Florida: Gubernatorial candidate Scott finding out campaigns can be verbally tough in the trenches, easier to try to win by TV, but voters want a real person

Florida Supreme Court: Justice Polston in the spotlight, Gov. Crist tapped appellate judge in 2008, had $297,000 net worth through Apr. 2010

Miami-Dade County: 2010-2011 Budget books for $7.3 billion county operation a must read, narrative that goes from bad to worse in the out years

Broward County: Commissioner Lieberman in the spotlight, veteran politician but has mixed record, net worth through Dec. 2009 was $261,000

Palm Beach County: Commissioner Vana in the spotlight, elected in 2008 after commission purge, had $65,378 net worth through June

Bay County: Gov. Crist appoints Fishel of Panama City to the 14th Judicial Circuit Court.

Monroe County: Rep. Ros-Lehtinen says county is now eligible for SBA disaster loans

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Public hearing on $4.27 billion whopper of a budget, $321 million goes to debt service, will you attend?

Public Health Trust: Financial graphs from June 2008 carried financial alarm to community, but fell on deaf ears at the time

City of Miami: Test pilot Yeager & Mayor Regalado both push the limit in doing something, one breaks sound barrier, the other a zoning speed record

City of Miami Beach: PAST WDR: Litter, litter everywhere, beaches, and parks must be kept clean through education and zero tolerance enforcement, says Libbin

City of Coral Gables: Civics in action with big turnout to hear charter school issue, back Biltmore Hotel rent

Village of Key Biscayne: Council Member Kelly found to have no conflict when it comes to Sonesta Hotel rezoning vote

City of West Miami: Former West Miami Mayor Carasa Convicted in Ethics Violation Case – Sought to Have City Remedy Cell Phone Charges

Sunny Isles Beach: Former government employee okay to speak in public if not compensated, says county ethics commission

Community Events: Meet county commission candidates for Districts 8 — >>> Press release: Please join us for the long-awaited unveiling of the Julia Tuttle statue on Wednesday, July 28th at 9:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park in downtown – Miami Birthday Celebration July 28th at AAA — UM School of Communication Knight Center for International Media and the Discovery Channel Networks Planet Green present the U. S. television premiere: ONE WATER narrated by Martin Sheen

Editorials: Independent experts must review collective debt of Miami-Dade and its 35 municipalities and recommend a course of action

Letters: Reader points out their own mistake of the week at county commission

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.

>>> 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.

>>> 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 newsletter and news service that started its 11th Anniversary on May 5.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> High profile CPA Freeman, gets 8 ½ after embezzling $2.6 million from others accounts

Lewis B. Freeman, 61, the colorful personality, highly respected attorney and accountant was sentenced to 8 ½ years in federal prison Friday for the theft of $2.6 million of other people’s money, that he was entrusted with. The federal prosecutor in documents wrote Freeman diverted ‘$7 million from 14 fiduciary accounts over the past decade, violating the trust of victims and the courts,’ state’s The Miami Herald. However, 277 friends, community leaders and others wrote letters in support of a reduced sentence to U.S. District Judge Paul Huck for all his community and philanthropic deeds, and it swayed the jurist to sentence Freeman to the lesser time, not the 12 to 15-years under the federal sentencing guidelines www.miamiherald.com . Freeman was profiled in numerous news stories as the go-to guy when it came to forensic audits and finding hidden assets. He even did an analysis of the Miami-Dade Public Schools when Merrett Stierheim was the superintendent seven years ago, that Stierheim essentially called an inaccurate study, blasted it and would not pay the study’s bill. Freeman also employed a number of politically connected people including Miami Commission Chair Joe Sanchez for years, and he was the politician’s campaign treasurer including when Sanchez ran for mayor in Nov. He also for a shorter period employed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe Martinez in the early 2000s in his office.

The paper says he was taken into custody after the sentencing hearing with Huck and it ends a man’s once proud career professionally and within the community, but with the Ponzi scheme going over a decade. One has to wonder how he could deal with the duality and hypocrisy of what he was doing, especially when friends and institutions over the time are heaping praise and honors on you and while many know him better. I did get to know him over the past dozen years and he offered to help pay for the flight to my mother’s funeral in 2004, that I ended up not needing but the offer was appreciated at the time. Since this story first broke with the raid of his office by the FBI in Coconut Grove, the whole affair has only gotten sadder with one person going to federal prison and others scammed out of their own nest eggs.

I last saw Freeman at a Grove restaurant a few weeks back and he asked how I was doing? I told him I had almost passed in February, but after two major surgeries, I am continuing to heal. He remarked, “That’s how I feel” about almost dieing and we walked away. His comments in court papers seem to sum up this sad tale. ‘Using my education in accounting and law to help others is my greatest accomplishment. Breaking the law is my biggest disgrace,’ he is quoted saying.

>>> Press release: RECEIVER SENTENCED TO 121 MONTHS FOR THEFT OF FIDUCIARY FUNDS

Wifredo A. Ferrer, 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 that defendant Lewis B. Freeman, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Paul C. Huck. Freeman had pled guilty in March 2010 to a one-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. The Judge sentenced Freeman to a total of 121 months’ in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Restitution amount is to be determined within the next 90 days. According to the Information and statements made at the plea hearing, during at least the last 10 years, Freeman had 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, 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. Freeman admitted during his plea that from at least June 2000 through August 2009, he 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. Ferrer 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.

>>> White House Press release: Today, President Obama nominated Judge Charles Bernard Day and Kathleen M. Williams to United States District Court judgeships. “These candidates have distinguished records of service, and I am confident they will continue to serve the American people with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice, ” said President Obama.

>>> Judge Charles Bernard Day: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland

>> Judge Charles Bernard Day serves as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Maryland, a position he has held in the Court’s Greenbelt Division for 13 years. Judge Day began his legal career in 1985 as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Montgomery County. From 1989 until his appointment to the court in 1997, he was a civil litigation attorney at Sherman, Meehan, Curtin & Ain, P.C., where he became a partner in 1995. Judge Day received his J.D. in 1984 from the University of Maryland School of Law, his M.S. in 1980 from American University, and his B.A. in 1978 from the University of Maryland.

>> Kathleen M. Williams: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Kathleen M. Williams has served as the Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Florida since 1995. She previously served in the same District as Chief Assistant Federal Public Defender from 1990 to 1995 and as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1984 to 1988. Ms. Williams has worked in private practice as an associate in the Miami offices of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius from 1988 to 1990 and of Fowler, White, Burnett from 1982 to 1984. From 2002 until 2008, Ms. Williams was the Chairperson of the Federal Defender Advisory Group and the Defender representative to the Defender Services Committee of the Judicial Conference. Ms. Williams received her J.D. in 1982 from the University of Miami School of Law and her B.A. magna cum laude in 1978 from Duke University.

>>> ZOGBY Poll: Zogby Interactive: Obama Approval Rating Slips To 45%; GOP Holds Slim Lead In Congressional Generic Ballot -On Issues, Obama’s Positive Ratings Are 32% for Economy, 27% for Afghan War

President Barack Obama’s approval rating among likely voters slipped to 45% this week, his lowest rating ever in a Zogby Interactive poll. Obama’s positive ratings are even lower than his overall approval on a number of questions about handling of issues, including 32% on the economy and 27% on the War in Afghanistan. The July 16-19, 2010 interactive survey of 8,487 voters and has a margin of error +/- 1.1%. The poll also found that: Republicans lead Democrats, 43%-41%, on the question of which party’s Congressional candidate respondents intend to vote for this year, which is identical to a similar poll done on June 28. A total of 56% of voters say the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction with 35% choosing right direction and 9% not sure. This is an improvement from the June 28 poll that showed 60% choosing wrong direction, and a return to the mid-50% levels we have found throughout the year. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1878

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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 the WLRN/NPR showTopical 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.

>>> 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

>>> Candidate Scott finding out campaigns can be verbally tough in the trenches, easier to try to win by TV, but voters want a real person

Rick Scott, the insurgent outside candidate challenging Bill McCollum, the Florida attorney general for the Republican Party’s nod in its closed primary to be its champion for the gubernatorial election in November is taking some political knocks of his own www.miamiherald.com . Scott has been touring the state meeting with the electorate and while some of his stops have wooed future voters. He continues to be dogged about his role with Columbia/HCA as its CEO that had the private hospital chain later paying the federal government $1.7 billion penalty because of Medicare fraud over years. Scott, in his separation from the company got severance and hundreds of millions in stock options that later paid off. He is using a massive television ad campaign for months now trying to define McCollum with some party voters as a career politician, lobbyist, and the personification of what is not needed in Tallahassee.

McCollum has fought back with e-mails and ads of his own but the former congressman and two time losing U.S. Senate candidate is short on cash in comparison to Scott worth $218 million. McCollum has also moved to receive over $20 million in public campaign funds in the future to combat this media assault that has Scott leading the attorney general in the polls. However, McCollum’s request for public financing help from state coffers has raised some eyebrows since the state is in a major financial slump, with a over $7 billion shortfall in state funding during the next budget year, that is aggravated by the Deepwater Horizon catastrophic oil spill, and some insiders question if it was wise of him to request public financing given the tough economic times.

>>> House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala shot down Gov. Charlie Crist’s demand for a Special House Session Tuesday after opening and concluding the session as was required by law in less than an hour, and with no discussion allowed. Crist had called the session to approve legislation for state voters to consider in November banning off shore oil drilling. Critics note such legislation is already on the books, but last year there was a move in the House to get that legislation changed to allow a more liberal drilling policy, that after the Deepwater Horizon is totally out of the question politically. Critics also challenged the governor’s sincerity and timing since the language had to be done by Aug. 4 to be added to the state ballot. State Sen. Jeff Atwater, R- North Palm Beach, the Senate President was more inclined to allow the session to go forward but after the speaker’s maneuver. He ended the upper body’s session after a few hours, and legislators returned home having achieved nothing.

What do we know about Cretul & Atwater’s finances?

>>> Cretul through June 2010 had a net worth of $412,000 and he lists $35,500 in household goods. His share of a family trust is valued at $325,000, an auto is worth $29,500, there is $12,000 in a checking and savings account, and his home is worth $172,000. He lists liabilities of $11,200 for the auto, and owes $150,000 on a mortgage. His income for the year was $42,072 as a legislator and $24,000 came in his capacity as a real estate broker.

>>> Atwater through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $1.55 million and he lists $27,000 in household goods. There is $952 in an IRA, A Northern Trust account has $222,000, and his home is worth $267,000. The senate president owes $53,543 and $35,404 on mortgages, and income for the year was $41,903 as a lawmaker, Northern Trust kicked in $11,262, Riverside Bank contributed $82,208 and Bank of America provided $29,427 for the year.

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

>>> Justice Polston in the spotlight, Gov. Crist tapped appellate judge in 2008, had $297,000 net worth through Apr. 2010

Ricky Polston, the Florida Supreme Court Justice is in the Watchdog Report spotlight this week and Gov. Charlie Crist appointed the jurist Oct. 2008. He was an appeals judge prior to being elevated to the state’s highest 7-member court, and has many adopted children.

What do we know about his finances?

Polston through Apr. 10, 2010 had a net worth of $297,000, his home is worth $650,000, and he has a $3,375 asset with FSU. He lists liabilities of $500,000 and owes Regions Bank $25,044 and his only income was $160,000 as a Supreme Court judge. The jurist lists no gifts over $100.00.

>>> Justice’s web page: Justice Ricky Polston -Hometown – Graceville, Florida Spouse – Deborah Ehler Polston -Children – Ten (Adoptive parents of sibling group of 6) Degrees – J.D. with High Honors, Florida State University, 1986; B.S., Summa Cum Laude, Florida State University, 1977; A.A., Chipola Jr. College, 1975. Offices and Positions – Justice, Florida Supreme Court, October 2, 2008-present; Judge, First District Court of Appeal, January 2, 2001-October 1, 2008; Private Law Practice 1987- 2000; Adjunct Law Professor, Florida State University 2003-present; Certified Public Accountant 1978-present; Public Accounting Practice 1977-1984. … >>>Office Information: Justice Polston’s phone number is (850) 488-2361. His judicial assistant is Tamara L. Adkins, and his staff attorneys are Diane Cashin West, Diane G. DeWolf, and Denise Mayo. The mailing address is 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee FL 32399-1925. >>> Attorneys or law students interested in clerkships in this office should check our Law Clerk Recruitment Page. There also is information on Internships.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> 2010-2011 Budget books for $7.3 billion county budget has a must read, narrative that goes from bad to worse in the out years

County leaders, the administration and elected leaders staff and the public need to read the 19-page county manager narrative of the coming year 2010-2011 proposed budget. For many of the questions being asked at commission meetings would be reduced, and the quality of the discussion would go up given a familiarity of the comprehensive narrative in the first book of the three volume budget documents. The county’s proposed budget is $7.3 billion, of that $4.71 billion goes to direct operating costs and another $2.63 billion is funding for capital projects. The Unincorporated Municipal Service Area (UMSA) with over 1.07 million people of the county’s 2.46 million residents has its own budget breakdown and $2.18 billion is allocated to this unincorporated area and accounts for 46 percent of the total operating budget.

I thought about this issue after listening to the Jul. 20th commission meeting concerning the budget and one of the things these budget books highlight is future county debt payments that after 2012 seem to soar through the roof in payments owed on financed obligations. Water and Sewer has major payments in debt obligations in future years, the transit department and MIA also have the same issues and while many say this has to be done to keep up and maintain infrastructure across the board. The size of the county’s looming debt obligation in the coming years offers a warning to all in Miami-Dade that we as a community are financially overextended, and it is only getting worse in the out years. >>> These are substantial numbers and everybody in the community that cares should take a look at the numbers for some are grim in the years ahead. Further, the budget documents can be found in a number of places such as www.miamidade.gov , and are available at the county’s public library system.

>>> Commissioner Souto invokes the “Parade of Horribles”

“The Parade of Horrribles,” is what they call it in Tallahassee when it came to limiting spending or taxes said Commissioner Javier Souto, a former state legislator. “Kids will die, grass is not getting cut” and he believes that sentiment is “not true,” he said at Tuesday’s commission meeting. Souto when it comes to selling more bonds believes the county is maxed out, and “we failed to reserve money during the boom times and in this case with the bonds.” Someone has to pay for this and it is our grand children,” he thought. However, in the boom times, he went to the county trough for funding as well and only in the past few years has he decided to raise the fiscal alarm.

>>> The commission voted to retain the three federal lobbyists on the existing contract but expires in early August to a month-to-month basis, and a final vote on the new proposed four firm contracts is expected in September

>>> Commissioner Barreiro says Apple store has new App for county’s 311-call center and it is free

Commissioner Bruno Barreiro during a break in Tuesday’s commission meeting because of a lack of quorum did a quick public service announcement. He said the Apple app store now has a free download to get to the county’s 311 department that can be downloaded and allows residents to send potholes or other issues, with photos “directly into the 311 call center.” He looks forward “to using it a lot” or “maybe not,” if only a small number of such issues in his district come to his attention, he said. Joked chair Commissioner Dennis Moss, Barreiro is “the Techie” on the dais when it comes to using these hand held devices.

>>> Budget workshops after Aug. 25 primary elections, start Aug. 25

The Commission of the Whole will be meeting for budget workshops on Aug. 25, 26, 27 and possible Monday and Tuesday later if issues have not been hashed out yet. Commissioner Katy Sorenson is the point of the spear in the budget talks since she chairs the budget and sustainability committee. In the past, the body goes over the proposed budget with the administration and works to tweak the document to reflect the needs in their respective districts, including social services, money provided to the arts, and other issues that might be of concern or benefit of local constituents.

>>> Community Periodical Program funding is lined out in proposed budget

The county’s Periodical Program, that funds dozens of local newspapers to run county and commissioner stories and public announcements, that in the early 2000s made the elected leaders look like they had supernatural powers almost, that funding has been zeroed out in the county budget. Funding will still be available for money to run ads that are propriety to a county department but the almost $1 million in funding, unless the commission changes this lack of appropriation. The program will be cut. The program was reorganized in 2003 after a critical county audit found six papers that did not exist, had received around $20,000 from the county during the year looked at. The Watchdog Report has watched this program over the years since I get around $1,350.00 a year from the county in support and I actually produce something.

>>> County IG Report: Arrest of Former Tax Collector’s Office Employee for Defrauding the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, IG10-15, July 15, 2010.

>>> Press release: M-DC Ethics Commission: Public Reprimand issued to former Mayoral official; New Ethics Commissioner installed

As part of the settlement agreement approved last month with Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Denis Morales over charges he exploited his official position when he was chief of staff for Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the Ethics Commission today issued him a Public Reprimand. Morales has been demoted from his previous position and remitted a fine of $1,500 for the misappropriation of 40 hours of paid leave in March of 2009, while he was earning outside income teaching in Panama. Morales pleaded no contest to allegations in Complaint 10-25 that he violated the County’s Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance by citing earned leave for overtime work long after it expired, exempting himself from standard leave procedures and destroying payroll records. In mentioning the violations, the Reprimand notes, “Nothing serves to undermine the public’s trust more than arrogant government officials acting as if the laws and rules do not apply to them.” The letter calls Morales’ scheme “petty and shameful” and reminds him, “…his job is to serve the public and to safeguard their assets, not to exploit his position for his own benefit and financial gain.”

>>> Probable cause was found to a complaint (C 10-23) against an official of the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department for failing to follow the agency’s rules for her own pet. Raquel Cruz-Pino, a Code Enforcement Collection Manager, is accused of using her position to cancel citations for failing to vaccinate and obtain a license tag for her dog. She is also accused of violating the Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance for continuing to use a county pool vehicle as a “take home” car after being instructed to turn it in. The case may proceed to a public hearing or result in a negotiated settlement.

>>> The newest member of the Ethics Commission took the oath of office from the Chief Judge of the Eleventh Circuit, Joel Brown, before considering today’s agenda. Nelson Bellido is a partner in the Coral Gables-based law firm, Concepcion, Sexton & Martinez, P.A., and previously served with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office from 1993 to 1997. Bellido said he had a strong commitment to public service and was honored to be appointed to the post. >>> 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, outreach and enforcement, the Commission seeks to empower the community and bolster public trust.

>>> Press release: GMCVB will host the 1st Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser on Saturday, July 31, 2010. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Hall D from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., the event launches the much-anticipated 9th Annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program. Come enjoy a sampling of delicious culinary specialties from Miami Spice participating restaurants. A VIP reception, hosted by Miami Spice presenting sponsor American Express, and official sponsors Moet Hennessy USA and Stella Artois will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., and will include an open bar and complimentary valet service. Advance tickets are priced at $35 for general admission; $75 for the VIP reception. (Tickets available at the door, will be priced at $50 for general admission; $100 for the VIP reception.) A portion of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish. Kickoff schedule: 6-7 p.m. VIP access; 7-10 p.m. General admission, information at www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com. Also enjoy the Miami Spice Kickoff After Party, happening from 10 p.m. to midnight at the Parisian-inspired Louis Bar at Gansevoort Miami Beach. For details, click here.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Commissioner Lieberman in the spotlight, veteran politician but has mixed record, net worth through Dec. 2009 was $261,000

Long serving Broward Commissioner Ilene Lieberman is in the spotlight this week and she has cruised to reelection over the years and has been in municipal and county government for over two decades. Lieberman, an attorney whose husband works as a lobbyist also engages in that activity, though diminished from the past level of activity she did in that capacity in the mid 2000s. Lieberman and I have interacted over the decade and it was a verbal lashing she gave me that started my policy of always recording elected leaders comments about something I might have written about in the past. In her case, I took exception with her using her maiden name when she worked as a lobbyist and she claimed I just had a problem with lobbyist in general which is not the case. I question it only when it applies to an elected leader in that capacity.

What do we know about her finances?

Lieberman through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $1.31 million, down from $1.33 million in 2008 and her assets include $267,000 with Charles Schwab, there is $855,000 in Michelson Holdings stock, Bank of America has $6,262 and $3,063, a condominium in Miami is valued at $179,000 and there is $299,000 in the Florida Retirement Fund. Her listed liabilities are $26,141 with Lexus, two mortgages are owed $116,000 and $189,000 and there is another $1 million loan with B of A. The commissioner’s income for the year was $91,615 as an elected leader, $14,000 came in from an IRA, there is $1,380 in a money market and $2,645 in the bank, and her husband’s law office chipped in $8,960.

>>> Commissioner’s web page: Broward County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman has had an influential and well respected political presence in Broward County since she became a Lauderhill City Council Member in 1984. In their endorsement of her for County Commission, the Sun-Sentinel’s Editorial board stated that “she has been a dynamic, high energy and high-accomplishment political leader with a capital L ever since she first took office.” When she was elected to the County Commission , it is said that she added a whole new dimension. Commissioner Lieberman’s accomplishments in the political arena as well as her commitment to community service have been well recognized. Commissioner Lieberman is Vice-Chair of the National Association of Counties’ (NACO) Large Urban Caucus steering committee, the Vice-Chair of NACO’s Housing subcommittee and a member of the organization’s Community and Economic Development steering committee. She is the 2nd Vice President of the Florida Association of Counties, as well as a member of their Board of Directors. Commissioner Lieberman is a past President of the Florida League of Cities and currently and also sits on the Board of Directors. She was Chair of the Florida Association of Counties Urban Caucus and Chair of Florida’s Complete Count Committee. She is on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club and maintains memberships with numerous service clubs and community organizations that benefit from her involvement. She is the Board of County Commission appointment to the Resource Recovery Board, the South Florida Regional Planning Council, which she chairs, the Management and Efficiency Study Commission, and the Broward County Value Adjustment Board. Commissioner Lieberman is a member of the VisionBROWARD Executive Board. VisionBROWARD was launched when the Commissioner served as the Mayor of Broward County in 2003-2004. A mother of three, Commissioner Lieberman attended and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center in 1989 and was the class Valedictorian. http://www.broward.org/COMMISSION/DISTRICT1/Pages/Biography.aspx >> Broward County > County Commission > District 1 – Ilene Lieberman

>>> 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

>>> Commissioner Vana in the spotlight, elected in 2008 after commission purge, had $65,378 net worth through June

Commissioner Shelley Vana is in the spotlight this week and the former state legislator was first elected to the commission in 2008. She is a long time teacher in the Palm Beach school district and is part of the new compliment of commissioners after the feds indicted and sent to prison a number of other commissioners on the body back then.

What do we know about her finances?

Vana through June 2010 had a net worth of $65,378 and she lists $75,000 in household goods. Her home is worth $137,000, another is valued at $23,000, there is $69,000 in an IRA, a car is valued at $9,000 and there is $2,500 in cash. She lists a $500,000 and $130,000 liabilities on a mortgages, and there are two smaller loans. Her income for the year was $94,590 as a county commissioner.

>>> Commissioner’s web page: Shelley Vana was elected to serve as Palm Beach County Commissioner District 3 on November 4, 2008. She was sworn in and took office November 18, 2008. She was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2002. She represented Florida State House District 85 which included various cities in Central and Western Palm Beach County. She served as Vice Chair of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation from 2007-2008. Commissioner Vana was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania. She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received a BA in psychology. She is married and has two children and a granddaughter. Shelley has been a teacher in Palm Beach County for 24 years, teaching at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Jupiter High School and serving as a resource teacher for the County. As President and CEO of the Palm Beach County CTA, Shelley has served on the School District Audit Committee, Education Commission, Education Foundation and the Charter School District Advisory Board.

Commissioner Vana has been involved with Public Television and Radio for the past ten years as on-air talent. She hosted AIDS 101, the first weekly public affairs TV show addressing the AIDS epidemic. She also hosted and produced First Issue, a weekly public affairs radio program. As an elected member of the Florida House of Representatives, District 85 Shelley Vana was appointed to serve on the Education K-20 Committee, Education Appropriation Subcommittee, Education PreK-12 Subcommittee, Health Care Committee and the Health Care Standards Subcommittee. While serving in the Florida Legislature, she continued to perform her responsibilities as CTA President and her work with both Public Television and Public Radio. During her years of service, Commissioner Vana has received many awards from organizations :
301 North Olive Ave. Suite 1201, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, (561) 355-2203 -877-930-2203, (Toll Free outside the West Palm Beach calling area) E-mail Commissioner Vana >> Board of County Commissioners

>>> Press release: Miami man charges in Palm Beach mortgage fraud scam

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, Henry Gutierrez, Postal Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, J. Thomas Cardwell, Commissioner, State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulations, Amos Rojas, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Alex Sink, Chief Financial Officer, Florida Department of Financial Services, announce the July 6, 2010 filing of a criminal information against defendant Stanley Gabart, 29, of Miami, FL. The defendant surrendered on Thursday, July 8, 2010, and made his initial appearance in West Palm Beach federal court. The two-count information charges defendant Gabart with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and making false statements on loan applications to Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., in connection with the purchase of various properties.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum statutory term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count. Among the properties listed in the information are 3586 Royalle Terrace, Wellington, Florida; 10475 Trianon Place, Lake Worth, Florida, and 540 West Avenue, #1414, Miami Beach, Florida. According to the allegations in the information, Gabart conspired with others to submit loan applications for the properties that contained false information about the applicants’ employment, income, assets and intention to live in the homes. In addition, Gabart allegedly recruited straw purchasers and paid the straw purchasers a fee for participating in the scheme. The fraud scheme resulted in more than $7 million in losses to several banks. >>> This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the multi-agency Palm Beach Mortgage Fraud Task Force. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, U.S. Postal Service, State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, FDLE, and State of Florida’s Department of Financial Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Cohen. An information 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 or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

BAY COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist taps John L. Fishel of Panama City to the 14th Judicial Circuit Court.

“John’s extensive experience as a mediator and in practicing before the circuit court has prepared him to serve on the bench with fairness, common sense and a strong knowledge of the law,” said Governor Crist. “He also possesses the work ethic and integrity that will make him an invaluable asset to the people of the 14th Judicial Circuit.” Fishel, 47, has been a sole practitioner with the Law Offices of John L. Fishel since 2007, and was a partner with Boggs and Fishel from 1996 to 2006. From 1988 to 1995, Fishel practiced with Harrison, Sale, McCloy and Thompson. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his law degree from Florida State University. Fishel will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Richard Albritton.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> County is now eligible for SBA disaster loans, says Rep. Ros-Lehtinen

Press release: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior member of the Florida Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement upon learning that Monroe County is now eligible for SBA disaster loans. Statement from Ros-Lehtinen: “This decision is the correct one by the SBA as the economy of the Florida Keys is dependent on commercial and recreational fishermen, tourism and related businesses. The perception that oil has washed up on Keys beaches has caused much economic harm to area businesses. Many businesses, local leaders, community activists and I have been lobbying for this designation as we have seen firsthand the litany of cancellations from tourists who wrongly believe that oil has affected the beautiful marine areas of the Florida Keys. Also, BP must continue to streamline its claims process and efficiently expedite all legitimate claims. There should be no reason whatsoever to deny these claims.”

Ros-Lehtinen had sent several letters to Florida Governor Charlie Crist asking him to request that the US Small Business Administration (SBA) declare the Florida Keys as a disaster area. This would allow affected businesses to file claims for the economic losses they have incurred as a result of the Gulf oil spill. For more information on how affected businesses can apply for these loans, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or www.sba.gov/

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Public hearing on $4.27 billion Whopper of a budget, $321 million of that goes to debt service; will you attend?

The school board is holding its first public budget hearing on July 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the school board’s administrative building at 1450 N.E. Second Ave, in the Board’s chambers to discuss setting the proposed budget expenditures for fiscal year 2010-2011 and the advertised funding number is 2.8 percent higher than last years operating expenditures. The public school district is advertising a $4.27 billion budget next year, with $2.08 billion allocated for instruction, there is $474.5 million for facilities, and $321 million goes to debt service for the year. The district after almost having no reserves in 2008 has set aside $75.6 million in undesignated reserves and another $177.4 million is in designated reserves. Further, the board will consider a measure to impose a 1.55 mill property tax for capital outlays, and is above the 6.314 mills proposed for operating expenses and this extra millage allocation will generate $304.2 million for the distinct, if the body passes such a measure. The public can speak at the public hearing that is generally not televised and one year, almost a decade ago, no one signed up to speak during the public hearing portion. And I actually spoke because I could not believe how on auto pilot this activity had become for elected officials at the nation’s fourth largest public district that at the time was mired in scandals.

>>> School Board IG Report: Three Indicted in Connection with Southside Elementary School Modular Classroom Addition Construction Project Ref. IG09-10SB, July 1, 2010.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Financial graphs from June 2008 carried financial alarm to community, but fell on deaf ears at the time

The Watchdog Report has been running the graphs below since PHT CEO Marvin O’Quinn presented the information to the Miami-Dade County Commission in June 2008 and I run it again as a reminder of what the health trust faces everyday, now aggravated by the worse economy since the Great Depression. Jackson Health System has dropped off the community radar the last few weeks after almost going over a cliff financially a few months ago when its cash flow dropped precipitously. The institution, the safety net public hospital blows through about $4.5 million a day in cash and why cash on hand is such a critical component of the institution’s own financial health.

>>> PHT Nomination Council meets Jul. 28, Chair Moss will preside, with Rep. Zapata representing legislative delegation

The PHT Nomination Council headed up by Miami-Dade Commission Chair Dennis Moss will have its first organizational meeting, that will include the approving the running of public notices ads for trustee applications. The council this year will be made up of Moss, Commissioners Katy Sorenson, (the mayor’s appointee) and Sally Heyman, state Rep. Juan C. Zapata, R-Miami (the Legislative delegation chair), and John Copeland, III, the PHT board chairman. The meeting will be held July 28 at 2:00 p.m., in the second floor conference room in the Stephen P. Clark governmental center and it is open to the public. There are five trustee openings on the 17-member health trust board that includes two voting county commissioners. The board members terms are 3-years, the meetings are televised, and it is the highest profile citizen based board the county has ever created, and provides oversight to Jackson Health System. A public hospital enterprise that is around $1.8 billion in size with an $83 million plus monthly payroll.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Test pilot Yeager & Mayor Regalado both push the limit in doing something, one breaks sound barrier, the other a zoning coup

Legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier when it comes to getting somewhere fast in 1947, the new Miami Marlin’s stadium took almost a decade to approve and appears to be built in a few years on time and on budget, but in Miami, it only takes Mayor Tomas Regalado a week to push a multi story,1,600 space parking garage, capped by two separate gigantic media towers incorporating LED billboard walls with two sides each of LEDs doing the advertising through the Miami commission on Thursday by a 5 to 0 vote. The Miami Herald covered the meeting and project www.miamiherald.com but the paper’s parent company McClatchy owns the property located near the Arsht Performing Arts Center. The property in question was put on contract by a developer that was dubbed the Wal Mart on the Bay project at the site, already approved by a previous city commission a few years ago. In this case, Regalado over the past few months was working behind the scenes with the developer and city staff and the velocity of the plan working through city hall is breathtaking, and commissioners would not consider a 30-day delay on the vote last week, allowing more studies to be done on the impact of the billboard lights, something like in the Ginza section of Tokyo, on the surrounding neighborhoods here in Miami.

At the commission meetings, many spoke in favor of the extra light since it would reduce the amount of crime and homeless people that populated the area at night. They also believed it would jazz up the whole area, make it more vibrant for the many young people that are moving into the new condominiums that Commissioner Marc Sarnoff predicted will be sold off by the end of the year. He believed one catalyst for this was the Miami Heat picking up two high profile players recently that had Regalado likening the recent trades and the team’s games to “42 Super Bowls” when it comes to fan turnout when the Heat plays at home at the AAA.

However, there is also the question of the structures legality and the developer and his attorneys have the job to ensure it is legally compliant with all, county, state and any other laws that might apply to such a structure. From the Watchdog Report’s standpoint, I am surprised that in a city where it can take up to a year to get a pothole fixed. For the zoning legislative process to move so quickly, regardless of the merits of the project does not make good public policy. Further, the second reading for the deal is scheduled for July 29 and the city clerk’s office had them already printed out with the media towers operating agreement the subject along with other legislation language needed to get the project passed. And I for one am going to watch how this whole project plays out in the months and years to come.

Anything unusual happen?

A grey haired long time Miami developer who helped bring the Rouse Company to build Bayside decades ago, dressed in a dark blue suit and looking quite confident and content after speaking in front of the commission in favor of the media tower project. He looked down at me sitting in the lobby, gave me a wink of the eye, like the project was all taken care of, and I almost suggested he see a physician about his eye issue, but demurred.

>>> Fired Miami Attorney Jorge Fernandez was spotted at Thursday’s commission meeting and he has already cost the city about $250,000 in attorney’s fees since his sudden departure after a scandal, and a state attorney investigation.

>>> Marc Sarnoff seems to have resigned himself to the fact he will not be seeking any higher elected office. “I won’t go any further in politics than right here,” he suggested. He then went on to say his wife did not want to him to say this but when they arrived at the AAA to celebrate the arrival of the two basketball super stars. They witnessed a homeless woman after she had just eaten. “Drop her pants and do a number two, if you will,” something he had not seen before and wondered how tourists from Brazil and other countries might keep that act in their mind when they think of Miami, he mussed.

>>> Comment of the week

At the Miami Sports and Exhibition meeting last week, my cell phone went off and I rushed out of the room. However, my tape recorder was still there and Mayor Tomas Regalado joked “That’s [Miami-Dade] county calling” me which in a way was true. The caller was telling me about the conviction of the ex West Miami Mayor who racked up a huge cell phone bill, and tried to get it paid on the public dime.

>>> Next week the Watchdog Report will cover what is going on with the Volvo Ocean Race coming to Miami in the spring of 2012, its impact on the economy and how much money the organization is asking for from the city of Miami. For more information go to www.volvooceanracemiami.org

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>>PAST WDR: Litter, litter everywhere, beaches, and parks must be kept clean through education and zero tolerance enforcement, says Libbin

Litter, litter everywhere but with all the budget shortfalls hammering counties and municipalities who and how is all this garbage on beaches, parks and along road ways ever going to get picked up in this “new normal” when it comes to public entities finances. A small group of people, less than a dozen at the county along with Miami Beach Commissioner Jerry Libbin met in a 10th floor conference room in government center Friday afternoon to discuss what to do about the issue. Jack Kardys, the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation director said when it came to litter at the parks and beaches. It is unbelievable what these visitors leave behind. He noted some of the worse offenders were high school and college age kids and they just refuse to pick up after themselves. A suggestion is to activate these students to help through education and perhaps as community services projects, or part of trips to these destinations to participate more in the effort, that has to be free since government does not have the money.

Libbin has been an pick-up the litter advocate on Miami Beach and has held numerous beach clean-up details and a new public relations blown-up photo depicting trash on the beach asking people to pick it up is on buses and other city vehicles in South Beach, that includes a large sign on the highway going into the Beach noting the city’s litter laws, and the fact these are enforced. The commissioner has pushed for education, but also “enforcement” and over 400 citations have been written since the crack down. He also said the city gives out biodegradable trash bags for people to use and suggested the county use the same type in their effort for a drastic clean up, possible first to be tried this summer at Haulover and Crandon Parks beaches. Further, given Libbin’s new gig as CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber, this clean up also makes good business sense and is a win-win for him in his new capacity of business cheerleader. However, beaches and parks are living environments with all kinds of creatures nesting and any clean-ups must also be environmentally sensitive to the living habitat these areas provide for multiple species. >>> Here is further information about the county’s park and recreation department and programs during the summer break.

Jack Kardys – Director Miami-Dade County’s Park and Recreation Department – Phone: 305-755-7800, Mission: To create outstanding Recreational, Natural, and Cultural experiences to enrich you and to enhance our community for this and future generations. www.miamidade.gov

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Civics in action with big turnout to here charter school issue, back Biltmore Hotel rent

Civics was in action Monday night when the commission had a Special Commission Meeting to try to resolve the number of students at a new charter school and the back rent owed by the Biltmore Hotel. The Watchdog Report has not seen this kind of resident turnout in a decade and it shows the vibrancy of Democracy in Coral Gables. In the case of the school, local neighbors objecting wore their buttons and the school’s supporters wore their own patch of support. When it came to the media, it was there in spades and for many reporters it might have been their first time in the confined commission chambers, when participant numbers swelled like it did that night.

I did not stay for the meeting but did chat with Mayor Donald Slesnick, II and Commissioner Maria Anderson before they went in and they were bracing for what turned out to be a long meeting. However, I was gratified that people got involved in such a way, the media was all over the proceedings and while in the case of the school, litigation appears to continue it was democracy in action and when it becomes robust as in this case. That is a good thing.

City OF WEST MIAMI

>>> Press release: Former West Miami Mayor Carasa Convicted in Ethics Violation Case – Sought to Have City Remedy Cell Phone Charges

Last night, a criminal court jury convicted former City of West Miami Mayor Cesar R. Carasa of 1 count of Exploitation of Official Position, in violation of Miami-Dade County Code. The jury convicted Mr. Carasa of having directed or requested City of West Miami officials to have Sprint to waive or reduce cell phone charges presented to the City for which he was personally liable. The criminal investigation was jointly conducted by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office and the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust after allegations surfaced that then-Mayor Carasa had run up approximately $70,000 of telephone charges on his city issued cell phone intended only for city business. When faced with the prospect of paying such a large bill, he sought the city’s direct intervention with the telephone company. This criminal violation of the Miami-Dade County Ethics Code carries a misdemeanor criminal penalty.

“It is bad enough for a public official to use his city tools, in this case his cell phone, for personal use, But trying to have the city eliminate a personal debt only compounded this misuse of office and justifiably outraged the people of the City of West Miami,” commented Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “The highly professional work by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust’s investigators laid a solid foundation for the prosecution of this case.” “Due to the collective efforts of the State Attorney’s Office and the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, an unethical public official has been convicted of abusing his power,” commented Robert Meyers, Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. “This conviction should serve as a reminder to all local public servants that intentionally violating local ethics laws may result in criminal prosecution, in addition to fines, public reprimand and loss of respect.”

VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE

>>> Council Member Kelly found to have no conflict when it comes to Sonesta Hotel rezoning

A Key Biscayne Village Council Member sought an official opinion (RQO 10-20) whether he has a conflict of interest in attempts to rezone the site of the former Sonesta Hotel, as the owners allege. Dr. Michael Kelly lives in one of 55 single family homes immediately west of the beach front land and has proposed restrictions that would reduce the density from what is currently allowed, if a different site plan is submitted. Several high-rise buildings are also adjacent to the property, and the number of nearby residents totals approximately 1,500. The Ethics Commission opined that Councilman Kelly does not have a conflict and may vote on the rezoning because he doesn’t have a relationship with those involved in the redevelopment and he will not be affected by the vote differently from the general public.

SUNNY ISLES BEACH

>>> Former government employee okay to speak in public if not compensated, says county ethics commission

Is public testimony by a recently departed official in a quasi-judicial proceeding a violation of the so-called “two year rule” limiting lobbying by former employees? That was the request for opinion (RQO 10-19) on behalf of Robert Solera who left as Director of the Community Development Department in Sunny Isles Beach a little more than a year ago. Solera was called as a witness by representatives of Temple B’Nai Zion during debate over its possible historic preservation designation. Solera is not associated with the Temple and is not being compensated for his testimony. The Ethics Commission ruled that, under County law, former government employees are NOT lobbying when they testify in publicly noticed quasi-judicial proceedings, and therefore, would not violate the prohibition on appearing before the same government within two years following their separation. The Sunny Isles Beach lobbying ordinance differs from the County’s, and a separate request for opinion would be needed to address its applicability.

>>> Ethics commission 2008 report on compensation and benefits: The City of Sunny Isles Beach’s Mayor receives a salary of $16,110 yearly. Council Members receive a salary of $12,888 yearly. Council Members and the Mayor each receive a yearly expense allowance of $4,405. The allowance is not treated as taxable income, and officials are only reimbursed upon providing receipts for the expenses. Council Members and the Mayor do not receive a vehicle or allowance, though they are reimbursed for mileage and legitimate expenses. The City does provide cellular phones for elected officials, officials said.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Press release: Please join us for the long-awaited unveiling of the Julia Tuttle statue on Wednesday, July 28th at 9:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. The ceremony will take place in the southern end of the park, adjacent to the children’s playground, not too far from the entrance to the Intercontinental Hotel. It will be held in an air-conditioned tent with light refreshments; there will be a program and then the actual unveiling of the statue. Everyone is encouraged to use the metro mover to get to the park. Kindly RSVP to the Downtown Development Authority at 305-579-6675 or at info@miamidda.com.

>>> July 28 – 6:00 PM -City of Miami – 114th Birthday Celebration This special event will feature the sights, sounds and tastes of Miami at the exciting American Airlines Arena’s center court. There will be delicious food tasting from 20+ restaurants … and much more! American Airlines Arena – 601 Biscayne Blvd Tickets for this extraordinary event will be sold at $25 each through the American Airlines Arena website with 100% of ticket sales going to several local charities.

>>> Press release: SAVE THE DATE! SET YOUR RECORDERS! >> The University of Miami School of Communication Knight Center for International Media and the Discovery Channel Networks Planet Green present the U. S. television premiere: ONE WATER narrated by Martin Sheen With captivating music and stunning images, ONE WATER is the story of the many ways water touches human lives around the globe and the struggles some endure for this valuable resource. Airing on the Planet Green Channel, ONE WATER, will be a featured program in “Blue August,” a month of programming focusing on our oceans, seas and critical water issues. Monday, August 2 at 12 a.m. & 9 p.m. E.D.T. Tuesday, August 3 at 4 p.m. E.D.T., Saturday, August 7 at 1 a.m. and 10 p.m. E.D.T. If you are in the Miami area: Comcast offers Planet Green on channel 113. DIRECTV subscribers tune into channel 286, also available in HD. DISH Network offers Planet Green on channel 194, HD (coming soon). AT&T U-verse subscribers tune into channel 465 of 1465 for HD. Please check your local channel lineup if you are outside of the Miami area.

>>> WEDNESDAY, JULY 28TH -Meet Your County Commission Candidates for District 8 and District 10, General Membership Breakfast, Miami Marriott Dadeland, 9100 South Dadeland Boulevard, 7:15am

EDITORIALS

>>> Independent experts must review collective debt of Miami-Dade and its 35 municipalities and recommend a course of action

Debt is not a sexy issue and when it comes to public debt, many people in the community give a big yawn but here in South Florida we are a microcosm of the nation’s debt problems, and future financial obligations. A commission of experts needs to be assembled to deal with the problem here in an aggregate way from Miami-Dade County on down to the 35 municipalities that make up our community. At the city of Miami, commissioners got a wake up call when they had to vote for a slight tax increase when it came to the $255 million GOB interest payments last week and more of this will come from other cities as well. At the county, the proposed 2010-2011 budget book has also a five year outlook in many aspects and the numbers in the out years become potentially unmanageable, and when you add the debt of the cities, the years ahead present real challenges when it comes just servicing the interest due and the problem needs to be addressed now.

After decades of continued growth throughout the state of Florida, local public institutions got used to always getting extra money and project after project have been added on, over the years. But now questions are also being raised if there is public money to maintain and provide programming in the future and with another few years at the least being down when it comes to real estate values. Public institutions must come together and address the issue collectively for it is too large of an issue to try to address in a piece meal fashion. Miami-Dade has a rich history of creating board’s to look at critical issues vital to the county from healthcare issues, to new schools, or facilities at the Jackson Health System and the Watchdog Report believes now is the time to take on this community time bomb while it can still be defused over a considerable amount of time but the problem must be addressed. Growth and development in South Florida has changed, and many die hard fiscal assumptions have been turned upside down but the “beat goes on” as County Commissioner Javier Souto pointed out last week when the commission approved another set of bonds to be sold. However, these debt instruments have to be paid back, and many of the elected leaders in office or running the different administrations will no longer be there, and is why an outside look of this issue is so necessary. For, the collective number I suspect is in the tens of billions of dollars and there is only so much debt capacity available within the community as a whole. And only by looking at the issue in its totality, will one see magnitude of the problem and why it must be addressed now, and not later for it is like a community cancer that is only is growing in size.

LETTERS

>>> A reader’s mistake of the week

The mistake of the week: Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman offering up some of her office funds to support the Cancer Awareness project at the Health and Public Safety Committee (a worthwhile cause) but then stating “no taxpayer funds” are being used. Is she reaching into her own pocket and funding her office budget? Doubtful. Just another example of a politician using our money and claiming it’s from them.

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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

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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.

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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Argus Report: Déjà vu  for Watchdog Report when it comes to Medicare fraud blowout, has been a growing cancer within South Florida for decades

Florida: Crist huddles with UM-CSTARS scientists looking for answers on oil spill since “this thing is a moving object” coming Florida’s way

Florida Supreme Court: Justice Lewis in the spotlight, longest serving on Supreme Court, had $3.9 million net worth through Apr. 2010

Miami-Dade County: Has independence of ethics commission & IG been absorbed by BCC? Organizational chart ends dotted line relationship

Broward County: Congressional candidate Moise hits the TV airwaves, but also has mixed history in Miami-Dade

Palm Beach County: Commissioner Koons first elected in 2002, county gets new IG, leaders net worth through Dec. 2009 was $15.69 million

Monroe County: PAST WDR: May, 2010: Administrator Gastesi says come on down to Keys, “Water is extremely clear for diving”

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Testy exchange at board meeting has Perez and Diaz de la Portilla exiting through back door continuing the discussion

Public Health Trust: PHT board may lose independence, legislation moving through county commission that must be complied with, meetings moving to be held in BCC Chambers

City of Miami: Indicted commissioner Spence-Jones gets break with Carey-Shuler recanting testimony, if exonerated would serve out Dist. 5 term to 2013

City of Miami Beach: Commissioners Gongora & Weithorn on budget, union contract givebacks, and tentative millage roll back rate

City of Coral Gables: Mayor Slesnick & Commissioner Anderson on commission meeting, Biltmore rent, tax millage the story of the day

City of Doral: City and Community Partnership for Homeless collect school supplies for children in need

Community Events: Meet county commission candidates for Districts 8 – >>> Press release: Please join us for the long-awaited unveiling of the Julia Tuttle statue on Wednesday, July 28th at 9:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park in downtown — UM School of Communication Knight Center for International Media and the Discovery Channel Networks Planet Green present the U. S. television premiere: ONE WATER narrated by Martin Sheen

Editorials: Watchdog Report is seeing medical venders wining and dining doctors again, a no no — Voters must ask candidates how they plan to make a living, outside employment activity much of why Gov. Crist has suspended 40 officials — Voters finally get independent oversight boards get neutered by politicians over time

Letters: Letter from a Biltmore neighbor to Coral Gables leaders on charter school

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.

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundationwww.knightfoundation.org for funding the University of Miami’s Knight Center of International Mediahttp://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.

>>> 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 newsletter and news service that started its 11^th Anniversary on May 5.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Déjà vu for Watchdog Report when it comes to Medicare fraud blowout, after 11-years of covering it, has become a cancer within South Florida

It was déjà vu Friday when Eric Holder, the U.S. Attorney General and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius walked onto the stage at the Knight Center in the downtown Miami Hyatt Hotel, for the topic was Medicare fraud, where South Florida is “ground zero” for decades of such illegal activity. Holder said the area “is under siege” and these people “are lining their pockets” at the American “taxpayers’ expense” and the activity causes Americans to have higher insurance premiums and taxes. He said law enforcement and other federal agencies are “fighting back” with the establishment of a group called the Healthcare Enforcement Task Force and last year “alone $2.5 billion” in recovered fraudulent  funds was “deposited into the “Medicare Trust Fund” and said there is still “1,600 healthcare fraud investigations pending.”

How did S. Florida get this dubious fraud reputation?

The Watchdog Report for the past 11-years has written extensively about this problem, watched the local U.S. Attorney at the time Marcos Jimenez beef up the FBI healthcare fraud detail to two units in 2003, and his efforts were followed by Alex Acosta, the succeeding top federal cop in the Southern District of Florida. It was Acosta that first coined the response when I asked him if South Florida was the “graduate school of fraud” after numerous press conferences over months at the attorney’s offices with well over $1 billion in fraud being uncovered in 13 –months. He said at the time, “Yes we are the graduate school for fraud” sadly and he lamented the fact it was so rampant noting only through the help of citizens speaking up when they were charged for services or drugs could the overall issue come under reasonable control. That user involvement in the monitoring process has been missing to date and the federal officials at the task force summit made that same point.  Sebelius noted that Medicare has 48 million beneficiaries in the system and that is a lot of eyes when it comes to potential fraud monitors.

When it comes to federal investigators, South Florida has also become the place to learn the latest “tactics” on how to fight healthcare fraud scams and any case around the nation but has a Miami connection. The lead federal prosecution in the case usually comes from here. Wilfredo Ferrer, the newly sworn in U.S. Attorney here in South Florida has also accepted the baton to fight this scourge that is costing the nation around $60 billion in fraud yearly, with the highest fraudulent area being here in Palm Beach, Broward, and epicenter Miami-Dade. In the past, the Watchdog Report has also reported that when it came to Medicaid, the state health insurance program, at least $1.2 billion went into fraud yearly and that number is now considered low in actual dollars scammed by fraudulent claims currently in the state.

Critics have been begging for greater vigilance and oversight that for decades was lax and enforcement was called “pay and chase” where the government paid the claim, and then later would chase after the bogus claims in the future. However, with the new national healthcare bill passed by congress recently that mode of operation has changed, with more oversight, and much stiffer penalties for those gaming of the system and locally a number of defendants have been given significant prison time for this activity. And includes the two Cespedes brothers locally being sentenced to over nine-years last year after over a decade of ripping off Medicare and under reporting their income to the IRS.

What have I heard locally in a restaurant?

A few months ago while I was recovering from my surgery, two men sitting diagonally from me at a restaurant were talking about a friend that started a medical company bilking Medicare and the biggest problem they said he had was “what to do with all the cash” that rolled in religiously since the federal government pays on a certain schedule. One man said it was like the days of “the Cocaine Cowboys” in the early 1980s and I was shocked they were talking so openly about someone scamming taxpayers using the federal government and shows how accepted the practice is here in South Florida. Others on the other hand, who have experience with healthcare fraud have said its about time the feds are getting serious about this rampant theft of public dollars and some have called it a cancer deep within our community, that has only kept growing over the years. >>> For more information or to report Medicare or Medicaid fraud go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov orwww.myflorida.gov

>>> Press release: Miami: U.S. Atty. Holder’s comments at the Medicare Strike Force Press conference

Today I’m joined by several key leaders and partners in the U.S. government’s fight against health care fraud: Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Special Agent in Charge John Gillies of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, HHS Inspector General Daniel Levinson and the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Willy Ferrer.

We are here to announce the results of the largest federal health care fraud takedown in our nation’s history: 94 people in four cities have been charged for their alleged participation in schemes to submit more than $251 million in false Medicare claims.  Here in Miami, 24 defendants have been charged for their alleged involvement in fraud schemes totaling approximately $103 million.  Additional arrests have been made in Baton Rouge, Brooklyn and Detroit. Through this operation, we have stopped various large-scale fraud attempts.  We have safeguarded precious taxpayer dollars.  And we have helped to protect our nation’s most essential health care programs – Medicare and Medicaid – which provide critical assistance to elderly, disabled and impoverished Americans.

Today’s operation was led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, a joint initiative between the Departments of Justice and HHS.  More than 360 law enforcement agents from the FBI, HHS-Office of Inspector General, multiple Medicaid Fraud Control Units, and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies participated.  And I want to recognize and applaud these agents for this outstanding work. As today’s arrests prove, the federal government is working aggressively – and collaboratively – to pursue health care criminals around the country and to bring these offenders to justice. Those charged today include physicians, medical assistants, and health care company owners and executives.  According to the indictments, these defendants participated in schemes to submit claims to Medicare for treatments that were not medically necessary and, oftentimes, never provided. Although today marks a critical step forward in combating and deterring such illegal activity, our work is far from over.  In addition to making arrests around the country, law enforcement agents are executing search warrants in connection with ongoing health care fraud investigations.  We will continue to follow the evidence in these cases wherever it leads us. Our continued Strike Force operations reflect the unprecedented commitment that inspired the creation of the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team – known as HEAT – in May of last year.  Through HEAT, we’ve ensured that the fight against health care fraud is a Cabinet-level priority.  And we are strengthening our capacity to fight health care fraud at every level, most especially through the enhanced use of our joint Medicare Fraud Strike Force.

Since March 2007, when the first phase of the Strike Force was launched here in South Florida, this initiative has resulted in the indictments of more than 810 organizations and individuals, including those charged today.  By improperly billing Medicare for more than $1.85 billion, these criminals have siphoned resources from the most vulnerable among us.  Their actions have also helped to drive up health care costs nationwide. With today’s arrests, we’re putting would-be criminals on notice:  Health care fraud is no longer a safe bet.  It’s no longer easy money.  If you choose to engage in health care fraud, you will be found; you will be stopped; and you will be brought to justice. Once again, I want to thank the agents, investigators, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and many partners involved in today’s takedown.  They are the key to our ultimate success in the fight against health care fraud.

>>> Press release: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on the announcement that former State Department employee Kendall Myers was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for spying on the United States for the Cuban regime, and that Myers’ wife, Gwendolyn, would serve 81 months for her role in helping her husband spy for Cuba. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“We may never know the full extent of the damage caused by Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers.  What we do know though, as illustrated by the Cuban regime’s support of their 30-plus years of espionage, is that the Havana dictatorship remains committed to undermining the United States at every turn. “I would like to commend all of the U.S. law enforcement personnel who helped to capture the Myers’; however this is just the tip of the iceberg. “Today’s sentencing is but the first step in a necessary process to provide accountability and to uncover the truth about the dangers that Cuba’s spy operation, and the Myers’ involvement in it, poses to U.S. security.”

>>> Poll by Zogby Interactive:  By Slim Margin, Voters Say Kagan Should Be Confirmed Opposition Up Slightly from A Month Ago

Likely voters, by a slim 45%-43% margin, say the full Senate should confirm Supreme Court Justice nominee Elena Kagan, a new Zogby Interactive Poll finds. On the eve of the U.S. Senate Judiciary vote on Kagan’s confirmation, Opposition is up from one month ago when support was 46%-35%. Voters are split as to whether Kagan’s confirmation hearing before the Judiciary Committee made them more or less likely to believe she should be confirmed, with 42% saying more likely and 41% less likely. The poll of 2,055 likely voters was conducted from July 7-11 and has a margin of error of +/- 2.2 percentage points. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website:
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1876

>>> Check out this week’s Issues on www.WPBT2.org _Watch This Week’s Issues -Here are the links to watch this week’s program on uVu. Interview with City of Miami Commissioner Willy Gort >>> Interview with Jackson Health CEO Eneida Roldan

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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 the WLRN/NPR showTopical 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.

>>> 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

>>> Crist huddles with UM-CSTARS scientist looking for answers on oil spill since “this thing is a moving object” coming Florida’s way

Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $466,000) took a road trip Wednesday to the University’s of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science to huddle with experts and local legislative leaders about dealing with the massive oil spill and its impact on the state of Florida. The Independent Party governor said he has spent so much time on Pensacola beaches over the past months where the oil and tar balls are washing up that he feels “like a resident of Pensacola” and the time there has certainly “enhanced my tan,” he somberly joked.

Crist came to Miami because the university has CSTARS, an eye in the sky research operation that studies the environment and it has been tracking the spill since day one, 24/7 as previously reported in the Watchdog Report. The facility in Richmond Heights, with three different satellite dishes taps into 20 satellites in the sky and the images have a resolution “of one meter,” and the information they are getting is being passed on to federal, state and local authorities. The scientist’s attending said they were working on tracking this massive spill, the role of the loop current, but it is difficult to do computer models since the quantity of the oil released is unknown, and what the long term environmental issues will be with all the disbursement chemicals that are being used, on a scale never before seen.

James Englehardt, Ph.D., a UM scientist told the attendees that he had predicted a “big event” for years, but in this case, their knowledge of deep-water currents in the Gulf is up in the air. “We don’t know enough about the currents.” He noted as we speak the oil “is under going change” and much of the oil will remain on the bottom of the Gulf and this “sunken oil” will create “tar mats for decades” on the sea bottom and he predicted “we will see some effects in the future on Florida.” Crist noted after the scientist’s explanation about his concern of a major spill that “it has occurred” and the massive spills impact is cutting across all segments of Florida’s economy, environment and residents and it is not over yet. “This thing is a moving object,” said Crist and he is looking for ways “to know how to address that” matter. Crist said the disaster “is affecting [all aspects] of the economy and environment” and since the state is so dependent on tourism, “with 85 million people” visiting in a year. He said massive mitigation has got to be done to keep the beaches and wetlands clean. The governor said tourists “visit Florida because it is so beautiful” and his greatest concern here in South Florida “is the loop currents bringing the slick up the Straits of Florida and up the east coast” of the state.

The governor has called for a Special Session this week of the legislature to vote on a state constitutional question, for voters to consider to be added to the Nov. ballot. This amendment if passed would add in the state’s constitution the banning of off shore oil drilling, and he believes the iron is hot when it comes to getting this prohibition passed by lawmakers and state voters in November. However, there is a deadline and any ballot issue has to be done by Aug. 4 to be included on the general election ballot in November. For more information about Rosenstiel and CSTARS go to www.rsmas.miami.edu.oil-spill/

What about local business and the spill?

During the proceedings, representatives around the table gave their point of views and asked questions. Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff’s (Net worth $2.17 million) chief of staff Ron Nelson said he got a break on a fishing charter last weekend because of the spills local impact had on the industry, even though there has been no oil spotted here yet. Nelson told Crist and others at the meeting he caught two fish and the boat’s captain gave him “a great deal” because of the down economy.

>>> Children’s Trust to honor Caceras-Gonzalez and Sister Cecotti with Champion for Children Award

The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade met Monday, Trutees have chosen the winners of the organization’s awards for the year, they will be honored at a celebration, and the event will have a Haitian theme. The chosen recipients of the David Lawrence Jr., Champion for Children Award are Jean Caceras-Gonzalez, the executive director of His House Children’s Home and Sister Lucia Cecotti, the executive director of Marion Center Schools & Services. The award named after Lawrence, the Trust’s Founding Chair is given out to those people that truly, over an extended number of years have helped the plight of our most vulnerable community residents, our children. He told the nominating committee, in its sixth year of giving out awards last week, that people selected for the award named after him should have done work in children’s service for a long time in the community. He also believed it was important to honor them “while still on planet earth,” he thought.

The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade is also awarding state Sen. Rudy Garcia, R-Hialeah its Excellence in Public Policy Award for all his work as an advocate for children over the decades he has been in office, most recently during the past Florida Senate session. Garcia, first elected to the state House at the tender age of 21, went over to the senate in 2002, and throughout his political career has never lost an election. Over the years the Trust’s past honorees have included, state Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, former state Rep. Gus Barreiro, R-Miami, Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz, and Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower.

Other recipients of other honors will be Thomas Armour Youth Ballet, for Excellence in Youth Programming for Schools & Success, The University of Miami’s Linda Ray Intervention Center Project called Hand-n-Hand is being awarded the Excellence in School Readiness Programs award, the Excellence in Direct Service for Children & Family Award is going to Daryl Miller, the park manager at Leisure Park owned and run by Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation department, and the Excellence in Health, Family, or Community Services Award is going to The Children of Inmates Service Network.

For more information about the organizations go to: ‘Canes in the Community | University of Miami The center oversees more than 25 different projects each year, reaching various underserved and …. Linda Ray Intervention Center … the oldest settlements in Miami, an on-line hub to gather information and voice community concerns. …
http://www.miami.edu/index.php/umiami/um_canes_community_listing/?cat=135&nam=Neighborhoods%20and%20Communities >>> Show your support for the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet by voting for us on the Chase community Giving page on Facebook! Follow the link below to place your   http://www.thomasarmouryouthballet.org/ >>> Service Network for Children of Inmates Assistance programs are on the rise for children of the incarcerated, but needs still remain high. The Service Network For Children of Inmates is one of … http://www.childrenofinmates.org/

>>> Trust’s 33-member board gets ethics guideline update for new trustees

Trustees on the 33-member board also got a ten-minute presentation on ethics, the county’s conflict of interest code and the rules behind the Florida Sunshine Law. Robert Meyers, the executive director of the Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust Commission did the honor of teaching the rules of serving on high profile public boards and he suggested people even try to avoid “the appearance of impropriety.” He said one way to gauge if you should do something was “how does it feel” if what ever you did was on “the front page of a newspaper.” He also said Trustees had to recuse themselves from voting on contracts where they have any kind of financial involvement, including their immediate family members. For more information about the Trust go to www.thechildrenstrust.org

>>> Press release: In continuing to fight for Florida consumers during these tough economic times, Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Jacksonville City Councilman Arthur Graham of Jacksonville Beach and State Representative Ronald Brisé of North Miami to the Public Service Commission.  They will succeed David E. Klement and Benjamin “Steve” Stevens, who were not confirmed by the Florida Senate.

“Art has a great track record of public service during the past 12 years, and as a councilman, he has already worked to protect utility consumers,” Governor Crist said. “His experience in the private sector has given him an understanding of the importance of ensuring the private sector’s responsible use of resources.” Graham, 46, is the president of ART Environmental Consulting Services and has served on the Jacksonville City Council since 2003.  Among his duties as a council member, he helped oversee the budget of JEA, a publicly owned electric, water and wastewater utility, and chaired the Transportation, Energy and Utilities Committee.  He served on the Jacksonville Beach City Council from 1998 to 2002. Graham is also a past chair of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization and vice president of the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Association.  He was a recovery engineer with Georgia Pacific Pulp and Paper from 1995 to 2002 and a sales engineer with Betz PaperChem from 1991 to 1995. With Goodyear Tire and Rubber, he was a regional sales manager from 1989 to 1991 and an application engineer from 1998 to 1989. Graham received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

“Ron is known for his willingness to fight for Floridians, which is exactly what the Public Service Commission should do,” Governor Crist said. “He is dedicated to serving the people of Florida and protecting their best interests.” Representative Brisé, 36, has been the chief executive officer of Strategic Partner Consulting since 2009 and has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2006, where he was vice chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus since 2009.  He has also been the chief operating officer of IPIP Corp since 2005. From 2003 to 2005, he was the director of development, marketing and recruitment for Miami Union Academy and was chairperson of the science department from 2000 to 2005. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science education from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, and a master’s degree in business administration from American Intercontinental University. >> The Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating the rates, services and safety of privately owned public utilities. The commission is charged with adopting energy efficiency goals and providing competitive market oversight. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

>>> Justice Lewis in the spotlight, longest serving on Supreme Court, had $3.9 million net worth through Apr. 2010

Florida Supreme Court Justice R. Fred Lewis is in the spotlight this week and he was appointed by then Gov. Lawton Chiles to the bench in 1998.  He has served as chief justice during his over decade tenure and he has been awarded numerous awards during his time on the judiciary and has pushed for disability access in the state’s court system.

What do we know about his finances?

Lewis through Apr. 8, 2010 had a net worth of $3.39 million and he lists $300,000 in household goods. His home and two other properties are valued at $450,000, $950,000, and $950,000. The jurist has $2.92 million in the bank, there is $297,000 in an IRA, there is $4,547 in stocks and life insurance is valued at $130,000. He has a $131,000 mortgage with Countrywide Home Loan and income for the year was $159,000 as a judge, and small sums from three other sources for a total of $166,866 for the year.

>>> Fla. Supreme Court web page: Justice R. Fred Lewis

A former Chief Justice and founder of Justice Teaching, Justice Lewis was appointed to the Supreme Court of Florida on December 7, 1998, by the late Governor Lawton Chiles. While serving as Chief Justice, he founded Justice Teaching, an organization that now has over 3,900 volunteer lawyers and Judges placed with and active in Florida public schools, which enhances civic and law-related education through the active programs in all levels of Florida schools. As Chief Justice, he also convened the first commission and statewide all branch mental health summit which developed and proposed a unified and comprehensive plan to address the increasing needs with the intersection of mental illness and the justice system. He also attempted to provide greater public access to justice for the disabled by mandating a survey and audit of all court facilities in Florida through a task force of professionals to identify and remove obstacles to facility access. While Chief Justice, Justice Lewis also instituted for the first time in Florida, a uniform high-level diversity training program for all Florida judges. Having a background in civil litigation and recognizing the need for better jury instructions in complex cases, he created and appointed the first Standard Jury Instruction Committee for Contract and Business Cases, a group that continues to move forward to finalize comprehensive jury instructions for these complex cases…  For more information go to Justices of the Florida Supreme Court – Justice Lewis In 2002, the University of Central Florida honored Justice Lewis by creating the Justice R. Fred Lewis Award, which will be awarded annually…

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Has independence of ethics commission & IG been absorbed by BCC, organizational chart ends dotted line relationship?

The Watchdog Report has been reading this year’s Miami-Dade County three volume proposed 2010-2011 budget books, something I have done since 1997 and what caught my eye was the change in the county’s organizational chart that appears in the front of the first book. In the upcoming year, the organizational chart has the elected property appraiser a solid line to the county residents’ box at the top of the chart. However, when it comes to the inspector general’s office, and ethics commission, these bodies on the organizational chart are a solid line under the Board of County Commissioners box, suggesting that body controls the entities. However, in the 2006- 2007 county budget books this same chart has a dotted line for the IG and ethics commission coming off a solid line that goes to the county electorate and other government offices at the same level on the chart are the mayor, county commission, Chief Judge of the Eleventh Circuit, the county Clerk of Courts, state Public Defender, and the state Attorney’s office.

On Friday, I contacted Jennifer Glazer-Moon, the director of the Office of Strategic Business Management by e-mail asking about the change in the organizational chart and copied the county attorney’s office. The budget director responded, “The organizational chart has been changed to reflect those entities that are under the Mayor’s jurisdiction, since that’s been quite the issue this year.  However, the changes aren’t the ones that you pointed out.  IG, Ethics have been shown below the BCC for at least a couple of years and the Property Appraiser was moved up when that became an elected office last year. The changes for this year are the dotted line surrounding CITT, MPO and MDEAT, which used to just show as boxes in the strategic areas.  This seems to be a more correct representation,” she wrote.

She is right about the change in reporting lines, which is first seen in the 2007-2008 budget book but in the case of the Ethics and Public Trust Commission. Critics argue that a dotted line is more appropriate since county voters created the commission in 1996, and the county commission crafted the subsequent enabling ordinance, and intended the organization to be an independent entity that is referenced in the county Home Rule Charter. The other surprise is that the Property Appraiser’s office is a direct line to the voters, even though it is a Charter Office, created by the county commission, not a stand alone Constitutional Office like the state’s other 66 county property appraisers in Florida. In the past, I have asked Pedro Garcia the elected property appraiser since Jan. 2009 if he planned to take the issue to court, but he indicated he had no such intention. However, in the case of the ethics commission that along with the IG can investigate all levels of local government from the mayor’s office, commissioners on down the county political food chain with the power to subpoena people and documents. Both organizations independence is critical if they are to do the job that each is assigned, and I suspect this issue of these organizations independence will be debated in the coming months, and how they are funded.

>>> South Dade Cultural Center chugs along, 954-days late, but will there be money to sustain facility and performances

The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center construction is chugging along, though 954 days behind the original schedule but the substantial completion date continues to be Dec. 3, 2010. The facility that has some construction issues has the builder eating much of the extra costs of the $38 million initial cost. A July 17 memo from county Manager George Burgess state’s $30.4 million has been paid to the contractor to date, there is $3.3 million in retainage and that leaves “approximately $4.3 million” as balance to finish the project first begun in Dec. 29, 2005 and as has been previously reported in past Watchdog Reports over the years since breaking ground.

However, critics are wondering if there will be money to maintain and put on programs with the county under a fiscal blowtorch that at a minimum could have around 1,200 more county employees getting the ax, or more depending on the fiscal breaks. Years ago during the good financial times, cultural centers were to dot the community including a new one in Westchester. However, since 2004 when many of these projects funding was thrown in the $2.9 billion GOB offering, passed by voters with hundreds of projects in the document. The local and national economy has soured and many people question the viability of many of these new facilities, that also has organizations putting on arts, theater, and cultural programs fighting for there own fiscal life, as patronage and donations have dried up.

>>> Dust up between Commissioners Souto and Jordan leaves committee with no quorum

An escalating sharp verbal exchange on the ethnic diversity of Miami-Dade had Commissioner Javier Souto saying “Latin’s are 63 percent, we the Latin’s” are saying its “about time we are respected,” he said. This response came after Commissioner Barbara Jordan asked the administration, what the funding impact was across the board, and specifically in her District 1 when it came to funding future projects with some of the $2.9 billion county GOB passed by voters in 2004. The item under discussion was a new Westchester Community Arts Center. Souto said the $8 million funding should be there noting there is a north and south Dade Cultural Center, plus the one for the “beautiful people on Biscayne Boulevard” downtown. Jordan seemed caught by surprise given the intensity of Souto’s comments. She said her comments “had nothing to do with ethnicity” and just wanted to know how the county was going “to pay for projects in the future because there is not enough resources to do it all,” she said. But Souto said a few more things on the subject and she ultimately got up, left the dais around 2:30 p.m. and the committee meeting lost its quorum. Commissioner Natacha Seijas weighed in on the matter later in the week at another committee meeting. She said, while not naming the commissioner. It was an embarrassing display from a colleague on the dais and the offending commissioner had lost her “respect.”

>>> During a commission committee meeting last week, a representative of the county’s Water & Sewer department when asked about how a resident could have a high water bill. He noted, it did not take much effort to see a spike in a resident’s bill. He noted if someone left a “hose on at their home for two days they would see a $400.00” spike in their bill.

What is on the July 20^th BCC agenda?

Commissioner Audrey Edmonson has sponsored a resolution directing the county mayor to give “written notice” that Miami-Dade not exercise its right to renew its “Economic Development Strategy Agreement” with the Beacon Council and she asks for a “possible designation of a new economic development organization.” The Beacon Council is the economic development arm of the county, and the organization just celebrated its 25^th Anniversary.

Mistake of the week?

County Commissioner Javier Souto periodically refers to Miami-Dade having a population of 3 million residents but that is 600,000 people to high, when in reality the estimated population is 3.4 million state current county documents.

>>> County is “beverage neutral”

In a discussion about private companies sponsoring a park for example, at a committee meeting Tuesday that had Commissioner Carlos Gimenez asking if “Coke” for example might sponsor a park, but then the political correctness filter kicked in, and he suggested it could be another soft drink company and wanted to be “cola neutral.” This comment prompted Jennifer Glazer-Moon, the budget finance guru to shoot back that the county was “beverage neutral.”

>>> Press release: Commissioner Joe A. Martinez celebrates first anniversary of Miami-Dade Blue health plan, announces new program to provide premium assistance >>> After one year, almost 3,500 Miami-Dade residents now have something they were previously unable to afford – health insurance. This is due to the creation of Miami-Dade Blue, a new healthcare pilot program that launched in July 2009 under the guidance of Commissioner Joe A. Martinez, Miami-Dade County’s Office of Countywide Healthcare Planning, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF).

Now, Miami-Dade County is launching a new healthcare incentive program in conjunction with Miami-Dade Blue to help even more people afford insurance. Enrollment is currently taking place through our valued Federally Qualified Health Center partners.  A limited number of residents with low to moderate incomes may qualify for the Miami-Dade Health Insurance Utilization Program, or HIUP. This initiative will complement Miami-Dade Blue by covering a portion of the monthly insurance premiums. HIUP is part of an innovative pilot created through a partnership with the Health Foundation of South Florida, Baptist Health Systems, Jackson Memorial Foundation and Miami-Dade’s Federally Qualified Health Centers and supported with funds from Florida’s Low Income Pool (LIP) program that has allotted $500,000 to incentivize approximately 400 qualifying residents.  The program will have limited enrollment beginning July 14 – 23.  The amount of incentive each participant will receive will depend on the individual’s household income and premium.

“The main goal of Miami-Dade Blue was to provide an alternative to residents who did not qualify for government health programs, but also struggled with the rising cost of insurance premiums. Based on the growing number of enrollees, Miami-Dade County and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida are succeeding in our objective,” said Commissioner Joe A. Martinez. “However, we still realize that Miami-Dade Blue may be financially out of reach for some. With premium assistance, we can ensure that more people have access to medical insurance and preventative care.”

Miami-Dade Blue was designed specifically for Miami-Dade residents and small businesses, offering affordable monthly premiums. The program includes access to a network of 1,600 primary care providers and specialists, as well as access to primary care centers and hospitals throughout the community, including Jackson Health System, Baptist Homestead, Coral Gables, Memorial and Palmetto. “Miami-Dade is the only county in Florida receiving this funding to aid residents in purchasing a licensed insurance product,” said Janet Perkins, Director of Miami-Dade County’s Office of Countywide Healthcare Planning. “We are excited about this new opportunity to help the uninsured in our community, as well as continuing our successful partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.” For more information on Miami-Dade Blue and HIUP, call 3-1-1 or 305-375-5444, or visit www.miamidade.gov/ochp online.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Congressional candidate Moise hits the TV airwaves, but also has mixed history in Miami-Dade

Rudy Moise M.D. a Democratic Party congressional candidate and part of a 10-candiate pack of candidates that includes state Sen. Fredericka Wilson, D-Miami, and Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson has been hitting South Florida residents with a polished campaign television ad, showing the man to be a helping hand and leader as a physician and businessman. He and the other candidates are trying to follow in U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek’s, D-Miami footsteps after Meek was first elected to the House in 2002, and earlier announced he was running for the U.S. Senate and faces Jeff Greene, a billionaire, in the party primary Aug. 24.

Moise is an attorney and Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and he has raised significantly more money than the other candidates www.miamiherald.comincluding lending his campaign over $1 million state’s The Herald on Saturday.  He also has two amateur movies to his credit, with the first, Wind of Desireresembling the 1960s Batman series with exaggerated acting. However, the prominent Haitian over the years has sought public funding and in the early 2000s, his AM radio station almost received about $10 million in funding to announce traffic updates on the hour from the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization. The sponsor of the issue was Ron Krongold, co-owner of Jungle Island, appointed to the organization by then Gov. Jeb Bush to the regional planning board, and he pushed the item on the body. Bush after this incident later removed him from the body and selected a different representative to be on the board.

Further, county commissioners balked at granting the funding over a few years, because the Watchdog Report noted it was currently being done now for free, on most of the other AM/FM stations, it was a relatively obscure AM radio station, and for that kind of money, the county could have bought its own station since the market was not that competitive at the time. Commissioner Joe Martinez was the point of the spear at the MPO meeting back then when Krongold kept going on about the issue. He said, “You are on fire, bail out, bail out” trying to get him to scuttle the idea that clearly was not going to happen and was not getting members support. Moise’s radio station would then go out of business months later, but the physician also sought further county funding a few years later that was detailed in past www.miamiherald.com and www.miaminewtimes.com to the tune of $500,000. He would later not repay this money because of the way the contract was written with the county agency, and the flaw in the document left him off the hook.

In the congressional District 17 race, that runs through Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.  Moise is the leading fundraiser with Wilson coming in second with $78,000 left in her campaign war chest, and Gibson has after expenditures $4,264 to work with and the mayor says money is relative, and she is running a grass roots campaign. Both Wilson and Gibson have political experience with Wilson being a former school board member before entering the legislature and Gibson, took the new city of Miami Gardens and made it a viable municipality, something critics questioned could happen when it was first created in 2003. For the other candidates check out Ten candidates vie for Kendrick Meek’s Florida House seat – Top of … 15 Jul 2010 … Frederica Wilson; Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson; Rudolph Moise, a physician; Marleine Bastien, executive director of the Haitian Women … >>> Here is Moise’s first movie: Wind Of Desire Wind of Desire is a romantic adventure set in Haiti and the U.S. It tells the … Discuss Wind Of Desire with other users on Belfim, share you opinion about http://www.belfim.com/movies.php/1

>>> 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

>>> Commissioner Koons elected in 2002, county gets IG, his net worth through Dec. 2009 was $15.69 million

Jeff Koons is in the spotlight and he is the last of the long serving commissioners on the dais after the federal purge of many of his peers with the most recent being Mary McCarty in Jan. 2009 resigning and then charged, and her husband was busted by the feds the next day. Both people in June were sentenced and joined the other convicted leaders in the federal prison system. Since then the commission has had many new faces on the dais and have established the Office of Inspector General to look out after county contracts and interests.

What do we know about his finances?

Koons through Dec. 31, 2009 had a net worth of $15.69 million and he lists $70,000 in household goods. He has $225,000 in checking accounts, there is a $22,700 CD, and there is $20,910 in a money market. His home is worth $440,000, a rental is valued at $290,000, and there is $12.9 million in the Glenmede Trust Account. His only liability is with American Express to the tune of $20,934 and his income for the year was $98,224 as a commissioner, and $14,000 came in from a rental property.

>>> Commission web page: John F. “Jeff” Koons was first elected to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners in November 2002 and re-elected to his second term in November 2006 currently serving as Chairman.  He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University, and for 30 years was employed with the Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beach Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, beginning as a delivery driver and succeeding to Vice President of Community Relations.  He has resided in West Palm Beach since 1972 and is the father of three grown daughters. Commissioner Koons has a long history of community service, having entered public service through his leadership role in neighborhood associations. He has served on boards and committees for numerous social service agencies, and cultural, educational and governmental organizations.  He held office for 11 years on the West Palm Beach City Commission, also serving as Mayor in 1991 and Commission President in 1989 and 1997-1999… Commissioner Koons served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) from 1993 – 2008.  The MPO is responsible for transportation planning and programming in Palm Beach County and directs how and where available state and federal dollars for transportation improvements will be spent.  In addition, Commissioner Koons served on the Regional Transportation Organization beginning in 1999, which evolved into the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).  He has served on the RTA Board since November 2002, as Chairman in 2005-2006 and was re-elected to Chairman in 2009.  RTA operates Tri-Rail, South Florida’s commuter rail service from Miami to the Palm Beaches. In Commissioner Koons’ role as the Board’s appointee to the Children’s Services Council, he actively supports quality preschool and after-school programs in our public schools and is a strong advocate for fully funding the state’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program.  He also is currently helping to facilitate planning efforts for schools in the county’s urban in-fill areas. A true nature lover, Commissioner Koons has served as Chair of the Palm Beach County Artificial Reef and Estuarine Enhance Committee since 2007. He is involved in the Ocean to Lake Trail project, which connects recreational paths and facilities all the way from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Okeechobee.  Additionally, he is participating in planning and implementation efforts for the North and South Everglades Natural Areas greenway projects.

Commissioner Jeff Koons: 301 North Olive Ave. Suite 1201, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 – (561) 355-2202 -877-930-2202 – (Toll Free outside the West Palm Beach calling area) E-mail Commissioner Koons >> Board of County Commissioners

>>> For further information about the new IG go to: Division of Inspector General – Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County The Division of Inspector General of the Clerk & Comptroller’ s office, Palm Beach County >>> New Palm Beach County inspector general inspired by girl’s death … 6 May 2010 … When Sheryl Steckler took over as the chief corruption watchdog for the state’s Department of Children and Families in 2002, the agency had … http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/new-palm-beach-county-inspector-general-inspired-by-675001.html

>>> Press release: Two men charges and arrested in connection with FOREX Ponzi scheme

Wifredo A. Ferrer, 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 arrests of defendants  Pedro De Sousa, 38, of Orlando, and Guillermo Rosario, 41, of San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Defendant De Sousa was arrested in Orlando, FL, on July 12, 2010; defendant Rosario was arrested in San Juan, PR, on July 13, 2010.  Both defendants appeared in court after their arrests.  De Sousa and Rosario were charged with mail and wire fraud for their alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme involving the FOREX (foreign currency markets). The indictment charges the defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1349, three counts of mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1341, and 57 counts of wire fraud, in violation o f 18 U.S.C. §1343.  Each offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ incarceration. According to the indictment, the defendants operated businesses called FX Professional Solutions and FX Professional International Solutions.  These businesses solicited investors in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with false claims.  These false claims included false statements about their experience trading in foreign currencies and their history of securing consistently high returns for investors.  In addition, the defendants also falsely claimed that they were trading investor funds in foreign currency markets.  In reality, however, the defendants misappropriated and lost investor funds, and attempted to conceal their fraud by paying older investors with funds from newer investors in a pyramid or Ponzi scheme fashion, and by providing investors with false account statements.

In addition to the criminal case and coinciding with these arrests, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)  has filed a separate civil action against the defendants in the Southern District of Florida. Mr. Ferrer commended the FBI for its work in this investigation.  In addition, Mr. Ferrer noted the efforts of the CFTC in connection with its civil suit.  Mr. Ferrer also thanked the Coral Gables Police Department for its assistance in this criminal investigation.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Rochlin. 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 onhttp://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> PAST WDR: May, 2010: >>> Administrator Gastesi says come on down to Keys, “Water is extremely clear for diving”

The Watchdog Report contacted County Administrator Roman Gastesi on Saturday about the presence of any oil from the Gulf of Mexico gusher, after the oil blobs appeared on the Keys beaches recently, but were found to be not from the well over one-month old crude oil spill that has vexed experts on how to plug the leak at 5,000 feet below the gulf’s surface. I asked the administrator how things were going at the Southern most tip of the nation and he replied. “Yes, everything is OK for now regarding actual oil pollution in the keys. The oil is still hundreds of miles away and there is still a good chance that we will not be affected at all. Even so, until the leak is plugged, the uncertainly continues to create concern for everyone in the keys. The oil is a Sweet Crude mostly made up of single-bonded carbon chains that biodegrade more readily than other crude oils. So we hope that if it does head this way it will be very “weathered” and inert.

Please let everyone know that we are open for business, the water is extremely clear for diving, and the early season dolphin fishing is one of the best in many years…come on down,!” wrote the veteran administrator and former water czar for Miami-Dade years ago. For more information about what is going on in the Keys go to :>>> The Monroe County tourism council continues to update its http://www.fla-keys.com <http://www.fla-keys.com> website with information regarding the spill and its relationship to the Keys. On the website are NOAA forecast tracking maps, a map showing the spill site in relation to the Keys, links to area webcams and more. TDC social media sites include: http://www.keysvoices.com • http://twitter.com/thefloridakeys • http://www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest >> Spill-related websites, primarily focusing on affected areas, include:
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com • http://www.noaa.gov

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Testy exchange at board meeting has Perez and Diaz de la Portilla exiting through back door continuing the discussion

School Board members Marta Perez and Renier Diaz de la Portilla after a controversial vote had Perez and the other board member having an animated discussion, that they continued walking through a door into the back room behind the board dais. Under the Florida Sunshine Law any conversation related to activities in front of the board, discussions have to be done in the Sunshine and in public and the way it erupted between the two gave the impression they were trying to have an extended discussion out of the public eye, a no no. Both board members are veteran elected leaders with Diaz de la Portilla serving on the school board and in the state House in the late 1990s and are knowledgeable about the state law, and they need to be careful. For there are denials and then there are denials that a public policy issue was not being discussed. But when things like this happen, it raises doubt that should not exist, that discussions that should be held in the open, are actually being discussed behind the scenes. The state Sunshine Law is a hassle for local leaders but it is the law, if violated there are consequences and most elected leaders play by the rules. Which I hope was the case in this example, but it looked very unusual and should be avoided in the future.

>>> District IG gets 3-year contract extension, has $1.1 million oversight budget

The Office of the Inspector General’s $1.1 million budget for the next year approved recently got another addition when the school board Wednesday approved retaining the current IG’s office contract with the school district for another three-year’s. Both sides can discontinue the relationship within a short period and only board member Marta Perez voted no, believing with the upcoming elections. The contract extension should have been for only one-year, allowing the new members to weigh in on the IG.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Richard Hinds, Ph.D., the school district chief financial officer in discussions about future state and local funding levels and there predictability. He said, “There is more uncertainty than a monkey has fleas,” when it comes to what the final funding numbers might be for the nation’s fourth largest public school district.

>>> Press release: TWO MIAMI-DADE STUDENTS WIN RECOGNITION AT 2010 NAACP ACT-SO NATIONAL COMPETITION

Two Miami-Dade public schools student finalists from the Miami-Dade NAACP ACT-SO competition were among the national winners at the 32nd Annual NAACP ACT-SO National Academic competition in Kansas City, Mo., this week. The winners are Kayla Burgess, a senior at Miami Palmetto Senior High, and winner of the gold medal in Dramatics; and Karen Feliz, a 2010 graduate of New World School of the Arts, the silver medalist in Painting. ACT-SO – the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics – is a yearlong enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students. Gold medalists at the local level qualify for the national finals held each summer. The 20 finalist-contingent included students from Miami Edison, Design & Architecture, North Miami Beach, Felix Varela, New World School of the Arts, Coral Reef and South Miami senior high schools competing in over 26 categories, ranging from the arts:  dance, drawing, oratory and music composition; to the sciences:  biology, engineering, medicine and computer science. For further information, contact Art Johnson, Chair of NAACP ACT-SO Miami Dade, at 305-685-9436.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> PHT board may lose independence, legislation moving through commission that must be complied with, meetings moving to be held in BCC Chambers

A county commission committee passed a resolution instructing the Public Health Trust to “comply” with commission “Directives to the Trust set forth from time to time in resolutions of the county commission” on issues the health trust might be voting on. Further, legislation is moving through the halls of the county that would have the monthly board meetings being held in the large commission chambers, and this may apply in the future when it comes to the organization’s committee meetings, which mostly are held all day, one day a month. The Trust has 16 or so different committees that meet over the course of a year. Commissioners Joe Martinez and Javier Souto are sponsoring the legislation and Martinez called the location change in venue of meetings “a baby step, by just starting with board meetings.”

Currently the PHT board meets in either the Ira C. Clark Diagnostic Treatment Center or the boardroom in the West Wing of the facility’s main campus. County documents state the cost to televise the board meetings is $66,000 a year, and if the all day committee meeting gets airtime. The cost soars to $160,000 and would require two camera crews and support staff said the county administration at the Health, Public Safety & Intergovernmental Committee on Thursday. Martinez later in a discussion with the Watchdog Report said he was just taking my suggestion back in 2002 when I pounded the trust for not putting the board meetings on television. At the time, I suggested the commission chambers would be an ideal site, but while the trust decided to televise the meetings. It is being done at the DTC every month since back then, and it also runs on the county’s cable station and online at www.miamidade.gov

What about a Watchdog Report shout out?

During the discussion on whether to move the PHT meetings location, Commissioner Rebeca Sosa gave the Watchdog Report a shout out for being the only one that has covered the PHT since 2000, and what would we know about the health trust over the years, if it were not for the Watchdog Report’s weekly reporting.

>>> PHT Nomination Council meets Jul. 28, Chair Moss will preside, with Rep. Zapata representing legislative delegation

The PHT Nomination Council headed up by Miami-Dade Commission Chair Dennis Moss will have its first organizational meeting, that will include the approving the running of public notices ads for trustee applications. The council this year will be made up of Moss, Commissioners Katy Sorenson, (the mayor’s appointee) and Sally Heyman, state Rep. Juan C. Zapata, R-Miami (the Legislative delegation chair), and John Copeland, III, the PHT board chairman. The meeting will be held July 28 at 2:00 p.m., in the second floor conference room in the Stephen P. Clark governmental center and it is open to the public. There are five trustee openings on the 17-member health trust board, that includes two voting county commissioners. The board members terms are 3-years, the meetings are televised, and it is the highest profile citizen based board the county has ever created, and provides oversight to Jackson Health System. A public hospital enterprise that is around $1.8 billion in size with an $83 million plus monthly payroll.

>>> The county’s maintenance of effort contribution to the Public Health Trust is expected to be $137.2 million for the 2010-2011 budget year states the administration’s released budget booklets. Of this money coming from the county, the millage calculation kicks in $121.7 million and another $15.49 million is coming from non ad valorem revenue in the general fund, state’s county budget documents.

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for 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.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Indicted commissioner Spence-Jones gets break with Carey-Shuler recanting, if exonerated would serve out Dist. 5 term to 2013

Suspended and indicted Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones got some good news last week when former County Commissioner Barbara Carey-Shuler recanted earlier testimony, and admitted she in fact wrote and signed a letter, that had been considered bogus and created by Spence-Jones to direct $50,000 in public monies to a firm she partially owned. The state attorney has another bribery charge in their legal quiver against her and they say they will continue to prosecute the case but this is a key blow to the prosecutor’s office, that had the commissioner suspended three times by Gov. Charlie Crist after she won elections in November and January earlier in the year. If Spence-Jones is acquitted in the upcoming trial where she says she is innocent and the target of a witch hunt. She would be allowed to finish her term in office on the dais that ends in 2013, would be eligible for back pay as a commissioner, and current Commissioner Richard Dunn, II would have to step down and the scheduled November Commission District 5 election would be canceled.

Further, if she was back on the dais in the coming months there will likely be verbal fireworks after the commission voted to put Dunn in the seat when she was suspended. Someone she had beaten before and is now running for election in his own right against a number of other candidates and as the incumbent, who was number two in results when he ran against Spence-Jones. He has been given the edge in the current race. Readers should stay tuned and see how this plays out in the months ahead. >>> For more on this go to Banana Republican Barbara Carey-Shuler Admits She Ok’d $50,000 For Michelle Spence-Jones By Francisco Alvarado, and www.miamiherald.com >>> Editor’s note: The Miami Herald on Sunday reports that Spence-Jones would have to run again in the November upcoming election, but I do not believe that is true. If she is acquitted. I believe she will be able to serve out the remaining years of her four-year elected term she won in Nov. 2009 and get back pay.

>>> Mayor Regalado says road trip to D.C. productive; wants CDBG ratio changed, ate burgers in congressional cafeteria

The Watchdog Report caught up with Mayor Tomas Regalado Friday afternoon down at city hall and he said the trip to the nation’s capital was very productive. He and three fellow commissioners flew up to the capital on Thursday to lobby for a congressional waiver when it came to HUD Community Development Block Grants and the percentage for economic development and human service programs that is currently 85 percent for development and 15 percent for social service programs. The waiver they are seeking from the federal agency was approved in the 1990s for three years and they are seeking a second bite of the waiver apple. The entourage met with almost all the elected national leaders that represent South Florida. He said it was not a junket and they ate “hamburgers in the Congressional lunchroom,” returned the same day and below is the city’s press release Friday. >>> City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado traveled to Washington, DC on Thursday, July 15, accompanied by Vice Chairman of the City Commission Frank Carollo, Commissioner Francis Suarez, Commissioner Richard Dunn, II, and Assistant City Manager Tony Crapp, Jr. to discuss with the Administration and Congress public service programs in the City. The delegation met at the White House with David Agnew, Deputy Director of the White House for Inter Governmental Affairs, Mercedes Marquez, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Senators George LeMieux and Bill Nelson and members of Congress, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Kendrick Meek and Mario Diaz Balart. The meetings were an effort to secure funds for senior citizen’s and children’s programs in the City of Miami. “We had very good meetings with the Administration and Congress,” said Mayor Regalado.  “We hope to see results so we can keep helping the most needed of our City.”

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>> Commissioners Gongora & Weithorn on budget, union contract givebacks, and tentative millage roll back rate

The Watchdog Report could not get to the Miami Beach Commission meeting on Wednesday but I e-mailed commissioners and Mayor Matti Bower asking about the meeting and how the preliminary millage rate setting went and Commissioners Michael Gongora and Deede Weithorn responded back by deadline. Gongora wrote, “Yesterday we moved forward with five members of the Commission present.  We had a productive meeting wherein we approved four of five union contracts with substantial givebacks by the employees to the City and set the millage rate for the upcoming year.  It was a successful meeting that was the culmination of many months of work on the part of the city commission, administration and employees.  I am pleased that we are the first commission in Miami Beach that I am aware of to effectuate meaningful pension reform that will benefit the residents of Miami Beach for many years to come.” And Weithorn noted, “We passed a tentative millage yesterday at the roll back rate (an increase of .7588). We also ratified three union contracts and ratified a third subject to their membership ratification. This brought in salary reductions to City staff from over $3500 – to over $13,000 per employee, wrote the CPA.

>>> Press release: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club – Meeting Date: Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 -Meeting Time: 8:30 AM -Meeting Place: David’s Café II, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach

The Communications Workers of America, one of the several different unions that represent City of Miami Beach employees, will present their union’s proposal to reduce the city budget by reforming its pension plan at the July 20th meeting of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club.  According to Richard McKinnon, president of the local CWA chapter, their plan proposes capping the maximum value of some pensions at $110,000., and rolling-back the point at which pensions become vested from five years to ten years.  He envisions savings to tax-payers of up to $60 million over the time it takes the city to pay-off the affected pension plans. According to the city, the proposal would only apply to unclassified employees, including the city manager and city attorney, that make-up 20% of the cities workforce.  The city opposes the plan. 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 mailing list, contact Harry Cherry.  Both can be reached at TuesdayMorningBreakfastClub@Yahoo.com Visit our new web site at: www.MBTMBC.com

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Mayor Slesnick & Commissioner Anderson on commission meeting, Biltmore, millage the story of the day

The Watchdog Report last week contacted Mayor Donald Slesnick, II and Gables commissioners about last Tuesday’s commission meeting and what happened when it came to the setting of the preliminary millage rate. The mayor responded with a number of comments by subject before he “welcomed the Ambassador of Spain to City Hall: Biltmore – The Commission labored over the concept of an “interim” rent repayment agreement and finally came up with the principles to be incorporated into a Resolution which will be considered at a special Commission meeting next Monday at 5 pm.  Hopefully, the terms that will be reached will be good enough to aid the Biltmore through these recessionary times and will eventually mean that the city will recoup lost revenues under the terms of the lease.

Our budget workshop went smoothly with the City Manager presenting a budget, which reflects still further reductions in revenue.  The property appraisal total was 7% lower than last year and the state imposed “TRIM” formula (which reflects statewide income and population trends – not necessarily relevant to Coral Gables) further restricted the City’s ability to raise enough money to provide the same level of services for which Coral Gables is famous.  The Commission voted to publish the “roll-back” millage figure of 6.18 as our proposed rate – which is designed to bring in the same dollars as last year (no expansion and actually almost a million dollars less will be realized at that rate).  During the coming two months of budget discussions and hearings, the Commission will set the final rate, which can be no higher than that which is published, wrote the retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel and attorney.

Commissioner Maria Anderson, elected at the same time initially as Slesnick in 2001 wrote, “I’m comfortable that we made progress yesterday to bring back an agreement that will outline a plan for the Biltmore to repay back debt, and at the same time for the City to be protected.  The Biltmore is a community asset and a focal point in the original Merrick plan for Coral Gables. As to the setting of the millage to the rollback, that’s pretty standard.  In the end, it can only go lower, which has happened before in our final deliberations.  In the meantime, the Manager has done a great job presenting to us a budget that keeps services intact for residents.  And we have ask our employees to do, and pay more. Everyone has made sacrifices in these tough times; the City is doing the same, wrote the veteran municipal legislator.

CITY OF DORAL

Press release: Doral and Community Partnership for Homeless Collect School Supplies for Children in Need

The City of Doral has partnered with Community Partnership for Homeless (CPH) to collect school supplies and uniforms for 125 school-aged children that reside at CPH’s two assistance centers, from July 12 to August 15, 2010. The supplies will be collected at Doral City Hall, as well as Morgan Levy Park and Doral Meadows Park. The City of Doral and CPH are asking for donations from the community to ensure that these children have the necessary essentials to begin the 2010-2011 school year on the right track. The following items are needed: Back Packs, School Supplies (pencils, crayons, rulers, notebooks, folders, etc.), Uniforms (shirts, polo shirts, pants, shorts, etc.) – white shirts; khaki or navy blue pants/shorts/skirts, Socks and Shoes. All school age children are placed in the Miami-Dade Public School System within 24-hours upon their arrival at CPH and the center staff makes sure they are prepared with the materials their families cannot provide. WHAT: City of Doral and CPH school supplies drive -WHEN:       July 12 – August 15, 2010 -WHERE: Three locations: Morgan Levy Park, 5300 NW 102nd Avenue; Doral Meadow Park, 11555 NW 58th Street; Doral City Hall, 8300 NW 53 Street. >>> About Community Partnership for Homeless: Since 1995, Community Partnership for Homeless (CPH) has been assisting homeless men, women and children in transitioning off the streets of Miami-Dade County and on their way to attaining greater stability and self-sufficiency. As the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, CPH has continually been recognized as a national model for their comprehensive approach to helping the homeless.  The program’s main catalyst for success—the Homeless Assistance Centers—operate as one-stop temporary care entry points that provide not just food and shelter, but comprehensive case management, healthcare, dental care, daycare, job training and other assistance from a variety of social service agencies all under one roof.  MEDIA CONTACT: Patricia Vila, Marketing Director- Community Partnership for Homeless, Phone: 305-329-3003, Email: pvila@cphi.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Press release: Please join us for the long-awaited unveiling of the Julia Tuttle statue on Wednesday, July 28th at 9:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.  The ceremony will take place in the southern end of the park, adjacent to the children’s playground, not too far from the entrance to the Intercontinental Hotel.  It will be held in an air-conditioned tent with light refreshments; there will be a program and then the actual unveiling of the statue.  Everyone is encouraged to use the metro mover to get to the park. Kindly RSVP to the Downtown Development Authority at 305-579-6675 or at info@miamidda.com.

>>> Press release:  SAVE THE DATE! SET YOUR RECORDERS! >> The University of Miami School of Communication Knight Center for International Media and the Discovery Channel Networks Planet Green present the U. S. television premiere: ONE WATER narrated by Martin Sheen With captivating music and stunning images, ONE WATER is the story of the many ways water touches human lives around the globe and the struggles some endure for this valuable resource. Airing on the Planet Green Channel, ONE WATER, will be a featured program in “Blue August,” a month of programming focusing on our oceans, seas and critical water issues. Monday, August 2 at 12 a.m. & 9 p.m. E.D.T. Tuesday, August 3 at 4 p.m. E.D.T., Saturday, August 7 at 1 a.m. and 10 p.m. E.D.T. If you are in the Miami area: Comcast offers Planet Green on channel 113. DIRECTV subscribers tune into channel 286, also available in HD. DISH Network offers Planet Green on channel 194, HD (coming soon). AT&T U-verse subscribers tune into channel 465 of 1465 for HD. Please check your local channel lineup if you are outside of the Miami area.

>>> WEDNESDAY, JULY 28^TH -Meet Your County Commission Candidates for District 8 and District 10, General Membership Breakfast, Miami Marriott Dadeland, 9100 South Dadeland Boulevard, 7:15am

EDITORIALS

>>> Watchdog Report is seeing medical venders wining and dining doctors again, a no no

Well after the initial blush and pause over the last couple of years, I am starting to see drug and implantable medical device sales people wine and dining medical professionals out and about in our community. In this case, the venders had the partial green colored ID badges given to vendors that call on Jackson Memorial Hospital after they pay the $500.00 lobbying fee and the physician had a blue badge, signifying he was a Jackson employee. The issue of vendors going over board when it came to entertaining clients in the medical profession came to a head a few years ago, and generally, most of this activity has been curtailed. I have heard that drug company representatives are no longer even handing out ballpoint pens or coffee cups but the entertaining is still going on and must be curbed, because it sometimes becomes like an arms race where the doctor asks for more perks, from multiple vendors and the company that delivers, gets the business.

>>> Voters must ask candidates how they plan to make a living, outside activity much of why Gov. Crist has suspended 40 officials

When you listen to candidates running for public office in the coming weeks, voters should ask them what do they do for a living and how they plan to support themselves in elected office, that in the case of state legislative races pay in the low $30,000 level. Public service is just that and our leaders should be secure enough financially that they are not susceptible to outside interests or interested in income from a source they should not accept. Over the past 11- years the Watchdog Report has written extensively about the role outside income plays in bringing many politicians down and Florida is littered with disgraced politicians that has had Gov. Charlie Crist suspend 40 elected leaders since he was sworn in Jan. 2007 and that does not include many leaders that resign on their own just before being charged with a crime. Florida voters desire up front candidates that are ethical and capable of not only being lawmakers, but also able to support themselves on their own. For public office is about making public policy not about filling ones personal coffers while in office and that employment question must be asked of all candidates. If voters are to be sure, they get the kind of leader they want and deserve representing them in the halls of power in the years ahead.

>>> Voters finally get independent oversight boards are neutered by politicians over time

What does it mean to be an independent oversight board in Miami-Dade and the city of Miami these days, with so many of them falling under the local legislative thumb? In Miami-Dade, the Citizen’s Independent Transit Trust created in 2003 after voters approved another countywide half-cent sales tax in 2002 that followed the same funding model that Jackson Memorial Hospital got in the early 1990s, but both have been neutered by the county commission over the past years, and contrary to what voters were told at the time. These oversight bodies are not independent regardless of what they are called and in the city of Miami. The Civilian Investigative Panel is also falling under the local purview of the commission with the recent change of commissioners picking panel representatives, discarding the past separate nominating council that screened applicants and sent a list to the commission to consider and to vote on.

Further, it is for this reason that I have written about the shift in reporting authority concerning the County IG and County ethics commission because sometimes the changes are slow, not noticed, but have a corrosive nature on our public institutions as a whole and will come back to bite elected leaders. If they ever try to sell, another tax or bond issue for there are now too many examples of elected leaders changing their mind after the vote, cutting the independence of these oversight boards, and until that activity stops. Voters at the county and municipal level will not buy the propaganda anymore, they are expected to shoot down any new initiatives, and when the politicians wring their hands in despair. They should realize they are part of the fault, because after two decades of this bait and switch voters have finally got it, that in many ways government cannot be trusted and that is not a good thing.

LETTERS

>>> Letter from a Biltmore neighbor to Coral Gables leaders on charter school

Re:  Proposed ‘Settlement’ with Somerset Academy/Academica/UBC >> I continue to be appalled at the gall of this Academica organization that feels their rights should usurp the rights of our homeowners/residents/citizens of our city as well as any zoning in place to PROTECT these same homeowners and taxpayers. As an active and participating member of the Biltmore Neighbors Association, I am again stating my absolute disagreement with the idea of this unneeded charter school establishing itself within the walls of University Baptist Church on Anastasia Avenue. Is not the current zoning and land use of that building and property, as a church, and a church run preschool for 110 young students and 18 staff members in place for a reason? Is not this property, a long time church and small, non-disruptive preschool, NOT a viable location for 700 children that need room to breathe and move, and have adequate facilities one would expect of a large school?  A cafeteria?  A gym?  An auditorium? A field and playground?  Children should be contained in small class rooms all day?  That sounds cruel.

As a resident of Coral Gables and a member of the Biltmore Homeowners Association, I am asking each commissioner to do their duty, as elected officials of our city, to SERVE and PROTECT the best interests of the tax paying and voting residents of this city by STOPPING this proposed settlement action.  We need YOU to protect our existing Zoning Laws in place long before you were in office. How the City can think that the residents directly affected by the onslaught of what this school would bring to a neighborhood and declare them not an aggrieved party is baffling. Is this ok because it is not in your backyard?  Would you be supportive of this project if YOU lived on Riviera or the immediate surrounding neighborhood and about to have the impact of what this will bring to YOUR home, to YOUR property value?

Why would you think we NEED a charter school in this neighborhood when we have such excellent public schools that surround our city for our cities children to attend?  It is a slap in the face to Coral Gables Elementary, to Ponce de Leon Middle School, Westlab, as well as Sunset that sits across the street from city boundaries or the G.W. Carver’s, across the highway from city boundaries that you have no faith in their educational value. A charter school will pull monies and students from these long time excellent public schools draining their resources at a time where public education is fighting for survival. Do you want to be party to help weaken our Miami Dade County Public Schools that have served our community for as long as we have been a community?  Each of the schools mentioned has to continue to maintain their existing infrastructure but you will be voting to take away the very necessary monies to do that if you vote for settlement relief for Somerset Academy.  Teachers at our excellent schools will lose jobs as a result of 700 students being pulled from our schools to go to Somerset Academy. Teaching positions are based upon enrollment. I am hoping you will each think long and hard about any decision you might make on this settlement issue.

Sharon Watson

Coral Gables

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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 towatchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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 Columnwww.sptimes.com/columns/bousquet.shtml -“First Friday” WPBT TV (Miami) TV Show www.channel2.org/firstfriday/issues.html –Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg TimesColumn 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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Argus Report: U.S. Gen. Fraser, one-year as South Com commandant, works with 19 countries on mutual security “partnerships”

Florida: Since Apr. 22, UM – CSTARS starts tracking catastrophic oil spill; U.S. Sen. Nelson wants plan and understanding of size & movement of spill going forward

Florida Supreme Court: Chief Justice Canady tapped by Gov. Crist in Aug. 08, had net worth of $442,000 through Mar.1

Miami-Dade County: An “apology” is demanded by Mayor Alvarez, ethics director Meyers demurred after testy exchange on budget independence

Broward County: Mayor Keechl faces opposition in 2010, face of county, had net worth of $1.03 million through 2009

Palm Beach County: Vice Chair Marcus in spotlight, dodges political purge, had $138,000 net worth through Dec. 09

Escambia County: Gov. Crist taps Brunie Emmanuel of Pensacola as a Point of Light for volunteerism in his community.

Lee County: With Commissioner Janes death, Gov. Crist taps Manning of Cape Coral

Monroe County: State Rep. Saunders facing opposition in McPherson, legislator had $687,000 net worth through 2009

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Audit department finds $130,000 in over billing, Charter School landlord busted, owes $31,000 in property taxes over six years

Public Health Trust: Some commissioners’ verbally beat-up PHT trustees, Vice Chair Medina feels the heat but money at Trust is scarce

City of Miami: Regalado, Carollo, Dunn, Suarez take CDBG road trip to D.C., looking for congressional waiver given social service needs of elderly

City of Miami Beach: CPA & Commissioner Weithorn featured speaker, with $30 million to cut in city budget, challenges ahead

City of Coral Gables: Taxpayers should keep an eye on commission as TRIM notice begins property tax process

Community Events: Meet judicial candidates — Meet county commission candidates for Districts 8

Editorials: Dirty Dozen in Broward, corruption spasm continues, but will voters rise up in South Florida and demand better?

Letters: Reader got a laugh on Grove Cloister’s story – Happy 4^th of July from VA

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.

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundationwww.knightfoundation.org for funding the University of Miami’s Knight Center of International Mediahttp://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.

>>> 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 newsletter and news service that started its 11^th Anniversary on May 5.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> U.S. Gen. Fraser, one-year as South Com commandant, works with 19 countries on mutual security “partnerships”

U.S. Air Force General Douglas Fraser addressed the Greater Miami Chamber’s 23^rd Annual Service Person of the Year Awards luncheon Wednesday at Jungle Island and hemispheric “partnerships” were the theme of the day. The general before coming to Miami was stationed in Honolulu but his extensive military career has sent him around the world over the decades. Here in South Florida, after a decade of uncertainty if Southern Command would stay in Doral, after moving in the 1990s from Panama, the command will be completing its new headquarters in Doral this fall. He said the help of the Chamber and its members really assisted in that new location actually happening.

Power of Partnership was the title of the general’s speech and much of what his command does is “focused on building partnerships” with the countries in the command’s area. He said leaders he works with have a “collective desire” for “economic prosperity” and by working together with these nations and being a “partner, that is success,” he said. South Com is one of six geographic combat commands and it stretches from the eastern Pacific to the Atlantic and the mission is “security and stability” of the Western Hemisphere that is “rooted in freedom, the rule of law” with an emphasis to “work the region diplomatically.” The 1975 Air Force Academy graduate said the region had a “very low” threshold when it came to a “conventional military threat” to the United States. However, the new issue was non-traditional threats such as Weapons of Mass Destruction from rogue groups or terrorists that many times try to win over local residents with food and shelter, but Fraser said “people don’t feel safe” and no one wants to “live that way.”

Fraser said the command works with 19 countries in joint operations that includes “trafficking in illicit drugs, money, weapons, human beings, and [exotic] animals. He said when it came to the drug trade that was a “$400 billion global enterprise,” and noted these people go to the “path of least resistance” and why some big seizures “not seen before in Europe” have been occurring. He said the challenge was to “put pressure throughout the region” with a common goal of “detection and monitoring” of trafficors and hand off this information “to local or international law enforcement,” he said. Key West also plays a critical role with 13 international agencies located there when it comes to this war on drugs.

The general highlighted another aspect of the command’s mission talking about the relief efforts initiated after the Jan. 12 devastating earthquake in Haiti. He said his organization played a key role that involved around 22,000 military personnel and 21 ships helping with the massive global relief effort. He told the attendees that currently there are about 550 military people in the country now, that includes medical teams and working on projects such as “building schools.”

>>> With 46 states with over $180 billion in budget deficits, past deficit financial spending catching up with nation

With the national news media www.msnbc.com stating there are 46 states that face budget deficits next year to the tune of over $180 billion. It highlights not only the hollowing out of nation’s financial assets, but the grim reality when it comes to public employees salaries and pensions, given an economy that minimum might take four to five years to rebound from. California leads the deficit pack with a $19 billion shortfall and here in Florida, it will likely come-in around $7 billion less than needed. Here in South Florida, the local counties are facing bleak prospects and the 35 municipalities in Miami-Dade and the 31 cities and towns in Broward are going to have to deal with this vexing budget problem, after decades of economic and property tax growth that left many public entities feeling fat and happy when it came to tax dollars.

>>> Press release: The National Association of Latino and Elected Officials (NALEO), the premier partner of the Census 2010 according to a nationwide survey of Latinos by the Pew Hispanic Center, is proud to announce a 69% participation rate of the Census 2010 from Miami-Dade County.  This is an increase of a full 2% from Census 2000.  This increase is due to the hard work of the Census 2010 partners in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami-Dade County and numerous municipalities.  Enumeration is still taking place and will continue until July 10, 2010.  “Miami-Dade County Public Schools is to be commended for the monumental task that it undertook in informing parents, students and the community of the Census 2010.  Miami-Dade County Public Schools in conjunction with the Complete Count Committee should be commended for increasing the participation rate to a new high,” said School Board Member Ana Rivas Logan and NALEO Board of Director.

Although America’s participation rate stayed constant at 72%, Florida’s Census 2010 participation rate of 72% was 3 percentage points higher than the Census 2000 participation rate.  The final demographics will be published for the public in January 2011.   The final numbers will be seen first by  President Barack Obama by December 31, 2010.  This data will be used for congressional apportionment.  Some states will likely gain (or lose) seats in the U.S. House of Representatives based on the 2010 Census count.  By March 31, 2011, the Census Bureau will release more detailed data to help states redraw congressional, state, and local legislative district boundaries, in a process called “redistricting.”  “Knowing the importance that the 2010 census is going to have on Florida and for Hispanics, Florida’s NALEO members made a yeoman effort in mobilizing and informing the community. We are all proud of the results,” said Juan Carlos Zapata, NALEO Educational Fund Chairman and Florida State Representative, District 119. >>> The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years.  The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like: hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges, tunnels and other public works projects.  “This has been the most important census ever for our community, the NALEO Educational Fund, and the ya es hora HAGASE CONTAR! campaign.  Local and national partners came together to implement an unprecedented outreach campaign, yet the credit belongs to the Hispanic community in Florida who responded to the call to make itself count,” said Arturo Vargas, Executive Director, NALEO.

>>> Press release: Broward Bulldog has been accepted into the Investigative News Network. The Investigative News Network is a national collaboration of nonprofit journalism organizations that conducts investigative reporting in the public interest. Only 40 organizations have been offered membership by the Investigative News Network. Membership requires meeting rigorous operational and reporting standards and solidifies Bulldog’s position as a credible source of hard-hitting local news. The decline of the for-profit print newspaper industry has sparked a burgeoning not-for-profit model which recognizes the changing landscape of news delivery and consumption. Successful news organizations are moving away from the labor-intense and high-overhead printing process to one of 2.0-based efficiency, around-the-clock access and mobility. However, instant news gratification must have checks and balances to ensure the integrity of the source and the content. Voluntary membership in The Investigative News Network is one way on-line, nonprofit news organizations can be held accountable for their business practices and the information they gather and release.  “To be recognized by our peers for our contributions to this emerging model is one of the best compliments we can receive,” said Dan Christensen, editor of Broward Bulldog. “We look forward to helping build the foundation of collaborative journalism and learning from like-minded newsrooms.” >>> Broward Bulldog is an independent, not for profit online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. For more information about contributions and sponsorships, contact Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, at 954-817-3434 or kbarran@browardbulldog.org.

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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 the WLRN/NPR showTopical 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.

>>> 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

>>> Since Apr. 22, UM – CSTARS has been tracking catastrophic oil spill, U.S. Sen. Nelson wants plan and understanding of size & movement of spill going forward

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-FL had a huddle with professors at the University of Miami’s Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing (CSTARS), part of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, concerning the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and its impact on deep cold water coral reefs and other creatures, while the massive spill is migrating throughout the Gulf Thursday morning. Nelson meeting in Coral Gables above his office with about ten people, including the Watchdog Report and a reporter and cameraman from WPLG Channel 10. He said the first course of action was “to kill the well,” and “stop the gushing of 60,000 barrels a day,” and that has to be followed by “scooping-up the oil before it hits shore,” and when it reaches beaches to “get it off.” He said the real question is “unknown about how much oil is underneath the surface, where is it going and what will the effect be on the health of the Gulf,” he asked. The senator said his mission has been trying to get the U.S. government “off its duff” and wants CSTARS to get a plan along with the 21 other consortium members to help “understand what is happening below the surface,” he said. He noted that the beaches he has visited at “night have tar balls” when these wash on shore, but in the hot daytime, the oil melts and covers the beach surface like unusual asphalt. The senior Florida senator said he took photos of the black tar on the beaches to a Senate Democratic Caucus meeting recently, and members were shocked at the widespread damage to the environment, he said. He also questioned the large amount of disbursements that have been used, and “with so much oil could microbes [even] consume it,” he wondered.

The professors could not give a solid answer on a number of the questions for there has never been a spill of this size, or chemicals used in this quantity ever before. They believe as much research as possible is necessary and we should “learn the maximum from this event” believing we “need to learn as much as we can” from this catastrophe, because “it will happen again” they all agreed. They also noted there were 14 satellites from around the world’s nations getting data from the sky and research ships have “located deep sea [oil] plums,” already and the experts said, “Radar imagery is the best way to see the oil.”

The CSTARS professors showed four satellite photos that were enlarged and what surprised the Watchdog Report besides just the incredible size of the affected area along the states coastlines. It was how far some of the oil intrusion had gone into the marsh and wetlands in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle coast. They also said when it came to concentrations of oil on the Gulf floor, it will “most of the time come to the surface” over time. They said new models are being created to track the currents moving the gigantic oil mass and they are combining all the technology available “to get a picture of what is happening [underwater],” said the scientists.

What about the U.S. debt and deficits?

Nelson when asked by the Watchdog Report after the meeting about the off the wall national debt climbing over $13 trillion. He said, “It will be a long slog but we have to address the [growing national] deficit,” he said.

Quote of the week

Nelson, after staff got a cup of coffee for him. He told the people in the room they were welcome to partake in the java that was brought into the room if they liked. The Senator elected in 2000 and again in 2006, after years in congress including being a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle said “We aim to please, and are a full Senate shop,” he joked but the coffee was appreciated. >>> For more information go to Bill Nelson, U.S. Senator from Florida: Home The official Web site of US Senator Bill Nelson from Florida. >>> And to see what is going on at the Oil Spill web page at UM go to www.rsmas.miami.edu.oil-spill/

>>> Sen. Nelson press release: Undersea unknowns prompt lawmaker to seek answers

With concerns mounting about oil lurking deep beneath the Gulf surface, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson will head to Coral Gables on Thursday to meet with local scientists who are using radar technology and high-resolution satellites to track and monitor oil plumes. Specifically, Nelson wants to find out what the researchers can do to detect subsea oil and other toxins resulting from the Deepwater Horizon spill.  The senator will meet with experts from the University of Miami’s Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing (CSTARS) at 10 a.m. Thursday in the 2nd floor conference room of the Rasco, Reininger, Perez, Esquinazi & Vigil law firm located at 283 Catalonia Avenue in Coral Gables. The meeting comes a day after Nelson proposed new legislation aimed at forcing the government to do more to address undersea plumes. Among other things, the legislation would give the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 45 days to come up with a comprehensive plan to locate and assess the environmental and health risks posed by submerged oil, gas and other toxic substances.  The bill would also establish a program within NOAA to carry out the plan.

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today announced the following reappointments: Charter School Review Panel

Kimberly “Kym” Elder, 50, of Nokomis, executive director and founder of Island Village Montessori Charter School, reappointed for a term beginning July 7, 2010, and ending April 11, 2011.

Sherry A. Hage, 42, of Fort Lauderdale, vice president of education for Charter Schools USA, reappointed for a term beginning July 7, 2010, and ending April 11, 2011.

Dr. Tim S. Kitts, 54, of Lynn Haven, principal of Bay Haven Charter Academy, reappointed for a term beginning July 7, 2010, and ending April 11, 2011.  Kitts will continue to serve as Chair of the Charter School Review Panel.

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

>>> Chief Justice Canady tapped by Gov. Crist in Aug. 08, had net worth of $442,000 through Mar.1

Charles Canady, the recently named Florida Supreme Court’s chief justice is in the spotlight this week and Gov. Charlie Crist appointed him to the bench on Aug. 2008.

What do we know about his finances?

Canady’s net worth through Mar.1, 2010 was $442,000 and he lists $50,500 in household goods. His home in Lakeland is valued at $310,000, there is $159,692 in a federal thrift, a deferred compensation plan has $69,700 and bank accounts have $36,966 in them. His only liability is a $195,000 mortgage, his judicial salary was $159,587 and he lists receiving no gifts over $100.00.

>>> Court’s web page: Chief Justice Charles Canady was born in Lakeland, Florida, in 1954.  He is married to Jennifer Houghton, and they have two children.  He received his B.A. from Haverford College in 1976 and his J.D. from the Yale Law School in 1979. Justice Canady practiced law with the firm of Holland and

Knight in Lakeland from 1979 through 1982.  He practiced with the firm of Lane, Trohn, et al., from 1983 through 1992. From November 1984 to November 1990, Justice Canady served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives, and from January 1993 to January 2001, he served four terms in the United States House of Representatives.  Throughout his service in Congress, Justice Canady was a member of the House Judiciary Committee.  For three terms, from January 1995 to January 2001, Justice Canady was the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution. On August 28, 2008, Justice Canady was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by Governor Charlie Crist and took office on September 8, 2008. For more information go to http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/justices/canady.shtml

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> An “apology” is demanded by Mayor Alvarez, ethics director Meyers demurred after testy exchange on budget independence

A testy exchange between Mayor Carlos Alvarez (Net worth $1.74 million) and Ethics Commission Director Robert Meyers at Thursday’s county commission meeting had the mayor demanding “an apology,” that he did not get. He said, “I demand that [apology] because he insulted me,” and “the commission.” He later said there “have been hundreds of investigations” since the ethics commission was first created in 1998 and there has been no retaliation.  The mayor had sent a memo to Commission Chair Dennis Moss (Net worth $342,000) and the commission on Jun.8 and previously reported in the Watchdog Report. He noted that the ethics commission staff had not followed in the five percent cuts that the rest of the county employees had and the organization was different from the rest of the county when it came to this sacrifice. Alvarez said about the memo that there was “no conspiracy when an ordinance passed” and in the case of the cuts, eventually all employees would be hit with the five percent reduction “forever,” he said.

Meyers in rebuttal noted that the ethics commission does not follow many of the county salary increases over the past 12-years in lockstep and the commission made cuts within its set budget compared to what the county was doing, including the furlough of ethics staff. Meyers said ethics commission staff “have not kept pace” with other county employees and the body “should be able to spend its money” as the commission pleases since it is an independent body and while not saying it was planned. The mayor’s memo “castes the ethics commission in a bad light” and the attorney noted there have been investigations in the mayor’s office recently and believes the mayor’s memos “timing is suspect.” Meyers also said he reports to the five-member ethics commission, and they said when it came to the cuts “if you can do it some other way” do that. Meyers noted the budget office and manager were aware of what the organization was doing over the years, and some outsiders have been waiting for this challenge of the ethics body’s independence, by either the county commission or mayor, which on the county organizational chart, gives the ethics commission a dotted line to the county. Since, voters created the ethics commission by a Charter change.

The exchange also included Commissioner Barbara Jordan (Net worth $1.9 million in 08) saying she thought the ethics commission should fall into line with the rest of county employees and took a shot at the body’s own ethics. Manager George Burgess said the ethics commission budget had been handled with “white gloves” trying to give them the budget they were requesting. However, Commissioner Joe Martinez (Net worth $270,000 in 08) noted the salary cuts “were not equitable” when looked at across the board. He believed some of this testy exchange came about because he had sponsored an ordinance giving the budgets for the commission auditor, IG and ethics commission to be moved from the mayor’s administration to the commission. Commissioner Katy Sorenson (Net worth $1.34 million in 08), said it was a “delicate situation” when it came to the body’s “independence” and she thought the commission was treading on a dangerous path when it comes to meddling with the ethics commission budget, a body approved by voters in 1996. She thought it was better to just “give a lump sum” to them and “just let the commission on ethics” do what they want, “within the budget constraints,” she closed.

The ethics commission approved by voters back then was then given an enabling ordinance by the county commission and began functioning in 1998, and since then the county commission has essentially backed the independent body’s funding. However, at the conclusion of this discussion, Moss said Meyers should go back to his commission and let them know the commission’s thoughts, and the director said he would take that message back to the body. For more imformation about both organizations go to www.miamidade.gov or www.miamidadeethics.com

>>> What was the first ethics commission meeting like?

Back in 1998, I attended the first Ethics and Public Trust Commission meeting and Meyers was interviewed for the job by the newly appointed commission back then. There was only one other person in the audience in the small meeting room in the downtown county courthouse at the time, and he looked at me and asked. “Who the h… are you?” and I responded “I am just a citizen,” but I will never forget that exchange with a prominent local attorney, and one of the reasons I do the Watchdog Report to this day.

>>> Political Teaching Moment, elected leaders back taxes are public documents, spare yourself the embarrassment

This week the Watchdog Report will try to have a political Teachable Moment when it comes to public records, voting on property tax millage, and not being current yourself when you are an elected leader.  For the last few weeks, I have been writing about the need for the community’s leaders to be current with their own property taxes, as they in the coming weeks set the first property tax millage levels, that at the county will be done Jul. 20. I originally was not planning to write about this issue if the elected leader became compliant and current with their tax bill, but other factors came to light later on, and it has to be reported for everyone’s good. I say this because not only could it be used against an elected leader in an election, it could also have a chilling effect, or worse blackmail in some way. If it was not brought out into the sunshine, and over time could be a non-factor in the person’s political career, if voters so decide.

In this case, it is Audrey Edmonson (Net worth $281,000) first appointed by county commissioners to the District 3 commission seat after Commissioner Barbara Carey-Shuler announced her retirement mid-term in late 2005, and Edmonson won reelection in her own right in future elections. She is a school board long time district employee and former mayor of El Portal. On Friday, the commissioner led a delegation of her peers made up of Commissioners Dorrin Rolle (Net worth $1.02 million in 08) and Barbara Jordan to Haiti, and it will be her third trip there since the devastating earthquake Jan. 12 that has killed and injured hundreds of thousands of the nation’s residents.

What tipped the scales, when it came to writing this story was when I opened The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com on Jun. 23, 2010, and in the Local & Statesection, was a state public notice concerning a summary of the Year’s Actions of the 2008 Miami-Dade County Value Adjustment Board. The board is made up of County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez (Net worth $753,000 in 08); school board Chair Agustin “Gus” Barrera, citizens Hani Jardack, Anibal Duarte-Viera and Edmonson was the chair of the VAT board. In Edmondson’s case, she paid her 2007, 2008, and 2009 property taxes on Jun. 21, 2010 state county receipt documents supplied by a commission office aide on Thursday, and the payment came after I told most commissioners weeks earlier they had 30-days, if they were behind in their property taxes to get current. Edmonson paid the outstanding balance of $6,886 by a $6,700 check and $200.00 in cash, she is now current, and the three Tax Deed Redemption Bill liens on the home for those years have been satisfied in full. The commissioner may not have been aware of how in the rears she and her husband were on their property taxes, since he is said to handle these matters, but getting it out in the open is the only way to end an issue that has been percolating below the community’s surface since the first year of the non-payment.

What about other counties and municipal leaders’ property tax payments?

The example of Edmonson will not be rare in the future given the state of the economy and residents in Broward, Palm Beach and other Florida counties should check that their elected officials are compliant in this obligation as the days click bye before new tax millage public meetings for next year’s budget will be held. And residents should do their homework when it comes to this issue, for there are others in public office out there just like here in South Florida.

>>> Clock is ticking when it comes to $720,000 federal lobbying contract, after July cost of activity goes up

The county’s proposed federal lobbying contract paying over $720,000 split by five firms  was Four Day Ruled by Commissioner Natacha Seijas (Net worth $655,000 in 08) last week after an hour of debate, and then another almost hour of discussion concerning if Seijas had the authority to keep the contract from being voted on by the body. County Attorney Robert Cuevas, Jr., said Seijas was within her rights since the item was listed on the official county agenda, and it called for a vote and was a “action item” that fell under the commission’s own procedural rule and it will be brought back Jul. 20 when the commission meets again. However, if the contract expires Aug. 5, these lobbyist fees could go up from a new negotiated discount and it could run this way month to month with the three current ones getting $200,000 a year, if the new contract is not passed by the contracts end date.

Further, Seijas thought having so many firms getting only $144,000 would “dilute the efforts” and not make it worth the lobbyists while to advocate aggressively for Miami-Dade. However, she said four would be okay with her, the firms would get $190,000 each and she publicly noted during the discussion that the fifth firm’s cofounder not mentioned by name, Al Cardenas was in the audience, something she had not seen for years, she said. Commissioner Katy Sorenson also voiced concern about having five firms, saying it could be a “five-ring circus” when it came to coordination of the county’s lobbying activities in the nation’s capital.

What about the number of federal lobbyists used by the county?

Joe Rasco, the director of the Intergovernmental Affairs Office said when commissioners asked about the history and past number of these firms when his office was created. He said they had around nine, but that was pared down to a lower number that in 2007, 2008 was three firms, with two sub-lobbying contracts paying former Congresswoman Carrie Meek and Michael Abrams up to $75,000 a year each for their services in the capital.

>>> The county commission decided to workshop in the future the issue of what an immediate family definition is when it comes to having a conflict of interest and currently, spouse, parents and children only fall under this prohibition. The commission wants to expand the definition while also making it workable.

Mistake of the week

During Thursday’s county commission meeting, Commissioner Barbara Jordan told fellow commissioners that Miami Gardens was incorporated “in 2005” when discussing some bond money being directed to the city with over 100,000 residents. However, in fact, the city was founded in 2003, its mayor is Shirley Gibson, and the incorporation was done while Commissioner Betty Ferguson was in the county office, a position now held by Jordan, who at the time was a county assistant county manager, and she first ran for the county commission seat in 2004.

>>> Recent IG reports: Arrest of Water & Sewer Department Employee for Stealing County Tools, IG10-02, July 8, 2010.

>>> Final Report on Abuse of Miami-Dade County Restrictions on Outside Employment by the Mayor’s Former Chief of Staff and Miami-Dade Police Department Officials, Ref. IG09-96, July 8, 2010. -Exhibits 1-10 - Morales Exhibits 1-24 - Gonzalez Exhibits 1-43 - Vigoa Exhibits 1-22 - Alvarez Exhibits -15 - Artime Exhibits 1-25 - Valdes Exhibits 1-8 - Perez Exhibits 1-9

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade Public Housing Agency (MDPHA) in partnership with the Boozer’s Buddies Foundation, McCormack Baron Salazar, and Urban Strategies offers this summer the First Annual Boozer’s Buddies Basketball Camp for boys and girls ages 7 to 17, who reside in MDPHA public housing developments. The Boozer’s Buddies Foundation was established by Utah Jazz NBA Star Carlos Boozer and his wife CeCe to provide support to families affected by sickle cell disease. The foundation was inspired by their own son’s battle with the disease, who, upon his birth in 2006, has undergone life-saving treatment at Miami Children’s Hospital. During this experience, Boozer and his wife were moved by seeing other families struggle with medical costs and created the foundation to raise funds to advance new treatments. “We look forward to the summer of 2010 and the prospect of providing inspiration, enjoyment and education to the children of MDPHA,” stated Carlos Boozer. The Basketball Camp is free for MDPHA kids. Recruitment is taking place at the public housing management offices or by calling 1-877-330-2979. Each camp accommodates about 150 children and they will receive a camp T-shirt, and free sneakers. Special guest speakers will visit the Camp. The Camp will be held at the following Miami-Dade Public High Schools: Booker T. Washington High School: July 19-23 & July 26-30; Miami High School: August 2-6; South Dade area: August 9-13. This camp offers a positive alternative for low-income and at-risk youth to participate in an extraordinary summer experience,” commented Gregg Fortner, director for MDPHA. >>> MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY -701 NW 1st Court, Miami, FL 33136 – (786) 469-4100

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Mayor Keechl faces opposition in 2010, face of county, had net worth of $1.03 million through 2009

Mayor Ken Keechl is in the Watchdog Report spotlight this week and he was first elected to his commission district in 2006. He unseated former Republican Florida Senate President Jim Scott, the commission District 4 incumbent in a bitter race, but Broward is a Democratic stronghold when it comes to voters and Keechl beat back the former state GOP lawmaker. Since then Keechl has settled in on the nine member commission and rose to the leadership position late last year.  The attorney is up for reelection in 2010 and he has one Democratic challenger, Beverly Kennedy, Republican’s are fielding Chip LaMarca, and Chris Chiari has filed as having no party affiliation. Keechl is taking no chances on his reelection, he has raised $348,000 for his campaign war chest, and he has spent $191,000 of that treasure.

What do we know about his finances?

Keechl through Jan. 2010 had a net worth of $1.03 million and he lists $90,000 in household goods. He has eight homes listed on his financial disclosure form, two bank accounts and two retirement fund accounts in total valued at $3.7 million. His liabilities include eight mortgages and a loan totaling $2.76 million. The commissioner’s income for the year was $100,000 as an elected leader and another $142,000 came in from the law firm where he practices.

Mayor Ken Keechl’s Press Conference Regarding Gulf Oil Spill -Mayor Ken Keechl addresses Broward County’s contingency plan as it relates to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Florida Gulf. More…

>>> Mayor’s web page: Hello and Welcome! -I am extremely proud to represent the 1.7 million residents of Broward County and, in particular, the nearly 200,000 residents of District 4. Thank you for your vote of confidence. When you elected me to be your County Commissioner in November of 2006, your votes indicated that you shared my vision of an environmentally-sensitive, business-friendly Broward County. And, since my election, I have led the charge on the County Commission to lower your property taxes; to eliminate wasteful spending; to protect our dwindling open spaces; to ensure adequate funding for beach re-nourishment; and to put a stop to the over-development that has changed Broward County’s precious coastline. You may rest assured that I will continue to advocate these positions as your County Commissioner. Moreover, as your County Commissioner, I work for you. My two exceptional aides, Kathy Singer, Natalie Levy and I are always available to assist you with any problems you may be experiencing with your state, county, or municipal governments. If we can’t solve your problem directly, we will be happy to utilize our resources and connections to put you in contact with the appropriate governmental agency that can assist you. Please feel free to email Ms. Kathy Singer, Ms. Natalie Levy or Commissioner Ken Keechl. We can also be reached at our Ft. Lauderdale office at (954) 357-7004.

>>> 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

>>> Vice Chair Marcus in spotlight, dodges political purge, had $138,000 net worth through Dec. 09

Commissioner Karen Marcus, the body’s vice chair is in the spotlight this week and she has survived the political purge the past few years when it came to public corruption and a rendezvous with federal prosecutors that has sent a number of her past peers to prison. Marcus has been active in her commission District 1 and the Watchdog Report has not heard of anything negative concerning the elected leader over the years.

What do we know about her finances?

Marcus through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $138,000 and she lists $60,000 in household goods. Her home is valued at $242,000, a rental property is valued at $98,000, and her two cars are worth $8,500 and $9,000. Her liabilities listed are mortgages owed $99,247, and $200,000. Her income for the year was $96,956 as a commissioner, and $300.00 came in from the Palmer Water Control District.

>>> Commission web page: Commissioner Marcus serves as a member of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, representing District One. She has also served as President of the Florida Councils Association and was President of the Florida Association of Counties from November 2000 to June 2002.  Commissioner Marcus has served on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council since first being elected to the County Commission.  For many years, she chaired the School Advisory Council for Palm Beach Gardens High School, during the time her daughters attended the school, having graduated from there herself.

Since she has been in office, she has supported the acquisition of more than 1,430 acres of park and recreation property in District One alone.  Through various funding sources, parks and beaches such as Ocean Cay, Diamond Head/Radnor, Riverbend Park and many others will be available for all of us to enjoy.  Northern Palm Beach County has 22 parks and has more public beachfront property than any district in the entire county.   Riverbend Park is considered the Ajewel@ of the County=s parks system and is located along Florida=s first nationally designated AWild and Scenic River@, in Jupiter Farms.  The Park boasts 684 acres of natural beauty and historical sites and is now open seven days a week.  In February, 2008, Palm Beach County purchased the 230 acre Hatcher/Halparin property, which is located immediately west of Riverbend Park in Jupiter Farms. A portion of the property will be used as a natural area preserve and storage for the treatment of stormwater, and the remaining property will being added to Riverbend Park. An advocate to protect Palm Beach County=s natural resources, Commissioner Marcus supported the acquisition of 29,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land to protect it from development.  She helped garner the public=s support to approve a bond issue in 1991 to purchase environmentally sensitive land, and again in 1999 to preserve environmentally sensitive lands and agricultural property in the Ag Reserve.  Commissioner Marcus received the Nature Conservancy=s distinguished Public Service Award and the Nature Conservancy=s Grassroots Leadership Award… http://www.pbcgov.com/countycommissioners/district1/biography.htm

Commissioner Karen Marcus: 301 North Olive Ave. Suite 1201, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 – (561) 355-2201 – 877-930-2201 (Toll Free outside the West Palm Beach calling area) Fax: 561-355-6094 Send an e-mail Commissioner Karen Marcus >> Board of County Commissioners

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

>>> Pres release: Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Brunie Emmanuel of Pensacola as a Point of Light for volunteerism in his community.

“Brunie’s service has not only prepared countless Floridians for times of disaster, his service has brought prompt relief in times of need as well,” said Governor Crist. “I applaud his outstanding leadership in the safety and preservation of Florida’s citizens and environment.” Emmanuel is the leader of the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) programs & services team, which implements programs and procedures to reduce loss of life, injury, property damage, environmental impact and economic loss due to disaster. Recently, he led more than 350 volunteers in a pre-impact cleaning of the beaches of Perdido Key and Johnson beaches, including the National Seashore. He has also facilitated the efforts of more than a dozen organizations to meet the behavioral, physical, case management, direct assistance, volunteer, and public information needs of those affected by the BP oil spill. Emmanuel also participates in the Poverty Solutions Program, Escambia VISTA Coalition, and Community Database Solutions development. >>> 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. Florida’s Foundation, formerly the Volunteer Florida Foundation, manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.FloridasFoundation.org

LEE COUNTY

>>> With Commissioner Janes death, Gov. Crist taps Manning of Cape Coral

Press release: Gov. Crist today appointed John E. Manning of Cape Coral to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners. He will fill the vacancy created by the death of Commissioner Bob Janes. “As a long-time resident of Lee County with 18 years of public-service experience, John is ready to step onto the county commission and begin working immediately,” Governor Crist said. “I am confident he is committed to ensuring Lee County continues to be a great community for families and businesses.”  Manning, 50, has been a consultant with the Fort Myers office of Malcolm Pirnie since 2000. Previously, he was a corporate benefit consultant for 28 years with both public and private sector clients. He served as a Lee County Commissioner from 1988 to 2000 and was a city council member for Cape Coral from 1982 to 1986. He received a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> State Rep. Saunders facing opposition in McPherson, legislator had $687,000 net worth through 2009

State Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Monroe County, is in the spotlight this week and he is the minority leader in the Florida House. He is facing three challengers in his race for House District 120, and the highest profile candidate is Republican Morgan McPherson, a former mayor of Key West. The attorney qualified to run again by getting voters signatures, and his district covers south Dade to Key West.

What do we know about Saunders finances?

Saunders through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $687,000 and he lists $15,000 in household goods. His home and different properties are worth $410,000; $220,000, and $195,000. He lists liabilities of $83,000, and $70,000 and the lawmaker received $30,336 as a legislator, and $20,000 came in from his law practice.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Audit department finds $130,000 in over billing, Charter School landlord busted, owes $31,000 in property taxes over six years

At the June 24 Audit Committee, the schools own auditor found two major items on their own. In one case, a company called Bureau Veritas was found to have over billed the district $130,017 for “environmental site assessment and remediation services provided” and the department found these “billing errors and discrepancies,” state district documents. Further, a charter school landlord was busted for “overstating a charter school property tax exemption over the past six-years. The auditor’s report notes the district met with the county property tax Appraiser on April 26, and the office’s investigation “confirmed the improper tax exemption” for the Oxford Academy Charter School. Since then a “lien” has been placed on the property to “recover more than $31,000 in back taxes.” The nation’s fourth largest public schools district has about 88 charter schools, with more to follow, but some of them have issues like this where a landlord, may try to run other commercial expenses through a charter school located in the same building. It is for this reason why I always flag such a school when there is a “related transaction,” like a building owner starting a charter school that is guaranteed rent payments, since the public money comes from the district per student enrolled.

What else happened?

The school district with 355 public schools at different levels is under the watchful eye of the Audit department but also an Office of the Inspector General and both organizations have their hands full keeping watch, that had the audit office discovering about $300,000 in savings over the past year.

>>> Last look at board Chair Stinson, leaving dais in Nov., had $1.22 million through 2009

School Board Chair Solomon Stinson, Ph.D. retiring after over a decade on the school board and 50-years with the district is in the spotlight this week. He was a long time teacher and senior administrator within the district though he never became the superintendent, something he desired but eluded him and he went the elected route. On the board, he has been chair twice and currently is in that capacity.

What about Chair’s Stinson’s financial disclosures?

This will be the last year I look at Stinson’s financial disclosure form, through Dec. 2009, his net worth was $1.22 million, and he has $35,000 in household goods. His home is worth $45,000 and another house is valued at $155,000. He has an IRA account, and he lists no liabilities. His income for the year was $101,043 from his Florida retirement fund, the school board kicked in $37,000 and $22,000 came in from social security for the year.

>>>Miami-Dade Inspector General’s report: Three Indicted in Connection with Southside Elementary School Modular Classroom Addition Construction Project Ref. IG09-10SB, July 1, 2010.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Some commissioners’ verbally beat-up trustees, Vice Chair Medina feels the heat but money is scarce

The closing of Jackson South Hospital’s obstetrics unit, saving $2.5 million was the topic of the Miami-Dade County Commission meeting Thursday and the PHT board and administration got verbally beat-up by the elected leaders. Angel Medina, the PHT board vice chair noted they are being forced to make these cuts in service lines and he would love to keep the capability, but there is no money for such an endeavor. However, Sally Heyman (net worth $426,000) wondered why the closing just came to the PHT board at the last minute, as an addition to the agenda, and there should have been more consultation with the county commission. However, Jackson Health System is fighting for its financial life when it has to give almost $600 million in charity and uncompensated medical care, that cannot be covered anymore from a countywide half-cent sales-tax and county maintenance of effort payments.

What could help change some of PHT’s financial challenges?

Commissioner Javier Souto (Net worth $856,000 in 08) while verbally ripping into the Trust board saying it was like a child that has turned on its parents, the former state legislator has one idea that bears being pursued. He called for county and other public employees with medical insurance to consider going to the Jackson Health System for their medical care and that could offset some of the red ink that comes with the medically uninsured that is an almost infinite population here in Miami-Dade. He also asked private companies that benefit from the county to also step-up to the plate and use the health trust, that has affiliations with the University of Miami and Florida International University’s medical schools and medical care is award winning, he believes. He demonstrated his own commitment to Jackson by opening his shirt during the commission meeting and showing his surgical scar after heart surgery, perhaps not necessary to be seen by the public, but he made his point.

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for 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.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Regalado, Carollo, Dunn, Suarez take CDBG road trip to D.C., looking for congressional waiver given social service needs of elderly

Mayor Tomas Regalado, Commissioners Frank Carollo, Francis Suarez and Richard Dunn, II are taking a road trip to the nation’s capital to see if they can get a waiver on the allocation percentages for Community Based Development Block grants that are given by HUD. The current percentage is 85 percent of these monies must be used for economic development and 15 percent for social services such as Meals on Wheels for elderly residents. Regalado at Thursday’s commission meeting noted the city had gotten such a three-year congressional waiver in the mid 1990s after the help of Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Carrie Meek who was on the House appropriation committee. On this upcoming visit, given the new fiscal reality, they will have a challenge, as Congress gets more concerned with the national debt and any expansion or modification of existing federal programs in place. Suarez in an exclusive interview with the Watchdog Report said Miami has a large population of elderly and poor and when it comes to economic development; it can be difficult “to measure.” He said the food program, which costs a couple of dollars each is much more needed, is well established in the community and the number of people fed can be easily documented reducing any potential abuse or fraud. He said the request was to modify the formula so that “up to 25 percent” could be allocated for the social service side, and the percentage increase would be a real boost given the demographics of Miami.

>>> HEP board passes county 10’ wide bike/pedestrian plan, but some confusion during presentation, only small part of Ingraham Highway involved

A proposed plan for a ten-foot wide bike and pedestrian path from Aviation Avenue in Coconut Grove south to Cartagena Circle in Coral Gables passed the Miami Historic and Environmental Board last week, but the county representatives presentation was confusing if someone watched on television. The county staff kept referring to the fact the route went down Ingraham Highway in the south Grove, rather than continuing on Douglas Road, to Edgewater Drive and then at the very end connects with the Historic Ingraham Highway section of the road. The Watchdog Report contacted County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez’s office last week and in an e-mail from a staffer.  “I just got a call from the Press down at City Hall about the presentation the County is giving: That we, the County, intend on going down Ingraham Highway with the Commodore Bike Trail. there is no capacity for bike path down Ingraham to Cocoplum Circle.. Please set the record straight here so that we do not give out “bad info”. The bike path is to continue down Douglas and hook up with Edgewater Drive onto the Trail over the ped/bike path bridge over Waterway Canal….. Please confirm for Mr. Dan Ricker and this Office before we get flooded with calls,” wrote staffer Frank Balzebre.

>>> Chair Sarnoff’s net drops from $2.28 million to $2.17 million, feeling the squeeze like most people

Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff is feeling the economic squeeze and after reviewing his financial disclosure forms his net worth dropped from $2.28 million to $2.17 million through June 2010. In the coming weeks I will do a detailed analysis of all the Miami elected leaders disclosures and it will also include former Mayor Manuel Diaz’s last required form from last year. Readers should stay tuned.

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>> CPA & Commissioner Weithorn featured speaker, with $30 million to cut in city budget, challenges ahead

Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club -Meeting Date: Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 -Meeting Time: 8:30 AM -Meeting Place:          David’s Café II, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach. Miami Beach City Commissioner Deede Weithorn will be this week’s guest speaker at the July 13th meeting of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club.  The topic will be the city budget for the new fiscal year beginning October 1st.  Miami Beach is no different than Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, and the State of Florida – all are facing revenue shortfalls and each must deal with the issue of budget cuts.  Miami Beach is lucky in that its short fall is only $30 million (compared to $100 million in Miami, and $400 million in Miami-Dade County).

Commissioner Weithorn, a CPA, is well versed in city budget analysis and is perhaps the most qualified of the Commissioners to help us understand what is being proposed and what can be expected.  The continued drop in real estate values and property taxes in the last few years is only part of the problem; dealing with the growth in city spending during the boom (primarily in hiring, salaries, and pensions) may be an even worse problem.  Join us as we preview the budget with Commissioner Weithorn. 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 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

>>> Taxpayers should keep an eye on commission as TRIM notice begins property tax process

The commission is meeting Tuesday at their commission chambers and one of the items will be setting the preliminary Truth In Millage (TRIM) notice that city property owners will get in the mail in August and the body will set the final millage in September and includes two public budget hearings that are open to the public. Gables residents should keep their eye on the proceedings for it will have an impact on all residents in the tony municipality for the years to come, and there still is the issue of the unfunded pensions that looms in the months ahead. For more information about the city go to City of Coral Gables Web Site The official web site of the City of Coral Gables. This is a local government web site containing valuable information for residents, businesses, …http://www.coralgables.com/

>>> City web-page: Your Opinion Counts:  Please Fill Out The Coral Gables Police Survey

The Police Department is currently undergoing the renewal of accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This accreditation ensures that the Police Department remains in compliance with the high standards set forth by CALEA in all areas of policy and procedure. In order to assist in this process, the City of Coral Gables is asking you to participate in a short 12-question online or phone survey. Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey by July 15, 2010. To complete the survey by phone, contact the Police Department Community Affairs Office at 305-460-5491 and leave your name and number for someone to contact you. To complete the survey online, click here.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> WEDNESDAY, JULY 14^TH - Meet Your Judicial Candidates  Network Luncheon, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 5829 SW 73rd Street, 11:45am

>>> WEDNESDAY, JULY 28^TH -Meet Your County Commission Candidates for District 8 and District 10, General Membership Breakfast, Miami Marriott Dadeland, 9100 South Dadeland Boulevard, 7:15am

EDITORIALS

>>> Dirty Dozen in Broward, corruption spasm continues, but will voters rise up in South Florida and demand better?

Recently, some elected leaders having a discussion moved away from where I was standing to keep me from hearing what they were saying, but given the Florida Sunshine Law, that prohibits leaders on the same body from discussing policies or other matters that may come to the dais, this wanting of a separation distance is odd, to say the least. Months ago, an elected leader from another county told me that they had a luncheon with their peers and county staff to promote “congeniality” on the board, but that event was closed to the public after I tried to attend the affair a few years ago, but watched through the glass walls of the dining room.

As we have seen in Broward County recently with a Dirty Dozen of officials at different levels being indicted or have already been sentenced to state or federal prison. It is clear a change of culture is necessary, that currently seems to be a culture of corruption as Gov. Charlie Crist said after he requested Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum convene a statewide grand jury, and the grand jury hearings happens to be in Broward. While the Watchdog Report is located in Miami-Dade, when I do go up to the state’s second largest county. I notice a difference, some good, and some bad when it comes to elected public servants. There they tend to be very adamant that everything is going great; there is not any collusion or secret deals, but what it seems is not always the case we are now finding out.

In Sunday’s Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com Daniel Chang did a line-up of the dozen politicians in Broward that have run afoul of the law over the past years and the county’s Public Defender Howard Finkelstein wrote a nice piece as well on “paying to play” in local and county politics there. In many ways, Miami-Dade went through the worse patch of this corruption in the 1990s and voters rebelled by creating an ethics commission and an IG at the county level with the ethics commission having the power to investigate what is going on at the 35 municipalities in the state’s largest county as well. Public corruption has been with societies since the dawn of time but in today’s world of internet, cell phones with videos and other recording devices it is mind boggling that some public servants did not get the memo that this kind of behavior must end. For these wayward individuals give straight-up public leaders a bad name, something not deserved, and only results in potential good candidates not wanting to participate in the political process. Voters may be slow to act when it comes to their elected leaders, unless a major wedge issue surfaces, and obliviously public corruption is one of those issues that sends the electorate over the moon. It remains to be seen how Broward voters react in the coming elections but they have an opportunity to begin turning around an inbred political system, that has had its share of problems. The only question is will they have the will to turnover a new page when it comes to ethics, conflicts of interest, or will more indictments be necessary, before the electorate rises up and says no more, only time will tell.

LETTERS

>>> I laughed out loud when I read this line by you about Miami’s failure to buy the now-developed “Cloisters” property for a park: “The only consolation  local residents have is that every rock concert held at Peacock Park must drive the Cloisters residents nuts and it is not much but every Twisted Sister concert is at least something.” Keep up the great work and keep your great sense of humor.

T. L.

Coral Gables

>>> Happy 4th from Virginia the home of the founding fathers of independence!

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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 towatchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Daniel A. Ricker

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Watchdog Report

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Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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 Columnwww.sptimes.com/columns/bousquet.shtml -“First Friday” WPBT TV (Miami) TV Show www.channel2.org/firstfriday/issues.html –Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg TimesColumn 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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Argus Report:Congressional District 25 debate, 4 of 7 candidates, but Rep. Rivera a no show, net worth through Dec. 09 of $301,000

Florida:Gov. Crist files IRS 1040; net worth through June 9 was $461,797, down a few grand

Florida Supreme Court: Justice Quince in the spotlight, steps down as chief judge, net worth climbs to $542,000 through Dec. 09

Miami-Dade County: Commission to vote on ethics ordinances & expected to shift community boards funding to Office of the Chair

Broward County:Sheriff Lamberti opens investigation against Gunzburger; she cries foul, his net worth drops to $619,000 through Dec. 09

Palm Beach County: Chair Aaronson in the spotlight, on commission for decades, net worth $631,000 through 2009

Monroe County: Gastesi says county budget will probably be lower than Rollback tax rate, like the year before, union contracts are an issue

Miami-Dade Public Schools: District rift with Friends of WLRN ending with fundraising organization playing ball, operating agreement and other elements coming together

Public Health Trust: Commissioner Souto jumps on PHT board, but without new funding, ramifications in community more than closing an obstetrics program

City of Miami: Residents who want to get involved have 66 chances, with that many openings on city boards & Aluko, ex CIP director requests Whistle Blower “Grievance” hearing

City of Miami Beach: Wolfson envoy to PHT, gives board members Certificate of Appreciation for trying to do “the right thing”

City of Coral Gables: Charter School powerhouse goes judicial with injunction relief request, former U.S. Atty. Jimenez the legal gun

City of Hialeah Gardens: local student receives national honor for volunteer & service & salary and benefits of lawmakers

Community Events: PHT treasurer Lapciuc to speak to Tuesday Breakfast Club & Gen. Fraser speaks at Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon & Meet the local candidates’ events

Editorials: PAST WDR: Aug.2008: South Florida is the graduate school of all types of fraud, but it is all our money and justifies national leaders cutting our rightful share — PAST WDR: JULY 4, 2004: Miami is the king of public real-estate bait & switch

Letters: PHT trustee Cancela not termed out, just will not apply again — Reader on police officer being brought back – Readers on Watchdog Report anniversary

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.

>>> I hope you and your family and friends have a great Fourth of July and we should all reflect on this special American Day that began the Great Experiment, bringing the nation to what it is today and the full measure of sacrifice so many have made for our nation’s freedom over the past, present and future centuries to come.

>>> I was on Topical Currents heard on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on July 1 from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., and it is on line athttp://204.13.1.19:81/

>>> I also was on  This Week on Issues – 7/02 & 7/04 discussing Jackson Memorial Hospital >> BP Gulf Spill Continues -It has been more than two months since the explosion on the BP oil pipe that has released thousands of barrels of crude oil into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Should we take more dramatic steps to curtail this catastrophe? Guests: Jorge Piñon, Florida International University, Stephen Leatherman, Ph.D., Florida International University >>> Curbing Violence in South Florida -Local activist Queen Brown became involved in violence prevention after the death of her son in a drive-by shooting several years ago.  She joins us on the program to discuss local resources and her plans to begin a support group to help parents deal with emotional and legal issues surrounding the loss of a relative due to street crime. Guest: Queen Brown, Crime Victim Resource Network >>> Jackson’s Fiscal Health: Several months ago, Miami-Dade County’s public hospital Jackson Memorial was facing a multimillion-dollar deficit.  But the future looks brighter, at least according to Jackson executives at Wednesday’s Public Health Trust meeting.  Watchdog Report publisher Daniel Ricker explains.

Guest: Daniel A. Ricker, Watchdog Report

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundationwww.knightfoundation.org for funding the University of Miami’s Knight Center of International Mediahttp://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.

>>> 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 newsletter and news service that started its 11^th Anniversary on May 5.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Congressional District 25 debate, 4 of 7 candidates, but Rep. Rivera a no show, net worth through Dec. 09 of $301,000

The Downtown Bay Forum of Miami luncheon on Wednesday had four of the seven candidates running for congressional District 25 in their respective primaries, with only state Rep. David Rivera, R-Doral, a major candidate not showing up to the event that about 100 people attended. The candidates are trying to win in a congressional district created in 2001 by its current occupant, U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, when he was in the state senate that covers a huge area, some of which is the Florida Everglades. Paul Crespo, Rivera, and Mariana Cancio are the Republican candidate line-up and Democrats are fielding Luis Meurice and Joe Garcia, for the Aug. 24 primary. The winners of their party’s race will then face off at the Nov. 2 General Election, which will then include Tea Party candidate Roly Arrojo and Craig Porter with the FW Party, and both people are unopposed in their own party’s races.

Crespo, is a veteran Marine officer with 12-years in the service that took him around the world where he worked in different military attaché posts. He also was the only Republican on The Miami Herald editorial board in the early 2000s where he was a guest columnist, he said. Cancio is a 44-year-old grandmother, former member of the Miami-Dade Community Relations Board and successful attorney was also in the fray and Rivera to date has been the top fundraiser. On the Democratic Party side, Joe Garcia is making a repeat performance after his close run in 2008 but this time he has a competitor in the primary, Meurice a longshoremen and union leader who has gotten the support of the local AFL& CIO organization. Garcia after the previous race for the district went to work for a while in the Obama administration, but has since left that post. This race will be different this time for Garcia, because he has someone in the primary that could inflict political damage that could later be used against the attorney, though after the brutal 2008 race with Mario Diaz-Balart. That past race probable brought out anything that might be critical of Garcia in the past.

On the Republican side, Rivera recently got some ink www.miamiherald.com regarding someone he knows and the Watchdog Report is getting e-mails from the other Republican campaigns criticizing the veteran state legislator, who is the Miami-Dade Republican Party chair through this December, unless he decides to step down, which is something Crespo is demanding. It is clear this is going to be a contentious primary race for both parties and it remains to be seen if any of the charges and counter charges wound the candidate enough to influence the general election results.

What about the Arizona immigration law that is splitting the nation?

When forum moderator Helen Ferre asked the candidates, what there position was on a similar immigration bill here in Florida where people have to provide residency papers. Garcia and Meurice said they were not in favor of such legislation and Cancio said she was in favor of the Arizona law but could not support such legislation here in Florida, and Crespo agreed “no for Florida.”

Anything unusual happen at the debate?

One man at the luncheon rudely said Cancio should “be a model,” since she is a attractive professional woman and the comment caught many in the room by surprise, but I was told many in the Hispanic community, especially older men believe politics is not for women and she will have to get past this shallow voter prejudice that some might have in the closed Republican primary.

What do we know about Rivera’s finances?

Rivera through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $301.653 and lists $50,000 in household goods. Property is worth 385,000, there is $44,150 in a 401K, there is $18,000 in stocks and bonds, and a bank account has $19,875. The veteran legislator has liabilities with two mortgages of $95,757 and $120,000 and his listed income for the year was $29,697. He lists an outside job of working for the U.S. Agency for International Development as an international development consultant but lists no income on his financial disclosure form filed July 1, 2010 for this activity.

>>> July 1 kicks off financial disclosure season, from Gov. Crist on down

With July 1 pass us, the required financial disclosure forms are coming in and this week from Gov. Charlie Crist on down. I am looking at their filed disclosures for the year. This process will continue for the next few months as all-major elected leaders are scanned and will include some local municipalities’ elected leaders’ financial numbers as well.

>>> Webmaster Giannini for the WDR & UM journalism student says sayonara, I wish her luck and welcome Rocha in that new role

The Watchdog Report says sayonara to University of Miami journalist student Dena Giannini and I give her a Tip of the Hat for a job well done. Giannini has been my webmaster during the last 11 months, and her diligence has kept my webpage current and she will be missed, but she is moving on and has her whole life ahead and I am sure she will make her mark in the years ahead. She is being replaced by UM student Ivan Rocha, and I look forward to working with him in the coming months.

>>> Press release: TWO INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL ARMS TRAFFICKING

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations in Miami, and John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, announced today that defendants Joseph O’Toole and Chanoch Miller were arrested on a seven-count Indictment charging them with engaging in a conspiracy to export restricted defense articles designated on the United States Munitions List without a license, attempting  to export the defense articles without a license, and engaging in brokering activities involving defense articles designated on the United States Munitions List, without first having registered with and obtained a license from, the United States Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.  The defendants are also charged with money laundering violations. The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about April 15, 2010, Joseph O’Toole, 79, of Claremont, California, and Chanoch Miller, 53, of Tel Aviv, Israel, engaged in a conspiracy to send at least 2000 AK-47 Assault Rifles to Somalia, an embargoed country.  It was part of the conspiracy to conceal the final destination of the AK-47 Assault Rifles through false flight plans and fraudulent End User Certificates.

If convicted, O’Toole faces a term of up to 55 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,500,000.  If convicted, Miller faces a term of up to 75 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a fine of $2,000,000. >>Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE’s Office of Investigations and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Michael Walleisa. 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 or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

>>> Press release: Zogby Interactive:  Voters More Gloomy About Economy Than Six Weeks Ago Increase in Pessimism Comes Mostly from Democrats

Over the past six weeks, likely voters have become even more pessimistic about the prospect of economic recovery, as two-thirds now agree many of the jobs lost in the recession will not return and that the recession will continue for several more years, a new Zogby Interactive survey finds. However, nearly one-half believe “America’s best days are still ahead of us,” which is about the same number as six weeks ago. Also, voters’ sense of job security did not change significantly over that time. The survey of 2,069 likely voters was conducted from June 18-21 and is compared to a similar survey conducted from May14-17.

Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website:
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1874

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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 the WLRN/NPR showTopical 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.

>>> 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

>>> Gov. Crist files IRS 1040; net worth through June 9 was $461,797, down a few grand

Gov. Charlie Crist, running slightly ahead in polls on his chance of being the next U.S. Senator from Florida running as an independent in 2010 is under the financial spotlight this week. Crist, files not only a financial disclosure Form 6, but also the Gold Standard. His 2009 IRS 1040. Crist over the years has been a state senator, commissioner of education, attorney general, governor, and now is seeking the opportunity to serve in the world’s most exclusive club, the U.S. Senate. The governor has been non-stop on the media airwaves while the state is under the gun of the Deepwater Horizon catastrophic oil spill, now in its 77^th day, that continues unrelenting in its ecological devastation of the Gulf.

What do we know about his finances?

Crist’s net worth dropped from $466,000 to $461,797 through June 9, 2010 and his personal possessions are valued at $125,000. He lists $137,000 in a Fidelity IRA, there is $104,000 with Fidelity Investments, a checking account has $22,300 and there is $73,314 in deferred compensation. He has no liabilities and his salary as governor, $132,191 is the only listed income. The governor on his IRS form filed married but separate tax returns with his wife Carole, who is wealthy in her own right.

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

>>> Justice Quince in the spotlight, steps down as chief judge, net worth climbs to $542,000 through Dec. 09

The Watchdog Report is putting the Florida Supreme Court under the spotlight as in past years and former Chief Justice Peggy Quince just leaving the top spot on the court is looked at this week. Quince, who has come to the Miami-Dade County commission chambers over the years, has had a notable career in the law and she is highly respected jurist.

What do we know about her finances?

Quince through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $542,263 (up from $500,000 in 08) and lists $60,000 in household goods. Her home is valued at $300,000, there is $244,000 in deferred income, a credit union has $43,300 in it, The Equitable Corp investment is worth $66,000 and there is $4,261 in a checking account. Her only liability is a $170,000 mortgage, her salary for the year as a justice was $156,477 and she lists two gifts over $100.00 on her disclosure form that are benign in nature.

>>> Court’s web-page: Justice Peggy A. Quince was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1948. She is married to Fred L. Buckine, attorney at law, and they have two daughters, Peggy LaVerne, a graduate of Florida A & M University, and Laura LaVerne, a graduate of the University of Central Florida. Justice Quince graduated in 1970 from Howard University with a B.S. Degree in Zoology; she received her J.D. Degree from the Catholic University of America in 1975. While a law student she was active in Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and the Black American Law Students Association; she received an award for her work with Catholic’s Neighborhood Legal Services Clinic. In 1999, she received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the Stetson University College of Law.  In 2004, she received an honorary doctor of laws degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. Justice Quince began her legal career in Washington, D.C. as a hearing officer with the Rental Accommodations Office administering that city’s new rent control law. In 1977 she entered private practice in Norfolk, Virginia, with special emphasis in real estate and domestic relations. For more information go to http://www.floridasupremecourt.org/justices/quince.shtml

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Commission to vote on ethics ordinances, expected to shift community boards funding to Office of the Chair

The county commission is meeting July 8, in the commission chambers located at the Stephen P. Clark Center, there are a number of ethics and organizational items on the agenda for second reading, and final if passed, that will be discussed. One ordinance would change the definition of immediate family to include “domestic partner, stepchildren and stepparents” when it came to conflicts of interest and another would loosen up the prohibition on “transacting business with the county” but there is a proviso that states county commissioners and members on community councils cannot “vote on or participate in matters where a financial interest exists,” states the legislation. The commission is also going to vote on the creation of the county’s Performance and Efficiency Commission, and legislation giving the commission Auditor more “access to information.”

The commission is also going to take over the supervision and support of a number of county board’s including the Community Relations Board, Commission on Women, Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, Black Affairs Advisory Board, and the Asian-American Advisory Board. However, this change must be funded and there is an amending of the 2009-2010 countywide general fund budget, and removes funding from the Office of Community Advocacy and directing it to the Office of the Commission Chair. Over the past year, these community organizations for a while were fighting for their survival after the administration cut funding. The county commission took action and funded the attendant staff but if this first reading legislation ultimately passes. These boards will now fall under the wing of Office of the Chair, a post currently held by Commissioner Dennis Moss (Net worth $477,000 in 08).

>>> Happy 30^th Birthday Zoo at Miami, always remember to be a good neighbor with UM CSTARS

Zoo at Miami, with a new name turns 30-years old today and the attraction is a must see and one of the great treats in Miami-Dade. Moss has been the point of the spear when it comes to the facilities expansion, that included GOB funding and the anniversary is expected to be a great event. However, the zoo and its future development should keep in the mind the local Richmond Heights neighborhood, and the presence of University of Miami’s CSTARS facility with three large satellite dishes. For it has an important environmental mission, reported in past Watchdog Reports, and the height of any future structures, that could impact the research facility mission of keeping an eye in the sky to monitor planet earth’s environment must be mitigated or taken into consideration.

>>> Clock is ticking when it comes to next years budget hearings, pain will be across the board

The BCC on July 20 will meet to set the TRIM Notice that could become the county property tax millage for the next budget year starting Oct. 1. The commission has to do this so tax notices can be sent out to property owners and there will be two public hearings in September on next year’s county budget and what will be funded in the coming year, that includes about $420 million in projected cuts with the falling property values countywide coming in July 1 at -13.4 percent. In 2009, the preliminary taxable value was $222.1 billion, but that number in 2010 has dropped to $192.2 billion and is a significant drop to when the county’s total property values were around $245 billion at its peak a few years ago.

>>>Press release: Keep campaigns clean seminar by ethics commission staff

One month before dozens of primary elections are held for municipal, county, state and federal offices, candidates, their staff members and volunteers can get a final reminder of election and fundraising regulations at a Campaign Skills Seminar sponsored by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust.   Those seeking office in 2011 will be able to get a head start on the process. The seminar, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at the Miami Shores Community Center, will provide essential information to declared candidates, individuals considering running for election or anyone who wants to understand the legal and ethical obligations of seeking public office.

Speakers include representatives of the Miami-Dade Ethics Commission, the State Attorney’s Office, the Elections Department and the Miami-Dade League of Cities.  The event is free and open to the public.  Attorneys can earn Continuing Legal Education credits from the Florida Bar. Campaign Skills Seminar, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 6:00 p.m. Miami Shores Community Center, 9617 Park Drive Miami Shores, FL 33138 –For more information, call Robert Thompson at 305-350-0630 or e-mail robthom@miamidade.gov. >>> 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: The Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Division’s 4H Club wrapped up a five-day summer camp for 13 children of military parents on Friday, June 18. Known as Operation Military Kids, the week was packed full of hands-on learning experiences. The children visited the Everglades, went on an overnight camping trip to Larry & Penny Thompson Park and participated in various activities that taught them about different cultures, nutrition, physical fitness, landscape and gardening principles, and how to be good stewards of the environment.  Their trip included canoeing through mangroves and sea grass, going on an airboat ride, visiting an alligator farm and swimming.  Campers also planned a Luau celebration, creating costumes and decorations, to mark the end of their wonderful camp experience.  During it all, they learned how to be responsible and get along with new friends.

Miami-Dade 4-H program leader Kathie Roberts was thrilled to see the kids having a great time.  “The 4-H program provides fun, educational experiences through hands-on activities in which the participants gain skills for successful living,” said Roberts. Operation Military Kids is a support network that assists children in coping with the stress of their unique situation, such as having a parent deployed for extended periods of time and on dangerous missions, as well as frequently being uprooted from school. For more information on OMK or any of its services, please contact Nalini Lindsay, Regional Program Coordinator, atlindsayn404@optonline.net or (305) 232-9220. >>> 4-H is a volunteer-led youth development program managed by Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension, a partnership of the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.  For more information on the 4-H program, visit http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/4h or call 305-592-8044. >>> The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department (CSD) investigates and mediates consumer complaints, enforces the County’s consumer protection laws and business regulations, and licenses certain businesses.  In addition, the department’sCooperative Extension Division provides technical assistance to commercial agricultural growers, backyard gardeners, homeowners, and manages youth and family development programs.  The department also educates consumers on issues that affect them and provides resources to the public to improve their quality of life.

>>> Film industry about to get shot in the arm, says county film official

Press release: Miami-Dade County is about to see an unprecedented influx of film, television and commercial advertising productions as the State of Florida releases $54 million of incentives for the production industry over the next 12 months. The State’s 2010/2011 initiative is the first installment of a five year, $242 million jobs creation package intended to stimulate Florida’s film and entertainment sector. Among the 52 projects certified for the coming year’s funding are 29 slated to begin production in South Florida before the end of the year. The South Florida projects include seven TV series, a TV pilot, one Telenovela, seven motion pictures, five documentaries, two visual effects projects for motion pictures, three video games and three Digital Media projects.  The State estimates that more than $425 million will be spent in Florida as a result of this incentive program in 2010/2011, with 26,000 jobs for Floridians paying about $244 million in wages. The entertainment industry stimulus is good news for Miami-Dade’s still struggling economy.

“Incentives for the film industry couldn’t come at a better time.  They will help us get Hollywood’s attention as we compete for the dollars and jobs that the film industry brings,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez.  “It’s also a great way to market our destination.”  It is estimated that the TV show Burn Notice alone is worth nearly $170 million in destination promotion per year, according to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.” The new incentives will help revive the production industry in Miami-Dade, which has seen its location filming numbers fall from nearly 2000 productions filmed on-location in 2007 to fewer than 850 productions in 2009. Local spending from location filming also fell dramatically over the two-year period, from $153 million in 2007 to just $87 million last year. The drop off was partly a result of the economic downturn which affected commercials and still photo shoots. Lack of significant State incentives for filming, which dropped from $25 million in 2007/08 to $5 million in 2008/09, resulted in almost no feature films being shot in the area.” Marley and Me was really the last movie to film in Miami, back in mid-2008,” said Jeff Peel, Director of the County’s Office of Film and Entertainment. “The lack of state incentives really shut down the big budget films that had been coming to Miami on a regular basis.”

Over the past decade a number of high profile films shot in and around Miami, including Old Dogs, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Red Eye, Miami Vice, Stuck on You, Out of Time, Bad Boys II, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Ali and Big Trouble. In fact, a new County economic study shows that Miami-Dade’s film and entertainment industry grew rapidly over the past decade. The sector, including film, television, music, commercial advertising and still photography production, was estimated to contribute $2.5 billion of economic output in Miami-Dade in 1999, and employ about 13,000 full time workers in addition to several thousand freelance employees, according to a study released by the Governor’s Office in 2000. By 2007, Miami-Dade’s Office of Economic Development estimates the industry had grown by more than 30 percent to $3.3 billion in economic output, employing nearly 20,000 full time workers. However, the sector experienced a 5 percent decline in gross output from 2007 to 2009, reflecting both the lack of state incentives to lure big budget films and television shows and the economic recession. With the effects of the recession easing in 2010, and especially in light of the state incentives coming into play starting July 1, the industry is now poised to resume its growth trajectory.  The first six months of 2010 has already seen a 12 percent rise in the number of location filming shoots and a 38 percent increase in the amount of local industry spending over 2009. The new A&E television series The Glades has joined USA Network’s hit Burn Notice in production this year, both shot 100 percent on location in South Florida. Spanish language network giants Univision, Venevision and Telemundo are producing thousands of hours of television programming from their headquarters in Miami-Dade County, and the area continues to be a magnet for reality television shows like The Kardashians, Color Splash and Jersey Shore. The second half of 2010 will see even more film, television and commercial advertising shoots in Miami-Dade County as the productions incentivized by the State begin their work. For more information visit www.filmiami.org

>>> GMCVB Press release: MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ARRIVALS INCREASE IN MAY 2010 — Passenger arrivals at Miami International Airport (MIA) increased for the month of May 2010 with international arrivals up by +11. 0% when compared to the previous year’s level. Domestic passenger arrivals up +4.3%.  Total arrivals increased in May by +7.2%.

International MIA Passenger Arrivals

May 2010                                     May 2009                                        +11 % Change

668,638                                            602,566

Domestic MIA Passenger Arrivals –

May 2010                                     May 2009                                        +4.3 % Change

807,960                                            774,600

Total MIA Passenger Arrivals –

May 2010                                    May  2009                                           +7.2 % Change

1,476,598                                      1,377,166

>>> DID YOU KNOW…’ In 2009, both Domestic and International visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches cited ‘weather’ and ‘beaches’ as their top two favorite features of our destination.

>>> BURN NOTICE RANKS #3 AMONG CABLE TV VIEWERS, CSI: MIAMI RANKS #9 AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN TV VIEWERS, #10 AMONG BROADCAST TV VIEWERS IN NIELSEN TV RATINGS FOR WEEK OF JUNE 21, 2010 – Miami-based Burn Notice (USA) ranked #3 among cable television viewers with an audience of 5.333 million viewers in the Nielsen Cable TV Ratings for the week of June 21, 2010. CSI: Miami (CBS) ranked #9 among African American viewers and #10 among broadcast television viewers with respective audiences of 7.561 million and 950,000 for the week of June 21, 2010.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Sheriff Lamberti opens investigation against Gunzburger; she cries foul, his net worth drops to $619,000 through Dec. 09

Al Lamberti, the top county cop in Broward is under the spotlight this week and his organization’s budget is causing the Broward Commission consternation because the money is not there to support his expansive operation that includes giving police services to over a dozen local municipalities. Further, he jumped into the contentious county commission District 6 race that has incumbent Sue Gunzburger (Net worth $1.34 million on 6.09) being challenged by former state Sen. Steve Geller, D-Hollywood.(Net worth $1.24 million in 08). The sheriff last week said the department has opened an investigation of Gunzburger’ husband business dealings with the county from 18-years ago. The commissioner said she has done nothing wrong, never voted on these contracts and this is a political ploy, since she has been critical of Lamberti and his proposed 2010-2011 budget. Further, it explains Geller’s brother Joe, also an attorney, requesting ethics opinions on conflicts of interest between a commissioner and a spouse getting a contract over the past months.

Lamberti, a Republican was first appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist after ex sheriff Ken Jenne was suspended and eventually sent to federal prison for tax evasion and his sudden outside income was first reported in a past Watchdog Report when I noted on his IRS 1040 he filed back then that there was money coming in from two companies, and odd for someone in that position. Lamberti in 2008, was elected in his own right in a bitter race in the Democratic Party dominated county but he was successful, despite some county commissioners not supporting his candidacy for the countywide job. >>> For more information about Lamberti go to the Sheriff’s web page:  Administrative Offices Broward County Sheriff’s Office – A full service public safety agency … Sheriff Al Lamberti is a 32-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

What do we know about his finances?

Lamberti through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $619,000 (down from $642,000 in 08) and there is $120,000 in personal possessions. His home in Margate is worth $171,000, another residency is valued at $250,000, there is $3,700 with Bank of America, and $13,797 in a credit union. He owes $344,000 and $63,000 on mortgages, and his salary was $170,000, and another $2,000 came in along with $1,560 from a FDLE incentive course. The sheriff lists $201,000 in deferred compensation, there is $147,000 with Morgan Stanley and in three IRAs there is $41,300, $12,000 and $6,755. >>> For more stories on this matter with Lamberti, Geller and Gunzburger, go to Bob Norman’s blog at  http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/ or www.miamiherald.com

>>> Press release: THREE INDIVIDUALS AND TWO CORPORATIONS CHARGED IN AN OIL POLLUTION CONSPIRACY

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Rear Admiral William D. Baumgartner, Commander, 7th Coast Guard District, and John Sall, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, announced the superseding indictment of defendants Hugo Pena, 45, of Miami, HP Maritime Consultants, Inc., of Miami, Ronald Ramon, 45, of Honduras, and Northon Eraso, 66, of Colombia, in an oil pollution conspiracy.  In a related but separate criminal information filed on June 28, 2010, the United States Attorney also charged Coastal Maritime Shipping, LLC, a Fort Lauderdale-based company, with two counts of failure to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a). More specifically, the superseding indictment charges Ramon, Eraso, HP Maritime Consultant, Inc., and Pena with one count of conspiring to fail to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371; it charges Ramon and Eraso with twenty-five counts of failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a); it charges Pena and HP Maritime Consultant, Inc. with one count of failing to conduct a complete survey of the ISLAND EXPRESS I, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a); and it charges Pena  and HP Maritime Consultant, Inc. with one count of false official statement, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).  If convicted, the defendants face a maximum of five years’ imprisonment for the count of conspiracy, six years’ imprisonment for each count of failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, and five years’ imprisonment for the count of false official statement.

According to the allegations in the superseding indictment, Coastal Maritime Shipping, LLC owned the ISLAND EXPRESS I.  Defendant Ronald Ramon was the captain of the ship and was the highest-ranking member of the ship’s crew.  Defendant Northon Eraso was the Chief Engineer and was the highest ranking member of the ship’s engineering staff.  Defendant Hugo Pena and his marine services company, Coastal Maritime Shipping, LLC, were the ship’s classification surveyors, who had falsely certified that the ship’s pollution prevention systems were adequate only weeks before the inspection.  According to the superseding indictment, the cargo vessel ISLAND EXPRESS I, a 155-foot cargo freighter, did not maintain functioning oil pollution prevention equipment, was fitted with pumps and hoses capable of discharging oily waste directly into the ocean, and kept logs that failed to account for how the ship discharged its oil-contaminated water. The related criminal information charges Coastal Shipping Holding, LLC with two counts of failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a).  If convicted of this charge, Coastal can be sentenced to a $500,000 fine for each count. >>> Mr. Ferrer commended investigative efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services.  This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Raich. An indictment/information 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 or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

>>> 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

>>> Chair Aaronson in the spotlight, on commission for decades, net worth $631,000 through 2009

Burt Aaronson is in the spotlight this week and the long serving elected leader is chair of the Palm Beach Commission. H survived the political purge a few years ago, that sent many of his peers on the dais to federal prison after public corruption charges were brought by federal prosecutors. Since then the body has many new faces and he is the board’s historian on past decisions on the commission.

What do we know about his finances?

Aaronson through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $631,000 (up from $626,000 in 08) and he lists $150,000 in household goods. He lists $7,000 in cash, there is $162,000 in deferred income, a pension has $114,000, a state pension account has $43,350 and his condominium is valued at $150,000. He lists no liabilities. The commissioner’s income for the year was $92,000 as a commissioner, retirement benefits were $21,942 and $29,060 and he was paid $2,500 as a board member of Delray Hospital.

>>> From the commissioner’s web page: Many of you know that that I was first elected your District 5 County Commissioner in 1992. Part of the reason for my decision to run for the seat was my major concern about “Site One”… More Commissioner Burt Aaronson:
301 North Olive Ave. Suite 1201, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, (561) 355-2205, 877-930-2205 (Toll Free outside the West Palm Beach calling area) E-mail Commissioner Aaronson –Board of County Commissioners

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Gastesi says county budget will probably be lower than Rollback tax rate, like the year before, union contracts are an issue

The Watchdog Report contacted Roman Gastesi, the Monroe County administrator about the just released property tax roll, and what were the revenue reductions for the nation’s most southern county with only 65,000 residents, but some heavy duty real estate like the Ocean Reef Club located in its northern border. The administrator in an e-mail wrote, “We’re still crunching numbers, and I’m always surprised by the question “what is loss in dollars?” when the Property Values dip. As you know, the unit of Rollback is dollars, the result of property value times millage levied. As long as we meet or come in lower (like we did last year) than Rollback, I believe the formula is irrelevant. We hope again to come under Rollback, our challenge down here is the existing union contracts and the resultant salary disparities. Our non-union employees have not received a raise in 3 years. I submit the budget to the Monroe Commission July 13th and we have a Budget Workshop July 22^nd,” wrote the Monroe official. >>> Next week the WDR will put State Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Monroe County, under the spotlight.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> District rift with Friends of WLRN coming to an end with fundraising organization playing ball, operating agreement and other elements coming together

The showdown between school superintendent Alberto Carvalho and Friends of WLRN, the fundraising arm of the radio and television station owned by the nation’s fourth largest public school district is coming to an end with the superintendent saying, “significant progress has been made” in the discussions. Carvalho in January told the school board audit committee that he was being rebuffed by the organization when it came to seeing the books and other details of the organization that included bylaw changes in the mid 1990s, eliminating the involvement of the district superintendent in selecting the CEO. He told the school board’s audit committee Tuesday that “further deliberations are wanted” but the main items are coming into compliance such as a lack of “an operating agreement” between the two organizations.

Other areas of dispute were bylaw modifications “dramatically changed” without superintendent approval, along with being left out in the cold when it “came to the selection of the Friends president and CEO and now will include ample notification” of when this process has begun or ends. He further said Friends has “reaffirmed” its “mission statement to support WLRN,” he told the committee. He believed these changes will be “adopted in the future” and he values the work the organization does for WLRN and “that needs to be protected” but it must be “more transparent,” he said. The chair of the not-for–profit  when asked to say a few words said “we are pleased to be where we are at,” and the General Manager of WLRN, John Labonia said the “station looks forward to completing the agreement.”

>>> In next week’s Watchdog Report find out what Charter School was caught not paying all its property taxes on the building that was being rented, after a audit department review. Also in the coming weeks I will be scanning the candidates running for the school board openings and it is a diverse group of new candidates, for most of the races.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Commissioner Souto jumps on PHT board, but without new funding,  ramifications in community more than closing an obstetrics program

At Monday’s PHT board meeting Javier Souto, the Miami-Dade Commissioner who is a voting member on the 17-member board warned trustees that some of the choices they are making to balance the budget could have ramifications and “you’re getting into some ugly things,” he predicted concerning the closing of an obstetrics operation at Jackson South Hospital to save $2.57 million. Trustees shot back that they did not want to close the program, with a low C-section rate, but they must have a balanced budget and if the county increased it’s funding of the health trust, this might not happen. Trustee Gladys Ayala after hearing Souto’s comments said the health trust “had a large mission with too few resources” and at the south Dade hospital there still would be “gynecology services” for residents in that area. However, while Souto said, “Now more than ever Jackson South has to be in full operation” any further county funding unfortunately is out of the question with Miami-Dade facing a $420 million shortfall of its own in the next budget year.

However, Souto is right in one aspect, and that is the community for years has gotten use to a wide range of social and clinical services being provided by county or the countywide half-cent sales tax funding, but as these are cut or reduced with the present budget climate. There may be blowback in the form of demonstrations and community unrest that also has the meals on wheels program for the elderly expected to be scaled back in the next budget year and is part of the fabric of this sad fiscal debate. Further, the commissioner’s comments highlights the role the commission plays in the management and governance of the health trust, and the oversight’s body’s independence is relative to the level of county commission involvement, since county commissioners must approve most actions taken by the health trust board.

>>> Trust should reestablish time in meeting for public to speak

The usually staid oversight body made up of volunteer citizens over the past decades has evolved in many ways for the better and deliberations have never been more transparent and accessible to the public. However, the body should consider reintroducing a public comment period during the PHT board meetings, and committees that should occur before the trust votes on a matter these public speakers might want to comment on. On Monday, supporters of the obstetrics program at Jackson South spoke, but it was only after the board had voted on the closing of the birthing program, and it made their comments irrelevant.

>>> Press release: More than 1,000 residents seek free health services at Commissioner Joe A. Martinez’s 6th Annual Health & Safety Expo

Residents lined up outside of the Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo Center to take advantage of a wealth of health services offered by Commissioner Joe A. Martinez and his 6th Annual Health and Safety Expo. The event, which took place on June 26, had approximately 1,100 attendees, all checking up on their wellbeing with the free services provided by local health professionals. This year’s expo was sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Florida, which assisted in organizing screenings for glucose, high blood pressure, HIV, hemoglobin, cholesterol, and much more.

All attendees were able to receive medical exams and consultations from the Miami-Dade County Health Department, Jackson Health System, Baptist Health South Florida, Borinquen Health Care Clinic, and Community Health of South Florida.  Approximately, one hundred exhibitors and service providers were represented. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Florida distributed information on the Miami-Dade Blue medical insurance program, which Commissioner Martinez announced last year. The pilot program offers comprehensive medical insurance at affordable monthly rates to Miami-Dade County residents who are struggling with the high cost of insurance and do not qualify for government health programs. Miami-Dade’s Water and Sewer Department also replaced residents’ old showerheads with newer, more efficient models free of charge. In addition, residents were able to learn more about the Department of Motor Vehicles’ new procedures for renewing a driver’s license or Florida ID card. “This year, the Health and safety Expo had a nice variety of services for residents to learn about,” said Commissioner Martinez. “All of this was made free to residents thanks to the support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Florida, as well as the many other exhibitors who took the time to make residents’ health and safety a priority.” For more information on the health fair, please contact Commissioner Martinez’s office at 305-552-1155.

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for 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.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Residents who want to get involved have 66 chances, with that many openings on city boards & Aluko, ex CIP director requests Whistle Blower “Grievance” hearing

With July 4^th today, I thought about all the people that complain about the city of Miami government, but do not apply to be on city boards that screen and deal with a wide swath on interests and involve different expertise. Currently, on the July 8 city commission agenda there are 66 openings on different boards and people should check out the variety of ways you might get involved by going to the Clerk’s office at www.miamigov.com . Further, one of these oversight boards is the GOB board where there are five openings, and this body watches over the $255 million bond passed, Nov. 2001 and how the monies are being spent. If you are interested in this critical board, both Commissioners Frank Carollo and Francis Suarez have two slots to fill, and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff has one opening on the important board.

>>> Former CIP director Aluko requests Whistle Blower Grievance hearing

The Watchdog Report stopped in at the June 29 civil service board meeting last week, there are two Whistle Blower cases in process with the board, and one person that caught my eye was the request for a “Grievance” hearing brought by Olatunbosun “Ola” Aluko, the former director of the Capital Improvement Program. He was fired the same day Mayor Tomas Regalado and the Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito held a press conference announcing the arrests of a number of people that subsequently were not prosecuted by the state attorney. On Wednesday, www.miaminewtimes.com did a more in-depth story on the matter and the commingling of Aluko with the arrests has stymied his ability to get another job, even though he pointed out a problem with a moonlighting employee. Readers should stay tuned regarding this case.

>>> The Miami commission is meeting on Thursday, July 8, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the proceedings can be watched on line at www.miamigov.com or to review the 33-page agenda go to the clerk’s office on the webpage.

>>> PAST WDR: JULY 4, 2004: Commissioner Regalado says CIP must keep fighting to get information from city

Miami Commissioner Tomas Regalado at a commission meeting lashed out at the city’s administration regarding their cooperation with the Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP) that was created by voters in 2002 to review police actions.  The panel has the power to subpoena documents and people.  Voters approved it after numerous police shootings over the years in the city.  However, over the last year there have been no shootings by police.

Regalado said the “people expected a lot from this panel” and he was taking responsibility and should have asked, “how this was going” after panel chair Larry Handfield described some of the roadblocks the panel had encountered with the Miami Police and the administration. The commissioner was surprised “so many mistakes had been made” since the CIP was created and he believes it was “a deliberate attempt by the administration to stall what you could do.”  He concluded his remarks saying he hoped things would be better in the future but urged Handfield that he “must continue to keep fighting” and concluded this is not just a city board appointed by commissioners “but the peoples board.” Commission Chair Arthur E. Teele, Jr. also chimed in saying that it “was important for the public to know” what the CIP is doing and instructed the city’s attorney to craft legislation to give the commission the final authority of what meetings are held in the commission chambers and which are televised on the city’s cable station.  That decision is currently with the city administration.

>>> The Miami Coalition for the Homeless is seeking board members. For information, see the website at www.miamihomeless.org If you or someone you know has an interest in ending homelessness, please contact Ben Burton, Executive Director, ben@miamihomeless.org or call (305) 571-8101

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>> Wolfson envoy to PHT, gives board members Certificate of Appreciation for trying to do “the right thing”

Jonah Wolfson, the Miami Beach commissioner took a road trip Monday to Jackson Memorial Hospital to thank trustees for their service on the volunteer board where members should spend at least 30-hours a month on the organization’s affairs. The Beach is one of 34 municipalities that benefit from what Jackson Health System does and he presented the body with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by commissioners and Mayor Matti Herrera Bower. “We honor the service you provide county residents” and you “do it with grace,” said Wolfson.  He closed saying even with these difficult economics times, the trust tried to do what was in “the best interest of residents and taxpayers, that involves difficult decisions” while “trying to do the right thing,” the commissioner closed.

>>> Press release: July is Park and Recreation Month – It Starts in Parks – Where can you improve your health without going to a doctor? How do you spend time with friends or meet new ones if you don’t go to a party? Where can children learn and grow without necessarily going to summer school? Right here with the City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department. What better time than July to celebrate Parks & Recreation Month by recalling that actually many of the good things in life actually do Start In Parks. As part of a nation wide celebration, the City of Miami Beach is pleased to be a part of recognizing the many values and benefits of parks and recreation. Did you know that citizens who had better access to parks, visited parks more frequently, and engaged in physically‐active park behaviors also made fewer visits to their doctor other than getting a regular checkup? Are you aware that adolescents who participate in extra‐curricular activities are more likely to avoid “at risk” behaviors? Have you ever considered the economic impact that visitors to parks, tournaments, and special events bring to the community?

The City’s Parks and Recreation Director, Kevin Smith said “Parks and Recreation is one of the public departments that touches almost everyone from the very young to the older residents”. The director recognized “the Parks and Recreation staff, hundreds of sponsors, volunteers and parents from the community who serve the parks in a variety of different ways”. Please join the Department as it recognizes parks and recreation this month by attending, participating, or dropping‐in to one of our recreational facilities. Look for future events and other Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programming in your Recreation Review magazine, call our offices at 305-673-7730 or visit our website atwww.miamibeachparks.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Charter School powerhouse goes legal with injunction relief request, former U.S. Atty. Jimenez the legal gun

The Watchdog Report got a number of e-mails last week regarding the proposed charter school in the Biltmore Hotel neighborhood, that now has the school suing the city to increase the number of students under a state law, even though the Gables commission approved the school, but with a much smaller number of students. In Miami-Dade, there are around 88 Charter Schools that while independent, get funding from the public school district. In this case, it is Somerset/Academica and one of the largest chains of such schools, and when it comes to legal firepower. The organization’s management brought in former U.S. Attorney Daniel Marcos Jimenez who also represented the schools a few years back in front of the Miami-Dade Public Schools Audit Committee that had the district auditor back then, Allen Vann, questioning how the different schools boards operated and the many possible conflicts of interest.  Jimenez at the time argued the auditor was targeting the schools, and the scrutiny, that involved a major presentation by Vann to the audit committee, was not warranted.

However, this issue in Coral Gables has stirred up a hornets nest when it comes to the local residents and a local homeowners association is fighting back and now that is in the courts, residents and school proponents will have to wait and see what the judiciary does, when it comes to whether local or state law, applies in this case. >>> http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/01/1709646/charter-school-firm-sues-city.html – http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/15/1680737/fresens-school-ties-raise-some.html & Gables Homepage: www.gableshomepage.com

>>> Statement by the Biltmore Neighborhood Association after the lawsuit is filed: Contrary to all the public pledges of working diligently with the City, yesterday, June 30, 2010, Somerset Academy filed a lawsuit against the City of Coral Gables requesting the court to issue an injunctive relief in order to operate a 675-student K-8 charter school at UBC. This is the result of the chosen course of action by Somerset Academy based on disregard of laws and procedures, secrecy, and lack of transparency. Had Somerset Academy initiated and followed the required process in the summer of 2009, this issue would have been timely and properly addressed in the appropriate venues. Instead, the City of Coral Gables and its residents will now be financially burdened by the actions of Somerset Academy.

Although the Biltmore Neighborhood Association continues to believe that the City of Coral Gables mistakenly issued the Certificate of Use to Somerset Academy, it is at the same time relieved to learn that our beloved city will “take all the appropriate actions to preserve the quality of life including that of single family residential areas” as stated by Coral Gables City Attorney Elizabeth Hernandez. From the very beginning, our Association realized that this issue was much bigger than a proposed school too big for a residential neighborhood. This is about laws and ordinances put in place to protect ALL of our neighborhoods. And as our mayor has said previously: ” We are a city of neighborhoods …and we do everything to protect our neighborhoods.” www.biltmoreneighborhoodassociation.com .

>>> City web-page: Your Opinion Counts:  Please Fill Out The Coral Gables Police Survey

The Police Department is currently undergoing the renewal of accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This accreditation ensures that the Police Department remains in compliance with the high standards set forth by CALEA in all areas of policy and procedure. In order to assist in this process, the City of Coral Gables is asking you to participate in a short 12-question online or phone survey. Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey by July 15, 2010. To complete the survey by phone, contact the Police Department Community Affairs Office at 305-460-5491 and leave your name and number for someone to contact you. To complete the survey online, click here.

CITY OF HIALEAH GARDENS

>>> Press release: HIALEAH GARDENS JUNIOR RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE

Alexandria Segovia, a student at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, was recently honored at Radio City Music Hall with the first-ever Hasbro Community Action Hero Awards for her extraordinary volunteer work.  Community Action Hero Awards recognize outstanding students who demonstrate an active history of community service, creative problem-solving skills, peer leadership and a commitment to making a positive difference in their community. The 2010 Hasbro Community Action Hero Award winners receive a $1,000 service scholarship. Alexandria, a junior at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School, has completed more than 500 community service hours through Hands On Miami, where she serves as president of the Youth Advisory Council. She leads more than 4,000 Youth Volunteer Corps members, coordinates monthly service projects and serves as the onsite director for their volunteer activities. Additionally, she is Junior Community Emergency Response Team, where she trained and recently helped 35 other teens achieve this certification. As Community Services chairperson for her school’s PTSA, she also facilitates programs for her peers to learn the benefits of civic engagement. The awards were introduced and presented at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, the world’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors.  The National Conference on Volunteering and Service was co-convened by the Corporation for National and Community Service Points of Light and Hands On Network. For more information, visit www.volunteeringandservice.org.

>>> Ethics commission 2007 report on salary and benefits of elected leaders

In 2007, the City of Hialeah Gardens’ Mayor received a taxable salary of $100,800 in and City Council Members received a taxable salary of $10,500 each.  The City utilizes a “non-accountable” expense allowance system. The Mayor receives a bi-weekly expense allowance of $2,798.02, which is treated as taxable compensation income and reported on the Mayors’ W-2 wage statement.  With regards to other benefits provided, the City provides its Mayor with a City-issued vehicle and cell phone, which the City pays for.  However, the Mayor does not have a travel allowance, a City issued procurement card or a public relations allowance.

Council Members also receive a monthly expense allowance of $2,134.62, which is taxable compensation income and is reported on their W-2 wage statements.   Council Members are not given a vehicle allowance, travel allowance, government issued credit card or a personal public relations budget.  However, Council Members are provided with a City-issued cell phone. Additionally, the City of Hialeah Gardens does provide nontaxable reimbursements to each elected official for expenses incurred while conducting official City business.  Based on discussion with the City Finance Director, the City requires that the elected officials complete a travel reimbursement request form and submit supporting documents, such as receipts and invoices, in order to receive any reimbursements.

Reimbursements for expenses including travel, parking, seminars, conventions and incidental items are processed through the Finance Department by submitting a voucher for reimbursement which requires supporting receipts or documentation for payment. Lastly, Hialeah Gardens does not have written policies and procedures for the payment of a government official’s expenses, per say.  However, the Finance Director documented in memo format the process that is to be followed by the elected official prior to receiving travel expense reimbursements. In Article III., Section 4A. & 4B, the City Charter sets forth the policy governing compensation and expenses incurred by the City’s elected officials. Specifically, Section 4, rate of compensation of the city council and the Mayor, states the following: (a) “The rate of compensation paid to Councilpersons shall be set by ordinance, provided, however, that there shall be at least a required four-fifths vote of the Council for adoption of any such ordinance.” (b) The rate of compensation paid to the Mayor shall be set by ordinance, provided, however, that there shall be at least a required four-fifths vote of the Council for adoption of any such ordinance.”

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> PHT Treasurer Lapciuc to speak to Tuesday Breakfast Club & Gen. Fraser speaks at Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon – Get to know the local candidates

Public Health Trust Treasurer Marcos Jose Lapciuc will be the Breakfast Club speaker, Tuesday, July 6, 8:30AM – 10:00AM, David’s Cafe II, 1654 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach.  . http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/01/1709497/jackson-executives-paint-rosier.html >>> 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. To be placed on mailing list contact TuesdayMorningBreakfastClub@Yahoo.com.

>>> Southern Commands Gen. Fraser speaks at Greater Miami Chamber Luncheon  >>> July 7 -Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Salute to the Military featuring General Douglas M. Fraser, Commander of US Southern Command, at Jungle Island Ballroom, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, 11:30am to 1:30pm.

>>> WEDNESDAY, JULY 7^TH – Meet Your Municipal Candidates for Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest -Business After Hours, Chamber South – South Dade Office, 900 Perrine Avenue, 5:30-7:00pm

>>> WEDNESDAY, JULY 14^TH - Meet Your Judicial Candidates  Network Luncheon, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 5829 SW 73rd Street, 11:45am

>>> WEDNESDAY, JULY 28^TH -Meet Your County Commission Candidates for  District 8 and District 10, General Membership Breakfast, Miami Marriott Dadeland, 9100 South Dadeland Boulevard, 7:15am

EDITORIALS

>>> PAST WDR: Aug.2008: South Florida is the graduate school of all types of fraud, but it is all our money and justifies national leaders cutting our rightful share

Readers over the years have asked me why I have written so much about fraud and all its many permutations and the corrosive effect it has on each of us and our community as a whole. Jay Weaver, the lead investigative reporter on the recent series done by The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com on Medicare and Medicaid fraud highlighted the aggregate scope of the problem that broke the $1 billion mark after just over 12 months and was first reported in the Watchdog Report months ago. Mortgage fraud has also been a premier industry in south Florida and around the nation and that has hollowed out one of the nation’s peoples most valued assets, their homes.

Local U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta told the Watchdog Report months ago when I asked if we had become the “graduate school” for such activity. He reluctantly and sadly said yes the community was such a place where certain dishonest skills were honed and the fraud across the board was endemic. I thought about this fact when I waited in line at the post office in March with my 2007 tax return when a lady turned around and said “Oh its that time of the year” and I wondered if she even planned to file her taxes given her nonchalant nature about the issue. People have to realize that this is someone’s money and it is yours if you pay taxes and are a responsible public person and when others cheat or game the system. It affects all of us and with public monies becoming hard to come by. Efforts should be stepped up to fight fraud for this is one talent we do not want to be number one in when it comes to south Florida and only gives further ammunition to the regions critics to prohibit federal and state funding coming down. For it seems too many outsiders that we just burn this public money up through all these scams, and in the long run, that is not a good thing at all for any of us.

>>> PAST WDR: JULY 4, 2004: Miami is the king of public real-estate bait & switch

Miami Herald reporter Beth Dunlop in the paper’s ‘Tropical Life’ section today hit the nail on the head when she criticized the proposed Island Gardens Project on Watson Island.  The project has exploded in size to two high towers and a mega marina but when the state deeded the land to the city of Miami years ago, it was not for commercial use but the public. However, the City of Miami has become the king of the bait and switch maneuver when it comes to the selling of public land and under the guise of voter approval; this project continues to morph into a behemoth project.

What is sad about this whole affair is it continues the tradition of the state ceding land to the city with a public purpose in mind and then having that mandate changed.  Another poster child of a broken city promise was when Florida allowed Miami to create Bayside Market on the waterfront but that was predicated on the city buying the land next to the Barnacle in Coconut Grove that divided the historic home and grounds and a third parcel, Peacock Park. Instead, after years of inaction by city commissioners, especially by former Commissioner J.L. Plummer, in the late 1990’s it was developed into the high-end mansions called the Cloisters.  This development forever ended the possibility of a small central park in the village. The only consolation  local residents have is that every rock concert held at Peacock Park must drive the Cloisters residents nuts and it is not much but every Twisted Sister concert is at least something.

Miami’s elected leaders now have the vision to proclaim that a master plan must be done for the city, though in many respects, it will be too late and much of the choice real estate has already been developed in Miami’s usual haphazard way. Dunlop ends her piece calling for Miamians to realize the travesty this new project is and her call will probable fall on deaf ears but she is right. Residents of Miami must look deep inside their selves, ask is concrete, and high rise towers all we want and its attendant quality of life. Alternatively, do the city’s residents desire some place to take their families to enjoy the water and green that should make south Florida the jewel it could be? Watson Island development is on autopilot and once done, public access in a meaningful way will forever be lost and that is Miami’s shame.  For the ultimate disgrace is that we sell out so cheaply our natural public resources, never considering there value to the public in the future and for generations to come.

LETTERS

>>> Hope you are well.  Just a as a point of reference, according to the Miami-Dade County Attorney, I am not termed out.  I am just not reapplying. See you this afternoon.

Rosy Cancela

Trustee,

Miami-Dade County Public Health Trust

>>> With the city of Miami finances where they are, isn’t it curious that Chief Miguel Exposito could bring Rich Blom back after retirement with an increase of $40,000 and the person Blom brought in from the school board police also got a $40,000 increase?

A.W.

>>> HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Don Slesnick, II

Mayor

City of Coral Gables

>>> You do incredible work.  I am so proud that we have someone in South Florida who does what you do.  Best Citizen indeed. Thank you.

Alex Bana

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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 towatchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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 Columnwww.sptimes.com/columns/bousquet.shtml -“First Friday” WPBT TV (Miami) TV Show www.channel2.org/firstfriday/issues.html –Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg TimesColumn 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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CONTENTS

Argus Report: South Florida ground zero for Climate Change, sea level is rising, but can it be mitigated in time?

Florida: There he goes again, Gov. Crist suspends 40^th public official, almost one a month since Jan. 2007

Miami-Dade County: Bad week for Mayor Alvarez, aide settles ethics complaint, senior police officer resigns after probe of trust & outside consulting

Broward County: Commissioner Jacobs the environmental champion, county faces $160 million budget shortfall, says Sheriff  & PA budgets must be reduced

Palm Beach County: Feds charge Straub who bought old Miami Arena with two counts of violating Clean Water Act in Wellington

Lake County: Gov. Crist appoints James R. Baxley of Eustis to the Lake County Court.

Monroe County: Administrator Gastesi says, “Tourism is stable,” but “advance reservations” of concern

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Round three, school board’s audit committee to hear about negotiations with Friends of WLRN

Public Health Trust: Wanted for public service, diligent trustees, but no pay to watch over Jackson Health system, applications should start next month

City of Miami: Employee count drops to 3,531 through June; but with $100 million budget hole, will another 1,100 follow?

City of Miami Beach: Commissioner Wolfson on Beach economy pick-up & Elected leaders salary & benefits

City of Coral Gables: Mayor Slesnick draws challenger in Korge, says “not likely” to run for reelection

City of Doral: Residents get new “performance dashboard” on city services, supposed to save money as well & Elected leaders salary & benefits

Community Events: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club, June 29th, 2010:  Dr. Martin Karp, School Board Member for District 3 — Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between major congressional District 25 candidates on June 30^th

Editorials: Watchdog Report touches a nerve when it comes to elected leaders paying their property taxes — PAST WDR: SEPT. 2008: Elected leaders should humor the general public by following the Florida Sunshine Law

Letters: Readers on the Watchdog 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.)

>>> I will be on Topical Currents heard on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on July 1 from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., and readers should listen in, and it is on line at www.wlrn.org

>>> 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.

>>> 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 newsletter and news service that started its 11^th Anniversary on May 5.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> South Florida ground zero for Climate Change, sea level is rising, but can it be mitigated in time?

Global Warming was the topic of the day Wednesday at the Miami-Dade County commission chambers with a wide range of speakers on the topic from representatives of the President Barack Obama administration on down the political food chain. There are more than 20 federal agencies involved in studying this climate change activity, while seeking solutions and these organizations come together as the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force, and here locally Miami-Dade Clerk Harvey Ruvin (Net worth $1.5 million) chaired the local task force, and on the commission, Commissioner Katy Sorenson (Net worth $1.34 million) has been the point of the ecological spear here in South Florida. Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., a marine ecologist and environmental scientist and the first female NOAA administrator said the Obama administration when it came to climate changes had a “sense of hope, yet urgency” and the administration was not sitting on the sidelines when it came to the subject. She noted numbers coming out of NOAA concerning the temperatures of land and seawaters are “the warmest on record going back to the 1880s,” she noted. The scientist also said there would be record “reductions in snow and ice” in the decades ahead and when it came to the Deepwater Horizon ongoing spill in its 69^th day. “It is an extremely difficult time” as the widening spill hits new state shorelines and while the residents and BP are “doing what they can to mitigate” the ecological disaster. “The health of our local community, in this case the Gulf of Mexico,” has been severely impacted, and dramatically highlights the role nature and our oceans play regarding life on the planet and local communities.

>>> Congressman Meek and Greene go at it, one mother is in campaign ad, and another is a lobbyist

The two U.S. Senate candidates for the Democratic Party came out swinging this week during the first live debate by U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami (Net worth around $62,000 in 2002) and Jeff Greene. Greene, a political unknown, is a billionaire who bet in financial markets that the nation’s real estate market would tank and he made a fortune when the investment worked, and it is a legal activity www.miamiherald.com or www.wpbt.org . Meek spoke of his long ties with the party and is not an interloper like Greene who had run years before as a Republican in California. But Greene fired back at the veteran congressman first elected in 2002 that his mother, Carrie Meek, 83, a former ten-year congresswoman and now a lobbyist was the problem. He cited the scandal surrounding a proposed biomedical park in the Overtown area that never materialized with developer Dennis Stackhouse, now facing charges and awaiting trial in Miami. The two candidates, neck and neck in the polls will ultimately face off on Aug. 24 and Greene has said he will spend tens of millions of his own money to get his new political message across to the party faithful. To watch the Meek and Greene debate on line go to www.palmbeachpost.com

What about Rubio and Crist’s U.S. Senate race?

Marco Rubio, (Net worth $8,351) the former speaker of the Florida House led an insurgent campaign that toppled Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $466,000) who a year ago had a lock on the Republican nomination for the nation’s most exclusive club. However, Rubio worked hard at the local level where many Republicans at first bulked at the anointing of Crist by national party leadership as the chosen one, and that discontent later spiked after Crist gave President Barack Obama the hug in Tampa, and the governor’s support with hard core Republicans dried up forcing him to become an independent. Crist has tacked to the political center and he is trying to woe voters from either party, with an eye to the key 20 percent of voters that are no party affiliation, and in a three-way race will likely be the deciding factor on who is victorious.

>>> Reporters Haggman of The Herald & Polansky of Miami Today honored

Mathew Haggman, the reporter that covers Miami-Dade County for The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com recently was awarded, the Best of Miami by Miami New Times www.miaminewtimes.com for his coverage of county hall. Haggman, besides a scribe is an attorney as well, and the honor is well deserved.

Risa Polansky, who the Watchdog Report honored last week, got another send off when the Miami Commission gave the hard working scribe a proclamation for her four years of news coverage of the body. The document signed by both Mayor Tomas Regalado and commission Chair Marc Sarnoff described her past four-years of journalistic work with Miami Today, was well written in its description of her work, and is definitely a resume builder. To see her stories go to www.miamitodaynews.com

>>> White House press release: Bromwich Launches Investigative/Compliance Team to Spur Reform, Restructuring of Offshore Oil and Gas Regulation

New Team will Report Directly to Bureau of Ocean Energy Director

Michael R. Bromwich, the former Department of Justice Inspector General who now leads Interior Department reform initiatives to strengthen oversight and policing of offshore oil and gas development, today announced that he will establish an investigations and review unit that will help to expedite his oversight, enforcement and re-organization mandates. “The new unit will provide us the capacity to investigate allegations of misconduct, to provide unified and coordinated monitoring of compliance with laws and regulations, and to respond swiftly to emerging and urgent issues on a Bureau-wide level and in the industry,” said Bromwich, who is the director of the newly established Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (Bureau of Ocean Energy or “BOE”).  The new Bureau, established by Secretarial Order, replaced the former Minerals Management Service which was responsible for overseeing oil and gas development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. “In light of the response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the impending reorganization of Interior’s offshore oil and gas management and enforcement missions and the new Bureau’s mandate to implement broad reforms, it is critical that we have an internal compliance and investigations team that can act quickly and report directly to me,” Bromwich said.

The unit would have the following functions and capabilities.

Investigation of allegations of misconduct.  A key component to reforming the Bureau is establishing the ability to promptly respond to allegations or evidence of misconduct by Bureau employees as well as by members of industry.  This will empower the Bureau to deal with some of its internal problems swiftly and effectively. This capacity is intended, and will be designed, as a complement to the work of the Interior Department Inspector General’s office.  The unit will coordinate with the IG’s office on matters it investigates, will pursue investigations with the IG’s consent and knowledge, and will advise the IG of the status and results of its investigations.  The new team also will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the Bureau’s internal auditing, regulatory oversight and enforcement systems. Response to high priority issues.  The compliance and monitoring unit will provide the Bureau with the ability to respond quickly to emerging issues and major events.  The unit will be responsible for swiftly responding to and assessing significant incidents, including spills, accidents, and other matters.  The unit will have a role in immediately coordinating and managing the Bureau’s response to significant events. Implementing the re-organization. The planned re-organization will be a major undertaking, conducted under a strict timetable that will involve, among other things, maintaining clear lines of communication among Bureau personnel and outside consultants responsible for implementing the re-organization; coordinating the collection and transfer of significant volumes of data and information; and process management.  The team will support project managers in providing centralized planning, coordination, and oversight capacity in connection with the implementation of the re-organization.

>>> Zogby Poll: Zogby Interactive:  50% Say Obama Spill Response ‘Too Passive,’ 75% Approve of Deal With BP 72% Believe Spill Will Impact Energy Legislation

One-half of U.S. adults believe President Barack Obama’s handling of the Gulf oil spill has been “too passive,” and 75% approve of the agreement he struck with British Petroleum to set aside $20 billion to pay for damages caused by the spill. As we found in previous surveys about the oil spill, small majorities believe off-shore drilling is still, “a safe, reliable and cost-efficient method of producing oil” and that expansion of offshore drilling will lead to an increase in environmental problems. The interactive poll of 2,099 adults was conducted from June 18-21, and had a margin of error of +/-2.2%. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1872

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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.

>>> 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

>>> There he goes again, Gov. Crist suspends 40^th public official, almost one a month since Jan. 2007

There he goes again, Gov. Charlie Crist gets number 40 under his belt with the suspension of Tamarac City Commissioner Patricia “Patte” Atkins-Grad for accepting money from a prominent developer and not disclosing the financial relationship when she voted on zoning issues concerning the massive project now stalled. The Broward state attorney brought the public corruption charges against the official and is part of ongoing investigations of elected officials in the county that has a county commissioner and school board member already in federal prison, and a third ex municipal commissioner is awaiting sentencing. Crist requested a statewide grand jury look into Florida’s “culture of corruption” and the body is meeting and hearing testimony in Broward, where Tamarac is located and one of the county’s 31 municipalities.

What about the NBC Today Show coming to the Beach?

Crist when he visited the Loews Hotel on Miami Beach recently meeting with tourist and government officials that expressed the need for positive publicity about how great the beaches were in South Florida. State Rep. Luis Garcia, D-Miami Beach said, “Perception is reality, and let’s invite The Today Show to Miami Beach,” the state lawmaker suggested. The governor nodding his head yes, said he “would call Matt Lauer as soon as we leave,” and it is unknown if Crist was able to make his pitch to bring a show to the Beach. >>> For more information about the NBC show go to TODAYshow.com: Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry, Al Roker … TODAYshow.com: Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry, Al Roker, Natalie Morales.

>>> Independent candidate Lawton “Bud” Chiles, III was on www.wpbt2.org discussing his run for governor. He is the son of Lawton Chiles, a deceased governor and U.S. Senator that made his name “Walking Lawton” when he first ran by walking the state. However, the concern is Chiles will steal votes from Democratic candidate Alex Sink, and could be a spoiler in the general election in November.  He will either likely face on the Republican side, AG Bill McCollum (Net worth $1.1 million) or businessman Rick Scott (Net worth $218 million). To see the Chiles interview go to http://channel2.typepad.com/issues/2010/06/watch-this-weeks-issues-3.html. To date Chiles has resisted that call for him to drop out and over the weekend. He campaigned in Coconut Grove, but few people seem to know him when asked by Michael Putney in his weekly news show. 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

>>> Gov. Crist today announced the following appointments: Seaport Security Standard Advisory Council

Colonel James A. Brown, 50, of Tallahassee, director of the Division of Law Enforcement within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, appointed for a term beginning June 25, 2010, and ending August 13, 2013.

Colonel David A. Dees, 52, of Tallahassee, director of the Motor Carrier Compliance Office within the Florida Department of Transportation, succeeding David Binder, appointed for a term beginning June 25, 2010, and ending August 13, 2013.

John “Jeff” Fiser, 52, of Jupiter, assistant vice president of Logistics and Marine with Tropical Shipping, appointed for a term beginning June 25, 2010, and ending August 13, 2013.

Luis R. Gonzalez, 57, of Plantation, vice president of International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 1922, appointed for a term beginning June 25, 2010, and ending August 13, 2013.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Bad week for Mayor Alvarez, aide settles ethics complaint, senior police officer resigns after probe of trust & outside consulting

The last few weeks have not been all that great for Mayor Carlos Alvarez (Net worth $1.66 million) after a senior police official retired and his former chief of staff, now a Sargent in the police force was hit with an ethics complaint and settled last week. The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com and www.WFOR4.com covered the stories on Frank Vecin, a high ranking Miami-Dade police officer who oversaw a environmental trust fund and also worked as a private consultant, and Denis Morales, the mayor’s top staffer and someone Alvarez had mentored over the years and both are close to him. Alvarez first elected in 2004, and again in 2008 where a community activist got about 30 percent of the vote that was considered by many people as a protest vote at the time. He pushed for strong mayor powers and county voters granted that new authority a few years ago, but he has puzzled some residents by keeping the county manager in place, at a salary above his own. The former Miami-Dade Police Department director is straight forward in many ways but he is finding it  hard to keep some of his close friends out of trouble or in the media spotlight, and when challenged on these and other policy matters. He has lashed out at the press challenging their timing or slant of a critical article.

>>> Homeless trust gears up for census, now late July or August

The Miami-Dade Homeless Trust is gearing up for its biannual census scheduled for late July or early August said David Raymond, the executive director of the trust. These census counts of population living on the streets are a reliable indicator of how many people are actually living this way that in the early 1990s had over 8,000 homeless in the county. Since the trust’s creation back then, the number over the years has dropped too currently where it is below 1,000 people living on the streets.

>>> Ethics commission press release: Former Mayoral Chief of Staff Morales Settles Ethics Charges

The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust today accepted a negotiated settlement from Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Denis Morales over charges he exploited his official position when he was chief of staff for Mayor Carlos Alvarez.  Morales paid a fine of $1,500 and will receive a public reprimand for the misappropriation of 40 hours of paid leave in March of 2009, while he was earning outside income teaching in Panama.  Investigation of the complaint (C 10-25) found that Morales violated the County’s Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance by citing earned leave for overtime work long after it expired, exempting himself from standard leave procedures and destroying payroll records.

>>> The Ethics Commission denied a motion to dismiss the case against North Miami Beach Mayor Myron Rosner for exploitation of official position.  Complaints filed last year (C 09-02 & C 09-04) alleged that, while he was a member of the City Council, Rosner used his influence to obtain permits for additions to his private home without seeking required variances.   The mayor, who is a licensed building contractor and a member of the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals, will face a public hearing on the charge.

>>> It was announced today that a county court appellate panel has upheld charges (C 07-28) against a former Bal Harbour Village Councilman who violated the Ethics Code by the late filing of a financial disclosure form, by not fully disclosing rental income and by misrepresenting the location of rental property.  The Ethics Commission levied fines of $4,500 against Joel Jacobi, who appealed the case, but his conviction has been affirmed.

>>> A former municipal advisory board member will be fined $500 after failing to disclose his source of income, as required by the Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance.  Wilfred Pierre, who was a member of Miami’s Equal Opportunity Advisory Board in 2007, refused to respond to several notices or to appear before the Ethics Commission in a public hearing on the complaint (C 10-21).   A similar complaint (C 10-17) against Rosa Green, who was a member of the OAB/Overtown Community Oversight Board during 2007 and 2008, was dismissed after she filed the required information.

>>> No probable cause was found to a complaint (C 10-20) against two Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department officials.  A former tennis instructor, Francisco Montana, accused Department Director Jack Kardys and Crandon Park Tennis Center Facility Manager Rick Pardon of wrongdoing associated with tournaments operated by Pardon’s son, Jason.  The investigation revealed, among other findings, that since Jason Pardon is not a county employee and his father does not profit from the tournaments, there is no violation of county ethic laws.

>>> A complaint (C 10-24) filed against the Director of the County’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was dismissed.  Timothy Ryan was accused by labor leader Walter Clark of lying to state investigators who were reviewing the department’s hiring practices.  The Ethics Commission ruled that since the complaint concerns personnel allegations outside its jurisdiction, it is legally insufficient.

>>> In response to a Request for Opinion (RQO 10-16), the Ethics Commission ruled that A.D.A. Engineering, Inc., which provides consulting services to the Miami-Dade Solid Waste Department relating to the clean-up of the former Munisport Landfill in North Miami, may not provide engineering services for that city.   The Commission found that the firm would have a conflict of interest if it is responsible for reviewing the city’s progress in closing the landfill while working for the that same municipality.

>>> Two Requests for Opinions centered on the County’s “Cone of Silence” ordinance, which limits communication between a potential vendor and county officials between the time a bid is advertised and a recommendation for its award is made.  In RQO 10-17, the Department of Procurement Management asked if the rule is in effect after the County Commission agreed to allow the County Manager to negotiate with the highest bidder.  The Ethics Commission ruled that since staff recommended negotiations with a single proposer, that constitutes an award for recommendation and the Cone of Silence is lifted for that project.

>>> On the other hand, County Commissioner Sally Heyman sought clarification (RQO 10-18) after the committee she chairs voted to amend a proposed federal lobbying contract to divide the work among five firms instead of the recommended three.  Since the county manager was asked to review changing the size of the bid award and expanding the number of winning respondents, Ethics Commissioners opined that the Cone of Silence would have to be re-imposed. >>> 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.

>>> Need a speaker on ethics?

Community and other groups interested in county ethics and what the ethics commission does can request a speaker through www.miamidadeethics.com or call to request a speaker at 305.350.0630 and ask for Robert A. Thompson.

>>> GMCVB – Press release: JOB$…JOB$…JOB$:  GREATER MIAMI’S LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY JOB$ REMAIN SOLID IN MAY 2010 — In the month of May 2010, Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality Industry employment reached 99.3% of the employment reported for the same period in 2009.  An average of 102,600 people were employed in Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality sector in May 2010, compared to 103,300 during the same period in 2009. .

LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY JOB$

>>> GMCVB AWARDED $1.25 MILLION TO HELP DISPEL PERCEPTIONS OF GULF OIL SPILL IMPACT ON GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES

The GMCVB has been awarded $1.25 million in emergency marketing funds from Florida Governor Crist and the State Division of Emergency Management to assist the destination in correcting misperceptions among potential visitors about the effects of the Gulf oil spill. Dispelling these perceptions is critical, since tourism is Miami-Dade’s number one industry.  We are grateful to Governor Crist for his leadership, and for recognizing that the oil spill is a statewide issue, affecting not only the areas already seeing oil sheen and/or tar balls, but the rest of the State, which suffers from the perception that they are affected, too. Securing these funds would not have been possible without the support of the Miami-Dade legislative delegation, and the leadership of Miami-Dade County, and the cities of Miami and Miami Beach. Unlike many other parts of the State, nearly 50% of all Greater Miami visitors come from international markets, and so the campaign supported by these funds will be carrying our message internationally.  This $1.25 million allocation is the amount requested for this stage in the crisis, where we have seen some minor cancellations. However, if the situation worsens, we will renew our original request for an additional $4 million, for a total of $5.25 million.  Thank you Governor Crist.

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Anthony Shriver of Miami as a Point of Light for Disability Awareness Month.

“Anthony’s extraordinary service has impacted the lives of persons with developmental disabilities not only in the local community but throughout world,” said Governor Crist. “His innovation and compassion has allowed his international organization to continually expand programs and opportunities for persons with disabilities.” For over 20 years, Shriver has been dedicated to serving persons with disabilities. In 1989, he founded Best Buddies International, an organization that allows volunteers to serve persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by establishing one-to-one friendships and integrated employment and leadership development opportunities. These services include offering participants friendship through the Peer Buddy Program, job opportunities through Best Buddies Jobs, and e-mail pen pals via e-buddies. He also developed opportunities for students from colleges, high schools, and middle schools, as well as members of business and civic organizations, to ensure that programs are available to individuals of all ages. His organization now spans six continents and serves 700,000 participants every year.  For more information on Best Buddies International, please visit www.BestBuddies.org . >>> 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.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Commissioner Jacobs the environmental champion, county faces $160 million budget shortfall, says Sheriff & PA budgets must be reduced

Kristin Jacobs, the county commissioner that represents District 2 took a road trip Wednesday when she attended a Climate Change Adaptation Task Force meeting held at the Miami-Dade Commission Chambers. Jacobs, dubbed the “Katy Sorenson” of Broward spoke in front of the body and reminded the task force when it came to Broward County, two-thirds of it is occupied by the Everglades. She said the county with 1.8 million residents swells in the millions during the weeks as people come from other parts of the state to work in the state’s second largest county. The commissioner recently won another four-year term on the dais after she was reelected unopposed, and just in case, there is $96,000 in the campaign war chest and she expended $15,100 for the race.

What about the $160 million budget hole?

Jacobs when asked about the county budget for the next year said $160 million in cuts are necessary and it is the Sheriff’s Office budget under Al Lamberti (Net worth ($642,000) and the Office of the Property Appraiser under Lori Parrish (Net worth ($647,000) that needs to make more budget reductions, like the rest of the county’s operations. Broward with 31 municiaplities has a smaller county government administration than say Miami-Dade, where over 1 million residents live in an unincorporated area.

What about the ethics & IG controversy?

Jacobs after the task force meeting told the Watchdog Report that when it came to some of the suggested ethics proposals, some said to be unconstitutional by the county attorney, and causing widespread media criticism. People are over playing the disagreement and said the commission is scheduled to vote Aug. 10 and there seems to be enough votes on the dais that it will pass and go onto the November ballot. The veteran commissioner said one of the controversial points was concerning family members or variations there of, such as half brothers, cousins etc. and such a broad definition for a conflict of interest was unworkable. In Miami-Dade where there is both an IG and ethics commission, the definition of immediate family when it came to conflicts of interest are defined as immediate family, mother, father, brother and sisters but that is all. For more information about Jacobs go to Broward County – Commissioner Kristin Jacobs – District 2 Kristin Jacobs, Commissioner Broward County. Broward County Governmental Center 115 South Andrews Ave., Room 414. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 954- 357-7002 …http://www.broward.org/jacobs/

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist appoints Melinda Kirsch Brown of Plantation to the Broward County Court.

“Mindy has nearly two decades of practical experience with the law and how it affects people’s personal lives,” said Governor Crist. “Her patience and respect for people and knowledge of the law will serve Broward County well.” Brown, 52, has served as a General Magistrate of the 17th Judicial Circuit since 2004. Previously, she practiced with Brown and Brown from 1998 to 2004 and as a sole practitioner from 1994 to 1997.  She was an assistant attorney general in the Fort Lauderdale Office of the Attorney General from 1997 to 1998 and an assistant state attorney in the Broward State Attorney’s Office from 1988 to 1994.  Before attending law school, she was a correctional officer with Miami-Dade County from 1981 to 1983 and a rehabilitation counselor with Evergreen Rehab in Miami from 1983 to 1984. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminology from Florida State University and a law degree from Nova Southeastern University Law Center. Brown will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Peggy Gehl.

>>> 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

>>> Feds charge Straub who bought old Miami Arena, with two counts of violating Clean Water Act in Wellington

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Maureen O’Hara, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, announced filing of an indictment of Palm Beach Polo Holdings, Inc., and its president, Glenn Straub, 63, of Wellington, with two counts of violating the Clean Water Act, Title 33, United States Code, Section 1319(c)(2)(A).  The defendants are expected to make an initial appearance in federal court in Ft. Lauderdale on June 30, 2010 at 10 a.m. According to the indictment, which was returned yesterday, Palm Beach Polo Holdings and Straub violated the Clean Water Act by knowingly discharging pollutants into waters of the United States, including wetlands, during June and July 2005, without a permit.  The affected wetlands are located in properties that, at that time, were owned by Palm Beach Polo Holdings.  The affected properties are described in the indictment as Peacock Pond and Parcel F, or Pod F, in the Wellington Country Place Planned Unit Development in the Village of Wellington, in Palm Beach County. If convicted of the charges, Palm Beach Polo Holdings faces a criminal fine in the amount of $50,000 per day of violation, or $500,000, whichever is greater, as to each count.  Straub faces up to three (3) years’ imprisonment for each count. >>> Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the Special Agents of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Bonau. 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 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.

LAKE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist appoints James R. Baxley of Eustis to the Lake County Court.

“James understands the temperament a judge needs in order to treat everyone in the courtroom with dignity, respect, fairness and compassion,” said Governor Crist. “His life experiences and work ethic, as well as his legal experience in both the private and government sectors, have helped him develop the ability to carefully review the law and come to logical conclusions.”

Baxley, 41, has practiced with Hatfield and Baxley since 2004. Previously, he was an assistant public defender from 1999 to 2004, while also being a sole practitioner from 1998 to 2004. He practiced with Kosto and Rotella from 1996 to 1997. Baxley earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida. Baxley will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Richard W. Boylson.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Administrator Gastesi says, “Tourism is stable,” but “advance reservations” of concern

The Watchdog Report continues to keep an eye on the nation’s most southern county with a population of about 65,000 residents, but is a tourist mecca and a natural treasure with scuba diving and reefs that rank with the best found around the world.  I contacted Roman Gastesi, the Monroe Administrator and asked how things were going when it came to tourists and the general situation down there. He e-mailed back Saturday, “Tourism is stable for now; we actually had a good month of May. We’re hoping for a great 4th of July weekend. Our problem is advance reservations, they are down significantly, obviously folks are waiting until the last minute to come down. Conveying accurate information is our biggest challenge. Once folks realize that oil is over 300 miles away, our water is pristine and fishing is great, they come down,” wrote Gastesi.

>>> Press release: A number of important bills from the 2010 legislative session have been signed into law by the Governor.  Among these bills is the Early Learning Bill, SB2014.  The language in this bill was considerably amended from its original 2009 version based on input from stakeholders that included Early Learning Coalitions, state agencies, provider organizations and accrediting bodies.  A couple of late amendments that impact local communities were also added. Now that the bill has become law, the rulemaking process begins.  This process is used to create/promulgate rules that allow state agencies to implement the laws.  Under this process, the public is informed and allowed to comment on proposed rules before they take effect.  This process is publicly noticed.  Rulemaking hearings take place in different parts of the state and are announced in advance.  Rules adopted by the state will affect child care stakeholders.  I encourage everyone to participate in the hearings either directly or through a representative.  For a copy of SB2014 and other important legislation that affects early learning, please visit our website at www.elcmdm.org and click on the legislative updates link, wrote Evelio C. Torres, President & CEO  Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Round three, school board’s audit committee to hear about negotiations with Friends of WLRN

The school board audit committee is meeting Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., at the large ninth floor conference room at the downtown administrative office and one of the items to be discussed is the relationship between the district and Friends of WLRN, the fundraising arm of the schools radio and television stations. As has been previously reported in past Watchdog Reports that included written comments from the different sides and the not-for-profit organization’s past history with the district that has been tense since Superintendent Alberto Carvalho took over in the fall of 2008.

Carvalho has been butting heads with the Friend’s board and the organization had been given 90 days back in January to settle the issue, and the audit committee after a lengthy discussion at the last meeting gave them another 30 days to hash out their differences. I will be covering the meeting and will let readers know what happened at this very important oversight meeting of the nation’s fourth larges public school district.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Wanted for public service, diligent trustees, but no pay to watch over Jackson Health system, new application process cycle should start next month

The process for applicants to apply to be on the Public Health Trust is about to start again in July and there are a number of openings on the oversight board that has received wide spread media attention over the past six-months. The 17-member Trust board that includes two voting county commissioners is made-up of volunteers, they put in about 30-hours a month, and they fall under the purview of the county’s ethics commission and inspector general’s offices. Commission Chair Dennis Moss (Net worth $477,000) has been the PHT’s Nominating Council chair and he is expected to call an organization meeting that will authorize public ads asking for the best of the best in the community to apply, and a background check is done.

There will be a number of openings on the PHT board this year and the University of Miami will be appointing someone to replace Stanley Arkin who has left the PHT board after doing a yeoman’s job. Another trustees to leave in the late fall was Diego Mella, and current trustee Rosy Cancela is termed out on the board and it is unknown how many of the current trustees up for renewal will reapply to the high profile oversight board. The new and reappointed trustees after going through the process and selected, generally are sworn in at the end of October after the county commission approves the names.

What about Commissioner Seijas?

At a recent PHT all day committee meeting, county Commissioner Natacha Seijas (Net worth $655,000) spoke to the fiscal and purchasing committee about recent articles in the press and a open letter that ran in The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com written by civic leaders, stating the costs of nurses being used at the health trust was out of whack, and she challenged those numbers with her own data that paints a different picture. In a June 8 memo to board chair John Copeland, III. Seijas believes the cost per nurse did not square in the past stories and that some costs were left out of the calculations that had Jackson paying a higher dollar number than the surrounding hospitals were for their nursing staff. The commissioner has been a strong supporter of the county’s different unions for years, and she can have a biting tongue on the commission dais.

She also was critical of the “self-appointed Civic Group” and the www.miamiherald.com because the data that was used was skewed and “were not equitable comparisons” and unfortunately were used to attack the unions and were not “an ‘apples to apples’ comparison,” she thought. Her memo says some costs were left out of the published numbers and were not captured in the cost comparisons. She closed the document writing “Jackson does not have the highest operating costs” and the hospital systems financial problems are “not the responsibility of the high quality public employees who work here.” The commissioner also took a shot at management for allowing this misperception in the community and believes “this misinformation about labor costs continues to distract the leadership of this institution from addressing the true challenges of its financial situation,” she wrote. Further, the Watchdog Report received a nicely done flyer in the mail from SEIU 1991 stating that the Jackson Hospital unions have already sacrificed to the tune of over 500 employees laid off and a overall “voluntary”  savings to the health trust of $106 million and they have a website www.savejackson.com to get their message out there. Readers should stay tuned and see how this issue plays out in the future.

>>> The PHT is having the televised monthly board meeting Monday at 3:00 p.m. at the Ira Clark Diagnostic Center on the second floor and it is open to the public or can be seen on Miami-Dade County’s television station or go to www.miamidade.gov

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for 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.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Employee count drops to 3,531 through June, but with $100 million budget hole, will another 1,100 follow?

At a Thursday Budget Task Force meeting made up of citizens, and administration staff including over the weeks Mayor Tomas Regalado (Net worth $5,000) and Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff (Net worth $2.28 million) elected leaders, a graph of city employee headcount was passed out and staffing peaked in Jan. 2010 at 3,666 from Jul. 1, 2009 through June 21, 2010. The graph shows in July 2009 there were 3,647 city workers and now in June 2010, that number has dropped to 3,531 and that number is expected to go lower in the coming months. Miami Manager Carlos Migoya, a former banker told commissioners during a budget discussion recently suggested over 1,100 people could hit the streets depending on what happened at the commission and the ongoing battle with the unions in the months ahead, with the city’s reserves at a low point not seen since before the city’s financial meltdown in the mid 1990s.

>>> Will Miami’s 114^th Birthday be the last hurrah for awhile?

While Miami may celebrate its 114^th Birthday July 28 with a party at the American Airlines Arena with the proceeds going to charities, it may be a last hurrah before the September budget hearings that will be brutal in nature. The city has to cut another $100 million in the coming budget year, without major union concessions and on Monday the commission listened to local social local service agencies beg for continued or more funding for such things as meals on wheels for the elderly, help for domestic violence victims and a host of others, and it reminded the Watchdog Report how socialized many basic services have become for city residents. Miami is a city of contrasts, great wealth while having one of the highest poverty rates in the nation. The elderly especially are benefactors of some of this government largess and they have gotten use over the past decade of getting food from charities but these programs are facing enormous demands and the money at any level is not there and the community will see how this plays out in the months ahead.

>>> The commission on Thursday voted to modify how the Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP) would select panel members, and suspended and indicted Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones sponsored the original legislation over a year ago. The 4-1 vote had commission Chair Marc Sarnoff the only dissenter and he warned the commission should tread carefully when it came to this panel, that city voters approved creating by around 75 percent in 2001, and it also has subpoena power and is generally charged at reviewing police abuse.

>>> Former Atty. Fernandez lawsuit gets another closed session; legal bill over $250,000, meter is running!

Jorge Fernandez, the former City of Miami attorney is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to his lawsuit and the commission had another closed-door executive meeting to discuss the attorney’s case against the city. The suit has already racked up a $250,000 legal fee for the city said commissioner Francis Suarez to the Watchdog Report in the past. Fernandez is challenging his firing after a controversial investigation stated he used city money for personal uses among other things.

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>> Commissioner Wolfson newsletter on beach businesses – Economy on the rebound

There is no doubt Miami Beach residents and businesses have felt the impact of the economic downturn.  And everyone is hoping for a turnaround.  That’s why the record numbers from our March Resort Tax Collections come as welcome news.  Our resort tax is collected in increments of 2% and 3% of sales of food and beverage and hotels respectively.  The amount of these collections is a strong indicator of the health of the Miami Beach economy as they are based off of sales. Trish Walker is the City of Miami Beach Finance Director.  Her staff oversees Utility and Revenue Billing, Collections, Liens, Business Tax Receipts, Treasury Management, Payroll, Capital Projects Accounting, Grant Management, our Annual Audit, Financial Reporting, Resort Tax Collections, and so on.  With respect to the March Resort Tax Collections, she said, “The March revenues are the highest we have seen.  It looks like things are starting to turn around here”.

Our record March collections were $4,992,944.00.  This includes both hotel collections and collections for food and beverage sales and is up 13.8% from last year.  From a rolling 12-month perspective, the revenues for hotel collections only are up 4.96% from where we were this time last year.  On that same rolling 12-month calendar, the food and beverage revenues are up 9.83%. For residents, the resort tax collections supplement and pay for many local services.  They are appropriate as our City’s daily population swells due to our great visitors who we seek to provide great services as well.  We are working to ensure that this promising news keeps coming!

>>> Ethics commission report on salaries and benefits of Beach elected leaders done a couple of years ago. CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

In the City of Miami Beach, City Code Section 2.02, Term and Compensation, establishes the compensation for the Mayor and Commissioners.  Specifically, the City Code states: “The annual compensation for the Office of Commissioner shall be six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) and the compensation for the Office of Mayor shall be ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00); any increase in salary for Mayor and/or Commissioner shall require approval of a majority of the electorate voting at a City election.”

Based on COE inquiry of the City Clerk, the total taxable compensation for the Mayor was $10,000 and $6,000 each for the City Commissioners in the calendar 2007. With regards to taxable annual expense allowances, the Mayor and Commissioners each receive a $6,000 taxable vehicle allowance.  These funds are authorized annually via the City’s annual budget. Additionally, through its annual budget process, the City authorizes nontaxable expense allowances to its elected officials in the following amounts: Total nontaxable expense allowance for the Mayor in 2007 was $24,000. Total nontaxable expense allowance for each City Commissioner in 2007 was $18,000. Elected officials are also provided with a government-issued cell phone, which is paid for by the City on a monthly basis; therefore, there is no taxable cell phone allowance. Lastly, the City Clerk stated that neither the Mayor nor the Commissioners are provided with a government credit card or a public relations allowance.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Mayor Slesnick draws challenger in Korge, says “not likely” to run for reelection

Mayor Donald Slesnick, II has drawn a challenger next year if he decides to run for another term in office. Slesnick, first elected in the spring of 2001 has served ever since then though he has drawn challengers in the past but he fended them off at the ballot box. Slesnick is an attorney in his private life and a retired U.S. Army officer and in an e-mail last week; he wrote, “I have consistently said that I was not likely to run for re-election next year.  Tom Korge was gracious enough to ask on several occasions as to my intentions before he opened an account.  I am already the longest serving Mayor in Coral Gables history (at 9 years) and next year will mark a full decade in office. [However]  I have not ruled out that at some point I could change my mind based on what is happening in the City,” wrote the mayor.

>>> City web-page: Your Opinion Counts:  Please Fill Out The Coral Gables Police Survey

The Police Department is currently undergoing the renewal of accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This accreditation ensures that the Police Department remains in compliance with the high standards set forth by CALEA in all areas of policy and procedure. In order to assist in this process, the City of Coral Gables is asking you to participate in a short 12-question online or phone survey. Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey by July 15, 2010. To complete the survey by phone, contact the Police Department Community Affairs Office at 305-460-5491 and leave your name and number for someone to contact you. To complete the survey online, click here.

CITY OF DORAL

>>> Residents get new “ performance dashboard” on city services, supposed to save money as well

Press release: On the seventh anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Doral, city officials launched a web-based information dashboard for members of the community to access city information conveniently via the Internet. This new technology aids in the transparency of government, and helps the City become more efficient, resulting in improved operations, quicker dissemination of critical information, improved overall services and reduced costs. Members of the public can view the City of Doral Performance Dashboard online at www.cityofdoral.com/dashboard.

“The value of the dashboard is that it gives the members of our community real-time access to information that directly affects them,” said Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez. “The information keeps everyone informed and up to date on what’s going on in our city, therefore keeping the government transparent. The technology also makes our City more efficient, saving us money and giving us the data we need to continually improve.” During the launch event, held at the Morgan Levy Park Community Center, members of the community and City of Doral elected officials navigated through the Performance Dashboard. They used laptops donated for that purpose by One Click, a local business.

The Performance Dashboard integrates data from a variety of City departments into one system, providing easy access to information from the City Manager and Clerk’s offices and City departments that include Finance, Planning and Zoning, Public Works, Parks and Recreation as well as Police. Data collected from these departments conveniently rolls into a web-based dashboard view, giving people access to real-time information on key aspects of the community, including: Capital Projects (status of projects and timelines), Community Programs, Green Initiatives, Public Safety Information and Statistics, Community Wellness Programs, General performance data and statistics from City departments. The Performance Dashboard is the result of a two-year IT project the City undertook with the help of EMA Inc., the national management and technology consulting and services organization who implemented the new technology and dashboard functionality. The Performance Dashboard is a work-in-progress, and the program will evolve as the City takes into account feedback from residents and other members of the community. >> About the City of Doral: Incorporated on June 24, 2003, the City of Doral is one of 34 municipalities in Miami-Dade County, Fla. Located one mile from Miami International Airport and 12 miles from Downtown Miami, Doral is 15 square miles in size. The City is home to about 36,000 residents and has more than 100,000 people who work within the City. The City of Doral has operated under the Mayor-Council-Manager form of government since incorporation. The City offers a wide range of services through its departments including the Office of the City Manager, Office of the City Clerk, Finance Department, Community Development Department, Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and Police Department. Described as the premier place to live, work and play, Doral provides for a superior quality of life in an urban center that is well known for its commerce.

>>> Ethics Commission report last year on municipalities and leaders salary & benefits unedited

The City of Doral’s Mayor receives compensation in the amount of $50,000 per fiscal year.  City Council Members receive compensation in the amount of $12,000 per fiscal year. Compensation for Council Members and the Mayor shall be increased each calendar year consistent with the CPI.  The Council also receives reimbursement in accordance with applicable law, or as may be otherwise provided by ordinance, for authorized expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. The Mayor and Council Members do not receive either vehicle or travel allowance.  There is no “personal” public relations budget for the Mayor or for the Council Members.

The City pays all cell phone invoices for the Mayor and the Council Members.  Government credit cards are provided to the Mayor and Council Members. In 2007, the Mayor received $25,342.92 in taxable expense reimbursements and $1,005 in non-taxable expense reimbursements. Council Members Ruiz and Van Name received $13,228 in taxable expense reimbursements.  Council Member Ruiz received $772 in non-taxable expense reimbursements and Council Member Van Name received $675.  Council Members DiPietro and Cabrera received $12,735 in taxable expense reimbursements.  Council Member DiPietro received $540 in non-taxable expense reimbursements and Council Member Cabrera received $1,953 in non-taxable expense reimbursements.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club, Meeting Date: Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Meeting Time: 8:30 AM, Meeting Place:    David’s Café II, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach: Dr. Martin Karp, School Board Member for District 3 (Miami Beach), will be this week’s guest speaker at the June 29th meeting of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club.

Dr. Karp was first elected to the School Board in 2004 and was re-elected in 2008.  Dr. Karp serves on two School Board committees: as Chairman of the Institutional Excellence and Community Engagement Committee, and as Vice-Chair. of the School Support Accountability Committee.  He earned a Doctorate of Education at the University of Miami and is a life-long resident of Miami-Dade County. The current 2009/10 operating budget for the Miami-Dade School Board is approx. $2.69 billion dollars – funded primarily from local property taxes and contributions from the state.  As property values have gone down, so have property tax collections, including the portion that goes to the School Board.  The reduction in property taxes and reductions in state support may force the School Board to make cut-backs, which will be discussed. 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).

>>> Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between major congressional District 25 candidates on June 30^th

The Downtown Bay Forum of Miami is planning a debate among candidates running for Congressional District 25 and it could be the first verbal debate from the candidates. People vying for their party’s nod are state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami and Paul Crespo trying to represent the Republican Party and Joe Garcia, a member in the Obama administration is expected to be the Democratic Party’s challenger. Rivera, also Chair of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade is skilled at running campaigns and Crespo is a veteran Marine officer with a wide range of skills and is a good orator. Garcia tried for the district in 2008 against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami but was beaten back though the race was closer than two other congressional races taking place back then between his older brother Lincoln who bested former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez and Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami beat off Democratic candidate Annette Taddeo, who is now running for the county commission. The luncheon event is now scheduled for June 30. For more information go to www.downtownbayforum.com

EDITORIALS

>>> Watchdog Report touches a nerve when it comes to elected leaders paying their property taxes

Last week’s lead Argus Report story on elected leaders that are in the rears concerning their property taxes has apparently struck a nerve for I am getting information from readers of others in public office that also are delinquent in paying their taxes. This issue is important because in the months ahead these same elected leaders will be setting property millage rates and other levies and to say they have a conflict is an understatement. These records are public and when it comes to officials with multiple years of unpaid taxes. One has to ask how that could happen and what occurred behind the scenes for an average citizen and homeowner would be out on the street by now.

It is understandable that some people in these tough economic times have these issues, for the foreclosure swath is broad and long, but when it comes to those that set the community’s taxes. They must be compliant like the people they govern and I am reminded of the 1957 Miami-Dade Home Rule Charter Citizens’ Bill of Rights that opens with, “This government has been created to protect the governed, not the governing” and all such words mean in spirit and action.

What about the other Florida counties and municipalities?

Readers should check out their local leaders’ property tax standing in Broward and Palm Beach Counties and the 31 municipalities officials in Broward should also be reviewed because these documents are public and available to be reviewed by the respective elected county property appraiser. To review these property tax records go to http://www.miamidade.gov/pa/ >>>  http://www.bcpa.net >>> http://www.pbcgov.com/papa

>>> PAST WDR: SEPT. 2008: Elected leaders should humor the general public by following the Florida Sunshine Law

At Tuesday’s Miami-Dade County Commission meeting, there were a lot of comments and discussions going on at the dais, while another commissioner was speaking, the microphones picked that up and the Watchdog Report reminds the body they fall under the Florida Sunshine Amendment. Some of the comments were jokes but others fell into that grey area and commissioners, along with others on public boards should remember this is the law and to skirt it, risks fines and other sanctions. Many elected leaders chafe at the transparency that the law is to provide at public meetings and institutions and while there is a cost for this open public discussion. It is well worth the price for government, its actions almost by definition wants to remain hidden, and that only leads to cronyism and poor public policy.

Further, it is just not here in Miami-Dade but in Broward as well where after the new mayor was elected last year. The body has the custom of going out to lunch with over 30 members of county staff, and this was a private event I was told when I tried to attend inside the private room, that unfortunately for them was held in a glass room and I just sat outside and watched the proceedings, that definitely looked more than just a social event. As Mayor Lois Wexler worked the room and other commissioners talked to department directors where they sometimes pointed at the staff members during the discussion.

The recent reelection of all the county commissioners in both counties in August shows that they are in a very secure position with the county electorate, regardless of the scandals or cost overruns of public projects and the elected body and others falling under this state Sunshine law should just abide by the restrictions, for you are very secure in your office and just humor county residents with this one little perk, because eventually if you do not. It will come back to bite you and that would not be a good thing.

LETTERS

I salute you Ricker and raise a toast to U! You are one of the few truly honorable people I know!

Jacqui H

>>> Just wanted to take a minute to say thank you for the info you provide…

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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

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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.

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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Argus Report: Elected officials at all levels must be compliant with property tax obligations, documents are public, wayward officials with problem are in a political minefield

Florida: Gov. Crist on the march for tourists, visits Miami Beach leaders at Loews, and what a Beach it is!

Miami-Dade County: Commissioners Heyman & Sosa coast to reelection, Sorenson in November says sayonara, Commissioners Rolle, Souto, Diaz get challengers

Broward County: Will ethics legislation go down in flames after commission Atty. Newton’s memo on its unconstitutionality?

Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach contractors plead guilty to hiring illegal workers: tax fraud

Brevard County: Gov. Crist taps two for District Board of Trustees, Brevard Community College

Volusia County: Gov. Crist appoints three trustees, Daytona State College

Monroe County: State Rep. Saunders draws opposition; top dog challenger is former Key West Mayor McPherson

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Board Chair Stinson to retire, 50-years with district & Member Perez wins new term, unopposed by deadline

Public Health Trust: Local state attorney’s Grand Jury should look at politicians asking for special medical treatment over the years

City of Miami: Chair Sarnoff swears in new leadership on Grove Chamber, he is up for reelection in 2011; Sessions steps down as CGVC chair

City of Miami Beach: Mayor Bower and tourism industry gets pledge of no violent convicts in county Corrections hazmat suits will clean tourist beaches

City of Coral Gables: Architect Heisenbottle to begin design & engineering work on new international high school on Madruga

City of Miami Lakes: Mayor Pizzi may be small town attorney, but gets big legal fee of $500.00 an hour on Beach garbage deal

Community Events: Everglades DEIS draft on bridging Tamiami Trail up coming meeting — Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between major congressional District 25 candidates on June 30^th

Editorials: When it comes to delayed FCAT results, Fair’s comment ‘It could have happened to anyone’ is unbelievable, lets not raise bar to high — Qualifying period is over, candidates fan out, will the ones elected be the best of the best?

Letters: Julia Tuttle statue to be unveiled July 28 at Bayfront Park, founder of Miami finally recognized this way – Reader on 11^th Anniversary

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.)

>>> Correction & Clarification: Miami-Dade County — Section 4.04B of the county charter allows commissioners to “transmit constituent inquiries to the administration,” wrote Victoria Mallette, Director of Communications, Miami-Dade County. However, Commissioner Joe Martinez said his proposed legislation would make this activity easier for commissioners to contact department heads directly, as was reported in the WDR last week. >>> Former state Rep. Miguel de Grandy, R-Miami lost his first race for office by one vote, not his last as was reported last week.

>>> I will be on Topical Currents heard on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on July 1 from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., and readers should listen in, and it is on line at www.wlrn.org

>>> 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.

>>> 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 newsletter and news service that started its 11^th Anniversary on May 5.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Elected officials at all levels must be compliant with property tax obligations, documents are public, wayward officials with problem are in a mine-field

Elected officials at the municipal and county level should be sure their own property taxes have been paid, before they set the millage levels for those they govern. It also applies with state lawmakers that has former House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami (Net worth $8,351) and state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami almost losing a joint property they own in the state capital for unpaid taxes and was reported in www.wfor4.com Friday night. For all these property tax records are public and with all the elections in August and November. Candidates beware when it comes to running for public office when you have not complied with all the laws and obligations one might have in your personal or public life.  I write about this as a heads-up to leaders for there are people across the political spectrum that are looking at these documents, breaking the news themselves or passing it on to the Watchdog Report or other media, and some of the documents coming in are not pretty, and I wonder why some people think they should be running for public office.

>>> For children with special issues, check out The Learning Experience School

With the national media reporting there are 400,000 Americans with Down syndrome, I had an opportunity to discuss the challenges these kids and adults face with some parents whose children attended The Learning Experience School www.learningexperience.org and www.miamiherald.com did an extensive story on the kids there. However, one of the challenges these children face as adults is getting a job, allowing them to fully participate in society and it provides not only money for the individual but also self-esteem. The parents of the children are a broad range of people, the way they spoke about the school was impressive, and why I give the school a plug. >>>  http://www.greatschools.org/florida/miami/5574-The-Learning-Experience-School/

>>> Lunch to feature District 26 congressional candidates from both parties; will it be a tame debate?

All the major U.S. Congress candidates for District 25, now held by Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami but is moving to his brother Lincoln’s congressional seat in January, after the qualifying period passed and he was elected unopposed, created the vacancy. All the candidates will attend the upcoming Downtown Bay Forum luncheon (information is in the community events section) said the forum’s founder Annette Eisenberg, Wednesday night. The race has state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami facing Mariana “Marili” Cancio and Marine veteran Paul Crespo on the Republican side and for the Democrat’s champions there is Joe Garcia, currently working in the Obama administration and Luis Meurice. The other candidates are Roly Arrojo registered as a Tea Party candidate and Craig Porter is registered as a FWP candidate. Rivera, the Miami-Dade Party chair originally was given the edge but the sprawling congressional district is politically diverse and Crespo or Cancio, an attorney and member of the county’s community relations board are running aggressive campaigns as well.

Garcia, is a fixture on the local political scene, though he has lost twice, once in the early 1990s when he ran for county commissioner and then in 2008 losing to Mario for the congressional seat. He later accepted an offer to work in the Obama administration and has been there the last two years. When it comes to Meurice or the other candidates, I have no idea who they are.

>>> Scribe Polansky says sayonara to Miami Today, her stories found there mark

Risa Polansky, a dedicated scribe for Miami Today www.miamitodaynews.com is leaving her post after four-years of hands on reporting and coverage of Miami and Miami-Dade County. Her significant other, a physician is taking a job in Boca Raton and she will be working at a local university, while continuing her studies. Polansky, an exceptionally hard worker over the past four-years could crank out excellent stories on a regular basis for the weekly paper and the community and press will miss her in the news trenches. To Risa, the Watchdog Report gives you a Tip of the Hat for a job well done, and friend and reader alike will notice your departure in the weeks ahead.

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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.

>>> 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

>>> Gov. Crist on the march for tourists, visits Miami Beach leaders at Loews, and what a Beach it is!

Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $466,000) stopped bye Miami Beach Monday to discuss with elected officials, community leaders and tourist officials the potential impact of the Deepwater Horizon ongoing oil spill and how to mitigate any damage it might cause to the state’s $60 billion tourism industry. Crist met in a hotel room at the Loews Hotel with Beach Mayor Mattie Herrera Bower, state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, (Net worth $973,000) state Rep. Richard Steinberg, D-Miami Beach, state Rep. Louis Garcia, D-Miami, (net worth $100,000) state Rep. Yolly Roberson, D-North Miami, Miami Beach Commissioner Jerry Libbin and local tourism officials and hotel representatives to discuss the matter around the table.

Crist after listening to the concerns said the state was preparing since unlike other Gulf States, we have the time. “Florida is a big place,” he said and while there is oil washing-up in Pensacola in the form of “a few tar balls.” The governor reiterated that while this is terrible it must be made clear statewide that is not the case noting the impact is “not here on the Beach,” where “the restaurants are open and eager for business.” Crist explained why early on he declared a state of emergency for the shoreline counties allowing for the “standing up of our assets” that includes positioning the National Guard in the field and county Emergency Operation Centers are at the ready. The governor also took a few shots at British Petroleum saying they spent $50 million on “ads to clean-up their image” but when you also have “a $10 billion dividend”, it shows the profit a company of this magnitude can have. He also noted there are 1,300 miles of Florida coastline but it is the “marshes, wetlands and estuaries that are the hardest to clean-up” and while “no one knows if it is coming here when [you are] dealing with Mother Nature.” He said there is already 331,000 feet of boom deployed in Florida as a precaution.

What about the potential $7 billion hole in the state budget?

The Watchdog Report asked Crist in an exclusive interview after the beach tour about the financial damage the oil spill could have on the state budget, that some suggest is at least $1 billion so far. The governor, now an independent said “ were not sure yet, Jerry McDaniel heads up our budget office and we are trying to get a sense [of the Deepwater Horizon’s impact to the general fund] obliviously it is going to have significant impact, hopefully not as much as some estimate but only time will tell,” said Crist.  With Florida’s budget next year anticipated to be $6 billion short, the extra billion or more will only add to the challenges legislators will face in the months and year ahead.

What about the media scrum?

After the first indoor meeting, the officials along with a large scrum of media creating almost a 20 foot diameter of people moved in mass down the steps to the hotel’s pool in the afternoon and sunbathers were startled to see the moving media pod and when the group came over the hill of sand going down onto the beach. Tourists on the beach almost gave a gasp, given what their attire was and that for many of them very little was left to the imagination as the press horde walked with Crist to the water.

>>> State Legislators Rich and Steinberg are going back to Tallahasee, no opposition

A couple of local politicians were reelected after they went unchallenged at the end of the qualifying period. State Sen. Nan Rich, D-Sunrise and state Rep. Richard Steinberg, D-Miami Beach are heading back to the state capital in 2011.

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today attended the 12th annual Family Café to sign two bills benefiting persons with disabilities. The Governor signed the bills ceremonially, surrounded by individuals with disabilities, their families and advocates. The new legislation helps protect persons with disabilities from abuse and increases residential opportunities. “The Family Café is an excellent forum for Floridians to learn more about the services available for persons with disabilities and their families,” said Governor Crist. “The bills I signed today continue my deep commitment to increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities to live independently and achieve their dreams.” The Family Café focuses on providing information and resources to people with disabilities.  Governor Crist provided the conference’s opening remarks, applauding the efforts of all advocates of persons with disabilities, including Family Café participants, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and members of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities. In addition to their vocal support for today’s legislation, the Governor highlighted attendees’ commitment and support for iBudget Florida, an individualized budget tool that enables persons with disabilities to prioritize allocated money. Joining Governor Crist for the bill signings was Senate Bill 1166 sponsor Senator Thad Altman.

Sponsored by Representatives Marcelo Llorente and Dorothy Hukill, House Bill 1073 specifies that persons with developmental disabilities have the right to be free of abuse, neglect and exploitation. The legislation requires staff of facilities licensed by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities be trained in detecting and reporting client abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment. The bill also includes provisions to protect children with disabilities, such as providing guidelines for the safe use of seclusion and restraint of students. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to collect information on incidents of restraint and seclusion and to provide such information to parents and the Florida Department of Education. Sponsored by Senator Thad Atlman and Representative Kelli Stargel, Senate Bill 1166 increases opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities to choose where they want to live. The bill alleviates restrictions for people with disabilities to allow them to live next to each other in residential communities, exempting them from the 1,000-foot rule if no more than three centers are located within a radius of 1,000 feet. >> About the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities >> On July 26, 2007, the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Governor Crist signed Executive Order 07-148, creating the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities. He charged them with the mission to advance public policy for Floridians with disabilities and to provide a forum for advocates representing the disabilities community to develop and voice unified concerns and recommendations for improvements. For more information regarding the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, please visit http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/governor_s_commission_on_disabilities.

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today unveiled Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs, a Web site that allows job seekers to locate and apply for positions created in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs, found at www.floridagulfrecoveryjobs.com, is a dedicated portal through Florida’s official online job bank, the Employ Florida Marketplace, currently listing more than 3,500 positions related to response and recovery efforts, with additional positions posted regularly. “Immediate access to recovery-related job openings provides Floridians the opportunity to help our state while supporting their families and communities,” said Governor Crist. “Our beautiful Sunshine State remains open for business, and Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs is the latest example of our coordinated efforts to ensure preparedness and strengthen our economy.” Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs is a joint venture of the Agency for Workforce Innovation and Workforce Florida Inc., in partnership with the state’s 24 Regional Workforce Boards. Designed as an online “one-stop shop” for job seekers and employers, the Web site allows job seekers to access available positions, which are verified by the local Regional Workforce Boards, as employers post them. Floridians can also call 1-877-362-5034 to learn more about available jobs related to response and recovery efforts. “Under Governor Crist’s leadership, we are pursuing all options for maximizing assistance to the people and businesses of Florida who have been affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Agency for Workforce Innovation Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo.  “Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs is a great resource for employers and job seekers with the skills and desire to help minimize the spill’s impact and ensure a complete recovery.” “Our top priority is getting Floridians back to work and ensuring Florida’s business climate continues to flourish,” said Chris Hart IV, president/CEO of Workforce Florida Inc. and interim director of the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.  “Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs is a key component of the state’s response to the oil spill, providing Florida’s job seekers access to a wide array of employment opportunities and its businesses with a ready and willing talent pool.”

Some response and recovery jobs will require special training, for which job seekers may receive a stipend. More than 2,400 workers have already been trained and are eligible to begin filling these positions, including 302 who are already participating in Florida’s recovery efforts. Information about required training is also available at www.floridagulfrecoveryjobs.com. Additionally, job seekers are encouraged to visit one of the 93 local One-Stop Career Centers for information about these and other employment opportunities in their communities. Job seekers can locate their nearest One-Stop Center by visiting www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdir/index.htm. Launched in 2005, the Employ Florida Marketplace, www.employflorida.com, connects Florida businesses and job seekers, from entry-level to executive-level talent. More than four million jobs have been listed on www.employflorida.com since the website’s inception, and more than 30,000 visitors use the site daily to search for jobs, screen applicant resumes and research the latest labor market statistics.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Commissioners Heyman & Sosa coast to reelection, Sorenson in November says sayonara, Commissioners Rolle, Souto, Diaz get challengers

County Commissioners Sally Heyman (Net worth $426,000) and Rebeca Sosa (Net worth $628,000) cruised to reelection Tuesday after no one challenged them by the qualifying date. Heyman a former state legislator and attorney was first elected to commission District 4, northeast Miami-Dade that includes Aventura, Miami Beach and  North Miami Beach in 2002, and she won again in 2006 when she did face an opponent she easily dispatched. Sosa, a former mayor of West Miami came to the body in June 2001 after a special election was held after Commissioner Pedro Reboredo, The Reboredo Files – Page 1 – News – Miami – Miami New Times , was busted by the state attorney’s office and had to step down from elected office. Last week she told me she was “not afraid of elections” but this is one she gets to skip. She works for the public schools district and she represents commission District 6 that includes Miami, Miami Springs, Coral Gables, and West Miami.

Heyman had $81,000 in her campaign war chest and Sosa raised $102,000 if she drew a challenger but they are home free now and have drawn another four-year term in the office that pays commissioners $6,000 but another $52,000 in benefits. Heyman has been a strong supporter of the arts and Sosa has been a guru when it came to procurement, the process and a minimization of lobbyist or elected leaders influence when it comes to contracts approved by the commission.

>>> Commissioners Souto & Diaz draw challengers

Javier Souto, (Net worth $856,000) the long serving commissioner for District 10 drew a challenger this cycle and it is Miriam “Mimi” Planas. Souto a former state legislator has been a fixture on the body, is adamant when it comes to constituent services for the district, but can ramble on during commission meetings. He has raised $95,000 for the race and Planas has $12,400 in her campaign war chest and she is knocking on voters doors, doing a grassroots campaign.

Jose “Pepe” Diaz, (Net worth $226,000) the commission vice chair who represents District 12 drew a challenger in Heather Pernas but with his $111,000 campaign war chest that dwarfs the challengers $100.00 in her account. He is expected to cruise easily to victory Aug. 24.

In commission District 8 now held by Commissioner Katy Sorenson, (Net worth $1.34 million) with her decision not to run again, seven candidates have qualified and in the future, the Watchdog Report will investigate these candidates as well as the candidates running against Commissioner Dorrin Rolle who represents District 2.

What about Sorenson?

Katy Sorenson, the veteran county commissioner and the first to beat an incumbent commissioner in the last two decades was roasted Wednesday night and investigative reporter Jim DeFede presided over the affair. She told the Watchdog Report that she is not endorsing any of the numerous candidates running for her District 8 seat, but might change that after the primary and the race heads into the run-off likely to occur given the size of the candidate field.

>>> Commissioner Edmonson leads BCC delegation to Haiti July 9

Commissioner Audrey Edmonson is leading a delegation of county commissioners to Haiti July 9^th she said last week. Edmonson and Jose “Pepe” Diaz first went to the devastated country right after the Jan 12 catastrophic earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands and the country has not changed all that much, except the “streets have been cleaned” from all the rubble and debris after the event, she told her peers. This will be her third trip to the country since the earthquake.

>>> Press release: Seasonally Unadjusted Numbers – Miami-Dade County’s unemployment rate for May 2010 was 12.3 percent. This was an increase of 0.9 percent compared to April 2010 (11.4%) and an increase of 1.6 percent compared to May 2009. This increase can be attributed to the slower summer season, the increase in the labor force after students graduated from high schools, colleges and universities, as well as people reentering the workforce who might have previously given up on finding a job. The May 2010 unemployment rate for the State of Florida was 11.2 percent. This was the same as April 2010. The United States unemployment rate was 9.3 percent in May 2010 and decreased by 0.2 percent from April 2010. For neighboring Broward County, the unemployment rate in May 2010 was 9.8 percent. This was a decrease of 0.2 percent compared to April 2010 and an increase of 0.9 percent compared to May 2009. For Palm Beach County, it was 11.3 percent. This was a decrease of 0.2 percent compared to April 2010 and an increase of 1.1 percent compared to May 2009. The overall unemployment rate for the tri-county area in May 2010 was 11.2 percent. The South Florida region (Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Beach MSA) experienced a loss of 29,000 non-agricultural jobs between May 2009 and May 2010, or a decrease of 1.3 percent. At the same time, between April 2010 and May 2010, South Florida created 5,600 new jobs. Non-agricultural companies in Miami-Dade County lost 9,900 jobs between May 2009 and May 2010, a decrease of 1.0 percent. Despite the loss year over year, the absolute number has dramatically been reduced from a high of 50,000 jobs in March 2009. At the same time, between April 2010 and May 2010, 3,100 new jobs were created or an increase of 0.2 percent. Most sectors lost jobs between May 2009 and May 2010.

The construction sector experienced a decrease in employment of 3,800 jobs or 10.1 percent decrease between May 2009 and May 2010. During the same period, manufacturing lost 2,600 jobs (-6.9%), retail trade lost 1,700 jobs (-1.4%), transportation, warehousing and utilities lost 1,100 jobs (-1.9%), financial activities lost 4,400 jobs (-6.7 %), professional and business services lost 1,600 jobs (-1.2%) and leisure and hospitality lost 1,400 jobs (-1.1%). Only ambulatory health care services (2,000 jobs or 4.0%), federal government (5,700 jobs or 28.8%) and state government (300 jobs or 1.8%) gained new jobs year over year. The federal government jobs increase included temporary census takers. At the same time, there are a few sectors, as detailed below, including wholesale trade and retail trade that have gained jobs between April 2010 and May 2010. This indicates companies have begun hiring, albeit cautiously.

The Beacon Council continues to aggressively work on attracting new companies to our community and working on the expansion and 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

>>> Will ethics legislation go down in flames after commission Atty. Newton’s memo on its constitutionality?

The Watchdog Report was unable to attend an ethics commission meeting held on Friday at the Broward County government center, but fireworks followed during the meeting and is well documented in Bob Norman’s http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/. The gist of the story is apparently some county commissioners are trying to spike the idea, with the help of the commission attorney Jeff Newton, who released a controversial memo questioning the constitutionality of some of the proposed legislation. Commissioners Ilene Lieberman (Net worth $1.33 million), John Rodstrom (Net worth $2.4 million) who are paid in their official capacity roughly $92,000 but they also are lobbyists in their day job, and some of these new ethics guidelines would affect some of their future activities. The Watchdog Report has written extensively about the need for an ethics and inspector general’s office in the state’s second largest county, but it has been slow going for residents seeking reform. Over the past years, I have been told repeatedly that everything was fine in Broward when it came to ethics and public corruption but that party line was mangled after three elected officials got busted by the feds and only a former municipal commissioner is awaiting sentencing after a county commissioner and school board member when down, and the two have been sentenced to federal prison. I call on leaders, when it comes to this subject to look once again at what Miami-Dade County voters and commission have created when to comes to the Ethics and Public Trust Commission and the county’s Inspector General Office. In Broward, critics cite the costs of these offices but it is actually very cheap in the scheme of things and inhibiting corruption does have value and when it comes to the IG. Many times, they kill things before it gets off the ground and that act many times can save millions of dollars of public tax dollars.

>>> Press release:  Broward resident charges with Hurricane Wilma Fraud

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Aaron Collins, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Investigations Division, Eastern Regional Office, announced that Ronald Jansson, 59, of Miramar, was charged in an Information filed in federal court today with making false statements to the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) in order to obtain a disaster loan for real estate repair and replacement based on alleged disaster damage from Hurricane  Wilma.  The defendant is scheduled to make his initial appearance next week. Hurricane Wilma made landfall in the South Florida area on or about October 24, 2005.  According to court documents, Jansson sought a loan for $143,700 for his property in Miramar, Florida, to include a major overhaul of his home based on Hurricane Wilma disaster related damages.  Investigation revealed that Jansson’s home was already in considerable disrepair before Hurricane Wilma struck South Florida and that the condition of his home was not a result of the hurricane.  Jansson subsequently fabricated and altered expense invoices/receipts, work estimates, proposals and contracts to falsely substantiate his expenditure of disaster funds to the SBA.>>> Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the SBA, Office of Inspector General.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy D. Katz. An Information 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 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: Southeast Florida Counties Call for Action on Oil Disaster –What: Press Conference -When: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 12:00 pm -Where: John U Lloyd State Park, 6503 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL -Contact: 954-357-8053, Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager, Broward County Board of County Commissioners

As the environmental and economic consequences of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster continue to unfold in the Gulf of Mexico, representatives from the four coastal counties of Southeast Florida; Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, are joining forces at a press conference on June 24th to speak out on perhaps the worst environmental disaster of its kind in our nation’s history. Monroe County Commissioner and Keys climate change spokesman, George Neugent, said that “While our beaches are open and remain  unaffected, we are all concerned about the potential long-term environmental and economic consequences…thinking about the future, we must ensure that South Florida’s world famous beaches, unique life style and economy are protected and leaders must lead the way.”

Elected leaders who recently adopted the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact are calling for Congress and the Florida Legislature to immediately move forward on a comprehensive national and state strategy that deals with the overarching problem…America’s dependence on oil. “The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has galvanized our joint commitment to lead Southeast Florida forward in reducing our dependence on foreign and domestic oil,” said Broward County Commissioner and Chair of the Broward County Climate Change Task Force, Kristin Jacobs. “We’re doing our part through the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, but others must act as well.”  Leaders from the Compact Counties will demand that Congress immediately consider pending federal energy/climate legislation that is stalled in Washington.   Compact County leaders will also appeal to state legislators to not lift the ban on oil drilling in Florida’s territorial waters…and call on President Obama to lead the way for a clean-energy future.  “The ecological tragedy unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico is our wake-up call, yet we cannot seem to wake up from this nightmare,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson. “This cannot be the future we wish for our children and our community.  We need partners in the Federal government that will work with us to chart a new course toward a green economy.” “The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has shown us the havoc that an oil spill almost 50 miles offshore can have on the economy and environment, it is time to have the political will to ensure that we never again experience such a disaster.”  Palm Beach County Commissioner Shelley Vana said, “We must not let the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill fade from our memories without real action from Washington and Tallahassee.” The collaboration between the Compact Counties dates to the Regional Climate Leadership Summit held in October 2009. Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Monroe County Commissioners approved a Compact that supports a regional approach to the impacts of Climate Change.

>>> 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

>>> Press release: West Palm Beach contractors plead guilty to hiring illegal workers: tax fraud

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, announced today that John M. David and Juan A. Gonzalez have pled guilty to conspiracy charges related to their participation in a scheme to employ illegal aliens and thereby avoid the payment of employment taxes and workers’ compensation premiums for these workers. The charges involve Sun Deck Concrete, Inc. (“Sun Deck”), a Florida corporation located in Palm Beach County, which provides concrete services to residential and commercial contractors.  John M. David is the President of Sun Deck and Juan A. Gonzalez was a supervisor at the business. According to court documents, in the early 2000s, Sun Deck’s business began to grow and the company needed to hire additional laborers. To meet this need and to remain profitable, Sun Deck turned to undocumented workers, many of whom were Honduran and Mexican nationals who were living in the United States illegally.  In order to conceal the fact that Sun Deck was hiring and paying illegal aliens, John David and Juan A. Gonzalez devised a scheme to pay these workers through a series of shell companies.

According to court documents, the shell companies, which had been set up by co-conspirators, purportedly provided labor services to construction companies like Sun Deck.  In truth, the companies provided no legitimate services and were set up for the sole purpose of funneling wages from the construction companies to the illegal workers.  To make the shell companies appear legitimate, the co-conspirators opened corporate bank accounts, obtained federal tax identification numbers, and purchased fraudulent workers’ compensation insurance policies for the companies. According to court documents, between 2005 and 2006, Gonzalez and other Sun Deck supervisors recruited more than twenty illegal aliens to work at Sun Deck work sites.  Sun Deck controlled all aspects of the illegal workers’ employment.  Specifically, Gonzalez and the other Sun Deck supervisors, in consultation with David, hired and fired the illegal workers, determined their work assignments and schedules, supervised their work at the job site, and set their hourly wages.  At the end of each week, Gonzalez and the other Sun Deck supervisors calculated the wages due to each illegal alien and reported these wages to David, who would approve the issuance  of checks payable to the shell companies for the amount of the wages, as well as additional monies to cover kickbacks to the co-conspirators and supervisors and fees to the check cashing store.

According to court documents, during 2005 and 2006, David caused Sun Deck to pay more than $2 million in cash wages through the shell companies in order to conceal the fact that Sun Deck was employing illegal workers and to avoid the payment of employment taxes and workers’ compensation premiums for these workers.  As a result of this scheme, David defrauded the Internal Revenue Service out of $316,254.60 in employment taxes which were due and owing on these wages.  In addition, Sun Deck failed to disclose in its monthly audit reports which were sent via the United States mail to Bridgefield Employers Insurance Company, Sun Deck’s insurance carrier, that it had paid approximately $2 million in wages to the illegal aliens.  Consequently, Sun Deck avoided the payment of approximately $163,652 in workers’ compensation premiums due and owing to Bridgefield for these employees. >>> David and Gonzalez each face a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, followed by three years’ supervised release, fines and restitution. Mr. Ferrer commended the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, for their investigation of this matter.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Rabinowitz. 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.

BREVARD COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist taps two women: District Board of Trustees, Brevard Community College (Senate confirmation required)

Dixie N. Sansom, 61, of Rockledge, self-employed consultant, reappointed for a term beginning June 15, 2010, and ending May 31, 2014.

Dedra “Dee” Sibley, 46, of Melbourne, self-employed attorney, reappointed for a term beginning June 15, 2010, and ending May 31, 2013.

VOLUSIA CUONTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist appoints three to District Board of Trustees, Daytona State College (Senate confirmation required)

Robert C. Davidson, 73, of Port Orange, chief executive officer and president of Hotel & Lodging Association of Volusia County, succeeding Mary Bennett, appointed for a term beginning June 15, 2010, and ending May 31, 2013.

Dr. Christina Frederick-Recascino, 45, of Ormond Beach, vice president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, succeeding John Graham, appointed for a term beginning June 15, 2010, and ending May 31, 2014.

John W. Tanner, 70, of Flagler Beach, self-employed attorney, succeeding Edward Schatz, appointed for a term beginning June 15, 2010, and ending May 31, 2014.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> State Rep. Saunders draws opposition, expected top dog challenger is former Key West Mayor McPherson

State Rep. Ron Saunders, D- Monroe County has gotten some challengers this year for his elected office, three to be precise. He has drawn opposition from Republicans Matt Gardi, Morgan McPherson and the Tea Party candidate is Henry Llorella. Saunders, the minority leader in the House was a former state senator representing South Miami-Dade and the Keys before his election to the lower house. I do not know the other candidates but McPherson is a former Key West mayor.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Board Chair Stinson to retire, 50-years with district & Member Perez wins new term, unopposed by deadline

Solomon Stinson, Ph.D., (Net worth $1.09 million) the long serving school board leader, past and current board chair is retiring after a 14-year term on the elected oversight board and concludes 50-years with the nation’s fourth largest public school district. Stinson, a teacher, senior district administrator and now elected official runs a tight ship when it comes to running the board’s meeting. A recent story in www.miamiherald.com gave a nice balanced profile of the man that once hoped to be the district’s superintendent, which did not happen, but rebounded by being elected to the school board in 1996. The Watchdog Report remembers a time in the 1990s when county Commissioner Katy Sorenson came in front of the body to discuss a matter. Stinson, the chair at the time told her “you have two minutes” to speak but the commissioner protested saying she represented over 160,000 people but he cut her off saying “a minute and a half,” he intoned. Sorenson at that point just left the podium and the relationship between the county and school board during that time was not that great, and only when the Metropolitan Planning Organization was created later, did the two significant public institutions really begin to work together on certain mutual challenges.

>>> Board member Perez wins again, unopposed

Long serving School Board member Marta Perez (Net worth $2.4 million) won her office again after not getting an opponent by the qualifying period closing date. Perez, a fixture on the board has coasted to victory over the years and her only setback was when she tried to run for Miami-Dade mayor in 2004, but later withdrew her candidacy for the countywide office. She had $122,000 in her campaign war chest, had a challenger emerged for the board seat.

>>> Board member Barrera “withdraws” from District 6 race

Augustine “Gus” Barrera, the school board District 6 board member has withdrawn from his reelection race to the nine-member board. Raquel Regalado, the daughter and attorney of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado (Net worth $5,000) is the best-known candidate running that has four other candidates in the race. Barrera first won the office in 2002 and he has been the board chair during the time Superintendent Rudy Crew was directing the district but all the turmoil at the end of Crew’s tenure that had him leaving, took a toll on the board member.

>>> With School Board member Ana Rivas Logan running for the state house, there are five candidates running to replace her on the board. A late entry to the District 7 race is Carlos Curbelo, now a director in a field office with U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, R-FL locally and he is a member of the Miami-Dade County MPO.

>>> IG budget of $1.1 million is approved by school board

The school board Wednesday passed the proposed $1.1 million budget for the school district’s inspector general for the coming year. The IG brought on a couple of years ago is Miami-Dade County Inspector General Christopher Mazzella, and late last year his contract with the county was extended to another four-year term. His office has been essentially hired by the nation’s fourth largest public district to cut waste, abuse and mismanagement. To see the most recent IG report go to
Three arrests made in connection with the Southside Elementary School Modular Classroom Addition Construction Project, Ref. IG09-10SB, June 10, 2010 (click to link to the U.S. Attorney’s Press Release).

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Local state attorney’s Grand Jury should look at politicians asking for special medical treatment over the years

With a Miami-Dade County state attorney grand jury hearing testimony on the Public Health Trust, I thought it might be helpful to write about what these citizens might consider looking at, and one of them is elected leaders or their families, relatives or friends getting special treatment when they present at the health trust. In the first few years of the Watchdog Report. I wrote about this issue because back then the PHT was much more political and why regardless of what then CEO Ira Clark did, even at the county commission level. He was immune from criticism and back then Clark even skipped the 2000 public budget meeting where commissioners for the first time were shifting unfunded mandates into the Trust (though I have since found out Clark was in the county government center). At the time, I thought the senior administrator and community icon would be gone after such a no show, but nothing happened at all, and showed to me how ingrained and impervious to removal Clark was at the time. It also helps explain why community leaders, the county administration and commissioners overlooked his failing health in the coming years that had Clark calling Gov. Jeb Bush the governor of New York, when Bush was trying to present a $37 million enlarged state check to the trust.

I don’t write about these issues to embarrass people at any level, but we as a community must be sure something like this can never happen again. For Jackson Health System is a jewel, that cities and counties around the nation can only dream about, with its countywide half-cent-sales-tax that brings in around $175 million, down from a peak of over $190 million a few years ago but is now, fighting for its financial life. After the health trust gives almost $600 million in charity and uncompensated medical care yearly, which is unsustainable given the limited public funding available.

>>> Press release: Spanish Interview with Commissioner Souto/Dr. Tejada -On Demand with Grisell Marino — Marino www.miamidade.gov introduced Commissioner Souto and Dr. Francisco Tejada, Professor of University of Miami to talk about the PHT Board situation.

Commissioner Souto: Jackson Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the country. It is a jewel for our community.  This is everybody’s hospital. The County has a Chapter book. That book explains the power of the County Commissioners.  On Chapter 6 explains the creation of a hospital to serve our community. The power is on the Commission because it is written on Chapter 6. The Commission recently voted for a new level to oversee the PHT.  I believe that the Commission needs to look closely at the PHT Board, but I don’t believe it should be eliminated.  There are good people serving as volunteers there.

Dr. Tejada was introduced as a retired physician and professor at the University of Miami by Commissioner Souto. Dr. Tejada: 10 years ago, I read Chapter 6 very closely because I was selected as a Board Member for the PHT and the chapter is very clear.  The PHT needs to look at Jackson as a health system not only as a hospital. Jackson is a very complex health system with unique services provided to this community. The PHT has been very weak, maybe because there are members not very involved with health issues.  The PHT has a history of having members like attorneys, business leaders but they need to understand everything related to health issues.  Maybe in the next 12 months things will be better with the Universal Insurance and the community will decide where to go for their health care.

Commissioner Souto: We need people to care for Jackson, we need the system to go back to preventive medicine, we need primary physicians to follow the care.  People think Jackson is only for health crisis.  Jackson is a great hospital available to all and we need to keep it like that.  I was a patient at Jackson and that is why I want to offer myself as a tour guide to this community.  Call my office and I will take you personally for a tour at Jackson to show the community the wonderful things people do at Jackson and the wonderful and unique services they provide to this community. www.miamidade.gov/commissioners

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for 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.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Chair Sarnoff swears in new leadership on Grove Chamber, he is up for reelection in 2011; Sessions steps down as CGVC chair

Marc Sarnoff, (Net worth $2.38 million) the Miami commission chair swore in the new members of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce www.coconutgrovechamber.com at the swearing in luncheon Friday at Calamari Restaurant in Coconut Grove. The keynote speaker at the event was William Talbert, III the president of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and former county manager and school superintendent Merrett Stierheim, a former boss of Talbert’s at the county did the opening introduction. Talbert first came to the Grove in 1969, “stopped at the Taurus Restaurant” and he has been in South Florida ever since and has a home in the north Grove. The Bureau markets globally all of Miami and there are eight regional offices in other countries to promote and monitor the image of Miami as a whole and all the cities and communities that involves. Sarnoff at a recent meeting said Talbert was one of the best promoters there was in the industry and his comments were well received by the local business community.

Any funny comments about Stierheim?

One of the classic lines the tourist and promotion guru said was about Stierheim’s tenure as county manager in the 1970s and later from the late 1990s ending in early 2001. He said one of the U.S. Air Force veteran and county manager’s duties during this time was “saving the community from itself” through some very trying social times that had riots, ethnic tensions, and in the spring of 2000.  A showdown with the federal government over the young Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez, taken in by relatives and removed on Easter Weekend back then by federal authorities, and the community erupted in demonstrations along ethnic lines.

What about Sarnoff?

Sarnoff represents District 2 and was first elected to the body in 2006 after a bitter race against Commissioner Linda Haskins, who was appointed to the five-member commission by Miami commissioners after Commissioner Johnny Winton, was suspended by Gov. Charlie Crist after an incident at MIA, the elected official had with airport police. Sarnoff a former chair of the Coconut Grove Village Council before he ran for public office is a maritime attorney, lives in the Central Grove with his wife and dogs, and will not face the local electorate again until November 2011.

What about the CG Village Council?

Patrick Sessions, a local developer who lives on the water in the north Grove has stepped down as the organization’s chair since his presence in that capacity seemed to strain the relationship with Sarnoff, who has thought Sessions (Who in the past has told me he had no interest in running against Sarnoff) might be a political rival in the future, and seemed to hinder the Council from getting the commissioner’s attention.

What happened at the Ransom Pool planning & zoning hearing last week?

After a heated exchange among people for or against Ransom Everglades, building a new pool that has many of the neighbors in an uproar. The chair of the zoning board asked if there “was a sergeant-in-arms in the building,” after one woman would not leave the podium after the mike had been turned off. I have seen incidents in the past at meetings and I discussed the issue with a number of people that are veterans at policing citizens at public meetings that has had Sarnoff remove two people from the chamber. The commission Chair told me Friday he is “liberal” when it comes to allowing people to speak at public meetings, but there had been two that warranted the activity, that is better done if it is a plain-clothes officer versus one in uniform, which changes the dynamics of this public situation.

>>> City commission to vote on HUD funding for community funding requests

The Miami Commission is having a special committee meeting Monday to vote on federal HUD funding for a wide range of community services and the funding levels have never met the community funding requests.  For more information go to www.miamigov.com and the meeting kicks off at 9:00 a.m.

>>> Press release: Miami, FL – Former City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz has been named Chair of FairDistrictsFlorida.org. As Chair, Mayor Diaz will lead the statewide effort to pass Amendments 5 and 6, which establish rules to stop Tallahassee politicians from drawing districts to protect themselves and their parties. “I am honored to lead the charge to stop self-interested line drawing in our State,” said Mayor Diaz. “Without these critical reforms, state politicians will continue to draw district lines that put their interests ahead of the people of Florida. It is time for the voters to have a real chance to select their representatives rather than allowing politicians to pick their voters.” A force in local, state and national politics for nearly three decades, Manny Diaz was City of Miami Mayor 2001 through 2009. During his tenure, he was named President of the United States Conference of Mayors, and one of America’s Best Leaders by US News and World Report. “We are thrilled to have him on our team,” said Ellen Freidin, Campaign Chair of FairDistrictsFlorida. “As a former mayor, he knows firsthand how devastating it is to have cities splintered when politicians draw districts to perpetuate their own power.”

Under our present system, there are no rules that limit legislators from drawing districts to favor themselves or their parties. Districts in Florida are bizarrely shaped, often meandering for hundreds of miles or from coast to coast. Communities are carved up so that voters living in the same neighborhood are often represented by different members of Congress or state representatives. The result is that only three incumbent legislators (out of 140 up for election each cycle) were defeated in the last six years. With voter approval, Amendments 5 and 6 will establish constitutional rules that will: • Prohibit politicians from designing districts to favor themselves or their parties; • Require them to make the districts compact and community based; and • Provide stricter protections for minority voters to have the ability to elect representatives >>> For more information on amendments 5 and 6, please visit www.FairDistrictsFlorida.org pd.pol.adv. Paid for by FairDistrictsFlorida.org, 2665 South Bayshore Drive, Suite M-103, Miami, FL 33133 – >>> Editor’s note: This is not a paid ad, just information for the community on what Diaz is doing these days.

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>> Mayor Bower and tourism industry gets pledge of no violent convicts in county Corrections hazzemet suits will clean tourist beaches

Mattie Bower, the Miami Beach mayor is not happy when it comes to county prisoners possible being part of a clean-up crew if tar and oil hits the local beaches. Last week she called county Commissioner Sally Heyman who chaired the county committee and proposed the legislation asking the mayor to “prepare a plan” that would require anyone “eligible” doing the activity to wear a hazmat suit states a county memo on the subject. The idea has since been modified to include only people that owe fines, or are required to do public service in their sentence and would not involve violent prisoners incarcerated. The Beach mayor, like many others in the community when they heard about the proposal believed international tourists would only hear in the media that criminals are on the beaches and that was the last thing South Florida tourism needed at the time.

Tourism officials at a county commission meeting that approved the amended legislation noted prisoners would not be mobilized for the tourist beaches clean-up activity and the legislative body’s members understood the concerns, while noting the high unemployment rate warranted local residents get the jobs rather than people incarcerated. Tourism official William Talbert, III said during the commission discussion that if he heard it right. “There would not be any circumstances where county prisoners would be on our beaches with the tourists,” and the attended perception that would have on international tourists and the media, he said.  Further, even with the changes county commission Chair Dennis Moss and Vice Chair Jose “Pepe” Diaz voted no on the legislation along with two other commissioners believing it was a good opportunity to employ the unemployed in the county.

What did Mgr. Burgess’ June 15 memo say?

George Burgess in a memo to the commissioners on this subject writes BP has already “arranged for over 500 contractors” that have the “proper credentials” and while residents are urged not to pick the oil up, they can become “beach spotters” pointing out where oil and tar has come on shore. He also notes there could be up to 15,000 volunteers from Hands on Miami that could be mobilized. However, he writes finding and using “Eligible inmates” is no easy task, with many of the less dangerous inmates working in the kitchens, sanitation, laundry etc., sates the document. There are further challenges as well when it comes to gear, anyone involved in this will have to take “four hours” of hazmat training, and it is unknown at the time where the hazmat suits and other equipment will come from. The manager concludes that DERM “is working on a solid mitigation plan” and  if it is necessary, any use of inmates will be “in concert” with DERM and Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Heisenbottle to begin design & engineering work on new international high school on Madruga

It has begun, a new reliever school for Coral Gables High is coming to life after the school board Wednesday approved a contract of $554,000 with R. J. Heisenbottle, P.A., as “the Architect/Engineer” of a new school located at 1570 Madruga Avenue in Coral Gables. The “new senior high school for international studies” is known as State School ‘LLL-1’ state district documents and is supposed to relieve crowding at Coral Gables High. The new school is part of the nation’s fourth largest school district’s five-year plan. I contacted Mayor Donald Slesnick, II, last week about the matter and he said he would like to coordinate his response with Superintendent Alberto Carvalho in the future.

>>> Press release: Monitoring The Oil Spill In Gables Shoreline -At the request of City Manager Pat Salerno, city workers were sent last week to film and photograph our shoreline to document current conditions prior to any potential impact of the oil spill, currently affecting the Florida Panhandle. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been designated the lead state agency for responding to potential impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill along Florida’s shoreline. While Florida so far has been mostly spared from direct impacts of the oil spill in its coastal waters, Florida fishermen and coastal communities are already experiencing a significant loss of current and future income because of a mistaken public notion that all of Florida’s waters have been tainted by the oil spill. There are no projected oil impacts to the Coral Gables shoreline at this time, but it is important to be prepared and informed about what to look for and what impacts maybe associated. If you witness tar balls, tar patches or oil sheen in coastal waters, report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones. To learn more about the oil spill response latest updates, click here.

CITY OF MIAMI LAKES

>>> Mayor Pizzi may be small town attorney, but gets big legal fee of $500.00 an hour on Beach garbage deal

Michael Pizzi, the Miami Lake’s mayor recently took a road trip for his day job as an attorney to the Miami Beach Commission. Pizzi had been hired by a waste hauling company and he was representing the firm at the municipal commission meeting. Pizzi when he spoke described himself as a small time, small town attorney and he was warmly welcomed by the elected body with Mayor Mattie Herrera Bower welcoming him to the chambers, in reference to his elected position. However, the Beach has an ordinance that requires lobbyist to file what they are paid and in the case of this small town attorney. He gets $500.00 an hour for this legal gig; state’s Miami Beach agenda support documentation.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Everglades DEIS draft on bridging Tamiami Trail up coming meeting

Press release: Join us at the upcoming public meeting to discuss the National Park Service’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)and its proposed plans for bridging Tamiami Trail to restore America’s Everglades.  The meeting will include a detailed presentation for bridging Tamiami Trail and will serve as a forum for the public to comment.  Local residents and Everglades advocates are encouraged to attend and participate in this discussion this Thursday, June 24.  I’m happy to put you in touch with Kahlil Kettering with the National Parks Conservation Association to further discuss the DEIS and what this means for Everglades restoration. Alison Zemanski, Media Relations, Manager, National Parks Conservation Association – Protecting Our National Parks for Future Generations Email: azemanski@npca.org Cell: 202.384.8762

*Sign up for our RSS feed at:  www.npca.org/media_center *Follow NPCA on Twitter:  @NPCA

>>> Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between major congressional District 25 candidates on June 30^th

The Downtown Bay Forum of Miami is planning a debate among candidates running for Congressional District 25 and it could be the first verbal debate from the candidates. People vying for their party’s nod are state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami and Paul Crespo trying to represent the Republican Party and Joe Garcia, a member in the Obama administration is expected to be the Democratic Party’s challenger. Rivera, also Chair of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade is skilled at running campaigns and Crespo is a veteran Marine officer with a wide range of skills and is a good orator. Garcia tried for the district in 2008 against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami but was beaten back though the race was closer than two other congressional races taking place back then between his older brother Lincoln who bested former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez and Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami beat off Democratic candidate Annette Taddeo, who is now running for the county commission. The luncheon event is now scheduled for June 30. For more information go to www.downtownbayforum.com

EDITORIALS

>>> When it comes to delayed FCAT results, Fair’s comment ‘It could have happened to anyone’ is unbelievable, lets not raise bar to high

The story in the Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com written by reporters Kathleen McGrory and Hannah Sampson June 16 on the delay in the FCAT results affecting around 1.8 million students in Florida by Pearson Assessment paid $254 million with the contract ending in 2013 is appalling at a number of levels. First, these students lives are in scholastic limbo until June 28, second what should the expectations be for the members on the state oversight Board of Education. That one pops up after the board’s Chair T. Willard Fair is quoted saying ‘It could have happened to anyone who got the contract.’ Fair the president of the Urban League of Greater Miami comments are shocking and unacceptable and let’s not set the performance bar to high for a company providing such a key role to the future of our state’s residents, the education of our youth. Further, the delay is costing the 67 public school districts big money in the millions of dollars, and while the company may have to pay a fine estimated at around $3 million right now says the paper. The contract first awarded in 2009 to Pearson should be reviewed immediately. For if, this is the kind of performance the 18.5 million Floridians should expect from this firm and its designated oversight board then we have a much bigger problem. Because Mr. Fair there is a higher expectation than what you thought, that it could have happened to anyone, and with the tough budgets, all the states are facing. Taxpayers must believe that public money is being spent wisely and based on a company’s performance, something totally lacking in this case, and such performance should never become acceptable.

>>> Qualifying period is over, candidates fan out; will the ones elected be the best of the best?

With the qualifying period over for candidates for the elected office at all levels, county, state, and federal. The state’s voters have their future elected leaders and champions, but are they the best that is found in our community. Many people shake off off being an elected leader because they may not want to introduce past events, or thrust their family into the public eye that comes with political office. Plus there are those pesky financial disclosure forms everyone must file, and also are public in nature. Many people entering public service do it because it is almost a calling, after some event, tragedy or issue dragged them, many times reluctantly into the political process. Years ago, I was talking with a respected woman attorney I know, now in a prestigious lifetime job and she said from her experience. People that get involved had something that crystallized their activism and from my own experience, I have found it to be true as well.

However, now the challenge is to get the best candidates for the political job elected, and when you talk with these people, ask yourself if they will become self absorbed officials after being elected and what will they do for a living for most of these jobs are not paying big paychecks. The county commission pays $6,000 but $52,000 in benefits, at the state level, representatives make about $30,000 and senators get a little more than that. The point is these people get to deal with a double edged sword, the good that comes with being a solid, informed public official and the good you might be able to do for your constituents, or a elected leader that over times morphs into something that does not make a parent or average taxpayer proud.

From the electorates’ standpoint, it is very clear, if you do not vote Aug. 24 and Nov. 2 you have only yourself to blame and when it comes to whining about your elected leaders. Your lack of participation at the ballot box makes that carping sound hollow and false. Now what, you did not run yourself, will you at least participate as an informed voter? For if you don’t, you get the type of leaders we deserve, and let us hope they get the new reality, that the party is over, and all tax payers want is real performance and public services when it comes to tax dollars, not the usual baloney, that has like a corrosive, taken over the political process and many of the associated elected leaders over the past decades.

LETTERS

>>> Julia Tuttle statue to be unveiled July 28 at Bayfront Park, founder of Miami finally recognized this way

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women is partnering with the City of Miami Commission on the Status of Women on a project to erect a statue of the founder of Miami, Julia Tuttle.  Julia Tuttle was the pioneer and visionary who was the first to recognize Miami’s potential as a great city.  She is widely recognized as the only woman founder of a major American city, and her achievements are all the more remarkable given the limitations placed on women at the time in 1896. The idea for a statue of Tuttle was first promoted in 1996 during the Centennial of the City of Miami, but it gained momentum in late 2004 when the two women’s commissions began collaborating on the project.

The Related Group and Mr. Jorge Perez helped us tremendously in the beginning with a monetary donation and with technical assistance.  With their support, a national “call to artists” competition was conducted during the summer and fall of 2006.  The winning design was submitted by Daub Firmin Hendrickson Sculpture Group, a noted firm with extensive experience in monumental sculpture and the creation of art for public spaces.  The statue is a 10-foot bronze statue, and the skirt depicts scenes typical of Miami in 1896.  In her right hand she is holding the famous orange blossoms.  Historian Arva Parks worked closely with the sculptors to make sure that those depictions were historically accurate. An Oversight Committee of experts and members of the women’s commissions have supervised the entire process.  The Oversight Committee raised $201,000 for the statue from both public and private sources.  All the money raised has been deposited in a special trust fund with the City of Miami and all bills are being paid from this trust fund.  The City of Miami has signed all the contacts required for this project.  The statue will be located in Bayfront Park, in the playground area in the southern part of the Park, near the Claude Pepper statue.   We are grateful to the Bayfront Park Trust and its Chairman, Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo, for approving the site.

As we speak, the sculptors are putting the finishing touches on the statue.  The concrete base for the statue should be in place during the first week of July and the statue itself should be installed in mid-July to give it some time to settle in before the unveiling.  The unveiling ceremony will be held on Wednesday, July 28 at 10 a.m., which is the 114th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Miami.  The Downtown Development Authority is providing extensive assistance with the planning of the unveiling ceremony.  The ceremony will include a program with remarks from elected officials and others, the actual unveiling, and some refreshments.  The invitations should be going out at the end of June.

Laura Morilla, Executive Director

Miami-Dade County Commission for Women

>>> Congratulations on 11 years! I hope there are many more to come!

Charlene

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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

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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.

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Argus Report: Strong-polling shows Scott and Greene have a shot, but what will come out in the months ahead?

Florida: The Children’s Trust in Dade is the last stop for kids nurturing programs, as city and county money dries up

Miami-Dade County: Will county voters be asked to approve Charter change allowing commissioners to communicate with Dept. directors directly rather than the mayor?

Broward County: Rothstein gets 50-years by feds, Broward is rich in other schemes, and politicians beware of tainted money

Palm Beach County: State Atty. McAuliffe has 42 active public corruption cases, over twice that many investigations

Monroe County: Op Ed: BP Oil Spill:  Monroe County Government Response by Gastesi, County Administrator

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Hialeah Gardens teacher tapped for national civics award, first time Floridian won award

Public Health Trust: Trustees need to be brief when it comes to potential litigation, public record must be accurate

City of Miami: Will Miami try to reclaim county water & sewer building on Le Jeune and U.S.1?

City of Miami Beach: Young Talent Big Dreams contest coming to Carlyle Theater, if city fees are waived

City of Coral Gables: Mayor Slesnick defends Gables shoreline; Mgr. Salerno initiates video of shoreline and canals

Community Events: M-DC Commissioner Sorenson honored and roasted at Rusty Pelican Restaurant June 16, leaving commission in November after 16-years in office — Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between major congressional District 25 candidates on June 30^th

Editorials: Lack of civility at public and community meetings stops activists & lesser government officials in their tracks with higher leaders — PAST WDR: JULY 2008: Well-compensated public officials should be satisfied with pay, outside compensation nothing but a scandal minefield

Letters: Readers on last week’s story on energy & former Mayor Penelas

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.)

>>> This Week on Issues – 6/11 & 6/13 >> Election Trends – Tuesday’s primary election results reveal some remarkable trends that may come to play in Florida, where the races for Governor, Attorney General, and U.S. Senate are already in full swing. > Guests: Freddy Balsera, Balsera Communications, Ana Navarro, Political Strategist/Consultant, Daniel Ricker www.Watchdogreport.net , Joseph Uscinski, Ph.D., University of Miami >>> Domestic Violence: The investigation into last Sunday’s killing spree at a Hialeah cafe uncovered a tumultuous relationship between the gunman and 24-year-old victim Liazan Molina.  How did a domestic dispute escalate to mass murder? Guests: Angela Diaz-Vidaillet, Victim Response, Inc.

>>> 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.

>>> 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

>>> Strong polling shows Scott and Greene have a shot, but what will come out in the months ahead

The recent Florida poll done by Quinnipiac University from June 2-8 involving 785 Democrats and 814 Republican expected voters and reported in  www.miamiherald.com raises the question, is it money alone, or are state voters just disappointed with the candidate choices they are being given when it comes to the U.S. senate and gubernatorial race in 2010? Rick Scott, a retired healthcare executive but who has spent over $12 million in television campaign ads, and a Republican is trouncing Bill McCollum with a 13–point lead state’s the poll and Jeff Greene, a billionaire is neck and neck with U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami for the Democratic U.S. senate primary. McCollum, the Florida attorney general is firing back at Scott in television ads, and through a committee close to the attorney, which has ads attacking Scott’s past business dealings and the company he headed Columbia/HCA, and the $1.7 billion fine the hospital chain paid after Scott left as CEO. However, this new entry is forcing McCollum to use precious campaign funds to fight the media onslaught Scott has brought to the race using his own money, with a net worth that is well over $100 million. Democrat Meek has yet to respond to Greene’s ads on the airwaves and since he is in Washington D.C. He is missing the opportunity the oil spill is giving state leaders to stay in the public eye, displaying why they should hold a higher office in the future.

If Scott prevails in the Republican primary that is expected to be low turnout affair of hardcore voters and it is a closed political party event, he will likely face Alex Sink, the Florida chief financial officer on the Democrat’s side and a new name Bud Chiles, III has entered the gubernatorial race as an Independent. Chiles is the son of the venerable Lawton Chiles, a deceased governor and U.S. senator, and he has a massive job getting his name out to voters statewide since his grand father passed away in 1998 while at the end of his last gubernatorial term in Tallahassee. Sink ran for the CFO office in 2006 and this is her second shot at elected office, but she is having difficulty gaining traction and name recognition over the past few months. She says that will change when the elections are closer, and it is during the General Election in November where she had better shine if her political career is not to end.

What about the other 2010-senate candidates like Crist and Rubio?

Gov. Charlie Crist, now an Independent and former House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami are also racing to join the nation’s most exclusive club and both men have a new variable to consider when it comes to the General Election Nov. 2. Prior to Greene’s entering the race Meek was considered the party’s presumed champion but Greene through aggressive campaign ads appears to have a chance of getting the statewide party nod and that would change the senate race dramatically, since the investor has tens of millions he is willing to spend to Crist’s $7 million and Rubio’s slightly less campaign war chest. Crist, on Friday also vetoed a bill that would have required women to get and pay for an ultrasound before getting an abortion and both sides of the issue are crying foul, calling the governor a flip- flopper on many issues, that also had him supporting offshore oil drilling, but since the spill. He has changed his mind.

The entry of these two insurgent candidates has thrown a wrench into what was seen as a fairly conventional race, but with Scott and Greene entering the fray with no real money limitations for their campaigns. Florida residents should hang on for this is going to be a bumpy flight, with charges against all the candidates flying as political operatives and the media pour over public records trying to help define who these various people are, and are they suited for high public office, or not. Readers should stay tuned.

>>> Dr. Michael Gordon and “Harvey’ get Tip of the Hat for changing medical education decades ago

I ran into someone I had not seen since 1980 and an idea he had has blossomed into I suspect a whole industry of medical manikins where students and physicians alike can try an operation or procedure further honing their skills. Michael S. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., is the man in question, and when I first met him back then in a small office, there were skeptics in the staid medical community about what he was trying to create with Harvey, the medical manikin, that has now mushroomed into The Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education at the University of Miami’s Miller Medical school where he is the center’s director, Professor of Medicine, and the associate Dean for Medical Education.  The Watchdog Report gives Gordon a Tip of the Hat for persevering in something revolutionary that has helped doctors and patients alike. For more information go to www.gcrme.miami.edu

>>> Press release: Learning From The Oil Spill: How To Move America Forward By Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz

As we’ve seen over the last two months, oil is an important, dangerous, and troublesome part of this economy and our lives. The BP oil spill that began in April has shown us the danger of offshore drilling specifically, and the risk in oil as a source of energy in general.  We should use the public’s increased awareness of the risks of oil as a catalyst to act to save our environment while still protecting our economy.  We cannot afford to wait any longer to take decisive action to change our relationship with oil. During this spill we have seen, more clearly than ever, that offshore drilling has a serious impact on our environment. The effects on our waters are apparent in the endless footage of the black plumes of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. And the spill is having a real and negative impact on animals and plant life, too.  As the oil makes landfall, it is radically altering and destroying the habitats of many shoreline plants and animals. At the same time, we must also keep in mind that offshore drilling poses a threat not just to our environment, but to our economy. As Floridians, this is especially true.  Florida’s tourism economy is $65 billion a year because our environment is unique: Florida’s coastal region includes 85% of the continental United States’ coral reefs and the country’s largest wetland is the Everglades.  Combine that with our incredible beaches and our great sport fishing and you can’t find these resources anywhere else.

As the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and the subsequent spill has shown us, drilling –even hundreds of miles away from Florida’s coast can easily bring oil along Florida’s western and eastern coasts via the Gulf loop current.  In recent years, there have been multiple proposals to bring drilling closer to Florida’s coastline –some proposals were as close as five miles off of both of Florida’s coastlines.  Just imagine if a spill like the BP disaster had been closer to Florida, the damage to the wildlife, wetlands and beautiful beaches of our state would have been unimaginable.  Add to that the impact on our $65 billion a year tourism-based economy and the affect it would have on the numerous families who would lose their jobs and businesses and the impact would be devastating. Unfortunately, with oil continuing to leak into the Gulf, we still are not in the clear. Worst of all is the fact that the obvious danger of expanded drilling would not even contribute substantially to the United States’ oil demands: The amount of oil production projected from expanded drilling off of Florida’s coasts would do next to nothing to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Adding a fraction of a percent to the global oil supply will not lower gas prices, for Floridians or anyone else. This discouraging statistic demonstrates that we need more than a Band-Aid fix: we need to systemically change our approach to energy.

We should seize upon this tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico and truly put America on the path to a sustainable energy future.  Instead of expanding coastal drilling and still continuing to depend on foreign energy, we should begin to find new sources of energy. Our country needs to run on something other than oil. We need to find new energy solutions. With that will come new economic growth, new opportunities for employment, and new scientific discovery. Wind turbines, bio-fuels, and solar power are examples of cleaner, job-creating alternatives to oil.  If we were to introduce these alternatives as practical, viable sources of American energy, we could create thousands and thousands of new jobs. We could employ Americans in the fields of engineering, as well as construction and upkeep—jobs that can’t be outsourced to other countries.

Not only would we create jobs, but building a smart grid throughout the United States would invite more scientific study into smarter, more efficient forms of energy.  This could lead to the creation of small businesses, vying for the newest and cleanest energy technology. It is important for us to remember that we don’t need to choose between a clean environment and a thriving economy. We can have both. In fact, employing new forms of energy will help employ Floridians, as well. And, as the high-speed rail initiative has already demonstrated, we can create more public transportation options that reduce our environmental impact while creating new jobs as engineers, contractors, and researchers.  Simple solutions such as these will be the small, immediate steps that aide the larger process of moving away from oil. These are everyday actions that you can help with. Ultimately, we need to find a cleaner, more responsible source of energy. I know that we can. The United States is full of citizens who care: Intelligent men and women like you who are not just capable enough, but dedicated enough, to find a better, more sustainable solution than offshore drilling.  And doing so doesn’t just mean we won’t have to clean up oil from the ocean—it will mean a better, healthier, safer life for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. If you need help, you can reach my office in Pembroke Pines at (954) 437-3936, in Aventura at (305) 936-5724, in Washington, DC at (202) 225-7931, or on the internet at: www.house.gov/wassermanschultz

>>> Press release: Ros-Lehtinen Says Democracy Focus Vital to Haiti Recovery

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said at a hearing today that programs promoting democracy, responsible governance, and the rule of law are vital to the sustainability of Haiti reconstruction efforts.  Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “In the wake of the tragic January earthquake, Haiti faces as many opportunities as it does challenges.  A responsible strategy with defined roles, clear objectives and a commitment to transparency will be critical to a successful future for Haiti.

“I was pleased by the recognition by some of today’s witnesses that the success of Haiti’s recovery depends upon the ability of democratic institutions to sustain and advance reconstruction and, later, development efforts. “The cornerstone of any prosperous and secure nation is a strong and democratic government.  Any U.S. efforts to support the people and future of Haiti must focus on this key element. “The United States remains committed to working with the people and government of Haiti to ‘build back better.’”

>>> Press release: Zogby Interactive:  66% of Americans Believe Gulf Spill is a ‘Disaster’ That Will Cause Long Term Damage

Two-in-three U.S. adults (66%) say the British Petroleum (BP) Gulf oil spill is “a disaster that will cause long term environmental and economic damage,” up from 58% less than 2 weeks ago.  Less than one-in-four (22%) rate the Federal Government’s response as either “excellent” or “good,” according to the latest Zogby Interactive survey.  Only 14% rate BP’s response as positive, down from 25% in early May. Which of the best describes your opinion of the oil spill in the Gulf?

A partisan divide is evident on this question, with 85% of Democrats believing that the oil spill represents “a disaster that will cause long term environmental and economic damage”, compared to only 45% of Republicans. Democrats and Republicans also have very different views on whether off-shore drilling is a “safe, reliable, and cost-efficient method of producing oil”; 20% of Democrats, 88% of Republicans, and 52% of the overall public agreed with this statement. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1869

>>> Press release: Zogby Interactive: 24% of U.S. Adults, 42% of First GlobalsTM Will Watch World Cup – 38% Say Soccer Likely to One Day Match Popularity of U.S. Big 4 Sports >>> One in four Adults in the U.S. plan to watch at least some of the World Cup soccer matches beginning June 11 in South Africa. Also, 38% say it is likely soccer will one day match the popularity in the U.S. of football, baseball, basketball and hockey. Are you planning to watch any of the World Cup matches?

Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1870

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report. I do have to live, thank you! 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.

>>> 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

>>> The Children’s Trust in Dade is the last stop for kids nurturing programs, as city and county money dries up

The Miami-Dade Children’s Trust has a new member, state Rep. Julio Robaina, R-South Miami and a champion of children is replacing state Rep. Yolly Roberson, D-Miami on the over 30 member board. Another new addition on the trust a few months back is Carolyn Donaldson representing United Way of Miami-Dade’s slot on the board. The Trust is about all that is left when it comes to providing children services and programs now that the county and municipalities are facing there own financial meltdown. The state legislator over the years cut funding for many housing and social service programs but in many cases for the past decade. Local government was able to fill these funding gaps with local tax dollars but that is no longer the case and when it comes to the youngest members in the community, our children. They are about to find many past county and city summer and yearlong programs will either be cancelled or now require a fee to participate.

The Trust created by countywide voters in 2002 and reaffirmed by a huge margin in August 2008 has had to face its own budget issues after funding based on property values fell dramatically, cutting the organizations ability to fund certified programs given by organizations that have been carefully nurtured to provide the best programs possible. However, with the new economic reality its board and administration has to deal with these challenges and the two 2010-2011 public budget hearings will be in September and people interested should attend the public hearings.

What reports does county Commissioner Jordan want?

In the Trust’s handout for the June 7 board meeting, county Commissioner Barbara Jordan has asked for a report on the feasibility of airing a “TV program” through the county or school board cable stations and another report on “the feasibility” for the organization to have “its own building.” The trust currently is in a building owned by the United Way across from the street and it is Spartan in nature, but has a lot of light and with all the children’s artwork on the walls. The office space is quite appealing if one has to work there.

Further, check out the Trust’s Heart Gallery, in its third year, that has photos and a description of the kids in their own words that are looking to be adopted, and the program has resulted in about half of all these children finding a new family. For more information go to www.thechildrenstrust.org

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist  appoints Tampa attorney C. Steven Yerrid as Special Counsel to advise the Governor pro bono on legal issues relating to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Yerrid, an expert in maritme law, successfully defended the harbor pilot in the Sunshine Skyway Bridge tragedy of 1980 and later worked on Florida’s legal team assembled by Governor Lawton Chiles to negotiate the tobacco settlement achieved in 1997. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Georgetown University Law Center.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Will county voters be asked to approve Charter change allowing commissioners to communicate with Dept. directors directly rather the mayor?

Commissioner Joe Martinez introduced legislation that would allow commissioners to directly interact with county department directors when it came to “constituent inquiries” if county voters approved the charter change Nov. 2. Currently commissioners can only deal with the county mayor to get something corrected or done in their respective districts and the change, if passed, would allow the elected leaders to communicate directly with department heads. Martinez believes it will help speed-up getting “constituent services” and enough commissioners at the Government and Operations committee chaired by Carlos Gimenez agreed.

Commissioner Natacha Seijas a supporter of the item said the language supplied by the county attorney’s office was not clear enough and since she has many elderly people in her district. They will become confused by the current language proposed and after she “beat up” the attorney after an extended discussion. The body worked to refine the ballot language. However, Gimenez a former Miami manager, said he was concerned with the change in the charter.  He believed it could have department directors getting pulled in 13-ways, plus the mayor’s office versus having one central authority like the mayor’s office directing the over 60 departments, and he thought there was a need for a “unity of command” when it came to delivering county services. The ballot question passed the GOE committee and Gimenez was the only no vote.

>>> BCC committee wants to add two more federal lobbying firms; D.C. is where the money is at says Sosa and Souto

At another committee meeting dealing with inter-government lobbying by the county. A new strategy emerged shifting the lobbying focus away from Tallahassee and put more of county’s lobbying focus on Washington because that is where the money is. Florida is facing a minimum $7 billion shortfall in the state budget next year and Commissioner Rebeca Sosa and Commissioner Javier Souto said the money had to come from the nation’s capital because the state is tapped out. The committee members discussed ways of shifting more money into the $720,000 federal lobbying contract paying the top three firms $190,000 per year, and there was discussion of adding a fourth and fifth ranked firm as well and to pay for them from money in the department’s inter-government fund. In the end the committee agreed to have five firms, but see if the original three will do the contract for less, if the commission cannot identify new money for the extra lobbyist firms.

>>> Parks are subsidized to the tune of 60 percent by general fund

A possible parking fee at some of the county’s parks caused a stir with Commissioners Javier Souto and Rebeca Sosa who believed the new charges were a tax and would only hurt those who could least afford it. The county’s park system runs at a deficit when it comes to money coming in from users of the facilities, but does have marinas being self-sustaining financially. The county administration is looking for major cuts with a $360 to $420 million shortfall in next year’s budget, and in the case of the park’s department. The cost of running a park is covered by the public 35 to 40 percent said the department director at a commission committee meeting last week, and the rest is subsidized by the general fund, and all park programs needing this financial help are either now charging a fee or have been cut. The parks department has already laid off a couple of hundred of people and Commissioner Katy Sorenson cautioned the two commissioners that fees, or increases in current fees, if not adopted. The overall county deficit will only be bigger when the body in September holds its two public hearings and hashes out the final 2010- 2011 budget that will be brutal.

>>> Tropical Park equestrian center gets $10 million expansion boost, others just want a park in their area

A $10 million expansion of Tropical Park funded by the interest in a $2.9 billion county GOB in 2004 passed a committee last week but not without controversy and public comments. Leroy Jones along with others spoke passionately about the need for a park in the Little River area of the city of Miami and had been something county Commissioner Dorrin Rolle has been pushing for over the years. However, the new building at the park is to enlarge the equestrian center located there, and it will bring international horse shows of all type to the facilities and will bring much needed income to the local economy said expansion supporters.

>>> Mayor Carlos Alvarez sent a memo to commissioners concerning the budgets for the Commission on Ethics and Public Trust and the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust believing these organizations are not making the same concessions as other county workers under his supervision that included salary reductions and a five percent payment for employee health insurance wrote the mayor June 8. However, Robert Meyers, the executive director of the ethics commission said they made the budget adjustments by using furloughs instead.

>>> Mayor Alvarez will not veto annexation or money for Children’s Museum

The Watchdog Report e-mailed Mayor Carlos Alvarez’s media representative last week asking if he planned to veto the Sweetwater annexation legislation and the $750,000 for The Miami Children’s Museum. Vicky Mallette wrote back that Alvarez would not veto either item, and she noted by phone that the annexation bill was only a first step in the process. However, when it comes to the money for the museum, the “mid-year budget supplemental” must be adjusted by the commission with $750,000 worth of “alternative service reductions” in order for the general fund to balance for the current year, wrote the mayor’s number two George Burgess, June 7 in a memo to the board. He also hopes this is not a new “funding obligation” and tells commissioners that with a “roughly  $360 million” funding gap in next years budget the administration “will likely be recommending significant cuts,” wrote Burgess.

>>> Commission letterhead must be used only for official county business

Use of a county letterhead seal for non-government related purposes caused an extensive discussion last week between Commission vice Chair Jose “Pepe” Diaz and Robert Meyers, the ethics executive director. Diaz when discussing some proposed legislation asked if it was okay to send a letter on commission stationary to a constituent after say graduating from college or school, but Meyers said that was not an official public duty, especially if the person was not known or had not worked for the commissioner. The ethics director said such a letter with the commission seal could be used for other purposes, and while he understood that it is done at state and federal levels. If the correspondence is not related to a commissioner’s county’s duties, official county commission stationary should be avoided. Meyers said it could say “from the desk of” but Diaz and others objected to these constraints, with the commissioner asking what it even means when a letter says from the desk of, since the desk is not writing the letter. This one  issue is going to be further refined in the future and it will come back to the committee.

>>> What has happened to Community Councils? They rarely meet these days

I recently spoke to a member of one of Miami-Dade Community Councils and he said they had not had a meeting since last September since there were no zoning items that were to come before the body. The around 12 councils were first created in the 1990s to take pressure off the county commission for these over one million unincorporated residents to incorporate and become separate municipalities. Over the years the councils have had there difficulties, with a few of the members brushing with the law and state attorney’s office. However, the councils were also supposed to help county commissioners know what their constituents wanted in the way of services, but that input has fallen by the wayside in many cases.

Quote of the week

Commissioner Carlos Gimenez told his collogues at a committee meeting he chaired Monday that there was no reason for them to ask permission by “going through me” when it came to asking questions while the meeting was going on. This process was started when Commission Chair Dennis Moss took the leadership mantle and started demanding all discussion “go through the chair” and would only be granted if the discussion was “civil.” However, Gimenez said, “I don’t get it” and told the administrative staff wishing to speak to “go directly to her,” he said.

>>> Last week there was a different type of vehicle in the county commissioner parking lot and it was not a Ferrari, but a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and after a little digging. I found out it belonged to Jose “Pepe” Diaz and he rode it to the government center downtown from his home in Sweetwater.

>>> Next week, thanks to Miami Beach’s fee disclosure law for lobbyist, see what six or seven of them make for this activity, and it includes one small town attorney’s rate who also is a municipal mayor.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Rothstein gets 50-years by feds, Broward is rich in other schemes, and politicians beware of tainted money

It is over, Scott Rothstein got a 50-year sentence in federal court last week for his organized $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme that shocked South Florida and continued the trend of being ground zero when it comes to get rich quick buck artists. The number of politicians ranging from Gov. Charlie Crist to local elected leaders all embraced the man and his ostentatious life style that was created seemingly out of thin air. Now his law firm is defunct, partners are defending themselves having lawyered up, and Rothstein’s number two also felt the weight of the federal government last week as well.

However, not just Ponzi schemes define some of the corruption that exists in Broward as the press release below shows from the local U.S. Attorney’s office. Medicare and mortgage fraud are also rampant, human smuggling is very much in play and creating fraudulent immigration papers has created a cottage industry of people creating new identities for themselves throughout South Florida. Elected leaders in the future should reflect on who these people are who want to give them campaign cash. For we have seen it can come back to bite officials, and while political campaigns are expensive. The candidates should remember you cannot be a little bit pregnant when it comes to tainted money, and that is not a way to start or continue a political career. Since starting that activity may take you to a rendezvous with a new destiny. A destiny that involves state and federal prosecutors and that is not a good thing, when it comes to a political career.

>>> Press release: BROWARD TITLE LAWYER CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH MORTGAGE SCHEME

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Henry Gutierrez, Postal Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, J. Thomas Cardwell, Commissioner, State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, announce that attorney Peter N. Price, 49, of Hollywood, pled guilty today to a criminal information charging him making false statements to HUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.  In addition, Price agreed to make restitution to Stewart Title Guaranty, the victim of his fraud, in the amount of  $1,608,246.57. Sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. District Court Judge James I. Cohn in Ft. Lauderdale. Price faces a maximum statutory sentence of 5 years in prison.

According to the criminal information and statements made during today’s plea hearing, Price, a title attorney, operated Intracostal Title Services, Inc., a title company in Hollywood, Florida.  According to statements made in court, Price embezzled more than $1,000,000 in loan proceeds that had been sent to Intracostal’s escrow bank account by clients to pay off prior mortgage loans.  Instead of using the money as directed, Price prepared and sent a false HUD1 Real Estate Settlement Form, falsely reflecting the old loans had been paid. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, the State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Kay. 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

>>> 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

>>> State Atty. McAuliffe has 42 active public corruption cases, over twice that many investigations

Palm Beach State Attorney Michael McAuliffe attending a meeting on public corruption a few months ago, and he was quoted in the South Florida Business Journal April 2-8 2010, saying his office had “about 42 active public corruption cases” and added there were about “twice as many investigations under way,” states the article by Kevin Gale www.southfloridabusinessjournal.com – key word ‘critical conversations.’ Palm Beach became ground zero over the past few years for elected leaders when it came to being busted on public corruption after a majority of the commission went to federal prison, including a commissioner’s husband and since then elected leaders up there go out of their way to explain they were not part of that old elected group of leaders.

After that bloodletting, county and community leaders decided enough was enough and an ethics commission and an inspector general’s office have both been created. However, these new creations have less oversight firepower then the state model in Miami-Dade, where both the ethics commission and inspector general have a larger staff and more expansive powers.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Draft Op Ed: BP Oil Spill:  Monroe County Government Response — Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Administrator

Thank you for this opportunity to explain Monroe County’s response to the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill resulting from the April 22ndsinking of the Transocean Deepwater Horizon drilling rig 130 miles southeast of New Orleans. Since day one, we have been engaged in an all-hands-on-deck response to this event. Every step of the way, we have closely coordinated our efforts with the federal, state, and municipal entities involved in this event. On Thursday, April 29, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano designated the event a Spill of National Significance, and appointed Admiral Thad Allen, the outgoing Commander of the Coast Guard, to serve as the National Incident Commander to coordinate resources and communication at the national level. His local representative is Captain Pat DeQuatro stationed in Key West. Our Director of Emergency Management, Irene Toner, sits with Captain DeQuatro, NOAA, and DEP as the local Unified Command Committee, which is responsible for the overall management of the incident.

While this spill is still continuing, I’m confident – while frustrated by the delay – that BP and the federal government will continue to do everything in their power to ensure that BP stops the leak, contains the spill, and mitigates the spill’s impact on the environment, the economy, and public health. Frankly, it’s scary to learn that BP and the federal government has limited capability and expertise in responding to wellhead incidents on the seafloor. I’m convinced that we as humankind are better equipped and have more experience to work on the moon than at 5000 feet under water. Ultimately, the permanent solution to stop this leaking is to drill a relief well, which will relieve pressure and permanently stop the flow of oil. BP is drilling two of these wells, and anticipates completion sometime in August; hence, we are in for a long summer. The Coast Guard, in conjunction with EPA and other federal agencies, has conducted six Spill of National Significance Exercises since 1994 that have provided valuable experience for this response. The exercises were guided by the highly detailed 700 page Florida Keys Area Contingency Plan, which includes the Tidal Inlet Protection Strategies for Oil Spill Response Plan. This plan provides detailed strategies to protect the vital estuaries and bays by ensuring that all appropriate agencies in the Florida Keys are aware of, and involved in, the local “oil spill response organization” which is divided into two (2) categories, Planning and Response.

Planning and preparation have been our primary focus the last few weeks. On May 11th, Mayor Murphy led a Board of County Commission meeting bringing together all federal, state, and local agencies to get a status update and calm the communities’ fears.  I have spent many hours in meetings and conference calls. Including coordination conference calls with other County Administrators/Managers throughout the state, meeting with the municipal managers in Monroe County, meeting with State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, various meetings with representatives of BP – including visiting their “war room” in Key West. Our Public Works Department is training twenty five (25) employees on oil spills and dusted-off the incident waste management & disposal plan and contracts. Our County Attorney drafted a Liability of Oil Discharge Ordinance, and worked with our engineering staff to review and prepare existing disaster response and recovery contracts for applicability to oil spill clean-up. Engineering staff also reviewed historical oil incidents and reviewed the Tidal Inlet Protection Strategies for Oil Response Plan in order to determine assessment and remediation expertise requirements. Our Risk Management/Insurance staff communicated with our insurance consultant and carriers to determine our insurance coverage. Monroe County TV/IT staff created a specific webpage that includes detailed information, reports, and claims process/office information. Our Growth Management Division created an aerial map book of the Florida Keys for the Nature Conservancy to assist volunteers in any potential clean-up efforts, and biologist staff have been trained for oiled wildlife handling.

As of this writing, there are more than 24,000 personnel at the federal, state and local level and thousands of trained volunteers responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife. More than 4,400 vessels have been deployed across the Gulf region, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels, in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units. More than 1.2 million feet of containment boom have been deployed, and more than a 1.2 million gallons of dispersants (none in Florida waters) has been used, in addition to using controlled burns and skimming techniques to contain the oil slick, along with recovering more than 18 million gallons of an oil-water mix. Locally, the unknown is frustrating all of us. When, Where, What are common questions that annoy all of us. All we can do for now is monitor and prepare. I believe there is still a very good chance that we will dodge this bullet and see none or very little impacts. The current situation is that all of the Florida Keys are open, fishing & diving are great, and our beautiful summer weather pattern is upon us. We must simply relax and go about our daily lives while monitoring this situation. Every summer, we all have hurricane preparedness plans in place, this year we must simply add an oil spill response plan component to it. Please stay informed. Wrote Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Administrator >>> Log on to: http://www.miamiherald.com/wlrn/ Click on “Keys Officials on Oil Threat: Relax and get the Facts.”

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Hialeah Gardens teacher tapped for national civics award, first time Floridian won award

Press release: Jackie Viana, a Social Studies educator and department chair at Hialeah Gardens Middle School in Miami-Dade County, has been named a winner of the 2010 American Civic Education Teacher Award (ACETA), an award sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, the Center on Congress at Indiana University and the National Education Association.  The award recognizes three exemplary teachers annually from throughout the United States for their work in preparing young people to become informed and engaged citizens.  This is the first time a Florida teacher has won the award. “My heartiest congratulations go to Jackie Viana for her exceptional commitment and passion for bringing civics education to life for her students,” said Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith.  “The democratic process is a vital component of our nation’s strength and I am delighted that Florida is represented so well for an award of this caliber.”

A wide variety of teaching methods bring excitement about civics, law and government into Jackie Viana’s classroom.  From simulated citizenship ceremonies to mock trials, her civics classes are more like laboratories for learning.  Students enrolled in her classes have been successful over the years in finding viable solutions to a wide range of critical issues in their local communities and at the state level.  Last year, her students were successful in improving the safety of a dangerous intersection by designing an improved traffic light system. >>> The ACETA winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., this summer to participate in an educational program that includes observing floor sessions and committee hearings in Congress, meeting members of Congress and other key officials, and visiting sites such as the National Archives and the U.S. Supreme Court. The American Civic Education Teacher Award is given annually to elementary and secondary teachers of civics, government and related subjects who have demonstrated exceptional expertise, dynamism and creativity in motivating students to learn about the Constitution, Congress and public policy. For more information, visit www.civiced.org/.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Trustees need to be brief when it comes to potential litigation, public record must be accurate

At Tuesday’s all day long PHT committee meetings, a number of issues concerning the public record and possible litigation that might ensue with a vender came-up. County lobbyist Miguel de Grandy representing Omega Technology Solutions LLC since April 15 said it is a woman run small company that is fighting for its business life without the $4.5 million payment that is being disputed by the health trust when he spoke in front of the purchasing committee. De Grandy, a former state legislator who lost his last race by one vote made his pitch to trustees asking for the issues to be resolved. However, after de Grandy spoke a number of trustees noted since there was potentially litigation in the future, they believed board members should “limit our discussion,” or say nothing at all said PHT trustee Gladys Ayala an attorney. Thus avoiding expanding the public record that could possible be used against the health trust in court or mediation and the board’s attorney Gene Shy had “nothing to add” because of the “potential litigation,” he said.

However, the Purchasing Committee chair Jorge Arrizurieta spoke and while he tried to make his comments general in nature. He put enough on the record that it will now be included in the public record and he should have said nothing given the circumstances. Arrizurieta, a past President George W. Bush, and Gov. Jeb Bush administration appointee, over the past decade is active in many areas in the community, as well as FIU and he has been a passionate spokesperson for the public trust, most recently at a Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon a few months ago, and with these experiences. It surprised me he spoke after the assistant county attorney advised to keep comments brief, if at all.

During another committee meeting that followed, committee Chair Ernesto de la Fe continued with the meeting even though the hospital’s fire alarm went off, it became very difficult to hear everything that was being said, and a break in the meeting should have been called, until the alarm was turned off. These two incidents may appear small but limiting the legal damage on any public board has to get a top priority from those who serve on these boards, and in the case of the public record. You either have an accurate public record or you don’t, and any doubt about the records integrity gives an opposing attorney a free shot when it comes to future litigation and that is not a good thing.

>>> Eneida O. Roldan, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., president & CEO of Jackson Health System, is in Washington, D.C., to meet with a group of Congressional leaders to discuss geographic variation in healthcare spending. Dr. Roldan is joined by other hospital executives from urban areas, including Boston, New York City and Atlanta. The purpose of the meeting is to learn why per capita healthcare spending varies throughout the United States and to discuss the next steps for Congress and other stakeholders as healthcare reform is implemented. Throughout the healthcare reform debate, lawmakers known as the “Quality Care Coalition” and others referred to regional disparities in healthcare spending that they believed should be reduced in order to improve the overall efficiency of the delivery system. Dr. Roldan will take part in a discussion on Miami’s high healthcare costs as they relate to the city’s uninsured and insured populations. “This is an opportunity to showcase Jackson Health System, while discussing the unique healthcare challenges we are facing as Miami-Dade County’s only safety net hospital,” said Dr. Roldan. “I look forward to continuing to work with our Congressional allies.” >>> Jackson Health System >>> Jackson Health System, an integrated healthcare delivery system, consists of its centerpiece, Jackson Memorial Hospital; four primary care centers; four specialty care centers; 17 school-based clinics; two long-term care nursing facilities; a network of mental health facilities; Holtz Children’s Hospital, Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital, Jackson North Medical Center and Jackson South Community Hospital. Governed by the Public Health Trust, a dedicated team of citizen volunteers acting on behalf of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Jackson Health System is committed to building the health of the community by providing a single, high standard of quality care for the residents of Miami-Dade County.

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for 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.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Will Miami try to reclaim county water & sewer building on Le Jeune and U.S. 1?

Mayor Tomas Regalado has his eye on some county real-estate that the city owns but is leased on a long-term contract. The property is the Water and Sewer Building near U.S. 1 and Le Jeune Road he told a budget advisor’s meeting Thursday around noon. “The county leaves a skeleton crew there”’ after the agency moved into its new building next to a Metro Rail station but the “property is owned by Miami” and it is a “huge property located right next to Coral Gables” and could be disposed of for considerable money he thought. He also noted the real issue was “would the county allow us to get it back?” The mayor with the city under enormous financial pressure also carped that while he has tried to have a “good relationship with the county.” He believes Miami has not gotten enough in return especially since city officials “were doing anything and everything they [county leaders] want including the museums” the Marlins new Ball Park, and the Port tunnel.

>>> Commission needs to stop deferring CIP issues, let board’s nominating committee interview applicants

The Miami Commission deferred once again an ordinance proposed by suspended Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones that had commissioners more involved in selecting who was on the Civilian Investigative Panel. The panel created overwhelmingly by voters in 2001 is the sounding board for complaints about the police department and the body has the power to subpoena people and documents. The commission has been deferring the item for months now and they need to finally come to a resolution of this issue that has been in limbo. Further, commission Chair Marc Sarnoff has cautioned fellow commissioners that keeping the panel independent of political interference is not only important, but commission involvement could create a new set of problems in the future. The CIP members have worked hard, and they deserve getting new members if there are openings on the body. Though there are time demands on a panelist if they wish to serve on the board that currently has its own nominating committee that reviews applicants after a public ad is run looking for qualified people to serve on the CIP. >>> Civilian Investigative Panel:  New Location >> The City of Miami Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP) has relocated to the Manuel Artime Community Center, 970 SW 1 Street, Suite 305, Miami, Fla. 33130.  The CIP has the authority to conduct independent investigations, inquiries and public hearings into allegations of misconduct by City of Miami police officers; review policies of the Miami Police Department; make factual determinations; facilitate resolutions and propose recommendations to the City Manager and Chief of Police. For more information regarding the CIP, please contact us at 786-246-4244.

>>> At a GOB oversight board meeting in May, one board member suggested that the Miami commission get the Parks & Recreation Board going and appoint new members to it, for this board was dealing with a lot of issues that concerned what was being put in parks, like recreation equipment, when maybe the local residents wanted a passive park instead. Legal staff said in some cases that GOB money was not involved and thus did not fall under the board’s purview but commissioners should activate the parks board.

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>> Young Talent Big Dreams contest coming to Carlyle Theater, if city fees are waived

Youngsters from age 8 to 17 with talent are wanted during the upcoming talent contest tryouts under the eye of representatives of the Actors Playhouse Miracle Theater in Coral Gables and The Children’s Trust is a lead sponsor of the multi-month event kicking off in the fall and ending in mid February. The contest called Young Talent Big Dreams will be held at six locations countywide and on the Beach, it is hoped the tryouts will be at The Byron Carlyle Theater, if the city commission waived the fees on Wednesday. The tryouts have eight talent disciplines and the prizes include a Grand Prize, and eight first, second and third prizes and what will be awarded is still being determined. The semi finals and finals will be held at the Miracle Theater next year. For more information in the coming months go to www.thechildrenstrust.org or  http://www.actorsplayhouse.org/

>>> Press release: Miami Beach’s Fire on the Fourth Celebration 2010 – The Greater Miami Youth Symphony & Soprano Elizabeth Caballero

The City of Miami Beach and Classical South Florida 89.7FM proudly present Fire on the Fourth. This year’s Fourth of July patriotic celebration features a free concert with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, soprano Elizabeth Caballero and fireworks. The event will be held on Sunday, July 4, at 8:00 p.m. on the beach at 8 Street and Ocean Drive, South Beach. Free bus shuttle transportation from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. from Collins Avenue and 72 & 81 streets to Washington Avenue & 11 Street. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, bring beach chairs, and towels. No coolers or bottles will be permitted on the beach. This year’s annual Fourth of July event is made possible by the following sponsors: Classical South Florida, Waste Management, AT&T, Whopper Bar, and Monster.  Media sponsors include MAG (Miami Arts Guide), The Miami Herald, Miami New Times, Welcome Channel, Around Town Magazine and Atlantic Broadband. For more information, call 305.673.7400.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Mayor Slesnick defends Gables shoreline; Mgr. Salerno initiates video of shoreline and canals

Mayor Donald Slesnick, II at the May 25 commission meeting, told commissioners he was on the phone with the White House Staff, along with many others to get the daily briefing on the Deepwater Horizon’s catastrophic oil spill now 55 days into the incident, that has Louisiana and Floridians up in arms as the slick inundates the coast line, and all the life forms and habitats are destroyed or ecologically badly damaged. The mayor said during one of the conversations that someone wanted to know why the mayor of Coral Gables was on the phone with the group. Slesnick noted the city has a lengthy beachfront, and then there are the canals and other waterways that could be impacted. Patrick Salerno, the city manager also noted that a “video of the [pristine] shoreline, including still photos would be going on over the “next ten days” and this documentation could prove useful if there is an impact in the tony city in the months ahead.

>>> Press release: Monitoring The Oil Spill In Gables Shoreline -At the request of City Manager Pat Salerno, city workers were sent last week to film and photograph our shoreline to document current conditions prior to any potential impact of the oil spill, currently affecting the Florida Panhandle. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been designated the lead state agency for responding to potential impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill along Florida’s shoreline. While Florida so far has been mostly spared from direct impacts of the oil spill in its coastal waters, Florida fishermen and coastal communities are already experiencing a significant loss of current and future income because of a mistaken public notion that all of Florida’s waters have been tainted by the oil spill. There are no projected oil impacts to the Coral Gables shoreline at this time, but it is important to be prepared and informed about what to look for and what impacts maybe associated. If you witness tar balls, tar patches or oil sheen in coastal waters, report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones. To learn more about the oil spill response latest updates, click here.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> M-DC Commissioner Sorenson honored and roasted at Rusty Pelican Restaurant June 16, leaving commission in November after 16-years in office –Press Release: Urban Environment League “Orchid and Onion” Dinner for Katy Sorenson. June 16, 2010, 6:00 PM, Rusty Pelican Restaurant, Key Biscayne –Host: Jim Defede –Local commentator and humorist Jim DeFede is Master of Ceremonies for the Urban Environment League’s Annual Dinner – Orchids and Onions – in honor of Commissioner Katy Sorenson – on June 16 at 6:00 PM at the Rusty Pelican Restaurant, 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.

Commissioner Sorenson will step down from her the District 8 Commission seat this fall.  The Urban Environment League (UEL) is taking this opportunity to let the community – from developers to environmentalists – bid her a fond – or not so fond adieu.  DeFede will host a lively set of speakers (including developers, environmentalists, County Commissioners and County Manager George Burgess) as they praise or pan her County career and wish her well in her new position at the University of Miami. >>>> The Urban Environment League is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life in Miami Dade County through advocacy for parks and open space, environmental conservation, historic preservation and transparent and participatory government decision making. For more information please call Fran Bohnsack, at 305-637-7977

>>> Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between major congressional District 25 candidates on June 30^th

The Downtown Bay Forum of Miami is planning a debate among candidates running for Congressional District 25 and it could be the first verbal debate from the candidates. People vying for their party’s nod are state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami and Paul Crespo trying to represent the Republican Party and Joe Garcia, a member in the Obama administration is expected to be the Democratic Party’s challenger. Rivera, also Chair of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade is skilled at running campaigns and Crespo is a veteran Marine officer with a wide range of skills and is a good orator. Garcia tried for the district in 2008 against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami but was beaten back though the race was closer than two other congressional races taking place back then between his older brother Lincoln who bested former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez and Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami beat off Democratic candidate Annette Taddeo, who is now running for the county commission. The luncheon event is now scheduled for June 30. For more information go to www.downtownbayforum.com

EDITORIALS

>>> Lack of civility at public and community meetings stops activists & and lesser government officials in their tracks with higher leaders

Note to activists and other elected officials: If you want to get something done at all levels of government from a small municipality, to a county, state or federal level, screaming at leaders, using profanity, and making personal attacks is not the way to go. Recently, at a local meeting with residents, county officials, and the University of Miami on a project in Overtown, County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson said the affair was “very embarrassing” for her and the others attending because it became so unruly. She said this at a commission committee meeting last week and the Watchdog Report has written about this issue in the past. A much better approach for people to take in many cases is to be calm and voice your concerns in a cogent way that forces elected leaders to treat residents or elected leaders from municipalities with respect and they are then more willing to hear the concerns and respond to whatever the issue is. However, once it breaks down into a shouting match or unacceptable words are being used, commissioners shut down, and it gives them a great excuse to do what ever they want, regardless what some of the objections might be.

Another example of a recent slap down was when the point of the written and verbal spear Miami Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff; spoke at a recent Miami-Dade commission meeting regarding the Coconut Grove Playhouse, and the city’s attempt to get a change of the board and governance. The discussion followed a letter Sarnoff sent to county officials that was seen as over the top by county insiders. Since the correspondence attacked a departmental director held in high esteem by the body, that earlier letter clouded the discussion on the commission, and a report on what the options are, concerning the iconic theater will be available in 30-days for the county commission to consider.

My point is not to pick anyone example for there are multiple times people lose the initiative in trying to persuade elected leaders after they have spoken, and why officials invoke the phrase of speakers be “silent” when things are going well for something. And elected leaders many times suggest advocates not speak for the commission was going their way, and why disturb the political current going on the body. Residents in the coming months will be going to commission chambers to plead and make their case for public funding covering a host if issues, but in these tough economic times, these proceedings must be done with civility and transparency. If a fragile public trust after this fiscal bloodbath is to exist about the role and size of government and other public institutions that have been put on a tax revenue diet, divvy up what funding is left. For, as I have written many times before, if you live in Miami-Dade and South Florida in general. You are on a ship and we are all in this together, whether we like it or not.

>>> PAST WDR: JULY 2008: Well-compensated public officials should be satisfied with pay, outside compensation nothing but a scandal minefield

In the coming months I am told the Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust Commission will release a report on all the little perks given to elected officials and employees outside what is considered there normal compensation and readers will find a wide array for benefits in money, using a personal credit card for government business where they get the points on there own personal accounts as just a few of the things found.

Elected leaders carp all the time about the lack of proper compensation forcing them to have outside employment but even if they are paid well like Miami Mayor Manny Diaz’s who gets $150,000. The compensation never seems enough though Gov. Charlie Crist does not have outside employment and neither does Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez who makes $232,254 said the mayor’s staff recently.

Somewhere along the way public service has blended with the private sector and you see that in the number of public/private business deals local governments have participated in. However, it becomes different when it involves elected leaders that engage in outside employment, be it as a lobbyist or in some other capacity, and if history has taught the public anything. Elected leaders if they have moonlighting jobs, if they are reasonable compensated, should realize there is a real perception problem at minimum if taxpayers are not to question if they are getting their money’s worth, from these well compensated public servants.

LETTERS

>>> Readers on last week’s story on energy & former Mayor Penelas

Your comments on the high cost of energy are appreciated.  We must get alternative sources. Enough that we subsidize the terrorists every time we pull into a gas station.  All new homes and condominiums built in the Sunbelt should be required to have solar hot water. We raised seven children since we moved in 1964 and all with solar hot water.  We must also use more nuclear energy safely as well as wind energy and solar for electricity. What you are doing is necessary and impressive. Best regards for your health,

J. J.

>>> It would be interesting to know what former Mayor Alex Penelas has been doing all these years: I am guessing that he made money helping Spanish investors buy South Florida real estate. That has all come crashing to an end. It looks like only Leonard Abess made out well, with Spain. For Penelas, this must be a last resort, and indication of how bad the real estate crash really is.

A.F.

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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

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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.

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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Argus Report: Florida braces as oil hits western beaches, cost to state budget was $1 billion a few weeks ago, stakes go up

Florida: Oil slicks not only worry for Gov. Crist as former party chair Greer hit with six criminal counts

Miami-Dade County: Former Mayor Penelas spreads his wings, becomes registered lobbyist May 26, after years out of the public spotlight

Broward County: Commissioner Gunzburger has “Never worked in real estate,” as she faces state Sen. Geller in District 6 race

Palm Beach County: PAST WDR: JULY 2009: Commissioner Aaronson (Now commission Chair) is in the spotlight, had $626,000 net worth through 2008

Monroe County: Southern most county in nation gets hit with 12% property tax reduction, taxable value drops to $19.6 billion

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Supt. Carvalho says no mass firings at district because of money; people terminated will be for “performance”

Public Health Trust: Jackson Foundation leaders state their case in own words, have brought more than $130 million in philanthropy

City of Miami: County Commission shoots down Grove Playhouse governance raid by Sarnoff, will come back with report in 30-days

City of Hialeah: Defendant convicted of burning Hialeah Company gets 115 months in federal prison

City of Miami Beach: Miami Beach’s Fire on the Fourth Celebration 2010 – The Greater Miami Youth Symphony & Soprano Elizabeth Caballero

City of Coral Gables: Will city establish local preference guidelines for contracts in the future?

City of Sweetwater: Annexation process moves forward after BCC 8-5 vote, Dolphin Mall the real $200 million property tax prize

Community Events: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club – Meeting Date: June 8th, 2010 – Meeting Place: David’s Café II, South Beach – Have you bought your ticket yet for the Public Allies Showcase in the Garden? — Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between major congressional District 25 candidates on June 30^th

Editorials: PAST WDR: MAY 2008: U.S. economic model at risk with $126 a barrel cost for oil, conservation must be instituted as some hostile nations help pay our debt — PAST WDR: Mayor Diaz seems to be down, acts like he is unappreciated by people and voters of Miami

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.orgfor 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.

>>> 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^thanniversary on May 5.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Florida braces as oil hits western beaches, cost to state budget was $1 billion a few weeks ago, stakes go up

It has come, the Deepwater Horizon’s oil slicks and tar balls are starting to hit the pristine beaches’ at Pensacola Beach, and the spill, the largest ecological event ever experienced by America, has a life of its on and little hope of capping it completely anytime soon. Florida while buffeted the last two months with tourists wondering about the impact on the state. In fact, we have done well in the scheme of things in bringing in tourists from around the world to South Florida and while there is new evidence the slick is coming toward us in about 70-days depending on the currents. The cost to the state budget of this disaster was estimated at $1 billion a couple of weeks ago and the number will only be climbing.

British Petroleum is taking a beating with the public and press, despite the company’s own ads about the employees that ends with “and it will be made right,” and so far the current management team is staying in place as President Barack Obama tries to show that he feels the region’s pain across the board, but the nightmare continues and for states dependent on tourism. The industry is bracing for the possible future impact and is going to make the Florida’s current and future budget an even greater challenge, just as the state’s economy was starting to bounce back.

>>> Press release: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior member of the Florida Congressional Delegation and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement after reports that the cynical Castro regime had transferred sick political prisoners to jails closer to their homes.

Ros-Lehtinen’s statement: “The regime’s agents of repression imprison innocent people simply for crying out for freedom and democracy.  While in jail, these prisoners of conscience are humiliated and tortured.  Some, like Orlando Zapata Tamayo, die at the hands of their jailers.  There is nothing to thank the regime for. These freedom seekers were unjustly imprisoned.  But now the regime wants some sort of praise or humanitarian credit for moving these innocent prisoners closer to their homes or to hospitals?  This is a farce and no one should be taken in by it. The Castro brothers want to be both the arsonists and the fire fighters; the torturers and the humanitarians. Only in Kafkaesque Cuba would these irrational acts make sense.”

>>> Press release: Miami Art Museum will offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families through Labor Day 2010, as part of Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and more than 700 museums across America. The Blue Star Museums admission program is available to active duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members), which includes active duty Reserve and active duty National Guard.  Miami Art Museum, located at 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130, is open Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5pm. For more information, visit miamiartmuseum.org or call 305.375.3000. “Miami Art Museum is proud to join museums across the country in thanking our military personnel and their families for their service,” said John Wetenhall, MAM interim director. “Exploring a museum with family is a wonderful bonding experience, and I look forward to welcoming many military families to the museum this summer.”

More than 600 museums in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are taking part in the initiative.  The American Association of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, and the Association of Children’s Museums each sent a letter from NEA Chairman Landesman inviting museums to participate in this program.  In addition to thirty children’s museums across the country, participating museums represent a broad range of art, history, science, and cultural topics. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program.  For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. The complete list of participating Blue Star Museums is available at www.arts.gov. >>> About Miami Art Museum – Miami Art Museum serves one of the most diverse and fast-growing regions of the country, where a confluence of North and Latin American cultures adds vibrancy and texture to the civic landscape. MAM embraces its role as a cultural anchor and touchstone in a city that welcomes countless ethnic and age groups, lifestyles and ideas. MAM’s far-ranging vision is expressed in the breadth and depth of its exhibition program, and its ambitious education and public programs. The Museum continues to build its collection of holdings from the twentieth century through the present, as it embarks on a major new building and expansion project. The new MAM designed by Herzog & de Meuron will open in downtown Miami’s Museum Park in 2013. >>> About Blue Star Families — Blue Star Families is a national, non-partisan, non-profit network of military families from all ranks and services including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect and empower military families.  In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life with civilian community and leaders.  Membership includes spouses, kids, parents, service members, veterans and civilians. Operation Appreciation is an initiative of Blue Star Families that seeks to connect military families to the larger community.  Blue Star Families 2009 annual survey shows that 94 percent of military families feel that the larger community doesn’t truly understand or appreciate the sacrifices we make for the country.  Through initiatives such as Blue Star Museums, Blue Star Families provides avenues for the larger community to show that they do understand, in meaningful ways that enrich the lives of military service members, spouses, children and parents.  For more information, please visit www.BlueStarFam.org. >>> About the National Endowment for the Arts — Blue Star Museum is the latest Arts Endowment program to bring quality arts programs to the military, veterans and their families.  Other NEA programs for the military have included Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience, Great American Voices Military Base Tour, and Shakespeare in American Communities Military Base Tour. The NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts – both new and established – bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education.  Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the largest annual national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information, please visit www.arts.gov.

>>> Press release: GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES THE 2010 SOUTH FLORIDA GOOD TO GREAT AWARDS® WINNERS >> Today the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 2010 South Florida Good To Great Awards® during a luncheon at the Chamber’s annual Goals Conference at the Hilton Miami Downtown. The regional award program honors companies based in South Florida that embody ideas from Jim Collins’ best selling business book, “Good to Great.”

The 2010 Good to Great Awards® winners (by category) are: 1-50 Employees: rbb Public Relations has a national reputation for delivering results. Named PRWeek’s “2008 Agency of the Year” and The Holmes Report’s “2009 Boutique Agency of the Year,” rbb delivers client results on par with the largest national firms, but with the individual attention of a boutique agency. Its bilingual staff excels in media relations, corporate communications, digital/social media, product introductions and crisis counseling. The firm’s capabilities encompass a variety of practice areas, including consumer products, B2B, travel & leisure, health and fitness, luxury goods, real estate and food and beverage. rbb is a member of the Converge network of PR firms.  For more information visit www.rbb.com.

51-249 Employees: Steven Douglas Associates, one of the nation’s leading boutique search and project-based professional services firms, has been a recognized leader in identifying and providing access to top talent for corporate clients since 1984.  Headquartered in Florida, the company services emerging and middle-market to Fortune 500 companies throughout the United States.  Comprised of two synergistic divisions: Search and Project Resources, the company focuses on recruiting finance and accounting, wealth management, IT, and HR professionals. The Project Resources Division places qualified and experienced professionals on a project basis to help companies manage change and accomplish important internal initiatives in those same disciplines.  The company has offices in South Florida, Jacksonville, Minnesota, New York, Connecticut, Tampa, and Orlando. For more information visit  www.stevendouglas.com

250-999 Employees: Preferred Care Partners (PCP), one of the largest privately-owned Medicare Advantage health plans in Florida, is committed to providing greater access, choice and simplification of the healthcare process for its members. The company has a membership retention rate of more than 95 percent and enrolled more than 10,000 members in the last Medicare enrollment periods alone.  Named by INC Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in America, PCP’s provider network includes 27 hospitals and more than 2,600 physicians around Miami-Dade, Broward, Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties, Florida.  In addition, PCP has six medical centers in South Florida and plans to expand into Medicaid later this year.  For more information visit www.mypreferredcare.com.

1000+ Employees: AutoNation is America’s largest automotive retailer. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., AutoNation employs approximately 17,000 people at 205 dealership locations representing 250 franchises today and was named 2007 America’s Most Admired Automotive Retailer by FORTUNE Magazine for the fifth time in the last seven years. AutoNation is a member of the S&P 500 and has sold over seven million vehicles, the only auto retailer to achieve this milestone.  The company outsells every other automotive retailer in the U.S. and is ranked # 212 in the 2010 Fortune 500.  The company is considered a trailblazer for its utilization of the internet to sell its entire inventory of vehicles.  For more information visit www.autonation.com.

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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.

>>> 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

>>> Oil slick not only worry for Gov. Crist as former party chair Greer hit with six criminal counts

Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $466,000) is in the public eye now that the oil spill is landing on Florida’s shores but a secondary political problem is the arrest of Jim Greer, his handpicked Florida Republican Party chair. Greer, hit with six charges last week had drawn criticism for over a year, before leaving the post in January but Crist has been his protector over the past years and how that relationship evolved may see the light of day if there is a criminal trial in the future. The governor says he was not aware of many of the things Greer is being charged with doing, including channeling money to a consulting form he was involved with, but not known to party leaders they claim.

Crist left the Republican Party recently, is now an independent U.S. Senate candidate and is facing former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami (Net worth $8,351) and U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami (Net worth around $62,000 in 2002) or possible billionaire Jeff Greene in the General Election. Crist is in the media earnestly trying to be the face of Florida and getting more tan in the process but he knows the risk and financial impact if oil in a significant way hits the state’s beaches.  However, the Greer issue will not go away and Miami Herald political reporter Beth Reinhard www.miamiherald.com on Sunday did an extensive story on the relationship between the two men and Greer is turning on the Republican Party establishment, including the governor.

What about all the new legislative candidates?

At a recent luncheon, a long time political veteran told attendees they should ask there state legislative candidates’ one question. “How do you plan to make a living while you are in office, if elected?” he said. And that is a valid question given the number of current Florida legislators that act as lobbyists, political consultants or other semi-vague profession. The legislature is not a full time job and the pay is in the low $30,000s but with 8-year limits the turnover in the body is quite brisk and here in Miami-Dade only a very few current leaders will return to the legislature after the Nov. 2010 general election.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Former Mayor Penelas spreads his wings, becomes registered lobbyist May 26, after years out of the public spotlight

Alex Penelas, 49, the former mayor of Miami-Dade County is venturing onto the public scene and is now a registered lobbyist with Miami-Dade County. He signed up to represent ADA Engineering on May 26 state county lobbying documents. The mayor was termed out in 2004, after running a failed U.S. senatorial campaign running as a Democrat in the same year. Penelas married with two sons since then has kept under the radar and worked as an attorney in Miami Lakes. He was recently profiled inwww.floridatrend.com in May saying he enjoyed being out of the public eye and was watching his kids grow-up and play baseball. When the former mayor was first elected to the commission after being a Hialeah city commissioner. He was the tender age of 29, and the youngest elected leader ever on the dais in 1990, says the magazine story. He was assigned later by the commission to take up the issue of the county’s homeless people after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and when he was given a problem considered a lemon politically. He made lemonade out of it along with the help of Alvah Chapman, Jr., the former publisher of Knight Ridder that published The Miami Herald back then. The two men with the help of many others created the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust that is now a national model and the number of homeless on the streets dropped from over 8,000 back then, to currently under 1,000 people living on the streets.

Since he first began his political career, Penelas has run for mayor in 1996 and was reelected in 2000 but only by a small margin, just over 50 percent, after he faced two opponents, County Commissioner Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and Jay Love. At the time, South Florida was coming off the highly charged and ethnically divisive Elian Gonzalez saga that ultimately had the young boy returned to his father and is now back in Cuba. However, the community was inflamed like almost never before and Penelas worked hard to bring together the different ethnic groups leaders trying to pick up the pieces initiating the “Mosaic community dialogue” after the child’s extraction and Miami erupted. But the mayor also during this time made some gaffs; including saying on national television at a press conference that if the federal government intervened and removed the child. He could not guarantee what would happen in the community and if the nation’s laws could be enforced.

Penelas also saw his political star fall after the close 2000 election of the U.S. president and had Miami-Dade as ground zero when it came to casting votes for either Republican George Bush or Democrat Al Gore, where Bush ultimately prevailed after federal court rulings. But Democrats on a national level were very upset with the lack of campaigning Penelas, a Democrat did for Gore during the last weeks of the race while the mayor vacationed in Spain, and had disbanded his successful mayoral campaign staff and was seen by many critics as “deserting his post,” when it came to the political party.

>>> Ethics commission, IG, and others get budget freedom from the administration

The county commission on Thursday has cut loose the inspector general, the ethics commission, the commission auditor and other entities that fall under the legislative board when it comes to there departmental funding. The legislation that originally only involved the three initial departments when crafted was sponsored by Commissioner Joe Martinez and is part of an ongoing process where certain powers currently residing in the strong mayor’s office are being diluted. The IG and ethics commission in the past submitted the yearly budget to the county administration and there would be some haggling, with these organizations representatives then appealing the funding with commissioners directly. Now, while county Manager George Burgess will still create a departmental budget for these entities since that is required by state law. However, now these organizations will now be submitting their financial needs directly to the commission and the move is hoped to give them greater budgetary freedom and independence.Editor’s note: I have attended over the past decade many of these internal budget meetings and while the independence is good, the county administration overall has understood their funding issues, while trying to their job as well.

What about the new property appraiser’s numbers?

Last week, the county’s elected Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia released the numbers and the drop is a jaw dropping 13.4 percent decrease countywide from the previous year. The county’s property value peaked in 2008 when it jumped to 245.6 billion, a 21.3 percent increase from the previous year but that has plummeted since then with the 2009 number being $222 billion, and now dropping to $192.4 billion for this year. The county administration has done a variety of financial models when it came to the projected revenues but 12 percent was considered the probable number but now the number is even higher. The county has cut $800 million out of the last three-year budgets and with the body unlikely to raise taxes. This is grim and all programs in areas will be cut, or services will be reduced significantly and there will be a high price in county personnel as well, and significant head count reductions are anticipated.

>>> Commission summer recess gets reduced to two-weeks

The county commission recess schedule over the summer has been reduced from a month to two and a half-weeks with a possible emergency BCC meeting on Aug. 3 said Chair Dennis Moss. However, Commissioner Barbara Jordan thought with all the pressure the commissioners were under, a longer break time would be better. However, Commission Chair Dennis Moss noted that with such a tight budget this year we will “need the extra time” to deal with the serious budget deficit next year, he said.

Quote of the week

>>> Jose “Pepe” Diaz during the ceremony honoring the public housing department’s success after a major scandal rocked the agency years ago and had the federal government stepping in to administer the organization. Diaz noted that despite the federal government, Miami-Dade has overcome the odds once again when it comes to some of these disputes and the housing department has bounced back and is placing low-income residents into housing. However, Diaz caught himself from getting too expansive in his criticism of federal authorities and joked he better shut-up because “I get in trouble all the time [with the authorities],” he said.

>>> Roosevelt Bradley, the former Miami-Dade Transit director is running for county mayor in 2012. The item was first suggested in The Miami Times recently and I caught-up with Bradley on Friday. He confirmed he was going to run and is currently the president of UBC, a company that specializes in brake and clutch service.

>>> Any Metro-Zoo future expansion should not diminish ecological mission of UM – CSTARS research facility

The proposed expansion of Miami-Dade Metro Zoo into a hotel and major recreation destination being pushed by Commissioner Dennis Moss could in the future affect a local ecological eye in the sky jewel that is located in Richmond Heights and owned by the University of Miami.  The university’s Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing (CSTARS) is located there and with three large satellite dishes doing satellite analysis of the planet. The facility is a major asset and anything that the county proposes, especially in building height, should be kept to a minimum, for this is the NSA for the environment and a treasure the community needs to preserve. For more information go to www.cstars.rsmas.miami.edu or www.rsmas.miami.edu

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Commissioner Gunzburger has “Never worked in real estate,” as she faces state Sen. Geller in District 6 race

After last week’s story in the Watchdog Report about the anticipated heated race between Broward County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger (Net worth $1.34 million) and state Sen. Steven Geller, D-Cooper City (Net worth $1.24 million) in August. I got an e-mail from the veteran commissioner of District 6. Gunzburger wrote in regard to the article. “I am happy to read that you are on the road to recovery.  However, I have NEVER worked in real estate.  I am a former public school teacher in Detroit, Connecticut, and Florida.  I then returned to college at Barry University and received a Master’s degree in Social Work.  I became a Marital and Family therapist which I practiced part time, while raising my family and taking care of my late husband until he died last year.  I also ran for office in 1982 for the Hollywood City Commission, and served there for 10 years.  In 1992, I became a Broward County Commissioner.  Serving and helping people has been my life’s work,” wrote the commissioner. The county commission race got a look-see by The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com last week as well, and with the election in late August, there is still plenty of time for political sparks to fly.

>>> Press release: BROWARD COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER Gallagher SENTENCED ON BRIBERY CHARGE

Wifredo A. Ferrer, 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, was sentenced today on one count of  bribery in programs receiving federal funds.  At today’s hearing, U.S. District Court Judge James I. Cohn sentenced Gallagher to 37 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.  In addition, Judge Cohn ordered that the defendant participate in a drug and alcohol  rehabilitation program while in prison. Today’s sentence follows Gallagher’s March 17 guilty plea to Count 2 of the indictment against her, which charged her with accepting $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 at the plea and sentencing hearings, 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. More specifically, at the March 17 plea 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 Wifredo Ferrer stated, “Corrupt officials, at all levels of government – whether elected or appointed – are on notice that if they breach the public’s trust, by stealing or accepting bribes or engaging in any other form of corruption in the course of their official duties, they will be prosecuted and they will face substantial prison time.”

“Beverly Gallagher was elected to the school board, promising to help children get the best education possible,” said John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Division.  “Instead, she used her position for her own personal gain.  In this economy, with schools already cutting budgets and laying off teachers, it is disgraceful what Beverly Gallagher did.  This is reminder to all who serve in elected positions that if you break the law, you will get caught and you will go to jail.” U.S. Attorney Ferrer 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.

>>> 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: JULY 2009: Commissioner Aaronson (Now commission Chair) is in the spotlight, had $626,000 net worth through 2008

Burt Aaronson, the county commissioner for District 5 located in Delray Beach is in the spotlight this week and he is the body’s vice chair. The former businessman has been on the commission since 1992 and avoided the commission blood bath of the majority of the past commissioners who are now in federal prison on corruption charges.

What do we know about his finances?

He lists a net worth of $626,000 and has $150,000 in household goods. His cash on hand is $2,856, there is $154,000 in deferred compensation, there is $113,000 in a pension plan, FRS accounts for $36,000 and his condominium is valued at $170,000. His income for the year as a commissioner was $92,000, social security kicked in $26,887, retirement benefits contributed $20,592 and he got $2,000 as a board member at Delray Hospital.

Commissioner Burt Aaronson: 301 North Olive Ave. Suite 1201 -West Palm Beach, FL 33401 – (561) 355-2205 – 877-930-2205 (Toll Free outside the West Palm Beach calling area) E-mail Commissioner Aaronson >>> Board of County Commissioners

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Southern most county in nation gets hit with 12 % property tax reduction, taxable value drops to $19.6 billion

As with all the counties in Florida, Monroe when it comes to property tax values got a solid whack and the overall value dropped around “12 percent” wrote Roman Gastesi the County Administrator last week after the numbers were released. The county’s property values dropped from $22.3 billion in 2009 to an estimated taxable value of $19.6 billion (less new construction) his staff wrote in an e-mail exchange.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Supt. Carvalho says no mass firings at district because of money; people terminated will be for “performance”

Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the nation’s fourth largest public school district told attendees at the Greater Miami Goals Conference Education Committee break out session on Friday that while other districts around the state may be firing employees. That will not happen here in Miami-Dade “because of economic issues,” he said. The superintendent who took over in Sept. 2008 said there would be people terminated but it will be “for performance issues” and not because of lack of funding. He said the new proposed budget, the board will consider in the future has “no tax increase” and he pledged, “Not to fire a single teacher for economic reasons’” that has other Florida districts laying off hundreds of teachers and other employees. The superintendent told the Chamber attendees that over the last 18-months “there have been $350 million in budget cuts” but said reserves that had dropped to almost nothing 2-years ago will be at $100 million and the number is giving the school’s bond ratings a boost to “stable,” he said. The former science teacher noted that 81 percent of children in the school system are considered “poor” and despite these demographics. Recent district test scores that rose show children, when it comes to education even if poor, can perform academically with their peers around the nation.

Carvalho has an active schedule in the course of a week and he recently went to New York City to receive an award after a Tuesday nighttime event with future principals and assistant principals held in Coconut Grove. At the affair, Carvalho and Freddie Woodson were called “the dynamic duo” of education within the district and these budding administrators that attended the affair clearly had their lights on and all radiated a certain energy, touched with a little bit of hope, and I for one was impressed with the caliber of these people.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Jackson Foundation leaders state their case in own words, have brought more than $130 million in philanthropy

The Watchdog Report is running the letter sent to a county Commissioner Barbara Jordan from the leadership of the Jackson Memorial Foundation that has been under fire over the past few months in the media and with county elected leaders. Commissioner Natacha Seijas has been especially critical when it came to the foundation suggesting the organization was willing to throw Jackson Memorial Hospital under the bus when it came to its problems. The foundation representatives disagree with that assessment and below is an unedited letter sent to Jordan on June 1 from Abel Holtz and Alan Dimond.

>>> Dear Commissioner Jordan: Jackson Memorial Foundation came into existence in 1989. Miami-Dade was in a trauma crisis, with hospitals unwilling to meet the needs of the seriously injured or dying. In response to this crisis, a group of community leaders led by Jay Weiss created the Jackson Memorial Foundation — a leadership that raised more than $20 million to create the Ryder Trauma Center and developed the half penny sales tax, which now supports Jackson.  Since that beginning, the Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity,  and its Board of Directors, have sought to provide help to our health system with traditional philanthropy along with entrepreneurial efforts.

Jackson Health System (“JHS”) has always needed many kinds of help. We, at the Foundation, have, when asked, responded to their need in visionary ways.  Two programs now operated to the Foundation by the JHS are “grants” and “international patients.”  Each requires expertise and entrepreneurial focus. The Foundation created and operates both efforts with astonishing success, at zero gain to itself.  All revenue from these programs goes directly to the hospital, with no money passing through the Foundation’s accounts.  In turn, these programs are operationally funded by Jackson.  Hallmarks are high returns on investment, and very low operating costs to achieve these returns.

Since its start, Jackson Memorial Foundation has raised for JHS more than $130 million through philanthropy. Since the inception 6 years ago of its “Grants Department”, the Foundation has garnered for the JHS awards of over $63 million.  We currently manage more than $30 million in grants for this fiscal year. Finally, the Foundation, through its wholly owned subsidiary Foundation Health Services, another non-profit 501(c)(3), has secured for JHS gross revenues of $288 million creating a substantial net profit since the formation of this marketing effort for international patients, a tremendous increase over previous anemic in-house efforts.

The Board of Directors of Jackson Memorial Foundation, are community volunteers  whose only mission is to support JHS at no benefit to ourselves.  We want to make sure you understand all of the facts, and the value and the commitment we bring to our citizens.  No other organization exists only to help Jackson, asking nothing in return.  No other organization brings committed volunteers who not only provide their expertise and guidance, but also their personal dollars to help Jackson thrive.

We have been concerned that throughout the development of Jackson’s financial crisis, a lack of information has caused substantial confusion about Jackson Memorial Foundation, including criticism by some about our dedication and role.  We find this lamentable, and we are concerned about the source of this confusion, which continues in some quarters despite the clear and transparent information we have provided to all who asked. As community volunteers and supporters of the Jackson Memorial Hospital, we, the Board of Directors of Jackson Memorial Foundation write to express our commitment to work tirelessly to be unified with the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. We will strive to immediately clarify specific areas of concern regarding our Foundation, and how it functions to support the hospital.

As a private not-for-profit independent charity, we are dedicated to finding and providing money for the JHS.  We are one of our community’s most successful philanthropic organizations. Shortly, members of our Board will be seeking to visit with you to ensure you have all of the information you require so that you will understand clearly the value that Jackson Memorial Foundation brings to JHS and our community. Sincerely, Abel Holtz Esq., Chairman, Jackson Memorial Foundation & Alan T. Dimond, Esq. Chairman, Foundation Health Services

>>> George Burgess told county commissioners Thursday during a report on the PHT that the organization is hoping to have up to $150 million of cash on hand by the end of the budget year Sept. 30. The issue of cash on hand is important because the health trust goes through about $4.5 million in cash a day and it takes 18 days worth to make the organization’s monthly payroll. The PHT is under “management watch” by the county and Mayor Carlos Alvarez and Burgess met with senior hospital management and the board chair on a regular basis, the most recent this past Thursday morning.

>>> Press release:  Holtz Children’s Hospital Ranks among the Best Children’s Hospitals in U.S. News & World Report

Holtz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center is among the country’s elite when it comes to treating diabetes and endocrine disorders in children and providing intensive care to the tiniest babies according to U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.”  Holtz was ranked 24th on the specialties list for diabetes and endocrine disorders and 25th for neonatal care. “This is an important honor for the physicians, nurses and entire medical team at Holtz Children’s Hospital and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine,” said Eneida O. Roldan, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., president and chief executive officer of Jackson Health System. “We are very proud of the cutting-edge treatments, medical expertise and compassionate care we provide to children in South Florida and from around the world.”

“Helping sick children become healthy and lead productive lives is one of the highest priorities of the Miller School of Medicine, and we are honored that these rankings reflect our commitment,’’ said Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Miller School. “We and families in South Florida and beyond are very lucky that our pediatric specialists and the dedicated staff at Holtz Children’s Hospital are providing the best care possible for children who need it the most.’’ Hospitals were judged on reputation, outcome and care-related measures. The rankings can be found online at www.usnews.com/childrenshospitals and will be featured in the August issue of U.S. News & World Report.

“These rankings are designed to help families with uniquely challenging medical needs. Being recognized on this prestigious list is certainly a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering the very best in advanced patient care to some of the most seriously ill and medically complex children,” said Steven E. Lipshultz, M.D., professor and chairman of pediatrics and associate executive dean for child health at the UM Miller School of Medicine and chief of staff of Holtz Children’s Hospital.”  Holtz Children’s Hospital’s Project Newborn Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a regional referral facility and has 126 beds, 66 of which are Level III and provide support for the most critically ill. The Level III NICU is the largest in Florida. Holtz also has one of the busiest pediatric diabetes programs per provider in the nation and performed the first transplant of a thymus gland from a fetus to a child without one. Holtz is world renowned for its expertise in treating hormonal disorders related to abnormal growth, obesity and sexual development.

Holtz Children’s Hospital is one of the largest children’s hospitals in the Southeast United States. In 2010, Holtz has more pediatric specialists selected as Best Doctors in America® than any other children’s hospital in South Florida. Through its experienced medical and support staff, including some of the top pediatricians in the nation, the 254-bed facility provides research and treatment for a wide range of pediatric medical specialties including diabetes, hematology/oncology, bone marrow transplant, cardiology and cardiac surgery, infectious diseases/immunology, neonatology, kidney disorders, transplantation and gastroenterology.

>>> This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for 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.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> County Commission shoots down Grove Playhouse governance raid by Sarnoff, will come back with report in 30-days

Marc Sarnoff, the chair of the Miami commission made a case in front of the county commission on Thursday concerning the Coconut Grove Playhouse, challenging its governance board as not being effective. Sarnoff made the case in a letter to the mayor and commission asking for the property to revert back locally rather than be retained by the county and state. The theater has been shuttered for years after racking-up a multi-million dollar debt and is considered a fire hazard with its numerous code violations. The county voters in 2004 approved $15 and $5 million for the site and that money was part of a $2.9 billion GOB proceeds but that money has stayed in county coffers to date. County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez brought the item in front of the board, and the commission rebuffed Sarnoff’s suggestion and a report by the county administration on possible solutions to the Playhouse’s problems will be brought back in 30-days after the study.

>>> Mayor Regalado gets ear full at film industry bull session Tuesday

A group of prominent representatives of the South Florida film industry gathered Tuesday with Mayor Tomas Regalado at noon in a city hall conference room to discuss how to make the industry vibrant again, with up to $240 million in new federal funding over the next five-years at risk, that translates into $1 billion in overall economic impact was the topic of the day. The mayor, a former member of the media said a story in The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com Tuesday by Charles “Chuck” Rabin was “bad press.” He said if it was up to him, the city would hire a “movie producer” to run the Film, Movie and Cultural office but noted the city was in dire financial straits and that was out of the question. The normally low-key office has gotten into the media spotlight on a number of blogs as well, since the appointment of Harry Gottlieb, 61, as its new department director a few months ago. Gottlieb, is being paid $65,000 and says they are trying “to do more with less” given budget constraints but his tenure in the position is not wearing well with some members of the film and movie industry, who question his competence and qualifications for the post. One member at the meeting said “services provided by the city have been a little bit lacking” and with this big push in funding “starts June 9” and the city must be able to demonstrate “producers should not worry about coming here,” he said. He was also concerned if producers and others in the industry have a difficult time here now, that perception could last for years. He said they will go elsewhere like Orlando if they are not satisfied there is “basic client services” and there is “stability and confidence about working in the city of Miami” that is not there at the moment, he concluded.  The mayor listened to these peoples’ comments for two-hours and another meeting is expected this Tuesday in the manager’s conference room around noon. >>> Other past stories on this matter can be read on line at www.miaminewtimes.com

>>>Arsht Center: Babalu: Lucie Arnaz Celebrates the Music of her Father, Desi Arnaz KNIGHT CONCERT HALL [View Seat Map] Thursday, July 8, 2010, 7:30pm  – Starring Lucie Arnaz with guests Raul Esparza, and Valarie Pettiford, and dancers Jeanette Delgado  and Richard Amaro and very special guest Desi Arnaz, Jr.

It’s show time at the Tropicana! Hear Desi Arnaz’s greatest hits, including the hip-swiveling “Cuban Pete,” his signature conga “Babalu,” and the beloved theme from “I Love Lucy,” plus some of the greatest Latin and Broadway hits in this one-of-a-kind tribute to the most glamorous music of the ‘40s and ‘50s. BABALU, featuring a 16-piece orchestra, is not only Lucie Arnaz’s loving tribute to her father, but also a chance to celebrate Desi Arnaz’s extraordinary musical legacy and the major role he played in planting the first seeds of the Latin music explosion in this country. Lucie Arnaz, EMMY Award-winning actress, Broadway star (They’re Playing Our Song, Witches of Eastwick, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and renowned nightclub performer (Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Feinstein’s, Rainbow and Stars, Birdland) and recording artist (Just In Time, Latin Roots) created, wrote and produced BABALU’s five SOLD OUT performances at New York’s legendary Lyrics & Lyricists Series (January 2010). Raul Esparza, the Tony Award-nominated Cuban-Miami native, has been acclaimed for his performances in the Broadway musical hits Company, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Taboo and Cabaret. And sexy, slinky, velvet-voiced Valarie Pettiford starred in Broadway’s Tony-winning Dancin’, Fosse, and Sophisticated Lady. Musical Direction by Ron Abel Staged and Choreographed by Ramon del Barrio, Directed by Lucie Arnaz.

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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 seewhat 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/

>>> Press release: Lydecker Diaz Partners Named Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars -– Lydecker Diaz partners Onier Llopiz and Anthony J. Tinelli have beenrecognized as 2010 Rising Stars by the prestigious Super Lawyers magazine, placing them on the list of Florida’s top attorneys who have achieved success early in their careers. “I commend Onier and Anthony for attaining this high honor,” said Senior Partner Richard Lydecker. “Their success is a testament to the high level of customer service and professionalism they extend to the clients of Lydecker Diaz.” The Super Lawyers selection process is a comprehensive, good-faith and detailed attempt to produce a list of lawyers that have attained high peer recognition, meet ethical standards, and have demonstrated some degree of achievement in their field.  In selecting attorneys for Super Lawyers, the organization employs a rigorous, multiphase process.  The Rising Stars list is comprised of the top up-and-coming attorneys who are 40 years old or younger, or have been practicing for 10 years or less…  please log onto http://www.superlawyers.com/florida/. For more information on the Lydecker Diaz firm, please log onto www.lydeckerdiaz.com.

CITY OF HIALEAH

>>> Press release: Defendant convicted of burning Hialeah company gets 115 months in federal prison

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, announce Friday’s sentencing of defendant Juan Gonzalez, 34, of Hallandale, Florida, for burning down Floors by Design, Inc., a carpet company in Hialeah, and conspiring to burn it down with his nephew, Wilmer Quesada-Ramos, 30, of Sunrise, Florida. On May 28, 2010, U.S. District Judge Alan S. Gold sentenced defendant Gonzalez to 115 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Defendant Quesada-Ramos, whose sentencing hearing was a few weeks earlier, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Judge Gold also ordered that the defendants pay $845,502.00 in restitution.

Previously, a jury found defendants Gonzalez and Quesada-Ramos guilty of arson and conspiring to commit arson, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(i) and (n).  According to the indictment and the testimony at trial, Floors by Design was a warehouse located at 471 West 28th Street in Hialeah.  On February 4, 2009, Gonzalez and Quesada-Ramos, who worked for the company as carpet installers, purchased gasoline in Broward County, drove it to the Floors by Design warehouse, doused the warehouse with the gasoline, and set it on fire.  The warehouse, and everything Floors by Design had inside, was destroyed as a result of the fire. >>> Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the State Fire Marshall, and the Hialeah Police and Fire Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Luck and Jared E. Dwyer. >>> 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.

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Press release: Miami Beach’s Fire on the Fourth Celebration 2010 – The Greater Miami Youth Symphony & Soprano Elizabeth Caballero

The City of Miami Beach and Classical South Florida 89.7FM proudly present Fire on the Fourth. This year’s Fourth of July patriotic celebration features a free concert with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, soprano Elizabeth Caballero and fireworks. The event will be held on Sunday, July 4, at 8:00 p.m. on the beach at 8 Street and Ocean Drive, South Beach. Free bus shuttle transportation from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. from Collins Avenue and 72 & 81 streets to Washington Avenue & 11 Street. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, bring beach chairs, and towels. No coolers or bottles will be permitted on the beach. This year’s annual Fourth of July event is made possible by the following sponsors: Classical South Florida, Waste Management, AT&T, Whopper Bar, and Monster.  Media sponsors include MAG (Miami Arts Guide), The Miami Herald, Miami New Times, Welcome Channel, Around Town Magazine and Atlantic Broadband. For more information, call 305.673.7400.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Will city establish local preference guidelines for contracts in the future?

At a recent Coral Gables commission meeting the issue of local preference when it came to letting out city contracts was the topic of the day and the administration after a review by the city attorney in 90-days will submit legislative language for the body to debate. Commissioner Ralph Cabrera brought up the item along with other commissioners after they heard from local business owners that they stopped trying to get city contracts, because the city did not have any local incentive believing the goal was to get the best price, product and service from companies around the world. When Commissioner Maria Anderson asked what the “down side” of such an ordinance was? Cabrera said it was “political influence” but he believed past commissioners and mayors have been “straight-up” and that if the bill is crafted right, should not be a problem, he thought.

Manager Patrick Salerno said while it was possible to have a local preference ordinance, it could have a “chilling” effect with other companies not wanting to compete since it could be viewed as a more closed procurement process. The commission when the ordinance is brought before it is expected to have a lively debate on the matter in the coming months.

>>> Press release: Monday, June 14th at noon Coral Gables City Commissioner Chip Withers

Members and Guests, Please join us for lunch at JohnMartin’s on June 14th. Our guest speaker will be Coral Gables City Commissioner Wayne “Chip” Withers.  Chip is one of the longest serving City Commissioners in Coral Gables, first elected in 1991. Commissioner Withers has also held numerous appointed positions in the Gables including Planning & Zoning, Code Enforcement, Youth Advisory, Parks and Recreation. He is also one of the strongest proponents in the development of the Coral Gables Museum. Commissioner Withers is a graduate of the University of Florida and is President of Withers Transfer & Storage, Withers Worldwide Forwarders and Withers Transportation Systems Inc. Please reply to this message with your RSVP to rwmartin20@yahoo.com Please forward this announcement to any friends or business associates who may be interested in attending. Richard Martin, President

CITY OF SWEETWATER

>>> Annexation process moves forward after 8-5 vote, Dolphin Mall the real property tax prize

The political leadership of Sweetwater came to Miami-Dade County Thursday and their request to start the process of annexing some of the county’s Unincorporated Municipal Service Area (UMSA) that involves a vote was ultimately approved by the county commission by a vote of 8 to 5. “Russian midgets” and circus performers after the train they were on got stuck on Tamiami Trail founded the municipality in 1941, said Commissioner Joe Martinez (Net worth $270,000) last week during the discussion. He said the city has always had a “rich and colorful history,” but then said he could not support this annexation and the shifting of property tax revenue from UMSA to the small city in West Dade. Commissioner Katy Sorenson (Net worth $1.34 million) commented that the issue was something I hated as a kid hearing, “we cannot afford it.”

However, other commissioners especially Vice Chair Jose “Pepe” Diaz (Net worth $226,000) thought otherwise and Diaz was a former mayor of Sweetwater before being elected to the county district seat in 2002 and he got seven of his colleagues to agree that includes a vote on the matter by the 1,400 electorates in the 1,000 acre area with a total of 6,500 residents said county staff. The reason the matter really caught some commissioners attention is the fact that the Dolphin Mall is located there with other industrial property and Commission Chair Dennis Moss (Net worth $477,000) hoped that this shopping mecca could someday be a local “Sawgrass Mall” given its proximity to MIA and he could not support the annexation but he did not have the votes. >>> For more information about Sweetwater go to http://www.cityofsweetwater.fl.gov/ >>> Fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweetwater,_Miami-Dade_County,_Florida – History -The history of Sweetwater actually began during the Florida land boom of the 1920’s when the Miami-Pittsburgh Land Company purchased land and laid out the original plat of “Sweetwater Groves.” However, the 1926 Miami Hurricane and subsequent South Florida real estate “bust” put an abrupt end to the development venture. In 1938, Clyde Andrews acquired most of the “Sweetwater Groves” tract and began to market lots. Among his buyers was a troupe of Russian dwarves seeking a place to retire after a career with the circus. They built several mini-scaled homes suited to their needs. For years, Sweetwater was known as the “midget” community.[5]

In 1941, Sweetwater held a successful election for incorporation. The new town’s first mayor was Joe Sanderlin, the midgets’ guardian and manager. By 1959, Sweetwater had attracted 500 residents and contained a town hall, church, grocery store, service station and 183 homes. It also had a two-man police force and a volunteer fire department. Sweetwater was the filming location for the 1969 movie, “Midnight Cowboy.”[6] In 1970, Sweetwater was still a relatively small community of about 3,000 residents. During the 1970s, however, several events were to happen which would dramatically change the hitherto “sleepy little country town” of Sweetwater forever. These events included the establishment of a major new state university, Florida International University, to the south of the city, the construction of the two major expressways to the north and west, and the discovery of Sweetwater by Miami-Dade County’s Hispanic community. The growth and development which was precipitated by these occurrences caused Sweetwater to more than double in population and lead all other Miami-Dade cities in growth during the 1970s.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Press release: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club – Meeting Date: Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 – Meeting Time: 8:30 AM – Meeting Place: David’s Café II, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach

A new “Meet the Mayors of Miami Beach” series opens with former Mayor Harold Rosen, who served from 1974 to 1977, as our guest speaker at the June 8th Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club meeting.  Over the summer we will be inviting over a half-dozen former Miami Beach mayors to be guest speakers. Former Mayor Rosen, a native of Miami Beach, was elected to the City Commission in 1971, and following the death of (then) Mayor Chuck Hall, he was appointed by the Commission to fill Mayor Hall’s unexpired term, which lasted until 1977. Mayor Rosen has remained active in Miami Beach civic affairs by volunteering his time as legal counsel for organizations such as the Visitor and Convention Authority (VCA).  His law practice, Rosen & Switkes, focuses on commercial law and governmental issues, and he is a familiar face at most Planning Board hearings. 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 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).

>>> Press release: Have you bought your ticket yet for the Public Allies Showcase in the Garden?

Public Allies paint a fence on Hands on Miami Day

If you haven’t already, reserve your spot for the party that combines music, dance, storytelling,
nature and community building. The Showcase in the Garden will take place June 10 at 6 pm at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment while learning more about Public Allies, the national program that helps young leaders serve their communities. Also, come prepared to bid on getaways, baked goods and celebrity memorabilia in our silent auction. Your donation of $15 will support the 2010-11 Public Allies class. Meet some of the current Public Allies in our short video.

>>> Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between major congressional District 25 candidates on June 30^th

The Downtown Bay Forum of Miami is planning a debate among candidates running for Congressional District 25 and it could be the first verbal debate from the candidates. People vying for their party’s nod are state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami and Paul Crespo trying to represent the Republican Party and Joe Garcia, a member in the Obama administration is expected to be the Democratic Party’s challenger. Rivera, also Chair of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade is skilled at running campaigns and Crespo is a veteran Marine officer with a wide range of skills and is a good orator. Garcia tried for the district in 2008 against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami but was beaten back though the race was closer than two other congressional races taking place back then between his older brother Lincoln who bested former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez and Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami beat off Democratic candidate Annette Taddeo, who is now running for the county commission. The luncheon event is now scheduled for June 30. For more information go to www.downtownbayforum.com

EDITORIALS

>>> Note to candidates: You should run political ads in your district race not in multiple counties like I am seeing with Broward County Commission Candidate Barbara Sharief in her bid for the District 8 seat on the commission dais. Over the past decade candidates have run ads, especially in local races that have far to wide of a reach when it comes to television ads and unless these people enjoy burning campaign cash on non-voters. The candidates should try to target your ads to your targeted voters not the  mythical ones in other counties.

>>> PAST WDR: MAY 2008: U.S. economic model at risk with $126 a barrel cost for oil, conservation must be instituted as some hostile nations help pay our debt

Crude oil prices rose to a staggering $126 a barrel last week and the affect these high-energy prices will be profound on the U.S. economy as it is quickly forcing a major restructuring on how the nation operates and does business on the global scene. The nation has always competed with other nations for this black gold but the continued rise of China and India along with the growth of the economies in South and Central America has added a new dimension and we are behind the energy curve and we must start to conserve more at the minimum.

The nation’s decades of denial that oil would become more expensive is hitting us hard in the face now and people with big gas guzzling SUVs trying to trade them in are finding they have not retained much of their original value and this is also compounding the problem and hollowing out Americans pocket books further. In a world of FedEx, the internet and in global unrest, we as a nation must get to work in a big way to address our energy dependency. For if, oil goes higher still the whole economic model that America has built across the board will slow down and it even is affecting food prices.

The children of the United States already have $9.3 trillion in debt facing those in the coming generations and with a weak dollar, countries not really friends with us are paying our bills and that should be of major concern. If the nation is to be the Great Experiment once dreamed of generations before that now is stumbling and each of us should ask how we can do our part to change the energy tide, before someone else makes that decision for all of us on the free market.

>>> PAST WDR: JULY 2008: Mayor Diaz seems to be down, acts like he is unappreciated by people and voters of Miami

Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz was recently on a Sunday talk show on CBS4 www.cbs4.com with Eliott Rodriguez and when listening to him. He almost sounds a little bitter and seems to think he is unappreciated by Miami residents to the vast changes he brought to the office since first being elected in Nov. 2001. He is termed out next November but in the mean time, he will head up the national mayors conference that is holding its meeting in Miami on June 20. Diaz, who replaced former Mayor Joe Carollo, was light years different from the mercurial Carollo who loved the television talk shows where he incited the nation with some of his controversial comments.

Diaz, after a tough runoff against former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre in 2001 brought a sense of calm and sanity for a number of years but something began to change and he dropped the humble servant angle and now we are supposed to be thankful for all that he has done giving the impression that it was almost a pro bono act. His being in office. However, Diaz who has the most spectacular mayors office in the county overlooking Dinner Key Marina on the second floor also got a hefty raise after his election to a second term and then manager Joe Arriola and then Commissioner Johnny Winton proffered the motion even though at the time all three men were in a real estate investment in the south Grove, with another partner who later passed away.

Diaz would later get a fine from the county’s ethics commission and a four page Letter of Reprimand for the act but he still resists the belief that he did anything wrong, even though it involved members from all three branches of municipal government. The mayor believes his legacy will be the $3 billion global mega-plan that includes a new stadium for the Florida Marlins coming in at well over $535 million, a almost $1 billion port of Miami tunnel and a number of other projects have been thrown into the mix. Car magnate Norman Braman is challenging this county, city collaboration in a local court and last week both sides got some victories regarding the upcoming hearing before a circuit court judge in early July. Braman says he will take his appeal all the way to the Florida Supreme Court and both Diaz and county Mayor Carlos Alvarez are objecting to this legal delay that would end if the issue was just put to voters, Braman has said in the past.

Perhaps that is why Diaz is sounding a little down since so much of his legacy is riding on this mega plan that involves a very convoluted financial structuring scheme, but sometimes life is not always fair and in politics, things change, especially with the cooler national economy and condominiums in Miami standing empty or only partially occupied while others buildings continue to soar. Years ago when the building boom was at its peak. I said to the mayor that I hoped he was right, for if he was wrong it would take Miami years to recover and hurt his reputation. Something Ferre found out when Miami went bust in the late 1970’s producing a downturn that lasted over a decade, with only the $16 billion in FEMA and other aid after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 digging south Florida out of the housing and economic doldrums.

>>> 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

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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 atwatchdogreport1@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

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’sThe 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.

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

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Please make checks payable to: Daniel A. Ricker

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Fax 305-668-4784 -To contact the Publisher please e-mail watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Argus Report: Will money rule in U.S. Senate & Governor’s  races or will voter fatigue kick–in after Greene and Scott first campaign commercial barrage?

Obituary: Federal jurist tough but ‘fair’ gentle giant, chief federal Judge Davis passes at 77, will be missed!

Florida: When it comes to women voters, “trust me” they will know “I am one of them,” says gubernatorial candidate Sink

Miami-Dade County: Mayor Alvarez’s remark about symbolism odd given his past profession in law enforcement

Broward County: Commissioner Gunzburger faces off against state Sen. Geller; how low will they go as election draws closer in Aug.?

Polk County: Crist appoints three jurists: Judge Beth Harlan, Judge Mark Hofstad and Wayne Durden to the 10th Judicial Circuit Court.  

Kissimmee County: Gov. Crist suspends county commissioner Irizarry after domestic violence charge, #39 political removal for governor

Volusia County: Gov. Crist today announced the appointment of Bryan A. Feigenbaum to Volusia County Court.

Charlotte County: Gov. Crist appointed John L. Burns to the Charlotte County Court.

Monroe County: Gov. Crist recognized Ciegler of Key West as a Governor’s Point of Light.

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Supt. Carvalho and founding GM MacCullough fire back at Friends of WLRN Chair Altman’s comments last week

Public Health Trust: Commissioner Souto & Dean Goldschmidt call for local businesses and county employees with insurance to use Jackson!

City of Miami: Budget worries continue to plague city, is bankruptcy in the wings since a tax increase is out of the question?

City of Miami Beach: Feds pop Beach hotel developers, get charged with tax fraud

City of Coral Gables: Will rental bike kiosks pop-up in the Gables, Deco Bike about to start on the Beach, Cabrera hopes so

Community Events: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club, features former Fl. Senate president and state senate candidate Margolis — Women of True Grit and tribute to Roxcy Bolton –When:  Thursday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m., Where: Books & Books, Coral Gables

Editorials: Watchdog Report gives Miami Today a Tip of the Hat on paper’s 28^th Anniversary June 2 — Sept. 2003: PAST WDR: It is some ones money, government leaders and their administrations should remember that!

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 safe and reflective Memorial Day and we remember those through the Centuries that have fought and died so that we all could have the freedoms we have today. Despite challenges, the Great Experiment called the United States has survived and we all should remember those serving our nation around the globe, allowing us to live our daily lives in peace and tranquility here at home.

>>> 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.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Will money rule in U.S. Senate & Governor’s races or will voter fatigue kick –in after Greene and Scott campaign commercial barrage?

With Jeff Greene and Rick Scott on the statewide scene as political insurgents with one running as a Democratic party U.S. Senate candidate and the other for governor as a Republican. Florida voters will be asked if money is enough in today’s political arena to be elected to a substantial political office. Nationally voters are in a throw the bums out attitude in many cases, and here in Florida, a recent statewide poll shows independent voters are the most pessimistic voters when polled on the direction the state is going in, and it is the wrong way they say. In the last few weeks, state voters have been deluged with political campaign ads run by both Greene and Scott non-stop, and while these candidates are registering in this same polling. The question is how they will wear with the electorate, once they are better known, their past and of course, how they made their money. Greene is a billionaire, betting for house mortgages tanking and Scott is a former healthcare executive whose company later would settle after paying a well over $1 billion fine for Medicare and Medicaid irregularities.

Both men can be considered colorful and Greene is challenging U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami (net worth in 2002 around $62,000) and former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre, (Net worth $2.16 million) while Scott is challenging Bill McCollum, (Net worth $1.2 million). The Florida Republican attorney general and former congressman who lost two bids in a run for the U.S. Senate in 2000 and 2004. The attorney general won his current statewide office in 2006 and if he gets past Scott, will likely face Alex Sink (Net worth $8.6 million) the state’s Chief Financial Officer. However, neither establishment candidates are firing up the electorate so far and the races are considered wide open with the party’s primaries in August.

The real issue is who are these two men, what do we know about them and when will they become accessible to the press and questioning rather than communicating through the airwaves, their platform, that has Scott pounding Obama on his lax immigration policy and supporting the recent controversial Arizona immigration bill that has been the talk of the nation. Greene has drafted his retired mother to weigh in on her son, and how hard he has worked over the years, but it is unknown how these kind of ads will wear with voters over the almost next three-months, that will also involve the press digging deeper in these men’s past looking for a hint how they might be in a elected office. A position that is far different from being in the private sector. >>> Here are two stories on these new candidates: Election 2010: Florida Governor – Rasmussen Reports™ Millionaire health care executive Rick Scott has bombarded the airwaves to launch his out-of-nowhere bid for governor of Florida, while both the …
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/florida/election_2010_florida_governor – 45k – Cached >>> Billionaire Jeff Greene to Run for Senate – So what if Mike Tyson … Billionaire investor Jeff Greene launched what promises to be a rather colorful campaign for Florida’s Democratic Senate nomination today, depicting himself …http://www.newser.com/story/87465/billionaire-jeff-greene-to-run-for-senate.html – 231k – Cached

>>> Downtown Bay Forum of Miami to offer debate between congressional District 25 candidates at end of June

The Downtown Bay Forum of Miami is planning a debate among candidates running for Congressional District 25 and it could be the first verbal debate from the candidates. People vying for their party’s nod are state Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami and Paul Crespo trying to represent the Republican Party and Joe Garcia, a member in the Obama administration is expected to be the Democratic Party’s challenger. Rivera, also Chair of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade is skilled at running campaigns and Crespo is a veteran Marine officer with a wide range of skills and is a good orator. Garcia tried for the district in 2008 against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami but was beaten back though the race was closer than two other congressional races taking place back then between his older brother Lincoln who bested former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez and Congresswomen Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami beat off Democratic candidate Annette Taddeo, who is now running for the county commission. The details of the debate will become public soon, but the luncheon event should come on the last Wednesday of the month, possible the 23third or the 30th of June and for more information go to www.downtownbayforum.com

>>> White House press release Saturday night: Statement by the President on the Latest Efforts to Contain the BP Oil Spill

Today, I’ve spoken with National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, as well as Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and senior White House advisors John Brennan and Carol Browner regarding the ongoing efforts to stop the BP oil spill.  From the beginning, our concern has been that the surest way to stop the flow of oil – the drilling of relief wells – would take several months to complete.  So engineers and experts have explored a variety of alternatives to stop the leak now.  They had hoped that the top kill approach attempted this week would halt the flow of oil and gas currently escaping from the seafloor.  But while we initially received optimistic reports about the procedure, it is now clear that it has not worked.  Rear Admiral Mary Landry today directed BP to launch a new procedure whereby the riser pipe will be cut and a containment structure fitted over the leak.

This approach is not without risk and has never been attempted before at this depth. That is why it was not activated until other methods had been exhausted.  It will be difficult and will take several days.  It is also important to note that while we were hopeful that the top kill would succeed, we were also mindful that there was a significant chance it would not.  And we will continue to pursue any and all responsible means of stopping this leak until the completion of the two relief wells currently being drilled. As I said yesterday, every day that this leak continues is an assault on the people of the Gulf Coast region, their livelihoods, and the natural bounty that belongs to all of us.  It is as enraging as it is heartbreaking, and we will not relent until this leak is contained, until the waters and shores are cleaned up, and until the people unjustly victimized by this manmade disaster are made whole.

>>> Press release: DEFENDANT PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL EXPORT OF ROCKET TECHNOLOGY TO SOUTH KOREA

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Investigations, John F. Khin, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and John Corbett, Special Agent in Charge, NASA OIG, Office of Criminal Investigations, announced that defendant Juwhan Yun, a/k/a Jw Yun, 69, of Short Hills, New Jersey, pled guilty today to attempting to export RD-180 rocket propulsion system and technology to the Republic of South Korea without a license.  Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. According to court documents and statements made in court, as early as December 2008, Yun attempted to acquire RD-180 rocket propulsion systems, engines and related technology for the Republic of South Korea.  These items are classified as defense articles under the U.S. Munitions List.

According to court documents, Yun was previously convicted of conspiring to export Sarin gas in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and was previously sentenced to 39 months in prison.  As a result of today’s guilty plea, Yun faces a term of up to ten years in prison. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the ICE’s Office of Investigations in Ft. Lauderdale, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and NASA OIG, Office of Criminal Investigations, as well as the assistance of the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Walleisa. >>> 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.

>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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.

>>> 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!”

OBITUARY

>>> Federal jurist was tough but fair gentle giant, Judge Davis passes at 77, will be missed!

Edward Bertrand Davis, 77, passed May 24^th and the highly respected federal jurist will be missed. A host of friends gathered at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables Thursday evening and the grief was palatable, though lightened by the numerous stories being told about his decades on the federal bench rising to chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Davis an imposing 6’5” was a professional athlete earlier in his life, a U.S Army veteran before going into law and while many attorneys are bright, it was his even temperament that made him a judicial Great One. Judge Davis had an impact on me for over a decade and he and U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore during lunch over the years explained to me the size and role the southern district played in the community and why I write about the district to this day.

At the event in the historic hotel’s Granada Room were the cream of the legal community, including the bulk of the federal judges in South Florida, former U.S. Attorneys, and a cross section of current or past assistant federal attorneys, public defenders, and just long time friends who paused in front of the oil portrait done of Davis that usually was hanging in the Central Courtroom of the Dyer Federal Court House downtown in the large courtroom. His warm smile and gentle blue eyes belayed his ability to hand down a tough sentence if the crime warranted it, yet he was described as always ‘fair.’ After Judge Davis stepped down from the bench in 2000 he worked at AkermanSenterfitt and I used to spot him going into Miami City Hall where he had a couple of mediation cases. While many people knew Judge Davis better, he mentored and taught me many things that I hope I will carry through the rest of my life, and we will all miss you Ned. >>> The family asks donations in his memory to be made to Lakeland Center, 8400 La Amistead Cove, Fern Park, Florida 32730; 407.331.7226 and you can view the guest book at www.miamiherald.com/obituaries

FLORIDA

>>> When it comes to women voters, “trust me” they will know “I am one of them,” says gubernatorial candidate Sink

Alex Sink, the Florida Chief Financial Officer dropped in at Miami city hall during a commission meeting Thursday, and the former banker is running for the shot to be the Democratic candidate for governor, a spot on the ballot she will likely get after the August primary election. Sink will face Bill McCollum, the state attorney general or Rick Scott a millionaire healthcare executive now retired. Sink and McCollum are close in recent polls but the CFO polls equal with women as McCollum and that suggests there is some confusion about her gender given her first name. The issue actually came up on Thursday in the lobby in city hall when someone heard that Alex Sink was coming to the commission meeting. The man in question said, “Where is he?”

The Watchdog Report caught up with Sink after her comments to commissioners on Hurricane preparedness and the growing Deepwater Horizon gusher that is hammering the wetlands in Louisiana and might impact Florida. I asked Sink about the confusion with her first name and the number of women voters splitting evenly in the polls when asked which of the two candidates they preferred. Sink said, “30 percent of the women don’t know I am a woman yet, but trust me,” by this summer, they will know me.

>>> Statement by Gov. Crist regarding Memorial Day

“This Memorial Day Weekend, I join all Floridians in remembering and paying tribute to the courageous men and women throughout our nation’s history who have given their lives to secure our freedom. Their selfless and patriotic service allows us to enjoy the liberties we know and celebrate as Americans today. “Since the Revolutionary War, America’s Armed Forces have defended our God-given rights and upheld the values that make our country the world leader it is now. Our military has established a legacy of raising the hopes of people held captive and oppressed around the globe.

“On Memorial Day, we honor the valor of our service members from the past and present. My heart goes out to the troops serving here and overseas, including our National Guard. Please join me in praying for safety and comfort for them and their families while we enjoy the freedoms they are fighting to protect. “I also encourage all Floridians to join Americans across our nation in participating in the Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Monday to reflect on the heroism of our Armed Forces and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. “May God continue to bless Florida, our nation, our Armed Forces, our veterans and their families.”

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Mayor Alvarez’s remark about symbolism odd given his past profession in law enforcement

A Miami-Herald story www.miamiherald.com about the cars elected leaders are driving down at county Hall is resonating with the general public, if the media has it right, and Mayor Carlos Alvarez’s (Net worth $1.66 million) commented that he will not relinquish his car perk that currently involves getting a new 500 series BMW because he does not believe in symbolic gestures. He told the paper ‘my answer to that is, I am not going to do something that is symbolic.’ The mayor does say eliminating the benefit during these tough economic times ‘is a legitimate question’ and suggests he would do it if others who got cars followed but that is an odd answer. Alvarez, a former director of the Miami-Dade Police Department has spent decades in a profession that is based on honor, ritual and symbolic ceremonies, especially fallen comrades and his belief it would not make a difference is an unusual response for someone that sought and got a strong mayor form of county government where he was to be the person in charge, and would lead by example. The mayor is paid $233,000, he gets another $97,000 in benefits, and this is not chump change in today’s new norm and given the well over $300 million in cuts in next year’s budget. He could have set a better example, or at least explained his reasoning in a more understanding tone when it came to the 29,000, other county employees and taxpayers as a whole.

>>> What about the Commission Rolle ethics complaints?

Last Sunday, the Watchdog Report reported that the county ethics commission hit County Commissioner Dorrin Rolle (Net worth $1.02 million) with four probable cause ethics complaints and while the punishment if the commissioner is found guilty is not that severe. The investigation leading to the charges is a great read and shows what goes on internally in county hall over a few years and how commissioners get the kid glove treatment, even if it could be in violation of the charter. The Miami-Dade Home Rule Charter created in 1957 states that while the commission is the controlling legislative body, especially when it comes to allocating the county’s budget. It is the administration that is charged with the management and running of county services and in this investigation. It is surprising that no one stepped forward to warn someone and say this interference was inappropriate, especially since every county employee since the late 1990s has had to go through ethics training. Check out the memo yourself: >>> Ethics Commission: PROBABLE CAUSE MEMORANDUM To: Commission on Ethics and Public Trust –From Michael P. Murawski, Advocate –Re: Complaint C10- (In Re: Dorrin D. Rolle)..Recommendation: A finding of Probable Cause [1] should be entered in the above captioned matter. Background and Investigation: Respondent is a Miami-Dade County Commissioner who represents District #2 on the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). At all times relevant to the complaint time frame, Respondent was employed as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the James E. Scott Center (JESCA). [2] In approximately November 1999, JESCA purchased parcels of land in the 9200 block area to develop a Senior Center. In approximately September 2006 the JESCA Senior Center was still under construction. At approximately that time, Carolyn Gibson (Gibson), a Region 2 Manager for the Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation department (PRD), happened to be meeting with Respondent in his JESCA office on an unrelated matter. According to Gibson,   Respondent told her that JESCA might not be able to line up funding for the Senior Center and proposed turning it over to the PRD to operate. Upon returning to her office, Gibson conveyed Respondent’s proposal to her supervisor, who at the time was Vivian Donnell-Rodriguez, the PRD director (Rodriguez). Rodriguez, in turn, conveyed the information to Assistant County Manager Alex Munoz (Munoz). Munoz replied via e-mail to Rodriguez saying: “What do you need in terms of positions and dollars… I am glad that u (sic) spoke to Commissioner but I need details for Manager …thank you very much.”

The Senior Center issue seemed to lie dormant for a while, however in March 2007, Munoz sent an “urgent” e-mail to Rodriguez and other county staff notifying them of a meeting to be held in Respondent’s office to discuss “JESCA options” for operating funds. A subsequent e-mail from Ray Baker (Baker) dated September 10 2007, indicates that County Manager George Burgess met with Respondent to discuss funding for the JESCA Senior Center some of this funding included funding for fixtures, furniture and equipment; the so called ‘FFE” funding. Subsequent e-mails between County staff, including but not limited to then Acting PRD Director Jack Kardys (Kardys), reveal that funding outlays ranging from $320,000 to $400,000 were being set aside to fund the JESCA Senior Center.  On or about March 13, 2007, Respondent met with Assistant County Manager Alex Munoz and discussed what Munoz described as “appropriate ways” by which the County could fund the operations of the JESCA Senior Center including, but not limited to funding for the FFE.  On or about September 11, 2007 Respondent spoke with County Manager George Burgess about securing funding for JESCA including, but not limited to funding for the FFE associated with the Senior Center. Respondent violated section 2-11.1(m) and (n) when he meet with County personnel, including but not limited to the County Manager, Assistant County Manager Alex Munoz and/or former PRD staff and sought County funding for, among other things, the James E. Scott Community Association (JESCA) Senior Center. JESCA receives funding from Miami-Dade County. When he first became a County Commissioner in 1998, Respondent was advised by the County Attorney’s Office that he would need to recuse himself on issues involving JESCA in order to avoid any conflicts of interest. Relevant Ordinances: -Section 2-11.1 (g) of the Miami-Dade County Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics (the Code) entitled Exploitation of official position prohibited, states, in pertinent part: “No person included in the terms defined in Subsection (b)(1) through (6) shall use or attempt to use his official position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself or others…” -Section 2-11.1 (m), entitled Certain appearances and payment prohibited, states, in pertinent part: “No person included in the terms defined in Subsections (b)(1), (5) and (6) [commissioners, departmental personnel and employees] shall appear before any County board or agency and make a presentation on behalf of a third person with respect to any …benefit sought by the third person. Nor shall such person receive compensation, directly or indirectly or in any form, for services rendered to third person, who has applied for or is seeking some benefit from the County…” -Section 2-11.1 (n) of the Code reads in pertinent part that: “ No person included in the terms defined in subsections (b)(1) through (6) shall participate in any official action directly or indirectly affecting a  business in which he or any member of his immediate  family has a financial interest.”[3]  >>> www.miamiherald.com ran a local front-page story on Thursday concerning the Rolle matter with the county ethics commission and its investigation.

>>>PAST WDRs, OCT. 2003: At 11:40 a.m. during a committee meeting, commission chambers are totally empty

The county commission had a marathon series of committee meetings last week and some of the meetings were down right boring, but others were explosive with a major exchange-taking place between Commission Dorrin Rolle and Natacha Seijas.  Both commissioners are committee chairs and a sharp exchange occurred when Rolle objected at her government operations & environment committee that an item discussed had not been moved properly.

Seijas, chairing the committee said “Mr. Rolle we did move it” and stifled his protest of, “Madame Chair the item was not moved” a number of times and then she relented saying okay “were moving it now” and requested a second. Rolle visible annoyed at being cut off and her attitude and domineering tone after the vote said, “I know this is your meeting but we are supposed to be able to get our concerns,” answered and he had yet to get information from staff he had requested though it had been asked for months earlier.

>>> OCT. 2003: Seijas criticizes people that speak excessively, We talk, talk, talk

Seijas is becoming the dominate speaker at commission and committee meetings and after chairing her own committee that ran almost an hour late she noted it “was almost one o’clock and then blamed the late meeting on “We talk and talk and talk and don’t get the things done” and essentially blamed other commissioners for the long meeting.

Seijas also has become an ardent critic of practically any program that Mayor Alex Penelas supports and recently signaled out the funding for a juvenile crime program supported by the mayor.  The commissioner is likely not to face any opposition in her 2004 re-election campaign after she trounced former state Sen. Roberto Casas in 2000.

>>> OCT. 2003:  Not a single person was in the audience for an important committee meeting

The Budget and Finance Committee met Thursday morning and discussed a number of important issues, but at one point at 11:40 a.m., not a single person was in the chambers watching commissioners.  The committee system was created by the commission last year and it is here that the public gets to speak on issues, but people are not taking advantage of it and legislation is going through with little public tweaking. Commission Chair Barbara Carey-Shuler has tried to let the public know that it is at the committees where public input is welcome and not at a full board meeting.  The committees were set up to hear the minutia of a issue and offering greater discussion on a item but the general public still does not get this.

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist announced the appointment of Andrea Ricker Wolfson to Miami-Dade County Court.

“Andrea is a committed public servant with nearly 10 years of experience under her belt,” said Governor Crist.  “Her character and desire to serve will continue to be tremendous asset to the legal community and our state as she takes the bench.”  Wolfson, 37, has been an assistant state attorney with the 11th Judicial Circuit since 2001.  She previously taught legal writing as a teaching assistant at Chicago-Kent College of Law from 2000 to 2001.  Wolfson earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, master’s degree in biological sciences from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and law degree from the Chicago Kent College of Law. Wolfson will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Amy Karan. >>> Editor’s note: Wolfson is in no way related to the me.

>>> Recent reports done by the Miami-Dade Inspector General’s office: Miami-Dade Office of the Inspector General releases its 2009 Annual Report. >>> Final Audit Report re: Audit of Miami-Dade County Metrozoo Commodity Purchases and Appendices, Ref. IG09-50A, May 19, 2010.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Commissioner Gunzburger faces off against state Sen. Geller; how low will they go as election draws closer in Aug.?

The Watchdog Report did a quick review of the Broward Commission District 6 race that has long serving incumbent Commissioner Sue Gunzburger (Net worth $1.34 million) facing former state Sen. Steven Geller, D- Hallandale Beach (Net worth $1.24 million). Gunzburger has been a fixture on the commission for over a decade and Geller in the state legislature rose to become the Minority Leader in the senate. She works in real estate, he is an attorney and lobbyist, and his lobbying activities have drawn criticism over the years. The commissioner has raised $243,000 for her campaign war chest and she has spent $75,000 through April 7. The attorney has worked since 2008 to raise money for his campaign and through a similar time period. He has raised $145,000 and spent $18,000 through April 12.

Local political pundits believe the race will get nasty as the election draws closer and both are seasoned politicians and district voters should check out both candidates thoroughly for the stakes to your community have never been higher as Broward faces its biggest budget crisis since the county was formed. Since both candidates are Democrats, the real election will be Aug. 24 and Broward has over Democratic 544,000 voters, compared to 244,000 Republicans, and there is another 242,000 that are independents or other party affiliations bringing the total county electorate to 1,030,838 voters as of Friday.

>>> 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.

POLK COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist announced the appointment of Judge Beth Harlan, Judge Mark Hofstad and Wayne Durden to the 10th Judicial Circuit Court.

“Beth’s extensive legal knowledge from her more than 20 years practicing law both publicly and privately will be crucial as she takes the bench,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident her integrity and sense of fairness will serve the people of the 10th Circuit justly.”  Judge Harlan, 51, has served as a Polk County judge since 2006.  Previously, she was a sole practitioner from 1998 to 2006; an assistant Polk County attorney from 1985 to 1998; an assistant attorney general in the Lakeland office of the Attorney General from 1983 to 1995; and a research attorney with the Second District Court of Appeal from 1981 to 1983. Harlan earned both her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida.

“Mark is a committed public servant with a high ethical standard and solid work ethic,” said Governor Crist.  “He is guided by a strong conscience and personal and professional integrity that make him well-equipped to take the bench.” Judge Hofstad, 57, has served as a Judge of Compensation Claims since 2000. Previously, he was staff counsel to Fireman’s Fund Insurance from 1990 to 2000 and an assistant state attorney in the 10th Judicial Circuit from 1985 to 1990.  Hofstad earned his bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State College in Minnesota and law degree from McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific in California.

“Wayne’s commitment to his community combined with his over two decades experience will be an asset to the people of the 10th Judicial Circuit,” said Governor Crist. “His determination, respect for the law and established career in public service will be invaluable as he serves from the bench.” Durden, 51, has served as an assistant state attorney in the 10th Judicial Circuit since 1987.  Previously, he practiced privately with Donald Kaltenbach P.A. from 1985 to 1987 and as an assistant state attorney with the Sixth Judicial Circuit from 1982 to 1985. Durden earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and law degree at Stetson University. >>> Harlan, Hofstad and Durden will fill the vacancies created by the retirements of Judge Dick Prince, Judge Randall G. McDonald and Judge Robert L. Doyel.

KISSIMMEE COUNTY

>>> Gov. Crist suspends county commissioner Irizarry after domestic violence charge, #39 removal for governor

There he goes again, Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $466,000) has suspended Kissimmee County commissioner Carlos Irizarry after he was charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence violations. This is Crist’s 39^th suspension since he took office in Jan. 2009 and has concerned the governor enough that a state grand jury is studying the state’s “Culture of Corruption” looking to see the prevalence and scope of wayward elected leaders. >>> Press release: Governor’s Executive Orders 10-116: Executive Orders 10-116, suspending Carlos Irizarry, Kissimmee County commissioner.

VOLUSIA COUNTY

>>> Press release:  Governor Charlie Crist today announced the appointment of Bryan A. Feigenbaum of Ormando Beach to Volusia County Court.

“Bryan’s two decades of experience combined with his personal and professional integrity will serve him well as he takes the bench,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident Bryan will serve the people with fairness and compassion.” Feigenbaum, 44, has been an assistant state attorney with the Seventh Judicial Circuit since 1990.  Feigenbaum earned his bachelor’s degree from Davidson College in North Carolina and law degree from the University of Florida. Feigenbaum will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John Roger Smith.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

>>> Press release:  Gov. Crist appointed John L. Burns of Port Charlotte to the Charlotte County Court.

“John has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to carefully and fairly analyze and present evidence, and I am confident he will weigh each matter that comes before the bench in the same unbiased manner,” Governor Crist said.  “During his 15 years as a prosecutor with extensive courtroom experience, he has shown the highest level of integrity while interpreting and applying the rule of law.” Burns, 42, has served as an assistant state attorney with the 20^th Judicial Circuit Court since 1995. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University and a law degree from the University of Puget Sound/Seattle University School of Law. Burns will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge W. Wayne Woodard effective August 31, 2010.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist recognized Bonnie Ciegler of Key West as a Governor’s Point of Light.

“Bonnie’s dedication to preserving Key West’s natural resources sets a positive example of community leadership,” Governor Crist said. “Her service in promoting environmental awareness will continue to have an impact for many years to come.” For 19 years, Ciegler has been a volunteer at the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park in Key West. With extensive knowledge of plant and animal life and fort history, she has created many educational opportunities to visitors and staff at the park. Ciegler has also trained and led numerous groups in exotic plant removal projects. Her knowledge of landscaping and utility installation inspired her to create and cultivate a butterfly garden onsite. For more information on Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park please visit www.fortzacharytaylor.com. “Bonnie has been an integral part of Fort Taylor since 1991,” said David Foster, park manager of Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park.  “She is a valued member of our park family and a tremendous asset, good friend and volunteer who epitomizes what the spirit of giving is all about.” >>> 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. Florida’s Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.FloridasFoundation.org.

>>> Press release: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior Member of the Florida Congressional Delegation and a staunch opponent of off shore oil drilling, hosted a Tele-Townhall on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and its implications for Florida’s economy and environment. Hundreds of residents from Monroe County took part in this forum organized by the Congresswoman.

Participants who took part in the Tele-Townhall included: Ray Dempsey, BP; Captain Pat DeQuattro, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Key West; Sean Morton, Superintendent of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Dr. Roy Crabtree, NOAA Fisheries for the South Atlantic Region; Rick Mossman, Incident Commander for the National Park Service; Dr. Bob Atlas, Director of  NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML); Mark Robson, Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Florida Fish & Wildlife; Dr. Hans Graber, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (UM); Dr. Peter Ortner, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (UM); Dr.  Patrick Rice, Dean of Marine Science & Technology, Florida Keys Community College; Roman Gastesi, Monroe County Administrator; and Liz Compton, Office of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson.

Said Ros-Lehtinen, “I was pleased to host this Tele-Townhall because it gave residents in Monroe County the opportunity to ask direct questions from the participants who are all experts in the crucial areas related to the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The Florida Keys have been lucky that oil has yet to wash ashore, but it is our responsibility to be prepared and ready for any eventual outcome. I appreciate the participation of all involved. I will continue to do my very best to make sure that we all receive the latest information on the oil spill.”

>>> Administrator Gastesi says come on down to Keys, “Water is extremely clear for diving”

The Watchdog Report contacted County Administrator Roman Gastesi. Please let everyone know that we are open for business, the water is extremely clear for diving, and the early season dolphin fishing is one of the best in many years…come on down,!” wrote the veteran administrator and former water czar for Miami-Dade years ago. For more information about what is going on in the Keys go to :>>> The Monroe County tourism council continues to update its http://www.fla-keys.com <http://www.fla-keys.com> website with information regarding the spill and its relationship to the Keys. On the website are NOAA forecast tracking maps, a map showing the spill site in relation to the Keys, links to area webcams and more. TDC social media sites include: http://www.keysvoices.com • http://twitter.com/thefloridakeys • http://www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest >> Spill-related websites, primarily focusing on affected areas, include:
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com • http://www.noaa.gov

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Supt. Carvalho and founding GM MacCullough fire back at Friends of WLRN Chair Altman’s comments last week

Alberto M. Carvalho, the school district’s superintendent has responded to Janet K. Altman, the chair of Friends of WLRN response last week reported in the Watchdog Report www.watchdogreport.net and he writes. “Throughout the last 20 months, the intent of this administration has been to be a good steward of taxpayers’ dollars.  When the whole issue of Friends of WLRN came before the Audit Committee, many questions were raised, and it became apparent that work needs to be done to ensure that the dollars raised in support of WLRN are doing just that—maximizing the benefits of public television and radio for the public,” wrote Carvalho.

Further, another knowledgeable Watchdog Report reader, Don MacCullough wrote the following: “You may remember that I was General Manager of WLRN for more than twenty years. Together with Bea Myers, Petey Cox and others I was part of the group that founded Friends and wrote its original bylaws, so I bring some special knowledge of the history and purpose of Friends to the discussion. As General Manager of WLRN from the 1970’s until 1995, and at the time Friends of WLRN was founded, it is distressing to read Friends Chairman’s comments on the relationship between Friends and the School Board. Friends was founded to be the vehicle to raise funds to support programming directed to the general community.  It has also become a vehicle for financial activity, such as funding new program initiatives that would be impossible for the School Board to carryout expeditiously.

Mrs. Altman’s emphasis on the “independence’ of Friends is misguided. Friends was never intended to have that degree of independence. It was intended only that Friends should be the fund raising arm of WLRN and a responsible repository for the funds raised from the community and from certain grants. Friends was not chartered to make decisions as to how the funds should be spent or for any other purpose. Friends is not to be compared to those “independent” local charities that raise funds based on the services they, themselves, provide. Friends, in contrast, provides no service other than to raise funds solely for WLRN and its fund-raising efforts are based entirely on services provided by WLRN Radio and Television. In fact, a very large proportion is raised by on-air appeals broadcast on those two stations. The obvious question is, “Would anyone contribute to Friends based on the intrinsic value of the service  it provides to the community?”

How those funds raised by Friends are to be spent is governed by the a national statement of policy,  Editorial l Integrity in Public Broadcasting,  adopted  nationally by public broadcasting station boards, and by the School Board in the late 1980’s. That policy dictates specific oversight, support, and fiduciary responsibilities to the Board including to employ a professional manager who shall have the sole authority, within Board Rule, to make programming decision and as to how funds shall be spent to support that programming. That policy insures that neither a funds raising organization, special interests, nor politics should have the capacity to influence programming decisions. Mrs. Altman’s’ perspective of Friends” independence” challenges the roles and responsibilities of the School Board and the General Manager and is wrong. Her statement that no funding request from the stations has ever been refused assumes that Friends has the authority to “refuse.” Friends was never intended to have that right, and. it is apparently an authority that the Friends Board has taken unwittingly, or perhaps with purpose, unto itself. This controversy should  be quickly ended with the  Friends Board of Directors entering into an operating agreement with Board that includes the requisite Board  oversight, and, that limits Friend’s  role to an efficient and low cost  fund raising effort and serving as the repository for the funds raised until they are needed to support the programming goals of WLRN. The Friends Board insists that is acting in the interest of the stations. Instead by pursuing a factually and historically unsustainable position, it puts at risk the good will that WLRN-Radio and Television have earned over more than twenty–five years,” wrote MacCullough, the WLRN Founding General Manager.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Commissioner Souto & Dean Goldschmidt call for local businesses and county employees with insurance to use Jackson!

Javier Souto, (Net worth $856,000) the Miami-Dade Commissioner at Monday’s PHT board meeting made a remarkable recommendation about one way the public hospital system might be helped during these tough financial times for the institution. He suggested that business and more public workers who have health insurance should use the facilities and given there are some 29,000 public servants at the county alone, a massive outreach to these people could draw in new paying patients he thought. Souto said the perception in the community is “you only come here to die or after a tremendous accident” and while “that is the consensus out there [with many in the public], it is wrong,” he said. “Bring people here [to the main Jackson campus] give them some food and show them the campus” and show these business employees that “no one is killed here,” and it is “a safe area,” he suggested. The over 90-year old plus public hospital system is “owned by the people of Miami-Dade County and let industry” such as “banks and American Airlines bring there employees” here to see for themselves. He believes “some sort of engagement between the people and the hospital” was necessary and if this was not done. Jackson “will never be what it could be,” he intoned. Further, University of Miami Miller Medical School Dean Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D., suggested one way to start this introduction to the health trust’s medical capabilities was to get “Miami-Dade County employees to get their healthcare here,” he suggested. >>> On Sunday, a full-page open letter to the Miami-Dade community ran in The Miami Herald signed by Jackson Health System’s Medical Executive Committee who represents the 2,000 members of the medical staff and their commitment to the health of the community and the medical strides the health trust has made over the years. This upbeat letter campaign must continue in the future, if the trust over time, is going to change the perception some in the community have, and that in fact Jackson is a community medical jewel. www.miamiherrald.com

What else happened at the PHT board meeting?

>>> Neurosurgeon Green is awarded UM President’s Medal for work in Haiti after devastating Jan. 12 earthquake

Miller Medical School Dean Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D. told trustees and the public that for the first time in the University of Miami’s medical schools history. A member of the medical faculty, Barth A. Green, M.D. was awarded the prestigious UM President’s Medal for his work in Haiti after the Jan. 12 devastating earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands of adults and children. Green spearheaded the setting–up of a field hospital and getting medical volunteers from around the world to come to the country and give aide and medical care. Barth a world-renowned neurosurgeon has spent his life studying paralysis seeking a cure, and he is co-founder of the university’s The Project to Cure Paralysis unit.

>>> Goldschmidt also said the university and hospital were working with physicians and hospitals in Latin America. He noted they “were increasingly interested in developing a relationship,” including Kidney and other organ transplants and they “would have partner in the U.S. The cardiologist also said the top medical schools for Spanish speakers were “Stanford University and the University of Miami.”

>>> The Dean also said the UM medical school recently graduated 155 new physicians at the commencement ceremony. He also noted the importance of research and the listing of the medical school in a national magazine and these rankings “have never been higher.” www.miami.med

>>> Second class of medical school has 43 students, Heart surgeon Harrison from Baptist Health is university’s chief of specialty service

Florida International University’s new medical school Dean John Rock, M.D., www.fiu.edu told trustees that the second class of new students had been selected, and 43 students would start their first year of training in August. He noted that 80 percent of the students were of minority status, and that 10 of the future physicians were from Miami-Dade. Rock recently brought on the medical school’s faculty, Lynn Harrison Jr., M.D. as the medical schools chief of the division of cardiothoracic surgery and professor of clinical cardiovascular surgery. Harrison will give the keynote speech when this class of medical students participates in the White Coat Ceremony in August and he is Baptist Health’s clinical director of cardiac surgery www.baptisthealth.net .

>>> PHT board vice Chair Medina thanks Commissioner Joe Martinez for note

Angel Medina, the board’s vice chair noted the letter from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe Martinez thanking them for their service on the highly publicized organization was most appreciated. “This was a very fine letter” from the commissioner and he believed it was “nice to hear something good for all the work we do.” Martinez in his letter sent to all trustees, noted the board when they voted on issues was only as well informed as the administration allowed in the past, and he appreciated their commitment on the board. The trustees are just citizens who have volunteered, and most put in well over 30-hours a month on their duties and is why I am so demanding when one of their number is not pulling his weight. Medina, a former Regions Bank senior executive has really put in his time over the years, including being early at important meetings, and he and I frequently sat on the floor outside the West Wing Board room at about 7:30 a.m. waiting for it to become available over the years.

>>> Public notice: June 4: 10:30 a.m. – Miami-Dade County & Public Health Trust Mgmt. Team

Mayor Carlos Alvarez is meeting with top PHT management and the chair of the 17-member PHT board on June 4, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Conference Room 29A on the 29^th floor of the Stephen P. Clark Government Center downtown. It is open to the public and press. A Sunshine Meeting between Miami-Dade County and the Public Health Trust (PHT) Management Team has been scheduled to review ‘Jackson Health Systems operational, budgetary and financial matters.’ The Honorable Miami-Dade County Mayor, Carlos Alvarez; County Manager, George Burgess; Assistant County Manager, Alina Hudak; President and CEO of Jackson Health System, Dr. Eneida O. Roldan, and Public Health Trust Chairman, John H. Copeland, III, will be in attendance.

>>> Press release: Jackson Health System Committed  to Training Reassigned Nursing Staff -Plan Includes Specialty Internships

Jackson Health System (JHS) is committed to providing the highest level of safe, quality care to all of its patients. JHS has several training programs in place to evaluate the competency and skills of its nursing staff. Jackson’s Department of Education and Development provides a variety of specialty internships for nurses, including critical care, medical-surgical, pediatric, operating room and emergency nursing. The internships vary in length from 12 to 16 weeks and are modified to meet the specific needs of the participants. The nurses take part in classroom didactic presentations and simulations, as well as guided clinical experiences targeted at the specific skills required for the clinical areas in which the nurse will be working. Nurse Educators on the units coordinate the clinical experiences to reinforce the knowledge gained in the classroom.

During this orientation process, the nurse is assigned a preceptor, or buddy, who has experience in the area. The preceptor works closely with the nurse to ensure mastery of the technical, interpersonal and critical thinking skills required to excel in today’s complex health care environment. Nurses are also offered psychosocial support throughout the process. The Jackson nurses who were reassigned to different positions within the health system, as part of the recent workforce reduction and bumping process per union contracts, are currently engaged in this orientation process. “Our nurses are recognized nationally and internationally for their healthcare expertise,” said Eneida O. Roldan, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., president & CEO of Jackson Health System. “The public can rest assured that they will continue to receive the excellent care that Jackson is known for.” On March 31, 2010, the first group of nurses impacted by recent position changes completed their re-training program.  The three-month program, coordinated by JHS Education and Development, included a comprehensive overview of medical-surgical topics and skills. Participants received classroom instruction, simulation exercises, clinical preceptorship, rounding and frequent support group sessions.  The nurses, who were primarily from Jackson North Medical Center’s mental health unit, rose to the challenge and demonstrated flexibility and resiliency.

Mary Ann Villanueva, R.N., says the orientation prepared her for her new position as a neurotrauma nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital. “The educators were very knowledgeable and helped make the transition very smooth,” said Villanueva, who formerly worked as a nurse at Jackson North’s mental health unit. “I still have great trust and faith in Jackson.” The mission of Jackson’s Department of Education and Development is to support the goals of the organization by strengthening the competency of the clinical staff. JHS believes that the dynamic nature of today’s healthcare environment requires that all employees engage in continuous learning. The evidence shows that this type of professional development is directly linked to effective performance, positive patient outcomes and the financial viability of the organization.

>>> Press release: JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES ITS FIRST DIRECT RESEARCH AWARD –Grant Aimed at Developing Model to Reduce Inpatient Suicide and Suicide Attempts

This week, Jackson Memorial Hospital received its first direct research award to plan a patient safety and medical liability reform initiative that targets in-hospital suicides and suicide attempts. The research, led by a psychologist and physician at Jackson Mental Health Hospital, is aimed at preventing and improving assessment of the risk of in-patient suicide in a large, public healthcare system, such as Jackson Health System. The $300,000 grant is being awarded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for a one-year period. “This is a significant accomplishment for Jackson Health System and is a testament to our commitment to improving health care in our community and beyond,” said Eneida O. Roldan, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., president and chief executive officer of Jackson Health System. “I commend our highly trained staff at Jackson Mental Health Hospital for their hard work and dedication to patient safety.”

The investigators of this grant are Nicoletta B. Tessler, Psy.D., an attending psychologist at Jackson Mental Health Hospital, and Karin Esposito, M.D., Ph.D.,  associate chief medical officer of mental health and the interim associate chief medical officer and interim chief of service for ambulatory and corrections health at Jackson Health System. “Despite the enormous challenges facing JHS, this grant demonstrates to our patients and the community that we have not lost sight of our mission, which is to continually evolve as individuals and as a healthcare institution by remaining steadfast in our commitment to push ourselves to new heights,” said Dr. Tessler, who also serves as interim director of training and research at Jackson Mental Health Hospital, as well as the program director for adult outpatient service and the chair of the Suicide Prevention Committee at Jackson Memorial Hospital. “The utility of our research findings and procedures used to minimize suicide risk will have positive implications for improving clinical practice in healthcare institutions, such as saving lives and preventing medical errors.”

This grant will provide Jackson researchers with the opportunity to study the immediate need to develop and test an innovative model to reduce inpatient suicide. The new model, Initiative to Reduce Inpatient Suicide (I.R.I.S.), has four key components: staff and training, patient care, environmental safety and incident reporting. I.R.I.S. is aimed at effectively assessing, planning and treating at-risk patients so that patient safety and self-harm prevention is achieved, while also reducing medical liability that is directly related to inpatient suicide attempts and suicides. If successful, the study would implement a specific approach that could be replicated at various other healthcare facilities. To connect patient safety and medical liability, the proposed research proposes a parallel initiative, I.R.I.S.-Medical Liability Reform (I.R.I.S.-M.L.R.), to gather information through focus groups and surveys from internal and external stakeholders (legislators, accreditation bodies, insurance companies, lawyers and physicians). The goal is to generate options about how to reform medical liability and be more responsive to patient safety, to investigate major patient safety failures, to explore how the I.R.I.S. model can be used to reform medical liability and to create a plan to form workgroups across communities and health care systems to improve patient safety protocols.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Budget worries continue to plague city, is bankruptcy in the wings since a tax increase is out of the question

The Watchdog Report last week was given a multi page document that described the city of Miami’s financial future and its liabilities, and the idea of having the municipality go into bankruptcy is not that far fetched, unless significant reductions in costs, across the board including cuts in the city’s pension payments are achieved in the months ahead. The document titled Budget Crisis Breakdown, state’s with the city dealing with a $90 million shortfall this year. If dramatic actions are not taken, with raising taxes out of the question, up to 800 public workers of the city’s 4,000 would be let go. Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff (Net worth $2.28 million) had the breakdown done and he continues to raise the fiscal alarm fairly consistently at commission meetings, along with the other commissioners that include attorney Francis Suarez; Frank Carollo a CPA; Willy Gort a financial investment banker, and Rev. Richard Dunn, the newest member on the five-member body. The new commission has been dealt a tough set of cards after former Mayor Manuel “Manny” Diaz (Net worth $1.8 million) left for office that had the city over a number of years spending more than was taken in, even with a red-hot economy and property tax base increase that jumped countywide to 21.3 percent a one point a few years back.

What is going on with Commissioner Sarnoff’s campaign?

Sarnoff, about ten days ago had a well-attended campaign fundraiser at the Four Seasons Hotel on Brickell. The veteran commissioner, who started out as a Grove activist, is up for reelection in November 2011 and in the future. He will also have a hand in the shape of commission District-2 after the 2010 Census numbers are compiled. The Miami Commission will then draw new districts for themselves after the census numbers become available on March 2011. Sarnoff first won as an outsider beating appointed Miami Commissioner Linda Haskins in 2006 in a race that only can be described as viscous, and expensive with the losing commissioner spending over $700,000 in the contentious race that Sarnoff won by a two-to-one margin. For this upcoming contest, it is clear the commissioner will be doing some serious fundraising, a tactic that generally tamps down potential challengers from emerging.

>>> Press release: City of Miami Multi-Year Budget Analysis submitted by Public Financial Management (PFM) Information is used as source material:Public Financial Management Report For City of Miami Local Media has been very proactive reporting on this important issue and getting the facts to the public. Here are links to the coverage: NBC 6 Budget Coverage — CBS 4 Budget Coverage

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>> Feds pop Beach hotel developers, get charged with tax fraud

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General John DiCicco, and Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, announced that defendants Mauricio Cohen Assor and his son, Leon Cohen-Levy, each with residences in Miami Beach, Fla., have been charged with conspiring to defraud the United States and filing false tax returns.  Both defendants have been ordered detained pending trial. According to court documents, the two men and their co-conspirators used nominees and shell companies formed in tax haven jurisdictions, including the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Panama, Liechtenstein and Switzerland to conceal their assets and income from the IRS.  In order to further conceal their assets and income from the IRS, court documents state the men also provided false and forged documents to banks, opened bank accounts in the name of nominees, titled their personal residences and luxury vehicles in the name of shell companies, filed false and fraudulent tax returns, failed to file other tax returns, suborned perjury in a civil matter pending before the New York Supreme Court by directing individuals to testify falsely under oath, and induced other individuals to make false statements to federal law enforcement agents. According to court documents, Mauricio Cohen Assor and Leon Cohen-Levy were the developers and owners of several residential hotels known by the trade name Flatotel International.  In 2000, the defendants sold one of their New York hotels and generated proceeds of $33 million.  The income earned from the sale of the hotel was never reported on United States tax returns by the Cohens or by any of their related entities.

According to court documents, among the assets and income the Cohens concealed from the IRS are a $45 million investment portfolio, a condominium at Trump World Tower in New York City that was worth as much as $10 million,  the personal residence of Mauricio Cohen Assor on Fisher Island in Miami Beach worth approximately $20 million, the personal residence of defendant Leon Cohen Levy in Miami Beach worth approximately $26 million, the personal residence of the daughter of Mauricio Cohen Assor in Bal Harbor, Fla., commercial properties valued in excess of $55 million in Miami Beach, luxury vehicles, including a Rolls Royce Phantom, a Porsche Carrera GT, a Bentley, a Ferrari Testarossa, a BMW Z8, a Dodge Viper, a limousine and a $1.2 million helicopter. >> A criminal indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  If convicted, the Cohens each face a maximum of 14 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million, plus being ordered to pay tax, penalties and interest. Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Acting Assistant Attorney General John DiCicco commended the investigative efforts of the IRS agents involved in this case, as well as Senior Litigation Counsel Kevin M. Downing and Trial Attorneys Mark F. Daly and John E. Sullivan of the Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Neiman, who are prosecuting the case. More information about the Justice Department’s Tax Division and its enforcement efforts is available at www.usdoj.gov/tax/. 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: Memorial Day Weekend: Miami Beach Police Athletic League, 999 11 Street (Flamingo Park)  Miami Beach

Deployment of first team of Goodwill Ambassadors. This year, we have a record number of volunteers, about 300, that will serve as liaisons between the City of Miami Beach and the visitors. The ambassadors provide information and help visitors remain informed on pertinent laws and dispel any confusion working on eight-hour shifts throughout the weekend. The City of Miami Beach established the Goodwill Ambassador Program in 2001 as part of Miami Beach’s major events plan to assist City staff during major events and holiday weekends.  The City of Miami Beach works closely with Miami-Dade County’s Office of Community Relations to expand the program. Volunteers consist of City of Miami Beach employees, Miami-Dade County employees and members of the clergy (God Squad).

>>> City press release: Memorial Day Weekend 2010 – Miami Beach Community Information – Miami Beach will once again play host to many visitors over the holiday weekend. To ensure everyone’s safety, enjoyment and cooperation of quality of life issues, the City of Miami Beach will be implementing its Major Events Plan (MEP) that enhances staffing and services over the weekend. Click here > to read more about the plan and restrictions to traffic and parking. Click here <https://mail.miamibeachfl.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103414337039%26s=847%26e=001XP5TMcDTKeOpri2ktewJ6×8t8mOUBHkFM_mj6FwOvgJfs87eHmjRsdRkiLy9apCQxbdS7dcGNit8bH1Sg8dlNAvSXq8o58X1zyLYihb3ajS1_S-znLl-WSuoRaBeYud5yz1WKs4DU9XiPUumqLax6qcnY0Tjsa1-1mg9nKvlrXk=>  to read more about the plan and restrictions to traffic and parking. >>> Information hotline: 305.604.CITY >>> Tourism hotline: 305.673.7400 — COMMUNITY NOTICE: http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=58503

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Will rental bike kiosks pop-up in the Gables, Deco Bike about to start on the Beach, Cabrera hopes so

Ralph Cabrera, Jr., the Coral Gables commissioner and avid bike rider suggested a plan Tuesday at the commission meeting that the city emulate what is about to be tried on Miami Beach in the coming months concerning bicycle rentals. The commissioner said that city commission last year passed and put out a RFP for a company to set up kiosks where bikes are available for rent at a number of popular locations where you need them to also return you to your starting point. Cabrera said this type of thing is being done all over Europe and it is very popular. On the Beach, the program is called “Deco Bike” and while not yet instituted said Nannette Rodriguez, a Miami Beach media spokeswoman. The city’s leaders are excited about the introduction of more bikes and less cars on the busy city streets. Cabrera also said the city hoped over a “24 month period” to bring in a projected $2 million in revenue but Rodriguez would not confirm that dollar amount as accurate.

What about the $155 million unfunded pension fund?

A reliable source last week told me the city’s unfunded pension obligation for the year was $155 to $160 million and even after arbitration and mediation no solution has been settled on between the administration and its union members.

>>> Press release: City Unveils Renovations At Riviera Park — The City of Coral Gables invites the entire community to attend a ceremony on Tuesday, June 1, at 5 p.m. to celebrate the completion of Riviera Park’s extensive renovations. Located at 6611 Yumuri Street, Riviera Park underwent renovations which began last June and included the demolition and removal of concrete walkways, new electric light poles, site furniture, new playground with synthetic flooring, fencing, landscaping and irrigation system. The park also has a new gazebo and exercise trail with stations. Funding for this project was made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program and approximately $135,000 from Miami-Dade County’s General Obligation Bond. After the ceremony, light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Press release: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club — Meeting Date: Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 -Meeting Time: 8:30 AM, Meeting Place: David’s Café II, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach

Gwen Margolis, past President of the Florida Senate, and current candidate for the open Senate seat of Dan Gelber, will be this weeks guest speaker at the June 1st meeting of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club. Senator Margolis has had a long and distinguished career in Florida politics, starting with her election to the Florida House of Representatives in 1974, where she was subsequently re-elected to three additional terms.  Her career in the Florida Senate started in 1980, and in 1990 she became the first women in the United States to serve as President of any state Senate. In 1994 she was elected to the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners , where she served six of her eight years as its Chairman.  In 2002 she returned to the Florida Senate, and today, in 2010, she is once again running as a Senate candidate in the August Democrat primary. >>> 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 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).

>>> Press release: Women of True Grit and tribute to Roxcy Bolton –When:  Thursday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m., Where: Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, 305-442-4408 – Cost: Admission is free –Reception Celebrating Roxcy Bolton’s inclusion in the new book: Women of True Grit Books & Books

Coral Gables Store, 265 Aragon Avenue; Coral Gables, FL   33134 –June 3, 2010 -7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. >>> Sponsored by the Women’s History Coalition of Miami-Dade County, Inc. (Prior to Edie Hand and Tina Savas’ presentation of Women of True Grit) In honor of Roxcy Bolton, Women’s History Coalition of Miami-Dade County, Inc. is sponsoring reception prior to the presentation of the book by its authors.  You are invited to meet Roxcy and enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar in the Coral Gables Books and Books  from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.  At 8:00 p.m., the authors, Edie Hand and Tina Savas, will discuss their book, Women of True Grit. Sponsored by The Women’s History Coalition of Miami Dade County, Inc.

EDITORIALS

>>> Watchdog Report gives Miami Today a Tip of the Hat on paper’s 28^th Anniversary June 2

Miami Today’s 28^th Anniversary is coming-up and that is something South Florida residents should celebrate since the media overall is in a recession and these celebrations are a big deal and a Tip of the Hat is deserved to Michael Lewis and his team of reporters. www.miamitodaynews.com The weekly publication is free and is widely read by tens of thousands of leaders and community shakers and while light on in house investigative stories. The paper every week reports on a wide swath of news that should be of interest to many South Floridians.

I write about the paper’s longevity because it is important and means the final product is appreciated and fills a news niche at a time other papers and television heavyweights either scale back or just shut the door and close. Since the Watchdog Report is only 11 years old. I look at the age of The Miami Herald at 107 years, The Miami Times well over 80 years old, The Miami New Times about 30-years and then there is Miami Today founded on June 2, 1983 and like the Eveready news Bunny. The paper keeps on going in an environment that over the years throws up numerous obstacles in the way when it comes to survival as a business entity and Lewis and his team should be proud of that fact. For the sacrifices made over the centuries in American Blood and Treasure to ensure a free and vibrant press can only be sustained by the continuation of papers like Miami Today and I wish all at the weekly-continued success in bringing the news in an independent way to the residents of South Florida.

>>>PAST WDR: Sept. 2003: PAST WDR: It is some ones money, government leaders and their administrations should remember that!

At the city of Miami Beach Special Commission meeting last week, one commissioner discussing the BayLink project said that how they voted was no problem since it was not the city’s money.  Well commissioner, it is someone’s money and elected leaders and their administration should remember that fact. The most egregious example of that thinking occurred back in 1999 at county hall when during a commission meeting former county aviation director Gary Delappa told county commissioners that concerning a $1.2 billion overrun and change in scope and plans at Miami International Airport that they needed not to worry since “its not county money.”  At the time, the Watchdog Report publisher spoke as a citizen and said that I came from the private sector and if it had been me, I would have been on my knees begging to keep my job. Months later at a Metropolitan Planning Organization, when Delappa kept making the reference that it was not county money that had been lost.  Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez finally cut him off saying, “Well Gary it is someone’s money and you had better find out whose it is.”

Public money is everyone’s money and be it federal, state or local tax dollars that money belongs to all of us and elected officials and their administrations should always remember that important fact.   At a time, that security costs are going thought the roof, the frugal use of our tax dollars is even more critical and elected leaders must lift the bar in their stewardship of public funds and being more accountable for how this money is spent under their watch.  The public puts their trust in their governments and elected officials should remember that if voters are not to remind them later at the polls.

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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

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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.

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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Argus Report: U.S. Atty. Ferrer honored by county, committed to fight fraud, public corruption; will these federal activities touch the counties?

Florida: Are gubernatorial candidates McCollum, Sink, Dockery and Scott resonating with voters, appears lukewarm so far

Miami-Dade County: Commissioner Rolle hit with four ethics violations for trying to steer county money to JESCA

Broward County: Feds pop man for attempted robbery at Regions Bank in Cooper City

Palm Beach County: Former Guatemalan Special Forces combatant indicted for false statements on federal form concerning 1982 massacre of villagers

Orange County: Gov. Crist appointed Patricia A. Doherty to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.

Monroe County: Administrator Gastesi says come on down to Keys, “Water is extremely clear for diving”

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Friends of WLRN board chair Altman fires back at last week’s WDR story, in her own words

Public Health Trust: Seijas tries to clear the air by letter in The Herald about Jackson, usually slams the paper and “people who buy ink by the barrel”

City of Miami: With city budget in dire straights, complete count in 2010 Census must be top priority, tens of millions over the decade in funding

City of Miami Beach: Litter, litter everywhere, beaches, and parks must be kept clean through education and zero tolerance enforcement, says Libbin

City of Coral Gables: Residents get face time with Mayor Slesnick at lunch Monday

Community Events: Florida Legislative round-up luncheon at Downtown Bay Forum Wednesday

Editorials: Budget gurus looking grim at all levels of public institutions with another round of significant cuts coming —- Miami Herald Ombudsman takes swipe at local papers, what about stories written by government employees?

Letters: PHT trustee on Commissioner Souto’s remarks about PHT board last week – Reader on Watchdog Report past work

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.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> U.S. Atty. Ferrer honored by county, committed to fight fraud, public corruption; will these federal activities touch the counties?

The Miami-Dade County Commission honored Wilfredo “Willy” Ferrer, the new U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida last week. Ferrer, 43, was an assistant county attorney the last few years after being a federal prosecutor in the Clinton Administration. Commission vice Chair Jose “Pepe” Diaz sponsored the proclamation and the event had Commission Chair Dennis Moss saying the selection of Ferrer by the Obama Administration shows the county “has the best law firm” in town, something he mentions periodically from the dais. The new top federal cop told the media last Tuesday www.miamiherald.com that he was embarrassed that South Florida led the nation when it came to all the varieties of fraud and he plans to do something about it. Ferre said he plans to have the office work with all the enforcement agencies at all levels to root out the community’s ills and with around 460 FBI special agents here along with ICE, ATF and many other federal law enforcement agencies. He has some back up in this endeavor. Ferrer is expected to shake up the office in some ways and the community from Fort Pierce to Key West waits to see what happens under his leadership of one of the nation’s busiest federal districts.

>>> M-DC Press release: Vice-Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz and County Commission congratulate Wifredo “Willy” Ferrer on appointment as U.S. Attorney

On May 18, Vice-Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz called for a special presentation with his colleagues on the County Commission in Chambers to congratulate Assistant County Attorney Wifredo “Willy” Ferrer on his appointment by President Barack Obama as the U.S. Attorney for the South District of Florida. Ferrer, who had been with the County Attorney’s Office since 2006, was awarded a proclamation naming May 18th “Willy Ferrer Day” for his service to Miami-Dade County. “Mr. Ferrer has done an excellent job representing our community and we wish him the best in his new role,” said Vice-Chairman Diaz. “On behalf of the County Commission, we are extremely proud that one of our own has been recognized by our nation’s leaders for his work.”

>>> Miami Monthly magazine takes a “hiatus” until sour economy turns around writes publisher Carpenter

Elena V. Carpenter, the publisher of Miami Monthly magazine in a letter to subscribers recently says the magazine will be back after a “hiatus” and the sour economy turns around for advertisers and the media alike. The magazine first started as a monthly newspaper in the 1990s and morphed into the glossy version during the height of the real estate boom around 2005. Carpenter last year was on a panel at the Downtown Bay Forum monthly luncheon discussing the press, and its long-term survival. At the time she said her organization’s motto was the Bee Gees song Staying Alive and she was trying to go to a subscriber business model that had readers picking a number of levels of financial help, but apparently it was not enough to keep the magazine publishing that recently went to bimonthly status. The Watchdog Report hopes that Miami Monthly gets back on its feet in the future for the lack of news reporting, and just general community event outlets is getting smaller by the day, and that is not a good thing. Here is the last issue on the webpage:  Welcome to Miami Monthly Magazine Miami Monthly is a city-regional glossy serving the Greater Miami area. Regular sections include community news, personality profiles, dining, www.miamimonthlymagazine.com

>>> White House Press release: President Obama Establishes Bipartisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling Names Former Two-Term Florida Governor and Former Senator Bob Graham and Former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency William K. Reilly as Commission Co-Chairs

In this week’s address, President Obama announced that he has signed an executive order establishing the bipartisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling with former two-term Florida Governor and former Senator Bob Graham and former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency William K. Reilly serving as co-chairs. The bipartisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling is tasked with providing recommendations on how we can prevent – and mitigate the impact of – any future spills that result from offshore drilling.

The commission will be focused on the necessary environmental and safety precautions we must build into our regulatory framework in order to ensure an accident like this never happens again, taking into account the other investigations concerning the causes of the spill. The commission will have bipartisan co-chairs with a total membership of seven people. Membership will include broad and diverse representation of individuals with relevant expertise. No sitting government employees or elected officials will sit on the commission. The Commission’s work will be transparent and subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.  The Commission will issue a report within six months of having been convened.

President Obama named the following individuals as Co-Chairs of National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling:

Senator Bob Graham is the former two–term governor of Florida and served for 18 years in the United States Senate. Senator Graham is recognized for his leadership on issues ranging from healthcare and environmental preservation to his ten years of service on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence — including eighteen months as chairman in 2001–2002. After retiring from public life in January 2005, Senator Graham served for a year as a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.  From May 2008 to February 2010, he served as Chairman of the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism whose mandate was to build on the work of the 9/11 Commission. Senator Graham was also appointed to serve as a Commissioner on the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, established by Congress to examine the global and domestic causes of the recent financial crisis.  The Commission will provide its findings and conclusions in a final report due to Congress on December 15, 2010.  He also serves as a member of the CIA External Advisory Board and the chair of the Board of Overseers of the Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida. Senator Graham has been recognized by national and Florida organizations for his public service including The Woodrow Wilson Institute award for Public Service, The National Park Trust Public Service award and The Everglades Coalition Hall of Fame. Senator Graham earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida and an LLB from Harvard Law School. He is the recipient of an honorary doctorate of public service from his alma mater, the University of Florida, and honorary doctorates from Pomona College and Nova Southeastern University.

William K. Reilly is a Founding Partner of Aqua International Partners, LP, a private equity fund dedicated to investing in companies engaged in water and renewable energy, and a Senior Advisor to TPG Capital, LP, an international investment partnership. Mr. Reilly served as the first Payne Visiting Professor at Stanford University (1993-1994), Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1989-1993), president of the World Wildlife Fund (1985-1989), president of The Conservation Foundation (1973-1989), and director of the Rockefeller Task Force on Land Use and Urban Growth from (1972-1973).  He also served as the head of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Earth Summit at Rio in 1992.  Mr. Reilly is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of the World Wildlife Fund, Co-Chair of the National Commission on Energy Policy, Chairman of the Board of the ClimateWorks Foundation, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University, and a Director of the Packard Foundation and the National Geographic Society and a member of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force. He also serves on the Board of Directors of DuPont, ConocoPhillips, Royal Caribbean International and Energy Future Holdings, for which he serves as Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Advisory Board.  In 2007 Mr. Reilly was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He holds a B.A. degree from Yale, J.D. from Harvard and M.S. in Urban Planning from Columbia University. >>>The full audio of the address is HERE. The video can be viewed online at www.whitehouse.gov.

>>> Remarks of President Barack Obama Weekly Address Washington, DC

One month ago this week, BP’s Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded off Louisiana’s coast, killing 11 people and rupturing an underwater pipe. The resulting oil spill has not only dealt an economic blow to Americans across the Gulf Coast, it also represents an environmental disaster. In response, we are drawing on America’s best minds and using the world’s best technology to stop the leak. We’ve deployed over 1,100 vessels, about 24,000 personnel, and more than 2 million total feet of boom to help contain it. And we’re doing all we can to assist struggling fishermen, and the small businesses and communities that depend on them.

Folks on the Gulf Coast – and across America – are rightly demanding swift action to clean up BP’s mess and end this ordeal. But they’re also demanding to know how this happened in the first place, and how we can make sure it never happens again. That’s what I’d like to spend a few minutes talking with you about. First and foremost, what led to this disaster was a breakdown of responsibility on the part of BP and perhaps others, including Transocean and Halliburton. And we will continue to hold the relevant companies accountable not only for being forthcoming and transparent about the facts surrounding the leak, but for shutting it down, repairing the damage it does, and repaying Americans who’ve suffered a financial loss.

But even as we continue to hold BP accountable, we also need to hold Washington accountable. Now, this catastrophe is unprecedented in its nature, and it presents a host of new challenges we are working to address. But the question is what lessons we can learn from this disaster to make sure it never happens again. If the laws on our books are inadequate to prevent such an oil spill, or if we didn’t enforce those laws – I want to know it.  I want to know what worked and what didn’t work in our response to the disaster, and where oversight of the oil and gas industry broke down. We know, for example, that a cozy relationship between oil and gas companies and agencies that regulate them has long been a source of concern. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has taken steps to address this problem; steps that build on reforms he has been implementing since he took office. But we need to do a lot more to protect the health and safety of our people; to safeguard the quality of our air and water; and to preserve the natural beauty and bounty of America. In recent weeks, we’ve taken a number of immediate measures to prevent another spill.  We’ve ordered inspections of all deepwater operations in the Gulf of Mexico.  We’ve announced that no permits for drilling new wells will go forward until the 30-day safety and environmental review I requested is complete.  And I’ve called on Congress to pass a bill that would provide critical funds and tools to respond to this spill and better prepare us to confront any future spills. But we also need to take a comprehensive look at how the oil and gas industry operates and how we regulate them. That is why, on Friday, I signed an executive order establishing the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. While there are a number of ongoing investigations, including an independent review by the National Academy of Engineering, the purpose of this Commission is to consider both the root causes of the disaster and offer options on what safety and environmental precautions we need to take to prevent a similar disaster from happening again.  This Commission, I’d note, is similar to one proposed by Congresswoman Capps and Senator Whitehouse.

I’ve asked Democrat Bob Graham and Republican Bill Reilly to co-chair this Commission. Bob served two terms as Florida’s governor, and represented Florida as a United States Senator for almost two decades. During that time, he earned a reputation as a champion of the environment, leading the most extensive environmental protection effort in the state’s history. Bill Reilly is chairman emeritus of the board of the World Wildlife Fund, and he is also deeply knowledgeable about the oil and gas industry. During the presidency of George H.W. Bush, Bill was Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and his tenure encompassed the Exxon Valdez disaster. I can’t think of two people who will bring greater experience or better judgment to the task at hand. In the days to come, I’ll appoint 5 other distinguished Americans – including scientists, engineers, and environmental advocates – to join them on the Commission. And I’m directing them to report back in 6 months with recommendations on how we can prevent – and mitigate the impact of – any future spills that result from offshore drilling. One of the reasons I ran for President was to put America on the path to energy independence, and I have not wavered from that commitment. To achieve that goal, we must pursue clean energy and energy efficiency, and we’ve taken significant steps to do so. And we must also pursue domestic sources of oil and gas. Because it represents 30 percent of our oil production, the Gulf of Mexico can play an important part in securing our energy future. But we can only pursue offshore oil drilling if we have assurances that a disaster like the BP oil spill will not happen again. This Commission will, I hope, help provide those assurances so we can continue to seek a secure energy future for the United States of America.

>>> ZOGBY POLL Press release: Zogby Interactive:  71% Don’t Like ‘Bank Bailouts,’ But Small Majorities See Necessity of Government Intervention

Anger Over Perceived Wall St. Abuses More Important Than Acknowledgement of TARP’s Benefits

More than seven in 10 likely voters do not favor the federal government’s “bank bailouts,” but small majorities do agree that the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) was necessary, helped stabilize the economy and may have averted a Depression. Those results come from a Zogby Interactive poll of 2,063 likely voters that was conducted from May 14-17 and has a margin of error of +/- 2.2%. Near the beginning of the survey, which also included several other topics, 71% of voters said their opinion of the “bank bailouts” that began in September 2008 was unfavorable, including 43% who chose very unfavorable. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website:
http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1866

>>> If you believe, it is important to have someone watching your public institutions, consider supporting the Watchdog Report for essentially no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! 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.

>>> 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

>>> Are gubernatorial candidates McCollum, Sink, Dockery and Scott resonating with voters, appears lukewarm so far

Alex Sink, the Florida Chief Financial Officer cannot seem to get a break with some people, especially with women not being aware she is a female Democratic Party candidate for governor. Sink, (Net worth $8.6 million) a retired Bank of America senior executive first ran for the CFO office in 2006 and in that case, she essentially coasted to victory. The only potential opposition for her would be if Lawton “Bud” Chiles III, the son of the deceased governor decides to throw his hat into the ring but that has yet to happen. Sink in 2002 got her first taste of running for office when her husband, attorney Bill McBride, the Democratic Party gubernatorial champion, ran against Gov. Jeb Bush. The Republican incumbent easily beat the attorney who as a political novice running a statewide race had a number of difficulties during the campaign. In her case, she would stump for him at events and I told her at the time, she was the candidate but to date in the governor’s race she has run a hesitant, careful campaign and she is very careful when speaking to reporters from my experience.

Bill McCollum, (Net worth $1.2 million) the state’s attorney general still has her trailing him in recent polls www.miamiherald.com but only by 34 to 32 percent and it is the 34 percent undecided voters that are the key swing vote in November’s General Election if they are the party’s candidates. Further, a new face has popped up on state voter’s television sets in the past weeks and it is former healthcare executive Rick Scott, now also running in the Republican Primary against McCollum and state Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland (Net worth $2.8 million) for the state’s top spot. Scott, a senior healthcare executive retired from Columbia/HCA is willing to spend $25 million of his own money in this effort to win the August primary but he also has past baggage. Scott’s company after he left the firm settled with authorities paying $1.7 billion in the agreement and McCollum has already made the man’s money, and how he made it an issue. In the poll done by Ipsos Public Affairs, McCollum garnered 46 percent to Scott’s 22, and Dockery had 3 percent support with another 30 percent undecided during the polling of 607 registered voters state’s St. Petersburg Times/The Miami Herald.

Why was Gov. Crist at UM Lois Pope LIFE Center Tuesday?

Gov. Charlie Crist did a redo signing ceremony at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine of the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act bill passed by the Florida legislature and the governor signed the legislation a few days earlier. The bill is aimed to reduce and stop red light runners with cameras at intersections. The citations cost will vary around the state and municipalities are hoping to pick up some extra revenue as well. The bill also directs some of that money to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis headed up by Marc Buoniconti. Along with Crist was a host of notables including the two bills sponsors, state Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne (Net worth $1.64 million) and state Rep. Ronald Reagan, R-Bradenton, (Net worth $628,000). >>> For more information about donating go to www.thebuonicontifund.com

What about the $50 million for Jackson in the state budget?

The Watchdog Report asked Crist twice about the $50 million in state funding inserted into the state’s $70.4 billion budget for Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the money is critical to the hemorrhaging health trust system. The governor said he could not commit on the finding yet since it is still under review but I believe he will support the appropriation. In the future, he can veto, sign, or just do nothing and the bill passes and becomes law.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Commissioner Rolle hit with four ethics violations for trying to steer county money for JESCA

The Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust Commission hit Dorrin Rolle, the long serving county commissioner representing District 2 Wednesday with four counts of probable cause for trying to steer county money to the James E. Scott Community Agency where he served as the chief executive, and thus had a financial interest. Rolle, (Net worth $1.02 million) in 2002 had a similar run in with the commission after he wrote a letter to then County Mayor Alex Penelas asking for money for JESCA using his official office letterhead and that story was first broken in the Watchdog Report.  In that same year he also had a tough commission seat race and he has since retired from JESCA that is currently facing financial issues that has persisted over the past decade. Rolle in that leadership capacity at the Black community’s oldest social service agency founded in 1925 was paid over $170,000 and back in 2004. The organization had over $150,000 in bounced check charges and I wrote about that in The Miami Herald back then.

>>> Here is what the ethics commission advocate wrote in the Rolle charging document :>>> COUNT ONE and TWO -10.  On or about March 13, 2007, Respondent violated Sections 2-11.1 (g) and (n) of the Code when he appeared before Assistant County Manager Muñoz and discussed funding for JESCA and when he participated in official action directly or indirectly affecting a business in which he has a financial interest. To wit: Respondent sought funding for JESCA, a non-profit organization that employed Respondent as its President and Chief Executive Officer. COUNT THREE and FOUR -11.  On or about September 11, 2007, Respondent violated Sections 2-11.1 (g) and (n) of the Code when he appeared before County Manager Burgess and discussed funding for JESCA and when he participated in official action directly or indirectly affecting a business in which he has a financial interest. To wit: Respondent sought funding for JESCA, a non-profit organization that employed Respondent as its President and Chief Executive Officer. 12.  To the extent that the factual allegations contained within the Probable Cause Memorandum are relevant to Counts One, Two, Three and Four of this complaint the Probable Cause Memorandum is hereby incorporated and made a part of this complaint herein.  At the time, Respondent violated Sections 2-11.1 (g) and (n), these were punishable by imposition of a fine of $250.00 for a first violation and $500.00 for each subsequent violation as well as an admonition or public reprimand.[1] 13. Pursuant to Section 2-1074(p), the ethics Commission has the power to issue an order imposing the penalty under the ordinance being enforced. Wherefore, the Advocate requests the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust to enter an order against respondent, DORRIN D.ROLLE, finding him in violation of Sections 2-11.1 (g) and (n), administering a public reprimand and ordering the payment of fines. >>> [1] Respondent faced a similar complaint in February 2002. That complaint, C02-06 alleged that Respondent met with County Officials and discussed the budgetary needs of JESCA. Respondent pled No Contest to those charges and paid a $750 fine.

>>> Hills cry’s foul when critical county e-mail abut him goes out to 1,900 employees

Stan Hills, a 27-year Fire-Rescue employee at Miami-Dade is upset and told commissioners Tuesday that his “reputation” was damaged after an e-mail to 1,900 people went out on a county e-mail address. Commissioner Natacha Seijas (Net worth $655,000) sponsored the Special Presentation at the commission meeting and she has been a long time friend and supporter of the department and its union. Hills, who apparently has lost his leadership position in the union says the electronic transmission is against county policy and the misrepresentations of him should be cleared in the future in a public way. Commissioners and Mayor Carlos Alvarez, (Net worth $1.66 million) noted the seriousness of the comments and the administration is investigating the matter. Alvarez acknowledged the fact that Seijas brought –up the matter and that this type of presentation had really only been done rarely before. The last was for former Transit Director Roosevelt Bradley a few years ago after he was replaced, but with controversy.

>>> This is why the Watchdog Report makes a big deal of government e-mail lists

As I have written in the past, regarding some municipalities using public e-mail lists for things not related to the city or county. This is a serious breach, and it appears the message in someway might be sponsored by the public entity, which is clearly out of line, even if it is for a $100,000 wedding contest contestant, or a political candidate as I have seen before. Mayor Carlos Alvarez has said he will review the matter and he should because from one list of say a couple of thousand people. An email can take a life of its own as it is forwarded and why this type of action is wrong and unacceptable from a public employee.

>>> The county commission backtracked last week and decided now is not the time to ask voters for a raise from the current $6,000 plus about $52,000 in benefits to a new salary figure of essentially $92,000. The commission since 1957 has not had a raise but voters almost a dozen times have shot down any raise that many times in the past had an unclear ballot question when it came to the matter.

>>> At the end of a discussion by commissioners concerning the legislation that would be implemented if Jackson Memorial Hospital became unable to pay the institution’s salaries or procure goods and was a “tool” just in case it was necessary, said Commission Chair Dennis Moss (Net worth $477,000). A measure was suggested that would loosen the Sunshine Law requirements about meetings between the county administration, the mayor and PHT trustees. An amendment to the health trust’s bylaws will be proposed in the future that will make the mayor and county manager no longer Ex-officio members on the PHT board allowing them to hold meetings with PHT staff and trustees without it being a public meeting if passed.

What did Moss carp about when it came to the media?

Moss during the end of the discussion said he was tired of hearing in the media that “the county commission impeded Jackson Memorial Hospital” and had stopped “something it wanted to do” was just plain false, he said. Moss noted the body voted for union contracts, bonds and other matters the health trust wanted over the years and these representations were just not right. However, the commission has influenced the health trust over the years including the addition of two new hospitals, Jackson North and South. The hospital in the south was keeping a promise made to the public and voters back in 1991 said Moss when a half-cent-sales tax was proposed to help fund the main hospital downtown and the tax did pass. Further, there was political pressure to provide a public hospital to residents in the north of the county and as part of a settlement with the federal government. A private hospital chain sold what is now Jackson North for $33 million in 2007 and the hope was the new facility, would be a moneymaker but did not materialize after the global economy tanked along with a change in patient mix.

What did former CEO O’Quinn say about Miami-Dade?

Marvin O’Quinn, hired after a national search was done in the summer of 2003 to run the public health system after about six-months here in Miami-Dade. He told the Watchdog Report back then “this place is so political” and I responded, “No kidding,” at the time.

>>> Anything funny happen at Tuesday’s commission meeting?

“I need to get a hybrid phone,” joked Commissioner Javier Souto (Net worth $856,000) after his cell phone went off during a commission meeting and Chair Dennis Moss gently asked the former state legislator to turn it off. The comment came after Commissioner Katy Sorenson (Net worth $1.34 million) suggested making some of the administration’s new county vehicles, about 267 cars out of the county’s over 3,000 vehicles hybrid but she noted when it came to police and fire rescue vehicles. The manufactures do not make flashing light arrays on the roofs for these new types of vehicles. She asked the administration to ask companies to come-up with a new design that could be fitted on a variety of hybrid cars.

>>> Will new $1 billion port tunnel fill help clean up toxic site on Virginia Key? Commissioner Gimenez hopes so

At Thursday’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, the subject of what to do with all the fill that would result from the new Port of Miami tunnel was discussed. Commissioner Carlos Gimenez asked how it was going to be disposed and suggested an alternative might be to be fill for a toxic dumpsite on Virginia Key, and there is county GOB money for the cleanup. Officials from FDOT said they were flexible and if there was synergy after a study, it sounded like an interesting idea for a site that years ago absorbed a large earth-moving machine into the slime.

>>> County Press release Friday: Dieldrin not found in Miami-Dade Water Supply

A small group of homeowners in the Falls area of south Miami-Dade County have been contacted by the Miami Dade Health Department regarding their private well water being contaminated by Dieldrin – a pesticide. Affected homeowners should contact the Health Department at (305) 623-3500. Homeowners who receive their water from Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) are not affected by this issue. WASD tests for the presence of Dieldrin annually and there have been no detections found. WASD tests its water supply 100,000 times a year and the water meets or exceeds all local, state and federal guidelines. The department recently released its annual Water Quality Report and mailed it to each of its customers in early May. You can find an electronic copy of it at www.miamidade.gov/wasd to review the high quality, safe water that is delivered to more than two million customers daily. It is the priority of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to provide safe, reliable service to its customers.

Miami Metrozoo’s Birthday Celebration With its 30th birthday fast approaching, Miami Metrozoo is going all out with a three-day bash, July 3 – 5, to thank the community and out-of-town patrons for their unfailing support of the zoo throughout the years. > Join the celebration

>>> Press release: The Honorable Lourdes Simon will be officially sworn in as County Court Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit at 12 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2010, in Courtroom 6-1 of the Dade County Courthouse, 73 West Flagler Street. Members of the media are welcome. This past February, Judge Simon was appointed to the County Court by Governor Charlie Crist to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Antonio Arzola to the Circuit Court. Prior to her appointment to the County Court Bench, Judge Simon served for more than 15 years as an Assistant Public Defender with the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. Judge Simon joins the County Court Civil Division at the South Dade Government Center.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Feds pop man for attempted robbery at Regions Bank in Cooper City

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, and James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department, announce that defendant Oscar Lopez, 27, has been arrested and charged with the attempted robbery of a Regions Bank in Cooper City, FL, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113.  If convicted, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. According to the allegations in the complaint affidavit filed in this case, on May 20, 2010, Lopez attempted to rob the Regions Bank, located at 9100 Griffin Road, Cooper City, Florida.  Lopez allegedly displayed a demand note that read “BANK ROBBERY” and told the teller “Hundreds and fifties.”  Lopez fled from the bank on foot without taking any money after bank employees announced that the bank was being robbed.  Law enforcement officers identified Lopez from surveillance photographs, eyewitness identifications, and law enforcement databases.

According to the allegations in the complaint affidavit in this case, Lopez had also robbed the Chase Bank, located at 9499 Sheridan Street, Cooper City, Florida, on March 17, 2010.  Lopez allegedly displayed a demand note that read, “This is a robbery,” and also told the teller “this is a robbery.”  He also allegedly demanded all of the hundred and fifty dollar bills in the teller’s drawer.  Lopez took approximately $2,000.00 in U.S. currency from that bank. U.S. Magistrate Judge Lurana S. Snow appointed the Federal Public Defender’s Office to represent Lopez.  An arraignment is scheduled before the Fort Lauderdale Duty Magistrate Judge at 11:00 a.m., June 7, 2010. >>> A complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami-Dade Police Department and Broward Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Linder. 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.

>>> 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

>>> Former Guatemalan special forces combatant indicted for false statements on federal form concerning 1982 massacre of villagers

A former Guatemalan special forces soldier was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Palm Beach County, Fla., for lying on his naturalization application about his participation in a 1982 massacre at a Guatemalan village known as Dos Erres, announced U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division, and Assistant Secretary John Morton of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  The one-count indictment charges Gilberto Jordan, 54, of Delray Beach, Fla., with unlawful procurement of U.S. citizenship.  Jordan was previously charged via a criminal complaint on May 5, 2010. The indictment alleges that in approximately November 1982, a Guatemalan guerrilla group ambushed a military convoy near Dos Erres, Guatemala, killing soldiers and taking a number of rifles. In response, a patrol of approximately 20 Guatemalan special forces soldiers, known as “Kaibiles,” including Jordan, were deployed in approximately December 1982 to the village of Dos Erres to search for the stolen rifles and find suspected guerillas. According to the indictment, members of the special patrol entered Dos Erres on or about Dec. 7, 1982.  Another group of approximately 40 Kaibiles allegedly established a perimeter around the town to prevent anyone from entering or escaping.  Members of the special patrol allegedly interrogated the villagers, searched their homes, and separated the men from the women and children.

The indictment alleges that the special patrol then proceeded to systematically murder the men, women and children at Dos Erres by, among other things, hitting them in the head with a hammer and then throwing them into the village well.  Members of the special patrol also allegedly raped many of the women and girls at Dos Erres before killing them. According to the indictment, Jordan participated in the crimes committed at Dos Erres, including murder. According to the previously filed criminal complaint, a Guatemalan judge appointed an Argentinean forensic anthropology team approximately 12 years after the Dos Erres massacre to exhume the corpses at the village.  According to the complaint, this forensic team uncovered approximately 162 skeletal remains from the village well, whose deaths were presumed to have occurred in December 1982 as a result of traumatic injuries and gunshot wounds. According to the court documents, Jordan applied to become a U.S. citizen in September 1996. The indictment alleges that in the application, Jordan falsely denied that he had ever served in the military or committed any crimes for which he had not been arrested. In July 1999, Jordan was interviewed by a naturalization examiner, and swore under oath that the statements he had earlier provided on the application were true and correct.  Jordan was sworn in as a U.S. citizen on Aug. 25, 1999.

If convicted, Jordan faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and revocation of his U.S. citizenship. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Hillary Davidson and Brian Skaret of the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) of the Criminal Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Marie Villafaña of the Southern District of Florida. The case was investigated by ICE’s Office of Investigations in West Palm Beach and ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs as well as ICE’s Offices of International Affairs provided assistance in this matter. The Criminal Division announced the formation of HRSP on March 30, 2010, as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to bring human rights violators to justice and deny those violators safe haven in the United States. The new section represents a merger of the Criminal Division’s Domestic Security Section (DSS) and the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). ICE’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit’s (HRVWCU) mission is to deny human rights violators and war criminals safe haven in the United States using all of its legal authorities. HRVWCU provides programmatic oversight over ICE investigations involving foreign war criminals, human rights violators, and those who within ICE’s jurisdiction, violate laws that fuel widespread overseas human rights abuses and conflicts. These include investigations relating to torture, genocide, war crimes, and the recruitment of child soldiers; and immigration and visa fraud where the underlying offense is based on substantive human rights abuses and war crimes. >>> 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.

ORANGE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist appointed Patricia A. Doherty to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.

“During Patricia’s 23 years of legal practice, she has gained much expertise in analyzing cases and applying the law,” said Governor Crist. “Her leadership within the community and among fellow attorneys indicates the strength of her character and intellect.”  Doherty, 55, has practiced privately with Wooten, Kimbrough, Gibson, Doherty and Normand since 1983.  Previously, the firm has operated under the names Wooten, Honeywell, Kest and Martinez, as well as Wooten, Honeywell and Kest. She also worked as a physical therapist from 1977 to 1980. Doherty earned both her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida. Doherty will fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Robert Wattles.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Administrator Gastesi says come on down to Keys, “Water is extremely clear for diving”

The Watchdog Report contacted County Administrator Roman Gastesi on Saturday about the presence of any oil from the Gulf of Mexico gusher, after the oil blobs appeared on the Keys beaches recently, but were found to be not from the well over one-month old crude oil spill that has vexed experts on how to plug the leak at 5,000 feet below the gulf’s surface. I asked the administrator how things were going at the Southern most tip of the nation and he replied. “Yes, everything is OK for now regarding actual oil pollution in the keys. The oil is still hundreds of miles away and there is still a good chance that we will not be affected at all. Even so, until the leak is plugged, the uncertainly continues to create concern for everyone in the keys. The oil is a Sweet Crude mostly made up of single-bonded carbon chains that biodegrade more readily than other crude oils. So we hope that if it does head this way it will be very “weathered” and inert.

Please let everyone know that we are open for business, the water is extremely clear for diving, and the early season dolphin fishing is one of the best in many years…come on down,!” wrote the veteran administrator and former water czar for Miami-Dade years ago. For more information about what is going on in the Keys go to :>>> The Monroe County tourism council continues to update its http://www.fla-keys.com <http://www.fla-keys.com> website with information regarding the spill and its relationship to the Keys. On the website are NOAA forecast tracking maps, a map showing the spill site in relation to the Keys, links to area webcams and more. TDC social media sites include: http://www.keysvoices.com • http://twitter.com/thefloridakeys • http://www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest >> Spill-related websites, primarily focusing on affected areas, include: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com • http://www.noaa.gov

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Friends of WLRN board chair Altman fires back at last week’s story, in her own words

After last week’s Watchdog Report on what happened at the school board Audit Committee recently regarding Friends of WLRN, Janet K. Altman, the chair of the not-for-profit responded back giving the organization’s side of the story. I am running the complete response from Altman. >>> “You wrote in July 2008, “A strong, vibrant and responsible press is the glue that keeps public institutions and elected leaders restrained.” I see in this morning’s Watchdog Report that Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Superintendent’s office provided you with a statement about negotiations between WLRN and Friends of WLRN.  I’d like to provide some additional information which the public needs to know.

Recently there has been significant tension between WLRN, the School Superintendent, and Friends of WLRN.  Friends of WLRN is an independent, private non-profit organization dedicated to the support of WLRN Radio and Television.  Friends doesn’t own WLRN — but neither does the School Board own Friends. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the licensee for the Stations.   Friends has supported the station, raising funds through membership, underwriting, special events and grants, for more than three decades.  When listeners and viewers give to support public broadcasting, Friends of WLRN receives the gift, manages the funds, and pays bills for WLRN, including the bills to content providers like National Public Radio.  WLRN’s General Manager drives the Friends’ budgeting process, identifying upcoming funding needs.  Friends has never, to my knowledge, refused a funding request from WLRN.

Our budget for the coming year, which is scheduled for approval at our May Board meeting, forecasts $4.2 million in contributions to WLRN. The Superintendent of Schools appears to desire to end a 35-year relationship with our group — an independent organization that is dedicated to supporting the valuable assets of the School Board.  He is insisting that we revert to 15-year old by-laws, which give his office control of our leadership and governance.  That’s just not good for WLRN.   Rather, we believe it’s critically important that WLRN and Friends have an operating arrangement which provides for independence, transparency, cooperation, and informed consultation between the organizations.

Friends has done all we can to communicate constructively with Superintendent [Alberto] Carvalho.  Since the January Audit Committee meeting where we were tasked with negotiating an operating agreement, we have made every effort to resolve the issue.  We provided our draft of the agreement, which we called Principles of Cooperation, on February 11.  But WLRN refused to review that draft, and participants from WLRN were unavailable to meet to negotiate their version of the agreement until late March.

Why have a separate organization to raise money?

Friends is uniquely suited to raise money for WLRN.  We can do many things the School Board cannot. The Miami-Dade County Public Schools must operate under the Florida Sunshine Act.   If they were to absorb the fundraising role, all membership data (including donors’ contact information and giving history) would be available to anyone who requests it. As an independent group, we are able to attract members and underwriters who would not be comfortable contributing directly to an organization with taxing authority. We can raise money from members outside of Miami-Dade County. Incidentally, that now represents nearly half of the funds we raise. Importantly, the relationships our volunteer Board members have in the community give us access to potential major donations. We’re able to move quickly and effectively, as we did when we helped preserve the WLRN-Miami Herald News.

What are the issues?

The Superintendent is concerned about the cost of fundraising – and so are we.  We recently undertook to benchmark our results against other public radio stations, and we discovered that our cost-per-dollar raised is lower than many of our sister stations, including the #1 station in the country, WNYC.

The Superintendent is concerned about transparency – and so are we. John LaBonia, General Manager of WLRN and an employee of the School Board, is on Friends’ Board.  The General Manager’s position on our Board is secured in the bylaws.  The General Manager is also on the Executive Committee and the Finance Committee.  This ensures total transparency, through the General Manager, with the Stations and the School Board. The Superintendent is concerned about fiscal responsibility – and so are we.  Fiscal responsibility is key to our ability to raise these funds from the public. We are audited by one of the top accounting firms in the country, Marcum Rachlin.  In the past two years, we have stepped up our vigilance in many ways, including hiring a CFO with CPA firm experience, creating a financial procedures manual, introducing a conflict of interest policy for the Board and most recently establishing an audit committee.

The Superintendent is concerned that we don’t respect the School Board.  We regret any communication that caused offense.  At the most recent Audit Committee meeting, as part of the argument that Friends should be controlled by the School Board, the Superintendent read a five-year old memo which expressed some strong opinions.  According to its author, “This five-year old memo, which was written at a time of high emotion and considerable frustration, does not represent the opinions of either the staff or the Board of Friends of WLRN.  In fact, more recent documents and actions clearly repudiate the ideas suggested in the memo.  I apologize to any it may have offended.”  Friends of WLRN and the School Board share a common interest – the support of WLRN-FM and WLRN-TV.  With cooperation from WLRN and the Superintendent, I am confident we can conclude an agreement that continues our independent service to the South Florida community,” wrote the Friends of WLRN board’s chair on May 17.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Seijas tries to clear the air in letter to Herald about Jackson, usually slams the paper and “people who buy ink by the barrel”

Natacha Seijas, a Miami-Dade County Commissioner wrote an excellent and well thought out letter published in The Miami Herald http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/letters/ on Thursday concerning the Jackson Health System and she believes one of the great strengths of the organization is the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, and the trust made a mistake when it came to the health trust’s past business model. The medical school has been affiliated for over 50-years with Jackson and Florida International University’s new medical school also has an affiliation and the commissioner is right about the importance of both academic centers to South Florida’s health. Seijas was also responding to a letter that ran recently from 41 local leaders that have studied the problems with the trust over the last few months. These people believe the current model is broken and the role of the commission should be reduced in the oversight of the public hospital system. Seijas said on the commission dais Tuesday, when the discussion of legislation concerning commission oversight of Jackson, that there was a lot of misinformation out in the community and in the media regarding what the body legislatively was proposing, and the letter appears to be her way of clearing it up with readers of The Herald, a organization regularly verbally vilified by some commissioners including her.

Seijas, 73, over the years has been a frequent critic of aspects of how Jackson was managed and run, and she definitely had a problem with the CEO and others salaries that were larger than what the county manager or mayor was paid. She has also been a strong supporter of the county’s unions and is active in issues dealing with children, domestic violence victims to name just a few of her community interests. However, critics charge she can be politically ruthless and while one of the most veteran elected leaders who has dispatched any challengers to the office over the years easily. She rails against the media and press from the dais, and in the past would say she does not read The Miami Herald, the Miami New Times and after 2003 the Watchdog Report. >>> Editor’s note: Seijas was the first commissioner to contribute $500 to my endeavor back in the fall of 2000, but since then our relationship has had its difficulties over the years, depending on the issue.

What about an opposing view on Jackson’s governance?

Linda S. Quick, the president of the South Florida Hospital & Healthcare Association www.sfhha.com and one of the 41 leaders studying the PHT wrote an effective and thoughtful response to Seijas and the health trust issue of governance Sunday. To read the Opinion piece go to www.miamiherald.com/opinion

>>> Upcoming meetings: May 24^th -Jackson North Financial Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting 8 to 10 a.m., JNMC, 2nd FL Auditorium, 160 N.W. 170th Street, North Miami Beach, FL

>>> May 24^th : Televised PHT Board Meeting -3 to 6 p.m., Ira C. Clark DTC Bldg., Room 259 – main campus.

>>> PAST WDR:  This is why I have been doing the Watchdog Report for 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.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> With city budget in dire straights, complete count in 2010 Census must be top priority, tens of millions over the decade in funding

Census workers doing the 2010 count were spotted in Coconut Grove last week on foot going to households where the confidential census forms were not returned in April. The Census, a decade national count that will determine which communities get some of the $400 billion in yearly federal funding and political representation in Congress and the endeavor is critical to Miami and Miami-Dade County after the 2000 count fiasco. Elected leaders should be discussing this ongoing process on any media they can get on. For there are many misconceptions about what happens with the information and how it could affect someone or their family in an adverse way such as deportation.

Miami during the last count was in the middle of the Elian Gonzalez affair that involved a young Cuban boy who floated ashore on a raft that had his mother perishing back in November 1999. The child captured the Cuban community’s heart and the matter escalated in tension between the federal government and relatives taking care of the child in a home in Little Havana that became a media mecca with news crews coming from around the world to capture a glimpse of the small boy over the subsequent months before he was extracted by federal officials the Saturday morning, around 4:00 a.m., before Easter Sunday back then. The Watchdog Report a short time later started this e-mail newsletter a short time after that traumatic community event that had Anglos and Blacks protesting the Cuban community, caught in a Miami Herald photo back then that had some of the White people carrying a Confederate Flag, and it was a surreal photo event. However, that is not the case now and every public official and resident should make sure this activity is as complete as possible, though I still hear about enumerators being threatened with a homeowner’s dog if they don’t get off the property immediately. And a dramatic undercount of residents cannot occur again, for it will fiscally cripple us for the next ten years for a second time and that is unacceptable. >>> 2010 Census -The results are in and 72 percent of households mailed back their 2010 Census forms — the same rate achieved in the 2000 Census. Check out your community’s http://2010.census.gov/ – 28k – Cached

>>> City staff says “easy million” assets already sold off

The budget advisory board had its seventh meeting Thursday and the spirited discussion raised a number of questions, but no easy solution is available for the looming budget hole. The city apparently has over 700 assets, but any “easy millions” from these holdings have already been sold off or under lease said staff. The group is meeting again this Thursday and having a new set of eyes looking at these issues could be a productive activity, but certainly not easy given the financial realities the city’s current and future budget faces.

>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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

>>> Litter, litter everywhere, beaches, and parks must be kept clean through education and zero tolerance enforcement, says Libbin

Litter, litter everywhere but with all the budget shortfalls hammering counties and municipalities who and how is all this garbage on beaches, parks and along road ways ever going to get picked up in this “new normal” when it comes to public entities finances. A small group of people, less than a dozen at the county along with Miami Beach Commissioner Jerry Libbin met in a 10^th floor conference room in government center Friday afternoon to discuss what to do about the issue. Jack Kardys, the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation director said when it came to litter at the parks and beaches. It is unbelievable what these visitors leave behind. He noted some of the worse offenders were high school and college age kids and they just refuse to pick up after themselves. A suggestion is to activate these students to help through education and perhaps as community services projects, or part of trips to these destinations to participate more in the effort, that has to be free since government does not have the money.

Libbin has been an pick-up the litter advocate on Miami Beach and has held numerous beach clean-up details and a new public relations blown-up photo depicting trash on the beach asking people to pick it up is on buses and other city vehicles in South Beach, that includes a large sign on the highway going into the Beach noting the city’s litter laws, and the fact these are enforced. The commissioner has pushed for education, but also “enforcement” and over 400 citations have been written since the crack down. He also said the city gives out biodegradable trash bags for people to use and suggested the county use the same type in their effort for a drastic clean up, possible first to be tried this summer at Haulover and Crandon Parks beaches.  Further, given Libbin’s new gig as CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber, this clean up also makes good business sense and is a win-win for him in his new capacity of business cheerleader. However, beaches and parks are living environments with all kinds of creatures nesting and any clean-ups must also be environmentally sensitive to the living habitat these areas provide for multiple species. >>> Here is further information about the county’s park and recreation department and programs during the summer break.

Jack Kardys – Director Miami-Dade County’s Park and Recreation Department – Phone: 305-755-7800, Mission: To create outstanding Recreational, Natural, and Cultural experiences to enrich you and to enhance our community for this and future generations. www.miamidade.gov

>>> Press release: Washington Park is Going to the Dogs -Groundbreaking Paw-ty, Wednesday, May 26, 6:00 p.m., 201 2nd Street, Miami Beach, FL 305.673.7730. Amenities to the park will include a water spray fountain, extra benches, trash receptacles, dog bag dispensers, and an eco-friendly rainwater collection system that will augment the park’s irrigation. To assist in the fundraising for the extra features, engraved memorial bricks were sold and will be placed in the park. The project is a collaboration of the City of Miami Beach with the SoFi K9s organization and RDO (Responsible Dog Owners). Link to more info: http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=58429 Link to Miami Beach Bark Parks: http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/parksandrecreation/scroll.aspx?id=49658

>>> Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club features Prego of FDOT on port tunnel

State FDOT District Director Gus Prego and Tunnel Contractor Rep. Chris Hodgkins will brief the public on the construction schedule for the Miami Port Tunnel project, Tuesday, May 25, 8:30AM – 10:00AM, David’s Cafe II, 1654 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach, FL. http://www.portofmiamitunnel.com/Documents/POMTProjectSiteMap.pdf >>>

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 press release: Memorial Day Weekend 2010 – Miami Beach Community Information – Miami Beach will once again play host to many visitors over the holiday weekend. To ensure everyone’s safety, enjoyment and cooperation of quality of life issues, the City of Miami Beach will be implementing its Major Events Plan (MEP) that enhances staffing and services over the weekend. Click here > to read more about the plan and restrictions to traffic and parking. Click here <https://mail.miamibeachfl.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103414337039%26s=847%26e=001XP5TMcDTKeOpri2ktewJ6×8t8mOUBHkFM_mj6FwOvgJfs87eHmjRsdRkiLy9apCQxbdS7dcGNit8bH1Sg8dlNAvSXq8o58X1zyLYihb3ajS1_S-znLl-WSuoRaBeYud5yz1WKs4DU9XiPUumqLax6qcnY0Tjsa1-1mg9nKvlrXk=>  to read more about the plan and restrictions to traffic and parking. >>> Information hotline: 305.604.CITY >>> Tourism hotline: 305.673.7400 — COMMUNITY NOTICE: http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=58503

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Residents get face time with Mayor Slesnick at lunch Monday

Voters and residents of Coral Gables can get some face time with Mayor Donald Slesnick,II on Monday at noon at JohnMartin’s Irish Restaurant located at 253 Miracle Mile. He is the featured speaker at the event. The lunch is $20.00 for members and $22.00 for nonmembers. You can RSVP for the lunch by e-mailing Richard Martin at rwmartin20@yahoo.com . Slesnick was first elected in the spring of 2001 along with Commissioners Maria Anderson and Ralph Cabrera, Jr., and the candidates ran against an entrenched group of incumbents but prevailed after a significant development and road closing wedge issue reared its head in the race. Since then, all three candidates have gotten the voters nod to stay in office but for the mayor. He has faced some bruising political times in the tony town where local politics can become a real contact sport, including multiple hurricanes that had residents in his face complaining about the delay in getting their power back. After these weather disasters, he told the Watchdog Report that it was times like this when one considers if it is all worth it being an elected official in a low paying job, but he has persevered and could become the longest serving mayor in the city’s history. The city recently celebrated its 85^th birthday and for more go to Coral Gables celebrates its 85th birthday – Coral Gables … 30 Apr 2010 … Visitors stream into historic Merrick House to mark the occasion. http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/30/1605930/coral-gables-celebrates-its-85th.html

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Florida Legislative round-up luncheon at Downtown Bay Forum Wednesday

Downtown Bay Forum  luncheon: WEDNESDAY MAY 26, 2010–11:30 AM –LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP – SPEAKERS: ANA RIVAS LOGAN, School Board Member, KAREN ARONOWITZ, President United Teachers of Dade, ANA MARIA RODRIGUEZ, Baptist Health South Florida, MARY LOU TIGHE, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Public Health Trust, VICTORIA HERNANDEZ, Miami Dade College, JACOB COKER-DUKOWITZ, Director of Advocacy, Human Services Coalition, JOE RASCO, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Miami Dade County; MODERATOR BOB LEVY, ROBERT M. LEVY AND ASSOCIATES >>> 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 www.downtownbayforum.com

EDITORIALS

>>> Budget gurus looking grim at all levels of public institutions with another round of significant cuts

To say people look grim if they work in public institutions budget departments is no joking matter, because after three years of financial cuts, that were partially mitigated by federal funding. The federal funding free ride is over and in the case of Miami-Dade for 2010-2011; another big hit is coming in an effort to find the $340 million in cuts after an expected revenue shortfall and includes over the past three-years over $800 million reduction in costs. County Commissioners like elected leaders around the nation face a hostile electorate when it comes to raising taxes in many cases, and with the sour economy. A fundamental question will be asked in the months ahead, will tax payers react to a diminishment of public services, or just role with the consequences that will be seen in the community at all levels. For we as a community “want to go to heaven, but don’t want to die,” says County Commission Chair Dennis Moss periodically when it comes to what residents expect but also are willing to pay for.

Miami, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Miami Beach and all the other 30 something municipalities that populate the county in one way or the other is going to feel this further financial pinch as well and the man of the hour is Pedro Garcia, Jr. The county’s elected property appraiser and what his valuation number is in June of the aggregate reduction in property taxes and whether it is a, 10, 12 or 13 percent decline or worse say 16 or 18 percent. The final number will only confirm the next round of pain for public institutions is on its way. Further, the school district is going over a fiscal cliff next summer as the last of the federal stimulus money dries up that helped close fiscal gaps over the recent years.

The Watchdog Report has watched government in a serious way since 1998 and with these reductions in service and people. I am also worried public employees might take some of their frustration out on residents and services provided, something that is known to happen periodically in any public organization. I am starting to see more people complaining about their work as a public servant and a trend like that is only likely to grow as the pressure builds on who will stay and who will go when it comes to public employees.  These public entities need to be careful as they navigate this human minefield with employees but the budget tealeaves are clear, that we are moving into another round of tough times and how we collectively deal with this difficult fact is critical to our overall success. For if you live in Miami-Dade County you are on a ship, and as I have said in the past, especially when we had in 2006, a 21.3 percent county property tax base increase pushing it up to $245 billion, up from $212 billion the year before. It was clear this bubble could not be sustained and government must watch the public dollars but that fell on deaf ears back then. However, the reality is now upon South Florida and our public institutions must deal with it, and the attendant pain that will come with these further cuts of people and services.

>>> Herald Ombudsman takes swipe at local papers, what about stories written by government employees?

The Miami Herald Ombudsman, Edward Schumacher-Matos had an interesting column Sunday on the paper’s www.miamiherald.com relationship with smaller local papers and blogs found around Miami-Dade County and the Keys. He notes some of these organizations or people may have conflicts of interest and some of the stories might be slanted or for their benefit and contrary to good journalism ethics. However, the Ombudsman missed one aspect and that is the county’s Community Periodical Program that actually pays newspapers to run stories across a whole range of subjects written by county employees. Miami-Dade County has about 50 papers that participate in this program and I have written about this over the last 11-years. I highlighted it in 2003 when a county audit found six papers got around $20,000 each but did not exist when county auditors tried to confirm there existence.

My beef with the papers that can be very influential locally and are “feared” by many politicians who go out of their way to accommodate the fledgling press that prints in multiple languages is that there is no indication that a byline is actually a government employee, and whether it is a paid community service ad. Over the years, I have run many of these press releases but I also indicate it is a press release for without that disclaimer. The stories can take on characteristics of propaganda for public institutions and that has to be monitored very closely, just as county government monitors local media stories now. For it is a slippery slope and can be an insidious process if one is looking for “truth in government” something coined by  County Commissioner Carlos Gimenez a few years ago. An independent and accurate press is a key component of this equation and when that line is blurred. Only the general public in the long run will suffer and that is not a good thing for a vibrant, strong and active Republic and our governance.

LETTERS

>>> PHT trustee on Commissioner Souto’s remarks about PHT board last week

My friend, I wish you had added my comments to this story on Commissioner Javier Souto’s comments. You might remember I reminded him that the actions/comments of the PHT board that day on closure of the nursing home all related to the budget he and the BCC approved which we have the responsibility to implement and frankly are late in implementing. Frankly, another exhibit to the governance dysfunctionality ever present between the County and the PHT.

Jorge L. Arrizurieta

Trustee

Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County

>>> Reader on Watchdog Report

I am familiar with your work, and very appreciative.  There have been too many cuts to investigative journalism.  The major media companies (like the Herald) are too often compromised, but don’t disclose ethical conflicts that exist. It is essential to those who are trying to make the world a better place that we have a level playing field.  We are constantly reminded that this is not the case.  Thanks for your work to bring transparency to Miami.

Sam V. L.

>>> 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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ARTHUR HERTZ

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

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

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

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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

Copyright © of original material, 2010, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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

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.

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

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Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form

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

Supporting Sponsors $5,000

Sustaining Sponsors $2,000

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

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