Archive for September 2010

 
 

Watchdog Report Vol.11 No.17 September 5, 2010 – Est. 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot!

CONTENTS

Argus Report: The race is on, Crist, Meek, Rubio kick in campaign afterburners, less than 60-days to go to world’s most exclusive club

Florida: Sink and Scott face off, third wheel Chiles drops out, how low will the campaigns go?

Miami-Dade County: Labor Day e-mail greetings from commissioners causes a stir at county hall, use of employee address list a slippery slope

Broward County: School Board Chair Gottlieb hangs on in tight race, had $1.7 million net worth through May 2010

Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach man sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for Cramming scheme, bilked phone customers almost $35 million

Leon County: Crist taps Josefina “Josie” Tamayo to the Second Judicial Circuit Court.

Hillsborough County: Druggist hit with Medicare fraud is sentenced by the feds

Hernando County: Gov. Crist picks Dr. Beatrice Braun as the Governor’s Point of Light in honor of Senior/Military Awareness Month

Duval County: Crist picks Richard A. “Dick” Brown of Neptune Beach to the Jacksonville City Council.

Monroe County: Acevedo gets 8-years, affair traumatized Monroe electorate, school supt. no longer elected, Judge Jones net worth $459,000

Miami-Dade Public Schools: Motorists in school zones need to slow down, or get ticketed, not a cheap fine

Public Health Trust: Applicants for PHT board jumps to 69, only the best of the best should be selected with health trust’s challenges, at least 30-hours a month, citizen lite’s not wanted

City of Miami: Plans for Orange Bowl Regatta moving ahead, sailing events in Grove will bring in economic boost for 6 to 8 weeks say sailors

City of Miami Beach: Local Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club hosts Margaret Lake, Executive Director of the Gusman Theater

City of Coral Gables: Gov. Crist gives nod to the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, Kadre, Romance and Wiley of El Portal

City of South Miami: Part II:  From educator and activist to Mayor Stoddard replies to the WDR story last week

Village of Key Biscayne: Ethics commission sticks with Kelly opinion, can vote on rezoning of old Sonesta Hotel

Town of Sunny Isles: Solera can be in front of commission without a problem, after a conflict waiver was granted

North Bay Village: Now it is village Mayor Alfonso that owes property taxes, tough to set someone else’s taxes

Editorials: ‘Permissive culture’ in Monroe pervades many public institutions; question is will that attitude change in the “New Normal?” PAST WDR: JAN 2006: Schoolgirl killed at crosswalk after flying 50-feet in air should trigger tougher measures from law enforcement regarding speeding, reckless driving and running red lights

Letters: Reader wants to stop a fuel dock on pier #7 at Dinner Key Marina –Reader on WPBT 2 Issues interview — Reader on my mother’s influence

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

>>> 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. I almost did not write this week because of my financial condition. And while I as so many others are facing tough times. I hope you or your organization will consider helping in a small or larger way and help keep another voice on line and in the media. 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.

>>> I was on Topical Currents hosted by Joseph Cooper on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on Sept. 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. To listen to the show on a variety of political and election issues go to http://204.13.1.19:81/

>>> I was also on WPBT2 Issues with Helen Ferre as the host, go to This Week on Issues – 9/03 & 9/05 >>> ISSUE ONE: Interview with City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado – Mayor Tomas Regalado joins us on the program to discuss the fiscal health of the city, the recent police union lawsuit over salary cuts, and his wishes to renegotiate the City’s parking garage advertising contact with the Florida Marlins. ISSUE TWO: Week in Review: Jackson Ethics and Scott’s Pick -The Office of Inspector General has issued a harsh report on Jackson Health System’s project to build an office tower saying the plans raised “serious concerns about [its] integrity and objectiveness.”  In state news, gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott announced his running mate this week, State Representative Jennifer Carroll.  We discuss news of the week. Guests: Joy Reid, The Miami Herald — Daniel Ricker, Watchdog Report

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> The race is on, Crist, Meek, Rubio kick in campaign afterburners, less than 60-days to go to world’s most exclusive club

Let the three-way face off begin with Republican Marco Rubio (Net worth $8,357), Democrat Kendrick Meek (Net worth $62,000 in 2002) and independent Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $461,000) kicking in their campaign after burners that has one of them being elected to the U.S. Senate in the next 60-days. Rubio is reported www.miamiherald.com skipping a planned debate that was to be held because his father is very ill. The former House Speaker is close to his father, and during his run in the primary, especially before Crist left the party in May. He is said to always stop by and see his ailing dad. Meek has been traveling around the state getting establishment Democrats endorsements, after the bruising battle he had with billionaire Jeff Greene, who is leaving his own legacy by suing The Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times for damaging profiles they did on the insurgent candidate. And Crist is back in the media with a second explosion on an oil and liquid gas rig last week in the Gulf that had workers jumping off the flaming platform rigged for natural gas. Each man has his own set of problems that will be used against them up to the Nov. 2 general election with Rubio having a questionable house deal and his role with state Party Chair Jim Greer, now indicted with misusing party credit cards. Meek has his time as a lobbyist and the controversial Wackenhut Security contract that his mother Carrie later took on at Miami-Dade County to continue to explain. And Crist handpicked Greer after his 2006 election, and any past and future revelations in the future will reflect on the perpetually tan one-term-governor.

>>> Candidates campaign signs now become visible pollution, get them picked up!

Candidates that had campaign scenes in the public right of way and elsewhere along roads and on lawns need to pick them up for it should be embarrassing enough that one lost in many cases. The public does not need to be reminded further of that fact, and this litter, at this point should not stay in the public view.

>>> Top federal prosecutor Ferre profiled in Miami Today

U.S. Atty. Wilfredo “Willy” Ferrer got a nice profile in Miami Today www.miamitodaynews.com last week and the local top prosecutor is settling into the office after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate after his appointment by President Barack Obama to head up the Southern District of Florida, one of the busiest federal districts in the nation.

>>> Press release: U.S. ATTORNEY NAMES COUNSEL AND DISTRICT TRAINING DIRECTOR

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, today announced two new additions to his management team, Eduardo I. Sanchez and Dawn Bowen.  Eduardo I. Sanchez returned to the United States Attorney’s Office on August 16, 2010, as Counselor to the U.S. Attorney in the Executive Division in Miami.  Ms. Bowen, a veteran of the Office, will serve as the District Training Director. As Counselor to the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Sanchez will provide advice, analysis, and guidance on legal and policy issues, strategic planning, training, and other matters of district-wide significance Until this appointment, Mr. Sanchez worked for nearly five years at the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office in the Zoning and Land Use, Appeals, Federal Litigation and Elections, and Tort and Medical Malpractice Sections.  Prior to joining the County Attorney’s Office, Mr. Sanchez served for more than ten years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, including in the Appellate Division, the Economic Crimes Section, and the Major Crimes Section.  In 2002, he received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney.  He attended the University of Miami Law School, where he graduated first in his class and was the Executive Editor of the University of Miami Law Review.  In addition, Mr. Sanchez is a former law clerk for Judge Peter T. Fay of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, for Judge James Lawrence King of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and for U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry L. Garber.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn Bowen will serve as the District’s Training Director, effective September 1, 2010.  In this capacity, Ms. Bowen will oversee and expand the Southern District of Florida’s training program, establishing training priorities and developing and implementing programs to meet the District’s training needs.  Prior to her selection as the District Training Director, Ms. Bowen served the United States in various roles during her career.  As an AUSA in the District of South Dakota, she litigated both civil and criminal cases.  Later, as an AUSA in the District of Colorado, she was assigned to the Mountain States Drug Task Force.  Ms. Bowen joined the Southern District of Florida as a Criminal Division AUSA in 1987 and then moved to the Appellate Division in 1989, where she served with distinction, including as Deputy Chief and Chief of the Appellate Division.  In addition, Ms. Bowen has briefed and argued some of the Office’s most difficult and challenging appeals, including the appeal in United States v. Noriega, for which she received the Department of Justice John Marshall Award for Outstanding Legal Achievement, and the appeals in two significant police corruption cases, for which the trial and appellate lawyers received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance.

“I am extremely pleased to announce these two additions to my executive team,” said U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer.  “Both Ed and Dawn are time-tested career public servants of the highest  intellect and unquestionable ethics.  I know that they will help me expand and strengthen the tradition of excellence for which this District is nationally recognized.” >>> 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

>>> Press release: THE WHITE HOUSE – BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

Working Americans are the foundation of our Nation’s continued economic success and prosperity. From constructing the first transcontinental railroad to shaping our city skylines, they have built our country and propelled it forward.

Through great innovation and perseverance, our labor force has forged America as a land of limitless possibility and a leader in the global marketplace. On Labor Day, we honor the enduring values and immeasurable contributions of working men and women today and throughout our history. As we recognize the contributions of the American workers who have built our country, we must continue to protect their vital role and that of organized labor in our national life. Workers have not always possessed the same rights and benefits many enjoy today. Over time, they have fought for and gained fairer pay, better benefits, and safer work environments. From the factory floors during the Industrial Revolution to the shopping aisles of today’s superstores, organized labor has provided millions of hard-working men and women with a voice in the workplace and an unprecedented path into our strong middle class. By advocating on behalf of our families, labor unions have helped advance the safe and equitable working conditions that every worker deserves.

Today, as we emerge from the worst recession since the Great Depression, far too many American workers remain without a job. With every work hour lost and every plant closure and layoff, families and communities struggle to make ends meet and face difficult decisions about how to stay afloat. Yet, in the face of this tremendous challenge, our workers have renewed their commitment to achieving the American dream by training and educating themselves for careers crucial to our long-term competitiveness. To rebuild our economy, my Administration is

focusing on job training and investing in industries that cannot be outsourced. By focusing on recovery at home, we are saving or creating millions of jobs in America and supporting the working men and women who will drive our 21st-century economy. More remains to be done, but we have taken important steps

forward toward recovery. American workers have always been ready to roll up their sleeves, clock in, and earn an honest living. That steady determination is why I have confidence in the American economy more and confidence that we can overcome the challenges we face. There is no greater example of our country’s resolve and resilience than that of our workers. As we celebrate Labor Day, we honor those who have advanced our Nation’s strength and prosperity — American workers. >>> NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 6, 2010, as Labor Day. I call upon all public officials and people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the tremendous contributions of working Americans and their families. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

>>> Press release: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen today, Tuesday, reiterated the need for significant Medicare fraud reform on the heels of another Medicare scam affecting South Florida.  According to reports published by today’s Miami Herald, a South Florida doctor has pleaded guilty to signing fraudulent prescriptions and medical forms for medicals services for patients that never needed them.  This scam resulted in $37 million in fraudulent claims with Medicare paying out $22 million based on these claims.

Ros-Lehtinen is co-author of the “Medicare Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act”, alongside Congressman Ron Klein of Florida.  The proposed legislation would double the penalties and jail-time for Medicare fraud.  It would also implement biometric technology, which would require patients to offer physical proof, such as a fingerprint, to ensure that services and equipment were indeed rendered. If enacted, the criminals would find it very tough to get around the new proposed screening technologies. Said Ros-Lehtinen: “Unfortunately, these Medicare scams are becoming the norm in our South Florida community.  These media reports underscore the need to equip Medicare and law enforcement agencies with the tools necessary to stop these crooks from defrauding Medicare and taking advantage of our most vulnerable citizens.  The legislation that Ron Klein and I have introduced would provide these tools and the technologies to keep up with these criminally savvy scammers who will stop at nothing to defraud the Medicare system. The use of biometric technology alone would have made this scam very difficult to pull off. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and help us put an end to the flood of taxpayer money, which is being ripped off by the perpetrators of these frauds. ”

>>> 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

>>> Sink & Scott face off for Gov., third wheel Chiles drops out, how low will the campaigns go?

Now there are two gubernatorial candidates after independent Lawton “Bud” Chiles, III dropped out last week throwing in the towel after a lackluster showing in polls and scaring Democrats, who believed he would bleed off votes from Democratic Party candidate Alex Sink. She is the state’s chief financial officer, and former Bank of America state president elected in 2006 to the office. The woman first cut her political spurs when she stomped for her husband Bill McBride in 2002 when he ran against Gov. Jeb Bush who easily bested the attorney. Sink now faces the Republican dragon slayer Rick Scott who dispatched Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum during the primary and the AG has yet to throw his hat in support to the healthcare executive that used over $35 million of his own money to just hammer the former congressman as a career politician wedded to special interest groups.

Sink has yet to be tested in a rough and tumble statewide campaign and cruised to victory in 2006 and Scott has already set the bar when it comes to political attack ads but he has baggage of his own. Scott started Columbia/HCA that ultimately owned over 400 hospitals around the nation, but the executive was forced out, leaving with a golden parachute of stock options worth hundreds of millions of dollars during a federal fraud investigation. The company would later settle with the federal government paying a $1.7 billion fine, the largest such payment in the nation’s history. Now, with 60-days left until the general election Republicans are trying to rally around Scott who is now indicating he will accept party money and campaign contributions from people that once considered him radioactive but that is politics in Florida where winning is the only option when it comes to elections and political office. And Sink is cranking up her own campaign coming to South Florida and Broward County last week and her challenge will be to raise enough money to defend herself against the anticipated attack ads coming from her challenger who will try to define her with voters before she is well known around the state. Though in Scott’s case, he and subsequently McCollum already has done the legwork and the health executive’s name and face is now known throughout the state after the barrage of months of television ads, where he bought media slots wherever these were available, regardless of the time aired.

What about their Lt. Governor choices?

Scott last week announced he has selected state Rep. Jennifer Carrol, R-Jacksonville as his running mate and she is a veteran legislator and retired navel officer. Carrol born in Trinidad is said to be a solid pick for Scott and excluding an incident regarding a school degree she is a safe choice. In Sink’s case she went with former state Rep. Rod Smith, D-Palm Beach and he can be a fiery campaigner but lost his bid to be the Party’s gubernatorial candidate to U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, D-Palm Beach in 2006 and politically this will be it for him if he is part of a losing team.

>>> State Sen. Garcia says sayonara to legislature, first elected at 21, had net worth of

State Sen. Rudy Garcia, Jr. R-Hialeah, after being in elected office since he was 21 is hanging up his political shingle since he is termed out in 2010. Garcia, a businessman has been a straight-up state representative and now senator and during all this time. He has avoided any significant scandal, has a good political temperament, and has been an advocate for children issues over the decades. Garcia, 47 was first elected to the state House in 1985 and took his District 40 Senate seat in 2001.

What do we know about his finances?

Garcia through Dec. 2009 had a net worth of $192,937 and he lists $20,000 in household goods. His home is valued at $299,000 and a second home in the state capital is worth $176,000. He lists a $303,619 liability with Bank of America. He filed his IRS 1040 for 2009 and total income for the year that includes his wife’s income was $132,087. His personal income listed was $66,719 from Atlas Carpet Inc. and the legislature kicked in $29,438.

Senator Rudy Garcia – Senators :Member Pages : flsenate.gov Senator Rudy Garcia. Bills Introduced · Press Releases. District Office: 7475 West Fourth Avenue Hialeah, FL 33014-4327 (305) 364-3191. Senate VOIP: 44000 …
http://www.flsenate.gov/legislators/s40

>>> Gov. Crist press release: Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission

Cynthia G. Angelos, 54, of St. Lucie, partner and attorney with Weiss, Handler, Angelos & Cornwell P.A., succeeding Candace Duff, appointed for a term beginning September 1, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.

Robert A. Butterworth, 68, of Hollywood, attorney with Atkinson, Diner, Stone, Mankuta & Ploucha P.A., succeeding Arturo Alvarez, appointed for a term beginning September 1, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.

Alexander “Zander” Clem, 46, of Orlando, partner and attorney with Morgan & Morgan, succeeding Andrew Grigsby, appointed for a term beginning September 1, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Labor Day e-mail greetings from commissioners causes a stir at county hall, use of employee address list a slippery slope

The County Commission is holding a meeting Sept. 10 starting at 9:30 a.m. and a number of items are second readings, and if passed, become law. The commission will vote on whether the Public Health Trust board should meet in the commission chambers in the Stephen P. Clark Government Center. Further, legislation is being proposed to remove certain ex officio members on the PHT board of trustees as well as “reducing voting membership” of trustees on the PHT board. And another ordinance would shift 20 percent of the lobbyist fees collected to the county ethics commission budget for “educational outreach.”

>>> Sustainability was the topic of the day last week when County Commissioner Katy Sorenson met with a committee on utilizing county waste, how to recycle the different materials, and how it could possible make some money in the process. Given Miami-Dade’s physical and population size, community waste is no small matter and the members are looking for ways to cut waste production or put it to another use.

>>> Some County Commissioners decided it was a good idea to send a Labor Day Greeting to the county’s employees using the government’s e-mail list but some recipients think this use of the employee list is inappropriate to say the least. Messages went out from Commissioners Dennis Moss, Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Audrey Edmonson, Barbara Jordan, Rebeca Sosa, Dorrin “The Gov” Rolle and Sally Heyman wishing Miami-Dade workers a great Labor Day and the officials thanked them for their service to the community. The Watchdog Report understands some aspects of the e-mail but suggests it could be a slippery slope when it comes to a government e-mail lists being used for perhaps political purposes in the future.

>>> Ethics commission summary of Aug. 31 meeting: Ethics complaint dismissed against Inspector General

A finding of “no probable cause” was ruled in a complaint (C 10-29) filed against Miami-Dade Inspector General Chris Mazzella by the president of the Dade County Police Benevolent Association.   John Rivera charged Mazzella with violating the County code in connection with his outside work as an entertainer.   The Ethics Commission found three of the counts not legally sufficient.  The remaining count charged Mazzella with Exploitation of Official Position, by citing his County title on the “We2duets” website.   The Ethics Commission determined it is only a part of his brief biographical information, noting that “it is difficult to imagine what ‘special privileges or exemptions’ respondent is likely to reap…” adding, “…there is no logical connection between being an Inspector General and a wedding singer.”

>>> In response to a Request for Opinion (RQO 10-22) from the wife of Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Dennis Moss, the Ethics Commission reiterated a past decision that Margaret Moss may serve as a contracting officer for Miami International Airport, overseeing selection committee proceedings, contract negotiations and preparing award recommendation memos.  But since her request was related to an advertising contract that has been the subject of protracted bid protests and legal action, the Commission decided to defer determination of any ethical considerations until the litigation is concluded. >>> 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: Gov. Crist: Third District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission

Jeffrey S. Bass, 43, of Miami, partner and attorney with Shubin & Bass P.A., reappointed for a term beginning September 1, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.
Hector J. Lombana, 58, of Coral Gables, partner and attorney with Gamba & Lombana P.A., reappointed for a term beginning September 1, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.

Peter Prieto, 49, of South Miami, partner and attorney with Podhurst Orseck P.A., reappointed for a term beginning September 1, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County received the “Most Outstanding Green Government” award on August 28, 2010 at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) South Florida Chapter’s GalaVerde: The 2010 LEEDership and Green Awards Program. At GalaVerde, USGBC South Florida Chapter recognized and honored outstanding projects, inspirational businesses, dedicated individuals, and instrumental Chapter members who are LEEDing the way to a more sustainably built environment in our South Florida community. In addition, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natacha Seijas was recognized as a 2010 LEED for Outstanding Green Elected Official final nominee.

“In Miami-Dade, global warming and climate change are local issues to us – as local as public safety, affordable housing and public transit,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez.  “Through our Office of Sustainability, and together with dedicated public servants, elected officials and the private sector, we are taking action to make a difference and ensuring we are doing what is necessary for a sustainable future.” “Collaboration among local public officials, architects, contractors, manufacturers and lenders is yielding promising results for our region,” said Commissioner Seijas. “Miami-Dade County should be especially proud to receive an award from the South Florida Chapter of the USGBC. To be recognized ‘at home’ for good works is an exceptional tribute.”

Miami-Dade County was recognized for its long history of implementing sustainable initiatives, including: Demonstrating a commitment to integrating sustainability initiatives and/or community outreach programs through the development of our sustainability plan, “GreenPrint;” our membership in the Chicago Climate Exchange; the adoption and implementation of the Green Building Ordinance which created the Office of Sustainability; and the successful implementation of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and other natural resources conservation programs. Demonstrating a commitment to creating and supporting sustainable operations by incorporating sustainability efforts into 2009-10 departmental business plans linked to performance scorecards and senior management appraisals; launching the Employee Green Pledge and Power it Down Initiative in order to educate the CAglaes Ensenatounty workforce and change behaviors patterns to save energy, fuel and water; and incorporating a sustainability module in the County’s supervisory and construction management training.

Demonstrating advocacy of a sustainable lifestyle by creating sustainability/green branding for Miami-Dade County to better communicate our green and sustainable messaging; re-designing green.miamidade.gov in order to educate its visitors on sustainability; the launch of the CFL Light Bulb Exchange program alongside the already popular and successful showerhead exchange; and, the launch of the residential and business energy savings challenges and the home energy savings workshops.  Demonstrating alignment with the USGBC South Florida Chapter Mission to promote sustainable development and green building through the establishment of the Green Buildings Ordinance and having 15 green buildings projects in planning, design or under construction; having 71 LEED-APs and two certified energy managers in the County workforce; and, by providing additional County staff with LEED-AP training for new construction. For additional information on Miami-Dade’s green efforts, visit http://green.miamidade.gov.

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> School Board Chair Gottlieb hangs on in tight race, had $1.7 million net worth through May 2010

Jennifer Gottlieb won her tight race for the school board after a manual recount against her opponent and the woman is now back in her District 8 seat, that is an At-Large slot on the board. Her husband Ken is a former state representative and was elected in August to a county judge slot. The school board chair has been caught in some critical stories regarding how the state’s second largest school district was building schools and the board lost a member when Beverly Gallagher was sent to federal prison, part of a threesome of Broward elected leaders busted by federal authorities that included a county and former municipal commissioner.

What do we know about her finances?

Gottlieb through May 2010 had a net worth of $1.7 million and she lists $125,000 in household goods. Her home is worth $475,000 and a vacation home in Key Largo is valued at $987,000. She has investments at Morgan Stanley worth $11,844 and $48,325, there is $17,500 in a retirement account, a car is worth $8,000 and there is $30,000 in a checking account. Her income for the year was $37,410 as a school board member and $1,500 came in from investments.

Jennifer L. Gottlieb
School Board Chair
600 SE Third Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 T: 754.321.2008 > F: 754.321.2700 > E-mail Jennifer L. Gottlieb > Jennifer L. Gottlieb (At-Large) – Chair – Broward County Public … Jennifer L. Gottlieb (At-Large) – Chair. PERSONAL: Jennifer is a product of Broward County public schools. She attended kindergarten through high school, http://www.browardschools.com/schoolboard/members/gottlieb.htm

>>> Check out Bob Norman’s Daily Pulp blog for more of what is going on politically in Broward County at http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today announced the appointment of Nicholas “Nick” Lopane of Fort Lauderdale to the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court.

“As a general magistrate, Nick has demonstrated diligence and hard work on behalf of the people of the Seventeenth Circuit, and I am confident he will apply that same intensity from the bench,” said Governor Crist. “Recognized by his peers for his legal knowledge and professionalism, he will apply the law with fairness and compassion.” Lopane, 44, has served as a general magistrate for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court since 1999.  Previously, he practiced with Josias, Goren, Cherof, Doody and Ezrol from 1997 to 1999 and was a senior attorney in the Fort Lauderdale office of the Attorney General from 1994 to 1997. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University and law degree from Florida State University. Lopane will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge John A. Frusciante.

>>> 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

>>> West Palm Beach man sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for Cramming scheme, bilked phone customers almost $35 million

Press release: Willoughby Farr, 46, of West Palm Beach, Fla., has been sentenced to 262 months in prison and three years of supervised release for perpetrating a “cramming scheme,” which was designed to place charges on consumers’ telephone bills for collect calls that were not made, the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Miami Field Office announced today. According to court documents, from April 2003 to December 2005, Farr used three West Palm Beach companies – Nationwide Connections Inc., Access One Communications Inc., and Connect One Communications Inc. – to defraud consumers. Through these companies, Farr arranged for telephone companies to falsely bill consumers for approximately $35 million in collect calls. Because the charges typically appeared on the last page of consumers’ telephone bills, many paid the charges.

Farr pleaded guilty in May 2010 to two counts of mail fraud related to the scheme. In pleading guilty, Farr admitted that he committed the crimes while he was incarcerated in the West Palm Beach County Jail.  He therefore hid his ownership of the three firms. He also hid his ownership because other firms had cut off his ability to bill for calls due to consumer complaints and the fact that state regulators had sued him for illegitimate billing. “The Postal Inspection Service did a superb job investigating this case,” said Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. “The FTC first uncovered this scheme and brought it to the Justice Department’s attention. The case demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperative law enforcement efforts which can put an end to fraudulent schemes, and then bring wrongdoers to justice.” “When the unscrupulous and the dishonest line their pockets with consumers’ hard-earned money, we will hold them accountable,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. “As this sentence demonstrates, the Justice Department has put a priority on protecting the public from fraudulent schemes. This case should also remind consumers to carefully review their telephone bills for unauthorized charges.” In February 2006, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brought a cramming suit against several firms and individuals, including Farr. That suit resulted in a $34,547,140 civil judgment against Farr.

“Crammers like Farr are eager to post bogus charges to consumers’ accounts,” said Inspector in Charge Henry Gutierrez. “The Postal Inspection Service will work tirelessly with its law enforcement partners to deter fraudulent use of the mails and to protect the American consumer.” The sentence announced today was the result of the collaborative efforts of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission. >>> A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

LEON COUNTY

>>> Gov. Crist taps Josefina “Josie” Tamayo of Tallahassee to the Second Judicial Circuit Court.

“Born in Cuba, Josie is a true example of the American dream and a dedicated public servant, who displays exceptional leadership, professionalism and commitment to the principles of our judicial system,” said Governor Crist. “Her extensive public service experience, as well as her vast legal expertise, will serve the people of the Second Circuit well.”

Tamayo, 51, has been serving as general counsel for the Florida Department of Health since 2007. Previously, she was the general counsel for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation from 2005 to 2007, and for the Florida Department of Children and Families from 1999 to 2005.  She has served the sixth district of the former state agency the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services as chief legal counsel from 1994 to 1999, and as chief foster care managing attorney from 1991 to 1993. She served as assistant state attorney for 13th Circuit State Attorney’s Office from 1989 to 1991, and the 12th Circuit State Attorney’s Office from 1985 to 1989. Tamayo received her bachelor’s degree from Emory University and law degree from the Georgia State University. Tamayo will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Kathleen F. Dekker.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

>>> Druggist hit with Medicare fraud gets sentenced by the feds

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Office of Investigation, announce the sentencing of Emilio L. Tain, 42, of Tampa, Florida, for committing health care fraud in connection with E&E Medical Services, doing business as Elbia’s Pharmacy, located in Hialeah, Florida.  On September 1, 2010, the Honorable Judge Paul C. Huck sentenced Tain to a total of 25 months, consisting of 10 months of imprisonment and 15 months of home confinement, and 3 years of supervised release.  Judge Huck also ordered that Tain pay restitution in the amount of $70 and a fine of $4,000, and that Tain perform community service after his release. At his change of plea, Tain admitted that he and his co-conspirators commit health care fraud through Part D of the Medicare program by submitting approximately $776,298 in fraudulent bills to Medicare from March 31, 2010, to April 8, 2010, falsely claiming that Elbia’s Pharmacy provided prescription drugs to Medicare beneficiaries.  Tain also admitted that he was recruited by his co-conspirator Luis A. Perez Moreira to become a nominal owner of Elbia’s Pharmacy and to sign paperwork and open bank accounts on behalf of the pharmacy. The fraud was detected early, and Tain and his co-conspirators received only $70 from Medicare.

Part D of the Medicare program subsidizes the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries and was enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003.  Part D went into effect on January 1, 2006. Co-conspirator Luis A. Perez Moreira was indicted for conspiring to commit health care fraud, but has not yet been apprehended. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Ron Davidson. >>> A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

HERNANDO COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today recognized Dr. Beatrice Braun as the Governor’s Point of Light in honor of Senior/Military Awareness Month.

“Dr. Braun is truly an exceptional volunteer who continues to provide outstanding assistance to Florida’s elderly and disabled citizens searching for affordable life-saving medications,” said Governor Crist. “She has the heart of a public servant, and her commitment to help those in need is truly inspiring.” Dr. Braun, 89, has assisted hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries resolve their health insurance and prescription drug questions during her over six years as a SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselor. Previously, she served as a volunteer director for SHINE’s predecessor program, dating back to 1989. She is a tireless advocate for her many clients, as well as the patients needing psychiatric services, which she provides for free to the homeless and uninsured at the Hernando County Health Department in Brooksville once a week. >>> 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.

DUVAL COUNTY

>>>Press release: Gov. Crist picks Richard A. “Dick” Brown of Neptune Beach to the Jacksonville City Council. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Arthur Graham to the Florida Public Service Commission and originally vacated by the suspension of John Meserve.

“Dick’s extensive community involvement, along with his 16 years of experience as an elected official, qualifies him to once again serve the Jacksonville community,” Governor Crist said. “His focus on business development is especially important at this time as our economy recovers.”

After retiring from BellSouth as a community relations manager, Brown, 72, served on the Jacksonville City Council from 1991 to 1999, and as mayor of the City of Neptune Beach from 2000 to 2008. He served on the First Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization from 2004 to 2008 and the Downtown Development Authority from 1999 to 2000. He served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1958 to 1964, with two years of active duty from 1959 to 1961. Brown’s appointment is effective immediately.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Acevedo gets 8-years, affair traumatized Monroe electorate, school supt. no longer elected

Well its over, Monique Acevedo the wife of in jail Randy Acevedo the ex Monroe County Public Schools administrator got eight years in prison, and payback the stolen money, after she stole $413,000 over a couple of years. The case has taken a life of its own in the Conch Republic and local Circuit Court Judge Mark H. Jones (Net worth $459,000) levied a stiff sentence to the wayward wife who claimed she suffered from a “mental illness” www.miamiherald.com. He did not buy that argument and threw the book at her including 22-years on probation. Further, county voters approved a ballot amendment making the superintendent’s job no longer elected, and now the county school board will select the head of the public school district.

What do we know about Judge Jones?

Jones, 57, is a Dartmouth College graduate and after law school, he became a member of the U.S. Navy JAG Corps and served in that capacity in Key West. His yearly financial disclosure form state’s his net worth through June 2010 was $459,000 and he lists $36,150 in household goods. His home is worth $400,000, a boat is valued at $25,000, there is $65,700 in a money market fund and savings and checking accounts have $2,460. Land in Alaska is valued at $75,200, there is $125,000 in a retirement fund and his life insurance policy is worth $39,170. His liabilities are $216,000 and $3,450 with the Navy Credit Union, USAA is owed $67,600 and a bank in Alaska is owed $21,730. The jurist lists receiving no gifts over $100.00 in value.

>>> For more info: http://www.keyscourts.net/judges/Judge_Mark_Jones.html

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Motorists in school zones need to slow down, or get ticketed, not a cheap fine

When it comes to speeding through school zones in Miami-Dade County, motorists will have another thing coming to them that has had some drivers going through the zones in excess of 90 mph said police at a school board meeting in the past. Speeding along with stopping at a red light in South Florida is an “aspirational act,” said federal judge Patricia Seitz’s at a sentencing hearing and it is true. Further, in Miami and Miami Beach more people are killed by vehicular homicide than by murder and mayhem and when Miami Police Chief John Timoney arrived in Jan. 2003. He was shocked that more people were killed this way and it highlights the volume and seriousness of the problem.

>>> Press release: MIAMI-DADE SCHOOLS POLICE TO KICKOFF ‘OPERATION SLOW YOUR ROLL’ TRAFFIC SATURATION SERIES, SEPT. 7

The Miami-Dade Schools Police Department will kickoff “Operation Slow Your Roll” – a year-round series of traffic saturation details at public school speed zones – on Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 7-10 a.m. and again from 1-4 p.m. at Miami-Dade public schools throughout the county.  The department’s Mobile Command Center will be staged at American Senior High, 18350 N.W. 67th Ave., Hialeah.

The goal of the operation is to protect students from dangerous, aggressive and careless drivers by saturating school speed zones throughout the county with police presence during the schools’ opening and dismissal times. The police departments of more than 30 municipalities within Miami-Dade County also have committed to participating in these operations throughout the year.  The purpose of the event is symbolized in the slogan, “Every Cop…Every Kid,” and is built on safeguarding each school’s community. For further information, contact Sgt. Ivan Silva, Police Information Officer, Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, at 786-256-9775 or via email at Isilva@dadeschools.net.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Applicants for PHT board jump to 69, only the best of the best should be selected with health trust’s challenges, at least 30-hours a month, citizen lite’s not wanted

The application period has closed for applicants to be on the 17-member PHT board, of which 15 slots are made-up of citizens that are electors in Miami-Dade and 69 people applied (and two more, but these people filed past the deadline and are expected not to be included), up from when a little over a dozen citizens submitted applications before the deadline was extended. The Nominating Council will meet Tuesday to short list the names of people, who will be interviewed in the coming weeks, with the number finally whittled down to 7 people. Since there are five openings, and two extra candidates are required when the county commission ultimately votes on the slate individually with the top vote getters getting appointed.

What about the PHT governance model?

The PHT has been the subject of a Aug. 5 County Grand Jury report as was reported in the past, and the document blasted the administration and oversight at the hospital, county and the overall governance nature of the health trust. Commissioner Katy Sorenson last week asked the Watchdog Report how I thought Jackson “should be governed” and I essentially said that must be left to others, but “the current arrangement is not working,” I thought. The health systems governance has been the topic of a number of reports including one from the Rand Corp in 2003, that referenced the role the Watchdog Report played in the overall process over the years, and while some people might reference how Broward County runs its public hospitals. The North and South Broward Hospital Districts with a board basically appointed by the governor. It also is susceptible to politics and over the decade the two healthcare systems have had some controversy of there own, but are also not facing the different population demographics of almost 600,000 people in the county not having medical insurance.

>>> The Public Health Trust Nominating Council Meeting is meeting Sept 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the 2nd floor conference room of the Commission Offices in the Stephen P. Clark Center.

What about the $310 million in old accounts given to a collection company?

The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com had a story last week about a contract let out years ago, that gave over $1.8 billion in old debt to a collection agency, but the deal went wrong, and now as a result of a settlement has the agency getting what it can of $310 million of this debt, with Jackson getting none of the revenue. The debt was collected from 1998 to 2005 and probable farther back than that I suspect, and it highlights the antiquated billing system found at the public hospital back then that is actually two hospitals, the clinical and billing side of medicine. Jackson, with a over 50-year affiliation with the University of Miami Miller Medical School and now with Florida International University’s Medical School has become a community medical jewel, providing world class clinical care. But on the business side, the institution fell far behind when it came to billing technology with a computer system that was a throw back from decades before, with resources generally going to the clinical side of the hospital’s operation, especially through the 1990s when the half cent countywide sales tax kept-up with the level of uncompensated care being given back then.

When CEO Marvin O’Quinn arrived in the summer of 2003, he found a health system that had major infrastructure needs including the collections side of the operation. The magnitude of this financial issue first came up in 2004 when the trust closed the years books taking a $84 million charge, that had financial adjustments going back to the 1980s including a over $40 million charge owed the federal government. One of the major initiatives, reCreate Jackson initiated back then first identified the problem with the billing system, and how employees in that operation took their job and its attendant culture of letting getting paid slide since the sales tax was supposed to, and in the past, had taken care of these costs. And to a great extent that was true up to 2000 when the first hemorrhaging red ink started to occur, and the number of uninsured in Miami-Dade started to go through the roof costing Jackson now around $600 million in charity care.

>>> Press release: Ethic commission Aug. 31 ruling: As the Public Health Trust (PHT) seeks a firm to provide correctional health services, some on the selection committee are seeking answers to technical issues including liability, finances and labor contracts associated with providing health care to prison inmates.   One request for opinion (RQO 10-23) asks if the law known as the Cone of Silence requires public notice of meetings with experts in those areas.  The Ethics Commission determined that the PHT must advertise any meetings between a member of the selection committee and subject matter experts who work for the PHT or the County.  However, the decision notes that selection committee members may meet with outside experts who are not affiliated with any firm bidding for the work without providing public notice.

>>> PAST WDR: What about the claim people did not know Jackson was in trouble?

The Watchdog Report has covered the PHT weekly for 11-years, and when I did not write a story, it was because I was either broke, sick, or a hurricane was bearing down on Miami-Dade. And while I have now around 100,000 readers that did not include the hundreds of thousands of people who read The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com during my time as an independent guest editorial columnist in 2000 and as a independent featured weekly news columnist from 2003-2007 with the general circulation paper. I wrote dozens of stories about Jackson that ran in The Herald during this time, the public hospitals financial challenges and my readers even wondered why I wrote about the health trust so much. However, now everyone knows why, because this public institution is a medical jewel and community treasure but unless there is true community will. The ongoing financial and governance issues will remain, and all indications are very little of the Grand Jury report’s recommendations will be acted upon by the county commission in the Watchdog Report’s opinion.  >>> To read the Grand Jury report go to Miami Dade Office of the State Attorney, 11th Judicial Circuit …

>>> What about the IG report and the Swerdlow Group in the Grove?

Last week the Watchdog Report stopped by Coco Walk in Coconut Grove to see where the Swerdlow Group office was on the second floor of the complex. I passed Michael Swerdlow and his partner Brad Dill and they drove off in a black Lincoln Navigator driven by a third person. Their organization was referenced in an IG report and the intent of the project was to build a new office building that would also consolidate a large number of Jackson employees now off campus, and a potential reduction of the cost for office leasing. The Watchdog Report reviewed past PHT minutes of meetings and the Civica Tower project was discussed Jan. 12 at the facilities committee meeting. Dill said the project “evolved with Michael Swerdlow’s business relationship with the hospital.” Dill in the meeting minutes further says the project would benefit from “Local Government Stimulus Bonds” allocated by the federal government and the proposed land could be “purchased for $20 million,” and “30 to 35 percent less than the original cost.” The minutes also state PHT Chair John H. Copeland, III had “discussions” with “representatives from the Swerdlow Group, to establish the Letter of Intent, which is to pay the same cost the PHT is paying for offsite facilities for a new state of the art building.” Dill also “stated that the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and the Mayor, Miami-Dade County are in favor of the concept.”

The Watchdog Report writes about this issue because I wanted my readers to see how something like this project works through the administration at Jackson and the county, and I am sure the IG report will result in some blow back by the commission, but they and cannot feign ignorance. Since I saw Copeland and Swerdlow personally sitting outside the second floor commission waiting room, waiting to go in and brief the elected officials on the project months ago.
>>> County IG Report:
>>> County IG Report: Final Report on OIG Review of the Jackson Health System Business Plan for Civica Tower, Prepared January 2010, Ref. IG09-89, August 26, 2010.   The Business Plan  or see the story in www.miamiherald.com

>>> “It is a sin” that more county employees are not signing up for the “Jackson Health System Plan,” said trustee Rosy Cancela at a recent fiscal affairs committee meeting. The long serving trustee noted participation levels by the over 28,000 county employees was inexcusable and the JMS plan was competitive, and offered many of the same medical choices when it came to healthcare insurance to what is currently available. The PHT is going on a major recruiting effort to sign up health trust and county employees to the new health plan and if successful. It could be one of many things that helps the PHT survive financially in the coming months, and years.

>>> Aug.31 Ethics commission ruling:  Failure to complete required forms prompted two complaints that went before the Ethics Commission today.  Linda Kurtz, who registered as a lobbyist for Abbott Vascular in 2007, did not file the required Lobbyist Expenditure Statement by the July 1, 2008 deadline.  But because reminders and notices were unsuccessful and Ethics Commission investigators were unable to track her down, the complaint (C 10-26) was voluntarily dismissed. It will be refiled if the respondent is found in the future.   Wilfred Pierre, a member of Miami’s Equal Opportunity Advisory Board in 2007, failed to submit a Source of Income Statement that was due July 1, 2008.  However, Pierre described financial hardships to the Ethics Commissioners, who waived the fine associated with the complaint (C 10-21).

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Plans for Orange Bowl Regatta moving ahead, sailing events in Grove will bring in economic boost for 6 to 8 weeks say sailors

The upcoming Orange Bowl Regatta the day after Christmas was the discussion of the hour last Thursday at Miami City Hall. Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff along with city staff and local Grove sailing enthusiasts discussed what was needed to put on the extended affair that includes a number of other regattas in the weeks after. Sailing event officials said they had already met with Mayor Tomas Regalado and he had agreed to financially help they said. Organizers said some 750 young racers would be at the Orange Bowl event, but when it came to more people participating. They were maxed out with children and they were looking for more adults to race in the older sailing classes of races. Sailing and races are a big economic shot in the arm for the Grove and the rest of Miami for the racers usually come with other family members that also stay in local hotels and eat at the restaurants. Sarnoff was concerned about the costs, and when it came to security. He told organizers to get together with the Grove police commander, who is “the best commander in the whole city of Miami” to create a “security plan,” during the events that will go on for 6 to 8 weeks said the sailing representatives. Sarnoff also suggested the representatives contact Commissioner Francis Suarez, who had an interest in sailing programs since he participated in them as a kid and had expressed a desire to be involved.

Quote of the week

Sarnoff during the discussion about where any money might come from, given the city’s $104 million budget hole next year to help in the effort. The commissioner elected in 2006 joked, “Wait, I will get you a mural,” a reference to the two mega-size media towers the commission passed in one week’s time, but will send some money to the city and parks in the future if the project ever comes to fruition.

>>> Check out 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

>>>Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club -Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 -Meeting Time: 8:30 AM, Meeting Place:         David’s Café II, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach – Margaret Lake, Executive Director of the Gusman Theater, will be this week’s guest speaker at the September 7th meeting of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club.

The Gusman Theater, formerly the Olympic, located on Flagler Street in downtown Miami, is facing an uncertain future due to the financial problems of its owner, the City of Miami, or more precisely, the City of Miami Parking Authority.  Built in 1926 as a silent film movie palace, complete with a mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, the theater operated into the 1950’s running feature films accompanied by live stage shows.  But as attendance dwindled, the theater fell on hard times, and was eventually purchased in 1971 by Maurice Gusman, who subsequently donated it to the Miami Parking Authority with the intent that the theater would become a performing arts center bearing his name.  The theater was remodeled to adapt to the needs of a performing arts center, however the arts center has not been a success and the theater has needed additional funds for operation and maintenance, which the city has been unable to provide, although the county provided some funding in the early 1990’s, most of which was used for renovations.  Now, some years later, the theater again faces the same problems.  But with new competition from the Performing Arts Center, its prospects look dim.

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 or  www.MBTMBC.com

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Gov. Crist appointments to the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, Kadre, Romance and Wiley of El Portal

Press release: Manuel “Manny” Kadre, 44, of Coral Gables, chief executive officer of Gold Coast Caribbean Importers LLC, reappointed for a term beginning September 8, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.

Mark A. Romance, 42, of Coral Gables, attorney and partner with Richman Greer P.A., reappointed for a term beginning September 8, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.
Marva L. Wiley, 39, of El Portal, self-employed attorney, succeeding Andres Rivero, appointed for a term beginning September 8, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.

CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI

>>> Part II:  From educator and activist to Mayor Stoddard replies to the WDR story last week

In response to last week’s Watchdog Report, Mayor Philip Stoddard, Ph.D. wrote backSometime I may wish to talk to you about the manager situation.  Very interesting, and not as simple as it would seem to most. I think you’ll find it an interesting conundrum (can one person specialize both in stability and reform?).” The mayor noted in his e-mail that, “The city is cutting back on the Dade Days budget line – we’ll probably just send 2 people next fall instead of 7, saving quite a bit.  That said, last fall, Dade Days more than paid for itself, when commissioners recovered $1.5 million in federal funds that the county was trying to re-budget to another city.  We also got some helpful tips on how to deal with FPL’s transmission line plan, and we’re following through on that advice now.  In all, it was probably the best money we spent last year,” he wrote. The mayor has also changed how “I used my cell phone allowance to increase my minutes as the job demanded and upgrade to an iPhone that serves as the secretary, I don’t have and desperately need.  I’d rather have a secretary but the iPhone is $50,000 cheaper and doesn’t take lunch breaks,” he noted. For more on the city go to www.miamiherald.com in Sunday’s Neighbors section. Or the city at www.cityofsouthmiami.net

VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE

>>> Ethics commission sticks with Kelly opinion, can vote on rezoning of old Sonesta Hotel

Press release: A rehearing was requested on last month’s opinion (RQO 10-20) that Key Biscayne Village Council Member Michael Kelly does not have a conflict of interest in attempts to rezone the site of the former Sonesta Hotel.   Dr. Kelly lives in one of 55 single-family homes immediately west of the beachfront 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 homeowners 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.  The property owner, Consultatio Key Biscayne LLC, sought to overturn that decision, but the Ethics Commission denied the rehearing request because no material facts were presented to change the Commissioners’ original opinion.

SUNNY ISLES BEACH

>>> Solera can be in front of commission without a problem, after a conflict waiver was granted

Press release: While the Ethics Commission ruled last month (RQO 10-19) that public testimony by a recently separated official in a quasi-judicial proceeding is not a violation of the County’s “two year rule” limiting lobbying by former employees, today it found (RQO 10-21) that a municipal ordinance does apply.  The question concerns Robert Solera who left as Director of the Community Development Department in Sunny Isles Beach 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. The Ethics Commission ruled that, under County law, former government employees are NOT lobbying when they testify in publicly noticed quasi-judicial proceedings.  However, the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission recently amended its two-year post employment prohibition to specifically ban former employees from testifying as expert witnesses.   The Ethics Commission concluded that would prohibit Solera from appearing before the board unless he receives a waiver from the city commission, which has been granted.

NORTH BAY VILLAGE

>>> Now it is village Mayor Alfonso that owes property taxes, tough to set someone else’s taxes

Mayor Oscar Alfonso hit the big time when The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com did a story last Monday about his unpaid property taxes and the fact his home was in foreclosure with mediation going on. The mayor is not the first or last elected leader that will fall behind in his financial obligations to the Village and county but it is of interest because elected leaders also set tax millage for others and that is the rub.

>>> County ethics report on pay & benefits of officials: The City of North Bay Village’s Mayor receives a salary of $7,500 per year and each of the four Commissioners receives a salary of $6,000, based on the City Charter at § 3.04.

General City policies and procedures allow for the Mayor and each of the four Commissioners to be reimbursed for expenses up $5,000 each, with proof of receipts. Additionally, in 2007, the elected officials incurred a total of $25,000 in expenses traveling to conferences and meetings. Again, reimbursement is predicated on receipts. Four elected officials receive government cell phones.  None have government credit cards.

EDITORIALS

>>> ‘Permissive culture’ in Monroe pervades many public institutions; question is will that attitude change in the “New Normal?”

Now that Monique Acevedo has been sentenced to eight-years for blowing through over $430,000 in Monroe Public Schools money on a host of personal items that ran to the absurd in some cases. A investigative post mortem showed the school district under her husband’s Randy’s charge (now in prison) for the southern most part of the nation had a ‘permissive culture’ www.miamiherald.com and ‘there were a number of people who didn’t see anything wrong about things that were going on,’ Joseph Burke, the appointed superintendent is quoted saying in the paper and that is a more widespread problem than most people know. It is incredible how nonchalant some bureaucrats get when it comes to spending millions or billions in public tax dollars and it breeds this sentiment of entitlement about how the money is spent and what on.

Over the past decade monies for a wide variety of public institutions have come before the public eye but the best refrain was in the late 1990s and 2000 at the Miami-Dade County commission where then MIA Director Gary Delappa told the commission “It wasn’t county money” when it came to the $1.2 billion overrun at the international airport for its multi-billion dollar Capital Improvement Program now above $6 billion. For months when the issue worked its way through the legislative body the airport director kept repeating that mantra, since the dollars came from the landing fee charged to flyers, like it was from the word of God, but that was not the case.

In fact, the change orders of these first overruns were done in blocks of $400 million each, and went through the county Review Committee, that at the time spent about 90-seconds on each matter, and was accompanied by a one-paragraph explanation of why it was necessary. Since the air carriers’ “alliances” were changing and the county had to buckle under the pressure of American Airlines, the county’s largest private employer at the time and the commission chamber was filled with airline employees with the appropriate red and white tee-shirt. It was only Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez at a MPO meeting who at the time finally questioned this logic. He said at the time, “Gary, it is someone’s money and you had better find out whose it is,” and that refrain should be echoed far and wide, for the good times are over. At every government and public institution level, money is scarce and more so as the days click by and the Watchdog Report hopes public employees get the message. For many of them are great workers, have the skills and energy necessary to change the inbred public servant culture that exists. If they only have the will to demand more of some of their brethren.

For some government workers work hard and long and probable account for 30 percent of the workforce, around 50 percent are what I call standard issue bureaucrats, but about 20 percent are “just doing my time” when it comes to their upcoming retirement and that is the attitude that has to change in this “New Normal” as many are calling the Great Recession we face today. The question is will decades of continued growth that bred this complacent attitude change in the coming years or will public institutions just tread water or go under. The choices are tough but these must be addressed if the ship of South Florida, the state and nation is to stay afloat, for the economy is not changing anytime soon, and the new economic climate must be accepted and produce lasting change. The question is whether there is political and leadership will for such a drastic adjustment when it comes to public servant performance. And only actions in the future will tell residents if anything will change, and for the moment, we can only hope that it will. For the current status quo is unsustainable.

>>> PAST WDR: JAN 2006: Schoolgirl killed at crosswalk after flying 50-feet in air should trigger tougher measures from law enforcement regarding speeding, reckless driving and running red lights

The recent death of a young school girl last week when she was hit by a speeding car while she crossed a school cross walk holding her sister’s hand, with two school crossing guards also on site and waving to the speeding driver highlights that we must take back our roadways. The 11-year old was Diannet Leva. Miami and South Florida when it comes to our drivers is like the Wild West, with some drivers believing they are in the Grand Prix when they drive.  Further, since there are no car inspections anymore some of the crates on the road are shocking.

The community’s different drivers come from around the world and they reflect South Florida’s diversity, but driving customs are different in many countries and some drivers may not even read English or understand road signs and there meanings, adding another wrinkle to the roadways. When the community is hit by hurricanes like the past two years people just throw away the driving manual after the storms.  They feel entitled to the road above anyone else, blow through stop signs or lights that is only further aggravated by the fact they are also deep in a conversation on their cell phones. Law enforcement must increase the vigilance of speeders and cars that run lights by setting up observation posts at key intersections around the community.  These needless deaths such as this young innocent girl must be reduced for all of us are at risk of being a victim of a random buckaroo behind the wheel, and we must take back our highways now, for if it gets worse, get your personal affairs in order.

LETTERS

>>> Reader wants to stop a fuel dock on pier #7 at Dinner Key Marina

On Thursday September 16th, the City of Miami’s Commission will Vote, AGAIN, on a proposal to build a 40 ft X 60 ft. concrete Fuel Dock off Pier #7 into the small boat channel.  It was defeated in 2002. They plan to “use” the money earmarked for the Grove Waterfront Master Plan.  They are doing it to “make money”, but they will be taking money away from their existing Leaseholders, Scotty’s & Grove Harbor, who pay them, NOW, to pump gas & diesel.  They have No studies or actual numbers, yet, of what they think they will make. This dock will replace and move existing Grove Sail Club moorings near the channel, it will destroy the Waterfront Master Plan for the “proposed” Sailing Center on Pier #7 and be Dangerous to small & most sailboats that will use the channel in front of the Seminole Boat Dock & Ramp from the larger and small motor boats “swarming” around a Fuel Dock. I met with Commissioner Sarnoff and he is against the idea of a Fuel Dock at Pier #7, but he is only one of five votes.  We must convince the other four Commissioners and the Manager.

Joel B. Krieger

>>> Good work on the Helen Ferre WPBT Channel 2 show. Just viewed it. Well done…

>>> Bless your Mom for her inspiration and keep up the good work, have a good week.

MKB

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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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