicide Prevention Strategy, providing oversight, building capacity, creating policy, and mobilizing communities, with the overall goal of lowering suicidality and improving quality of life for Floridians. >>> To learn more about Suicide Prevention Day and other suicide prevention initiatives, please visit the Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention website at http://www.HelpPromoteHope.com.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Registered agent Forbes fails to report income from community groups and law firm, settles with ethics commission

Miami-Dade Ethics Commission press release: Husband and wife lobbyist and politician settle ethics violations: A South Miami-Dade couple has settled with the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust for failing to report income from business and community groups. A complaint (C 09-05) filed by the Independent Advocate against Kentward Forbes alleges that the Board Member of the Naranja Lakes Community Redevelopment Agency failed to disclose payments he received from various sources on financial disclosure forms filed for 2005, 2006 and 2007, as required by law. Forbes told investigators he had no primary source of income, but state records show he is the registered agent for several incorporated entities, including “Citizens Integrated Voices Inspiring Changes (CIVIC),” “Civic Services” and “Naranja Optimist Club, Inc.” through which he received several thousand dollars for consulting services and community organizing. He also was paid $26,000 by the First National Bank of South Florida, $20,000 from Holland & Knight LLP, more than $10,000 each from CIVIC and Palm II and $9,000 from Sandy Rivers Walker during that period. Forbes agreed to pay a fine of $1,500 and accept a letter of instruction. As part of the settlement, a different complaint (C 09-27) against his wife, Patricia Forbes, was dismissed, but she, too, will receive a letter of instruction. The South Bay Community Council (#15) member had failed to list on her financial disclosure forms that she received checks totaling $4,200 from “CIVIC” during 2006 and $2,240 from the same organization in 2007.

>>> The Ethics Commission found no probable cause to a complaint (C 09-39) that North Miami City Councilman Michael Blynn violated municipal law by using his city-issued credit card to buy airline tickets for his wife to accompany him on government-related trips. Councilman Blynn contends limitations of on-line reservations required the use of only one credit card so he and his wife could travel together and that he immediately repaid the city for his wife’s expenses. He has since turned in his city credit card.

>>> A complaint (C 10-12) filed against Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff was dismissed as not legally sufficient. A citizen accused Sarnoff of violating state law by meeting with former City Manager Joe Arriola and Jorge Perez, president of the Related Group, between November of 2006 and January of 2007, prior to the commission’s January 25th vote on a building project proposed by the Related Group next to Mercy Hospital. The Ethics Commissioners ruled they did not have jurisdiction because the alleged event took place more than three years ago and they have no power to enforce the state rule. Additionally, there is no evidence that the meetings influenced Commissioner Sarnoff since he consistently voted against the proposed project.

>>> Miami Beach City Commissioner Jerry Libbin may serve as President/Executive Director of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, with certain limitations. That’s the response to Libbin’s Request for Opinion (RQO 10-08) before taking over leadership of the non-profit corporation that supports local businesses. The Ethics Commission recommended that Commissioner Libbin avoid voting on matters brought before the City Commission by directors of the Chamber related to Chamber business.

>>> A complaint (C 10-09) that alleged a Miami-Dade County Corrections official used his official position to have a subordinate falsify a report was dismissed because it was considered to be a personnel matter outside the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission. The board also withheld action on a complaint (C 10-13) filed against officials of the Miami-Dade Police Department by an officer alleging acts of misconduct, pending resolution of union grievance and a civil lawsuit initiated by the officer. >>> The Ethics Commission was created in 1996 as an independent agency with advisory and quasi-judicial powers. It is composed of five members, serving staggered terms of four years each. Through a program of education and outreach, the Commission seeks to empower the community and bolster public trust.

>>> Press release GMCVB: GREATER MIAMI & THE BEACHES RANKED #1 IN HOTEL ROOM RATE, #1 IN REVENUE PER AVAILABLE ROOM (REV PAR) AND #2 IN OCCUPANCY FOR FEBRUARY 2010 AMONG THE TOP 25 U.S. MARKETS DESPITE GLOBAL ECONOMIC RECESSION

For the month of February 2010, Miami ranked #1 in average daily hotel room rate at $201.63, #1 in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) at $158.45 and #2 in occupancy at 78.6% among the Top 25 Markets in the U.S. During February, Greater Miami and the Beaches hosted its record 10th Super Bowl, contributing to February’s positive increases. Smith Travel Research compares and ranks the top markets in the United States based on Occupancy, Average Daily Room Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar).

Hotel Room Rate (February 2010)
U.S. MARKETS:	$	% Change vs. 2009
#1. Miami	$201.63	+12.1%
#2. New York	$184.28	-4.5%
#3. Oahu Island	$142.89	-7.9%
#4. Washington	$135.83	-8.4%
#5. New Orleans	$128.20	-4.2%

Revenue Per Available Room (Rev Par) ( February 2010)
TOP U.S MARKETS:	$	% Change vs. 2009
#1. Miami	$158.45	+21.4%
#2. New York	$130.16	+5.2%
#3. Oahu Island	$115.15	-3.8%
#4. Orlando	$90.97	+1.6%
#5. San Francisco	$81.10	+11.7%

Hotel Occupancy (February 2010)
TOP U.S MARKETS:	%	% Change vs. 2009
#1. Oahu Island	80.5%	+4.5%
#2. Miami	78.6%	+8.3%
#3. New Orleans	71.0%	+6.1%
#4. New York	70.6%	+10.1%
#5. San Francisco	65.2%	+13.8%

The Average Daily Room Rate and RevPar our hotels are able to command based on the popularity of the destination and the outstanding hotel and service product we feature continues to be among the highest in the nation.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Tri-Fecta of elected leaders going down, Salesman next in judicial box

Local county residents get to watch the final chapter in a political tri-fecta when it comes to wayward elected officials being busted by federal and state authorities or pleading guilty like ex school board member Beverly Gallagher did last week and a Broward commissioner did earlier. Now, former municipal commissioner Fitzroy Salesman is next up in the judicial box and all this legal activity continues to outrage county elected leaders and residents that are considering whether an office of inspector general should be created to keep an eye on the county’s public institutions and 31-municipalities. These public organizations get none of the critical press that these should if past actions are any indication, because many times it has taken way to long for corruption or conflicts of interest issues to play out and elected leaders should pay attention for voters are in a cynical mood and their discontent could be reflected on Election Day.

>>> Press release: BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER PLEADS GUILTY TO BRIBERY

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, announce that Beverly Gallagher, 51, of Pembroke Pines, pled guilty to a charge of bribery in programs receiving federal funds. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 2, 2010 before U.S. District Court Judge James I. Cohn. Today’s plea revolves around Gallagher’s acceptance of $9,000 in exchange for her promise to assist undercover FBI agents in connection with the issuance of a contract and subcontract work for the reconstruction and renovation of Hollywood Hills High School. According to court documents and statements made in court today, Gallagher, who was first elected to the Broward County School Board in 2000 and re-elected in 2004 and 2008, met on numerous occasions with FBI agents acting in an undercover capacity. Two of the agents held themselves out to be asset managers who purportedly represented contractors seeking to obtain construction contracts with local government entities, including the Broward County School Board.

At today’s hearing, Gallagher admitted, among other things, that on December 23, 2008, she accepted $3,000 cash from the undercover agent for “hooking up” the undercover’s construction company client for subcontracting work. Gallagher further admitted that on June 3, 2009, she accepted $6,000 cash for her efforts to obtain subcontracting work on the Hollywood Hills project on behalf of that construction company client. >>> U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service in connection with the investigation and prosecution of this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey N. Kaplan and Neil Karadbil. 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 http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

>>> Press release: Feds add more defendants in mortgage fraud case

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael K. Fithen, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Henry Gutierrez, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, J. Thomas Cardwell, Commissioner, State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, and Alex Sink, Chief Financial Officer, State of Florida’s Department of Financial Services, announced that a federal grand jury yesterday returned a superseding indictment in the case of United States v. Jason Vitulano, et al., Case No. 09-80156-CR-MIDDLEBROOKS(s), adding four new defendants and three new counts to the original indictment. Newly charged in the case are attorney Joseph Miller, 63 of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Peter Hartofilis, 33, of Flushing, NY, Robert Hofler, 52, of Pembroke Pines, FL, and Steve Vento, 41, of Jupiter, FL. All of the defendants are charged with conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud by submitting false mortgage loan applications to Washington Mutual and other lenders between January 2006 and October 2007, in violation of 18 U. S. C. § 1349. In addition, Joseph Miller is charged with four counts of mail fraud, in violation of 18 U. S. C. § 1341, and Peter Hartofilis is charged with one count of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1343, respectively. Jason Vitulano, 44, of Boca Raton, FL, was previously charged with the same violations and remains under indictment for conspiracy, three counts of mail fraud and six counts of wire fraud. If convicted, the defendants all face up to 30 years in prison and mandatory restitution on each of the counts pending against them.

According to the superseding indictment, Jason Vitulano and Peter Hartofilis were branch managers of the TopDot Mortgage office in Boca Raton. The allegedly devised a scheme to submit loan applications to numerous lenders that contained grossly inflated statements of loan applicants’ earnings and assets on deposit in a local bank. Steve Vento is alleged to have submitted two false loan applications to fund the purchase of two houses, priced at $1.9 million and $1.1 million. The superseding indictment also alleges that attorney Joseph Miller acted as closing agent and title agent on a number of these loan transactions and that Miller agreed to divert loan proceeds to the personal accounts of Vitulano, Hartofilis and others without disclosing that fact to the mortgage lenders. According to the indictment, defendant Robert Hofler worked at First Southern Bank in Boca Raton as a vice president. Hofler is alleged to have falsely attested to loan applicants having large balances on deposit at First Southern, ranging from $130,000 up to $600,000. In reliance on these and other false statements in the loan applications, the lenders approved and funded more than $5 million in mortgage loans to purchase residences in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. Jason Vitulano is detained pending trial. Defendants Joseph Miller and Robert Hofler will make their initial appearances before U. S. Magistrate Judge Ann E. Vitunac on Friday, March 19th at 10 am. Defendant Peter Hartofilis was arrested in Queens, NY, where he made his initial appearance today. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in West Palm Beach on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. Steve Vento is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in West Palm Beach on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Trial has been scheduled for July 2010. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, State of Florida’s Department of Financial Services, and Office of Financial Regulation for their work in the case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Jorgensen and Ellen Cohen. The law enforcement agents and prosecutors are members of the Palm Beach County Mortgage Fraud Task Force. An Indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless 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 http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist taps Hillsborough County Court Judge Paul L. Huey of Tampa to the 13th Judicial Circuit Court.

“With experience as both a county judge and an acting circuit court judge, Paul has consistently demonstrated high ethical standards, strong intellect and a dedicated work ethic,” said Governor Crist. “His respect for people, the law and our judicial system will ensure fair consideration of every case that comes before him.”

Huey, 50, has served on the Hillsborough County bench since 2002. Previously, he practiced privately with Bush, Ross, Gardner, Warren and Rudy P.A. from 1987 to 2001 and Trenam Kemker from 1985 to 1987. From 1981 to 1982 he was a staff accountant with Price Waterhouse. He earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Florida in accounting and a law degree from Duke University. Huey will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Perez kicks off Healthy Smiles in Our Schools, 17 sites in district

Press release: Dr. Marta Pérez, School Board Member for District 8, proudly announces the launching of the Healthy Smiles in Our Schools project by the DentaQuest Foundation, which will provide dental screenings along with preventive and restorative treatment to at-risk children in 17 school sites. The project began early this week at Bent Tree Elementary School. “Dental disease is one of the most common chronic childhood disease that is nearly 100 percent preventable with proper care,” said Dr. Pérez. “Untreated dental disease can interfere with a child’s learning, speech and eating, leading to poor nutrition and problems in school.”

Healthy Smiles in Our Schools is part of the DentaQuest Foundation’s multi-year and multi-pronged strategy for raising oral health awareness throughout the state. The DentaQuest Foundation has partnered with The Health Foundation of South Florida, The Children’s Trust, and two Miami community health centers—the Borinquen Health Care Center and Community Health of South Florida—to launch the school project in Miami-Dade County.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Part II: The PHT board lives another day, how we get to where it is today?

In marathon meetings last week, from Monday at the PHT old board meeting room in the main hospital’s West Wing, to twice in front of county commissioners Tuesday and Thursday. The PHT’s administration and volunteer oversight board was grilled by the elected leaders who ultimately relented when it came to dissolving the 17-member trust oversight board, settling for a county “management watch” instead in the months ahead to make sure the recovery plan is on track www.miamiherald.com . On Thursday, after the commission had time to review another recovery plan unveiled earlier in the week and was presented by President and CEO Eneida Roldan, M.D. She was requesting the county advance the organization $80 million to tide it over until the end of the budget year at the end of September. The PHT has been hemorrhaging cash for months and believed it could not make its payroll of some $85 million in May. The community, after weeks of dire media reports on the organization’s demise, was outraged at the draconian cuts suggested on March 5 in a preliminary handout dubbed the “Roldan Plan” by one critical county commissioner, that included laying off 4,500 employees and closing Jackson North and South Hospitals but was later scrapped.

What about the Deloitte Contract?

A multi-year contract with Deloitte Consulting caused some discussion Thursday afternoon in the commission chambers. The agreement was first implemented in 2004 after President Marvin O’Quinn became the new CEO in the summer of 2003 and what he found was a medical institution in dire need of infrastructure upgrades, including scrapping a mid 1980s billing and revenue system that was incapable of handling without errors. The roughly 10,000 medical codes used for healthcare billing, but the trick was to change the old technology while also implanting a new system in the coming years as well as educating key personnel on the technology which had mixed results. The consulting firm also embarked on a massive review of the $1.9 billion health system saving the institution over the years some “$530 million in economic benefits” along with other cost savings efforts, said Angel Medina, Jr., the board’s vice chairman at this commission meeting. He was responding to criticism from long serving Commissioner Natacha Seijas who questioned why the organization gave $97 million to the company over six year and what did the trust get for the money and when was the last contract extension. Medina noted that in “May 2008 another consulting agreement” was signed and he said there were areas where we “lacked resources or technology for the exceptionally antiquated” systems.

What about Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta?

Further, another $50,000 a month contract just signed with Price Waterhouse also caused a debate with Mayor Carlos Alvarez questioning what could be done in a month and that he felt the contract would be extended and become another multi-million agreement for the health trust. The organization was cited as helping in the turn around of Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta in early 2008 when it almost turned off the lights at the only public hospital in the area. However, what is ironic is O’Quinn helped in that turn around himself with Grady offering advice and hospital representatives came to checkout Jackson. Further, O’Quinn is said to have gone up there to give some assistance and financial insight to the beleaguered hospital overseen by two separate political bodies.

What about the PHT Board’s size?

Recently in the media, it is being reported that the oversight board is made up of 16 voting members but the number by county ordinance is 17, which includes 15 citizens that go through a nominating process and background check plus two county commissioners that also vote. The commissioners currently on the board are Commissioners Dorrin Rolle and Javier Souto, both long serving members of the commission. The reason for one member being absent on the board now is former county police captain Diego Mella, on the board just over four-years, resigned from the trust late last year. Further, PHT board members spend almost 30 to 40-hours a month on the massive enterprise and since they work pro bono that is no small task and while the board is not perfect. Over the past 12-years, there have been overall more good trustees than weak ones and I have noted board members that were not cutting their weight on the board over the years, and some have dropped off the trust but a few remained despite the media attention on them.

How did the PHT get where it is today?

During the multi-day discussion, I was concerned about one important fact regarding any decisions that could be made by these elected leaders. These people knew very little about how a large health system operates, its governance and the many internal boards that review a wide swath of clinical and ethical issues that such an institution faces on a day-to-day basis. Jackson, is unlike any government entity, just as the public schools is a different type of entity that Manager George Burgess found out when he was the nation’s fourth largest public schools district CFO, during when former county manager Merritt Stierheim took over the helm of the organization for a few years until Rudy Crew was brought in the summer of 2004. Stierheim also is now being used as a pro bono consultant to the PHT during this fiscal crisis, but he admits the situation is nothing like he has faced in all his decades of public service, while also being a public institution that is in many ways foreign to him and under what parameters a health trust operates. It also should be noted that during Stierheim’s last county budget hearing in Sept. 2000 was when Commissioners Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and to a lesser extent Commissioner Katy Sorenson along with other commissioners voted to shift $60 million in county programs into the trust budget, made easier when then CEO Ira Clark did not even show-up in the commission chambers to speak and fight against the funding raid. This shift to the PHT budget of corrections healthcare, county nursing homes etc. allowed the first significant general fund seed money at the time to go to the county’s Cultural Affairs department that has since blossomed in size but at the health trust’s expense.

What did Commissioner Souto say?

Javier Souto, a former state representative and senator warned the commission when it came to Jackson and its importance to the community. The term “Red Alert” should be applied and its demise was like “playing with dynamite” and people expect a “uniform health system” and without this institution. The “health, peace and tranquility” here in Miami-Dade is in jeopardy, he warned.

What about the televised PHT board meetings?

While county commissioners were complimenting the fact the PHT board meetings were being televised, and occurred because now commission Chair Dennis Moss pushed changes that included this new wrinkle. It did not come easily and some commissioners and PHT board members resisted the change and during this time in 2003. The Watchdog Report pounded the body weekly about its lack of being televised and I got then Commission Chair Barbara Carey-Shuler to agree it was needed and I quoted her back then. At the time, she said “Yeah, why should we have all the fun. The PHT board meetings need to be televised and [they] need to let the [county] inspector general have an office” on the sprawling campus, something that had been denied for the past years.

What about past Watchdog Report stories since 2000?

>>>HERE IS ONE SUCH EXAMPLE OF PAST WDR STORIES: JULY 2008, Financial shortfall earlier then expected with the bad economy: >>> Jackson Memorial, 90 years old but will it run out of cash by 2011-2012 without major community help, check out the financial graphs

When PHT president & CEO Marvin O’Quinn gave his presentation to the joint Board of County Commission and PHT board recently he used the following two graphs to illustrate what the health trust faces in the future as far as the financial burdens. He noted cities that have had its public hospital fail creates a ripple effect on other near by medical institutions and many times other local hospitals will close a few years later. The graph below says it all, and from 2008 on the difference between revenue coming in and charity care given just gets wider as a deficit grows with the end coming in 2011-2012 . When there will be no cash left to make payroll and community leaders must work together now to try to figure out of a way to avoid this future calamity.

Jackson Memorial, 90 years old but will it run out of cash by 2011-2012 without major community help, check out the financial graphs

>>> State Press release: AHCA RESPONDS TO DADE DELEGATION JACKSON REQUEST — Today, Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) Secretary Tom Arnold agreed to shorten the standard 30 day Medicaid reimbursement period held by AHCA for hospitals to 15 days for Jackson Memorial Hospital (Jackson). This request was made on behalf Jackson by the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation on Thursday, March 11th during a special meeting with Jackson CEO Dr. Eneida Roldan. “The Agency has reviewed our ability to meet this request and we believe we have the capability to do so”, said Secretary Arnold in a letter to Delegation Chairman Juan C. Zapata.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Chair Sarnoff gets ethics complaint concerning Mercy Hospital, thrown out

Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff had a ethics complaint dismissed last week by the county’s ethics commission regarding the Mercy Hospital Development Project “as not legally sufficient.” Sarnoff, serving his first full term since his 2007 election, as commissioner of District 2 had been a strong opponent to the hospital having the Related Group develop a three-tower condominium complex that never materialized after court challenges. The full text of the Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust ruling is the following >>> “A complaint (C 10-12) filed against Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff was dismissed as not legally sufficient. A citizen accused Sarnoff of violating state law by meeting with former City Manager Joe Arriola and Jorge Perez, president of the Related Group, between November of 2006 and January of 2007, prior to the commission’s January 25th vote on a building project proposed by the Related Group next to Mercy Hospital. The Ethics Commissioners ruled they did not have jurisdiction because the alleged event took place more than three years ago and they have no power to enforce the state rule. Additionally, there is no evidence that the meetings influenced Commissioner Sarnoff since he consistently voted against the proposed project.”

What about new people joining the city as employees?

With the election of Mayor Tomas Regalado and a host of new commissioners on the dais, it is important that any people they hire for city or staff jobs be aware of the Florida Sunshine Law, the open records law and city employee guide lines for employees for some of these new people need a training course if they are not to run afoul of organizations like the county ethics commission or the state attorney’s office and not knowing the law, if you are a municipal worker, does not excuse your actions or the consequences.

>>> The following e-mail was sent to (now former) Mayor Manny Diaz using his e-mail address on his extensive city web-page on Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. and to date there has been no answer from the mayor.>>> “Mayor Diaz, I wanted to ask you in the chamber today but not in front of Chair Joe Sanchez. My question is where did the extra $400,000 in the 2007 disclosure form come from? I will run what ever you respond unedited but I would appreciate closing this issue, as I am sure you do. Sorry but I have to ask. Best to all. Dan” >>>> The Watchdog Report through Dec.7 has yet to get a response or catch-up with Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz on where he got the extra $400,000 in cash listed in his 2007 financial disclosure forms. To see what CBS 4 reporter David Sutta’s take on this issue and the other city leaders financial disclosures go to cbs4.com Blogs . >>> Readers should stay tuned and catch the meeting on the city’s cable station channel 77. >>> Stream Channel 77, for all City of Miami meetings, (Commission, Village Council meetings, Waterfront, Zoning, PAB, Code, etc. hearings) http://videos.miamigov.com/

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Ethics commission says Libbin can serve as Chamber CEO, but with limitations

Commissioner Jerry Libbin has taken on a new gig. He is the new director of the Beach’s Chamber of Commerce and the commissioner since his election a few years ago to the dais has been very pro business and sponsored in the past greater ties with China. He is not the first commissioner to work in a similar capacity because a past collogue a couple of decades ago got a state ethics ruling, still valid that said it was okay but times have changed since then when it comes to perceived or actual conflicts of interest. In an abundance of caution, the commissioner asked the Miami-Dade Ethics Commission for a ruling and below is how the body came down on the subject. The Watchdog Report has mixed views on this new job and if he had it before being elected that would be one thing. Voters would have known what they were getting with their commissioner. But doing this after the fact creates a different set of issues and Libbin needs to rethink this if he finds himself recusing himself to often. For in this new capacity as being the Beach business cheerleader, he can easily have a conflict with what residents concerns are on an issue and municipal voters have the right to expect a full time elected official on the dais, not a hybrid shill for business and development whose vote could be perceived as in the bag. I suggest the commissioner be very careful in walking this ethics and civic tightrope during the coming months and years while he is in office.

>>> Here is the ethics opinion: >>> Miami-Dade Ethics Commission ruling last week: Miami Beach City Commissioner Jerry Libbin may serve as President/Executive Director of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, with certain limitations. That’s the response to Libbin’s Request for Opinion (RQO 10-08) before taking over leadership of the non-profit corporation that supports local businesses. The Ethics Commission recommended that Commissioner Libbin avoid voting on matters brought before the City Commission by directors of the Chamber related to Chamber business.

>>> Please be advised that due to several religious holidays, the upcoming Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 6, 2010. It will still be held at 2:30pm in the City Manager’s Large Conference Room.

>>> Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club: March 19th, 2009 – PRESS RELEASE Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 Meeting Time: 8:30 AM Meeting Place: David’s Café, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach >>> Miami Beach City Commissioner Deede Weithorn, Chair. of the city’s Transparency, Reliability, and Accountability Committee, and past Chair. of the Capital Improvements Oversight Board, will be this week’s guest speaker at the March 23rd Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club meeting. Commissioner Weithorn will be discussing the proposed city budget for FY 2010/2011 and the financial impact of a possible short-fall in revenue resulting from the continued decline in property tax assessments and escalating pension costs for Miami Beach.

Commissioner Weithorn, a CPA, is well versed in dealing with city budgets, having served as Chairperson of the city’s Budget Advisory Board prior to becoming a City Commissioner. She will also be sharing her insights regarding the financial crises at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the ongoing financial problems at the City of Miami. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact David Kelsey. To be placed on the Breakfast Club’s mailing list, contact Harry Cherry. Both can be reached at TuesdayMorningBreakfastClub@Yahoo.com Visit our new web site at: www.MBTMBC.com (Miami Beach Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club).

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today taps Brooks, Haggard of Coral Gables and Sembler as FSU trustees: Board of Trustees, Florida State University (Senate confirmation required)

Derrick D. Brooks, 36, of Tampa, retired professional football player and founder of Derrick Brooks Charities, reappointed for a term beginning March 19, 2010, and ending January 6, 2011.

William “Andy” Haggard, 67, of Coral Gables, senior partner with the Haggard Law Firm, reappointed for a term beginning March 19, 2010, and ending January 6, 2015.

Brent W. Sembler, 52, of Pinellas Park, developer and vice chairman of The Sembler Company, succeeding Jim Smith, appointed for a term beginning March 19, 2010, and ending January 6, 2015.

>>> CITY web page: City Manager Presents Status Of City Affairs — On March 10th, the City of Coral Gables held a Special Commission meeting on the University of Miami campus. City Manager Pat Salerno provided the Commission and those in attendance a briefing on the current status of City affairs. To read the City Manager’s remarks, click here.

EDITORIAL

>>> WDR NOV. 2005: High definition transparency in government is available with the Watchdog Report, news extras only a click away

Elected leaders at commission, committee or any other meetings where a vote is taken should be sure to clearly state what the vote is and who voted. Recently at a county committee meeting, it was difficult for someone to know who voted which way, and if I cannot figure it out. The general public does not have a chance. Further, this issue of how elected officials vote becomes even more critical when the item being considered could be considered controversial for the county commission talks constantly about transparency but sometimes it seems there may be a wink and a nod.

Elected officials carp that they are always under the spotlight, people criticize them and the media is always looking at the bad side of things but they bring some of that on themselves. High definition transparency should not just apply to television, but to the government and your other public institutions and with today’s technology that can be done. Elected leaders should remember that because the Watchdog Report sees government daily up close and personal and has the capability to reach out to the community with a touch of a button. Something I will be doing more of in the future.

>>> WDR OCT. 2005: Dade Home Rule Charter created to “protect the governed, not the governing” and the media has a role in that mission

The role of the press and the media in our society has been debated for centuries here in the United States but the rules have never changed so much since after 9/11 giving government a real edge in controlling what is or is not reported on. Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami are two local empirical examples of governments’ reactions to the press. There are some elected leaders that embrace the role of the media, accept it as part of the territory coming with public office, versus other elected leaders and public servants, that disdain the role and oversight the profession plays in our Republic.

Government has numerous methods at there disposal to get their side of the story out ranging from local free community periodicals to the public institutions dedicated cable station. However, when it comes investigative news stories that might keep some independent oversight of the $14 billion of public government or the $2.9 billion that will come with the county’s general obligation bond the local media resources are scant. Government understands that they actually have the advantage in the current wartime environment and as seasoned reporters with community history leave the field a large information and oversight void is being created giving public institutions a much looser political environment in which to govern the community’s 2.3 million residents.

The framers of The Miami-Dade Home Rule Charter adopted by the county in May 21, 1957 understood the edge that government has over the people they rule and the very first sentence of the Citizens’ Bill of Rights section of the charter got it right. “This government has been created to protect the governed, not the governing.” Residents need to start focusing on the rapidly depleting media resources in Miami-Dade that are being directed at their public institutions because these assets are slowly being picked off, especially when you consider the financial size of the public entities.

Throughout the nation’s history, there has always been tension between the press and government and the nation’s founders understood that and embraced the idea because they knew they would not always be in power themselves. Moreover, the last thing they wanted was to feel the pain of an arrogant government in their lives after leaving office, something many of our current public servants should reflect on.

LETTERS

>>> Your latest issue was grand! I loved the PHT graphs. You are a critical thinker…ever-think maybe they want it exactly the way it is? You ought to do a Carl Hiaasen type book.

>>> I’m sorry to hear about your recent medical issues. I hope you are doing better now and starting to get back to normal. Your Watchdog Report was missed these past weeks.

>>> Keep up the good work and get well soon. I hope to see you soon. Please feel free to call on me if I can be of help.
Jorge Gonzalez

>>>Glad to see you are back…you were missed.

>>> So sorry to hear about your health problems. Hope you’re on the road to recovery. The community needs you.

>>> I’m so sorry to hear that you have been sick. I wish you a very speedy recovery and hope you will be your 100% with the Watchdog Report very soon.

I have been out of town, and just saw that you were ill. I hope your are fully recovered, and I look forward to seeing you at the PHT when I am back in town.

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LETTER POLICY

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report

Est. 05.05.00

>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

>>> 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.

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Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 36 March 14, 2010 – Medical issue period

editor — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:37:02 +0000

CONTENTS

Argus Report: Local high profile attorney & forensic accountant Freeman pleads guilty to theft of $6 million from fiduciary funds

Florida: Gov. Crist says James Madison, the father of our Constitution, wrote that consent of the governed means informed consent…

Miami-Dade County: Commissioners Diaz, Heyman, Edmonson take road trip to DC, past trips not junkets, but looking for our share of federal money!

Broward County: Commissioner Eggelletion is sentenced on federal money laundering charges, up to three-years in Big House!

Palm Beach County: Gov. Crist today announced the following appointments: Board of Trustees, Florida Atlantic University

Martin County: Feds charge local man with interstate transportation of stolen artwork

Public Health Trust: Part I in a series: “No Margin, No Mission,” said a Nun years ago about a public hospital, and was the past refrain of the PHT

City of Miami: Commissioner Dunn in the spotlight, has four listed liabilities, will he run in Nov. 2010?

City of Doral: Doral voters approve amendments to city charter

Bay Harbor Islands: Gov. Crist taps Myra Farr of Bay Harbor Islands as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light.

Letters: Readers expressing concern about my health and missing the Watchdog Report >> I thank you for the kind words and financial help that some have given since the last report!

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Press release: Lewis Freeman case: RECEIVER PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT OF $6 MILLION FROM FIDUCIARY FUNDS

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Miami Field Office, announced today that defendant Lewis B. Freeman, pled guilty before the U.S. District Court Judge Paul C. Huck to a one-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. Freeman is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2010. At sentencing, Freeman faces a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. According to the Information and statements made in court today, during at least the last 10 years, Freeman has been appointed as a fiduciary in federal and state courts in numerous matters, including receiverships, liquidating trusteeships, and assignments for the benefit of creditors. In all of these matters, Freeman was entrusted with safeguarding and protecting the assets of others he obtained by virtue of his appointment. However, Freeman engaged in a long-term scheme to misappropriate funds from the matters he was appointed to oversee. According to his plea and as charged in the Information, after receiving these fiduciary appointments, Freeman would establish bank accounts into which he would deposit the funds belonging to the related entity. In handling these fiduciary matters, Freeman retained his forensic accounting firm, Lewis B. Freeman and Partners, Inc. (“LBFP”), with offices in Miami and Plantation, to assist him in performing his duties. Freeman was president and sole shareholder of LBFP, and was the only person with an ownership interest in the company.

During today’s hearing, Freeman admitted that from at least June 2000 through August 2009, Freeman misappropriated funds from fiduciary accounts by writing unauthorized checks to himself or to his company, LBFP. The unauthorized checks were deposited into LBFP’S operating account, and the funds were subsequently withdrawn by Freeman and used to support a lavish lifestyle, including paying for extravagant vacations, clothing, and expensive home renovations and redecorating. Some of the money was also donated to charity to promote Freeman’s business, LBFP. A portion of the misappropriated funds were also used to pay back at least one individual from whom Freeman had misappropriated funds in the mid-1990′s. Freeman misappropriated funds from this victim when he was managing his retirement account at his accounting firm.

Freeman used some of the money from unrelated fiduciary accounts under his control to repay shortfalls in the depleted fiduciary accounts by moving funds, in a Ponzi-like fashion, into the depleted accounts. Freeman also instructed other employees at LBFP to falsify financial reports by omitting the unauthorized checks that were issued, thus falsely inflating account balances for the respective fiduciary accounts. Many of these false financial reports were mailed as part of official reports that were submitted by Freeman to the courts overseeing Freeman’s fiduciary appointments. In this manner, Freeman issued approximately 162 unauthorized checks, misappropriating at least $6 million from numerous matters to which he had been appointed fiduciary, resulting in at least $2.6 million in losses to affected fiduciary matters. Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. The matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew K. Levi. 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. >>> Editor’s note: Freeman has been a personal friend of mine for over a decade and when I first heard about this, I could not believe it but apparently, it is true with him pleading guilty. I wish it were otherwise.

>>> PAST WDR: I have been in the hospital after emergency surgery, one more procedure to go, need the community’s financial help to keep at this!

I have not communicated or sent out a Watchdog Report since the end of January because I had a catastrophic medical issue that required one emergency surgery and another in a few weeks after about two months of convalescing at the hospital and home. I would like to thank surgeon Jorge R. Rabaza, M.D., and the rest of his vascular surgery team of Verdeja, Rabaza, Gonzalez, P.A., who practice at South Miami Hospital (http://www.miamihope.com/doctors/index.asp.). I went to the emergency room Feb. 8 and later in the evening, the operation was done, and it was touch and go. I also want to thank all the nursing and support staff located in the forth floor annex of the hospital who took care of me for over a week after the operation and your kind manner and medical attention was deeply appreciated. I have not had the strength and mental clarity to write until the last few days and to say I need a miracle is an understatement regarding my financial survival. I have been unable to send invoices to past supporters and just paying my rent currently is a big deal and hope you will consider doing what you can to keep me out in the field and reporting back after I get back on my feet and I am feeling better. The support form is at the bottom of this truncated issue for your convenience and if high definition transparency of what your public institutions are doing is important to you. Please help and support me financially during this particularly rough patch. >>> Editor’s note: If you see people that represent these two organizations let them know you appreciate how they helped me keeping this free news resource out in our community for all to read if desired.

>>> Zogby poll: Healthcare Reform: Caddell & Schoen Have It Wrong >>> A few crocuses have braved the snow, but it’s been a long winter in Washington. It started in August, with the town hall meetings on healthcare reform. The latest icy blast was the 11 March Washington Post opinion piece (“Democrats’ Blind Ambition) aimed at Obama and congressional Democratic leaders by Democratic pollsters Pat Caddell and Doug Schoen. They make many points we have made, but miss the signs of spring. We pointed out last June that Democrats were cherry-picking the polls to argue that Americans supported the House of Representatives’ health reform bill, so we can hardly argue with Caddell and Schoen on that point. Nor can we dispute their view that Congressional Democratic leaders are “out of step” with the public, since in December and January the public told us the Democrats were not “out in front” but “out of touch”.

Moreover, our data support their assertion that most Americans want healthcare reform, but not the House and Senate bills. And yes, the naysayers feel more strongly than the supporters. And yes, Americans are more concerned about jobs and federal deficit-spending than healthcare reform, as we reported last month (though reform outranked homeland security, education, and the environment.) S. Ward Casscells, MD, the Tyson Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Texas at Houston, was Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) from 2007-9. >>John Zogby, Chairman of the Board of Zogby International, is the author of “The Way We’ll Be: The Zogby Report on the Transformation of the American Dream.” Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1831

>>> Zogby Interactive: 95% of U.S. Adults Say It’s Important to Reduce National Debt, But Are Split On Tax Cuts And Spending to Create Jobs 65% Say Cut Loopholes And Establish Minimum Corporate Tax >>> U.S. adults are nearly unanimous in believing that reducing the national debt is important, but are divided on related issues such as tax cuts and whether the federal government should spend more infrastructure projects to create jobs and prepare for the future. The results come from a Zogby Interactive survey of 2,068 U.S. adults conducted from Feb. 17-19, 2010. The poll has a margin of error of +/-2.2%. Importance of Reducing U.S. Debt: Ninety-five percent of U.S. adults say it is important to reduce the debt, including 66% who say it is very important. Percentages who say debt reduction is very important are higher among Republicans (89%) and independents (71%) than among Democrats (44%). However, another 48% of Democrats say it is somewhat important. Numbers are similar for self-identified liberals, with a total of 91% saying debt reduction is very or somewhat important. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1830

>>> Press release: Local news veteran Cesar Aldama, who earlier in his career served as Managing Editor at WFOR-TV/CBS4 in Miami, has been named News Director at WFOR and sister station WBFS-TV/Channel 33, it was announced today by Shaun McDonald, President and General Manager of the CBS-owned duopoly.

Aldama, whose parents, twin brother and younger sister all live in Miami, is returning to South Florida after having served as Assistant News Director at KYW-TV/CBS3 and WPSG-TV/The CW Philly 57, the CBS-owned stations in Philadelphia, since April 2003. In his new role, Aldama will be responsible for overseeing all news operations at CBS4 and WBFS. He succeeds Adrienne Roark, who today was named News Director at KTVT-TV/CBS11 and KTXA-TV/TXA 21, the CBS-owned stations in Dallas-Fort Worth. Over the course of his 20-year local television news career, Aldama has covered stories around the world in multiple roles – beginning in the field as photo journalist, and in the newsroom as a video editor, on the assignment desk and most recently as a manager.

Aldama first joined CBS4 in Miami as Managing Editor in 1999. Before that, he was Managing Editor at WBAL-TV in Baltimore. His experience with Florida stations also includes serving as an Assignment Manager at WKMG-TV in Orlando, and early in his career as a video editor, photographer and Assignment Editor at WSVN-TV in Miami. “We are thrilled to welcome Cesar back to South Florida,” said McDonald. “He not only brings a wealth of local news experience, but also the ability to tap into his extensive, first-hand knowledge of this complex and diverse market.” “It has been both my personal and professional dream to come back home to the Miami area,” Aldama said. “To do so as part of the CBS family is the best of both worlds. I look forward to joining South Florida’s best news team as we continue to do what we do best – serve this vital community.” Born and raised at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo, Cuba, Aldama is an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists. He also serves on the board of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. McDonald also expressed appreciation for the role Adrienne Roark has played at CBS4 and WBFS. “Adrienne has done an incredible job as our news director for the past three years,” he said. “She will be a fantastic news director for our Dallas stations, and I believe I speak for everyone here when I say we wish her the very best.” WFOR-TV/CBS4 and WBFS/Channel 33 are part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation.

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

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FLORIDA

>>> Gov. Crist Press release: A Week of Sunshine: WHEREAS, James Madison, the father of our Constitution, wrote that consent of the governed means informed consent that “a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives;” and WHEREAS, our founders thus firmly believes that a free society cannot exist without an informed citizenry and an open and accessible government; and WHEREAS, Open government is a basic principle for our democracy and access to government information is essential for a free electorate to make informed decisions; and WHEREAS, Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are protected by the First Amendment and are cornerstones of all democratic societies and valued as important fundamental rights by all Floridians; and WHEREAS, the State of Florida provides its citizens access to government documents and meetings through the Constitution, open government laws, and the Sunshine Law; and WHEREAS, the celebration of sunshine in government began in Florida in 2002 by the Florida Society of News Editors and Florida has been a leader in open government ever since; and WHEREAS, Sunshine Week 2010 will provide Floridians with an opportunity to learn about the benefits of open and transparent governmental operations; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing March 14 – 20, 2010 as Sunshine Week.

>>> Press release: Strengthening the Role of the Office of Inspector General Will Improve State Operations and Reduce Costs

Section 20.055, F.S. specifies that the Governor and each state agency head establish an Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG is the internal monitor or “internal watchdog” of an agency. The purpose of the OIG is to provide a central point for coordination of and responsibility for activities that promote accountability, integrity, and efficiency in government. The OIG accomplishes this objective by providing independent and objective assurance and consulting activities. These activities include assessments of management systems and controls, and investigations of allegations of fraud. The OIG adds value by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of management’s systems and governance controls utilized to achieve objectives within acceptable levels of risk. As specified in Section 215.86 F.S., the purpose of these management systems and controls is to promote and encourage compliance; economic, efficient, and effective operations; reliability of records and reports; and safeguarding of taxpayer assets.

In 1983, Florida TaxWatch published a research report recommending the establishment of agency internal auditors, calling for the statutory creation of their role, duties, qualifications, and direct reporting requirements for accountability and responsible checks and balances. Florida TaxWatch recognized the need for independent review and monitoring of state agency activities. The Legislature agreed, and enacted the Chief Internal Auditor Act in 1986, the original version of Ch. 20.055 F.S. >>>With today’s operating environment of diminishing revenues and increasing needs, it is more important than ever to have strong independent reviews and evaluations of state agency activities. In addition to providing greater assurances that state assets are protected, these reviews and evaluations can also serve to identify more cost-effective processes to achieve the state’s objectives and enhance fiscal integrity, thus reducing the burden on taxpayers.Click here to view the new Florida TaxWatch Briefing, which highlights the imperative need for more independence for Inspector Generals and further protection of their role as objective government agency watchdogs.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Commissioners Diaz, Heyman, Edmonson take road trip to DC, past trips not junkets, but looking for our share of federal money!

While the community’s eyes have been on Jackson Memorial Health System three county commissioners, along with assorted other commissioner and mayor staff aides took a road trip to the nation’s capital to lobby national legislators on Miami-Dade federal issues. Those commissioners that went up this year were Commission Vice Chair Jose “Pepe” Diaz, along with Commissioners Sally Heyman and Audrey Edmonson, both commission committee chairs. Years ago, the Watchdog Report flew up to Washington D.C. before the commissioners got there and welcomed them to their hotel when they checked in back in 2005. I was curious if these trips were junkets and in fact, they worked very hard and had a full meeting schedule of around 30 meetings with a wide variety of federal elected and administration officials. I remember the trip for a number of reasons because when I filed the trip in my Miami Herald WDR column back then. The paper gave me my first DC filing dateline. www.miamiherald.com

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following reappointment and appointments: Metropolitan Planning Organization of Miami-Dade County

Perla T. Hantman, 68, of Miami Lakes, member of Miami-Dade County School Board, reappointed for a term beginning March 11, 2010, and ending December 16, 2013.

Zevin V. Auerbach, 52, of Aventura, city commissioner of Aventura, succeeding William Kerdyk Jr., appointed for a term beginning March 11, 2010, and ending November 23, 2013.

Carlos L. Curbelo, 30, of Miami, state director for United States Senator George LeMieux, succeeding Ruben Almaguer, appointed for a term beginning March 11, 2010, and ending June 6, 2012.

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today announced the following reappointment and appointment: Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority

Norman R. Wartman, 54, of Miami, salesman with Milner Inc., reappointed for a term beginning March 10, 2010, and ending April 6, 2013.

Gonzalo Sanabria, 62, of Coral Gables, president of Real Estate Works Inc., succeeding Carlos Lacasa, appointed for a term beginning March 10, 2010, and ending April 6, 2013.

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today announced the following appointments: Board of Trustees, Florida International University (Senate confirmation required)

Sukrit Agrawal, 44, of Miami Beach, chief executive officer of American Medical Depot, succeeding Patricia Frost, appointed for a term beginning March 10, 2010, and ending January 6, 2015.

Raul “Marcelo” Claure, 39, of Miami Beach, chairman and chief executive officer of Brightstar Corporation, succeeding Kirk Landon, appointed for a term beginning March 10, 2010, and ending January 6, 2015.

>>> Press release: JOB$…JOB$…JOB$: GREATER MIAMI’S LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY JOB$ REMAIN SOLID IN JANUARY DESPITE GLOBAL ECONOMIC RECESSION

In the month of January 2010, Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality Industry employment reached 97.5% of the employment reported for the same period in 2009. An average of 100,600 people were employed in Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality sector in January 2010, compared to 103,200 during the same period in 2009.

LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY JOB$

January 2010	January 2009	% of Previous Year Level
100,600 jobs	103,200 jobs	97.5%

>>> Press release: Beacon Council: Miami-Dade’s unemployment rate dropped to 10.9 percent in January 2010 and is lower than the State of Florida

(Seasonally Unadjusted Numbers) – Miami-Dade County’s unemployment rate for January 2010 was 10.9 percent. This was a decrease of 0.6 percent compared to December 2009 (11.5%) and an increase of 2.4 percent compared to January 2009. Despite the drop from December 2009 to January 2010, the unemployment rate remains high. With the announcement of Visa’s expansion of their customer service center in Miami-Dade County and the assistance The Beacon Council is currently providing to other companies, we are hopeful that the unemployment rate will drop even further in the future. The unemployment rate for the State of Florida was 12.2 percent. This was an increase of 0.6 percent compared to December 2009. The United States unemployment rate was 10.6 percent in January 2010 and increased by 0.9 percent from December 2009. The Miami-Dade County unemployment rate is lower again than the State of Florida. For neighboring Broward County, the unemployment rate in January 2010 was 10.8 percent. This was an increase of 0.6 percent compared to December 2009 and an increase of 3.2 percent compared to January 2009. For Palm Beach County, it was 12.5 percent. This was an increase of 0.8 percent compared to December 2009 and an increase of 3.5 percent compared to January 2009.

The overall unemployment rate for the tri-county area in January 2010 was 11.2 percent. The South Florida region (Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Beach MSA) experienced a decrease in employment of 92,300 non-agricultural jobs between January 2009 and January 2010, or a decrease of 4.1 percent. Non-agricultural companies in Miami-Dade County lost 31,200 jobs between January 2009 and January 2010, a decrease of 3.1 percent. Most sectors lost jobs between January 2009 and January 2010. The construction sector experienced a decrease in employment of 6,200 jobs or 15.6 percent between January 2009 and January 2010. During the same period, manufacturing lost 4,700 jobs (-11.8 percent), retail trade lost 3,500 jobs (-2.9 percent), financial activities lost 2,900 jobs (-4.4 percent) and leisure and hospitality lost 2,600 jobs (-2.5 percent). At the same time, there are a few sectors that have gained jobs between December 2009 and January 2010. This indicates companies have begun hiring, albeit cautiously.

Sector	December 2009 – January 2010 Job Change (% Change)
Wholesale Trade	500 (0.8%)
Financial Activities	900 (1.4%)
Local Government	600 (0.5%)
Federal Government	300 (1.5%)

The Beacon Council continues to aggressively work on attracting new companies to our community and working on the retention of existing business. We promote Miami-Dade County as a global business center through our “Miami: Where Worlds Meet” campaign. >>> About The Beacon Council: The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s official economic development partnership, is a not-for-profit, public-private organization that focuses on job creation and economic growth by coordinating community-wide programs; promoting minority business and urban economic revitalization; providing assistance to local businesses in their expansion efforts; and marketing Greater Miami throughout the world. Visit www.beaconcouncil.com for more information.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Press release: FORMER BROWARD COUNTY VICE-MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER SENTENCED FOR CONSPIRING TO LAUNDER MONEY AND TO FILING A FALSE TAX RETURN

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, and Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, announced that defendant Josephus “Joe” Eggelletion, 60, of Lauderdale Lakes, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Court Judge Donald Middlebrooks in West Palm Beach to thirty (30) months incarceration. Eggelletion, a former Vice-Mayor and Commissioner in Broward County, had previously pled guilty to a one count Information charging him with conspiring to commit money laundering and filing a false tax return, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

During his December 10, 2009 plea hearing, Eggelletion admitted to intentionally conspiring with others to assist in the laundering of money represented by FBI undercover agents as coming from a purported high yield investment “Ponzi” scheme, and to evade paying federal income taxes on the cash fees he received for laundering this money. More specifically, Eggelletion admitted that he introduced the FBI undercover agents to co-conspirators Ronald Owens and Joel Williams, who assisted the undercover agents in meeting with Bahamian attorney Sidney Cambridge to open a Bahamian bank account to launder their money. The undercover agents had represented to Eggelletion and others that the money originated from a high yield investment fraud scheme. According to statements made in court, during 2007, in five separate transactions, the undercover agents wire-transferred approximately $900,000 to Cambridge’s escrow account, which Cambridge in turn transferred to the Bahamian account he set up for the undercover. Ultimately, the funds were transferred from the Bahamian account to an FBI-controlled bank account in Saint Croix. In February 2008, Owens informed Eggelletion that the undercover agents were laundering another $200,000 (in addition to the $900,000 previously laundered). Pursuant to their agreement, Eggelletion and his associates received a fee of 7% of funds laundered through the accounts, which fee was paid in cash. Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil Karadbil and Jeffrey Kaplan. >> 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

PALM BEACH COUNTY

>>> Press releases: Gov. Crist today announced the following appointments: Board of Trustees, Florida Atlantic University (Senate confirmation required)

Dr. Jeffrey P. Feingold, 64, of Delray Beach, periodontist and chief executive officer of MCNA Dental Plans and Dentaland Dental Centers, succeeding Lalita Janke, appointed for a term beginning March 11, 2010, and ending January 6, 2015.

Robert S. Rubin, 48, of Boca Raton, principal of Rubin Wealth Advisors, succeeding Scott Adams, appointed for a term beginning March 11, 2010, and ending January 6, 2015.

>> Gov. Crist today announced the following appointments: Board of Trustees, University of South Florida (Senate confirmation required)

Jordan B. Zimmerman, 54, of Boca Raton, founder and chairman of Zimmerman Advertising, succeeding Kiran Patel, appointed for a term beginning March 9, 2010, and ending January 6, 2015.

Byron E. Shinn, 52, of Bradenton, accountant and president of Shinn & Company P.A., succeeding Sonja Garcia, appointed for a term beginning March 9, 2010, and ending January 6, 2015.

MARTIN COUNTY

>>> Press release: MARTIN COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH INTERSTATE TRANSPORTATION OF STOLEN ARTWORK

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, announced Robert C. Dibartolo was charged with the interstate transportation of stolen artwork. According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, on April 18, 2004, unknown subjects forcibly broke into a home in Saint Louis, Missouri. The unknown subjects stole a valuable painting hanging in the front foyer of the residence. The artwork, a Juan Gris original, untitled, oil on canvas, 1926, is a still life cubist impressionist work valued at approximately $1 million. According to court documents, on November 8, 2009, the defendant spoke to an undercover agent regarding the potential purchase of the Juan Gris painting that the defendant was attempting to sell. On March 11, 2010, the defendant met with the undercover agent in a hotel in Jupiter, Florida. During the meeting, the defendant produced the original Juan Gris painting, wrapped in a light blue Ryder packing blanket. Upon determination by the undercover agent that the painting was authentic, the defendant was taken into custody. The painting was later identified by its original owner.

If convicted, Dibartolo faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lothrop Morris. A complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Part I in a series: “No Margin, No Mission,” said a Nun years ago about a public hospital and was the past refrain of the PHT

I have been extensively attending PHT committees (for years held at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays) and board meetings since 1998 and I want to give some history on how the health trust got to where it is today, recently described as “possible” or in a healthcare “death spiral.” For the public hospital has been moving in this direction for years and only accelerated its financial losses over the last 12 months but only more recently did it grab South Florida media headlines. www.miamiherald.com and www.WFOR4-CBS.com The public hospital system, one of the largest in the nation and over 90-years old, has been approaching this financial iceberg since roughly 2004 when the trust that budget year made a $84 million negative adjustment to its books going all the way back to the 1980s and included a $40 million federal payment that had been owed for years. Back in 2004 the trust also was down to 18 to 20-days of cash at a institution that burns through currently about $4.5 million a day in payroll costs for its past high 12,500 employees, but that employee number is falling fast. Further, this financial hemorrhaging has only gotten worse as around $650 to $700 million is given in charity care in the current year. The reason 18-days in cash is important is that is the amount required to make the current $85 million in monthly payroll, and while negotiations are ongoing with the county mayor’s office, the manager and the commission. The financial clock is ticking and cash is expected to run out in May without a around $70 million financial lifeline from the county in the coming weeks that will return $96 million in state funds to the PHT at the end of April, said the administration on Tuesday at the all day PHT meeting.

County Mayor Carlos Alvarez in response to the PHT’s president’s Mar. 5 Proposed Recovery Plan to the Public Health Trust wrote back on Wednesday the plan was not detailed enough and questioned whether the closing of Jackson South and Jackson North and laying off 4,500 employees was the right course. In a conversation last week with the mayor’s media representative. She described PHT CEO & President Dr. Eneida Roldan’s recovery document as the “Shock and Awe” plan, and the mayor, she said, was waiting for tangible details on how to fix the institution, and how any money would be paid back to the cash strapped county general fund. This takes extra urgency since a recent memo by county commission attorney Robert Cuevas, Jr., stated union employees salaries at the health trust were ultimately a county responsibility, if the trust was unable to fulfill that obligation. This opinion has caught everyone’s attention at the county, even though the commission over the decades has untimely approved all labor contracts negotiated by the PHT’s administration. And over the years, the county legislative body has weighed into these PHT union negotiations, generally to the overall financial detriment of the health trust.

What did former CEO O’Quinn find after he took over running the hospital?

The trust in July 2003 brought on new CEO & President Marvin O’Quinn and he followed interim head Gerard A. Kaiser, M.D., who succeeded the top spot for about six-months after iconic leader Ira Clark stepped down after being hired over a decade before, who in his last years in senior management suffered medical issues that left the institution running on “auto-pilot” said one senior member of the administration at the time. Further, Jackson like the county and school district suffered from a bureaucracy that believed working at the public hospital was a “right rather than a privilege,” a phrase that was later tried to be reversed by the new management with mixed results. Another example of the past culture that existed in the hospital during the 1990s and beyond until O’Quinn got there was the trust for certain high profile community or elected people picked up some of the person’s funeral costs and one such funeral caught the IG’s office eye back in early 2003. Also, in the operating room, for years there was a problem with surgeries starting a half-hour late from the posted time and senior management finally sent someone up to the OR to see what was going on and why the delay. In that case, they found a group of OR workers praying during this time for patients in the hospital and that practice was ended and surgical procedures started on time avoiding the cascading affect the early delays were causing in the busy OR and getting patients to beds after the event, but it gives one the idea of the kind of institutional culture sometimes found in the hospital over the past years. >>> Editor’s note: On the clinical side, Jackson staff over the years have performed medical miracles and any criticism of the overall culture is not directed at these people generally.

What about past PHT boards?

Since 1998, the past chairs of the PHT have been Arthur Hertz, Amadeo Lopez Castro, Michael Kosnitzky, Larry Handfield, Ernesto de la Fe and now John Copeland, III and each had their own leadership style during there tenure in the top leadership post. However, Kosnitzky got the unenviable job of having to retire Clark of his leadership position that resulted in major controversy; a job originally assigned to be done by Lopez-Castro during his time in the leadership position but did not occur back then.

What about the nominating process for trustees?

The PHT board chair also is part of the trustee nominating council and briefs others on the body (county commissioners and the appointment of a member of the Miami-Dade Legislative Delegation) on the performance and attendance of the members that are up for renewal for another three-year term and these comments are given weight. However, the way the nominating council operated changed in 2002 after voters gave the Miami-Dade County Commission the authority to reorganize itself, select its own commission chair, among other things that also stripped the mayor of that authority prior to the countywide vote. Before 2002, the mayor, then Alex Penelas selected the people that selected who would be on the then 21-member trust, plus two non-voting county commissioners but after the organization change Commissioner Dennis Moss over a 18-month period disbanded that old board and crafted a new ordinance that reduced the trust board’s size to 15 members, but now included on top of that two voting commissioners as well on the body that overseas Jackson Health System. And while Miami-Dade has helped Jackson with payments known as maintenance of effort support, well over $100 million last year. The county commission in 2000 also moved $65 million in unfunded mandates into the health trust budget and that number has grown to over $100 million in total that includes inmates in county jails needing medical treatment, county nursing homes and other services previously paid and provided by Miami-Dade, that also eats into the $175 million of a half-cent countywide sales tax dedicated to Jackson it receives yearly.

>>> Next PHT board meeting: A special meeting of the PHT Board of Trustees has been scheduled for Monday, March 15, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in the West Wing Board Room. >>> Editor’s note: In future WDR’s I will cover in more detail the history of past billing and collection process’, the county’s financial contribution over the decade, and past Watchdog Report PHT stories over the past ten-years.

>>> PAST WDR: JULY 2008, Financial shortfall earlier then expected with the bad economy: >>> Jackson Memorial, 90 years old but will it run out of cash by 2011-2012 without major community help, check out the financial graphs

Jackson Memorial, 90 years old but will it run out of cash by 2011-2012 without major community help, check out the financial graphs

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Commissioner Dunn in the spotlight, has four listed liabilities, will he run in Nov. 2010?

Newly appointed Miami Commissioner Richard P. Dunn, II is in the spotlight this week after the commission confirmed him to replace indicted and suspended Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones who is fighting the charges and says she is innocent. Dunn a pastor of a local church in District 5 was a commissioner previously in the 1990s and while liked in parts of the community. He never won elected office in his own right, recently coming in a distant second to Spence-Jones in a January special city election. He recently got a big write–up in The Miami Times where he was asked if he would run for the seat in November after telling commissioners during his appointment interview that he would not run. To the paper, he was inconclusive in his comments about a race. However, there is no law that he has to keep that promise and he is expected to seek the seat in his own right if Spence-Jones is not reinstated to her office by that time. He also on Thursday at the commission meeting said he received his college degree using an academic and athletic scholarship when trying to point out the benefits of some local community based programs activities.

Dunn was spotted eating lunch on Wednesday at Scotty’s Landing with local attorney and lobbyist Robert Holland and another man. Holland on Thursday at the commission meeting was part of a lobbyist team representing a company bidding on red light cameras that included former Miami-Dade Commission Chair, two time losing county mayoral candidate and current state senate candidate Miguel Diaz de la Portilla leading the lobbying team speaking in front of the municipal legislative body.

What do we know about his finances?

Dunn on his Feb. 25 Form 1 financial disclosure filed with the city clerk lists Faith Community Baptist Church as his source of income but no dollar number and when it comes to liabilities. He lists Octwen Financial Corp., the IRS, American Education Services and the U.S. Dept. of Education, but again listing no value of these loans.

CITY OF DORAL

>>> DORAL VOTERS APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CHARTER

Press release: The voters of the City of Doral approved all five amendments to the Doral City Charter during the Special Elections on March 9, 2010. The five amendments address issues of ethics, defining the role of municipal government, naming of city properties, and elections. “The voters of Doral have approved changes to the charter that support the values of a clear and open administration, and will bring better government to our residents,” said Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez. The Special Elections had a voter turnout of 10.5 percent (1,378 voters), and the City Council ratified the results during their Council Meeting with a unanimous vote. Now that these amendments have been approved, they will be incorporated into the City Charter. The City of Doral electors approved the following questions:

Question 1: Modification of Charter provisions relating to ethics and courtesy. Adding Ethics and Courtesy to the Preamble >>Shall the Preamble of the City of Doral’s charter be amended to provide that the City Council and all of its boards, committees, commissions and employees shall at all times conduct themselves in accordance with common courtesy and consistent with the Code of Ethics of the State of Florida and Miami-Dade County?

Question 2: Modification of Charter provision relating to defining the municipal role. Expanding the Municipal Role in the Preamble >> Shall the preamble of the Charter of the City of Doral be amended to recognize that the City exists for the purpose of providing for the health, education, safety and welfare of its citizenry?

Question 3: Modification of Charter to require a Code of Ethics. Requiring a Code of Ethics >> Shall the Charter of the City of Doral be amended to require the City Council to pass Ordinance(s) which address Code of Ethics and Rules of Procedures for the City Council and all of the City Boards?

Question 4: Modification of Charter to require procedures and criteria for the naming of City properties and facilities. Requiring Procedures and Criteria for the Naming of City Properties and Facilities >> Shall the Charter of the City of Doral be amended to require the City Council to develop a procedure and criteria to be used in determining whether City Property and facilities should be named after an individual or an organization?

Question 5: Modification of Charter provision to increase the time period between the City’s General Election and the Run-Off Election. Increasing the time period between the City’s General Election and the Run-Off Election >> Shall Section 5.01(C) of the Charter of the City of Doral be amended to change the run-off date for City elections from the third Tuesday in the month of November to the fourth Tuesday in the month of November?

BAY HARBOR ISLANDS

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today recognized Myra Farr of Bay Harbor Islands as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light.

“Myra is such a one-of-a-kind spirit, spending more than five decades helping others and making her community a better place to live, work and play,” said Governor Crist. “The longevity of her commitment to volunteering and helping women, children and families is inspiring, and I am so proud she is a Floridian.” For more than 50 years, Farr, age 95, has been a fixture with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW,) a faith-based organization committed to improving the quality of life for women, children and families by protecting individual freedoms. Through her work with the NCJW, Farr volunteers with CHARLEE Homes, Miami-Dade Guardian ad Litem program, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, and Casa Valentina. She has also assisted with fundraising efforts for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Jewish Museum of Florida. “Myra is a state treasure,” said Senator Nan Rich. “She has devoted her long, full life to helping people in our community – children in foster care, victims of abuse, those who struggle with literacy, those who seek equality and dignity, those with special needs – the young and the old. Even at the age of 95, she is still mentoring women who are half her age and developing the next generation of women to lead and serve their communities.” >>> AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. Walt Disney World is an in-kind supporter. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.

LETTERS

>>> If I was able to financially support Watchdog at this moment. I would in a heartbeat. You are one of those amazing people that “get it” and are not afraid to speak the truth. I understand more than you can imagine as to the challenges we face when we go out there wanting to make a difference, leaving the security of the “regular” behind. I am very happy to know that you are ok…best to you always.

Silvia

>>> I was very sorry to read about your recent health issues and emergency bout with the surgeon’s scalpel but was delighted to learn that subject to one more operation you will soon be on the road to mending and recovery. You have my every best wish for a speedy and full recovery. Your emergency surgery must have been not too long after the last school district Audit Committee meeting, which you attended. It is amazing because I expressly recall thinking how good I thought you looked while we were talking with me prior to the meeting’s start. I am certain that like me all of your other Watchdog Report devotees have missed reading the Watchdog and look forward to your quick return to action. Per your article of today anent the financial status of things at the Watchdog, your recent illness and a need for a financial miracle, I will send when I return to Miami a little contribution check as I did last year to assist in the support of the Watchdog Report. Get well soon. All the best,

>>> Hope your recovery goes well, and thanks for carrying the torch for good government. Glad to hear that you are better. Your report was definitely missed!

Leslie

>>> Good luck with your next surgery Daniel! We wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Will send a small check – as things are still tight…

Elaine

>>> Hope You’re doing better Dan. Things are going crazy without you!

>>> Hello Dan, I hope that you are feeling better every day! Take care.

>>> Our small business check is on its way. Hope to see you and get the Watchdog Report back on line soon.

Jean

>>> Good morning: Get Well Soon!

>>> I hope everything goes well for you. If there is anything we can do for you please do not hesitate to contact me. My prayers will be with you.
JM

>>> Godspeed, Dan… Get well soon! The pressroom at government center just isn’t the same without you!

>>> Are you ok? God bless.

Don

>>> I wondered about you. Glad you are doing OK.

>>> Glad to hear that you are back home. You went through a very tough time. I know how difficult it is to be sick and in the hospital, especially with abdominal surgery. My thoughts are with you,

Ann

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LETTER POLICY

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report

Est. 05.05.00

>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

>>> 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.

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Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 35: I am recovering from a major surgery!

editor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:06:43 +0000

CONTENTS

Argus Report: I have been in the hospital after emergency surgery, one more invasive procedure to go, need the community’s financial help to keep at this!

Public Health Trust: PAST WDR: JULY 2008, Financial shortfall earlier then expected with the bad economy: >>> Jackson Memorial, 90 years old but will it run out of cash by 2011-2012 without major community help, check out the financial graphs

Sponsors – Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> If you wish to be deleted, just e-mail me with that message and you are free to e-mail this on to friends.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> I have been in the hospital after emergency surgery, one more procedure to go, need the community’s financial help to keep at this!

I have not communicated or sent out a Watchdog Report since the end of January because I had a catastrophic medical issue that required one emergency surgery and another in a few weeks after about two months of convalescing at the hospital and home. I would like to thank surgeon Jorge R. Rabaza, M.D., and the rest of his vascular surgery team of Verdeja, Rabaza, Gonzalez, P.A., (http://www.miamihope.com/doctors/index.asp.) who practice at South Miami Hospital (Baptist Health South Florida). I went to the emergency room Feb. 8 and later in the evening, the operation was done, and it was touch and go. I also want to thank all the nursing and support staff located in the forth floor annex of the hospital who took care of me for over a week after the operation and your kind manner and medical attention was deeply appreciated. I have not had the strength and mental clarity to write until the last few days and to say I need a miracle is an understatement regarding my financial survival. I have been unable to send invoices to past supporters and just paying my rent currently is a big deal and hope you will consider doing what you can to keep me out in the field and reporting back after I get back on my feet and I am feeling better. The support form is at the bottom of this truncated issue for your convenience and if high definition transparency of what your public institutions are doing is important to you. Please help and support me financially during this particularly rough patch. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

>>> I have included two past WDR stories that have since come true. One is the next U.S. attorney for the local federal district and the Public Health Trust, which is fighting for its financial life, but was predicted back in June 2008, by then President Marvin O’Quinn at a joint county commission and health trust meeting in the commission chambers.

>>> PAST WDR: JULY 2009: Three finalists make local federal top cop choice, Buckner, Ferrer and Trawick

There are now three finalists to fill the open U.S. attorney general’s slot after R. Alexander Acosta left the office to become the dean of Florida International University’s law school. Former U.S. attorney Kendall Coffey is the chair of the federal judicial nominating commission and the finalists are David Buckner, Wifredo “Willy” Ferrer, an assistant county attorney and Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Daryl Trawick. The Watchdog Report months ago predicted that Ferrer would make the cut and had a good shot at getting the appointment. Now, it is up to U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-FL and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-FL who is the senior senator to chose who will become the local top federal cop that ultimately has to be confirmed by the U.S. senate. The U.S. Southern District of Florida is one of the busiest in the nation and has become a legal anchor when it comes to Medicare fraud prosecution, which hit over $1 billion in just over a year. At the time, the Watchdog Report asked Acosta if South Florida was the “graduate school” for fraud and he sadly concurred that it was.

>>> WHITE HOUSE press release: February 24, 2010: President Obama Nominates Four U.S. Attorneys — Today, President Obama nominated Laura E. Duffy, Wifredo A. Ferrer, Alicia Limtiaco, and John B. Stevens, Jr. to serve as U.S. Attorneys. President Obama said, “These distinguished men and women have shown extraordinary commitment and integrity in their pursuit of justice. I am confident they will serve the American people wisely and effectively as United States Attorneys.”

Laura E. Duffy: Nominee for U.S. Attorney, Southern District of California – Laura Duffy has been with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California since 1997, where was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Narcotics Enforcement Section until 2007 when she became the Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section. Prior to that, Ms. Duffy worked for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice from 1993 until 1997, first as a trial attorney for the Money Laundering Section until 1994, and then as a trial attorney for the Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Section. Ms. Duffy is a graduate of Iowa State University (1988) and from the Creighton University School of Law (1993).

>>> Wifredo A. Ferrer: Nominee for U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida – Wifredo Ferrer currently works as an Assistant County Attorney and as Chief of the Federal Litigation Section in the Miami-Dade County’s Attorney’s Office, where he has been since 2006. From 2000 until 2006, he was an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida. Prior to that, he had been Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the United States Attorney General from 1995 until 2000. From 1994 until 1995, Mr. Ferrer was White House Fellow and Special Assistant to the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. From 1991 until 1994, he had been a Litigation Associate with Steel Hector & Davis. From 1990 until 1991 Mr. Ferrer was a law clerk to the Honorable Stanley Marcus of the United States District court for the Southern District of Florida. Mr. Ferrer is a graduate of the University of Miami (1987) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Law (1990).

Alicia Limtiaco: Nominee for United States Attorney, Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands Alicia Limtiaco has been the Attorney General of Guam since 2007. Ms. Limtiaco also served in the Office of the Attorney General of Guam as the Deputy Attorney General from 1994 to 1995 and an Assistant Attorney General from 1991 to 1994, 1995 to 1996, 1998 to 2000. From 2002 to 2006, she was a partner at Torres, Limtiaco, Cruz & Sizon, P.L.L.C., which became Limtiaco, Cruz & Sizon, P.L.L.C., in 2004. Ms. Limtiaco also worked as an associate in Torres, P.C., from 2000 to 2002 and Arriola, Cowan & Arriola from 1996 to 1997. She began her legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable Benjamin J. F. Cruz of the Superior Court of Guam from 1990 to 1991. Ms. Limtiaco graduated from the University of Southern California in 1985 and the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1990.

John B. Stevens, Jr.: Nominee for U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Texas – John Stevens has been a judge in the Criminal District Court for Jefferson County in Texas since 2007. Prior to that, in 2006, Judge Stevens worked as a private contract attorney. From 1985 until 2005, Judge Stevens was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. From 1981 until 1985, Judge Stevens was an associate at Provost, Umphrey Attorneys. From 1979 until 1981, Judge Stevens was an Assistant Criminal District Attorney for the Jefferson County Criminal District Attorney’s Office in Texas. Judge Stevens graduated from Lamar University (1974), the University of Houston School of Law (1979), and Syracuse University (2001).

>>> ZOGBY POLL: Zogby Interactive: Americans Say Debt to China More Serious Threat Than Terrorism – More than twice as many U.S. adults (58%) say that debt owed to China is a more serious threat to the long-term security and well-being of the U.S than is terrorism from radical Islamic terrorists (27%). Interestingly there was little variation by party identification with a majority of Democrats, Republicans and independents all agreeing that the debt owed by the United States to China poses the greater threat. Opinion was consistent across all other major demographic and political sub-groups. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1824

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

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

This month his e-mail newsletter, The Watchdog Report, celebrates its fourth 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!”

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

Jackson Memorial, 90 years old but will it run out of cash by 2011-2012 without major community help, check out the financial graphs

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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>>> 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

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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 Extra’s 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.

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

Est. 05.05.00

>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

>>> 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.

>>>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 -www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/columnists/dan_ricker/ >>> 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. The Southern Media Landscape (PDF) Daniel Ricker. Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter. www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald … circulation, 134,269. Dan Hoover leads the. publication’s ..www.unc.edu/~davismt/SouthNow.pdf – 574k – View as html

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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Supporting Sponsors $5,000

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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

Student Supporter $ 75

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Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 34 January 31, 2010

editor — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:56:10 +0000

CONTENTS
Argus Report: Politicians at disaster scenes travel at their own political peril, physicians, clinicians, search/rescue workers, water, food, and shelter must be first priority

Florida: State bounty on Burmese pythons also brings high tech into picture, transponders and aerial Infrared in use

Miami-Dade County: Frequent sunshine meetings between commissioners, independent Clerk tapes conversation, but synopsis should be created

Broward County: Commissioner Wasserman-Rubin getting some ink, she says, “There isn’t anything new.”

Palm Beach County: Ethics leaders’ discussion looking at Miami-Dade model created by voters in 1996

Orange County: Gov. Crist today made the following appointment: West Orange Healthcare District

Columbia County: Gov. Crist made an appointment to Lake Shore Hospital Authority of Columbia County

Madison County: Gov. Crist today made the following reappointment and appointment: Madison County Health and Hospital Board

Monroe County: Gov. Crist today made the following appointments: Lower Florida Keys Hospital District Board of Monroe County

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Friends of WLRN in the spotlight, must have an operating agreement with District in 60-days

Public Health Trust: Chair Copeland & CEO Roldan take community road trip, looking at almost $90 million loss for year

City of Miami: Commission taps Rev. Dunn for District 5, first city lobbyists go through ethics training

City of Miami Beach: City leaders scrambling after almost 500 Beach police officers won’t work “overtime and off-duty assignments”

Town of Sunny Isles: Ringleader of immigration benefit fraud scheme pleads guilty

Editorials: Nation must get control over $14.3 trillion debt; joint Congressional committee like used for base closing must be tried again

Letters: Watchdog Report referenced as future of journalism

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> Check out the wpbt channel 2 roundtable I was on discussing President Barack Obama’s State of Union speech on Friday, and the selection of Richard Dunn, II as Miami’s new commissioner for District 5. This Week on Issues – 1/29 & 1/31 : ISSUE ONE: Obama’s Tampa Town Hall and State of Union: U.S. President Barack Obama gave his first State of the Union speech on Wednesday and held a town hall promoting transportation stimulus dollars and his agenda in Tampa on Thursday. We discuss these two events and how Obama’s visit to Florida courted independent voters and highlights our critical “swing” status in this year’s midterm election. Guests: Jennifer Reem, Nova Southeastern University, Daniel Ricker, Watchdog Report, Justin Sayfie, SayfieReview, Michael Williams, WFOR CBS4 >>> ISSUE TWO: Paying for Stadium Renovations? It was announced recently that Sun Life Stadium—or Dolphin Stadium as it is more popularly known—needs to undergo renovations to make it competitive with newer stadiums in other cities. Michael Lewis from Miami Today shares his thoughts on whether taxpayers or tourists should be responsible for paying for upgrades.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Politicians at disaster scenes travel at their own political peril, Physicians, clinicians, search/rescue workers, water, food, and shelter must be first priority

Politicians need to be very careful when it comes to help being given to Haiti after the 7.2 magnitude quake devastated Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, killing well over 111,481 people as of Jan. 24 the U.N. is estimating www.miamiherald.com . The entourage of these political officials going to that devastated area includes former Presidential candidate John Edwards, a trial lawyer as well as local officials and during the first two weeks after a disaster of this magnitude. Every seat on planes going there should have only clinicians, search/rescue teams, medical supplies, food, water and tents for this is the critical time when it comes to finding survivors. Leaders will argue that it gives them a first hand look at the horror of the tragedy but given the circumstances and extensive press coverage. One does not have to go there to understand the magnitude and what is needed over the coming decade to rebuild the country and its people.

What about South Florida’s medical response?

Also, some elected leaders don’t seem to grasp that local hospitals mobilized literally moments after the quake and University of Miami Miller Medical School professor Barth Green, M.D., was in the country just a few hours after the event taking a private plane to get there. Further, the university after the disaster set up a 200-bed field hospital in the devastated capital and medical school Dean Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D., told the www.miamiherald that ‘at least a couple of million [dollars will be spent] in the first month,’ he told the paper’s reporter John Dorschner. Also, other south Florida Hospitals jumped into gear as well, and these institutions response was not because of politics. But to provide medical help to the long struggling devastated nation. In addition, as of Wednesday afternoon, the Jackson Health System had 110 Haitian patients of which 38 were children being treated, said CEO Eneida Roldan, M.D at a luncheon last week.

What about The Miami Herald response?

Elected leaders and others that carp at The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com coverage of the community, the paper’s response to the Haiti Disaster has been outstanding with the organization clearing the decks, moving reporters there in a very short time, and along with the Associated Press and other news outlets. People around the world got a first hand glimpse of the terrible tragedy that had some people no longer reading the paper’s story because the photos were so heart wrenching and graphic. The daily paper’s coverage yanked ones heart out, and its assistance in getting out the word of where people could donate money or supplies was beneficial to many around the world. The paper’s top leadership attended the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon Jan.13 where the state of the media was the discussion. However, they were also working to get reporters and photographers on the ground, cash was being withdrawn out of the credit union located in the lobby, and many people going were given short notice as the paper ramped up its coverage of the disaster.

But what is the new controversy popping up with Gov. Crist?

However when it comes to patients at the UM field hospital the airlift of the sick and operated on patients has stopped until how the costs of these patients are resolved. WPLG-10 reported Saturday and www.miamiherald.com Sunday. There seems to significant confusion of why the departing flights were told to stand down and Gov. Charlie Crist says he did not make that decision to halt flights to Florida with patients, but he did ask how the medical care would be paid for that has Green telling the media. ‘This is a crisis. This is an earthquake. This is carnage like you have never seen before,’ he is quoted in The Herald and he closed with ‘It’s just not our finest moment right now.’

What did Gov. Crist say Monday at Jackson Monday?

The Watchdog Report attending the PHT monthly board meeting peeled off from that assignment when I learned that Gov. Charlie Crist was going to be at the Ryder Trauma Center to sign a bill allowing nurses from out of state that are credentialed as clinicians could come into the state and practice. This would allow Haitian nurses to travel to Haiti, where they also speak Creole and is a big issue for physicians and other clinicians treating patients in the country. I asked the governor who would help pay for the treatment of these patients and emphasized the fact Jackson’s payroll is 18 days of institution’s cash on hand and presently that number was at 21 days. He said essentially that he would try to cut through any federal red tape or bureaucracy when it came to that matter but could not be more specific at the time.

>>> Press release: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today called on President Obama to make good on a promise made in last night’s State of the Union address to “strengthen our trade relations…with key partners like South Korea and Panama and Colombia.” Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “Free Trade Agreements between the U.S. and Colombia, Panama, and South Korea are pending at this very moment. “Each one of these agreements will create American jobs. Each one of these agreements will increase U.S. exports. Each one of these agreements will help spur U.S. economic growth.

“My South Florida Congressional district is just one that stands to benefit from increased free trade to Latin America. Miami had nearly $6 billion in total trade with Colombia last year alone. Panama is among Miami-Dade’s top 25 trading partners, and trade between Panama and South Florida has increased nearly 30 percent in recent years. “Yet, Democrats in Congress have refused to allow a vote on these agreements, costing the U.S. billions of dollars. The President has refused to fight back. “If the President is serious about wanting to use free trade to help create U.S. jobs and bolster the American economy, it is time for him to get off the sidelines and fight for the passage of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.”

>>> ZOGBY POLL: A majority (53%) of U.S. adults does not support eliminating the U.S. Senate rule that requires 60 votes to close debate and bring a bill to the floor for a vote. Also, when asked which statement on cloture they most agree with, 50% felt the 60-vote rule insures broader support for legislation while 28% believed the rule was undemocratic. These results were part of a Zogby Interactive survey of 2,003 adults conducted from Jan. 15-18, 2010. The Senate cloture rule requiring 60 votes has been a key issue in the Democrats’ efforts to pass healthcare reform. This poll was concluded one day before Scott Brown won the Massachusetts special election to fill the late Edward Kennedy’s seat, lowering the Democratic majority from 60 to 59. Since the Senate and House of Representatives have passed differing healthcare reform bills, losing that seat becomes critical to the Democrats’ ability to follow the usual procedure and pass a final bill produced by a House-Senate Conference Committee. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1805

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

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

>>> State bounty on Burmese pythons brings high tech into picture, transponders and aerial Infrared in use

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is tracking female Burmese Pythons with transponders and using infrared devices to track them back to their nests from the air. The pythons have proliferated in the Everglades for decades and were introduced into the ecological treasure by snake owners that no longer wanted the up to 20 feet serpent. The commission has tried to put a bounty on the pythons but with well over 100,000 estimated in the Glades, there is a long way to go in reducing the numbers. Another problem has been the arrival of African rock Python, which is more aggressive than its Burmese relative and the possibility of a hybrid super python being born, is one of the reasons why the commission is being so aggressive in reducing the numbers. I learned about this activity from a Wildlife commission officer who had been a conventional police officer and when it came to his job. He said it could not be beat since you are outdoors in the Everglades and a far cry from working a municipal cop beat. Another, problem for the Everglades eco system is the Nile monitor, an almost meter long reptile and they can be spotted along canals including in Pinecrest and Cutler Bay areas. >>> Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Information and regulations on hunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, boating safety, the Florida panther and http://myfwc.com/

>>> Press release: Governor Crist Releases “Optimistic” $69.2 Billion Spending Plan -Budget relies on uncertain revenue and using billions of dollars of non-recurring funds for recurring expenses

Governor Charlie Crist today released his budget recommendations for FY 2010-11, calling for $69.2 billion in spending – a $2.7 billion (4.0%) increase over the current year budget. The size of the budget may be surprising to some given the talk of a multi-billion budget shortfall looming as legislators prepare to begin the 2010 General Session. The Governor is able to recommend the increased spending, as well as $100 million in tax cuts, by relying on federal assistance, money from the Seminole Gambling Compact, raiding the Lawton Chiles Endowment, and an assortment of trust fund sweeps and revenue diversions. The budget contains a surprisingly low $200 million in spending cuts (only $95 million in General Revenue). The Governor did not recommend any tax or fee increases. Click here to view the new Florida TaxWatch Budget Watch, which includes highlights of the spending plan and analysis of the revenue assumptions underlying the budget. The report also includes a chart “How the Governor Balances His General Revenue Budget Proposal” on page 4.

>>> Recent press releases: Governor Crist Unveils $69.2-Billion Budget Recommendations for 2010-11 >>> Governor Crist Announces Additional $12.4 Million in Green Jobs Grants >>> Governor Crist Recommends $2.1-Billion Environment Budget, Revives Florida Forever >>>Governor Crist Unveils Record $22.7-Billion Proposed Budget for Pre-K-12 Education >>> Governor Crist Plans Bold Job-Growth Strategies with More Than $100 Million in Tax Relief >>> Governor Crist Proposes $32.6 Million for Commercial Space Launch, Urges Incentives to Build Florida’s Innovation Economy >>> Governor Crist Announces Education Investments to Promote Innovation And High-Wage Job Opportunities for Floridians

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today announced the following appointments and reappointment: Commission on Ethics (Senate confirmation required)

Susan Maurer, 53, of Fort Lauderdale, attorney at Panza, Maurer & Maynard, succeeding Larry Handfield, appointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and ending June 30, 2011.

Ivan Ford, 73, of Vero Beach, retired, succeeding Linda Conahan, appointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and ending June 30, 2011.

Roy Rogers, 72, of Lighthouse Point, president and chief executive officer of Roy Rogers and Associates, reappointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and ending June 30, 2011.

>>> Gov. Crist today recognized Marc Buoniconti of Miami as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light.

“Over the past two years, Marc has been a great public servant and has been a true advocate for persons with disabilities,” said Governor Crist. “His tremendous work is making an impact across the state and I am truly grateful for his passion and dedication to this cause.” For two years, Marc has served on the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, a panel appointed by the Governor charged with advancing public policy for Floridians with disabilities. Marc has also been instrumental in advancing research and treatment facilities for persons with spinal cord injuries as an ambassador for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. He also is the president of the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. Marc’s activism has earned him a Volunteer of the Year award from the American Lung Association of Florida and the University of Miami’s Henry K. Stanford Award. He is also a member of Iron Arrow Honor Society, the University of Miami’s highest community honor. Previously, Marc has served as director of the Gloria Estefan Foundation, Points of Light Foundation, and National Institutes of Health advisory board. >>> AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. Walt Disney World is an in-kind supporter. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today appointed six members to the Florida Board of Governors during a board meeting at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The board is responsible for the management of Florida’s State University System. “I am privileged to appoint this distinguished group of Floridians to the Board of Governors,” said Governor Crist. “Each appointee is passionate about securing the best possible education for our students, and ensuring Florida continues to develop the talent required to compete in an innovation-based economy.”

The six appointees to the Florida Board of Governors include:

Ava Parker, 47, of Jacksonville, is a reappointment to the Board of Governors, having served as the vice chair of the board and chair of the facilities committee during her first term. She is the president of Linking Solutions Inc. and a practicing attorney at Lawrence & Parker P.A. Parker is also currently serving on the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and has previously served on the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees. She received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida. Parker fills the seat created by the resignation of Lynn Pappas for a term ending January 6, 2012.

Richard A. Beard III, 66, of Tampa, has 36 years of experience in real estate development and has been the president and owner of R.A. Beard Co., a real estate investment company, since 1995. He has been member of the Board of Directors at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and the Florida Health Science Center at Tampa General Hospital. He is a current member of the Florida Council of 100 and is the founding chairman of the University of South Florida Board of Trustees. Beard received his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Institute of Technology. Beard succeeds Sheila McDevitt for a term ending January 6, 2017.

Dean Colson, 56, of Coral Gables, has been a partner with the Law Firm of Colson Hicks Eidson since 1981. He also currently serves as a special advisor to the Governor on higher education. Colson was a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2009. He also served on the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Committee from 2002 to 2006. In addition, Colson served as law clerk to the Honorable Peter T. Fay in the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, and Justice William Rehnquist of the United States Supreme Court. He received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and his law degree from the University of Miami. Colson succeeds John Dasburg for a term ending January 6, 2017.

Patricia Frost, 72, of Miami Beach, spent 28 years as a teacher and principal in the Miami-Dade County Public School System, retiring in 1993. She is currently a trustee at Florida International University and has served as chair of the Florida International University Board of Directors and as chair of the Florida International University Academic Policy Committee. Frost was named Educator of the Year for her work at Florida International University and with the Miami-Dade County and Broward County public school systems. She received her bachelor’s degree from Colby College and a master’s degree from Columbia University. Frost succeeds Zachariah Zachariah for a term ending January 6, 2017.

Morteza “Mori” Hosseini, 54, of Daytona Beach, has been the chairman and CEO of Intervest Construction Inc. for 29 years. He is the vice chairman of the board and chairs the Committee on Trustees and the Committee on Facilities and Capitol Planning for the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Board of Trustees. Hosseini is a member of the Florida Council of 100 and previously served on the Halifax Hospital Medical Center Board of Commissioners. He received an aeronautical engineering degree from the Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering in London, England, and his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Hosseini succeeds Carolyn Roberts for a term ending January 6, 2017.

John Rood, 54, of Jacksonville, has been chairman of the Vestcor Companies since 2007 and was previously chairman from 1983 to 2004. Rood was an Ambassador of the United States to the Bahamas from 2004 to 2007. Previously, he served as the vice chair, chairman and commissioner of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission from 1999 to 2004. Rood has also served as the commissioner of the Marine Fisheries Commission. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana. Rood succeeds Ava Parker, who is being reappointed to complete the term of another seat, for a term ending January 6, 2017. >>> About the Florida Board of Governors >>> The Florida Board of Governors was established by a Florida Constitutional Amendment approved by voters in 2002 and is responsible for the management of Florida’s State University System. The board consists of 17 members – 14 appointed by the Governor and subject to Senate confirmation, plus the Commissioner of Education, the chair of the Advisory Council of Faculty Senates, and the chair of the Florida Student Association.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Frequent sunshine meetings between commissioners, independent Clerk tapes conversation, but synopsis should be created

There have been a series of sunshine meetings between different commissioners over the past weeks, I attended one between Commissioners Natacha Seijas, and Carlos Gimenez concerning a new “wage theft ordinance but not the others.” The gist of the conversation was how to prevent employers from not paying wages or giving a check that bounces to the laborers but then the employer is sometimes gone. The two commissioners were trying to get a take on what the other thought of the proposed legislation before it worked further through the commission process. There were also others this past week and the use of these meetings by commissioners are a double-edged sword. The good news is a member of the Clerk’s office, a countywide elected post separate from the commission records what is said, but without the press there. It is very likely only a few people will be aware of what was being discussed and that is the danger. The Watchdog Report calls for some kind of meeting synopsis that can be available to the other commissioners and public because while all of this is legal. The information discussed should have a greater distribution in the community.

>>> Census workers enthused, but other public institutions say “more to worry about than the Census”

“We have more to worry about than the Census,” said a senior public bureaucrat last week, when I remarked how important the 2010 Census was to the community. Since we undercounted tens of thousands in 2000 when the count occurred during the Elian Gonzalez custody saga that had Miami-Dade in turmoil and left about $3 billion of federal money not coming down over the next decade. The Census department has been signing –up workers for the count and these representatives were at a Miami job fair this past Tuesday and while they and the county’s Complete Count Committee are enthusiastic about getting an accurate count. There are many people and organizations that don’t appreciate the importance of the count and census workers, public and private organizations must treat the count with almost a fanaticism approach. If we are to get our fair share of funding and Congressional representation.

>>> BCC agenda has mandatory reading with signed affidavit of ethics ordinance

The Commission is having its first monthly meeting Feb. 2, and the 46-page agenda has one ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Javier Souto, with co-sponsors Commissioners Sally Heyman and Rebeca Sosa that requires newly elected people to read the ethics ordinances and “agrees to comply with the provisions” of the law and sign an affidavit prior to being sworn–in. Souto had tried a number of other moves to bring more transparency to the political process and to reduce the “hank panky” and the “vote trading” he says goes on at county hall behind the scenes. However, the majority of the commission shot down these other legislative initiatives.

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez and Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle will host a groundbreaking ceremony for affordable housing in Liberty City, Phase II of the Scott-Carver HOPE VI Development Project, on Friday, February 5, 2010, at 75th Street and NW 21st Avenue, at 10:00am.

“I am proud to say that in the very near future Phase II of the Scott-Carver HOPE VI Redevelopment Project will be creating more much needed affordable housing for our residents,” said Mayor Carlos Alvarez. “In addition, this development will also create a green and sustainable community, thanks to a $16.6 million stimulus grant that was awarded to the Miami-Dade Public Housing Agency by U.S. HUD.” “This is the beginning of great things for the residents of District 2. This area has been waiting in great anticipation for this day, and I am glad that it has finally come,” said Commissioner Rolle. “Upon its completion, this project will serve as a clean, green, and environmentally-sound development for hundreds of residents who will soon call this place home again. I anticipate watching the project come to fruition and becoming one of Miami-Dade latest and greatest affordable housing successes.”

The HOPE VI Grant was awarded by US-HUD to Miami-Dade Public Housing Agency (MDPHA) on September 16, 1999 to redevelop the former Scott and Carver public housing developments. Phase I of the redevelopment was completed in 2008 with 57 single-family homes built by Habitat for Humanity. Forty-one of these homes were purchased by former residents of Scott-Carver. Phase II, being developed by McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS), is planned as a mixed-income development and will provide 354 rental units; 177 public housing units, 107 low and moderate income units and 70 market-rate units. In 2009, US-HUD awarded MDPHA together a $16.6 million dollar stimulus grant to create a “green and sustainable community.” These initiatives, such as water-saving features and energy efficient appliances will be incorporated into the design. The Phase II development will be completed in two years. WHO: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dorrin D. Rolle, District 2, WHAT: Scott-Carver HOPE VI Groundbreaking Ceremony, WHEN: Friday, February 5, 2010 ,10:00 a.m. WHERE: 75th Street and NW 21st Avenue, Miami.

>>> Press release: MIAMI, Fl – Vice-Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz was appointed by Chairman Dennis C. Moss to sit on the newly-formed Compensation and Benefits Review Nominating Council.

The Compensation and Benefits Review Committee will consist of a nine-member board that will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the standing personnel policies and advise the Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners in the development of policies to manage the growth of personnel costs related to employee compensation and benefits. Members shall serve without compensation for a three year term and meet no less than four times a year. The Nominating Council is chaired by Commissioner Natacha Seijas, with Vice-Chairman Diaz as one of the council members who will select those who will take part in this committee. “It’s important for the County to remain transparent with the community, including all issues related to employee compensation,” said Vice-Chairman Diaz. “I encourage any qualified residents to apply to be a part of this council to bring their ideas to the table.” Qualified applicants for the Compensation and Benefits Review Committee should be Miami-Dade County residents; possess an outstanding reputation for civic pride, integrity, responsibility and business or professional ability; and shall have no financial interest, direct or indirect, in the compensation paid to County employees. Membership on this Committee should be representative of the community at large and should have a demonstrated expertise in human resources, organizational design, public management, or related topics. >>> Applications may be obtained from the County Executive Office, 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 2910, or online at www.miamidade.gov. All applications must be received by Diane Collins, Assistant Director, Clerk of the Board, at 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 17-202, Miami, Florida 33128. Applications can be e-mailed to clerkbcc@miamidade.gov or faxed to (305) 375-2484. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure electronic receipt of the application by calling the Clerk of the Board at (305) 375-1652. For additional information regarding the application process, please call (305) 375-5427.

>>> Press release: From February 8-22, 2010, small business owners in Commission Chairman Dennis C. Moss’ District 9 will have the opportunity to apply for Mom & Pop Small Business grants up to $5,000.00 to assist their small business. Eligible business owners receiving grant awards may use the funds to assist their businesses by purchasing equipment, supplies, advertising/marketing, inventory, building liability insurance, security systems and/or to make minor renovations. To be considered, the applicants’ small businesses must be located in District 9 and meet certain criteria. Grant applications will be available for pick-up from Chairman Moss’ District North Office at 10710 SW 211 Street, Suite 206 (The South Dade Government Center) or District South Office at 1634 NW 6th Avenue in Florida City from Tuesday, February 8, 2010 to Tuesday, February 22, 2010 from 9am to 5pm. In addition, applications can be accessed online at www.miamidade.gov/district09. All applications must be properly completed and returned between Wednesday, February 23rd and Friday, February 25th, 2010 by 5pm ONLY at the District North Office / South Dade Government Center, Suite 206. >>> The Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program was created to provide financial and technical assistance to qualified small businesses that are approved for funding, and is an excellent example of how county government is attempting to help small businesses during these tough economic times. For more information regarding Chairman Moss’ Mom and Pop grant opportunities, please contact Mr. Dallas Manuel in the District 9 Office at 305-234-4938 or contact Ms. Finney at Neighbors and Neighbors Association (NANA) at 305-756-0605, Monday through Friday.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Commissioner Wasserman-Rubin getting some ink, she says, “There isn’t anything new.”

Commissioners Stacey Ritter and Diana Wasserman-Rubin have continued to get some press and in Wasserman-Rubin’s case. The most recent story was in The Miami Herald Sunday, though the commissioner is quoted saying “there isn’t anything new,” she told www.miamiherald.com. Further Bob Norman is keeping a reporter’s eye on both of them and to read his stories and other links go to http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/

>>> Two charged in Broward for armed robberies

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, announced the filing of federal criminal charges against Jeffrey St. Louis, 22, and Irving J. Roberts, 20. The defendants have been charged with committing two armed robberies, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a). A pretrial detention hearing has been scheduled for February 5, 2010 at 10 a.m. before Magistrate Judge Barry S. Seltzer in Fort Lauderdale. According to criminal complaints filed against the two defendants, St. Louis, Roberts, and other individuals committed armed robberies of gas stations in Davie on December 14, 2009 and Plantation on December 24, 2009. During each of the robberies, the gas station clerks were pistol-whipped and the defendants stole cash and other property. >>> A criminal complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, Miami-Dade Police Department, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Miami Police Department Davie Police Department, and Plantation Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Strider Dickson. 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 http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today appointed four members to the Board of Commissioners of the North Broward Hospital District. “The health of Floridians is always an utmost priority,” Governor Crist said. “I am confident that each appointee to the hospital district will work to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of the people of Broward County.” The four appointees to the North Broward Hospital District include:

Joel K. Gustafson, 72, of Fort Lauderdale, a retired attorney, was a Florida state representative from 1967 to 1972 and appointed to the Florida Commission on Ethics by four separate Governors between 1978 and 2004. He also served as district director for U.S. Representative Clay Shaw from 2002 to 2007. He received his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, and his law degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Gustafson is succeeding Robert Bernstein, appointed for a term beginning January 28, 2010, and ending June 27, 2013.

Clarence V. McKee, 67, of Parkland, is president and owner of McKee Communications Inc. in Coral Springs since 2008, and in Tampa from 1993 to 2004. In the interim, he was a principal with Ruden McClosky Consulting from 2004 to 2008. From 1987 to 1992, he was chairman and chief executive officer of WTVT Holding Inc. in Tampa. A former board member of Barnett Banks Inc. and Checkers Drive-in Restaurants, McKee received his bachelor’s degree from Hobart College in Geneva, New York, and his law degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. McKee is succeeding Daniel Gordon, appointed for a term beginning January 28, 2010, and ending December 13, 2012.

Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, 43, of Fort Lauderdale, has served as the president and chief executive officer of United Way of Broward County since 2008. Previously, she was the chief of staff at Florida Atlantic University. She received her bachelor’s degree from the Florida State University, her master’s degree from University of South Florida and her doctorate degree from Florida Atlantic University. Anderson is succeeding Maureen Jaeger, appointed for a term beginning January 28, 2010, and ending June 29, 2013.

Richard Paul-Hus, 40, of Fort Lauderdale, is the senior vice president of Hypower Inc. He is a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Construction Executives Association. He received his bachelor’s degree from Stetson University. Paul-Hus is succeeding Rebecca Stoll, appointed for a term beginning January 28, 2010, and ending June 29, 2013.

>>> Ethics leaders’ discussion looking at Miami-Dade model created by voters in 1996

There is a real dichotomy between the efforts of Palm Beach residents and leaders versus in Broward to create an ethics commission and possible an inspector general’s office. Palm Beach leaders are still reeling form the federal prosecution and jailing of a majority of the old commission in federal prison the last few years back. The commissioners and others now are looking to Miami-Dade County as its model that had voters creating an Ethics and Public Trust Commission in 1996 that has proved very successful along with the county’s IG also created in the 1990s by the Miami-Dade County Commission. Ethics mavens in Palm Beach are likely to use a form of the job description crafted by the Miami-Dade ethics commission and with the IG. Both entities can serve as a prototype of how these offices can be created, there respective duties, and should cover oversight activities in the county’s municipalities. However, in Broward County’s case, there is a real push by one county Commissioner Stacey Ritter, to limit the independence of any new watchdog body saying the influence of lobbyists there is being overstated. >>> To read more on Ritter’s comments on the ethics commission discussion go to http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/

ORANGE COUNTY

>>> Gov. Crist today made the following appointment: West Orange Healthcare District

Michael G. Mercado, 52, of Windermere, physician and owner of West Orange Family Medical Care, succeeding Jorge Florin, appointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and ending September 24, 2012.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist mad the following appointment: Lake Shore Hospital Authority of Columbia County

DeKoven “Koby” Adams, 52, of Lake City, broker and owner of The Adams Agency Inc., succeeding Jackson Berry, appointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and ending August 22, 2012.

MADISON COUNTY

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following reappointment and appointment: Madison County Health and Hospital Board

Shirley D. Joseph, 53, of Madison, coordinator of assessments with the Madison County School Board District, reappointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and ending June 30, 2013

Karen A. Johnson, 38, of Madison, owner of Johnson and Johnson Transport Inc., succeeding Carson Lee Cherry, appointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and June 30, 2012.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today made the following appointments: Lower Florida Keys Hospital District Board of Monroe County

Stephen L. Hammond, 52, of Key West, realtor with Key West Real Estate Sales Inc., succeeding Magali Alvarez, appointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and ending September 12, 2013.

Cara A. Higgins, 38, of Key West, attorney with Horan, Wallace and Higgins LLP, succeeding Annette Mobley, appointed for a term beginning January 27, 2010, and September 12, 2013.

>>> Press release: MONROE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF ASSISTANCE

Monroe County Emergency Management is coordinating relief efforts for the victims of the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti. Monroe County Government Administration, Divisions and Departments personnel are actively involved in this effort, as the magnitude of this disastrous event calls for an overall humanitarian effort to assist those in need. Several County locations were identified as the “drop-off” sites and Monroe County Public Works personnel will transport all donated goods to designated sites in Miami-Dade for deployment to Haiti. Public Works will continue the pick-up and transport until January 29th, 2010

Citizens interested in donating towards this effort may do so at the following County locations Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm:

Key West Marathon

Gato Building, Conference # 3 Monroe County Government Center

Harvey Government Center Monroe County Government Annex (63rd Street)

Key West County Library Monroe County Library

Big Pine Key Islamorada

Big Pine County Library Monroe County Library

Key Largo

Murray Nelson Government Center

Monroe County Library

Recommended Items: Cereals, bottled water, canned juice, soda, powdered milk, dry food, canned baby food, diapers, clothes, blankets, towels, socks (only items in good condition will be accepted), candles, flashlights, batteries, aspirin, band-aids, gauze, hygiene products, and calling cards. NOTE: Items with expiration dates prior to April 1, 2010 will NOT be accepted. Monetary donations can be made at all First State Banks of the Florida Keys eleven locations as well as the American Red Cross PO Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013, or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS, or to the Keys office at 5450 MacDonald Ave. #11, Key West, FL 33040. Donations can also be made online at www.floridakeysredcross.org For additional information contact the Monroe County Emergency Management, Ms. Alary Luttazi (305) 289-6018 or at luttazi-alary@monroecounty-fl.gov

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Friends of WLRN in the spotlight, must have an operating agreement with District in 60-days

Alberto Carvalho, the district’s superintendent in a terse tone said when it came to seeing the financial records of Friends of WLRN. He was told it could only be done off site, he could not remove them or copy the documents while under the watchful eye of the not-for-profit’s attorneys and the documents did not fall under the state’s Sunshine Law. Carvalho said “these conditions were unacceptable” and he made these statements at the Audit Committee meeting on Tuesday and it stunned the committee members including school board vice chair Perla Tabares Hantman, the board’s voting member.

The superintendent said he has been reviewing all contracts and operating agreements and a memo from board attorney James Walter Harvey details the organizations institutional timeline, noting Friends is charged with nothing but raising money for WLRN’s radio and television stations. The representatives of Friends said they were not trying to stonewall the inquiry noting over the decades since 1974 the organization has worked well with WLRN and the school district. The station now has significantly more media outlets and the not-for-profit has been instrumental in helping fund that expansion. However, the issue of some employees salaries came-up as well as administrative costs that come in at about 40 percent and that is normal said the Friends representatives. Jose F. Montes de Oca, the district’s chief auditor asked about some of salaries that had people making over the years $269,000; $247,000 and $315,000 but Friends said that is based on money they raise and the commission is 10 percent. They also pointed out these employees are paid a small salary, brought in $3 million in underwriting and they do not get the commission “until the money is in hand.”

Further, Friends bylaws once had the superintendent signing off on any by law changes, and who ran Friends. But that changed, but went unnoticed in 1998 and board Attorney James Walter Harvey in a Jan. 26 memo writes that “these significant, sea change amendments” were never approved by the superintendent and the school district administrative head was not “involved in the appointment process of Rick Lewis,” the current Friends president and CEO. Further, the attorney noted that the bylaws “have since been amended several times without superintendent approval.” Carvalho was instructed to create an operating agreement with Friends that would be due in 60-days and Friends representatives said they could comply with that time constraint and it will include inserting back that the superintendent will have to sign off on any bylaw changes in the future.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Chair Copeland & CEO Roldan take community road trip, looking at almost $90 million loss for year

John Copeland, III, the PHT chair and CEO Eneida Roldan, M.D. are working the community and government halls trying to make a case for the health system to get another source of funding that is leaving the trust with a projected $89 million loss for the current year. The two leaders spoke on Wednesday at the Downtown Bay Forum monthly luncheon moderated by Helen Ferre and listeners questioned how the health trust could have gotten into such bad financial shape and where was the county. However, the county has its own funding problems now and financial relief cannot be expected though Jackson also absorbed over $100 million in county unfunded mandates that were shifted to the PHT in 2000 at the last county budget hearing in September.

Roldan said the system had 12,000 employees, down from 12,500 cutting $4 million in the payroll and the total system has 5 million square feet of utilized space at the main campus its many satellite operations including Jackson North and South hospitals. Copeland said the trust was in a “financial ditch” and “we have a system that is broken” especially when it “gives $700 to $800 million in charity care” and revenues are insufficient to close “a $200 million shortfall.” Jackson also has $1 billion in infrastructure needs and while the county helped the trust with a $150 million bond the institution’s needs out pace this funding. Copeland hopes perhaps a special taxing district might be considered like in Broward County but he warned if something does not happen soon. The only choice would be to “drastically shrink the scope” and “the size of the system,” that is considered a community jewel, said Copeland.

>>> Please be advised that a special Executive Committee meeting has been scheduled on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the West Wing Board Room.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Commission taps Rev. Dunn for District 5, first city lobbyists go through ethics training

The commission with the clock ticking at around 11:10 p.m., selected Rev. Richard Dunn, Il, Tuesday as the commission’s appointee to the vacant District 5 seat open after Gov. Charlie Crist suspended Michelle Spence-Jones for a second time, after a state attorney investigation suggested she diverted $50,000 in public grants to herself. Spence-Jones has said repeatedly that she is innocent, is fighting the charges, and has taken the validity of the governor’s second suspension to a circuit court judge that will hear the arguments Feb. 12. The commissioner wants the court to rule that she is innocent until proven guilty since she was re-elected after the first charges, and should be allowed back on the commission dais while she awaits trial that is said to be well over a year off.

Dunn, a previous appointment to the commission in the 1990s was the number two vote getter on Jan. 12 when a special election was held and commissioners long into the night listened to other candidates’ explanations on why they would be a solid choice for seat. However, after getting Dunn to promise not to run in the November election the four commissioners unanimously voted for the local reverend. The newly minted commissioner also held a town hall meeting Thursday night attended by about 60 residents and it was said to be a calm affair that included Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson being there for a dialogue about the healing of the community, that is split into different supporter camps. But Dunn seems to have left the door open concerning his running for the office again in November saying he would consider it if the other commissioners thought he had done a good job he suggested to www.miamiherald.com last week.

>>> First group of lobbyists go through ethics training, proudly show commissioners their FIU certificates

When it comes to the new Miami ethics ordinance passed by the commission recently the devil continues to be in the details, and a couple of dozen of the city’s lobbyist took the course on Tuesday and reported on in last week’s Watchdog Report. FIU Metropolitan Center professor Dario Moreno arraigned the course but the real teachers were assistant state attorney Joe Centorino who heads up the public corruption section and Robert Meyers, the director of the Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust Commission. Moreno talked about the history of corruption in South Florida (said to be not relevant, and he later left the seminar early) leaving the two men to do the class. The lobbyists that attended said they learned some things and found it to be worthwhile. However, the city ordinance requires these people to have to take the course yearly and that seems out of line and some suggested every three or four years might be a better time to have to renew ones certification by retaking the mandatory course.

>>> What about the mayor and commissioners regarding their ethics class?

The way the new legislation was drafted, technically none of the sitting Miami Commissioners or Mayor Tomas Regalado has to take the course until next year except for Commissioner Dunn who missed the deadline when he was sworn in Tuesday night. The Watchdog Report caught up with the mayor last week and he said he would take the class now and the whole commission is expected to join-in. However, given the number of city lobbyists, regular courses must be put into place and the commission might consider some kind of grace period to get this training formally set-up. Also, one of the newly certified lobbyist showed to commissioners at the Thursday meeting his ethics certification diploma validating it can be done but the process needs to be refined.

>>> Miami racks-up $200,000 in legal costs fighting ex city Attorney Fernandez

Jorge Fernandez, the ex city of Miami attorney who resigned his post in early 2008 is the gift that keeps on giving and the city has already spent $200,000 on litigation said Commissioner Francis Suarez at Thursday’s commission meeting. Fernandez was embroiled in a scandal that had him pleading no contest to two misdemeanors that involved his use of a public expense account but he is fighting for his severance pay.

>>> Commissioners should review how members are selected on important Civil Service Board, three members including Chair de la O leaving

The city’s Civil Service Board members are changing and current chair Miguel M. de la O is stepping down after years in that capacity along with two others and it is a great opportunity to review how people are selected on this important board where there is no screening nominating structure like with many other city boards. With the changing economic times, having a top notch board hearing these complaints brought by the administration and employees that also potentially impact the city’s general funds would be a good thing. And commissioners should create some qualification criteria for people that might apply for this important hearing board. >>> Clerk’s office: CIVIL SERVICE BOARD EMPLOYEE ELECTION, Pedro G. Hernandez, City Manager, has announced that on Thursday, March 4, 2010 and Friday, March 5, 2010, an ELECTION will be held for the City of Miami Civil Service Board Click here for more information

>>> City leaders scrambling after almost 500 police officers won’t work “overtime and off-duty assignments”

City leaders are scrambling as police officers along with the police union are refusing to work from Jan. 28, including over the Super Bowl weekend any “overtime” or “off-duty assignments” such as providing security at high profile restaurants. Jorge Gonzalez, the city manager in a Jan. 28 memo to the mayor and commissioners says “upwards of 500 e-mails from FOP” have come in saying the officers are “no longer able to work” these assignments through the end of the Boat Show. The manager will have met again on Friday with union officials says the memo and a media spokesman said there is a planned Commission meeting on Wednesday, and there could be a closed executive session regarding the FOP negotiations.

TOWN OF SUNNY ISLES

>>> Press release: Ringleader of immigration benefit fraud scheme pleads guilty

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Investigations, announced that a Sunny Isles man that was posing as an immigration consultant and attorney in a scheme to defraud immigrants in obtaining immigration benefits pleaded guilty earlier today in U.S. District Court in Miami. Victor Abreu, 45, of Sunny Isles, entered a plea of guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Marcia Cooke on a charge of conspiracy to provide false statements to a federal agency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. He faces a maximum of five years in prison. On October 29, 2009, Victor Abreu was indicted along with five co-conspirators, three of whom have already entered pleas of guilty. In May 2007, ICE special agents in Fort Lauderdale began an investigation of Victor Abreu of Abreu & Associates, based on allegations that he was involved in immigration benefit fraud. Abreu and his employees were allegedly preparing false boilerplate immigration applications for illegal immigrants, including applications for employment authorization and employment visas.

The defendants were charged with engaging in a scheme through which they solicited payments from illegal immigrants by falsely promising to assist them with immigration matters. The scheme involved the preparation of benefit applications for at least 300 individuals from Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Venezuela, and Mexico, among other countries. After receiving payments, Abreu and his co-defendants prepared the false immigration documents. To execute the scheme, Abreu falsely purported to be an immigration attorney and consultant. As a result of the scheme, some of the illegal immigrants obtained legitimate work authorization cards and driver’s licenses to which they were not lawfully entitled. United States Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman said, “Immigration fraud undermines the public’s faith in our system, as it provides benefits to those who are willing to break the laws. We will continue to work to make our immigration system free from fraud.” “The filing of false applications to obtain immigration benefits for individuals that are not authorized to be present in the United States puts the security of our communities at risk,” said Anthony Mangione, special agent in charge of ICE’s Office of Investigations in Miami. “Immigration benefits like these could be exploited by dangerous criminals to obscure their identities and cover their tracks. ICE will continue to aggressively pursue and criminally charge individuals who would exploit immigrant communities for their own self interests.” >>> The case was investigated by ICE’s Office of Investigations in Fort Lauderdale and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorraine Tashman. 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.

EDITORIAL

>>> Nation must get control over $14.3 trillion debt; joint Congressional committee like used for base closing must be tried again

The failure of Congress to create a body to deal with reducing the $14.3 trillion debt the federal government now has with China and Japan with both being significant bankers for the nation but like oil dependence. Financial independence for the nation is necessary as well. The idea was to create a body in the House and Senate like the base closure committee that was able to close military bases no longer needed with the end of the Cold War in the 1990s. However, this current effort was shot down in the Senate recently 53-46, and failing to get the required 60 votes, and the House leadership says no way would they support such legislation but a solution must be found that has every American owing $45,000 in national debt to foreign countries. That in the case of China is a major power that is confronting the U.S. around the world and military security must be augmented with sound financial security if the nation is continue to be the global Super Power and this cant be passed down to future generations without some major mitigation for the interest payments are killers as it is.

The U.S. debt is something that every tax payer and homeowner can understand like their own family budget and the nation’s financial hemorrhaging is dooming our children and their children for decades to come, and while some national debt is okay in the scheme of the gigantic global economy. It cannot continue and if Republicans, Democrats and President Barack Obama really want to look for compromise and areas all can work together this is it. For both parties over the past decade have helped balloon this number, and this issue has to be confronted, and sooner is better than later, as the number soars out of comprehension for many of us American taxpayers.

LETTER

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Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 33 January 24, 2010 – Haiti Disaster Issue

editor — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:03:52 +0000

CONTENTS
Argus Report: How will the horror and destruction of Haiti and its people affect South Florida? blowback expected here but 2010 Census must not be forgotten in wake of the tragedy

Florida: Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Platzer denies emergency injunction for suspended Miami Commissioner Spence-Jones, jurist’s net worth $273,414 through 2008

Miami-Dade County: BCC votes 6-4 to expand Omni CRA but not without some sharp verbal exchanges on the dais

Broward County: Ethics debate heating up with key meetings this week coming up; will county commission go for the gold and follow Miami-Dade’s example?

Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach man busted for impersonating federal ICE agent

Duval County: There he goes again; Gov. Crist issues 34^th suspension of elected leader since Jan. 2007

Alachua County: Gov. Crist appoints Alachua County Judges Victor L. Hulslander and Mary Day Coker of Gainesville to the Eighth Judicial Circuit.

Collier County: Gov. Crist appoints Lee Ann Schreiber of Fort Myers to the 20th Judicial Circuit Court.

Monroe County: Emergency Management Haiti earthquake relief assistance sites

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Audit committee meets, Friends of WLRN audit and finances looked at including operating and legal relationship with school board

Public Health Trust: Commissioner Heyman wants focused approach to medical aid to Haiti; all area hospitals pitching in, will PHT be financially slammed?

City of Miami: As of last week all registered Miami lobbyists are out of compliance, have not completed 4-hour certified ethics course

City of Miami Beach: Beach Fire Rescue search teams go to Haiti, part of regions vast response to disaster and devastation in the country

City of Coral Gables: With Biltmore Hotel owing $2.4 in back rent, negotiations seem to be slow going; will the courts get involved?

Town of Surfside: Ethics complaint against city leader dismissed

Village of Bal Harbour: Ethics commission dismisses allegations about past officials

Community Events: Downtown Bay Forum – Jackson Hospital leaders: President Roldan, M.D., & PHT Chair Copeland

Editorials: U.S. Sen. win in MA should not have Republicans cheering, both parties are feeling wrath of independent voters in 2010

Letters: Reader on WLRN interview & Reader on MLK’s Birthday & Haiti relief

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> I was on Topical Currents, hosted by Joseph Cooper, WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM, Jan. 11 and to listen to the show go to http://204.13.1.19:81/

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> How will the horror and destruction of Haiti and its people affect South Florida? blowback expected but 2010 Census must not be forgotten in wake of the tragedy

“People will not stay in their homes;” Haiti now gets earthquake aftershock, at least 200,000 Haitians dead, water, food needed now, but also tents and other shelters when the rains arrive said, Didier “DJ” Fabien Wednesday at the Miami-Dade Community Relations monthly board meeting. Fabien who knows all the religious and government leaders in Haiti and just back from the country said in Port-au-Prince, when he arrived there two days after the Tuesday 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12. There were no immigration or customs officers “and the airport was wide open,” he said. He along with a WSVN Channel 7 www.wsvn.com reporter were the “first to get to Carrefour,” a town outside of the Haitian capital and he found people “dropping off bodies in front of a family house.” He said a four-story school filled with children collapsed entombing the kids in the rubble and the stench of death hangs heavy in the air. Fabien said getting “masks are very important” to mitigate this “odor” and all important government offices including the city hall and post office “are down.” He said before the earthquake people would ask for money from strangers and tourists but now “nobody asked for money, only food and water.” Fabien, chair of the Haitian American Emergency Relief Committee said what is needed is not just cash, but non-perishable food, water, energy drinks, medical supplies, soap, towels, outdoor camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and tarps.

The story of Haiti and its people’s connection with South Florida has been a double edge sword for decades as its people watches Cubans coming to America and getting special immigration treatment versus themselves over the past years. In the early 1980s dozens and dozens of Haitian bodies washed ashore on the state’s beaches after their ramshackle boats sank and that scene has been repeated over the future decades. The nation is the first Black democracy in the Americas, after gaining independence from the French Jan. 1, 1804 and since then. The country’s people seem to never get a break, with corruption, violence and poor political leaders the hallmark of the small nation of around 9 million. Further, the heavily deforested nation was hit by four name hurricanes in 2008 that had left the nation reeling, but this disaster topped any of that misery and loss of life, and also revealed the shoddy building code of even government buildings and any new reconstruction must include the use of rebar to reinforce the concrete structures. >>> Haiti Independence Day Haiti Independence Day, Fatcs About Haiti And The Haitian Culture On nbsp January 1st nbsp 1804 Haiti made history On January 1st 1804 Saint Domingue ceases … http://www.haitibio.com/index.php/2675 >>> Neighbors 4 Neighbors is collecting funds and assisting with donation logistics. Please go to this site to see how you can help www.cbs4.com/neighbors Right now, it is all about money, and medical. You can donate online, by check, or at any BankAtlantic branch in Florida. Just tell them you want to donate to Haiti Relief and it will go into the Neighbors 4 Neighbors Haiti disaster relief account.

What about helping the orphans?

South Florida has the highest concentration of Haitian Americans in the nation with many of them holding elected office. The 2000 Census stated there were 95,669 Haitian-Americans in Miami-Dade and it will be here many of the “hundreds of thousands” of orphans come too “which is likely to result in a large and rapid influx of Haitian orphans and other children needing assistance into our community,” stated a resolution being sponsored by County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson last week.

Could the disaster have political ramifications here in the future?

The Haitian community after that last census later in 2001 and 2002 made a big push to get a seat on the Miami-Dade commission during the redistricting process but they failed in that effort. However, the new redistricting activity is set to begin again in March 2011 after the 2010 Census figures have been tabulated. And with the now larger number of Haitians here, even before the earthquake. It will be seen if they have the political clout to create a commission district seat that could elect one of their own to the 13 member county legislative body in the years ahead.

>>> What about the Obama administration granting Haitians TPS?

Press release: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, (D-FL): “This is the right thing to do. Haitian immigrants already in the U.S. will not only be able to make money to support themselves, but also to send remittances to their suffering families back in Haiti.” – U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson >>> STATEMENT FROM HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY JANET NAPOLITANO

“As part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to assist Haiti following Tuesday’s devastating earthquake, I am announcing the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. This is a disaster of historic proportions and this designation will allow eligible Haitian nationals in the United States to continue living and working in our country for the next 18 months. Providing a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals who are currently in the United States and whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti is part of this Administration’s continuing efforts to support Haiti’s recovery. “At this moment of tragedy in Haiti it is tempting for people suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake to seek refuge elsewhere. But attempting to leave Haiti now will only bring more hardship to the Haitian people and nation. The international community has rallied to deliver relief to Haiti. Much has already arrived and much more is on its way. The Haitians are resilient and determined and their role in addressing this crisis in their homeland will be essential to Haiti’s future. “It is important to note that TPS will apply only to those individuals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. Those who attempt to travel to the United States after January 12, 2010 will not be eligible for TPS and will be repatriated.

“The Department of Homeland Security continues to extend sympathy to our Haitian neighbors and support the worldwide relief effort underway in every way we can. Four Coast Guard cutters have arrived in Haiti, in addition to a variety of Coast Guard assets that were already in the area to support military air traffic control, conduct damage assessments and rescue people in need of assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department—the lead U.S. federal agencies in the response—while coordinating the deployment of state and local Urban Search and Rescue Teams from across the country to Haiti and standing by to provide food, water and other resources as requested. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided aircraft to support response efforts. “Haitians in the U.S. who are eligible to apply for TPS should go to www.uscis.gov or call the toll-free USCIS Forms Hotline (800) 870-3676.”

What about the U.S. 2010 Census in April?

While the horror, death and destruction of Haiti is bad enough with a massive global relief program spearheaded by the United States ongoing. There will be an impact on South Florida, and it must be minimized when it comes to the once in a decade U.S. Census. The national count last done in the spring of 2000 at the height of the Elian Gonzalez custody battle in Miami had Miami-Dade County experiencing a major undercount of residents depriving the community of just under $300 million a year in federal funding since then, and reduced political clout and representation in the federal legislative halls of Washington D.C. for more information on the Complete Count 2010 Census go to www.2010census.gov .

>>> New Census office opens: Get To Know Your Local Census Office in Downtown The United States Census Bureau is preparing for the grand opening of its Miami South Local Census Office (LCO). OPEN HOUSE: When: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Where: 1390 Brickell Avenue, Suite #270 Miami, FL 33130, Pacific National Bank Building >> This office serves the communities of Key Biscayne, Miami, West Miami, Virginia Gardens, Miami Springs, Coral Gables and Medley. 2010 is Census year, an accurate count is critical in the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives, drawing of state legislative districts, and distribution of nearly $400 billion in federal, state, local, and tribal funds. These funds provide street repairs, neighborhood parks, additional schools, and resources, such as, fire, and police services. The results of the tabulation counts from the U.S. Census affect every aspect of this community which includes business like yours. The demographic and economic census data can be used to locate retail stores, advertise, and improve business strategies. >>> Our Open House gives the community an opportunity to see the office and meet the staff that will diligently work to ensure that our community is counted, and counted correctly. It also provides the community with the reassurance that the information acquired in the 2010 Census is regarded as Title 13 information as is restricted from disclosure for 72 years, under penalty of prison and fine as outlined in the U.S. Code. Confidentiality is not just a Census Bureau standard of behavior – it’s guaranteed by law. For further information contact: Sophia Donegan at 786-314-7543 Or e-mail us at aa.lco.2938@census2010.gov

>>> Press release: Zogby Interactive: Two-thirds of U.S. Adults Plan to Give to Haiti Relief Survey Also Finds 65% Say Dr. King’s Goals Achieved, but only 43% Think Race Relations on Right Track

On the day when the nation celebrates the sprit and service of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a new Zogby Interactive survey finds two-thirds of U.S. adults (64%) have given or plan to give to relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti. Thirty-three percent have already made a donation and another 31% plan on doing so. That result is part of a Zogby Interactive survey of 2,003 U.S. adults conducted from January 15-18. The poll has a margin of error of +/-2.2%, with larger margins for sub-groups. Eighty-one percent of African-Americans have donated or plan to, including 47% who have already done so. Among whites, 61% will give, including 32% who have already given. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1797

>>> Press release: Zogby Interactive: One Year In, Majority of Likely Voters Believe Nation is on the Wrong Track

40% say Obama has done worse than expected, 13%, say he has done better: As the nation marks the one-year anniversary of President Barack Obama’s inauguration, a majority of likely voters believe the nation is on the wrong track (54%), a new Zogby Internactive survey finds. Included among that 54% are nearly all Republicans (91%), a majority of Independents (61%) and one-in-five Democrats (18%). Only 13% of likely voters say President Obama has done better than they expected, including just 27% of Democrats. Forty percent of respondents believe the President has done worse than they expected while 45% say his performance has been near to what was expected. Thinking back on President Obama’s first year in office, would you say he has done:

	Overall	DEM	IND	GOP
Better Than You Expected	13%	27%	7%	4%
Worse Than You Expected	40%	17%	47%	63%
Near What You Expected	45%	53%	46%	33%
Not Sure	2%	3%	1%	1%

Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website:
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1800

>>> Check out Sunday’s WPBT Issues show hosted by Helen Ferre >>> Issues – A Production of WPBT2 Issues has responded to the community’s need for in-depth representation of local concerns for almost 30 years, bringing together local leaders and …http://channel2.typepad.com/issues/ – 46k – Cached

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

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

>>> Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Platzer denies emergency injunction for suspended Miami Commissioner Spence-Jones, jurist’s net worth $273,414 through 2008

The hearing this past week in front of Miami-Dade County Circuit Court Judge Victoria Platzer to get an emergency injunction on the suspension of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones was denied and the case will come back before the jurist on Feb. 12. The attorneys from both sides submitted what looked to be about three inches of documents with some being received just earlier and the judge needed more time to review and digest each sides arguments. Attorneys from the state Attorney General’s office argued that Gov. Charlie Crist had the authority to suspend any elected leader when they are charged with a felony or misdemeanor (Remember Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton). But opposing lawyers argued otherwise saying the suspension was not valid, since the crime she is charged with occurred before she was in elected office and is not an indictment. www.miamiherald.com.

In the courtroom there were a couple of dozen Spence-Jones supporters as she sat passively reading from what appeared to be the scriptures before the hearing with one supporter next to her on a front bench. She is accused of diverting $50,000 in public grant funding by the state attorney’s office. She says she is innocent and is fighting the suspension and charges. She also is asking the Miami Commission to not fill her vacant seat on Tuesday. Further, former local U.S. Attorney Kendall Coffey is quoted in The Herald story that her case is not all that far fetched when it came to the governor’s ability to remove through suspension charged elected leaders and the veteran prosecutor believed it might go all the way to the Florida Supreme Court for a final decision. And if the Court ruled that power given to the state’s executive officer was overly broad. That suspension power could be possible be modified or rescinded by the judicial body.

What do we know about Judge Platzer’s finances?

Platzer, a former Miami Beach police officer had a net worth through Dec. 2008 of $237,414 and she lists $25,000 in household goods. Her home is valued at $550,000, there is $32,380 with Equi-Vest, and two ING accounts have $87,496 and $19,431 in them. She lists liabilities of $289,192 on a GMAC mortgage, the Bank of Florida is owed $131,577 and the College Foundation is owed $31,124. The judge’s income for the year was $145,239 as a judge, she got another $6,000 from the University of Miami along with the financial disclosure, she filed her 2008 IRS 1040. She lists receiving no gifts over $100.00 in value during the year. For more information on Platzer go to >>> http://www.jud11.flcourts.org/about_the_court/judicial_photos/default.asp?offset=15

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> BCC votes 6-4 to expand Omni CRA but not without some sharp verbal exchanges on the dais

The county commission last Thursday passed 6 to 4 legislation that expanded the Omni CRA to include Bicentennial Park and Watson Island and was necessary to keep the global deal between the county and city of Miami alive. Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado speaking for the first time in front of the commission as mayor told them while he was not happy about having to do this expansion, especially since it involved helping financing the new Florida Marlins Baseball stadium going up on the old Orange Bowl site in Little Havana. However, since it was a city obligation now he said he was honoring past leaders decisions, though half jokingly asked if there was any way he could get out of the deal. The new ballpark expected to be completed in the years ahead will ultimately cost $2.4 billion after the 40-years of bonds and interest costs are paid off. Commission Chair Dennis Moss gave the newly minted mayor a break when it came to the discussion and lifted the requirement that all questions “must go through the chair.” A refrain spoken often by Moss since he assumed the leadership position in late 2008.

>>> Will Hope VI housing project actually break ground Feb. 5, Commissioner Rolle tired of waiting!

At a recent commission committee meeting Commissioner Dorrin Rolle got the county administration to say the groundbreaking for the Hope VI project was going to be Feb. 5 and he is waiting anxiously for he has heard that before. It has been a decade since residents were taken out of their existing homes, and over the years. I have gone to the project for different reasons but the time has come to get this project off the ground and the community will watch if this deadline is met.

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County Commission passes Vice-Chairman Diaz’s new ordinance creating “child safety zones” to prevent loitering by sex offenders

On Thursday, January 21st, Vice-Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz won unanimous approval from his colleagues on the Miami-Dade County Commission after the final hearing for a new ordinance that would create “child safety zones” prohibiting registered s… o… from loitering in places typically frequented by children. The approved item will amend the County Code to place additional restrictions on s… o…, banning them from loitering or prowling within 300 feet of schools, parks, daycares, and bus stops. “I thank my colleagues for passing this item, which I have been working to get approved for a long time,” said Vice-Chairman Diaz. “Miami-Dade needs to limit as much as possible s… o… access to children. We currently have laws in place to restrict the proximity of offenders’ residences to schools, but I wanted to prevent any prowling where children normally gather, especially during the day. Our children’s safety is the utmost priority.”

S… o… found loitering and prowling in designated child safety zones are subject to arrest. The child safety zones would be in addition to already imposed laws, which restrict s.. o… from living within in a certain distance of schools. However, the new ordinance seeks to find a balance between the welfare of children and better placing s o into residential areas, as current municipal ordinances disproportionately cluster s… p…/o… into few neighborhoods. Vice-Chairman Diaz proposed making this law uniform countywide at a distance of 2,500 feet, as County, State, and municipal statutes all have varying distance requirements. The ordinance will go into effect 10 days after the date of enactment unless vetoed by the Mayor. If vetoed, it will become effective only upon an override by the Board. For more information, please contact Vice-Chairman Diaz’s office at 305-599-1200. >>> Editor’s note: I shortened some words because these would kick up content filters.

>>> County Inspector General report:
OIG Investigation Results in Sentence of Former Circuit Court Judge Davis, Ref. IG03-75, January 15, 2010.

>>> Miami-Dade Ethics Commission summary of recent meeting

Press release: The president of a small local company that is currently working on the design and closure of landfill cells for the Miami-Dade Solid Waste Department wants to serve as a subconsultant to a bond engineer that would conduct an evaluation of the entire solid waste system. In response to a Request for Opinion (RQO 09-46), the Ethics Commission ruled that Westhorp and Associates may serve as a subconsultant, as long as the firm does not perform any duties related to landfills.

>>> In a different request (RQO 10-01), the Ethics Commission was asked if an elevator contract specialist with the Miami-Dade Transit Department may perform similar duties for his private company. Marcos Bermudez is responsible for evaluating and inspecting the work of contractors who install and maintain elevators and escalators at the County’s transportation facilities. As president of All USA Elevators, Bermudez provides safety inspections in privately-owned buildings. The Ethics Commission ruled he may continue to do so, as long as he does not compete for contracts or inspect the work of any vendors he supervises in his public capacity. But, Bermudez must request approval before submitting a bid or quote for maintenance or repair work to make sure he’s not competing with County vendors, and he must submit a semi-annual report of all his outside inspections to both the Transit Department and the Ethics Commission.

>>> An employee who retired from the Transit Agency a little over a year ago asked the Ethics Commission if his new private company could provide driver training and transportation consulting services to the County. In RQO 10-08, the Ethics Commission determined that County Code prevents Joseph Tomlin from bidding for work with the Transit Agency because his wife is employed there in a supervisory capacity. Mr. Tomlin was told he could ask the Board of County Commissioners for a waiver to the Code, but he may not lobby anyone in the County for at least two years after his retirement date. >>> The Ethics Commission was created in 1996 as an independent agency with advisory and quasi-judicial powers. It is composed of five members, serving staggered terms of four years each. Through a program of education and outreach, the Commission seeks to empower the community and bolster public trust.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Ethics debate heating up with key meetings this week coming up; will county commission go for the gold and follow Miami-Dade’s example?

Broward Commissioners need to go for the gold when it comes to having an ethics commission and an inspector general, and the argument that an IG could go rogue is a canard if the right selection and oversight is in place. Broward and Palm Beach Counties should look to Miami-Dade as a model in this area and there is now over a decade of institutional experience. The Miami-Dade county ethics commission and IG have survived the turbulent and political world of Miami- Dade. And that is no easy task in the scheme of things but it shows that it can work and should be Broward leaders’ template. In the coming week, a number of meetings are being held to discuss the final legislation and interested Broward residents should attend these important meetings. For more information go to http://www.broward.org/ethicscommission/welcome.htm

>>> BROWARD TITLE ATTORNEY, MORTGAGE BROKER AND REAL ESTATE AGENT CHARGED IN MORTGAGE FRAUD CONSPIRACY

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael K. Fithen, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Miami Field Office, and Al Lamberti, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, announced that Jerry Arthur Riggs, Jacqueline Lopez, and Novelette “Faye” Hanse, all of Broward County, Florida, were charged in a nine count Indictment in connection with their participation in a mortgage fraud scheme. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth A. Marra in West Palm Beach, Florida. The defendants made their initial appearances this morning before U.S. Magistrate Linnea R. Johnson. More specifically, the defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; three counts of mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341; four counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; and one count of making a false statement to a government agency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1001. If convicted, the conspiracy and false statement counts carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. The mail fraud and wire fraud counts carry a maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment.

According to the Indictment, the defendants engaged in a scheme to enrich themselves by fraudulently causing real property in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties to be bought and sold through straw buyers, using identities that had been stolen from unwitting individuals. In order to obtain mortgages on these properties, the defendants allegedly submitted and caused the submission of fraudulent documents to the mortgage lenders. Based on these false documents, the mortgage lenders issued approximately $2,000,000 in loans to the defendants and their co-conspirators. Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Secret Service and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurie E. Rucoba. An Indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless 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.

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced the appointment of Michael A. Usan of Fort Lauderdale to the 17th Judicial Circuit Court.

“Mike’s integrity and commitment to his community epitomizes the spirit of a public servant,” said Governor Crist. “His extensive courtroom experience, including his legal service with the U.S. Air Force, makes me confident he will serve the people of the 17th Judicial Circuit well.” Usan, 47, has been a sole practitioner since 1999. Previously, he practiced privately with Murawski and Usan from 1994 to 1999 and with Barrett and Usan from 1993 to 1994. Between 1992 and 1993, Usan served as an assistant state attorney in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court. Additionally, from 1988 to 1992, Usan served as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force. He earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Minnesota and a law degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law. Usan will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Linda Vitale.

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today announced the following appointment: Early Learning Coalition of Broward County

Laura Gambino, 45, of Cooper City, business development representative, Waste Pro USA, succeeding Jeffrey Dwyer, appointed for a term beginning January 22, 2010, and ending April 30, 2011.

>>> West Palm Beach man busted for impersonating federal ICE agent

Press release: Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Steven J. Mocsary, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Professional Responsibility, and Sheriff Ric L. Bradshaw, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, announced that defendant Newman Lowe, 49, of West Palm Beach, FL, surrendered today to ICE special agents on an outstanding arrest warrant. The arrest warrant was issued in connection with an Indictment, which charges Lowe with impersonating Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 912. If convicted, Lowe faces a possible maximum statutory sentence of three (3) years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman stated, “Impersonating a federal agent is a serious offense that can undermine the public’s confidence in a badge. Citizens can rest assured that we will aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals who pretend to be agents, but are not.” “Impersonating a federal agent undermines the confidence people have in their government when information from imposters proves not to be true,” said Steven J. Mocsary, Special Agent in Charge of ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). “Impersonation in the law enforcement arena further poses a serious threat to public safety and will not be tolerated. ICE-OPR will continue to criminally investigate and charge individuals who impersonate DHS ICE agents or officers.” An Indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the efforts of ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility with the assistance of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Zloch. 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 http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

DUVAL COUNTY

>>> There he goes again; Gov. Crist issues 34^th suspension of elected leader since Jan. 2007

There he goes again; Gov. Crist suspended City of Jacksonville councilman after the city leader got hit with a real estate charge and it is the governor’s 34th suspension since taking office in Jan. 2007. The council member was representing that he had an active real-estate license when he did not. This suspension number does not include Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones second suspension recently that she is challenging in court. But Crist continues to suspend elected leaders after they have been charged at a brisk pace and if I was an elected leader. I would be very careful and think again, before straying over the line of corruption and illegal behavior. >>> John Meserve booked in Duval County jail on real estate charge … 19 Jan 2010 … Suspended Jacksonville City Councilman John Meserve was booked in the Duval County jail today, a week after State Attorney Angela Corey said …http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-01-19/story/john_meserve

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist announced the appointments of Thomas M. Beverly and Don H. Lester, both of Jacksonville, to the 4th Judicial Circuit Court.

“Tom’s record of professionalism and his dedication to justice will help him serve fairly and responsibly from the bench,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident he will serve the people of the 4th Circuit with distinction. “ Beverly, 51, has served as the Assistant General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville since 2004. Previously, he practiced privately with Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe from 1988 to 2004, and with Gentry and Phillips from 1986 to 1988. He also served as an assistant state attorney from 1984 to 1986. Beverly earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law.

“Throughout Don’s career, he has demonstrated fairness and a commitment to justice,” said Governor Crist. “His thorough knowledge and his desire to uphold the law will help him be an excellent contribution to the people of the 4th Judicial Circuit.” Lester, 56, has practiced privately with Lester & Mitchell since 1995. Previously, he practiced with Shafer, Lester & Jones from 1994 to 1995; with Mahoney, Adams & Criser from 1987 to 1994; and with Selber & Selber from 1984 to 1987. He also served as an assistant state attorney in the 4th Judicial Circuit from 1983 to 1984. Lester earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. Beverly and Lester will fill the vacancies created by the death of Judge Peter J. Fryefield and the retirement of Judge Michael R. Weatherby.

ALACHUA COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist appoints Alachua County Judges Victor L. Hulslander and Mary Day Coker of Gainesville to the Eighth Judicial Circuit.

“With four years of experience as a county judge, Vic has demonstrated respect for the law and for every person who enters his courtroom,” said Governor Crist. “In addition, 30 years of practice in both criminal and family law make him a welcome addition to the Circuit Court.” Judge Hulslander, 63, previously practiced with Hulslander and Griffis from 2000 to 2005. He was a sole practitioner from 1985 to 2000 after practicing with O’Connell and Hulslander from 1977 to 1985. From 1975 to 1977, he was an assistant public defender in the Eighth Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Florida.

“With over two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, including five years as a county judge, Mary is a legal intellectual with a breadth of knowledge of our judicial system,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident she will serve with fairness and integrity.” Judge Coker, 54, has served as Alachua County Court Judge since 2004. Previously, she practiced with Scruggs and Carmichael from 1995 to 2004 and was a sole practitioner from 1991 to 1995. She served as an assistant state attorney with the state attorney’s office in the Eighth Judicial Circuit from 1984 to 1990 and staff counsel with the United States Department of Agriculture from 1983 to 1984. Coker earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and graduated from Georgetown University College of Law. Judge Hulslander will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Frederick D. Smith, and Judge Coker will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stan R. Morris.

COLLIER COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist appoints Lee Ann Schreiber of Fort Myers to the 20th Judicial Circuit Court.

“Lee’s passion for justice and her community, along with her experience in the 20th Circuit, has prepared her to be an excellent judge,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident she will serve with integrity and wisdom that will benefit the people of the 20th Circuit.” Schreiber, 51, has served as the General Magistrate for the 20th Judicial Circuit since 2005. Previously, she practiced privately with Thompson and Schreiber from 1985 to 2005. Schreiber earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. Schreiber will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Lawrence D. Martin.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Press release: MONROE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF ASSISTANCE

Key West Marathon

Gato Building, Conference # 3 Monroe County Government Center

Harvey Government Center Monroe County Government Annex (63rd Street)

Key West County Library Monroe County Library

Big Pine Key Islamorada

Big Pine County Library Monroe County Library

Key Largo

Murray Nelson Government Center

Monroe County Library

>>> The board of directors and staff of the Early Learning Coalition wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti as they work to rebuild their communities and ensure the safety of their residents in the aftermath of such a tragic earthquake. We are particularly concerned about the welfare of Haiti’s children who are undoubtedly most vulnerable at this time. We are working closely with our state partners and will keep you posted as to our role in assisting children brought over from Haiti. We ask all of our friends and colleagues to please do whatever you can to assist our neighbors. If you wish to assist with a secure monetary-gift to help the children affected by the earthquake in Haiti, you can visit our website, www.elcmdm.org, and click on the UNICEF button. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is absorbing all associated administrative costs so that 100% of every dollar you give will support UNICEF’s relief efforts for children in Haiti. If you prefer to send your donation by mail you can print a form or call 1.800.FOR.KIDS (1.800.367.5437) to donate by phone. Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Evelio C. Torres, President & CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Audit committee meets, Friends of WLRN audit and finances looked at including operating and legal relationship with school board

The school board Audit Committee is meeting Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., on the ninth floor in the main administrative building downtown and the citizen board that includes one school board member is the community firewall when it comes to the oversight of the nation’s fourth largest school district’s finances. This group that includes CPAs, tax attorneys and others read through the sometimes 10 to 15 inches of documents that are being reviewed and it is one of community’s most important boards when comes to managing how around $5 billion in public dollars are being spent.

Some of the issues on the meeting agenda are the audits and financial statements and the operating and legal relationship between Friends of WLRN, WLRN and the Miami-Dade County Public Schools board that actually owns the station’s broadcasting license. Another issue is the over 80 Charter Schools the public district funds and one school, Excel Academy North has “significant financial issues.” Further, another two charter schools have closed, Charter on the Beach Middle and Tree of Knowledge Learning Academy as of June 30, 2009.

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County Public Schools students, staff and supporters continue to respond with overwhelming generosity to assist people in Haiti following last week’s devastating earthquake. “It’s truly impressive to see our people responding to the needs of our neighbors in Haiti,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “Their kindness and responsiveness in this time of need is truly awesome.” Collection sites, which have been established at each public school, have received an abundance of medical and first-aid supplies, bottled water, and camping supplies—the items most in need to assist victims during the crisis in Haiti. As of today, 21 boxes of medical supplies,187 boxes of non-perishable food,1,000 cases of water, and five boxes of camping equipment have been collected by school sites to assist in the relief effort. Over the weekend, 40,000 pounds of water collected by the district was flown directly to the island for distribution. >>>The district also is receiving monetary donations through its website, www.dadeschools.net. The district also is accepting checks made out to “The Foundation for New Education Initiatives, Inc.,” with “Haiti Earthquake Relief” indicated in the memo section of the check. Checks should be mailed to 1450 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Room #776, Miami, Florida 33132.

School district administrators are making special arrangements to register newly arrived children for school upon their arrival at Miami International Airport, if the airport is designated as an intake center. Administrators also are addressing the possibility of providing immunizations to students immediately upon arrival at the airport, to expedite their start date at school. New students, who may not have paperwork or identification with them because of the disaster, will be placed in age-appropriate classes. Curriculum for the new students will focus on literacy and acculturation. As of Tuesday, Jan. 19, 60 new students have been enrolled. Special teams are currently assigned to 15 schools that serve the Haitian-American population to do a dual purpose: welcoming and accommodating new students, as well as assisting with crisis counseling for those current students and staff, who may have been affected by the earthquake. A Homestead hospital facility that is owned by the school district is being considered for use as a residential/educational/health facility, if the need arises. The building contains dozens of former patient rooms with individual restroom facilities, which could be easily adapted for use as intermediate-term living quarters for new arrivals.

Through a collaboration with local elected officials and community partners, the District has requested financial support from the federal government by means of a predetermined spending level that would address the educational, psychological and social needs of these students. “The District’s level of readiness can only be enhanced through the strategic collaboration of federal, state and local entities, both public and private,” said Carvalho. “Our experiences following the Mariel Boatlift and Hurricane Andrew, as well as the nation’s experience after Hurricane Katrina, have taught us that now is the time to finalize our plan of action. This is no longer a question of whether children will come to South Florida, but when they will come, and in what numbers.”

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Commissioner Heyman wants focused approach to medical aid to Haiti, all area hospitals pitching in, will PHT get slammed?

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman huddled with local hospital representatives in the commission’s walkway outside the commission chambers after an ensuing discussion on the dais on how to help and aid Haiti during this time of tragedy. Currently, medical personnel from practically every hospital in south Florida is doing something to help out the hundreds of thousands that are maimed and sick with a wide range of medical issues, that has many hurt just dieing on the street. Miami-Dade in the coming months will be ground zero for many of these patients and they are already starting to arrive. Heyman wants a focused effort by the many hospitals that includes Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Memorial System, the South Florida Hospital Association and the University of Miami’s Miller Medical School that had teams of surgeons on the ground in the early days after the disaster.

Further, Jackson officials were asked to up-date commissioners after some 40 dialysis patients at a contracted dialysis center lost that option, though they could come to the hospital’s Emergency Room where they would be fast tracked to the proper care since the hospital already had a file on them. But, the commission discussion with PHT CEO and President Eneida Roldan, M.D., also touched on the tight financial straits the institution is facing while having an $80 to $85 million monthly payroll while giving $525 million in charity care in the course of last year. >>> The PHT is having its monthly board meeting Monday Jan. 25 at 3:00 p.m., and it is being held at the Ira C. Clark Diagnostic Treatment Center on the second floor, room 259 and it is televised on the county cable channel.

>>> Press release: Commissioner Sally A. Heyman organizes collection of medical supplies for Haiti

In an effort to expand coordinated collection of necessary items for Haiti, Commissioner Sally A. Heyman, on behalf of Miami-Dade County, is expanding her appeal for donations of medical supplies and equipment. Hospitals and medical practitioners in particular are encouraged to donate any items that could assist with treating injuries caused by the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti last week. Since January 12th, hospitals, medical staff and rescue personnel have made and continue to make significant contributions. Commissioner Heyman has been working directly with Dr. Barth Green and Project Medishare. Your donations of medical supplies and equipment will be packaged and sent to Haiti on daily flights through a coordinated effort for immediate distribution and use. The public is asked to donate medical items, as well as water, non-perishable food, tents, gloves of any kind, and surgical masks. Donations can be left at County and municipal police and fire rescue stations and County public libraries. For additional information, contact Commissioner Sally Heyman’s office at 305-787-5999.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> As of last week all registered Miami lobbyists are out of compliance, have not completed 4-hour certified ethics course

The devil is in the details when it comes to the newly instituted ethics training course required for lobbyists passed by the city commission and as of the middle of the week, any person registered with the city of Miami is out of compliance, and that fact could result in any contract approved might be pulled from the vendor since that is one of the penalties in the new ordinance. Mayor Tomas Regalado and Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff pushed for this new legislation in November, and it was passed by the three-member commission, with newly minted Commissioners Frank Carollo and Francis Suarez getting their first opportunity to vote on the dais, that had lacked a quorum.

The mandatory four-hour ethics course for elected officials and department directors is being done by the Miami-Dade County Ethics and Public Trust Commission but for lobbyists. They were supposed to get the course through FIU at the Metropolitan Center under Dario Moreno’s direction, but the classes are not available at this time. City lobbyists since then have been scrambling because there is a Special Commission Meeting Tuesday at 4:00 p.m., where commissioners are expected to pick a replacement for suspended commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones. There is also a regular commission meeting Thursday and the agenda has 26 planning and zoning items listed. A tentative class is expected to be held Tuesday at the FIU location and Moreno along with assistant state Attorney Joe Centorino and ethics commission director Robert Meyers will teach the course, said the ethics maven Friday afternoon. Upon completion of the course, the people will become certified Miami lobbyists. Further, the commission on Tuesday is expected to come-up with some modification of this issue that currently has every previous registered lobbyist out of compliance of the new city law.

What about the commission District 5 appointment?

The four-member commission, still one short, has to appoint someone to the District Five District if they are not to run afoul of the city charter calling for another special election, if they do not name someone by midnight. If the legislative body fails to do so, a second election must be held with its attendant costs (about $175,000), and possible suspended Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones could run again a third time. She repeated her Nov. victory on Jan.12 when she got 53.5 percent of the vote, that had 2,043 voters or absentee voters supporting here once again. The second runner up was Rev. Richard Dunn, II and he garnered 15.7 percent of the vote. Possible candidates that might get appointed by the commission to the seat could be Dunn’s along with Patrick Range, II, to name just a few of the names that might be proffered.

What about any new federal request for documents?

Mayor Regalado told the Watchdog Report Friday that additional requests for documents and records have come in from federal officials. He said the request involved the Miami Omni Community Development Agency, which has an oversight board of commissioners that was chaired by Spence-Jones. Already the city has been dealing with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) probe regarding documentation related to Miami selling municipal bonds back in 2006.

>>> Commissioner Wilfredo “Willy” Gort was sworn-in Tuesday, family, friends, and supporters packed the event held at city hall and a number of officials and candidates attended the affair. Gort left the dais in Nov. 2001 when he ran for mayor along with nine other candidates but failed to get into the runoff between Maurice Ferre and Manuel “Manny” Diaz who ultimately prevailed in the race. Gort in the current campaign faced eight other challengers but won with 55.5 percent of the vote with him garnering 2,368 ballots, many of which were absentee ballots. Some people attending the swearing-in were Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia, Jr., and state senate candidate and former county Commissioner Miguel Diaz de la Portilla.

What about Commissioner Gort’s finances?

The Watchdog Report pulled up Gort’s financial disclosure forms for 2001, when he left office, and the more recently one, when he filed to become a commission candidate. The last year he was on the commission his total net-worth through June 2000 was $185,000 and he lists $25,000 in household goods. Back then his home was valued at $70,000, a mobile home in Tavernier was worth $80,000 and he lists $35,000 in cash. At the time, he owed Ocean Bank $2,500. In his current Form 1 submission filed with the clerk’s office Dec. 2. He lists his job as an investment banker, but no amount of money earned is listed. He also gets money from a pension with the city and state of Florida as well as social security payments but no amounts. He also has property in the Key’s and Lake Haven Florida. He has a CD account and savings account with Ocean Bank, and an IRA account but no amounts are listed. His only liabilities are with Sallie Mae and Bank of America. Gort also owns an older Chevy Trail Blazer.

What is going on with former Mayor Manny Diaz?

Diaz has returned to practicing law but he was spotted a few weeks ago getting out of the back seat of a car that had commission Chair Sarnoff sitting in the front seat. The two must have had some sort of meeting, and the mayor and administration first shunned the commission chair when Sarnoff first won the office but the relationship changed later after he was elected again to a full term.

What about senior management changes?

Manager Pedro “Pete” Hernandez told the Watchdog Report Friday when I asked about any changes in his office. He said David Rosemond; the NET director is gone along with another senior official in the administration.

What about outdoor feeding of the homeless in Miami?

Mayor Regalado and Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito attended Friday’s Miami-Dade Homeless Trust monthly meeting and the mayor told the Watchdog Report afterwards that the 60 or so organizations already involved with the sanctioned indoor feeding program that began in 2005 would be exempt from having to qualify with the new legislation that is working its way through the commission. Since the indoor feeding program for the homeless first started, almost 1 million meals have been served from about five designated sites that also have restrooms, proper sanitary conditions and food refrigeration.

>>> Anything new in the Grove?

Ron Nelson, a senior aide to Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff is going to work at the local NET office in Coconut Grove. It is unknown when he will begin this new assignment but it appears to be soon. He knows the Grove like the back of his hand, was an activist for decades, and has been on the Coconut Grove Village Council.

>>> Commissioners should review how members are selected on important Civil Service Board, three members including Chair de la O leaving

>>> TWO MIAMI RESIDENTS SENTENCED ON TAX PREPARATION CONSPIRACY

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, announced that defendants Allen K. Smith, and co-defendant Mark Thomas, both of Miami, were sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Ursula Ungaro for their participation in a tax preparation conspiracy. Each defendant was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Both defendants previously pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States for the purpose of impeding the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. As part of their plea agreements, each defendant agreed to pay $380,057.00 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

According to court documents, from approximately 2001 to 2005, Smith and Thomas conspired to defraud the U.S. by preparing fraudulent tax returns that contained fictitious or inflated deductions, often for medical expenses. The individuals for whom Smith and/or Thomas prepared false returns had legitimate Forms W-2, 1099, 1098 or other documents evidencing income and legitimate deductions. On virtually every return Smith and/or Thomas prepared, the taxpayer claimed a refund that was exactly equal to the withheld amount. Smith and Thomas often represented to their clients that the clients could receive refunds equal to the amount of taxes withheld. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosa Rodriguez-Mera. 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 http://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 http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

>>> The following e-mail was sent to (now former) Mayor Manny Diaz using his e-mail address on his extensive city web-page on Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. and to date there has been no answer from the mayor.>>> “Mayor Diaz, I wanted to ask you in the chamber today but not in front of Chair Joe Sanchez. My question is where did the extra $400,000 in the 2007 disclosure form come from? I will run what ever you respond unedited but I would appreciate closing this issue, as I am sure you do. Sorry but I have to ask. Best to all. Dan” >>>> The Watchdog Report through Dec.7 has yet to get a response or catch-up with Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz on where he got the extra $400,000 in cash listed in his 2007 financial disclosure forms. To see what CBS 4 reporter David Sutta’s take on this issue and the other city leaders financial disclosures go to cbs4.com Blogs . >>> Readers should stay tuned and catch the meeting on the city’s cable station channel 77. >>> Stream Channel 77, for all City of Miami meetings, (Commission, Village Council meetings, Waterfront, Zoning, PAB, Code, etc. hearings) http://videos.miamigov.com/

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Beach Fire Rescue search teams go to Haiti, part of regions vast response to disaster and devastation in the country

Press release from Commissioner Jonah Wolfson – HAITI – The City of Miami Beach is coordinating Haiti Earthquake Relief efforts alongside Miami-Dade County and other municipalities and local organizations. We would like to commend the brave actions of eleven members of the Miami Beach Fire & Rescue Department, who flew to Haiti on January 19th, 2010, to volunteer their time and expertise to aid in this catastrophic event. We want to wish them all a safe return and express our sincere appreciation for their act of courage. >>> The American Red Cross, one of the largest international relief organizations, is accepting financial donations. You can donate $10 to the American Red Cross – charged to your cell phone bill – by texting “HAITI” to “90999” or contribute on-line to the American Red Cross, by visiting their website: www.american.redcross.org/supporthaiti. Donations by check can be mailed to: American Red Cross of Greater Miami, 335 SW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33135. The donation items that are being accepted at the present time are: water, non perishable food, camping tents, gloves (surgical & work). >>> Collection sites in the City of Miami Beach are as follows: City Hall, Office of the City Manager and Office of the Mayor and Commission, 1700 Convention Center Drive, 4th Floor (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.); All Fire Stations (7 days per week/24 hours per day); Police Department, 1100 Washington Avenue (7 days per week/24 hours per day); and the Miami Beach Regional Library, 227 22nd Street, (Mon.–Thurs. 9:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. & Fri. and Sat. 9:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.). >>> From Commissioner’s Gongora’s newsletter: Important City Meeting: January 23, 2010- Land Use and Development Meeting.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> With Biltmore Hotel owing $2.4 in back rent, negotiations seem to be slow going; will the courts get involved?

As a follow-up to my past story in the Watchdog Report about the Biltmore Hotel being in the rears with the city to the tune of $2.4 million. I contacted by e-mail city manager Pat Salerno and the elected leaders asking for any comments and I have received no reply by any of them by deadline. However, one reliable source said he thought the administration should try to work more with the historic hotel to help it get back on its financial feet rather than ending up in court. The hotel and golf course built in 1926 is a jewel for the city but is also a maintenance nightmare given its historic status. The Miami Herald in Sunday’s Neighbors section www.miamiherald.com did a follow-up story on the issue, and the battle seems to be what hotel documents will ultimately be made public and one of the contentious items is the release of W-2 records for employees. Readers should stay tuned and see how this plays out in The City Beautiful.

>>> City’s web page: Saturday, January 16 marks the beginning of the Coral Gables Farmers Market, to be held every Saturday until March 27. The Farmers Market takes place on the street between City Hall and Merrick Park and is the place to be if you like to buy the freshest produce, gourmet foods and delicious baked goods. Free Tai Chi sessions begin the activities at 8 a.m., followed by gardening workshops (9 a.m.), cooking demonstrations (10 a.m.) and children’s activities (11 a.m.).

TOWN OF SURFSIDE

>>> Press release: M-DC Ethics Commission: Complaint against city leader dismissed

The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust today dismissed a complaint (C 09-34) filed against Surfside City Commissioner Howard Weinberg alleging violations of the city charter and exploitation of official position. A citizen complained that the commissioner accepted $500 per month from 2006 through most of 2009 as expense reimbursements. The complaint was found not legally sufficient because the Ethics Commission has no jurisdiction over municipal charters. Even still, an investigation found that the Surfside City Commission had passed several resolutions providing the $500 monthly expense stipend and additional reimbursements were allowed if approved by the town manager. The town manager stated that all of Commissioner Weinberg’s expenses were approved because they were associated with official business.

VILLAGE OF BAL HARBOUR

>>> Press release: M-DC Ethics Commission: Complaint against city leader dismissed

A complaint (C 10-01) filed against a dozen current and former elected officials, employees and attorneys of the Village of Bal Harbour was also dismissed because it was found not legally sufficient. A resident had alleged violations of the municipality’s election code related to the residency of a councilwoman as well as improprieties associated with homeowner assessments and the issuance of a title and building permits for one property. The Ethics Commission has no jurisdiction to enforce municipal election law and found no violation of the Code of Ethics in the other sections of the complaint.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> The Downtown Bay Forum www.downtownbayforum.com INVITES YOU TO OUR LUNCHEON MEETING ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27, 2010–11:30 AM >>> JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - HOW WILL IT SURVIVE? -WHERE WILL THE FUNDS COME FROM? >>> SPEAKERS: ENEIDA O. ROLDAN, MD, MPH, MBA, PRESIDENT & CEO PUBLIC HEATH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM – JOHN H. COPELAND, III, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST – MODERATOR: HELEN FERRE- CHANNEL 2 TALK SHOW HOST >>> MARRIOTT HOTEL–1633 N. BAYSHORE DR., MIAMI, $5.00 Valet Parking Available at Marriott Hotel Call ANNETTE EISENBERG (305)757-3633 Fax (305)754-2015 >> RESERVATIONS REQUIRED >> Membership Application &/or Luncheon Reservation (please print clearly) Name: _________________________________ Business: _____________

Address: ________________________ Phone No: _____________E-mail ___________________ Fax No. ______________$30 Membership ___ $22 Lunch, member w/reservation __ $52 Membership & Lunch __$26 Non-Member or Member without reservation if space is available ___$250 Table of 10 DOWNTOWN BAY FORUM P.O. Box 371633, Miami, FL 33137-1633

EDITORIAL

>>> U.S. Sen. win in MA should not have Republicans cheering, both parties are feeling wrath of independent voters in 2010

The victory of state Sen. Scott P. Brown, R-Wrentham over his Democratic Party challenger Martha Coakley for the U.S. senate race in Massachusetts filling the seat held for 46-years by Ted Kennedy is the continuance of voter rage over the way things are going in Washington. And while it looks too many that the Republican Party is making a comeback with recent wins in Virginia and New Jersey, both political party’s better beware because voter discontent is blind after both groups leaders have been going on a taxpayer-spending spree for the past decade. Voters, especially the no party affiliation independents is the fastest growing party here in Florida and these elections have these folks using their ballot to signal both parties to get down to business, that includes bringing down the nation’s all time high debt, rampant unemployment over 11 percent here in the Sunshine State, terrorism, and finally were appalled at the new federal healthcare legislation that came in at over 2,000 pages.

Political deals seems to be the currency of the day with even Nebraska getting a sweet deal on the national healthcare bill, while the other 49 states are left out and even that was not considered out of line and that is what sends people through the roof. Voters, when they voted for change in 2008 thought with President Barack Obama he would break some of that insider Washington Beltway mold but that has not happened and the national healthcare bill appears to be dead in its present form that confused experts, much less the average citizen. The nation has many challenges ahead and it behooves both political party elected leaders that as an incumbent. Your seat may not be as safe as you think if a viable challenger emerges in 2010 and over the past months a number of Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress have announced their intention to step down, that for a few included leaving office prior to the end of their elected terms like former Sen. Mel Martinez and a local South Florida Democratic congressman. Further, the rise of people having tea parties protesting is just a symptom of the much larger issue that also includes rampant government waste with Medicare fraud the poster child of this problem locally and nationally but it just keeps going on. No one said being a Republic was easy when our nation’s Founders crafted the constitution but it is the best form of government with freedoms only dreamed of for many people throughout the world. However, now is the time elected leaders to step-up, show true leadership and offer solutions for some of the most vexing problems we all as Americans face. For if there ever was a time to consider what Mohandas Gandhi said for the good of the nation that is now. “Make it the strength of your argument and not the stridency of your voice,” he said.

LETTERS

>>> Reader on WLRN interview & Reader on MLK’s Birthday & Haiti relief

>>> Enjoyed your interview on Topical Currents today. Yes, it is too bad investigative journalism and journalism/newspapers/printed matter in general has declined…especially due to the Internet. As an undergrad, I remember taking a great course in Propaganda. I suppose we have a lot of that today. I also grew up when the news was news and not entertainment…sad that the lines have blurred. Paddy Chayefsky was so right in the 60′s…so was Isaac Asimov and George Orwell. Can some responsible journalism professionals take back control?

>>>>Today our family honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and remembered his legacy of freedom from oppression and equal justice. We reflected on Dr. King’s belief that the world could be made a better place through community involvement and service. In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Dr. King’s words have been suddenly and violently brought to the forefront: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” The outpouring of support from our community to help the people of Haiti has displayed a charity and generosity reminiscent of Dr. King’s spirit, but relief efforts are far from over. If you have not done so already, please consider making a monetary donation to Operation Helping Hands (a joint project of The Miami Herald and United Way-Miami), Catholic Relief Services, the American Red Cross, or visit a drop-off location listed on The Miami Herald Web site and donate much-needed items to one of the many organizations across South Florida that are taking collections for Haiti. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s passion serves as an inspiration to us that the efforts of one person can change the course of history. Join us in honoring Dr. King and the spirit of compassion he embodied, by making a difference in the lives of those in need today.

Jorge Luis Lopez
Miami

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>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

>>> 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.

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.

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Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 32 January 10, 2010

editor — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:24:29 +0000

CONTENTS
Argus Report: FedEx Orange Bowl events shine warm light in Iowa & GA as reporters call in stories from Jungle Island, below zero in Hawkeye state

Florida: Gov. Crist trying to light fire to campaign, state budget next year coming in at $4 billion short, and is former Mayor Carollo running for senate seat 36?

Miami-Dade County: Mayor Alvarez cuts loose chief of staff Morales, there is still county PD, IG and ethics commission probes

Broward County: Commissioner Ritter in her own words concerning Watchdog Report story last week

Palm Beach County: State Rep. Domino in the spotlight, elected in 2002, had $23.7 million net worth through 2008

Duval County: Gov. Crist names two men to Jacksonville Aviation Authority

Manatee County: Gov. Crist taps two for Medical Examiners Commission

Monroe County: Press release: Cold Weather Shelters Open in the Upper Keys

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Eight mature bishop wood trees dodge the chopping block at Miami High, Miami HEP board votes 6-3 to spare the “invasive” trees

Public Health Trust: Community gets medical reality check with 40 dialysis patients: PHT fighting for its financial life in the months ahead

City of Miami: In essentially 48-hours, two new commissioners will be elected, dismal voter turnout expected, but what of the absentee ballots

City of Miami Beach: Monday kicks off new pedestrian block on Lincoln Road

City of Coral Gables: Historic Biltmore Hotel working with city on $2 million in payments owed

Community Events: – Women of Tomorrow luncheon Jan 21 – Miami Beach preservationist is being honored for continued work – Downtown Bay Forum – Jackson Hospital leaders: President Roldan, M.D., & PHT Chair Copeland

Editorials: Local corruption is systemic statewide; voters must engage and watch their public institutions, $14 billion in public institutions locally

Letters: Reader on Watchdog Report’s target rich environment – Happy New Year

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> I will be on Topical Currents, hosted by Joseph Cooper, WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on Monday, Jan. 11 at 1:00 p.m., and part of the discussion will be the Jan. 12 election to determine the next Miami commissioners for Districts 1 & 5. To listen in go to www.wlrn.org

>>> If you think it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider becoming a supporter or sponsor. For there is no trust fund and I do have to live. A convenient form is at the bottom of this week’s Watchdog Report with all the instructions on how to support this decade old newsletter and news service. >>> There will be no Watchdog Report next week, for I have to raise money and while you will still see me at a couple of key meetings that include the county commission committee meetings, the school board and the PHT committees to name just a few. You will now know what happened at many of them and if you think that presence is important watching your public institutions. Consider supporting my efforts to go when you cannot. Thank You.

>>> Corrections & Clarifications: The Orange Bowl Committee is helping restore Moore Park in the city of Miami contributing over $2.5 million for this project. Further, in last week’s report, a graph was run done a few years ago showing the PHT’s fate when it came to cash flow in the coming years, and the lack of cash on hand is diminishing at a faster rate than first anticipated and this summer could be when the organization is unable to make its payroll.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Orange Bowl events shine warm light in Iowa & GA as reporters call in stories from Jungle Island, below zero temperatures in Hawkeye state

I checked out the FedEx Orange Bowl Committee Coaches Luncheon on Monday held at Jungle Island and over 650 people attended the celebratory event including television stations sports reporters from Iowa and Georgia covering the game. The reporters were calling in their stories and you had to see the look and excitement in their voices as they told how great it was to be in sunny Miami, even if by our standards it was cold, but nothing like the below zero temperatures in Iowa, or the slightly warmer numbers in Georgia. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets faced off against the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa team prevailed in the 76^th Orange Bowl game. The event brings in between $100 to $200 million in economic impact and supporters of both teams were spotted in local restaurants and hotels for days.

What political leaders attended the event?

The luncheon brought a number of political leaders together and U. S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa was the ranking politician, County Commissioners Sally Heyman and vice Chair Jose “Pepe” Diaz, and school board member Tee Holloway were there alone with Mayors Don Slesnick, II, Horace Feliu, and Shirley Gibson, the Miami Gardens mayor where the stadium is located. Information on Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Official site includes his weekly report, constituent services, news, biography, photos, legislative information, voting record and committee information. http://grassley.senate.gov/ – 20k – Cached

>>> Last week’s Watchdog Report noted that a push was underway at the county to update Land Shark stadium with enhancements that would protect fans from rain after a deluge fell a few years back at the Super Bowl held here in Miami. Follow up stories done by the www.miamiherald.com and www.wfor4.com last week detail what any changes might look like (I incorrectly reported a retraceable stadium roof was desired) and the total cost of the makeover is estimated at $250 million. The local Super Bowl Committee chaired by Rodney Barreto said the preliminary discussions are because of the concern the venue would no longer be competitive with other new state of the art stadiums like the one in Dallas. However, others note that there is a big difference between Dallas and Miami in February and South Florida is a highly desirable location. Further, the Dolphins owners say the stadium was fine as it is.

>>> U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Miami is the featured speaker at the Elephant Forum noon luncheon Jan. 11 held at the Rusty Pelican restaurant on Key Biscayne. For more information on the event and cost: contact Mary Ellen Miller at 305-377-9187. Diaz-Balart is the ranking Republican on House Rules Committee, the first committee created by our Founding Fathers in the U.S. House.

>>> Press release: FORMER COLOMBIAN PARAMILITARY LEADER SENTENCED TO NINETEEN AND A HALF YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Field Division, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, and Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Investigations, announced that defendant Jesus Maria Alejandro Sanchez-Jimenez, a/k/a “Scooby,” a former leader of Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC), a paramilitary and drug-trafficking organization based in Colombia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Joan A. Lenard. Judge Lenard sentenced Sanchez-Jimenez to 235 months’ imprisonment and a money judgment of $117,466,000. On July 21, 2009, Sanchez-Jimenez pled guilty to a superseding indictment, which charged him with conspiring to possess, manufacture, and distribute thousands of kilograms of cocaine in Colombia, knowing that it would be imported into the United States, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 963, and Title 46, United States Code, Section 70506(b). Prior to his arrest, Sanchez-Jimenez was the top lieutenant to co-defendant Carlos Mario Jimenez-Naranjo, a/k/a “Macaco,” the leader of the “Bloque Central Bolivar,” an arm of the AUC that was funded primarily through narcotics proceeds. From the mid-1990′s through 2007, the Bloque Central Bolivar controlled cocaine production, distribution, maritime seaports, and airstrips in the areas of Antioquia and Choco, among other locations in Colombia, through an army of several thousand men. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the DEA, FBI and ICE’s Office of Investigations for their work in this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandro O. Soto. 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.

>>> Zogby poll: Hearts Beat Charts — Why the Democrats’ stimulus bill isn’t clicking with voters. When it comes to understanding the power of words and how to appeal to voters’ emotions, Republicans have consistently outmaneuvered Democrats, who have wrongly believed that people can’t help but agree with them once all the facts are presented. The past three decades have shown that even on issues where voters may agree more with the Democrats, Republicans have still been able to hold their own and even win by successfully framing their arguments in ways that touch voters’ hearts and nerves. So now, when Democrats control government, they are having a hard time convincing voters to accept their legislation on health care and job creation, even with polling support. Case in point: A December Zogby Interactive poll found majority support for aspects of the stimulus bill passed last year, but opposition when we used the term “stimulus.” Please click the link below to view the full article
http://www.forbes.com/2010/01/06/democrats-republicans-stimulus-politics-opinions-columnists-john-zogby.html

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

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

>>> Gov. Crist trying to light fire to campaign, state budget next year coming in at $4 billion short, and is former Mayor Carollo running for senate seat 36?

Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to tamp down talk that his challenger Marco Rubio should be the Republican Party’s champion for the U.S. Senate race against one of the Democrats that include U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, Maurice Ferre a former Miami mayor and county commissioner and a host of other candidates in the November General Election. However, Crist must first get through the closed party primary in August and while he leads the former House Speaker in fundraising. Rubio and the governor will be releasing their campaign reports next week, the 38-year old Cuban American will likely see an up tick in his campaign war chest, and polls are showing a tight race.

What about the state budget next year?

A knowledgeable source told the Watchdog Report that senior state legislative leadership believed the 2010-2011 state budget will be down by $4 billion and truly draconian service cuts in and out of statewide government are expected to occur as state revenue streams continue to lag.

What about Republican state Sen. Thrasher if elected state’s party chair?

State Sen. John Thrasher, R–Jacksonville, name surfaced immediately after Jim Greer’s sudden resignation, as chair of the Florida Republican Party last week which caught no one by surprise. Greer has been under the gun for his performance including heavy hitter party donors signing a letter saying Greer should move on and he was inhibiting the party’s ability to raise the big money needed for the 2010 elections. Crist had supported Greer but even the governor accepted the action last week. On that list of signers by party contributors were local Bush supporters such as Ed Easton, and Ambassador Charles Cobb. Also, Thrasher, a former House Speaker during the past governor’s first term, is also considered a Bush ally, has proven fund raising abilities, but has had issues with ethics in the past. Some republicans are also questioning how the state senator could do both jobs, and effectively carryout his senate duties representing his constituents in District 8. Thrasher also is facing an insurgent campaign of Broward Republican Sharon Day who has been tilting at windmills in the Democratic stronghold over the past decade, serves as a Broward state and national committeewomen, and she is the secretary of the Republican National Committee, states www.miamiherald.com political reporter Beth Reinhard on Saturday. For more information about Thrasher go to Senator John Thrasher (R) – Senators :Member Pages : flsenate.gov Senator John Thrasher. Bills Introduced. District Office: 9485 Regency Square, Blvd., Suite 108. Jacksonville, FL 32225-8145 (904) 727-3600 …http://www.flsenate.gov/legislators/s8

What about the state Sen. 36 race?

The Watchdog Report is told by a highly reliable source that former Miami Mayor Joe Carollo has filed to run for the District 36 state senate seat along with state Rep. Julio Robaina, R-South Miami and former county commissioner Miguel Diaz de la Portilla in the August primary and all are Republicans. Carollo, who narrowly lost his bid for reelection in 2001 when he came in third in the primary to Manuel “Manny” Diaz and Maurice Ferre and Diaz prevailed in the runoff as the city’s new mayor. Carollo since then has kept a low-key profile in the political wilderness, has remarried for the third time, but with his younger brother’s recent victory to the Miami commission. He may feel the name brand is coming back with voters and the state senate seems to be where he has set his new political path. However, the former mayor and city commissioner has baggage, including a domestic violence incident highly publicized with his then wife. Further, given the intense nature of the other two men’s campaigns, that so far, already has caused controversy with school board member Renier Diaz de la Portilla and a mailing to Republican super voters using public money causing a controversy after www.wfor4.com investigative reporter Jim DeFede broke the story recently. The senate District 36 seat is currently held by state Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami and he is termed out this year.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Mayor Alvarez cuts chief of staff Morales loose, there is still county PD, IG and ethics commission probes

Mayor Carlos Alvarez, after weeks of turmoil over investigations of his chief of staff Denis Morales cut him loose Friday and the long time friend is going back to Miami-Dade police as a Sargent. Alvarez had faced a public firestorm first when he gave his inner circle pay bumps last year while he asked other county employees to do more with less and Morales was moonlighting in Panama, once on the county’s dime. The mayor told The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com and www.wfor4.com that the issue had become a distraction to the administration at a time draconian cuts and concessions are being asked for given the falling county budget. So far, there are three investigations concerning Morales, and two other high-ranking county police officers. The county police are doing one, another investigation is ongoing with the county’s inspector general’s office and the Miami-Dade ethics commission is also probing the matter. Morales is taking a major pay cut going back to the police from his past pay of over $200,000 as chief of staff and the mayor says the office is being eliminated and other reorganization changes are coming, Alvarez said.

Alvarez also has a recall petition being circulated and some of the county’s unions have gotten involved in the effort where over 50,000 valid signatures must be signed to get Alvarez’s recall question on the county ballot. Further, the county police department while saying the investigation is ongoing has not released any of the information to the state attorney’s office and frankly, the internal investigation could go on for months without a resolution. This internal investigation conflict question within county government where you have a strong mayor who was a former police director was first brought up in the past by County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez. And if any conflict or slowing of the investigation occurs, it could set up a court challenge by the inspector general’s office if the probe is rebuffed by the county police department regarding the release of documents and e-mails. Though to date, there has been no evidence of such stonewalling of the investigation occurring, and it appears to be on track but the Watchdog Report is keeping an eye on this probe.

>>> Chair Book and homeless advocate Burton have sharp exchange on Miami feeding program for homeless

The Miami-Dade Homeless Trust had an executive committee meeting Friday and a sharp exchange occurred between Ron Book and Ben Burton. Book the body’s chair and Burton, a homeless person advocate had a verbal exchange over the city of Miami’s proposed homeless feeding ordinance that is being discussed by the body and reported in past Watchdog Reports. Burton indicated his organization felt in these tough times people should not be penalized for trying to help the hungry and he said legal action might be the answer. Book shot back in a stern tone that Burton should not threaten the board and the advocate was out of line. Burton indicated he was directing the comment to the city of Miami if the city’s ordinance is too punitive. However, it was agreed that organizations already participating in the sanctioned homeless feeding program should be exempt from any qualifying requirement. Since these groups are complying by providing the indoor feeding settings, restrooms, and sinks and refrigeration for the food. The city of Miami commission is trying to regulate and tighten-up the proposed ordinance but due process and other legal issues also have to be considered in any such legislation.

Anything sad happen in 2009?

Book at the trust meeting attended by homeless representatives from Austin Texas trying to improve their own programs by seeing what the local organization is doing that has become a national model. He said in the past year, 99 homeless people living on the streets had died.

>>> Check out MIA Director Abreu’s interview and cost of facility’s debt in the future – $1 million a day by 2012 and that is major debt for the airport.This Week on Issues – 1/08 & 1/10 ISSUE TWO: Miami Airport Security: The attempted Christmas airplane attack has elevated security measures in U.S. airports and abroad. We discuss screening measures at Miami International Airport and the ongoing construction projects currently underway. Guests: José Abreu, P.E., Miami-Dade Aviation, Lauren Stover, Miami-Dade Aviation.

>>> The 33^rd Annual MLK Parade is on, after fundnig concerns reported in The Miami Times last week

Press release: The 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Festival will kick-off in Liberty City on the national holiday celebrating the civil rights leader this year. Dr. Preston Marshall, founder and president of the Dr. MLK Jr. Parade and Festivities Committee, Inc., announced today that all necessary funds were secured and the parade and festival will proceed. Rumors that the parade would be cancelled are not accurate and no announcement about the parade being cancelled or shortened was authorized by the Parade and Festival Committee, he said. County Commission Chairman Dennis C. Moss is sponsoring a resolution to provide $50,000 of Office of the Chair carry- over funds towards the Dr. MLK Liberty City parade and $50,000 towards the MLK West Perrine parade, the Chairmen’s Office has announced. >>> “The Dr. MLK Jr. Parade and Festival will be as successful this year as in the past,” Dr. Marshall said. “We have had significant challenges with funding, but with the community’s support we have been able to assemble the resources necessary for an event worthy of the celebration of the birthday of Dr. King.” The parade will kick-off on January 18, 2010 at noon at Northwest 10th Avenue and proceed west on 54th street to 32nd Avenue where the festival will be held at the Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Park from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. WHO: Dr. MLK Parade and Festivities Committee, Inc., Miami-Dade County Office of Community Advocacy, WHAT: Dr. MLK Jr. Parade and Festival, WHEN: Monday, January 18, 2010, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., WHERE: Northwest 54th Street from 10th Avenue to 32nd Avenue, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 3200 NW 62nd Street.

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County is establishing a nine member Compensation and Benefits Review Committee to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its standing personnel policies and to develop policies that will better manage the growth of costs while continuing to provide competitive wages, salaries and benefits. Members shall serve without compensation for a three year term and meet no less than four times a year. Qualified applicants should be Miami-Dade County residents and possess an outstanding reputation for civic pride, integrity, responsibility and business or professional ability; and shall have no financial interest, direct or indirect, in the compensation paid to County employees. Members of this Committee should be representative of the community at large and should have demonstrated expertise in human resources, organizational design, public management, or related fields. A Nominating Council will recommend candidates to the Board of County Commissioners for appointment. >>> Applications may be obtained from the County Executive Office, 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 2910, or online at www.miamidade.gov. All applications must be received by Diane Collins, Assistant Director, Clerk of the Board, at 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 17-202, Miami, Florida 33128. Applications can be e-mailed to clerkbcc@miamidade.gov or faxed to (305) 375-2484. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure electronic receipt of the application by calling the Clerk of the Board at (305) 375-1652. For additional information regarding the application process, please call Ms. Linda Weber at (305) 375-2670. Background checks will be performed on all applicants selected for an interview. If selected, Committee members will be required to submit financial disclosure forms.

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade Community Action Agency’s (CAA) Head Start/Early Head Start Program will begin its open enrollment for the 2010-2011 program year, which will begin in August of 2010. Applications are being accepted until April 30, 2010 for pregnant women and children ages two months to five (5) years old (after September 1, 2010). The program also provides services to families with children who are homeless. Applications are available at all Head Start/Early Head Start centers and CAA Community Service Centers throughout Miami-Dade County. Applications and a list of Head Start Centers may also be downloaded from the County’s Portal at www.miamidade.gov/caa/hsrecruitment.asp. >>> Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive child development program, serving low–income families. Services available through this program include health, mental health and nutrition, assistance with disabilities, education, social services, and parent involvement. Head Start strengthens the ability of children to cope with school and their total environment as they progress in age. In Miami-Dade County, the Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 6,756 children and families. We welcome children with disabilities. Head Start/Early Head Start is early childhood education that puts children and families first. For additional information or to locate a Head Start Center in your neighborhood, please call (786) 469-4622. WHO: Miami-Dade Community Action Agency, WHAT: Open Enrollment and Registration Campaign for the Head Start/Early Head Start Program WHEN Through April 30, 2010: WHERE: Miami-Dade County’s Community Action Agency’s Community Service Centers and Head Start/Early Head Start Centers. WHY: To provide free comprehensive child development services to assist low-income families who meet 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. >>> It is the policy of Miami Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility is accessible. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please contact David Allison at (786) 469-4682.

>>> Press release: On Thursday, January 14th at 7:00 pm, Dr. Michele Williams and Brian Conesa will present their data and photos about the excavations in the parade grounds at Ft. Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas. This venture was sponsored by the Everglades National Park Service during Archaeology Month in 2009. Fort Jefferson is a six-sided building constructed of sixteen million hand-made red bricks, with the lighthouse being built in 1825. It was designated as a National Monument in 1935, and on October 26, 1992, the monument was upgraded to National Park status. A multi-phased, multi-year preservation project to stabilize Fort Jefferson has begun. The plan will include removing existing brick, documenting, cleaning then reusing these bricks with some parts of the park not accessible at times. >>> The free lecture will be held at the Visitor Center Auditorium at the Deering Estate at Cutler. In partnership with the Archaeological Society of Southern Florida, a non-profit, volunteer organization. >>> Estate EcoAdventure Tours are also offered throughout the year for an additional fee. For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs please visit www.deeringestate.org.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Broward Commissioner Ritter in her own words concerning Watchdog Report story last week

After the Watchdog Report ran a past report last week, Broward Commissioner Stacy Ritter weighed in by e-mail and I run her comments unedited. I would be more forgiving of the county commission in general. If they would stop having a luncheon together with almost 24 senior staff members after they elect the new year’s mayor that has been the body’s custom every year. I attended one of these events when they celebrated Commissioner Lois Wexler being tapped and while I could not hear them, since I was told it was “a private party.” The room they were in was glass and when someone points a finger at the port director while talking to him like Wexler did, and was reported in past Watchdog Reports. In one shot depending on the subject, all the people in the room would be contaminated regarding the Florida Sunshine Law violation, but does essentially inoculate all present if any issues of substance were discussed out of the public eye as is required by state law.

>>> Here is her e-mail: “Mr. Ricker: Regarding your Broward comments, please be advised of the following: First, the minutes of the meeting accurately reflected I was not there, as did the videotape, while the action report was incorrect. If the reporter had chosen to use more than one source, he would have realized that I was not attending the meeting in question. You may criticize the keeping of county records if you like, but there is always more than one source to check facts, especially when it comes to what is going at the Broward County Commission. The bottom line is that this was sloppy reporting, published on the front page of a major newspaper, and was widely inaccurate. Despite the retraction, the damage was already done. Yes, the public must insist on correct recording keeping from its governmental bodies. No less should we insist on accurate reporting from our journalists, which brings me to the second point, which is that my husband does not lobby any issues at the county commission including the subject of your article. He represents an entity in Tallahassee that had an issue at the county and had I been there, I would have recused myself as I have done on agenda items the subject of which is that entity because of the perception of a conflict. I would appreciate it if you would make the correction in the body of the article, rather than just copy and paste my e-mail as you have done in the past. Some readers may not scroll down far enough to see the correction. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Stacy Ritter, Broward County Commission, District 3,” the commissioner wrote last week.

>>> Press release: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fl, who serves on the senate commerce committee received word today that Nova Southeast University is receiving a U.S. Department of Commerce grant for $14 million for design and construction of a science research facility. https://gns.ocs.doc.gov/public/ViewMessage.cfm?MsgID=c7k5r3rtik

>>> Investigative reporter Bob Norman and The Daily Pulp got a nice mention throughout a Miami Herald front page story on the corruption that has plagued South Florida for decades and as I have mentioned over the years. His investigative work is one of the major arrows in the fight against public corruption quiver in Broward County. To see his work go to >>> Broward Palm Beach News – The Daily Pulp: Bob Norman’s Blog … 8 Jan 2010 … Broward Palm Beach News.

>>> State Rep. Domino in the spotlight, elected in 2002, had $23.7 million net worth through 2008

State Rep. Carl Domino, R-Juno Beach is in the spotlight this week and he is a vice chair of a key committee, the Justice Council and he was first elected in 2002 to House District 42 and he has served as a majority whip in the past. He is a retired Navy commander an investment banker, and he has done very well in that capacity.

What do we know about his finances?

Domino through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $23.7 million and he lists $1.02 million in household goods. His total listed assets are $25.09 million and his liabilities are $2.4 million. He has $5.7 million in a wide array of securities, there is $1.5 million in other investments, there are extensive real estate holdings valued at $11.6 million and a retirement account has $3.6 million in it. He lists liabilities of $854,000 with Wachovia Bank, Wells Fargo is owed $860,000, Orion Bank is owed $671,000 and there is $22,185 on a mortgage state’s his financial disclosure form for the year. Domino’s income for the year was $29,082 from the state, dividends accounted for $332,762, gross rental income was $251,000 and another $14,795 came in from a military pension. For more information got to Florida House of Representatives – Carl J. Domino Find Your Representative … Representative Carl J. Domino. District 83 .Florida State University, B.S., Accounting, 1966, Student government, http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/SEctions/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4289&SessionId=42

DUVAL COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today announced the following reappointment and appointment: Jacksonville Aviation Authority (Senate Confirmation Required)

Ronald M. Weaver, 68, of Jacksonville, president of W. Enterprises Inc., reappointed for a term beginning January 7, 2010, and ending September 30, 2013.

L. Kelly, 57, of Jacksonville, director of Investigations with the Public Defender’s Office of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, succeeding Mary Burnett, appointed for a term beginning January 7, 2010, and ending September 30, 2013.

MANATEE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today makes one appointment and one reappointment: Medical Examiners Commission (Senate confirmation required)

Donna Hayes, 66, Manatee county commissioner, succeeding Elizabeth Porter, for a term beginning January 6, 2010, and ending July 1, 2013.

Jim Purdy, 56, public defender, Seventh Judicial Circuit, reappointed for a term beginning January 6, 2010, and ending July 1, 2013.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Cold Weather Shelters Open In The Upper Keys

1. The Burton Memorial United Methodist Church, located at 93001 US Highway 1, Tavernier, will be operational as a Cold Weather Shelter for the Upper Keys when temperatures drop below 50 degrees. Hours of operation are 9:00 PM to 7 AM. Any individuals desiring to serve as shelter managers may call Pastor Kerry Foote at (305) 852-2581, or, e-mail him at Kmf_bmumc@bellsouth.net.

The Island Christian School, Family Life Center, located at 83400 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, will also be operational as a Cold Weather Shelter for the Upper Keys when temperatures drop below 50 degrees. Hours of operation are 9:00 PM to 7 AM. Any individuals desiring to serve as shelter managers may call Dick Shainline at (215) 859-2144.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Eight mature trees dodge the chopping block at Miami High, Miami HEP board votes 6-3 to spare the invasive trees

While the school district is feeling the financial blow, around a $6 million loss because there are more students than the state thought and the money is limited and spending for each student goes down. The district also got a rebuke at the City of Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on Wednesday concerning the drop off site for students at the Historic Miami High School undergoing major renovations. The school site has eight mature bishop wood trees and the distinct wanted them removed and 12 new trees around 20 feet would be planted, though no tree mitigation was required since the trees in question were “invasive” and could be removed without “mitigation,” states backup documents. Luis Garcia, an assistant school board attorney argued the case in a passionate way at the HEP and the meeting got lively and the board chair and city attorney a number of times had to intervene in the discussion cutting off the periodic outbursts by attendees and speakers. However, after hearing the schools arguments and the pleas of local residents concerning the tree removals, which include “five protests,” coming into the public works department where the director denied the removal permit, state board documents. The HEP board ultimately voted 6 to 3 to deny the district’s appeal and school board members got an update on Thursday at the Facilities Committee by staff. They said the “original application was denied” but the district “does have alternatives” and the administration assured board members none of this “will delay the project’s” completion date.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Community gets medical reality check with 40 dialysis patients: PHT fighting for its financial life in the months ahead

With the issue of around 40-people, no longer getting dialysis at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s contracted out dialysis centers and Baptist Health South Florida, University Of Miami and Mercy Hospitals are now picking up the patients for the next month. It is finally dawning on the community the financial challenges facing the health trust that just keep on mounting. People have come-up to me last week saying now they know why I cover this institution every week over the past decade and it is a community medical jewel fighting to meet its payroll later in the year. The health trust board is having its day-long-committee meeting at the Ira C. Clark, Diagnostic Treatment Center on the second floor Tuesday Jan. 12 and the two-inch agenda has some grim news in it.

President Eneida Roldan, M.D., and PHT Chair John Copeland, III, were on “This Week in South Florida” hosted by Michael Putney today and they articulated the challenges the public institution faced, but also some ways if there is community involvement, support and help in the state legislature to continue to provide quality medical care for all, versus as was done decades ago. The medically uninsured get the less complex implantable device that applies to pacemakers for example, and most people do not remember when Jackson in 1980 was on COD with many medical companies. One could be in the operating room and the medical procedure not starting until a certified check was brought to the OR. It is for this reason I have watched the $2 billion health trust so intensely because it is such a medical treasure for all residents in Miami-Dade and South Florida.

Further, much of the new awareness has come about from the media www.miamiherald.com but as I point out in an old WDR from Dec. 2003. The challenges facing Jackson did not suddenly pop-up, but has been building for years, and while the county increased its maintenance of effort during the good times, that funding now has receded. Moreover, on top of this is the over now $100 million in unfunded mandates the county passed on to the trust in 2000. To be fair the number back then was about $60 million but has since climbed to this new level. However, the biggest factor in the financial hemorrhaging at the PHT is the well over 500,000 medically uninsured in the county and the dedicated half –cent-sales-tax was able to cover these costs up to 2000. However, the health trust revenues from then on could not keep up and the number grew to a 2004 $84 million hit that took care of negative adjustments charges from as far back as 1988. Since then hundreds of millions of dollars have been saved in one timesavings or ongoing savings through efficiencies and other actions. However, when you give $525 million in charity care that is the financial challenge and readers should stay tuned as Jackson Health System tries to resolve this vexing problem. To see Putney’s show go to >>> Michael Putney – Station News Story – WPLG Miami Michael Putney came to Local 10 in 1989 to become senior political reporter and host of “This Week In South Florida with Michael Putney. http://www.justnews.com/station/269244/detail.html

>>> What about the ethics training and conflict of interest course?

Members of Jackson’s staff have been going through an ethics and conflict of interest course about being on procurement and selection committees and the example given in the back up documents. That trustees review is a copy of Gerard A. Kaiser’s, M.D., signed form, which is used as the sample document.

>>> PAST WDR: DEC 22, 03: Foreign patient uncollected debt goes to $85 million, but may be misleading

The PHT’s fiscal affairs committee met Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. and trustees learned from staff the results of an extensive internal audit that was initiated by Treasurer Andres Murai months ago. The internal audit has found that $25million in un-reimbursed costs has been spent on patients that either live outside Miami-Dade or reside overseas. The trust has 95% if these costs factored into their reserves. The issue of treating patients from outside of the county first hit the press months ago when a foreign patient, severely burned was transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital and later unfortunately died. However, the patient’s care cost $2.6 million, and it had to be written off. The PHT has since changed their policy regarding the care of these types of patients.

The report notes that 53% of the costs came from patients that came to the emergency room for treatment where the health institution must treat patients regardless of their ability to pay. The internal audit states that after sampling 22 self-pay patients it was found the estimating deposit amounts were “deficient.” It states only $199,000 was collected from this sample of patients but their total amount of medical care came to $3 million. The audit notes that the institution must beef up its ability to collect on international patients coming to the health system for care and note that “historically 95% of the $25 million in receivables from non-resident self pay accounts are written off.”

The number grows later in the week to $85 million, but $9 billion of charges involved in time frame

However, this was not all the money that was involved and a county Inspector General’s audit just surfacing states over a five-year period that $85 million in uncompensated care had been given. PHT CEO Marvin O’Quinn Thursday went before the Miami-Dade County Commissioners after this escalation in write-offs and explained to commissioners what had happened. O’Quinn opened his comments to commissioners by saying “I guess the honeymoon is over” since his arrival in July. The CEO then proceeded to explain the PHT’s finances and admissions referenced in the report. The bulk of the uncollected bills for patients came from the hospital’s main emergency room and about 120,000 patients present there a year.

The new CEO said the trust was going to address the issue head on and work to set and adhere to new guidelines since established on which foreign patients are admitted and nations that have delinquent accounts with the trust, cannot financially vouch or refer future patients. The president told commissioners that the way the press was reporting the issue was “maybe irresponsible” and he did not understand the scope of the new report until only an hour earlier. He said the institution’s finances are “very complex” and “convoluted” and that was true with any hospital system around the nation. He told county commissioners that $270 million had been collected from these 13,000 accounts checked and during the examined period, the PHT had $9 billion in overall charges. O ‘Quinn also noted that people that present at the emergency room must be treated and a continuum of care was necessary until the patient was cured. Further, he clarified that much of the $85 million includes “bad debt” and the $25 million first reported was still active and being pursued by the PHT.

O’Quinn expecting to be criticized was surprised when commissioners thanked him for his presentation’s clarity and County Commissioner Natacha Seijas said it was “very refreshing” that someone has “taken responsibility” at the institution after almost 10 years. Seijas had been a vocal critic of former PHT President Ira Clark who retired in July after being forced out of the position by the board. The love fest continued and County Commissioner Katy Sorenson said his explanation “was just terrific” and “your clarity and focus” of the issue makes it “clear to me that you are on the case.” Commissioner Javier Souto, a frequent PHT board and committee meetings attendee raised another interesting question about outside influence being put on the hospital administrator to get people admitted and treated. The former Florida Senator said O’Quinn should report to commissioners when he gets “pressure from x, y, z” and he realized the administrator was between a “rock and a hard place” sometimes. Commissioners Dennis Moss and Dorrin Rolle also gushed over how the relationship with the trust had changed and all commissioners felt a new era had truly begun. They told O’Quinn when it comes to the press they never get the story right and commission Chair Barbara Carey-Shuler said the recent Miami New Times story citing the $85 million loss “did not tell the story correctly.” O’Quinn acknowledged “we are not perfect” and there are “issues to be resolved” and committed to commissioners “to work it out.”

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> In essentially 48-hours, two new commissioners will be elected, dismal voter turnout expected, but what of the absentee ballots

The clock is ticking for the District 1 and District 5 Miami commission races and the winner take all election, has nine candidates in each race running and turnout is expected to be dismal Jan. 12. The candidates for District 5 were planning to have an event Saturday that all said they were planning to attend but the Watchdog Report could not get to the event at a local church in the district. Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado on www.wpbt.org said he is not endorsing any of the running candidates in the two races.

The Miami Herald endorsed Richard Tabia for commission district 1, that have insiders favoring former commissioner Willy Gort who left the dais in 2001 after a failed mayoral bid. However, charges are flying that voters are being coached and possible city workers might be working for certain candidates’ campaigns. (For more on that story go to www.miaminewtimes.com). In the district 5 race Erica Wright, a former Miami assistant city attorney and county ethics commissioner got the daily paper’s nod, but suspended Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones is not backing down on her claim she is innocent of the charges brought by the state attorney’s office and is favored to probable win. She also announced there would be a legal challenge if Gov. Charlie Crist suspends her again while she awaits her trial. >>> This Week on Issues – 1/08 & 1/10 : Interview with City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating the City of Miami for possibly misrepresenting the city’s financial health. Mayor Tomas Regalado shares his thoughts on this plus the city’s upcoming special election and the issuing of a check to former Mayor Manny Diaz for unpaid time. Guest: Mayor Tomas Regalado, City of Miami

>>> Miami Clerk’s office: A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA TO ELECT CITY COMMISSIONERS TO THE OFFICES OF DISTRICT 1 AND DISTRICT 5 TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2010, PURSUANT TO RESOLUTIONS NO. 09-0512 AND NO. 09-0513

Click here the Official Ballot Click here for more information

>>> Commissioners should review how members are selected on important Civil Service Board, three members including Chair de la O leaving

>>> Press release: MIAMI RESIDENT CHARGED IN $55 MILLION MEDICARE FRAUD SCHEME; SPENT $4.8 MILLION ON EXOTIC CARS, JEWELRY, AND HORSES

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, Amos Rojas, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami Regional Operations Center, Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, announced that defendant Ihosvany Marquez, of Miami-Dade County, was arraigned today on an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit Medicare fraud, Medicare fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. Another defendant, Michel De Jesus Huarte, was indicted for a closely related Medicare fraud scheme in September 2009, and pled guilty in November 2009. The Indictment alleges that Marquez, together with Michel De Jesus Huarte and other unnamed conspirators, operated and controlled seven purported medical clinics in Miami- Dade and Orange counties. These clinics were Zigma Medical Care, Inc., Tender Loving Care Medical Center, Inc., Professional Medical Health, Inc., Metro Med Care, Inc., San Diego Medical & Rehab Center, Inc., Eulogia’s Diagnostic Medical Center, Inc., and Stop Injury Medical Center, Inc. According to the Indictment, these clinics submitted at least $55 million in false claims to Medicare for infusion therapy, injection therapy, and other expensive medical treatments designed to treat Medicare beneficiaries suffering from a wide variety of ailments, including cancer, HIV, AIDS, chronic pain, and varicose veins. Based on these fraudulent claims, Medicare paid Marquez and his conspirators approximately $21.6 million.

According to the charges, to conceal their involvement in the scheme, Marquez and his conspirators recruited nominee or “straw” owners for each company, and paid them large sums of cash to sign the corporate records, bank records, and other business documents before fleeing the country to avoid arrest. One such nominee owner, Madelin Machado of Zigma Medical, was indicted in the Southern District of Florida in January 2008 (Case No. 08-20033-HUCK), and remains a fugitive today. Earlier today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber ordered Marquez be detained pending trial. During the pretrial detention hearing, the United States stated that Marquez used $2.7 million of Medicare fraud proceeds to purchase numerous luxury and exotic cars, including a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Lamborghini Murcielago, a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, two (2) Bentley Continental GTs, two (2) Mercedes Benz CL63s, and at least six (6) Mercedes Benz S550s. The United States further proffered that Marquez spent more than $500,000 on jewelry, and more than $1million on horses during 2007 and 2008. The United States further proffered that Marquez did not have any reported wages or earnings in the State of Florida, and therefore could not have made such expenditures with legitimate funds. >>> An Indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Stumphauzer and Daniel Bernstein. 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.

>>> NEW PEDESTRIAN BLOCK OPENS ON LINCOLN ROAD, MIAMI BEACH

WHEN: Monday, January 11, 2010, TIME: 1:00 p.m., WHERE: 1100 Block of Lincoln Road, between Lenox Avenue + Alton Road WHAT: Project and city representatives celebrate the new pedestrian promenade with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Lincoln Road’s Lenox Avenue to Alton Road block will open as a pedestrian only plaza and promenade, which completes the western portion of Lincoln Road. This block was previously open for vehicular traffic. The pedestrian expansion also provides a new beautiful western entrance to the world-renowned pedestrian shopping district. As part of a public/private partnership with UIA Management LLC, Robert Wennett, developer of 1111 Lincoln Road project, and the City of Miami Beach, this block of Lincoln Road was converted to a pedestrian plaza, in keeping with the Lincoln Road blocks to the east that expand to Washington Avenue.

The plaza features interactive public art by New York artist Dan Graham. A water garden with native trees and other features use Morris Lapidus’ legendary designs as inspirations. A new, multi-use structure on the north end adds 250 parking spaces and includes retail, residential and office space. Raymond Jungles, a Miami-based landscape architect, designed the public plaza and pedestrian promenade in collaboration with Swiss-based architectural firm of Herzog & de Meuron, the architect of the 1111 Lincoln Road project. Herzog & de Meuron are the designers of the Bird’s Nest Stadium for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the Miami Art Museum. Press contact: City of Miami Beach, Nannette Rodriguez, 305.673.7575 or 305.332.3153, UIA Management LLC, 1111 Lincoln Road, Mary Jessica Woodrum, 305.538.9320, x107

>>> From Commissioner’s Gongora’s newsletter: Important City Meetings to Attend in January: January 13, 2010- Miami Beach City Commission Meeting; January 19, 2010- Neighborhoods/Community Affairs Committee; January 19, 2010- Finance and Citywide Projects Meeting; and January 23, 2010- Land Use and Development Meeting.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Historic Biltmore Hotel working with city on $2 million in payments owed

The Historic Biltmore Hotel and golf course, a jewel for the City Beautiful is facing tough financial times with the organization being around $2 million behind in its rent payments to the city. That number came up in a discussion over the holidays with Mayor Donald Slesnick, II and he said the administration was working with the high-end luxury hotel to come to a resolution, but in a way not to hurt the facilities ability to operate and continue draw tourists and others to the City Beautiful. The hotel is a unique experience and you step back in time with its beautiful ceiling murals and other period pieces and U.S. Presidents have dropped in over the years, including President Barack Obama who held one of his first fundraisers there early on in his campaign.

>>> Two of our very special Women of Tomorrow people, Miami-Dade Coordinator Pam Edwards and Gala Chair Marisa Toccin, are being honored by the Weizmann Institute of Science at the 13th Women of Vision Luncheon, to be held Thursday, January 21, 2010 at the Miami Beach Resort & Spa, located at 4833 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. The Women of Vision Award is a wonderful honor that I am proud to have shared with them way back in 2001. Several of our Mentors are already involved with Weizmann, in particular Dr. Randy Schenkman who is the Executive Committee Chair for the South Florida Region of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. Other Women of Tomorrow Mentors who serve on this year’s luncheon committee include Dr. Shulamit Katzman, Terri Shikany, Millinda Sinnreich, and Eileen Youtie. Also being honored this year are long time WOT supporters Norma Quintero & Stephanie Sayfie-Aagaard. >>> If you would like to support Pam and Marisa as they receive their awards from the Weizmann Institute, you can call or email the Weizmann Institute of Science for event tickets: Debra Herrmann, Development Associate, 954-964-8071, 305-940-7377, or debra@acwis.org. Tickets are $125 and space is limited so please contact Debra as soon as possible. Please see invitation below for more details and information. Best wishes, Jennifer Valoppi

>>> If you read Gerald Posner’s “Miami Babylon” you understand the lop-sided advantage developers and profiteers have over preservationists and environmentalists. You also learn that it was the foresight of a few tenacious developers who saw the commercial potential of Art Deco preservation that rejuvenated Miami Beach. Behind the scenes are the government officials, civil servants of integrity and vision, without whom the system would break down. One of these is the self-effacing Director of Historic Preservation for Miami Beach, William Cary. William after fifteen years out of the spotlight was in the middle of the action to recognize and preserve urban architectural uniqueness. These efforts have paid off in sustainable property values, a walking environment, and a tourist draw – good for residents and for the local economy.>>>A host committee of eighteen preservationists, supported by the Urban Environment League, is sponsoring a dinner to honor William Cary, Tuesday, January 19, 2010, 6PM, at the Bay Room, 9 Island Avenue, Miami Beach. If you wish to attend, the RSVP is by check, $40 per person, made out to Urban Environment League, c/o Nancy Liebman, 9 Island Ave. #408, Miami Beach, FL 33139, by January 9. For info. Telephone (305) 609-4288.

>>> Local corruption is systemic statewide; voters must engage and watch their public institutions, $14 billion in public institutions locally

The Miami Herald’s front page story today called The Roots of Corruption; How and why Broward County became such a hotbed for scandal www.miamiherald.com done by award winning veteran journalist John Dorschner, is a major contribution to the understanding of how people become corrupt and the damage done to the public institutions they are associated with in leadership positions. When I have traveled to Broward over the past decade. I was always told everything was just fine and the voters loved their elected leaders’ performance in general, but if you scratched deeper. You many times found not all was well in the world of public service in the state’s second largest county. Miami-Dade is politically considered by many in the rest of the state to be an anomaly of nature and only corruption exists there. But with Gov. Charlie Crist removing 33 elected leaders from office since Jan. 2007 statewide. That is not the case.

Throughout Florida, corruption, greed and cash have gone hand in hand for the last century and while examining wayward officials in South Florida is one way to go. The larger lesson is that voters and citizens must be engaged in how their public institutions are governed because the way it is currently working. Elected leaders die, retire or are indicted when they leave the dais throughout most of South Florida’s elected body’s history and why the media and watchdogs are so needed, especially with $14 billion in public institutions in Miami-Dade alone. Further, in that Herald story someone mentioned that elected leaders love that the press is on the ropes and that should scare everyone. For many politicians when they are out of office realize the role of the media and its important ability to do large-scale investigations of how your public tax dollars are being spent.

Broward and Palm Beach leaders and citizens should continue pushing for a local inspector general and ethics commission for these bodies are cheap when it comes to keeping the public trust of residents. A trust that once sullied is difficult to reestablish and that is one of the sad by products of corrupt officials. It casts a shadow on all of them in office and why the profession’s esteem with the public is in the tank. And unfortunately, for us all, that is not a politically healthy state of affairs that continues to drift in the wrong direction where nationally, statewide, and locally, leaders are at each other’s political throats. But the nation’s problems remain at all levels, corruption is just one of them, but its corrosive affect on the Republic is devastating to a free and vibrant society and must be stamped out as much as possible.

LETTERS

>>> Hello my friend. Happy New Year. Hope all is good and I wish you the best for 2010…. You really have a target rich environment down there now. God Bless Miami-Dade.

Steve

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Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 31 January 3, 2010

editor — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:39:35 +0000

CONTENTS
Argus Report: With FedEx Orange Bowl, NFL Pro Bowl and XLIV Super Bowl in the wings; economic impact for region in the hundreds of millions of dollars

Florida: And they’re off, race for U. S. senate, governor, CFO, AG, AG commissioner will ramp-up in coming months to full throttle, primary in Aug.

Miami-Dade County: PAST WDR: FEB 2009: Property Appraiser Garcia, speaks frankly about reduced property valuations, believes commission will increase millage

Broward County: PAST WDR: FEB. 2009: Mayor Ritter did not vote on controversial contract and not at meeting, public record of meeting inaccurate, minutes must be tightened up

Palm Beach County: PAST WDR: Advocates of ending homeless in county get course 101 from Miami-Dade and need for public/private partnership

Putnam County: WDR: MARCH 2009: Sen. Lynn steps on hornets nest suggesting raid of Prepaid College funds, had $1.18 million net worth through Dec. 2007

Monroe County: PAST WDR: MARCH 2009: Conch Republic in spotlight with school district’s superintendent’s wife charging $95,000 on pubic dime, continues trend of playing loose with nation’s laws

Miami-Dade Public Schools: PAST WDR: FEB 2009: Internal Auditor Vann is grilled by chair Stinson about construction claims, allowances, contingencies going back to 2004, and snapshot of $1.8 billion in construction

Public Health Trust: PAST WDR: JAN 2009: Will new federal $825 billion spending bill that includes $4.3 billion in Medicaid funding save the PHT, when institution gives $540 million in charity care, check out the trend graph

City of Miami: While city in hibernation, Mayor Regalado & Commission Chair Sarnoff still working; former Commissioner Gort gets edge, but what of suspended Commissioner Spence-Jones?

City of Miami Beach: PAST WDR: MARCH 2009: Commissioner Diaz discusses U.S. Census data, big challenge comes in 2010, and every resident undercount cost $3,000 a year in 2000

City of Coral Gables: PAST WDR: FEB 2009: With clock ticking, Carlos de Cespedes walks his dog at Gables outdoor farmer’s market, heads to federal prison with brother in March

Bal Harbour Village: PAST WDR: FEB: 2009: Councilman Jacobi settles with ethics commission, hit with $4,500 in fines & costs and letter of reprimand

City Of West Miami: Past WDR: They’re he goes again, Gov. Crist suspends West Miami Mayor Carasa, 33rd removal

Community Events: 25^th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference Jan. 7 to 10 — Women of Tomorrow luncheon Jan 21 – Miami Beach preservationist is being honored for continued work

Editorials: Federal and state authorities should keep an eye on Miami two commission district races, city workers cannot campaign on public’s dime — Leadership transitions on major public boards go smoothly last year, not like some in the past decade

Letters: PHT trustee responds to last week’s story — Reader thinks Miami Shores should be watched – General New Year wishes from readers

Sponsors - Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)

>>> May you and your family have a Happy New Year in the days ahead, and lets us hope 2010 is better, because 2009 was something else for many in our community and around the world, especially those serving in harms way trying to keep the nation and world safe in these dangerous times.

>>> I will be on Topical Currents, hosted by Joseph Cooper, WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on Jan. 11 at 1:00 p.m., and part of the discussion will be the Jan. 12 election to determine the next Miami commissioners for Districts 1 & 5. To listen in go to www.wlrn.org

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street
>>> A look back at some of the past stories over the year that ran in the Watchdog Report

In this week’s issue of the Watchdog Report I have selected some stories that have run over the past year, and in practically every area of politics and government there has been major changes accompanied with economic contraction putting public institutions on a major financial diet, that will drop its coffers even further this year. And public corruption statewide continues to rear its ugly head with Gov. Charlie Crist suspending 33 officials since he took office in Jan. 2007. Miami-Dade and its municipalities has had its share of corruption cases over the year but so has Palm Beach and Broward Counties and many of the cases are ongoing with federal and state public corruption prosecutors. The new special agent in charge at the FBI, John Gillies has stated public corruption is one of his priorities backed up by 460 other special agents. Some of what occurs cannot be made-up and just happens, be it a phantom job for a relative, a bribe here or there, but all of that is capped with three of the largest Ponzi schemes in history swirling around South Florida. Bernie Madoff had a connection; R. Allen Stanford was here in Miami and more recently Scott Rothstein in Broward with his small $1.2 billion scam in comparison to the other two men’s financial blowouts.

>>> With FedEx Orange Bowl, NFL Pro Bowl and XLIV Super Bowl in the wings; economic impact for region in the hundreds of millions in dollars

Let the tri-fecta of big events begin with the kick-off Tuesday Jan. 5 of the FedEx Orange Bowl Game, followed by the NFL Pro Bowl and king of big events. The Super Bowl and all the games are being played at Land Shark Stadium. The Orange Bowl is the oldest event celebrating its 76^th year since the game was first played at city of Miami’s Madre Park, which is being renovated partially through a $2.5 million grant by the Orange Bowl Committee, matched by the city last year, and is expected to be completed in the nest 18 months. Further, the Orange Bowl Committee, made up of 330 members also has two other big time events. An Orange Bowl Tennis Tournament held on Key Biscayne and the other is the Orange Bowl International Youth Sailing Regatta, and people and sailboats were all over Coconut Grove when the sailing event ended Wednesday, after an awards ceremony giving the economy a real kick upwards. The organization also has 15,000 kids participating in an Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance. The Orange Bowl brings in around $100 million in economic benefit to South Florida said the organization’s only second women president and chair of the Orange Bowl Committee, Phillis Oeters in an Dec. 10 interview with Miami Today done by reporter Scott E. Pacheco www.miamitoday.com.

At the Coconut Grove Sailing Club www.cgsc.org that held some of the Regatta events, that in total at all Grove sailing clubs had around 790 sailors in all classes, and Opti sailboats manned by youth competed, while another 29 adults raced the Laser class of sailboats, that had people from 23 countries participating in the four-day event, said knowledgeable sources last week. Further, the participants of these Orange Bowl events athletes from all three activities brought their family, friends and others to the area and that is an economic good thing. For more information about the Orange Bowl or where to get tickets go to www.orangebowl.org

What about the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl?

The second and third events after the FedEx Orange Bowl are the NFL Pro Ball on Jan. 31 followed later by the XLIV Super Bowl in the weeks ahead and our tourism industry should get an added benefit with these two other monster events that showcases South Florida at its best. The Pro Bowl, normally held in Hawaii in the past decades has moved and low cost tickets to this high profile game that features the best of the NFL players are available. I know young adults on a budget that have tickets and local residents should take advantage of the opportunity to see the game, versus the Super Bowl, whose tickets are significantly higher even in the nose bleed sections of the stadium. However, officials of the Super Bowl committee told business leaders at a Greater Miami Chamber of Luncheon that while Miami has the most games in the sport’s history, ten. That would change unless the stadium gets a roof after the Super Bowl game a few years ago was played in a raging rainstorm and there is talk that Miami-Dade County may some how get involved in making the roof happen. That is said would also include more stadium upgrades to the facility to keep it competitive with new stadiums like Dallas and New Orleans. >>> National Football League: Super Bowl XLIV Super Bowl 44, NFL.com the source for everything Super Bowl 44 static)http://www.superbowl.com/ – 47k – Cached >>> The Super Bowl is Back for a Record Breaking 10th Time! – II • III …SOUTH FLORIDA…BETTER THAN EVER. South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee. 2269 Dan Marino Blvd. Miami Gardens, FL 33056. Phone 305.626.7341 …
http://www.southfloridasuperbowl.com/ – 21k – Cached

>>> Last week’s lead story in the Argus Report section of the report caught the medias eye and David Sutta of CBS4 Tuesday did a follow-up story on the four tons of dog waste that is being picked up by Bay Front Park Trust staff over a year. To see the story go to Miami Bayfront Park Hopes Poop Patrol Cleans Mess Dec. 29, 2009, 7:54 p.m. Eastern …and it has filled Bayfront Park. Pets are partly to blame…a problem is brewing: dog poop everywhere. “Well if we average… >>> Also Howard Cohen did a follow-up story in The Miami Herald’s Neighbors section today www.miamiherald.com and my readers are surprised I did not get an attribution since I was the only member of the press at the meeting and subsequently gave the story a prominent headline last Sunday night.

>>> PAST WDR: FEB 2009: Obama tells mayors and governors they ‘will be called out,’ if boondoggle projects involved; Miami Mayor’s Diaz assurances otherwise should be watched like a hawk

When President Barack Obama told the nation’s mayors Friday that he wanted transparency and accountability for the $787 billion in federal funds and said he would “call them out” if they wasted these massive federal funds coming their way. Miami Mayor Manuel “Manny” Diaz leading the nation’s mayors to the White House told reporters later that ‘we get called out every day’ and they would be responsible stewards of the public purse. ‘We have plenty of constituents, who would be doing that before the president does it,’ Diaz is quoted in www.miamiherald.com . However, Obama should keep a spotlight on Miami and South Florida regarding this tough love oversight program for we are the “graduate school of fraud” said the local U.S. attorney months ago and Diaz over his years in office has not been as forthcoming as he likes people to believe. Diaz is different from many of the city’s previous mayors and he has pushed an agenda of massive development, later adopted a greener stand, and he worked his way up the national mayors’ leadership council and is well received around the nation. However, Obama may not know about the fire fee “nightmare,” the mayor’s real estate deal with a commissioner, city manager, where he received a letter of reprimand from the county ethics commission, and of course the increase in his cash position in 2007.

The Obama administration is right to be skeptical and demanding accountability from these local leaders that also includes the nation’s governors for the money has to be used wisely, and boondoggles kept to a minimum. For every dollar is precious to the millions of Americans out of jobs and losing their homes. Local government while better knowing what is needed also has a history of pork projects, waste, fraud and abuse and in south Florida that can eat up 15 to 20 percent of the federal funds coming down and this local hemorrhaging must be minimized. The president has yet to unveil how this oversight is going to work but he should keep his eye on Miami, where gaming the system is almost a sport and fraud in its many permutations is king.

>>> Press release: Zogby Interactive: Terror Defines the Decade, September 11th attacks most significant story of the decade; Rise in terrorism decade’s most significant issue

According to a new Zogby Interactive poll, Americans have evaluated the last decade (to-date) and the results can be found in one word: Terror. When asked to pick one word/phrase to define the past decade, 21% of Americans chose “terror” followed by “decline” (15%) and then “loss of personal freedom/civil liberties” (13%). Republicans (33%) were more likely than Democrats (12%) to say “terror” defines the decade. Instead, Democrats chose “decline” (20%) and “greed” (17%) as the top words to define the decade. Conservatives also chose “terror” to define the decade while liberals chose “greed” (20%) and “decline” (19%). Only 11% of liberals chose “terror”. Similarly, the September 11th terrorist attacks characterize the past ten years for most Americans. Seventy-six percent of American adults name the September 11th terrorist attacks as the decade’s most significant story, dwarfing the 5% of adults selecting Hurricane Katrina as the top story. Even smaller percentages said the Indian Ocean tsunami (2%), the elections of 2000 (4%), 2004 (less than 1%), and 2008 (4%), or the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (4% together) were the most significant story of the decade. Almost all Republicans (91%) said 9/11 was the most significant story compared to 63% of Democrats. Some Democrats voted Hurricane Katrina (10%) and not surprisingly, the 2008 Presidential Election (9%), as the most significant story of the decade. Interestingly, adults who live in large cities (70%) were a little less likely than those who live in small cities (77%), the suburbs (also 77%), or rural areas (83%) to rate the September 11th terrorist attacks as the most significant story of the decade.

The rise in general terrorism (from September 11th to attacks in London, Madrid, and Mumbai) was voted the most significant issue of the decade. Trailing terrorism was the increase in U.S. debt, with 16% selecting this as the most significant issue of the decade. Americans chose the wars in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Iraq as the third most significant issue of the decade, with 10% of Americans saying it was the most significant issue of the decade.

This interactive survey of 2,841 adults was conducted December 28-30, 2009. A sampling of Zogby International’s online panel, which is representative of the adult population of the US, was invited to participate. Slight weights were added region, party, age, race, religion, gender, education to more accurately reflect the population. The margin of error is +/- 1.9 percentage points. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1791

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

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

With the New Year, the myriad of political races are on for all the Florida cabinet positions and the U.S. Senate race in 2010 and there are only eight months until the late August primary. Democrats and Republicans are fielding a host of candidates but most currently have a political job, either within the Florida cabinet, or the legislature and there is one problem looming that many will have to deal with. And that is the lagging state revenues that are trending down another $2.8 billion and only can be cured by service cuts, or raising taxes and fees. In the coming months the Watchdog Report will continue to cover the candidates, their new net worth after July 1, and to say dramatic leadership changes could be in the winds in Florida politics is an understatement.

What about the state’s culture of corruption, Gov. Crist suspends 33 to date?

Gov. Charlie Crist since Jan. 2007 when he was sworn into office has suspended 33 elected leaders since then and he has continued a trend established first with past Gov. Lawton Childs and continued under Gov. Jeb Bush that when elected leaders were indicted. The office suspended the wayward officials and the state in a federal study of removals led the nation during the studied time period.

>>> PAST WDR: FEB 2009: Chief Judge Farina asks Legislature to fund FL courts like a real 3^rd branch of government – 4.5 million court cases filed last year

Chief Judge Joseph P. Farina appealed to the Miami-Dade County state delegation legislators, chaired by state Rep. Juan C. Zapata, R-Miami, Thursday that when it came to the local 11^th judicial and court circuit that the budget cuts have been brutal and judge reminded them that the judicial system is the third branch of state government. The state over the past two years in the tough budget times has cut state courts budgets $18.4 million in July 2008 and $17.2 million earlier in March. This is on top of $8.9 million cut in September 2007 and from 2007 to budget year 2009 there have been 282 positions cut from the courts states Farina’s handout to state lawmakers. The local chief judge pointed out that was the least of the looming problem for law makers in the coming legislative session in March are considering another $40.1 million comprising 556 positions to be cut and it is gutting state residents’ rights to a fair and speedy adjudication of cases in the court’s system.

Court cases statewide have soared over the past years and last year there were 4.5 million court cases filed in Florida, which “is up 12 percent from two-years ago” and during these years. Capital murder has increased 24 percent, robbery soared by 45 percent, burglary increased by 26 percent, civil cases up to $15,000 increased by 40 percent, contract and indebtness cases rose 40 percent and condominium cases soared by 435 percent the document shows.

Locally the data shows the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Civil pending caseload through November was 84,155 cases and the county civil pending caseload came in at 66,323 in November, down from a high of 71,687 cases in July. In a study of the state’s court system. The Washington Economics Group believes in Oct. 2008 there were 335,000 civil cases pending, an estimated 286,000 were real property/ mortgage foreclosure cases and at the current rate of disposition of these cases, it would take “18 months” for these existing foreclosure cases to be disposed of. The study also states there are direct economic impacts if the courts are failing to provide services and justice and looking at the costs for all these areas the negative impact is estimated at $10.1 billion in economic impacts. Further, the study also notes as these economic costs move through the Florida economy the negative affect grows to $17.4 billion “in Florida economic output is lost to civil case delays each year and affects over 120,000 jobs that are adversely impacted but these civil court delays yearly.”

>>> Florida has 989 judges, 900 courtrooms and interpreters for 50 different languages

The state’s budget for 2008-2009 after a special session was $64.87 billion and the state Court’s system’s adjusted budget was $433.2 million down from $491.2 million in July 2007. The Florida courts system from the Supreme Court down has 989 judges at the Supreme, the five District Courts of Appeal, the 20 judicial circuit courts (599 judges) and county courts account for 322 judges with at least one judge in each of the state’s 67 counties. The Florida judicial system also has 900 courtrooms and court interpreters provide services in 50 different languages, states the Farina’s handout.

>>> PAST WDR: FEB 2009: Note to Lt. Gov. Kottkamp, don’t embarrass your boss Gov. Crist and Floridians with your $500,000 in travel

Note to Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, your job is to be obscure and not an embarrassment to Gov. Charlie Crist and the continued stories on the large number of plane and other travel expenses that are known to total $500,000 (www.miamiherald.com ) should put Kottkamp in the dog house, especially given the state’s tanked economy. The office only becomes important if the governor dies or is incapacitated and recent past lieutenant governors understood that role of staying in the shadows and Crist needs to scold his political partner because its insensitivity hangs over the governor as well. One of the things I have learned over the years is that politicians when they replace or appoint someone to a political post or state board. The governor wants someone that is safe and will not be a bad reflection on the state’s top office.

State Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami says the job ‘is the most irrelevant job in state government’ and suggested the job should be abolished and Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey is blunter saying ‘there’s no question that the public perceives this as wrong,’ he is quoted in the paper. In Rivera’s case Kottkamp is supporting a rival for a state senate seat but the whole issue of Kottkamp’s travel expenses should be addressed upfront especially given the legislative session that begins Tuesday.

What about Gov. Crist?

Crist, who always sees things the sunny side up is starting to be buffeted by local print media including stories by Herald political reporter Beth Reinhard www.miamiherald.com and Michael Putney, senior political reporter for www.wplg.com wrote a blistering editorial in the paper questioning if the governor is an empty suit. Crist submitted his proposed state budget for next year and opposition is already building among fellow Republicans who control both state legislative bodies. Further, Crist has been coy when it comes to unequivocally saying he would not seek the U.S. senate seat being vacated in 2010 by Republican Sen. Mel Martinez and this doubt could bleed into the coming legislative session and the governor’s effectiveness with the body that is feeling more than restless when it comes to the state’s proposed $66.5 billion budget. Further, I also believe as I have written in the past, that Crist will seek the senate seat and will start campaigning in the summer.

>>> WDR July 2008: Lt. Gov. Kottkamp acknowledges challenges to state economy, some gloom and doom the medias fault, had net worth of $2.3 million through June 15, 2008

Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp spoke Friday at the Beacon Council’s monthly luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and he was upbeat about the state of Florida’s future economy. Kottkamp, 47 is a graduate of Florida State University and has his law degree from the University of Florida and he served three terms in the Florida House before becoming the state’s 17^th Lt. Governor when Gov. Charlie Crist was elected to the office in 2006. In the state house, he represented the Cape Coral region; he is married and has a young son. He told the attendees that agriculture and tourism have been the state’s bedrock industries in the past noting 84 million people visited Florida last year and while the state’s economy has taken a “extreme downturn” sales of homes are steadily increasing and “people are opening businesses every day” in the state. He believes Florida offers “no better place to work and live.”

He said Florida is in the process of “transforming” itself featuring more high technology enterprises such as stem cell research and the University of Miami bringing the whole genetics team from Duke University as an examples of the changing face of the state. He noted at the Kennedy Space Center, a private company called Space X would be sending rockets into space for about $150 million per flight. He also said when it comes to space and medical technology. “Zero gravity growth can produce perfect crystals” and the environment offers a host of medical and scientific possibilities in the future. He noted the gaming software industry in Central Florida is flourishing and recommitted the governor’s commitment to education. Kottkamp also said it was important for the administration to “invest early to break the cycle of poverty” that leads to incredible incarceration rates and judicial costs of the state’s residents believing that effort “will break the cycle at the other end.” Further, given the spiraling state economy, he said it was important to “be smarter in how we use precious [financial] resources” coming into the state’s coffers. Kottkamp chided the media for not changing with the times and for some of the negativity felt by residents around the state. He said the “print media is becoming archaic” with extensive layoffs and suggested the papers “get out of print” and go to an “a local 24 hour version of CNN” as the model. He said the industries current “view of the world is particularly skewed” and the industries troubles are being reflected in the medium. He said the “gloom and doom” is not exactly accurate and the economy is growing admitting there “is a slowdown and we certainly have some problems” but he predicted Ford Motor Company would bounce back “faster than ever.”

What happened after he made the comments about the “archaic” print media?

Alexandra Villoch, a senior vice-president of advertising for The Miami Herald attended the lunch and she would not let Kottkamp’s media comments stand. She stated to Kottkamp answering questions, when it came to the term “archaic.” “On any given Sunday, 1.1 million people in Miami-Dade County and south Broward and Monroe read The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald, so when you are touching and reaching 56 percent of the adults in our market with our print product, never mind the layering on the web site and our other products,” it shows the value of the paper. Further, she challenged that given these facts the paper was “not archaic” and while she did not know what was going on at other papers around the state. She said The Herald’s reach “was far beyond any cable TV or other media broadcast here.” She also noted the grim economic data reported in the paper was based on “what was reported by government and we don’t make those statistics up,” she closed after correcting the record.

What do we know about Kottkamp’s finances?

Kottkamp through June 15 2008 had a net worth of $2.3 million and he lists $203,000 in household goods. His real assets are three properties valued at $1.3 million, $385,000 and $54,000 and there is $112,000 in an IRA. There is $54,490 in mutual funds, a checking account has $167,324 and $101,000 is in a bank saving account. A Northern Trust money market has $41,332 and a checking account has $6,558 along with a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe worth $12,800. His income for the duration was $128,075 as governor and Morgan & Morgan PA contributed $2,409 and another $4,498 came in from Northern Trust Bank.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> PAST WDR: FEB 2009: Property Appraiser Garcia, speaks frankly about reduced property valuations, believes commission will increase millage

Pedro J. Garcia, Jr., elected the Miami-Dade County property appraiser on Dec. 20, 2008 after county voters overwhelmingly voted for its creation Jan. 29, 2008 and it is a Charter Office, under the county’s Home Rule Charter, and different from the state’s other 66 appraisers offices. Garcia speaking at the Elephant Forum luncheon Monday at the Rusty Pelican detailed what his office does and the challenges he faces in the coming months trying to get correct property appraiser values for people’s homes. Garcia beat state Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Aventura in the low turnout runoff election overwhelmingly. He said his wife joked that his chances of winning against the well-known state legislator were about as probable as her winning the “Miss Universe contest.” Others said he was “crazy” to run against the veteran state and county legislator who raised around $525,000 for her campaign to his $50,000 campaign war chest.

Garcia said political operatives told him he had to raise a lot of money and he said no. I will “walk the streets” and tell people who I am and certainly could not afford to spend “$100,000 on advertisements and television.” Instead, he did any television or radio show he could get on “even if it was 2:00 a.m.” and people started to recognize me over time. On election night, he realized he had won at about 7:30 p.m. and “opened the wine.” The property appraiser said the office was reviewing all the property values and assessments in Miami-Dade and predicted that while there was a “beautiful honeymoon” now with county leaders. He predicts that may fade in April and May when the final numbers come out.

“Twenty to twenty-five percent of residential property values will be down” and when it came to the thousands of condominiums. He believed these “would be 40 percent below past assessed values” and he expects property values to continue to decline next year as well. He said the goal was “to get real estate back to normal” and “getting people working” because there are “so many people unemployed.” He believes one method of correcting the problem was through short sales, that have “the banks work with the buyers and sellers” but his position is a double-edged sword. “I can be a hero or I should be ready to be hanged” depending on how the numbers work out but he pledged to the audience “I will put the right numbers out.”

Garcia when asked how the county commission might react to the reduction of revenue said, “I am expecting them to increase the millage.” He said elected leaders in the past have “blamed the property appraiser for everything” but they will get the blame this time.” He also said relief is coming to people that own rental properties that in the past jumped 30 to 40 percent in value yearly. Garcia is planning on no more “than 10 percent” and is trying “to reduce it to 5 percent.”

In response to a question from the Watchdog Report on whether he will go to court to make the Charter Office into a state Constitutional Office like the state’s other 66 elected appraisers. He said he could not do it and “someone else has to challenge” the issue in the Florida courts. For more information about the office go to www.miamidade.gov/pa/

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, in collaboration with Ayiti History and Resources, is inviting the public to the Fifth Annual Haitian Independence Month Celebration opening ceremony on Friday, January 8, 2010 at 10:30 a.m., in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW First Street.

County Commissioners need to assure that they have an accurate public record concerning who is at their commission meetings, and how the elected leaders vote, for a recent lapse of an accurate public record had The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com have to do a correction based on what was recorded as occurring, when in fact one commissioner was absent a video tape of the meeting later showed. The issue concerned Commissioner Stacey Ritter and whether she voted on a contract, her husband was lobbying for and apparently, in this case she did not. The public record is all Broward residents have about what is going on in their government institutions and one of the reasons I am such a stickler in this area. The commission must come up with a better way to document their votes for their should not be this kind of confusion when it comes to the record and the people charged with doing the people’s business in Florida with its Sunshine Amendment.

>>> 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
>>> PAST WDR: Advocates of ending homeless in county get course 101 from Miami-Dade and need for public/private partnership

Some Palm Beach county homeless activists came to Miami Thursday and Friday to attend a program based on what the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust and The Community Partnership for Homeless has been able to do here in South Florida. In Miami-Dade’s case in the early 1990’s there were over 8,000 people living on the streets or under freeways and was becoming a major problem in the national media and diminished tourism to the area. Local political and business leaders here in Miami and in the state legislature, including then Gov. Lawton Chiles gave their support to the effort that had the most recent count in January at less than 1,000 people on the county’s streets.

The program has since been emulated in Broward where Wayne Huizenga has championed the issue that brought private and public partners together that included the business community. And in Palm Beach County where the problem is seen throughout the county, the attendees were told how to create an organization that could deal with the issue that includes drawing down both state and federal HUD funds for the effort. The Watchdog Report wishes the advocates of the homeless and its end good luck in the effort and people in the tony county should embrace the problem, for it will not go away.

PUTNAM COUNTY
>>> PAST WDR: MARCH 2009: Sen. Lynn steps on hornets nest suggesting raid of Prepaid College funds, had $1.18 million net worth through Dec. 2007

State Sen. Evelyn J. Lynn, R-Daytona Beach, is in the spotlight this week after she suggested that funds being held in the Florida Prepaid College fund named by the Florida Legislature the Stanley G Tate Florida Prepaid | Prepaid College | Florida 529 Plans >>> Florida Prepaid | Prepaid College | Florida 529 Plans could be tapped to plug the over $2 billion state budget hole. However, with over 1 million parents, having contracts for their children’s education in the fund, shifting this money will be no easy task and Tate is vowing to fight any attempt to raid the fund, and Gov. Charlie Crist weighed in against that as well. Lynn has been in politics for many years and served in the state House from 1994 to 2002 when she was elected to Senate District 7 that includes Clay, Putnam, Volusia and Marion counties. Lynn is a government and education consultant in her private life.

What do we know about her finances?

Lynn through Dec. 2007 had a net worth of $1.18 million and she lists $26,000 in household goods. Her assets include two annuities valued at $22,474 and $138,000 and there is $8,700 in banks, $380,000 is in the Lynn Trust, and a condominium in Ormond Beach is valued at $401,000. She has two cars valued at $11,000 and $14,000 and her only liability is $20,000 owed to SunTrust Bank. Income for the year was $38,457 from the Florida Retirement Fund, $14,945 came in from Social Security, the senate kicked in $33,936, two trust payments were $15,700 and $25,900, and Florida State University paid her $25,287 states her financial disclosure reports.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> PAST WDR: MARCH 2009: Conch Republic in spotlight with school district’s superintendent’s wife charging $95,000 on pubic dime, continues trend of playing loose with nation’s laws

Anyone that thinks an elected public school superintendent is a panacea for all the ills that can plague school districts needs to check out the story today by reporter Cammy Clark in www.miamiherald.com, about the wife of the superintendent and her spending habits the last two-years. Monique Acevedo, a long tine school employee and the wife of Superintendent Randy Acevedo has charged over ‘$95,000 on pink silk ties, bar stools, and spear gun accessories’ and the local state attorney is investigating the whole affair, that on face value looks more than bad and it continues a local trend of skirting laws on the belief they will never be found out.

The Watchdog Report would never have started to write about the Conch Republic (a tourist tag line an elected leader once used in a discussion with me) if they were not dumping their homeless and battered women in Miami-Dade about five-years ago and they have done much better in these areas more recently. I also have written about the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority that years ago had outrageous benefits for a few select senior administrators and after almost two decades after these stories and a critical legislative state audit. The authority finally settled with county leaders overall infrastructure issues and what body would pay and manage the projects after years of no progress in the talks.

The point is the nation’s most southern county is still part of the United States and as I have pointed out to some officials. There is a federal and state courthouse in Key West and while you don’t get the spotlight like Miami-Dade. That lack of oversight of public official’s activities eventually will be picked up and as one former senior federal judge once told me. Over his decades on the bench, pretty much every elected position has had problems with its occupant and the belief that Margaretville overrides all is a fairy tale. One the wife and possible her husband may soon learn the hard way.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> PAST WDR: FEB 2009: Internal Auditor Vann is grilled by chair Stinson about construction claims, allowances, contingencies going back to 2004, and snapshot of $1.8 billion in construction

Allan Vann, CPA, the district’s Chief Auditor got an earful from school board chair Solomon Stinson during the board’s monthly meeting concerning the acceptance of some audit reports that had recently gone through the board’s audit committee meeting. The specific audit the board chair cited was an internal audit report covering construction claims, allowances and contingencies over a almost four year period and is dated Jan. 2009 but was first drafted and released to the administration in Oct. 31, 2008. The school administration has yet to respond to the observations sates the report.

Stinson speaking sternly to Vann, and limiting his rebuttal, was concerned it took so long for his office to pick up on the problems that were documented from, July 2004 to March, 2008 and thought his department should have flagged the issues earlier. The chair along with Board members Marta Perez, Perla Tabares Hantman, and Renier Diaz de la Portilla voted no when it came to accepting the report. Board member Ana Rivas Logan while voting yes said she too was critical but procedurally wanted the report to be accepted and it carried 5-4. Vann during the discussion said he thought the criticism was an “unfair characterization” of what his office does but he got the message.

The audit found that there were $1.81 billion in partial or completed projects during the time frame and nine were sampled valued at $59.1 million that had $5.7 million in “net changes and contingency adjustments,” state’s the report. Of the sampled 148 in change orders and contingency adjustments, 5 percent or $319,882 were the “direct result of conflicts between drawings and the existing underground conditions” even though the contract “specifically disallows change orders for such conflicts.” Further, an additional five change orders of $542,382 were the result of “architecture and engineer (A/E) errors and omissions.” The audit department has made eight recommendations to avoid this in the future and is awaiting the district’s response to the observations.

>>>PAST WDR MARCH 2009: Grove charter school gets “monitored in a more aggressive capacity” says district audit committee, is “fairy dust running around here?”

The Arts and Minds Academy Charter School was in the school board’s audit committee spotlight this week and the founder and owner of the building housing the school was called out Tuesday at the meeting. Four restaurant/bars surround the school located on Commodore Plaza in Coconut Grove and when school ends in the afternoon. The kid’s mill around the streets running through passing traffic, yet there are no signs indicating it is a school zone. The school, created a few years ago has been expanding, adding students, but that rate of student growth has dropped to 351 students and the institution is trending toward having another deficit, like the previous year. Manny Alonso-Poch, the owner of the building housing the academy founded the school and runs a restaurant at night at the location as well.

Alonso-Poch was grilled by audit committee members about whether the school will close the year with a deficit and he said it would not. He told them he would cover any shortfalls when the budget year concludes June 30 and it would be a “gift.” However, since the school is a not-for-profit that could be a tax deduction for Alonso-Poch and since he is getting over $69,000 in rent a month covering the potential estimated $150,000 shortfall would be no problem. The public school district funds the school based on student count and the audit committee voted to increase the scrutiny on the school including district auditors “monitoring in a more aggressive capacity.”

Betty Amos, the chair of the audit committee asked Alonso-Poch if he would reduce the high rent he charges for the school but the owner disagreed saying he “did not agree the rent was too high.” Audit committee member Frederick “Buck” Thornburg, Esq., said after the school’s discussion there “is a lot of fairy dust running around here” in the room he thought and scrutiny of the school’s finances are now front and center of the nation’s fourth largest public schools district’s auditors. Readers should stay tuned to see how this all pans out in the future.

>>> Feb. WDR: Academy of Arts and Minds charter school closes 08-budget year with $67 in school account, “anemic conditions” with current liability ratio of .42

The Academy of Arts and Minds is in the news again in the Watchdog Report and this time it is the small amount of money in the schools charter school account at the end of June. The school located on Commodore Plaza in Coconut Grove, surrounded by restaurants and bars got a bump in the building lease back in Jan. 23, 2008 states a school district audit document from $26,460 to $69,600 a month for a slight addition of space and the schools occupation of the “plant” came to $769,416 back then or 38 percent of the total $2 million total expenses for that year when the school “incurred a $57,456 operating deficit,” state district audit documents.

The charter school caught the Watchdog Report’s eye years ago because when the school was created, the driving force for the school was the owner of the building, and it is referred to “as a related transaction” by district auditors and only last summer did the schools board actually meet, and then a popular head administrator was fired and the students for a few days demonstrated outside on Commodore Plaza holding multiple signs asking for the principal to be brought back. However, that is not the only trouble facing the school and as of the end of June, the end of the past budget year. The school is “showing anemic conditions having a balance of only $67 in its bank account and current assets to current liabilities ratio of only .42,” states a Jan. 23, 2009 audit document. Further, while the school increased its net assets during the year by $833 to $9,362 and received a grade of B under the state’s performance accountability system. The school had a weak current position at the end of the year end,” wrote district auditors. Management has responded to these observations by “out lining steps to increase enrollment” which they believe will “improve school’s financial position.” Further, the school has a over 20 year contract with the buildings owner and there is little the school district can do since it is a valid lease but also in the building are some retail outlets and the school’s outdoor cafeteria for lunch becomes a Al Fresco restaurant at night, where wine and spirits can be purchased. Further, when school lets out in the afternoon children periodically surge out onto the street filled with traffic and while an off duty cop appears to be helping with situation, parents cars still stop and cause a major traffic jam on the small plaza street. >>> Here is another story on some other charter schools around the state: Charter schools face new scrutiny | Gainesville.com | The Gainesville Sun | Gainesville, FL

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> PAST WDR: JAN 2009: Will new federal $825 billion spending bill that includes $4.3 billion in Medicaid funding save the PHT, only time will tell when institution gives $540 million in charity care

The massive proposed $825 billion federal spending bill that could bring in $4.3 billion in additional Medicaid dollars to the state may be the only good news the health trust has heard in over a decade, given the institution currently gives $540 million in charity care yearly and has been hemorrhaging red ink since 2000. The health trust, a $1.8 billion enterprise has a half-cent countywide sales tax that through the 1990’s kept the hospital system in decent financial shape but as the ranks of the county’s residents medically uninsured swelled, now has over 600,000 and increasing with the down economy. The institution has been fighting for its financial life. Further, that sales tax funding peaked at about $192 million a few years ago but is now falling to $188.7 million in the 2008 budget year and for the first two months of the new budget year is down $2.1 million from budget.

The health trust has a $90 million monthly payroll, 11,500 employees, hundreds of millions in infrastructure needs and is affiliated with the medical schools at the University of Miami and Florida International University. It also carries the burden of over $100 million in unfunded mandates from the county that has the trust paying for medical care in Dade jails, nursing homes for example after the commission in 1999 voted to shift these previous county expenses to the public hospital. Currently, a national search is being done to replace President Marvin O’Quinn who officially left Jan. 1 and he was paid around $800,000 as the top hospital administrator.

What about the search committee?

A PHT search committee will select the new CEO after candidates are screened and short listed by the search firm and both county Mayor Carlos Alvarez and commission Chair Dennis Moss are members on the committee. However, there has been talk about the need to have a “personality” as the head on the belief getting more state and federal funding was a top priority and it is unknown if a hospital system administrator will get the nod or someone with a political background when the final decision is made. The reason the Watchdog Report asks this question is that when former President Ira Clark was being replaced one elected leader suggested perhaps an assistant county manager might make a good candidate but that idea was later scuttled and a professional was selected. O’Quinn during his over five years at the helm through reforms has saved over $300 million since and kept the institution’s lights on but now he is gone. To see the reality of the situation check out the graph below when there will be no cash left to make payroll and community leaders must work together to resolve this financial dilemma.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> While city in hibernation, Mayor Regalado & Commission Chair Sarnoff still working; former Commissioner Gort gets edge, but what of suspended Commissioner Spence-Jones?

With local government in hibernation over the holidays, the Watchdog Report just hung out in front of city hall seeing who was working, whom was stopping in and just generally keeping an eye on things. Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado spent most of Wednesday in his office, Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff held meetings an had a few visitors, and newly minted Commissioner Francis Suarez stopped by his office as well while I was there. Commissioner Frank Carollo probable came by as well but I did not see him.

What about the Commission races for Districts 1 and 5?

Both commission district races have nine candidates each in them and it is a winner takes all race with no runoff election. Former Miami Commissioner Wilfredo “Willy” Gort is said to have gotten the support of ex Commissioner Angel Gonzalez, who stepped down after being busted by the state attorney because his daughter had a phantom job he helped her get. With that political support insiders suspect that Gort will prevail, given his past time on the commission that he vacated in 2001 in a failed bid for city mayor and he did not make the races runoff election. Gonzalez replaced him on the Miami commission back then.

However, it is the commission seat held by suspended Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, District 5 that has insiders speculating if she wins. It is not known what the affect of having her local church reverend convicted recently will have with local voters, but a very low turnout is expected given the Jan.12^th election date. Willy Gort through Dec. 18 has raised $65,795 for the race and Miguel Gabela has $78,025 for his war chest. And in the other race, suspended commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones has $17,700 in her campaign’s account for the same period and Pufirstson Neree, with the second largest sum coming in at $11,450. >>> Here are the campaign reports for the 18 candidates: http://www.miamigov.com/City_Clerk/Pages/Elections/CampaignReports10.asp

>>> PAST WDR: MARCH 2009: Commission to vote on deferring $1.6 million in rent, to inject $800,000 into Jungle Island venture that owes back rent and taxes

Miami Commissioners will vote on a resolution at Thursday’s meeting that will defer $1.6 million in delayed rent payments over the next 48 months, and have to inject $800,000 in General Funds into Parrot Jungle and Gardens of Watson Island to help the organization get the planned refinancing and restructuring of its debt. The attraction partially funded with a $25 million HUD loan has been behind on its payments since its inception and an agreement with Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami and Jungle Island was only signed a few years back when Miami Manager Pete Hernandez took over the post in 2006. Hernandez a former assistant county manager was able to defuse a festering problem with county leaders that had been forced to make the payments to HUD to keep a larger loan with the federal agency current. Further, the attraction is behind in its taxes and resolving that is part of the planned refinance plan and “restructure of debt,” said Hernandez.

The Watchdog Report spoke with Hernandez this morning and he said the city under the signed agreement with the county is responsible “for 80 percent” of the federal loan, and the injection of city funds and the rent deferral was necessary for the attraction to refinance with two banks, HFC and Regions Bank. The manager said the intervention was “not something we liked to do but must do because the alternative was worse” if the project failed since the county and city would still be on the hook for paying back the loan. Further, he noted this was also being done to preserve the “400 jobs” at the location and he felt “it was important for the city to facilitate” and help the organization given the overall economic climate and keeping it a going concern was better that it closing with the county and city still owing the money to HUD and the attendant loss of jobs.

At the Feb. 25 commission meeting a number of discussions took place besides Commissioner Edward Tobin’s request to invite “the county’s IG to come on over and assist the city commission in its ongoing efforts to uncover waste and financial mismanagement at city hall,” states the meeting agenda. Another discussion was on the U.S. Census data for Miami Beach and Commissioner Victor Diaz was the point of the sword pushing this item. The census data and the up-coming 2010 Census will be critical to the Beach and in 2000, every person not counted cost $3,000 in federal funds per year and back then over $200 million a year was missed countywide in the undercount that was short about 75,000 residents. Given the critical financial times leaders on the beach must keep their eye on this upcoming event because it starts and stops in the spring of 2010 and if the municipality does not get an accurate count, it will plague the city for the next decade to come. To watch the meeting and see what was said go to www.miamibeachfl.gov

>>> PRESS RELEASE: Meeting Date: Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

Meeting time: 8:30 AM, Meeting Location: David’s Café, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach

Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower will kick-off the New Year as this week’s guest speaker at the January 5th meeting of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club. Facing a tough year financially, with reduced property tax values and a possible continued tourism downturn, it is expected that Mayor Bower will discuss the city’s efforts to maintain services without raising taxes, and other matters effecting the community. >>>There is no charge and everyone is welcome to attend. David Kelsey, Moderator for the Breakfast Club. For more information, contact David Kelsey. To be placed on the Breakfast Club’s email list, contact Harry Cherry. Both can be reached at: TuesdayMorningBreakfastClub@Yahoo.com>. To learn more about the Breakfast Club visit our new web site: www.MBTMBC.com (the Miami Beach Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club).

CITY OF CORAL GABLES
>>> PAST WDR: FEB 2009: With clock ticking, Carlos de Cespedes walks his dog at Gables outdoor farmer’s market, heads to federal prison with brother in March

Carlos de Cespedes is taking his last few days out of federal prison enjoying the community’s activities, he was spotted on Saturday at the Coral Gables outdoor farmer’s market walking with his small bulldog, wearing shorts, and a prominent FIU crested polo shirt. He and his brother Jorge were sentenced to around nine years for Medicare fraud and tax evasion but U.S. District Judge Patricia Seitz allowed them some time to get their affairs in order before going to prison. The pair founded the medical supply company known as Pharmed that grew into one of the largest Hispanic firms in the nation at its peak. However, during this time of growth, the brothers created a fraudulent scheme that went on for 14-years, and other defendants have been charges and sentenced as well. Both men were known for their philanthropy and more than 180 letters of support came in to the judge asking for leniency but she was not swayed by the community outpouring and gave a “significant” sentence said a U.S. attorney involved in the case. The brothers are to report to federal prison officials in March. This independence is great before turning yourself in, but what if he and his brother go on the run, since there are so many people that have been befriended by the two. >>> Editor’s note: At the federal court’s sentencing hearing is when U. S. District Judge Patricia Seitz said, “Only in South Florida is stopping at a red light or paying all your taxes an aspirational act.” In addition, the two brothers have since entered the federal prison system and are serving an almost nine-year term.

BAL HARBOUR VILLAGE
>>> PAST WDR: MARCH 2009: Councilman Jacobi settles with ethics commission, hit with $4,500 in fines & costs, and letter of reprimand

Bal Harbour Village Councilman Joel Jacobi settled with the Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust commission Thursday after a protracted legal battle between the elected leader and the commission advocate. Below is the commission ruling that has Jacobi paying $3,500 in fines, $1,000 in costs and letters of reprimand for the counts. Jacobi has 90-days to pay the fines. Further, his attorney claimed it was all an “accident” but Michael Murawski the advocate said when it came to the council member’s credibility it is “zero” or less. Here is the ethics commission ruling>>> 07-28: The Commission on Ethics imposed a fine of $3,500 and investigative costs of $1,000 against Respondent Joel Jacobi, Bal Harbour Councilmember, for his failure to timely file his financial disclosure forms and for filing forms which were incomplete and/or inaccurate. Additionally, the Commission on Ethics issued a Letter of Reprimand to Respondent Jacobi.

What do we know about Jacobi’s finances?

Jacobi through May 8, 2006 had a net worth of $316,500 and he lists owning $593,000 in household and personal goods. Property in Miami is worth $240,000 and a condominium in Bal Harbour is valued at $150,000 at the time. He has a Hummer H2 worth $40,000, a motorcycle is valued at $8,500, and he has $1,500 in stock of his law firm. He lists liabilities of $165,551 with Countrywide mortgage, there is $14,402 in credit card debt, a car loan is owed $45,188 and a personal loan from M. Jay Jacobi is owed $50,000. His income for the year was $40,000 from Jacobi & Jacobi PA, the Village of Bal Harbour kicked in $1,200, rental income was $7,000 and $9,277 came in from Home Equity Mortgage, state’s his financial disclosure form for the year.

CITY OF WEST MIAMI
>>> PAST WDR: They’re he goes again, Gov. Crist suspends West Miami Mayor Carasa, 33rd removal

Press release: Please see Executive Order 09-268, suspending Cesar Raul Carasa from the public office of mayor of the City of West Miami, Florida. >>> The mayor was popped by the state attorney’s office for racking up tens of thousands in cell phone bills on his city issued phone to a girlfriend overseas and tried to get the administration or the company to pay the bill.

>>> Past WDR: Statement by Governor Charlie Crist Regarding Statewide Grand Jury

Governor Charlie Crist today filed a Second Amended Petition with the Florida Supreme Court for order to impanel a Statewide Grand Jury. This petition provides the requirements stated in the Court’s November 30, 2009, order. “Corruption among local officials across our state erodes the sacred trust the people of Florida have with their elected leaders. Florida’s State Attorneys have done tremendous work to rid our state of corruption, yet the fact that I have suspended Florida’s 33rd public official in less than three years is clear evidence that more can and must be done. I am confident that the review by a Statewide Grand Jury will result in recommendations that will restore the public trust.” Please find attached the Second Amended Petition for Order to Impanel a Statewide Grand Jury filed today by Governor Charlie Crist.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
>>> 25th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference to be held in West Palm Beach January 7-10, 2010 Elected Officials, Environmental Groups, and Community Leaders to Discuss The Changing Face of Everglades Restoration

WHAT: The Everglades Coalition will host its 25th Annual Conference at the PGA Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. Hosted by the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, the conference will bring together leaders, elected officials, community and environmental activists, and the general public to discuss the Changing Face of Everglades Restoration, and develop solutions for the next ten years of the 2000 landmark law, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Conference sessions focus on the state of Florida’s River of Grass Initiative, climate change, diversity in restoration, national restoration initiatives, and ecosystem services programs, among other topics. WHO: The Everglades Coalition is an alliance of 53 local, state, and national conservation, environmental, and civic organizations dedicated to full restoration of the greater Everglades ecosystem. Its conference is the largest annual forum for Everglades conservation and restoration, bringing together the Coalition’s membership with its local, state, and federal partners. Members of Congress and the Florida state legislature, and other political figures come to the conference to discuss their positions, pledge their support and present challenges to the community.

Conference speakers confirmed to date: Former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton Assistant Secretary of the Interior Tom Strickland Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink U.S. Congressman Ron Klein Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy –Speakers invited: Florida Governor Charlie Crist, U.S. Senator George LeMieux, FL, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, FL –WHEN: Conference Dates: Thursday, January 7– Sunday, January 10, 2010 -*Press Conference: January 8, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Note: Press Conference will be preceded from 8:45 – 10:15 a.m. by Plenary Sessions I: 2020 Vision for the Everglades, moderated by John Adornato, National Parks Conservation Association, and will be followed by Plenary Session II: The River of Grass Initiative: An Historic Opportunity for Everyone to Win, moderated by Richard Grosso, Everglades Law Center, from 10:45-12:15 p.m. WHERE: PGA Resort and Spa, 400 Ave of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (800) 633-9150 Website: www.pgaresort.com >>> This year’s conference is located near the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, where our fieldtrip will be held on January 10. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton will address the Coalition, and guided tours will be available to a remnant of the Cypress forest that once stretched south to Miami-Dade; a butterfly garden; and an 80-acre microcosm of the Everglades where restoration techniques are tested. For more information about the Everglades Coalition and the Conference, or to register online, visit: www.evergladescoalition.org. To have a registration form faxed or mailed to you, contact Pat Carr (954) 942-3113 or patriciacarr@evergladescoalition.org For press credentials, materials, and questions, contact Shannon Andrea at 202-454-3371 or sandrea@npca.org.

The Watchdog Report received an anonymous letter Saturday signed by “A concerned citizen” and everyone in the world from the FBI’s local field office to a host of media outlets were copied. The writer says there are four problems going on in the Miami commission District 1 race that has former commissioner Wilfredo “Willy” Gort trying to make a political comeback but the letter does not say if he is doing any of this. Gort is facing eight other challengers in the winner take all race Jan. 12. The citizen says, “City employees on city time in city vehicles have been doing work for the upcoming commissioner election.” The writer also claims, “City officials have been promoting candidates while in uniform” that includes “handing out election material and collecting absentee ballots.” An incident is cited where a city employee “was confronted by law enforcement and released because law enforcement claimed they were not aware of election law” (Which is probable true). A final example was “a former aide of a former commissioner was caught handing out election materials while employed by the city on city time.” The writer says some of this has been documented but “no one has spoken up” but believes this must get out if Miami is not to be ruled by “people in the shadows pulling the levers of power in the City of Miami.”

I normally would not have written about this kind of information but during the November election. People were talking about the same kind of activities going on especially with the tens of thousands of absentee ballots being used by Miami voters. This race that has Gort trying to return to the dais needs to get some scrutiny and there is a way to report any irregularities concerning the election to authorities. Further, the commission District 5 race should be watched as well for suspended Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones is now running against eight other candidates and while I have not heard of anything irregular going on with absentee votes or city employees working for candidates in that district. It would not surprise me if election laws were also being pushed to the limit there as well. At the Miami-Dade state attorney’s office, reporting wayward voting activities and use of city personnel for one candidate or another should contact Ulises Martinez, the director of community outreach division at 305.547.0724. And the FBI or U.S. Attorney’s office can also be a public resource to call in information concerning the election and any irregularities that someone might have seen before the race is over, and there are only nine-days left before the two commission district elections.

>>> Leadership transitions on major public boards last year go smoothly, not like some in the past decade

Over the past decade, the Watchdog Report has done its best work with stopping some expenditures of public dollars, asking for a discount or reduction when it comes to contracts saving millions of dollars or killing some spending all together, but what is the value of having an orderly change in a public institution’s leadership? Over the past year, there has been a new chair of the Public Health Trust, John Copeland, III, and new CEO & President Eneida Roldan, M.D., after a national search was done, and no dramatics were involved in the process to replace out going President Marvin O’Quinn. The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade also changed its top board leaders when David Lawrence, Jr., stepped down as head of the oversight board since its creation in 2002 and he was the driving force of the public entity that was made permanent in August 2008 after voters overwhelmingly voted to codify its existence permanently. He was replaced by Maria A. Alonso as the chair of the body that oversees an over $110 million yearly budget.

The school board audit committee had a change of leadership as well. The torch passed for the third time last year to a new member after a decade of one person, Hank Mack chairing the district’s oversight and citizen firewall board but came to an end years ago, but not without pressure that included the Watchdog Report. Since that change, Jeffery Shapiro, Betty Amos and now Fredrick “Buck” Thornburgh have served as the body’s chair that oversees how the nation’s fourth largest public school district spends its money. While these orderly leadership changes may sound mundane, one needs to only remember the controversial and highly charged nature of the retirement of long serving and venerated PHT President Ira Clark, who at the end of his time there, was dealing with a medical issue and he passed last year.

South Florida is not the only place that changes in public institutions governance or CEOs has not come without problems but when you consider the size of the school district, over $5 billion or Jackson Memorial System, almost $2 billion. These are not small enterprises but huge ones that need to be watched diligently by these public boards and the press for the sum of the organizations activities are collectively larger than over a dozen states. Further, it is why I am sometimes hard on people on these volunteer boards for anything one of them does that is controversial or even a perception of it, reflects on the rest of the people serving and become what I call media friendly fire causalities. With the New Year, the Watchdog Report hopes current members on these important watchdog boards and candidates for these boards in the future keep only the highest ethical and performance standards for in the case of the PHT. The 15 member health trust members represent the health interest of 2.4 million Miami-Dade residents and that comes to roughly 160,000 people per trustee are represented on the board by these individuals that are highly screened and are in a high profile public position. Something everyone on these boards should remember during the coming year for the many economic challenges remain and only through transparent and thoughtful leadership in the future can these mine fields be navigated, something demonstrated by many citizens on these boards already. And for that leadership the Watchdog Report salutes each of you and wishes you the best of luck in the coming year dealing with these vexing issues. For the community is looking to you, you have accepted the responsibility and we are all in this together, something that should be remembered by us all in this new year of 2010.

LETTERS
>>>My friend I trust you had a great holiday. I’ve always appreciated and respected your good work. I wish we would have spoken prior to you putting out this report. The “ambush reporting” De Fede did on me is not inclusive of much but his erroneous conclusions…

As you know, I’ve been among the board members at the PHT who have for years been working overtime to ensure this great institution operate efficiently and transparently. I would have preferred to have spoken with you prior to you giving his amateurish and ambush press more play. Irrespective, I’m most interested in speaking with you if it is of interest to you so that you can understand the other side of the coin. The best for a great 2010!

Jorge L. Arrizurieta
Arrizurieta and Assoc. LLC.

>>> Very interesting… and you should look into Miami Shores Village Council… How come Mayor Davis had his company Rampmaster about to get

foreclosed on before the election and then a few months after. He is out of the red… His disclosure forms don’t say that he got a sudden inheritance, or windfall…

>>> Hello watchdog, Happy New Year

Alicia

>>> Best wishes for a happy, healthy, peaceful, prosperous and successful New Year!

Eva

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>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

>>> 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.

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