Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 16 September 13, 2009

Miami-Dade Florida

Vol. 10 No. 16  September 13, 2009

Daniel A. Ricker, Publisher & Editor

Est. 05.05.00  I go when you cannot & A community education resource & news service

Celebrating My Tenth Anniversary since May 5th,  www.watchdogreport.net & Former, www.miamiherald.com/news/columnists/dan_ricker

CONTENTS

Argus Report: President Obama softens public option stance & Sen. LeMieux sworn in but visas for foreign workers dogging him

Florida: Agricultural Commissioner Bronson termed out in 2010, had $5.5 million net worth through 2008

Miami-Dade County: Commission & mayor find it is rough going in making $444 million in budget cuts, clock is ticking with Sept. 17 last public hearing looming

Broward County: State Atty. Satz in the spotlight, first elected in 1976, had $1.27 million through Dec. 2008

Palm Beach County: State Attorney McAuliffe in the spotlight, busy 15th Judicial Circuit, had $4.5 million net worth through May 2009

Monroe County: State Attorney Ward in the spotlight, looks after Conch Republic, had $316,000 net worth through July 2000

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Audit committee goes through smooth transition, Amos steps down, Thornburg new chair; leadership change was not always smooth

Public Health Trust: Special Board meeting Tuesday afternoon, voting on next year’s budget, which has to be approved by county commission Sept. 17

City of Miami: Stern Mayor Diaz warns commission of financial Agamemnon with worker pensions, issue should have been addressed before now

City of Miami Beach: Sweeping new ethics legislation is deferred again until Sept. 21

City of Coral Gables: Budget hearings contentious, sides split, how low will the public go at the second hearing Sept. 22?

City of Miami Gardens: Mayor Gibson paid $42,000, council members get $12,000 annually

Town of Miami Lakes: Mayor Pizzi gets $18,000 salary; six council members get $4,800 annually

Village of Miami Shores: Mayor and council members get a whopping $1.00 annual salary

Village of Indian Creek: Zip when it comes to elected leaders’ salaries, no compensation whatsoever

Village of Key Biscayne: Zip again when it comes to mayor and council members salaries

Obituary: Many fledgling FIU journalists from years ago will miss well-known journalist and attorney Fowler

Community Events: The Miami Herald Americas Conference 2009 —Ethics and the Media panel at UM

Editorials: PAST WDR: Sept. 2003: It is some ones money, government leaders and their administrations should remember that!  — PAST WDR: Jan. 2004: The world & Miami-Dade would be better off with more press coverage

Letters: Respected local physician on Obama health plan – Will Mayor Diaz go to Washington, D.C.? — Two readers on WDR Tenth anniversary last May, and what I do.

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 will be on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on Monday on Topical Currents hosted by Joseph Cooper from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., on 91.3 FM and the discussion will be all the public entities upcoming public budget hearings. WLRN | Home Page

>>> I will also be on WPBT Channel 2 on Friday at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on Issues hosted by Helen Ferre. www.wpbt/issues  along with other guests.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> President Obama softens public option stance & Sen. LeMieux sworn in but visas for foreign workers dogging him

President Barack Obama in a nationally televised speech to a Joint Session of the United States Congress Wednesday night staked out the ground for the reform of a possible medical health insurance bill that will likely not have to carry a public option, though his administration is still arguing that has not been taken off the bargaining table. The Watchdog Report quoted U. S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-FL recently saying he thought the “public option was dead” and forces seem to be galvanizing in alternative ways to get some new legislation passed, and Obama is showing a wiliness to haggle on the final legislative product that could get passed in the Senate and House.

>>> Here are excerpts from Obama’s speech supplied by The White House: EXCERPTS OF THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS TONIGHT

I am not the first President to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.  It has now been nearly a century since Theodore Roosevelt first called for health care reform.  And ever since, nearly every President and Congress, whether Democrat or Republican, has attempted to meet this challenge in some way.  A bill for comprehensive health reform was first introduced by John Dingell Sr. in 1943.  Sixty-five years later, his son continues to introduce that same bill at the beginning of each session.  Our collective failure to meet this challenge – year after year, decade after decade – has led us to a breaking point.  Everyone understands the extraordinary hardships that are placed on the uninsured, who live every day just one accident or illness away from bankruptcy.  These are not primarily people on welfare.  These are middle-class Americans.  Some can’t get insurance on the job.  Others are self-employed, and can’t afford it, since buying insurance on your own costs you three times as much as the coverage you get from your employer.   Many other Americans who are willing and able to pay are still denied insurance due to previous illnesses or conditions that insurance companies decide are too risky or expensive to cover.

During that time, we have seen Washington at its best and its worst.

We have seen many in this chamber work tirelessly for the better part of this year to offer thoughtful ideas about how to achieve reform.  Of the five committees asked to develop bills, four have completed their work, and the Senate Finance Committee announced today that it will move forward next week.  That has never happened before.  Our overall efforts have been supported by an unprecedented coalition of doctors and nurses; hospitals, seniors’ groups and even drug companies – many of whom opposed reform in the past.  And there is agreement in this chamber on about eighty percent of what needs to be done, putting us closer to the goal of reform than we have ever been.

But what we have also seen in these last months is the same partisan spectacle that only hardens the disdain many Americans have toward their own government.  Instead of honest debate, we have seen scare tactics.  Some have dug into unyielding ideological camps that offer no hope of compromise.  Too many have used this as an opportunity to score short-term political points, even if it robs the country of our opportunity to solve a long-term challenge.  And out of this blizzard of charges and counter-charges, confusion has reigned.  Well the time for bickering is over.  The time for games has passed.  Now is the season for action.  Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together, and show the American people that we can still do what we were sent here to do.  Now is the time to deliver on health care.

The plan I’m announcing tonight would meet three basic goals:

It will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance.  It will provide insurance to those who don’t.  And it will slow the growth of health care costs for our families, our businesses, and our government.  It’s a plan that asks everyone to take responsibility for meeting this challenge – not just government and insurance companies, but employers and individuals.  And it’s a plan that incorporates ideas from Senators and Congressmen; from Democrats and Republicans – and yes, from some of my opponents in both the primary and general election.

Here are the details that every American needs to know about this plan:

First, if you are among the hundreds of millions of Americans who already have health insurance through your job, Medicare, Medicaid, or the VA, nothing in this plan will require you or your employer to change the coverage or the doctor you have.  Let me repeat this:  nothing in our plan requires you to change what you have.  What this plan will do is to make the insurance you have work better for you.  Under this plan, it will be against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition.  As soon as I sign this bill, it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick or water it down when you need it most.  They will no longer be able to place some arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or a lifetime.  We will place a limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses, because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they get sick.  And insurance companies will be required to cover, with no extra charge, routine checkups and preventive care, like mammograms and colonoscopies – because there’s no reason we shouldn’t be catching diseases like breast cancer and colon cancer before they get worse.  That makes sense, it saves money, and it saves lives.

That’s what Americans who have health insurance can expect from this plan – more security and stability.

Now, if you’re one of the tens of millions of Americans who don’t currently have health insurance, the second part of this plan will finally offer you quality, affordable choices.  If you lose your job or change your job, you will be able to get coverage.  If you strike out on your own and start a small business, you will be able to get coverage.  We will do this by creating a new insurance exchange – a marketplace where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for health insurance at competitive prices.  Insurance companies will have an incentive to participate in this exchange because it lets them compete for millions of new customers.  As one big group, these customers will have greater leverage to bargain with the insurance companies for better prices and quality coverage.  This is how large companies and government employees get affordable insurance.  It’s how everyone in this Congress gets affordable insurance.  And it’s time to give every American the same opportunity that we’ve given ourselves.

This is the plan I’m proposing.  It’s a plan that incorporates ideas from many of the people in this room tonight – Democrats and Republicans.  And I will continue to seek common ground in the weeks ahead.  If you come to me with a serious set of proposals, I will be there to listen.  My door is always open. But know this:  I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it’s better politics to kill this plan than improve it.  I will not stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are.  If you misrepresent what’s in the plan, we will call you out.  And I will not accept the status quo as a solution.  Not this time.  Not now.

Everyone in this room knows what will happen if we do nothing.  Our deficit will grow.  More families will go bankrupt.  More businesses will close.  More Americans will lose their coverage when they are sick and need it most.  And more will die as a result.  We know these things to be true. That is why we cannot fail.  Because there are too many Americans counting on us to succeed – the ones who suffer silently, and the ones who shared their stories with us at town hall meetings, in emails, and in letters.

>>> U.S. Sen. LeMieux is sworn in, but work visas for foreign workers gotten at past law firm dogging him

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez stepped down last week and on Thursday Gov. Charlie Crist confidant and former chief of staff, Charles LeMieux was sworn in as the new junior U.S. Senator from Florida. LeMieux’s choice to the post has Republican former Speaker of the House Marco Rubio, R-Miami and Democrat U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami both claiming there were better and more qualified candidates to serve in the nation’s most exclusive club. Crist chose his friend because he is running for the office in 2010 and the governor will face Rubio in the Republican closed primary next year. Whoever wins that match-up will likely face Meek in the general election.

LeMieux’s law firm is also getting media attention after WFOR4 investigative reporter Jim DeFede www.wfor4.com  discovered Gunster, PA, the new Senator’s former law firm arranged for visas for foreign workers to work at a high-end hotel construction site denying jobs to local qualified workers in South Florida. Since then www.miamiherald.com has weighed in with the paper’s news partner and this issue may dog the new legislator who has never served in an elected legislative body.  That said; the Watchdog Report wishes him the best in the body for the state needs to be well represented.

>>> Press release: Ros-Lehtinen Statement in Remembrance of 9/11 Attacks

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today attended the Congressional Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate Friday’s 8th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.    Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “It has been eight years since our country and the entire world stopped and looked on helplessly as the slaughter of innocents at the hand of al-Qaeda unfolded before our eyes.

“The passage of years has not smoothed the deep impressions we will bear for the rest of our lives. As long as we draw breath, we will remember those who were brutally murdered by men without conscience or mercy. “We who remain will steadfastly and courageously protect our country, defeat our enemies, and uphold the American ideals and principles for which so many have labored, fought, and died.” Note:  Ros-Lehtinen also delivered remarks on the Floor of the House during consideration of H. Res. 722, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the terrorist attacks launched against the United States on September 11, 2001.

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the James S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding and 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.

>>> Thanks to my supporters, the Watchdog Report, celebrated its Tenth Anniversary on May 5th.

Over the past ten years there have been so many stories and here are just a miniscule few that have been in the past 410 Watchdog Report’s that each has had almost three dozen stories or announcements per week, and that does not include around 100 Watchdog Report EXTRAS over this time. Back in September 2000, then county manager Merrett Stierheim gave the Watchdog Report the gift of a lifetime when I wrote he would be retiring by Feb 1 and he responded with a official county memo to the mayor and commissioners titled Rumor Control blasting my assertion that later became true. Other stories broken were that Miami Police Chief John Timoney was joining Miami in Jan. 2003 and that there was a man in Italy claiming to be a Miami vice Mayor and being wined and dined by Italian officials even though the city does not have such an office. Over the years I have covered almost every significant story regarding Jackson Memorial Hospital, the school board and county and sent a EXTRA from the PAC construction committee in the summer of 2003 noting the arts centers would be 20-months delayed and needed immediately over $60 million in new funding that ultimately came in at $472.9 million.

In addition, I have covered the Miami-Dade ethics commission and the Office of the Inspector General since there inception and over the years have done dozens of stories on people busted by both agencies since then. For me it is difficult to reflect sometimes on past stories because there have been so many and generally once I have done it I move on to the many other news stories that develop every day and spring up like weeds every week. I have tried to be the news contrarian, and if there is major media at an event, I will move on unless I have something significant to add, and given the size of our public institutions, something is always going on somewhere else. We may just not be aware of it. >>> A convenient form at the end of this report gives instructions on how to financially support me and the Watchdog Report.

>>> 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

>>> Agricultural Commissioner Bronson termed out in 2010, had $5.5 million net worth through 2008

Charles Bronson the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services is in the spotlight this week and he is termed out in 2010. Bronson a rancher was first appointed to the office in 2001, was later elected in 2002 and again in 2006, and his office now that the state cabinet has been consolidated under former Gov. Jeb Bush is a very powerful statewide office with 3,700 employees. Bronson, a fifth generation Florida rancher, is the tenth commissioner and he also served in the Florida Senate and was first elected to that body in 1994 and reelected in 1998. Bronson has never faced any real challengers since being elected to this office and he has kept his head down and has avoided controversy over the years in office. >>> For more information about the office go to http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/

What do we know about his finances?

Bronson through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $5.5 million, and he lists $492,500 in house hold goods. His residency and two investment properties are valued at $1.7 million and a farm with 1,335 acres, including buildings and equipment is valued at $3.17 million. He has $107,000 in a pension fund, there is $51,689 in bank accounts, there is $338,000 in stocks and he owes $365,000 on a mortgage. The commissioner’s salary was $132,000, there is $3,476 in interest, stock dividends brought in $18,084 and the selling of some stock grossed $66,259.

>>> Long serving Miami-Dade state attorney Fernandez Rundle in the spotlight, had $1.3 million net worth through Dec. 2008

Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the state attorney for the 11th Judicial District in Florida is in the spotlight this week, she first took office in 1993 after local state attorney Janet Reno was picked to be the Attorney General in the Bill Clinton presidency, and Reno served through both of the president’s terms. Fernandez Rundle, a Democrat, has since fended off Republican challengers but has retained the position and recently was honored by the state legislature and the county commission with part of a street named in her honor. She is expected to run again in 2012.

What do we know about her finances?

Fernandez Rundle through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $1.3 million and she lists $515,000 in household goods. She lists $300,000 in deferred compensation, her home is valued at $900,000 and her total assets are $1.53 million. She has liabilities of $450,000 with the Silver Group, Turnberry Bank is owed $250,000, and she owes around $2,000 on credit cards. The state attorney’s income for the year was $153,000, her state car is valued at $13,800 and Coconut Grove Bank kicked in $1,364.

>>> Press release: Governing Board of the Suwannee River Water Management District (Senate confirmation required)

James “Jay” Fraleigh, 43, of Madison, owner and manager, Wholesale Nursery, appointed for a term beginning September 3, 2009, and ending March 1, 2013.

Carl Meece, 62, of O’Brien, retired engineering executive, appointed for a term beginning September 3, 2009, and ending March 1, 2013.

>>> Press release: STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MEET IN MIAMI –The State Board of Education will meet next Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, in Miami.  The agenda and materials may be viewed and printed from http://www.fldoe.org/board/meetings/2009_09_15/agenda.asp. The meeting will be held: Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 9:00 a.m., Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Building 2000, Room 2106, Miami, Florida >>> Parking for meeting attendees will be available in building 7000.  A map of the Wolfson campus can be viewed at http://www.mdc.edu/wolfson/generalInfo/campus_map.asp. To view the meeting via live webcast, visit www.fldoe.org.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Rough going in making $444 million in budget cuts, clock is ticking with Sept. 17 last public hearing looming

The Commission Committee of the Whole met a number of times last week trying to figure out a process to craft a new budget that must include $444 million in cuts from the overall $7.5 billion financial document for 2009-2010. The commission will meet again next Monday and Tuesday running up to the Sept. 17 final public budget hearing that is expected to be contentious. Mayor Carlos Alvarez submitted a budget to the commission that included across the board pay cuts of five percent, the layoff of 1,700 employees, and cutting funding for community based organizations and cultural programs. However, the commission balked at a small bump in taxes and the “prevailing side” thought it was better to keep the taxes flat rather than the slight up tick that the mayor proposed in his budget. Alvarez said the budget “Is what it is” and he recognized the commission “has the authority to change it” and you have the “power to move things around,” he noted. Alvarez chided the commission that the only things he is hearing are cuts that are “unacceptable” and challenged how leaders would hold “certain departments harmless” and would only make “the [budgetary] problem worse.” He also noted there had “not much said about salary reductions” that have already seen the loss of COLA increases, and freezes in longevity and other bonuses, something he has never seen before in his 33 years with the county. He also later said if the salary reductions did not occur, the budget shortfall “would be $550 million” and he noted, “10 of the county’s unions are not happy” with him. >>> Editor’s note: check out Mayor Alvarez’s interview over the weekend on www.wpbt/issues with Helen Ferre.

Jose “Pepe” Diaz, the commission vice chair last week said “67 percent of the [general operating] budget goes to employee salaries” and while CBOs and other organizations “are panicking.” “We need to look out to the future” because there will be “cuts this year and more next year” and these should be expected and he suggested a monthly report so that the body “knows the [fiscal] hits.”  Commissioner Javier Souto suggested the state and federal government pick-up some of the financial shortfalls, and asked his colleagues that are connected with the Obama administration to make the case for more funding but that is unlikely to happen in the short term.

Different Commissioners saw the document differently and challenged the cutting of 400,000 meals on wheels for the elderly that costs about $17 million a year and is slated for the chopping block. However, after days of debate little consensus has yet to be reached on the body and they will meet again this coming week in marathon meetings while the clock ticks down to the public hearing that is expected to end on Aug.18. Both Commissioners Katy Sorenson, chair of a key budget committee and Moss made their observation of the process to date. She said it could be “a train wreck,” and Moss was concerned if the process is not worked out by this Thursday’s budget hearing it could be “chaos,” he thought.

>>> What about the issue of salaries over $100,000?

Sorenson questioned county Manager George Burgess about the number of county employees that make over $100,000 this year and the manager said in the current year there “were 1,546 over” that salary range and it is dropping “to 1,469 for the upcoming budget year.” He said the senior executives represented a “good and balanced management team,” he thought given the around 28,000 employees at the county.

>>> What about the JAC or Commission Auditor’s department?

Commissioner Bruno Barreiro at Tuesday’s meeting when discussing the budget suggested, “they should be looking across the board” and should include the Juvenile Assessment Center’s (JAC) funding and I “don’t know if it is mandated by the state” and said we “have to look at savings.” He also questioned the size of the commission auditor’s office and while approved by voters, the staff could be reduced and still comply with the county charter, he thought.

>>> Anyone being thrown under the bus?

Commissioner Natacha Seijas was critical of commission auditor Charles Anderson and his staff but Commissioner Barbara Jordan noted the auditor’s duties have been expanded since the strong mayor form of government passed a few years ago and they are doing the best they can. Other commissioners challenged the numbers generated by the administration’s Office of Strategic Budget and its Director Jennifer Glazer-Moon, Alvarez came to her rescue, and Commission Chair Dennis Moss along with Alvarez later agreed to not throw these two “under the bus.” The two people and their staff will be meeting before the next Committee of the Whole trying to look for money to fund priorities important to the commission while also balancing the budget and the process is going very slowly so far. Further, Commissioners and the mayor had a number of sharp exchanges during the meetings and Alvarez took exception when the financial numbers were challenged and it appeared his budget director was being questioned that her numbers were not accurate and he said that is nothing but wrong.

>>> What about job losses in certain census tracts in the county?

Rick Beasley, the director of the South Florida Workforce told the Watchdog Report last week that he is targeting and holding meetings in some of the highest unemployment census tracts and he noted the amount of people out of work is as high as 35 percent in some of the tracts. >>> Miami – South Florida Workforce (SFW), the U 20 Aug 2009 … South Florida Workforce Investment Board Releases an Additional … Anyone interested in finding out more about the agency’s ARRA … http://www.southfloridaworkforce.com

>>> A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commission is scheduled Sept. 14 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room to discuss collective bargaining negotiations and is closed to the public.  >>> Pursuant to Section 2-1, Rule 3.02(a), of the Code of Miami-Dade County, you are notified that the Special Meeting of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners called for Thursday, September 10, 2009, at 10:15 AM, RECESSED AND WILL RECONVENE. Such meeting is called to discuss collective bargaining negotiations in accordance with Section 447.605, Florida Statutes. Said meeting will be closed and exempt from the provisions of Section 286.011, Florida Statutes.

>>> A Sunshine meeting among some commissioners is planned on Sept. 14 from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the third floor commission conference room at the Stephen P. Clark government center. >>> here is the notice: A Sunshine Meeting between Miami-Dade County Commissioners, Jordan; Rolle; Edmonson; Sosa; Chairman Moss; Vice-Chairman Diaz; and Seijas, has been scheduled immediately following the Special Meeting of the BCC, scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM, to discuss Head Start Funding. The remaining Honorable members of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners have been invited to attend.

>>> The Children’s Trust is having its Board of Directors meeting and public TRIM meeting Sept. 14 and the board meeting starts at 4:00 p.m. and will end at 7:00 p.m., and the meeting is open to the public. Miami-Dade College – Wolfson Campus, 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Bldg. 3000, #3210 –Miami, FL 33132 www.thechildrenstrust.org

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

Maritza C. Gutierrez, 48, of Coral Gables, owner of Creative Ideas Advertising Inc., reappointed for a term beginning September 10, 2009, and ending June 30, 2013.

>>> Press release: THE MIAMI-DADE CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT CRACKS DOWN ON UNLICENSED MOVERS AND LOCKSMITHS

Five out of six movers and locksmiths that were the focus of investigations by the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department last month were issued six citations and $10,400 in fines for unlicensed operations.  The Hialeah Police Department assisted in the investigations. Four movers were operating without a moving license or a local business tax license, and an apprentice locksmith engaged in work without required supervision. The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department routinely investigates regulated industries to ensure compliance with the law. To file a consumer complaint or for information on consumer issues, log on to the Consumer Services Department website at www.miamidade.gov/csd or call (305) 375-3677. >>> About CSD –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’s Cooperative 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.  >>> It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, materials in accessible format or other ADA accommodations, please call 305-375-3677 at least five days in advance.

>>> The Watchdog Report is running unedited excerpts from a report done on the 35 municipalities in Miami-Dade and leaders compensation and benefits while in public office by the Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust Commission last year. This week I will publish the compensation and benefits of leaders in the Town of Miami Lakes, City of Miami Gardens, Village of Miami Shores, Village of Indian Creek, and the Village of Key Biscayne.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> State Atty. Satz in the spotlight, first elected in 1976, had $1.27 million through Dec. 2008

Michael Satz, the long serving Broward state attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida is in the spotlight this week and he was first elected in 1976. Satz, a Democrat has been reelected since then in a Democrat majority county. However, he has critics who say he is too easy on public corruption and the county has a reputation for leniency when it comes to prosecution of officials but he has bagged a few elected leaders, but nothing like the prosecution volume found in Miami-Dade.

>>> What do we know about his finances?

Satz through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $1.27 million, and he lists $103,000 in household goods. He lists $243,000 in cash or equivalents; real estate is valued at $650,000 of which $500,000 is his home. There is $120,000 in stocks and bonds, a retirement account has $154,000 and he owes $369.00 on a home equity loan. The local top cop filed his 2008 IRS 1040, his salary in his official capacity was $144,000, and another $17,480 came in from social security.

>>> State attorney’s web page: Michael J. Satz, a native of Pennsylvania, is a 1967 graduate of the University of Miami’s School of Law. After graduation from law school, Mr. Satz became an assistant prosecutor in Broward and quickly developed a reputation as a tough courtroom litigator handling homicide cases and other violent crimes. Mr. Satz was elected State Attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in Broward County on November 8, 1976 and took office soon after. He was re-elected in 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. He continues to regularly handle litigation of capital offenses and other serious crimes. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Satz has responded to Broward County’s diverse and growing crime problems by instituting specialized units within the State Attorney’s Office. In 2007, he established a division to help battle computer crimes against children. The office also has a Career Criminal Unit, a Sexual Battery/Child Abuse Unit, a Domestic Violence Unit, an Elderly Abuse Unit, an Organized Crime/Gang Unit, a Public Corruption Unit, an Economic Crime Unit, a Drug Trafficking Unit, a Truancy Unit, an Information and Technology Unit, a Training Unit and a Public Records Unit. Mr. Satz also participated in the creation of Broward County’s nationally recognized Drug Court and Mental Health Court, as well as Habitual Offender Court and Domestic Violence Court. He was one of the founders of Broward’s Sexual Assault Treatment Center. Under Mr. Satz’s guidance, the State Attorney’s Office has also responded to the needs of victims of crimes. A Victim Advocate Unit was instituted to provide victim counseling and to assist victims in recovering restitution for the crimes against them. Additionally, the State Attorney’s Office has expanded its Victim Advocate Unit to include a Victim Resource Center. The Victim Resource Center was created to provide a safe environment for victims and their families during all court proceedings.

Concerned about issues and institutions that affect the people of Broward, Mr. Satz requested grand jury investigations into Broward school construction, youth gangs, foster care, organized crime, the Broward Regional Juvenile Detention Center, the building construction and inspection industries, the Broward County Expressway Authority, mental health, child abuse and adult congregate living facilities. In 1995, Mr. Satz’s office sponsored the Broward County Elder Abuse and Exploitation Seminar and, in the summer of 1999, organized the Foster Care Summit. During his tenure as State Attorney, Mr. Satz has fought for legislation to abolish lenient sentencing guidelines, amend drug trafficking laws to qualify drug traffickers as habitual offenders for longer prison terms (2000); increase penalties for vehicular and vessel homicide (1999); classify “GHB” as a controlled-substance with criminal penalties (1997); reschedule “roofies” as a dangerous drug and increase the penalties for possession (1997); create Florida Laws Chapter 825 that provides penalties for the abuse, neglect and exploitation of elderly persons and disabled adults (1995); and increase penalties for drivers who fail to stop and remain at the scene of an accident that results in death (1993). For his efforts and service, Mr. Satz has been recognized by a host of prominent organizations. In 2007, Mr. Satz was honored with the Anti Defamation League’s annual Jurisprudence Award, and he was also recognized for his efforts in starting Broward’s Sexual Assault Treatment Center. Leadership Broward presented him its annual Profiles in Leadership award in 2006. In May 2003, Mr. Satz received the Legal Aid Service of Broward’s Community Safety Award recognizing his “concern for and commitment to providing those in need with access to justice.” Mr. Satz was presented the Heart Award by the Broward County Children’s Consortium in 2000 for his commitment and service to children. He also received the 1998 Sharon Solomon Advocate Award in commemoration of the late child advocate Sharon Solomon’s unselfish devotion to the public good. During his career, Mr. Satz also has been recognized by the Broward Bar Association, the B’Nai B’rith Justice Unit #5207 and the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association. He received a special proclamation from Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles in 1992 for having the highest total conviction rate for trials and guilty pleas in the state, a high standard the office continues to maintain. Mr. Satz served as honorary chairman of the American Cancer Society’s “Jail and Bail” fundraiser in 2001, and founded the Cancer Society’s “Up the River” fundraising cruise in 2002, an annual event he continues to co-chair each summer.

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Shirley Sumner as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light.

“Shirley has lived a life defined by selflessness and is proof that a passion for doing good can last a lifetime,” said Governor Crist.  “She is a leader, advocate and role model for all ages.  Florida is a better place because of her dedication to her community.” For the past 23 years, Shirley Sumner has been an advisory council member, fundraiser and community activist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County.  At age 91, Shirley continues to raise funds for center projects by testifying before local governments and boards about the importance of senior programs.  She also directly corresponds with elected officials regarding aging issues. She has been elected to the Broward Senior Hall of Fame, a recognition given to elders who have displayed excellence in volunteering. She is also a lifetime member of the Cancer Society, chair of the SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Council in Sunrise, and a member of the Broward County Library Advisory Board.

“Shirley Sumner is an exemplary senior who entered her nineties with the same zeal and ambition that marked her beginning endeavors as a volunteer when she was 60,” said Edith Lederberg, executive director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County.  “She has the unique ability of being able to lead, follow or walk beside others in order to achieve important goals for her community.” >>>  AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. 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.  Occasionally, the award is presented to outstanding organizations or individuals. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

State Attorney McAuliffe in the spotlight, busy 15th judicial circuit, had $4.5 million net worth through May 2009

Michael McAuliffe, the state attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit is in the spotlight this week and the office while not as busy as Miami-Dade and Broward Counties still has a large number of cases to handle.

>>> What do we know about his finances?

McAuliffe through May 2009 had a net worth of $4.5 million and he lists $315,000 in household goods. His home is valued at $2.5 million and an investment property is worth $700,000, there is $628,000 in investment equities, a retirement account has $582,000 and he lists $46,948 in cash. His only liability is a $199,000 mortgage and his income for the year was $54,657 from his law firm, he lists his spouse’s salary ($139,000) but that could have been his pay as a state attorney, and dividends and interest contributed $13,000 and $2,359.

>>>State attorney’s web page bio: I am honored to serve as the State Attorney for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit (Palm Beach County).  The State Attorney is the chief prosecutor in the circuit and one of twenty elected state attorneys in Florida. This office handles over 100,000 felony and misdemeanor cases every year in an effort to protect our community.  We have over a hundred (100) prosecutors and almost two hundred (200) support staff who work as a committed team to serve the community.  We work every hour of every day to hold individuals who commit crimes accountable for their actions.   The cases range from the most heinous homicides to criminal traffic infractions.  Our responsibilities range from trying cases in the courtroom and evaluating matters after an arrest to partnering with investigative law enforcement building cases against those who hurt and steal from others. Our special role in the criminal justice system carries with it a high duty to this community. We uniquely are charged with focusing on serving justice and not merely pursuing convictions.  We can, and must, be tough and fair. I will be a relentless advocate for the State Attorney’s Office and for this community.   In tough economic times, crime increases; as a result, the State Attorney’s Office is required to do more with less resources.  However, regardless of the circumstances, you have our collective commitment to your safety.  I ask you to support this office and its mission so that we can keep that commitment. For more information go to http://www.sa15.state.fl.us/

MONROE COUNTY

>>> State Attorney Ward in the spotlight, looks after Conch Republic, had $316,000 net worth through July 2009

Dennis Ward, the state attorney for Judicial Circuit 16 is in the spotlight this week and while the office has a decent web site, there is no biography on the man and when he assumed office.

>>> What do we know about his finances?

Ward through July 1, 2009 had a net worth of $316,000 and he lists no household goods. A condominium on Miami Beach is valued at $200,000, five acres of land in Florida City is worth $10,000 and there is $165,000 in a Florida DROP income account. He lists two mortgages owed $29,000 and $30,000 and income for the year was $150,000 in his official capacity, and a Miami Beach Police and Fire Retirement System kicked in $60,000.

>>> Press release:  R 5 (U.S. 1/Overseas Hwy) – Channel 2 Bridge (MM 72.6 to MM 73.1) Week of September 14, 2009

Lane shifts will occur on Channel 2 Bridge from MM 72.6 to MM73.1 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday in order to allow for construction activities on the bridge.  Please exercise caution and obey the reduced 35 MPH speed limit throughout the limits of the project.  Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive or log on to www.fl511 to get real-time traffic and lane closure information. For more information, please contact Will Thompson at 305-797-0962 or via email at will@QCAusa.com.

>>> SR 5 (U.S. 1/Overseas Hwy) – Grassy Key (MM 57.4 to MM 59.9) Week of September 14, 2009

No lane closures are planned; however, travel lanes have been shifted to the north side of the road and narrowed from 12 to 11 feet in some portions within the project limits.  Please exercise caution and obey the reduced 45 MPH speed limit throughout the limits of the project.  Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive or log on to www.fl511.com to get real-time traffic and lane closure information. For more information, please contact Will Thompson at 305-797-0962 or via email at will@QCAusa.com.

>>> SR 5 (U.S. 1/Overseas Hwy) Bahia Honda Bridge (MM 35.28-MM 36.56) Week of September 14, 2009

One lane of a two-lane section will be closed during the day Tuesday through Friday on the southbound side of the Bahia Honda Bridge from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This lane closure is necessary to fit equipment on the bridge for repair work being done underneath the Bahia Honda Bridge.  Please obey the speed limit. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive or log on to www.fl511.com to get real-time traffic and lane closure information. For more information, please contact Will Thompson at 305-797-0962 or via email at will@QCAusa.com.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Audit committee goes through smooth transition, Amos steps down, Thornburg new chair; leadership change was not always smooth

A smooth leadership transition occurred at the school board’s Audit Committee Tuesday and the body’s chair Betty Amos, CPA, stepped down and is leaving  the body that is the county’s residents fire wall when it comes to oversight of the almost $5 billion public schools district budget. Amos, a long serving member is the second chair to serve since Hank Mack held the position for over ten years and getting him to step down was no easy process. Since then the chairs have come in, done their duty, and then leave and that was the case last week. She is being replaced by Frederick F. “Buck” Thornburg, Esq. as the chair and Manuel A. “Manny” Gonzalez, CPA, is the vice chair. The audit committee does not get the press attention it deserves, I have been attending these meetings since late 1997, and how the board now operates has changed significantly since back then. The Watchdog Report wishes Amos the best and she did her duty with honor. She is also the chair of the University of Miami’s trustees audit committee. Thornburg and Gonzalez have been veteran members and the attorney was the first chair of the school board’s ethics committee a few years ago.

The 11-member audit committee has a diverse group of people on it and before Amos. The chair was former prosecutor Jeffrey B. Shapiro, Esq., and school board member Perla Tabares Hantman is the school board’s only voting member, though the full board approves all the documentation that flows through the committee. The committee also met a new member last week, it is Rayfield McGhee, and the importance of this oversight board is similar to the Public Health Trust that oversees the $2 billion Jackson Health System, with 12,500 employees. >>> One former audit committee member was Frank Carollo, CPA, the brother of former Miami Mayor Joe Carollo, and the accountant is now a candidate for the race on the Miami commission. >>> The next audit committee is going to be on Dec. 8 at 12:30 in conference room #916.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

Special Board meeting Tuesday in afternoon, voting on next year’s budget that has to be approved by county commission Sept. 17

The PHT board is holding its all day committee meeting Sept. 15 and a new wrinkle has been added with the calling for a special board meeting to ratify the budget for next year that starts in October. The trust has been grappling with crafting a budget for months and with funding being reduced from Miami-Dade County, some hard choices are having to be made at the health system that gives well over $525 million in charity care

>>> Press release: Please be advised, as per Eneida O. Roldan, President and Chief Executive Officer, a special PHT Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, immediately following the Fiscal Affairs, Purchasing & Budget Committee meeting in the Diagnostic Treatment Center Conference Room 259.  The sole purpose of the meeting is to ratify the action of the Executive Committee for approval of the FY 2009-2010 Budget.

>>> Fiscal Affairs, Purchasing & Budget Committee  2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – DTC Room 259 >>> Special PHT Board of Trustees meeting, Immediately following Fiscal Affairs, Purchasing & Budget Committee, DTC Room 259. >>> Human Resources Subcommittee  2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., DTC Room 270 — Executive Committee, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., DTC Room 259.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Stern Mayor Diaz warns commission of financial Agamemnon with worker pensions, issue should have been addressed before now

Thursday’s public hearing of the City of Miami’s $518 million budget for 2009 to 2010 after 5:00 p.m. ranged from Mayor Manuel Diaz acting like a stern schoolteacher when he opened the meeting speaking to commissioners, to a verbal jab fest after Diaz and Commissioner Tomas Regalado mixed it up later in the evening. Diaz in his opening remarks seems to have come out of his everything is just rosy coma, with two months left in his second term. He cited all the problems the city in the future faced and warned of dire consequences, especially when it came to city employee pensions. Diaz noted the salary levels of Miami employees is unsustainable with “50 percent of the employees making over $100, 000,” the mayor intoned. However, what was odd was through all this is he has been in office for almost eight –years and part of the financial mess the city was in could have been mitigated but both the mayor and past commission’s kept kicking the financial ball forward to where the city is today.

There is enough blame to spread around over the past decade when it comes to how the city spent its public tax dollars and while Diaz says there has been $2 billion in capital improvements and other investments on city property and services. He ignored mentioning the Fire Fee scandal, the house deal that involved all three branches of city government being in a private investment deal in the Grove that ran him afoul of the county’s ethics commission as just a few examples. The Watchdog Report gave Diaz a major free ride his first few years in office and I used to joke how high do you raise the bar when you factor in some of the city’s past mayors. However, he is very refractory when it comes to being straightforward with municipal taxpayers and answering tough questions and during this most recent dressing down of the officials. He said elected leaders retirement package should be looked at and reduced but they should do it in 2010 after he was out of office and that recommendation was priceless after his own salary jumped from around $92,000 years ago to $150,000.

>>> Commissioner Angel Gonzalez made a big deal about his passing his cell phone # to Commissioner Michelle Spence Jones during the commission meeting and noted it was being done it in the public eye. However, I wondered what about later when they called each other, would the public know what was said or were the two officials just talking about the Miami Dolphins.

>>> Press release: Mayor Diaz Presents Fiscal Year 2010 Budget to City Commission -Proposed $511.4 million budget identifies $118 million in reductions-

Mayor Manny Diaz presented his Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Preliminary Budget before the City Commission during the First Budget Hearing on Thursday, September 10, 2009.  The budget addresses a decrease in revenues while working to maintain essential services for the residents of the City of Miami without increasing the millage rate or utilizing the General Fund Balance. Through a difficult process, the Administration has identifies $118 million in savings to achieve a balanced budget and cover the preliminary shortfall in its General Fund. “Sacrifices must be made. The question we must answer is who should make these sacrifices,” said Mayor Diaz. “Today we have a choice: we can continue to use the people’s money to feed the appetite of the bureaucratic beast, or we can remember that we are public servants, and put the interest of people first.”

Highlights of the Mayor’s proposed budget: Proposed budget of $511.4 million, a decrease of $13.7 million, or 2.7%, from the FY 2009 adopted budget. Proposed millage rate remains at 7.6740 mills. Decrease of 572, or 16%, in total number of approved fulltime positions, for a savings of close to $40 million. Across the board reductions of close to 16% in all of the departments, including the complete elimination of several departments, resulting in a savings of close to $45 million. Tiered salary reductions across all departments ranging from 6% to 15%, resulting in close to $22 million in savings. Additional reductions in expenses and increases in various fees result in close to $11 million in income and savings. >>> Mayor Diaz’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2010 can be viewed at Mayor Diaz’s remarks can be viewed at http://www.miamigov.com/cms/mayor/

>>> Press release: MIAMI-DADE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FILING A FALSE CLAIM WITH THE IRS FOR MORE THAN $9 MILLION

Jeffrey H. Sloman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, announced that defendant Marlon T. Moore, a/k/a Dammon Green, a/k/a Tyrone Moore, a/k/a X-Large Moore, 38, of Miami, FL, pled guilty today to one count of filing a false claim with the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 287.  At sentencing, Moore faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment.  Sentencing is scheduled for November 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Miami, FL, before U. S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke.

According to the charges and statements made in court during the plea hearing, Moore was released as an inmate from the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, FL, on December 28, 2007.  After his release, Moore filed a 2007 U.S. Individual Tax Return, Form 1040, and requested a fraudulent refund of $9,087,987.95 from the IRS. During 2008, Moore filed several other fraudulent U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns requesting refunds to which he was not entitled.  The tax loss is the amount Moore sought as a refund, $9,087,987.95. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Lanigan and Trial Attorney Gregory R. Bockin of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division. >>> A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.  Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/ or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov/.

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

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Sweeping new ethics legislation is deferred again until Sept. 21

Sweeping ethics legislation being sponsored by multiple commissioners after an earlier workshop was held in July was differed Wednesday once again to a Sept. 21 commission meeting. A broad array of ethics ordinances is being suggested that try to eliminate certain lobbying loopholes or involve campaign financing. The city has one of the strictest ethics codes in the nation and when it comes to these new laws, some insiders say some of language is directed at another commissioner and past discussions have been verbally wild to say the least. Further, the commission has caught the interest and watchful eye of the county’s ethics commission and one sees their advocate or the director many times in the audience.

>>> The city commission honored Stephen Zack, Esq., with a proclamation for being the First Hispanic Florida Bar Association and more recently as the First Hispanic President of the American Bar Association. Vice Mayor Victor Diaz, Jr., requested the proclamation.

>>> Clerk’s office: NOVEMBER 3, 2009 GENERAL ELECTION — The following individual(s) have submitted Form DS-DE 9 (Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates) Mayor (Mayor Bower’s Seat) Matti Herrera Bower, Raphael Herman, Joshua Larose; Group I (Commissioner Libbin’s Seat), Jerry Libbin, Oduardo Segui;  Group II (Commissioner Gross’ Seat), Roger Abramson, Fred Karlton, Jorge Exposito, Maria Mayer, Sherry Roberts; Group III (Commissioner Diaz’s Seat), Alex Fernandez, Michael Gongora, Gabrielle Redfern, Luis Salom, and Martin Shapiro –*denotes latest change >>> Editor’s note: David Smiley in www.miamiherald.com did a great profile on the candidates Saturday.

>>> PRESS RELEASE: Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 — Meeting time:  8:30 AM, Meeting Location:  David’s Café, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach — The Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club , in association with The Lead Miami Beach , presents the first of four debates featuring candidates for the November, 2009 Miami Beach City Commission election.  This week’s guests will be the contenders for the Group I seat – incumbent Jerry Libbin, and his challenger Oddy Segui.   >>> In the week’s to follow, we will be presenting candidates for each of the two remaining seats – Group II candidates on September 22nd, and Group III candidates on September 29th.  Candidates for the Mayor’s seat will be heard on October 6th. Each candidate will have an opportunity to make brief opening and closing statements.  Questions will come from the audience. There is no charge and everyone is welcome to attend. >> David Kelsey, Moderator for the Breakfast Club. For more information, contact David Kelsey.  To be placed on the Breakfast Club ’s mailing list, contact Harry Cherry.  Both can be reached at: www.TuesdayMorningBreakfastClub@Yahoo.com

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Budget hearings contentious, sides split, how low will the public go at the second hearing Sept. 22?

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The Watchdog Report last week contacted elected leaders by e-mail after the Tuesday night public budget hearing, that had the leaders raising the millage to maintain a higher level of services, while facing plunging property tax values and other fees the city collects and uses to fund the general fund that pays for services and the retirement benefits of municipal employees. Mayor Donald Slesnick, II, e-mailed back, “The hearing went well with about 100 persons in attendance, and except for an occasional outburst the participants remained civil to one another.  Many speakers expressed angst with the economy and their reluctance to pay any new revenue to the city, others expressed confidence in the new City Manager and his ability to guide us through the challenges ahead, others expressed support of the employees’ needs while stating that drastic action must occur to “reform” the pension plan – unfortunately, where the “civility” broke down was in the message of other attendees who put forth the position that it doesn’t matter what the situation is or what the challenges are or what the best solution is:  there should be no new revenue demands (taxes or fees) despite the rationale or need – if there is an increased tax rate or fee imposed (no matter how minimal) they will start a recall action against the Commission.  This is very reminiscent of the worst features of the federal healthcare debate,” wrote the mayor.

Commissioner Maria Anderson wrote back, “I do understand people’s concern, and I respect the right to free speech.  I thought it was going to be bad, but it was much worse.  Jeering, cat calls, clapping when insults made by speakers, venom, lies, and threat of recalls.  We also had some thoughtful speakers who had some suggestions and offers to help.  We actually had one person who spoke for the budget. The bright light is Mr. Salerno, our City Manager who presented a very lean budget that mirrored the pain in the real world.  He is a fiscal conservative and a proponent of small government, so the City is in good hands.  Can’t wait for Round 2 on September 22, wrote the veteran commissioner.

Commissioner Ralph Cabrera, Jr., sent a copy of a speech he gave during the budget hearing and here are the beginning and ending excerpts of what the commissioner, elected in 2001 said at the meeting. “People throughout the country – including Coral Gables – are struggling to cope with a host of brutal and depressing economic realities.  As property values plummet; incomes decline; retirement savings or pension plans evaporate; and unemployment soars past 10% in Florida, the misery continues and expands.  People are feeling fearful about the future; frustrated by a sense of powerlessness; and furious about the performance of elected officials at every level of government.  I not only understand these feelings – I share them – and I do not exempt myself or this commission from legitimate and civil criticism.

Profoundly important differences of opinion exist within the community and this commission regarding the question of how the city came to be in its current financial predicament, and how to deal with it.  One school of thought attributes our financial problems almost entirely to an unexpectedly large decline in city revenue related to falling property values and the broader economic recession.  Contained within this argument is a not-too-subtle criticism of me and one of my colleagues for preventing a large increase in the millage rate two years ago.

I totally disagree with that school of thought for the following reasons: First, it is undeniably true that the city’s revenue stream has been diminished by falling property values and the recession.  However, this was entirely foreseeable last year, and it should have come as a surprise to no one. Second, even if a higher millage rate had been approved two years ago, there is no compelling reason for anyone to trust that the extra revenue would somehow still be available to address our current problem.  That money would have been spent – count on it. Third, unlike some, I do not consider the relative affluence of this community to be a license to impose ever-increasing fees and taxes on our residents.  Fourth, and most importantly, I do not believe that the answer to the city’s financial problems is to be found on the “income” side of the ledger.  Rather, the answers can only be found on the “expense” side of the ledger.  This city must cut spending – substantially.

Some of this commissions’ harshest critics have recently begun to express their outrage over the city’s unjustifiable and unsustainable personnel costs.  Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the club.  For years, I have been working to curtail the skyward trajectory of those costs – especially pension costs.  Two years ago, at budget time, I went on at some length about the need to address the pension problem.  I called for a special commission workshop on the issue, and I cautioned city employees that they needed to recognize the tremendous value of having pension benefits that were virtually guaranteed.  Much to my frustration, very little of real value resulted from those efforts. Too often, a crisis is required to force government action on sensitive and controversial issues.  This year the financial chickens came home to roost in Coral Gables.  Last week we were informed by the city manager and others, in no uncertain terms, that the city’s pension programs are unsustainable.  Taxpayers cannot and should not be required to provide overly generous pensions to government employees when they have lost or are losing their own pensions, their jobs, and possibly, their homes.

Last week, this commission did not approve all of the city administration’s proposals for dealing with the police pension issue, and that means that further work needs to be done.  Mayor Slesnick pointed out that further contract negotiations can begin as early as next month, and I believe that should happen.  For now, I want to explain to the manager and all of you why I did not support all of the city’s proposals… First, I was concerned about the impact of a substantial reduction in take-home pay on the lower-paid members of the police department. Second, I preferred to approve a collective bargaining contract that the police agreed to rather than impose all of the city’s terms immediately.  All city employees need to understand that further compensation adjustments are no longer an option – they are a necessity, and they will be imposed if that is what we have to do.

I am now going to turn my attention to another high-cost item in the city’s budget:  The city’s Information Technology Department.  Two and a half years ago, I sought this commission’s support for an independent evaluation of our IT Department.  For convenience, I referred to it as an IT audit. To characterize the response I received as “tepid” may be over-stating it.  Several expressions of concern about the potential costs were voiced, and the discussion went no … I believe that other major cost savings can be achieved in various ways that will not adversely affect the quality of services provided to residents.  I have already spoken with the manager about some of these and I assure you that effort will continue. In fact, there is no real alternative to further substantial cuts in spending.  The city manager has already warned us that next year’s budget crunch is going to be worse than this one because revenues are going to fall even further.

Last Saturday, I went to a website called Realtytrac.com.  Their data indicated that in the 33134 zip code alone, there are 222 bank-owned residences, 170 scheduled for auction, and 1,287 in pre-foreclosure.  We simply cannot tax our way out of this problem. Ultimately, each of us stands alone to defend our track record, and answer for our mistakes.  Since I was first elected in 2001, I have worked consistently to keep taxes down and reduce government spending.  I take some comfort in trusting that well-informed voters know my record, and re-elected me last April based on that record,” state’s the commissioner’s speech. >>> Here is The Herald’s take on the meeting: Coral Gables OK’s 14% property tax hike – Coral Gables / South Miami – MiamiHerald.com

CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS

>>> Mayor Gibson paid $42,000; council members get $12,000 annually

Ethics commission report: The City of Miami Gardens’ Mayor receives an annual salary of $42,000, under the City Charter, section 2.6.  Each of the six Council Members receives $12,000 annually, also under the City Charter. The Mayor and Council Members may be reimbursed in accordance with applicable law or as otherwise provided. None of the expenses paid to the Mayor or Council Members are taxable. Only actual, substantiated expenses are reimbursed. In 2007, the City reimbursed the Mayor and six Council Members a total of $46,009. The range of individual expense reimbursements varied between $4,770 and $9,515. The breakdown of the total expenses incurred by the Council and Mayor was $26,642 for travel; $16,182 for public relations; $1,125 for educational seminars; and $2,060 for memberships and dues.

TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES

>>> Mayor Pizzi gets $18,000 salary; six council members get $4,800 annually

Ethics commission report: The Town of Miami Lakes’ Mayor receives an annual salary of $18,000.  The City Charter, section 2.6 (b), states that the City Council may establish by ordinance the salary for the Mayor. Each of the six Council Members as well as the Mayor may receive $4,800 annually “as reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.” The charter further allows the payment to be increased each year by an amount “equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the CPI for the Miami-Dade area, all categories.” With this adjustment, in 2007, the Mayor’s and Council Members’ annual expense reimbursements totaled $40,204. Additionally, the City budget shows that a total of $12,000 was dispersed in travel expenses for elected officials, plus an additional $6,500 for total annual cell phone reimbursements. The Mayor received a car allowance totaling $7,200.

VILLAGE OF MIAMI SHORES

>>> Mayor and council members get a whopping $1.00 annual salary

Ethics commission report: The Village of Miami Shores’ Mayor and each Council Member receives a salary of $1 per year, as per the Village Ordinance § 2-32. Reimbursement is limited to travel expenses, based on receipts, under Village Ordinance § 2-18.  In 2007, one Council Member traveled to the League of Cities conference. Conference fees and hotel charges were paid directly to the League and hotel. The Council Member was personally reimbursed for additional expenses totally $418.25. These broke out as $218.25 for personal vehicle use; $175, which represented a 5-day ($35/day) per diem reimbursement; and $25 for toll charges.

VILLAGE OF INDIAN CREEK

>>> Zip when it comes to elected leader’s salaries, no compensation what so ever

Ethics commission report: In the Village of Indian Creek, neither the Mayor nor any of the Village’s Council Members receive a salary or any form of compensation. Section 3.04, Compensation, of the Village of Indian Creek Charter sets forth the policy regarding compensation for its elected officials.  Specifically, the Charter states that, “Council members shall serve without compensation.” With regards to the governing authority for expense reimbursements, Resolution No. 501 establishes the expense reimbursement guidelines.  Out of pocket expenses legitimately incurred while conducting Village business or furthering its interests are covered. Such expenses include the purchase of meals while on Village business; monies expended for travel necessary for attending Village Council Meetings; common carrier fare (bus, air, and rail); registration fees for conferences, seminars, schools, or similar functions; road and bridge tolls; storage and vehicle parking fees; among other similar types of expenses. Additionally, the resolution requires that documentation in the form of paid receipts must accompany the reimbursement requests in order to substantiate the claim for actual expenses.  Also, the Village Clerk stated there is an official reimbursement request form that must be completed and the supporting paid receipts must be attached to this form. Lastly, the Village’s reimbursement checks require dual signatures.  Therefore, the Village Manager and Village Clerk have been assigned the responsibility of signing all reimbursement checks.

VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE

>>> Zip again when it comes to mayor and council members salaries

Ethics commission report: No elected official in the municipality of Key Biscayne receives a salary or any form of compensation. Additionally, according to the Village Clerk neither the Mayor nor Council Members receive a vehicle allowance, travel allowance, cellular telephone allowance, nor a government credit card or a personal public relations allowance. With regards to reimbursement for authorized Village-related travel, the Village Clerk explained that state law governs reimbursements for authorized travel and per diem expenses incurred in performance of the elected official’s civic duties.

OBITUARY

>>> Many fledgling FIU journalist students will miss well-known journalist and attorney Fowler

The passing of Mike Fowler has touched many in South Florida and while I did not know the man, he clearly made his journalistic mark over the years he was here. One reader wrote, “Here’s a link to The Herald obit for Mike Fowler. He was an important part of Miami’s journalism community in the 1980s, and a great friend and mentor. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/obituaries/story/1229659.html

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> The Miami Herald Americas Conference 2009

The region’s premier business and political forum on Latin America and the Caribbean – Americas Conference 2009 will be taking place on September 29 & 30th. This year’s theme After the crisis:  Emerging challenges and political stability (Después de la crisis: Nuevos desafíos y estabilidad política) -WHAT/QUE: The Miami Herald Americas Conference is the region’s largest and most acclaimed annual forum of international executives and top government leaders, who gather to discuss a wide spectrum of relevant business and political issues. The conference will feature panels and discussions on important topics such as business opportunities between Latin America and Asia, Latin America’s technological advancements and challenges, the U.S. credit crisis and its effects on the region and the globalization of healthcare, among others. La Conferencia de las Americas, organizada por The Miami Herald, es el foro más importante y aclamado de la región donde ejecutivos internacionales y los más altos líderes de gobierno se reúnen durante dos días para debatir una amplia gama de temas en materia de negocios y política, de crucial importancia para América Latina y el Caribe.

WHEN/CUANDO: September 29-30, Program: 7:30am -5:00pm, 29 y 30 de septiembre, programa: 7:30am-5:00pm -WHERE/DONDE: The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida – Media Contact/Contacto de Medios: A press release with additional information will be issued in the coming days.  If you are a member of the media and would like to attend/cover the conference, please register media credentials at the following email: E-mail: AmericasConference@bm.com Please send us your name, title, media outlet you’ll be representing as well as your contact information such as phone number and email address. Un comunicado de prensa con más información se les enviara en los próximos días. Si usted es un miembro de la prensa y le gustaría asistir a la conferencia, por favor regístrese al siguiente correo electrónico para obtener sus credenciales de prensa: E-mail: AmericasConference@bm.com Por favor envíenos su nombre, título, medio de comunicación que represente, al igual que su número de teléfono y su dirección de correo electrónion Sitio Web: www.americasconference.com

>>> Press release: ETHICS AND THE MEDIA — “Principled Journalism and Government Relations in a New Era”

A one-day conference for South Florida journalists, government officials and public relations professionals sponsored by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics, the School of Communication at the University of Miami and the South Florida Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists >> FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., School of Communication, University of Miami, 5100 Brunson Drive, Coral Gables, Florida >> Keynote Speaker: Syndicated Columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr., Other conference presenters include: The Hon. Lynda Bell, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, Esq., Helen Aguirre Ferre, Howard Finklestein, Esq., Dwight Lauderdale, Michael Lewis, The Hon. Harvey Ruvin, Chief John Timoney — Workshop Topics include: Media, Law and Public Access; The Revolving Door between Government and Media Government Information: Presentation and Perception, The Appearance of Impropriety >>> The $20 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and a panel discussion on Political Smears and Media Manipulation >>> For more information contact the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics at 305-350-0631 or ethics@miamidade.gov .

EDITORIALS

>>> PAST WDR: Sept. 2003:  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.

>>> PAST WDR: Jan. 2004:  The world & Miami-Dade would be better off with more press coverage

The Watchdog Report’s future series about The Miami Herald has had me thinking about the critical role the media and press plays in a Democracy and in the nations of the world.  The profession is one of society’s centerboards keeping us semi-straight and under control as we try to govern ourselves in today’s world. In Miami, people constantly complain that we have only one general circulation newspaper and if you can believe it, there is even newspaper envy, by the smaller weekly or monthly publications.  This is not surprising because the information business has changed and all newspapers are under tremendous financial pressure while also completing their charge of educating the public and watching over our public institutions.

Who could have expected the role the inter-net would play in getting news out to the community and in the case of the Watchdog Report, now that my laptop is back in business.  Readers can be informed of critical or important events literally 20 minutes after it has occurred because of this technology. What the community and world should be focused on is the need for more press and media coverage because we are spread way to thin to do the job right and with the depth that our community deserves.  Government is based on a check and balance system if it is to work right and the media is a vital tool in this regard and the public should nourish it and have it flourish.  For once a large paper or even a smaller one is gone a hole in the community’s information net never is refilled.

>>> People working in the media are always at risk

People love stories written about others but hate stories about themselves generally and that is the rub concerning the business of the media.  Columnists are loved or hated but that is their job to point a spotlight on a hot issue, not caring who is burned, but there is also risk in journalism. Last year there were 36 journalists world wide killed covering stories, including 13 in Iraq and the public should remember these people who sacrificed their lives covering our troops overseas and in harms way. Journalists in countries around the world face a multitude of challenges trying to get news events out to the public and with the New Year; the Watchdog Report  thanks them for their dedication and courage during these trying times.  For if the world is to move forward in a positive and constructive way, the media will have played a part in it and that is something we all should realize and celebrate.

LETTERS

>>> Senator Nelsons support for a co-op sounds more like a cop put. What does he really support? Few politicians can clearly define either of both entities. The only thing they know that it’s politically less risky to use the term co-op than the perceived evil word “public option.” So what would it be? Insurance co-ops or health insurance purchasing co-ops? An insurance co-op requires sustained funding, must develop a large network of providers offering discounted health care services, develop brand identity, figure out how to handle claims, develop actuarial expertise, establish reserves, meet state licensing requirements and solvency requirements. Once a co-op passes all those hurdles it needs to attract and retain customers, lots of customers, to compete with existing insurance companies. In contrast, health insurance purchasing co-ops are based on the idea that consumers bargain with insurance companies to buy insurance. They’re not insurance providers themselves.

Most of such initiatives failed to provide the desired benefits for their member. So what’s left? 1) a solid public option offering an insurance option for those who currently cannot afford to buy insurance or are underinsured; 2) a political consensus to strictly regulate insurance companies like we do with utilities; 3) a single-payer insurance plan, a public service financing the delivery of healthcare. Single-payer health insurance operates by arranging the payment of services to doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers from a single source established and managed by government. This source replaces private insurance companies with a single, public entity. These are the options and the choice is ours.

Bernd Wollschlaeger, MD, FAAFP, FASAM

Immediate Past President, Dade County Medical Association

>>> Hope all is well.  Wouldn’t that be fascinating if the Obama Administration swooped down and picked up Mayor Manny for the recently vacated Special Advisor on Sustainability post?  Maybe, you would get your answer on the $400,000.

A long time reader and supporter

>>> Congratulations to you, Dan. The very best always.

Bobbie

>>> Thanks for all you do.

Robert

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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, 2009, 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. The Southern Media Landscape (PDF)  Daniel Ricker. Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter. www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald … circulation, 134,269. Dan Hoover leads the. publication’s ..www.unc.edu/~davismt/SouthNow.pdf – 574k – View as html

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

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