Watchdog Report Vol.13 No.10 July 15, 2012 Est.05.05.00- I go when you cannot

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding by the Knight Foundation with technical support from the Knight Center for International Media http://knight.miami.edu within the University of Miami’s School of Communication www.miami.edu to maintain my webpage. The Watchdog Report webpage is free, has no ads, pops-up and is just the news in a mainstream reporting manner.

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher was on Topical Currents, hosted by Joseph Cooper Wednesday on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM at 1:00 p.m. and to hear the past show go to: http://www.wlrn.org/radio/programs/topical-currents/archive/

>>> CORRECTION: Not all Miami Beach commissioners attended the Asst. Mgr. Hilda Fernandez sayonara party referenced in last week’s WDR and Beach Manager Jorge Gonzalez did attend the event at City Hall restaurant. I also wrote the wrong month for the upcoming primary in a story which in fact is Aug. 14, 2012.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Historic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens may live another day, re-accreditation had been at risk, new M-DC Mayor Gimenez budget for next year restores public funding to $2.04 million, draws 138,011 paying visitors, 75 percent tourists

With the release of the Miami-Dade County 2012-2013 budget by County Mayor Carlos Gimenez last week some cultural and historical groups got a new lease on life after the last few years of reduced public funding put a stranglehold on the organizations ability to maintain a capital improvement plan. The Historic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a case in point and was on the cusp of losing its accreditation because of the reduced public funding, and this jewel of South Florida was at the edge of losing its luster.  Vizcaya is the only accredited museum owned by Miami-Dade County and is a National Historic Landmark situated on a 50-acre site, has 15 historic buildings and has 100 years of deferred maintenance needs and has been in need of some sprucing up if it was to keep its historic status.

Vizcaya also generates its own revenue and had a paid attendance record in 2010 to 2011 with 138,011 people paying to visit, 75 percent of the paid visitation is from out-of-towners, and another 40,000 visitors get free admission for educational programs and the mansion is a major tourist site. Volunteers working at the facility also enhance the Vizcaya experience, and over three years there were 14,000 volunteer hours given, with an estimated value of $260,000. And these people do daily tours; help in program support and in the maintenance of the art collections and gardens. However, the American Association of Museums tabled Vizcaya’s re-accreditation months ago with action required by the fall of 2012. And the restoration of the public funding from the current $1.12 million to the old $2.04 million back in 2006 should help with that issue and will be a slight fiscal relief. Since the organization was looking at an $817,000 budget hole in its $5.3 million budget year beginning Oct. 1, despite an $189,000 carryover from the current year.

>>> White House press release: The Obama Administration today released a report outlining the historic Federal investments and progress made in Everglades restoration under the leadership of President Obama, and announced $80 million in additional funding to support farmers and ranchers who voluntarily conserve wetlands on agricultural land in the Northern Everglades Watershed.   This new investment, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), will restore an additional 23,000 acres of wetlands vital to water quality and wildlife habitat in the Everglades system. President Obama has made restoring the Everglades a national priority. Using the partnerships and community-led approach that is a hallmark of the President’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, the Administration has reinvigorated Federal leadership in Everglades restoration, investing $1.5 billion in Everglades projects and initiatives that will make a measurable impact on the ground, including nearly $900 million to jump start key construction projects that will restore water flow and essential habitat.  These projects already have generated 6,600 Florida jobs and are expected to generate more.  President Obama also has requested an additional $246 million in the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget to build on this progress and continue the investments, partnerships and projects that will return the Everglades to health.

Senior Administration officials including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, U.S. Department of Interior Assistant Secretary Rachel Jacobson, and Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy released the report and made the funding announcement today in Kissimmee, FL. “The Everglades are an icon, an American treasure, and essential to the health and economy of Florida communities,” said Sutley. “With the President’s leadership, we are making real and measurable progress in Everglades restoration, dramatically increasing Federal funding, launching key construction projects, and working with the State and other partners to deliver results on the ground.  There is much more to do, and we are committed to returning this majestic natural resource to health.” “President Obama has made restoring the iconic Everglades a national priority,” Vilsack said. “Restoring these wetlands demonstrates a strong commitment to partnerships with ranchers and farmers to improve water quality and habitat protection while supporting Florida’s strong agricultural economy and ranching heritage. These investments are paying off, creating nearly 7,000 jobs in Florida’s economy and preserving thousands of acres of precious wetlands for future generations to enjoy.”

“The Everglades are one of America’s most treasured places – for the people of Florida and for visitors and tourists from all over the world,” said Ken Salazar, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. “By working together in pursuit of President Obama’s vision for a renewed and healthy Everglades, we honor the stewardship of generations of Florida cattle ranchers and other landowners who understood that we all have a stake in preserving the health of our land, water, and wildlife. Under the President’s leadership, our commitment to restoring the Everglades is benefiting the environment and the Florida economy – creating jobs, while protecting this unique place for years to come.” “The Everglades are essential to the environmental and economic strength of so many Florida communities. The health of this ecosystem affects everything from water quality and biodiversity to tourism, an industry that supports thousands of jobs across the state,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The success we’ve already seen in restoring the land, water and wildlife of the Everglades shows how investments in America’s extraordinary outdoors are also investments in our health and our economic future. Thanks to the additional funding announced today, we can expand our efforts to protect this vital watershed and build upon the progress that’s already been made.”

“In the last three years there has been unprecedented restoration progress in the Everglades,” said Darcy.  “President Obama has invested more than $130 million to restore flood plains and waters that flow from the Kissimmee River.  The Kissimmee River restoration project is the largest restoration project undertaken by the Corps to date and the benefits are already being realized.  Since 2009, the federal family and the State of Florida have invested in and broken ground on seven restoration projects.  We have seized the opportunity for stakeholders to work together toward common goal of restoring the Everglades.” Working in partnership with the State of Florida, Tribes and local leaders, since 2009, the Administration has restored more than 3,000 acres of the floodplains along the Kissimmee River; worked with landowners to improve habitat and water quality on more than 400,000 agricultural acres;  begun constructing the first mile of bridging for the Tamiami Trail to restore water flow to Everglades National Park;  begun implementing key components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to make more water available for environmental, urban and agricultural use; and reached an historic agreement with the State of Florida to make essential water quality improvements, including $879 million in State commitments for water quality projects.  Today’s investment in the WRP also builds on other significant Obama administration accomplishments to conserve habitat in the greater Everglades ecosystem.  Earlier this year, the Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) established the 150,000-acre Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. Assistant Secretary Jacobson today announced that FWS has received $1.5 million in reprogrammed 2012 funding to begin securing additional conservation easements on priority parcels of some of the last remaining grass-land savannahs in the Northern Everglades – working with private land-owners to conserve the land, water and wildlife of the Everglades Headwaters. >>> More about USDA’s Wetlands Reserve Program

Since 2009, USDA has invested $373 million to restore and protect more than 95,000 acres of wetland habitat in Florida’s Northern Everglades. Through the WRP program, Florida’s private landowners voluntarily sell development rights to land and place it in a conservation easement that permanently maintains that land as agriculture and open space. The program’s goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program. The program also helps landowners to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection. The $80 million announced today will fund projects such as an easement on a property known as American Prime, a key habitat corridor for the endangered Florida panther.  USDA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced in May 2012 that they have collaborated with private partners to protect this 1,278-acre piece of land in Glades County that is critical for panthers dispersing into habitat further north.  A female panther and two kittens were recently photographed near this property — the first documented evidence of a female Florida panther that far north since 1973.

>>> With Sudan and Venezuela Headed for Seats on UN Rights Body, Ros-Lehtinen Says U.S. Must Find Alternative

Press release: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding reports that Sudan and Venezuela are running unopposed for two-year terms on the UN Human Rights Council beginning in 2013. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “Think for a moment about just how outrageous this is: the genocidal Sudanese regime, and the dictatorship in Venezuela which models itself after Fidel Castro, are both poised to join a UN organization responsible for preventing human rights abuse and punishing the abusers.

“The Obama Administration should stop making excuses for the UN Human Rights Council, which remains as dictator-friendly as ever, despite three years of U.S. membership and funding.  The Council still has zero meaningful membership standards to prevent human rights abusers like Sudan and Venezuela from becoming members. However you want to spin short-term tactical victories, the long-term trajectory of the Council is still pro-rogue regimes and anti-human rights. “The Administration may continue its wishful thinking, but we’re long past the Council’s last straw.  It’s time for Congress to fill the leadership vacuum and pass UN reform legislation that ends U.S. support for the Human Rights Council and seeks credible alternative forums to advance human rights.” >>> NOTE: Ros-Lehtinen is the author of H.R. 2829, the United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2011, which requires the United Nations to switch its funding mechanism from an assessed basis to a voluntary basis. This shift will empower the U.S. and other member-states to use their strongest leverage at the UN – their monetary contributions – to press for badly needed reform. The voluntary funding structure will also allow the U.S. and others to prevent their contributions from funding discredited organizations and initiatives, such as the Human Rights Council, which undermine their own foreign policy goals. The legislation also includes provisions restricting U.S. participation on the Human Rights Council and withholding funding to the UN proportionate to what is allocated for Council activities. This legislation enjoys the support of more than 140 cosponsors, and was marked up and reported favorably by the House Foreign Affairs Committee last year.

>>> All photos in the Watchdog Report are taken from public government sites, and the Report goes on line at www.watchdogreport.net on Monday sometime during the day usually. >>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for I am a low cost news service, yet I do have to live, thank you! 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 and was Best Citizen in the 2003 Best of Miami of The Miami New Times, profiled twice in The Miami Herald, and the Orlando Sentinel ran a nationwide story on me in the Tribune papers on Jan. 2003, and UNC Chapel Hill named 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 numerous times over the past decade. Further, I am a frequent guest on WWW.WPBT2.ORG on Helen Ferre’s show Issues, and have also appeared on  Eliott Rodriguez’s show News & Views on www.CBS4.com .

FLORIDA

>>> AG Bondi in the spotlight, elected 2010, has $673,000 net worth through 2011

Pam Bondi, the Republican Florida Attorney General is in the spotlight this week and the former assistant state attorney before being elected in 2010 gained her political spurs in a tough primary race before going against state Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, but she easily prevailed in that race getting 55 percent of the statewide vote. Gelber got 41 percent in that election and independent candidate Jim Lewis got 4 percent of the statewide vote. Prior to winning the top state prosecutorial post. She had to defeat fellow GOP  challenger, former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp in the party’s primary and she got the endorsement of former Gov. Sarah Palin, the past Republican vice president candidate. Prior to this race, she was a former assistant state attorney and spokeswoman for Hillsborough County. And she graduated from the Stetson Law School in 1990 and Bondi has also worked as a Fox News legal analyst prior to her ascendancy to the AG office.

Since then Bondi, 46, has been a fierce fighter against tamping down Medicaid, mortgage, and insurance fraud, along with stepping up human trafficking of children prosecutions. And she led the legal fight to stop the introduction of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, along with 26 other states in the nation that recently was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. But a recent trip to the Cayman Islands over Memorial Day weekend caused some controversy. Since Bondi had suggested she was going to get married, that had state Sen. Paula Dockery, D-Lakeland, snapping a photo during the flight of Bondi acting as a flight attendant to the destination. But the story then changed over the weekend and the twice-married Bondi later insisted the trip was not to get married and just a vacation and pre marriage event that included Gov. Rick Scott going there as well. http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/30/2824781/attorney-general-pam-bondis-cayman.html

What do we know about her finances?

Bondi through Dec. 31 2011 had a net worth of $673,000 and she lists $369,800 in household goods. Her home is valued at $635,000 and a checking account has $5,566 in it, two credit unions are owed $272,120 and $39,051, and Valrico State Bank wants $20,134. And her only listed income was $123,139 salary from the state of Florida.

>>> AG weekly press release: This week our office reached a $543.5 million settlement with manufacturers of the most common form of LCD panels used in laptop computers, computer monitors, and flat screen televisions. We were joined by seven other state attorneys general and the lead class counsel for private plaintiffs. The settlement followed an industry-wide investigation into a conspiracy to prevent competition and to increase prices for LCD panels.

As a result of the settlement, the defendants will pay $543.5 million to purchasers of electronic devices containing LCD screens, and a civil penalty of five million dollars to the state of Florida. These amounts are in addition to the $538.5 million in damages and $14.7 million in civil penalties paid last year as a result of the lawsuit, bringing the total of the settlements to more than $1.1 billion. The defendants involved in the settlement reached this week include: AU Optronics Corporation; AU Optronics Corporation America; LG Display Co. Ltd.; LG Display America Inc.; Toshiba Corporation; Japan Display Central Inc.(formerly known as Toshiba Mobile Display Co. Ltd.); Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co.; Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.; and Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. Antitrust enforcement is a critical function of our agency. A thriving free market depends on fair competition, and price fixing harms consumers and stifles our economy.

Bondi

>>> Press release: STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT  REGARDING ACCESS TO FEDERAL SAVE DATABASE

“Access to the SAVE database will ensure that non-citizens do not vote in future Florida elections. I’m appreciative that the federal government is working with us cooperatively. This is a step in the right direction. This commitment from the United States Department of Homeland Security marks a significant victory for Florida and for the integrity of our election system. “We’ve already confirmed that non-citizens have voted in past elections here in Florida. Now that we have the cooperation of the Department of Homeland Security, our state can use the most accurate citizenship database in the nation to protect the integrity of Florida’s election process.”

>>> June press release: Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced today the appointment of Ivonne Perez-Suarez as Consumer Advocate for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Perez-Suarez will serve consumers in South Florida by educating residents about steps they can take to avoid becoming victims of fraud and unfair or deceptive trade practices. “The Consumer Advocate role will expand the department’s current initiatives to reach Florida’s nearly 20 million residents with important messages about their rights as consumers,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Ivonne Perez-Suarez will be a great addition to the department, helping us to identify the needs of South Florida’s consumers and ensuring we meet their needs with consumer assistance and information.”

Perez-Suarez most recently worked as the director of communications for Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa and brings to her new role extensive experience in public relations and constituent services. She has also previously held positions with the Biltmore Hotel and the City of Miami Mayor’s Office. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.

>>> Children’s Movement of Florida  Voices of Florida – We all have a story, a story that defines us. It is our collective story, our challenges and our triumphs that inspire a movement. Floridians from all walks of life have joined together with an understanding that the future of our state rests on the well-being of our children.

Visit The Children’s Movement website to read their stories and share your own.

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

>>> Retention of Justice Lewis in Nov. election tea party cross hairs, opponents note there is a better way to remove judges than by elections, he had $3.3 million net worth through Apr. 2012

Florida Supreme Court Justice R. Fred Lewis is in the spotlight this week and Lewis along with Justices Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince who will be on the Nov. 6 ballot. Tea party activists who are upset with their perceived liberal judicial rulings are targeting the jurists and both sides are squaring off readying for what normally would be a routine election. The critics charge that the three justices are using the court for political purposes, and that their rulings are a reflection of their political beliefs. Since Lewis and Pariente were appointed by the late Gov. Lawton Chiles, a Democrat, and Quince was a joint appointment by Chiles and former Gov. Jeb Bush (after Bush was elected in Nov. 1998 but had yet to take office in January 1999). But the three jurists have become a flash point for conservative activists and a statewide media and newspaper campaign by both sides is expected leading up to the general election. For more on the controversy go to: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/national-govt-politics/florida-supremes-face-political-battle-to-keep-job/nPsqM/

What do we know about Lewis’ finances?

Lewis through Apr. 20, 2012 had a net worth of $ $3.3 million and there is $300,000 in household goods. One property is worth $450,000, two homes are valued at $950,000 and $950,000, and his only creditor, Bank of America is owed $105,360. And his only income for the year was $155,800 from the state of Florida.

Court’s webpage bio: Justice R. Fred Lewis – A former Chief Justice and founder of Justice Teaching, Justice Lewis was
appointed to the Supreme Court of Florida on December 7, 1998, by the late Governor Lawton Chiles. While serving as Chief Justice, he founded Justice Teaching, an organization that now has over 3,900 volunteer lawyers and Judges placed with and active in Florida public schools, which enhances civic and law-related education through the active programs in all levels of Florida schools. As Chief Justice, he also convened the first commission and statewide all branch mental health summit which developed and proposed a unified and comprehensive plan to address the increasing needs with the intersection of mental illness and the justice system.

He also attempted to provide greater public access to justice for the disabled by mandating a survey and audit of all court facilities in Florida through a task force of professionals to identify and remove obstacles to facility access. While Chief Justice, Justice Lewis also instituted for the first time in Florida, a uniform high-level diversity training program for all Florida judges. Having a background in civil litigation and recognizing the need for better jury instructions in complex cases, he created and appointed the first Standard Jury Instruction Committee for Contract and Business Cases, a group that continues to move forward to finalize comprehensive jury instructions for these complex cases… As a member of the Florida Supreme Court, Justice Lewis currently serves as liaison to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and the Judicial Management Council. He has served on the Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure, the Committee on Standard Civil Jury Instructions, and the Code and Rules of Evidence Committee… Justice Lewis’ office may be reached in Tallahassee by phone at (850) 488-0007. The judicial assistant in Justice Lewis’ office is Gail Posey and the law clerks are Michelle Ballard, Rebecca F. Friedman, and Anthony Stella. The mailing address is 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee FL 32399-1925. Attorneys or law students interested in clerkships in this office should check our Law Clerk Recruitment Page. There also is information on Internships.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Vice Chair Edmonson is in the spotlight, facing five challengers, has raised $188,000 for race, had $381,000 net worth through 2011

Audrey Edmonson, the Miami-Dade County vice chair is in the spotlight this week and the county commission first appointed her in Jan. 2006. After Commissioner Barbara Carey Shuler resigned her District 3 seat suddenly, and recommended Edmonson follow her in the office. Edmonson, a former mayor of El Portal before going to the county commission coasted to victory in her first race in 2008, but this year is different. She has drawn five challengers and they all are attacking her in a variety of ways, including voting for the Miami Marlins stadium that ultimately will cost $2.5 billion when the bonds are finally paid off. Edmonson works at the public schools system, was a former flight attendant in her younger years, and is now defending her position against the pack of challengers. She is facing Alison Austin, Keon Hardeman, Michael Jackson Joseph, Eddie Lewis and Nadia Pierre. The incumbent has raised $188,000 for her campaign war chest, Austin has raised $17,000, Hardeman has $25,400, Eddie Lewis has $5,100 and Pierre has $2,300 in her war chest.

Edmonson

What about her finances?

Edmonson through Dec. 31 2011 had a net worth of $381,000, she lists $545,000 in household goods that includes figurines and other collectables valued at $45,000 and other items, and a $100,000 life insurance policy is listed. Her creditors are Sallie Mae owed $16,000, a credit union wants $9,000 and her mortgage is owed $139,000.  Her income is $56,280 from the public schools, as a commissioner she got $49,693, and Eastern Airlines kicked in $2,514 for the year.

>>> What about the Miami-Dade mayor and other commission races?

With campaign finance disclosure forms due Jul. 6, Mayor Carlos Gimenez has bumped up his campaign war chest to $968,000, at the end of this reporting period and his major rival Commission Chair Joe Martinez is listing $254,338, and a lesser candidate Farid Khavari has $8,500 for his countywide campaign.

Commissioner Dennis Moss is also facing three candidates trying to unseat the veteran commissioner first elected in 1994 to District 9. And one of challengers has the backing of auto magnate Norman Braman. Moss, the executive director of the Richmond Perrine Optimist Club for decades is considered a calm and moderate voice on the commission and over the years he has kept his nose clean when it comes to scandals, and while his wife Marilyn does work at MIA. He has been careful to recuse himself when voting for anything that might have had her involved. And his most glaring and controversial vote was for the Miami Marlins new ballpark that will cost around $2.5 billion when the bonds are paid off. Moss is facing Darrin McGillis, Alice Pena (who is getting support from Braman) and Loretta Riley. The incumbent commissioner through Jul. 6 has raised $125,200 for his campaign, McGillis has $1,475 in his war chest, Pena has $12,250 and Riley has raised no money for his campaign.

>>> Who is new future DCA Judge Logue? One of the solid mainstays of Miami-Dade County’s attorney’s office, great temperament, listens, and tells the truth

Last week Gov. Rick Scott tapped Tom W. Logue to be on the Third District Court of Appeal here in South Florida and since then. I have gotten a number of emails asking who he was. Logue has been an assistant attorney with Miami-Dade County since 1982 and has been involved in a host of legal issues over the years from zoning to historic preservation and the soft-spoken attorney is highly regarded by his peers and opposition attorneys. Who say he is honest almost to a fault and has a reputation of saying it like it is. The Watchdog Report has known Logue for over 14 years, has never had a problem with him and his temperament is perfect for this important appeals court located in West Miami-Dade and I wish him the best of luck in this new judicial capacity.

>>> Here is his county Bio: Thomas W. Logue  has over 28 years of legal experience trying cases, briefing and arguing appeals, drafting and defending legislation, and advising clients, including the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector,  the county’s television station, and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, among others.   He sits as counsel to various zoning bodies and the historic preservation board. Tom has successfully defended the constitutionality of various county ordinances from challenges by the ACLU, the Public Defender, and others. See Exile v. Miami-Dade County, 16 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 1044b (Fla. Cir. Ct. September 23, 2009), aff’d, 35  So. 3d 118  (Fla. 3d DCA 2010) (upholding ordinance restricting residency of sexual predators); Metropolitan Dade County v. P.J. Byrds, Inc, 654 So.2d 170 (Fla. 3d DCA 1994) (upholding constitutionality of Miami-Dade County historic preservation ordinance)..

He has successfully challenged the constitutionality of various state statutes. See, e.g., Homestead Hospital v. Miami-Dade County, 829 So. 2d 259 (Fla. 3d DCA 2002) (holding that a statute diverting of tens of millions of tax dollars from Jackson Memorial Hospital violated the Florida Constitution).

For almost a decade, Tom taught Florida Constitutional law as an adjunct professor of law at St. Thomas and University of Miami law schools.  Tom has written numerous articles suggesting improvements to the law, including Logue and Soto, Florida Should Adopt the Celotex Standard for Summary Judgments, LXXVI Florida Bar Journal 20 (February 2002); Logue, Avoiding Takings Challenges While Protecting Historic Properties From Demolition, XIX Stetson Law Rev. 739 (Summer 1990); Logue and Candela, Florida Law of Bailbond Estreatures, LXIII Florida Bar Journal 44 (Feb. 1989)… Martindale Hubbell Rating: AV Practice Areas, Tax & Finance, Government Affairs, Appeals, Zoning, Land Use & Environment. Education Law School Duke University, J.D., 1982 Undergraduate Dickinson College, B.A. in English, 1977.

>>> State Atty. Fernandez Rundle makes her case for reelection, battling it out with Vereen, she had $1.65 million net worth through 2011

Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the Miami-Dade state attorney is in the spotlight this week and she was first elected to the office with 1,200 employees, in 1993 after her predecessor Janet Reno moved to Washington to become the U.S. Attorney General in the President Bill Clinton administration. Fernandez Rundle has been a fixture in the office sine then and has prosecuted a wide range of cases, including many involving public corruption. But critics say some of her cases in the political realm are selective and her friends sometimes seem to get a miss when it comes to prosecutions by the state. She and her office cry foul to those charges and say the cases brought are based on merit and the law, but for the first time in a number of years. She is facing a challenge in former prosecutor Rod Vereen in the Democratic Party closed primary. The Aug. 14 primary is closed to Republican voters because of two write in candidates, Omar Malone and Michele Samaroo, but this disenfranchisement of Republican voters in that race is being challenged in federal court. And the judge heard the case last week, but has yet to rule if to open up the race, though overseas ballots have already gone out on Jun. 29^th and absentee ballots begin being mailed out Jul. 17 from the Miami-Dade Election Department.

Further, Fernandez Rundle is urging Republican voters to register Democrat for the primary election and Vereen is challenging her Democratic Party credentials and her oath to the party. But with the most recent campaign fundraising cycle over. Fernandez-Rundle through Jul. 6 has raised $533,000 for her campaign and has expended $108,000 and Vereen oddly is showing having raised no money on the Florida elections candidate webpage through this Sunday. And Malone and Samaroo also have no money listed on the state webpage. And here is a one-hour video of a recent debate between Fernandez Rundle and Vereen at The Miami Herald http://www.miamiherald.com/508/index.html?media_id=146814231&genre_id=5861

What do we know about her finances?

Fernandez Rundle through Dec. 31, 2011 had a net worth of $1.655 million and she lists $525,000 in household goods. Her home is valued at $800,000, there is $499,800 in a deferred income account, and her salary was $150,077, and the requisite state car is worth $14,300 that is issued to the state attorney. She also lists income coming from loans to Robert Feinschreiber that accounted for $6,000, another loan to Raul Greaves brought in $4,500 and Bevy Briggs kicked in $7,800 in loan payments. And her only liabilities are $176,408 with Capital Bank and Silver Grove Inc. is owed $450,000.

What about the closed primary race on WPBT2?

>>> Watch This Week’s Issues Friday, July 13 @ 7:30 pm and Sunday, July 15 @ 12:30 pm  State Attorney Closed Primary Are write-in candidates being used to force closed primaries in order to keep a segment of voters from participating in an election?  Our guest Armando Lacasa thinks so, and is pursuing legal action to open Miami-Dade’s state attorney’s race to all voters. Guest: Armando Lacasa, Esq. , Genovese, Joblove & Battista, P.A.

>>> Commissioner Suarez is getting used to commission grind, attendance is better

Xavier Suarez, the Miami-Dade County Commissioner representing District 7 along the coast of Miami-Dade and winning reelection unopposed recently and a full four-year term. And the former Miami mayor and attorney is being more engaged on the dais now with his 12 other peers. Suarez, who once asked to get off assigned committees, but was denied by commission Chair Joe Martinez, has seemed almost bored with the day-to-day duties, and the nuts and bolts of being a commissioner. However, since his reelection, he has been more diligent about attending commission committee meetings and he is staying on the dais more now, and last week he got to chair a committee meeting. Since all the other commissioners were sponsoring some legislation. He stumbled once on a procedure move and he joked after other commissioners made comments, that “there is a little slang up here,” he was unfamiliar with but he did fine through the rest of the meeting.

>>> THE MIAMI-DADE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT REMINDS VOTERS THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 16

Press release: Voting is the best and most impactful way to have a say in important issues that affect our community. The Primary Election on August 14, 2012 is an opportunity for Miami-Dade voters to cast their vote in races at all levels of government. “However, in order to participate in this important election, you must be a registered voter, and the deadline of July 16 is quickly approaching,” stated Penelope Townsley, Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections. “One of our most important missions is to encourage all eligible residents to register and to take advantage of three convenient ways to vote.”

To register to vote, residents must: be 18 years or older (pre-registration begins at 16); be a U.S. citizen; be a permanent resident of Miami-Dade County. There is no specific time requirement to live in Miami-Dade County to be considered a permanent resident. July 16 is also the deadline for anyone interested in changing their political party affiliation. Since Florida is a closed primary state, it is important for voters to know what party they are registered as. With the deadline just two weeks away, the most convenient option for those interested in registering to vote is to visit the Elections Department website and click on “Register to Vote.” After completing the online form, it must be printed, signed, and mailed to the Elections Department at: Supervisor of Elections, P.O. Box 521550, Miami, Florida 33152. This form MUST be postmarked by July 16 to be accepted as valid for this election. >>> Voters who wish to change their party affiliation can do so online by following the instructions above or by simply submitting a signed written notice that contains the date of birth or voter registration number by email or fax to: register@miamidade.gov Fax: 305-499-8371 Residents may also register to vote or change their party affiliation at a number of locations during regular business hours including: Two Miami-Dade Elections Department Offices by 5pm, (2700 NW 87 Avenue or Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1 Street) Public libraries; Most city, town and village halls; State public assistance agencies; Florida Driver License Bureaus. For more information, please visit www.miamidade.gov/elections or call 305-499-VOTE (8683).

>>> GMCVB press release: DEMAND FOR TRAVEL TO GREATER MIAMI CONTINUES TO GROW FOR EUROPEAN AND LATIN AMERICAN AIRLINE CARRIERS SERVING MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA)

During the first five months of 2012, European and Latin American airline carriers experienced continued passenger growth into Miami International Airport (MIA) despite global economic challenges.  January – May 2012, European airline carriers had 1,123,339 passengers vs. 979,912 for the same period in 2011, a +15.8% increase.  Latin American airline carriers had 2,069,531 passengers January – May 2012 vs. 1,910,267 for the same period in 2011 representing a +8.3% increase.

Passengers of Foreign Airline Carriers (MIA) January thru May 2012
European	January – May 2012	January – May 2011	% Change
	1,134,339	979,912	+ 15.8%
Latin American	January – May 2012	January – May 2011	% Change
	2,069,531	1,910, 267	+8.3%

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Board Member Curbelo to bring back board item for discussion after flap of Michelle Obama renting and coming to local school last week

A visit by First Lady Michelle Obama to a Miami-Dade public school for a rally caused a firestorm last week and school board Member Carlos Curbelo during a discussion at a committee meeting on Wednesday afternoon. He said he would bring back an item to the school board that makes the board rule criteria clearer for the nine-member board to consider. Currently the district policy about renting out school district schools is “content neutral” and all people are required to do is to enforce the Jessica Lunsford Act, provide insurance and pay in this case $2,300 to rent the school auditorium, said Board Attorney Walter Harvey. Curbelo said this was not about politics or political affiliation but to “protect the good name of our schools.” He said “board members don’t campaign at schools” and what if someone like “David Duke” a past political candidate, but former Grand Wizard of the Louisiana KKK requested to use the schools? He suggested.

Board Member Raquel Regalado said the schools have all types of groups that use the facilities from “summer camps” and “religious groups” and this issue is “not so black and white.” And her concern was “who is making the decisions if something is political” and that could lead to a slippery slope she said. School Board member Dorothy Bendross Mindingall said she thought the First Lady coming to Miami was “democracy at its best.” And when she was a principal in her Liberty City school. They welcomed politicians because most of them do not come to inner city public schools, she observed. And the former teacher thought officials coming to schools was great and highlighted, “civics” for students. And is what you are supposed to in “America,” and we must “stand fast and vigilant,” because “liberty and justice for all” is not easy to achieve. Moreover, I “want our children to know about [the importance of] civic engagement,” she closed.

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County’s public schools turned in significantly stronger than expected school performance grades today, faring better than state averages in a number of areas, according to information released by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) this morning.

Last year the FLDOE transitioned from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to FCAT 2.0 using a new assessment. The FCAT 2.0 measures new standards that have been used for the past two years. In addition, the State developed a new formula for grading schools. Based on all these changes, school performance grades were expected to drop this year, and did, according to information released by the state today.  In spite of the drastic changes to the grading formula, Miami-Dade’s schools fared better than expected in the following areas: The percentage of A schools in Miami-Dade decreased by only 11 percent, while A schools across Florida fell by 15 percent. Regionally, Miami-Dade compares favorably to neighboring school districts that saw a 20 percent decrease in A-rated schools.

The percentage of D schools in Miami-Dade increased by only 3 percent; D schools across Florida increased by 4 percent. The percentage of F schools in Miami-Dade did not increase, while F schools across Florida increased by 1 percent. “This year’s FCAT data demonstrates that in the face of dramatically increased standards and demands, our students and educators delivered results beyond anyone’s expectations.  I commend our community’s efforts in improving quality education in Miami-Dade,” said Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho. “This fact is also supported by student performance on national assessments such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress – Trial Urban District Assessment (NAEP-TUDA).  M-DCPS has been recognized for the fifth time as a Broad Prize finalist for progress in closing the achievement gap among students.” It must be noted that the State recalibrated the school grading formula in a way that corrects elementary and senior high schools.  The formula, however, overcorrects middle schools in a very punitive manner, which is evident in the significant increase in middle schools across the state earning an F this year.  Miami-Dade was able to lift all schools that earned an F last year, except for one, demonstrating that in the harshest school grade calculations, it is still possible to advance student achievement and school accountability.  Even with an increased number of F schools this year under the State’s tougher standards, the number of F schools is still lower than in 2008. High school grades will be released later this year, to allow for the inclusion of graduation data.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Mayor Gimenez says he wants JHS to prove itself further, “premature” for him to support new public revenue dollars initiative, JHS will get $133 million in county funding in 2012-2013

The Watchdog Report asked Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez during his Friday budget news conference at county hall whether he would publicly get out in front of the PHT trying to either get another countywide half-cent sales tax or support a voter approved GOB for infrastructure at the Jackson Health System. The mayor running for reelection on Aug. 14 said “it was premature to answer yes or no,” and he wanted to see how the current administration does. And “that all depends on how Jackson navigates its way out of this fiscal crisis and if they are good stewards of our dollars.” Further, “They have to prove and I think they are proving it” that they are on the right track. Though he acknowledged JHS could use more money for capital projects on the sprawling main campus, but that will have to wait for the moment the mayor said. And in this year’s Miami-Dade County upcoming budget, JHS is slated to get $133 million in a maintenance of effort contribution. And the current half-cent sales tax passed in 1991 is likely to contribute another almost $200 million through Sept. 30, but that funding is not keeping up with the over $1 billion in charity and bad debt care that the health trust gives roughly every year.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Over looked key fiscal budget guardian Alfonso holds the budget wheel steady; as city faces another $40 million in union workers cuts

In this Miami Herald story http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/13/2894532/miami-seeks-40-million-in-union.html there is one name that continues to surface and that is Daniel “Danny” Alfonso, the City of Miami Management and Budget director. He came to the city around August 2011 just before the upcoming yearly budget vote and he was a former member of the top-notch Miami-Dade County Office of Strategic Business Management headed up now by Jennifer Glazer-Moon who followed in the legendary budget footsteps of Dr. David Morse. Alfonso was highly respected in this county office and his fellow peers wish him well. Further, a county organization chart back in July 2005 had him working under Deputy Director Hugo Salazar in the Budget office. And if Alfonso can keep up with the likes of him and the other members on this budget team back then. The man with a BAA and a MSF in 2001 both from Florida International University is a welcome sight in the city’s senior fiscal management team.

And he is a breath of fresh air after some persistent turnover in the job while Miami leaders try to struggle through keeping taxes flat; yet looking for $40 million in union concessions. And someone that knows the true state of the books in these turbulent fiscal times can be a real asset for Miami residents and taxpayers. Alfonso has also shown an ability to explain to commissioners certain sometimes-complex financial issues in plain language, some that also may do with past state legislation, and that talent was on display at Thursday’s commission meeting. The Watchdog Report only writes about him because over the last 20-years, to say that office was turbulent, would be an understatement. A city that once allowed being under a governor appointed financial oversight board for five years, after a fiscal meltdown in the mid 1990s. And the Watchdog Report believes someone this competent in such a key slot that is doing a yeoman’s job should get a shout out and keep up the good work.

>>> Sarnoff continues to be an enigma when it comes to secrecy and transparency in government

For some reason, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff likes to keep his discussions with the manager secret he said last Thursday during the Scotty’s Landing discussion by the body. Sarnoff said he told Manager Johnny Martinez in their private discussions. He thought a new parking garage for the site would bring the number of customers needed to give any expanded facilities the ability to survive, but it was an odd comment. Since, a new parking garage is not like a lawsuit against the city, or discussing nuclear missile launch codes. And why his thoughts should be secret on such a mundane matter, in the scheme of things the municipality faces makes the termed out commissioner even more of an enigma.

Sarnoff also has set off a firestorm in the Grove and the local movie industry when at the commission meeting he suggested it was time to demolish the Coconut Grove Convention Center. And throw the highly popular show Burn Notice out of the building where the sets are with the show now entering its sixth season next year. And the program about a former disgraced CIA Case Officer is generating tens of millions of dollars in support and peripheral business around the area. While keeping Miami in the global spotlight since it has become so popular over the past years.

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Mayor Bowers plea to supporters of Historic Preservation to come and speak up at commission meeting

Press release: Next Wednesday, July 18, there is a very important city commission meeting that will consider two Historic Preservation issues. I am sponsoring two amendments to the city charter that, if approved by the commission, will be on the Nov. 6 ballot for your approval. One resolution would prevent any weakening of the Historic Preservation Board and its authority. Any future amendments to the Land Development regulations that diminishes the powers and duties of the Historic Preservation Board or creates a less stringent historic preservation standard or regulation must be approved by referendum before it can become effective.

The second concerns increases in height restrictions in historic districts. This amendment would require a referendum for any proposed ordinance that would increase the maximum building height regulations for those districts within a local historic district before they could become effective. These resolutions will be heard at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. I encourage all residents who feel like I do, that historic preservation in this city is of the highest priority, to come to the commission meeting and support these amendments to the city charter. Thanks, as always, for your support! As your mayor, I am always at your service and will keep you informed of all the issues you and I particularly value, wrote Matti Herrera Bower.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Commissioner Cabrera kicks off mayoral campaign Thursday, has supporter in past Mayor Slesnick against incumbent Mayor Cason

Its official, on Thursday Coral Gables Commissioner Ralph Cabrera Jr., had his first gathering at Caffe Abbracci and he has opened a campaign account, and he is allied in the race with former Mayor Donald Slesnick, II.  The Watchdog Report got an email about the affair last week from Slesnick’s wife Jeannett. And the duo seem determined to limit Mayor Jim Cason to one two-year term. Cason, a former Ambassador and diplomat beat Slesnick in April 12011 with Tom Korge, the third ranking vote getter. And Cason is up again for reelection in April of 2013. But Cabrera wants to try the top spot. After being a commissioner since 2001 and when I asked Cabrera about why he was running. He essentially said he wanted to put his own imprint on the city and try his hand as mayor. When the Watchdog Report mentioned that I had no beef with either Cason or Cabrera. The commissioner said I have always “been fair” in my reporting but I hope this race does not get ugly. For both men would be good choices for the City Beautiful mayoral slot in the upcoming election.

>>> Gables webpage: The City of Coral Gables has extended the grace period until November 30, 2012 for enforcement of the restrictions pertaining to trucks parked in residential and commercial areas, pending the outcome of a referendum on the subject.  The City has an existing ordinance that prohibits pickup trucks being parked outside of garages in residential areas for aesthetic purposes. The referendum will ask whether or not the ordinance is to be amended to allow a non-commercial pickup truck on private, residential properties, if such truck has a fully covered bed and no more than four wheels. The referendum will be held on November 6, 2012. Residents would then have until November 30, 2012 to come into compliance with the existing law or the amended law (depending on the result of the referendum). For more information, please contact Code Enforcement at 305-460-5226.

CITY OF DORAL

>>> Three Miami-Dade Residents Charged in Tax Refund Fraud Scheme Using Stolen Identities of Foreign Nationals

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, José A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and Henry Gutierrez, Postal Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division, announced the filing of an indictment against defendants Christian Andres Perin, 40, of Miami, Florida, Venancio Oscar Pio, 52, of Doral, Florida, and Olga Rosana Garcia, 46, of Miami, Florida, for their participation in a tax refund scheme using stolen identities of foreign nationals.

The indictment charges each of the defendants with one count of conspiracy to submit false claims to the IRS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 286.  Defendant Perin is also charged with seven counts of stealing tax refund checks, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. According to the charges, defendant Perin obtained identity documents of foreign nationals from individuals living outside of the United States.  Defendant Pio allegedly created false Forms W-2, W-7, and 1040 Individual Income Tax Returns with fictitious employer information, income, and withholding amounts.  Defendant Garcia is alleged to have mailed the fraudulent Forms W-2, W-7, and 1040 Individual Income Tax Returns to the IRS to obtain the tax refunds.  The tax refunds were directed into bank accounts or mailboxes controlled by Perin and Garcia.  Perin and Garcia then collected the checks, deposited the checks in bank accounts, and later withdrew the money.

If convicted, the defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy count, and defendant Perin faces up to 10 years in prison for each count of stealing tax refund checks. >>>Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, ICE-HSI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt K. Lunkenheimer. An indictment is only an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

Press release: With a 3 to 2 vote decision, the City of Doral Council has set the proposed millage rate for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 at 2.4376 mills, proposing to maintain the same millage rate as of FY 2011-2012. This means that for FY 2012-2013, City of Doral property owners will be taxed $2.4376 for every $1,000 of assessed taxable value. The FY 2012-2013 Miami-Dade County Appraiser’s estimated projections reflect a 1.97% increase in property values for the City of Doral as compared to the year before, resulting in close to a $2,800,000 potential increase in property tax revenue for the city. The City of Doral Council will hold a Budget Workshop on August 20th, starting at 8:30 AM, and two Public Budget Hearings on September 5 at 6:00PM and September 26 at 5:01 PM at the Council Chambers located at the new City of Doral Government Center, 8401 NW 53rd Terrace. The FY 2012-2013 budget goes into effect on October 1, 2012.

>>> OTHER STORIES AROUND FLORIDA

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> State Atty. Satz gets bevy of challengers, first elected in mid 1970s, had net worth of $1.36 million through 2011

Michael Satz, the long serving Broward County state attorney is in the spotlight this week and he was first elected in the mid 1970s. He has held the office since then and over the years; his critics have charged he was not aggressive enough when it came to prosecuting wayward elected officials. However, over the past few years that prosecution has increased of public officials in a wide array of offices from the county commission to most recently Pat Santeramo, the President of the Broward Teachers Union for racketeering. However, he now may face his toughest race yet this year and he is facing fellow Democrat Chris Mancini in the primary, and Republican Jim Lewis in the general election. Mancini is a former federal prosecutor and now a criminal defense attorney and Lewis is a former assistant state attorney but Satz has the advantage when it comes to campaign fund raising having raised $149,900, Mancini has $22,900 and Lewis has $5,455 and he loaned the campaign another $29,000. >>> Here is more on Satz and the race: Broward Politics: News on the parties, politicians, policies, issues … The Broward State Attorney’s Office has charged former Broward Teachers Union president Patrick Santeramo with one count of racketeering.

Satz

What do we know about Satz’s finances?

Satz through Dec. 31, 2011 had a net worth of $1.36 million and he lists $179,000 in household goods. He has $266,808 in cash and other convertible instruments, his real-estate is valued at $525,000, stocks and bonds are worth $159,720 and there is $238,643 in retirement accounts, and his 2011 Porsche 911 is worth $97,214. The top prosecutor’s income for the year was $125,000 in his official capacity and his total income for the year, which includes social security payments, was $162,171 states is his IRS 1040 for the year.

>>> SAO webpage: Michael J. Satz, a native of Pennsylvania, is a graduate of Temple University and the University of Miami’s School of Law. After graduation from law school, Mr. Satz became an assistant prosecutor in the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County. He quickly developed a reputation as a tough courtroom litigator specializing in the prosecution of homicide cases and other violent crimes. Mr. Satz was elected State Attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit in November of 1976 and has been re-elected every four years since. He continues to regularly handle the prosecution of capital offenses and other serious crimes while now overseeing a staff of 500 employees, including 200 assistant prosecutors…

CITY OF HOLLYWOOD

>>> Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Theft of Government Funds

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Jeffrey C. Mazanec, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Manuel Orosa, Chief, City of Miami Police Department, announce that defendants Chante Sweet, 35, of Miami, Simone West, 22, of Hollywood, and Ashley Rolle, 27, of St. Petersburg, Florida, pled guilty on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 to theft of money from a government program, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A). During the change of plea hearing, Chante Sweet, an employee of the City of Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team from 2007 through 2009, admitted to stealing approximately $21,932.43 in federal grant money from the City of Miami that was designated for the Miami ACES program, a program designed to advise members of the community about hurricane and emergency preparedness.  Sweet admitted to issuing checks to Simone West and Ashley Rolle from the Miami ACES program even though West and Rolle performed no work for the program.  West and Rolle cashed the checks and shared the money with Sweet.  During the plea, West and Rolle admitted to their role in the scheme, with West acknowledging that she cashed approximately $9,799 in checks, and Rolle admitted that she cashed approximately $9,603 in checks, for work that neither of them performed. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM before U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, the FBI’s Miami Area Public Corruption Task Force, and the City of Miami Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandro O. Soto and John P. Gonsoulin. 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.

MARTIN COUNTY

>>> Gov. Scott taps Alan Orantes Forst to the Nineteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission.

Forst, 53, of Palm City, has been a member of Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission since 2001 and serves as its current chief executive and chief administrative officer.  Previously, he practiced with Crary Buchanan in Stuart, representing both employees and employers.  Forst also served in several positions at federal government agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the Columbus School of Law of the Catholic University of America.  He succeeds Robert J. Gorman and is appointed for a term beginning July 9, 2012, and ending July 1, 2016. He is appointed from the list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar.

ORANGE COUNTY

>>> Orange County Man Sentenced for Forcible Assault of a Federal Officer

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Alysa D. Erichs, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, ), Vernon Foret, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami Field Office, announced that Rafael D. Gutierrez, 40, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 21 months by U.S. District Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp, on charges of forcibly assaulting a Customs and Border Protection officer at the Port of Palm Beach, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1) and (b).

After a two day trial, a federal jury convicted Gutierrez.  According to the trial evidence, on July 16, 2011, the Bahamas Celebration cruise ship arrived at the Port of Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida, from Grand Bahamas Island, Bahamas.  As passengers awaited inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers for entry into the U.S., a CBP Officer requested that passenger Rafael Arturo Gutierrez (R.A. Gutierrez) step out of line and proceed to a nearby doorway for secondary inspection.  After the officer and R.A. Gutierrez entered the secondary inspection area, defendant Gutierrez, R.A. Gutierrez’s son, entered the secondary inspection area and struck the officer multiple times on the face and head.  The CBP Officer suffered a concussion and cervical spine sprain as a result of the assault. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI and CBP.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lothrop Morris. 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.

LAKE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott taps Representative Larry E. Metz to the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council.

Metz, 57, of Yalaha, has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2010 and has practiced with the Metz Law Firm P.A. since 2007. He previously practiced with the Unger Law Group P.L. from 1999 to 2006. His community involvement includes serving on the Lake County School Board from 2004 to 2010, the Lake County Value Adjustment Board from 2008 to 2010, the Lake County Zoning Board from 2005 to 2010, and the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Governing Board from 2008 to 2010. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1976 to 1982, including active duty until 1980. Metz received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Florida State University. He is appointed for a term beginning July 13, 2012, and ending June 30, 2016.

MONROE COUNTY

>>> Sheriff Peryam says sayonara in Nov. did decent job with few controversies, had $336,100 net worth through 2011, five candidates want his job

Robert Peryam, the Monroe County Sheriff is in the spotlight this week and while he won the office back in 2008 after long serving Sheriff Rick Roth stepped down. Peryam is not seeking reelection and a host of five candidates is running for the top county cop post, and during Peryam’s tenure. He has generated little controversy when it comes to the office and its operation, and keeping the Florida Keys safe from murder and mayhem. The county while stretching from the Florida Everglades to Key West (The county seat) and made up of hundreds of islands has only 73,165 residents but the county economically lives on tourism and that resident number swells upwards during tourist season.

What do we know about his finances?

Peryam through Dec. 31, 2011 had a net worth of $336,100 and he lists $85,000 in household goods. Property in Tennessee is worth $12,000, his home in Monroe is valued at $225,000, there is $275,000 in the Florida DROP program, there is $120,000 in deferred compensation and an IRA has $6,600. He has only two liabilities, $355,000 to National Bank, Sallie Mae wants $48,000 in student loans, and his salary as sheriff for the year was $120,000.

What about the 2012 sheriff’s race?

Looking to replace Peryam as sheriff are Jake Brady, Edwin Grove, Mathew Koval, Thomas Peteck, and Rick Ramsey and all the candidates have raised money for their war chest, and Ramsey leads with $138,720. Peteck follows him with $14,900, Brady has $5,000, Koval has $4,200 and Grove has raised $3,337 for his campaign war chest. The race that is partisan has Republicans Brady, Grove and Ramsey facing off in the Aug. 14 primary, the Democrats running are Koval, and Peteck and the winners of the two party’s primary will face off in the November general election.

Peryam  http://www.keysso.net/aboutsheriff/biograph.htm

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Downtown Bay Forum Miami-Dade mayoral candidate debate www.downtownbayforum.org Speakers: Hon. Carlos A. Gimenez, Mayor, Miami-Dade County Hon. Joe A. Martinez, Miami-Dade County Commissioner District 11- Moderator: Michael Putney, WPLG Channel 10 Date: July 31, 2012 Doors open 11:30 am, Lunch at Noon. Location: Wolfson Auditorium, Temple Israel, 137 NE 19 Street, Miami, Florida Free Self Parking Available on site Members: 22/with reservations, Non Members 26, Membership 30/year Tables of 10 – 250 For Reservations and Information, please contact, Annette Eiseneberg, 305 757 3633, or fax 305 754 2015

>>> Kristi House press release: Please mark your calendars! We hope you will join us for the 13th Annual Touch A Heart Dinner on Friday, November 2, 2012 at the Four Seasons Hotel 7:00 p.m. Reception 8:00 p.m. Dinner For more information, please visit www.kristihouse.org or call: Bianca Fernandez – 305-547-6802 Mary Faraldo – 786-218-9748

>>> Press release:  Registration Now Open for Miami-Dade Parks’ Summer Camps! Exciting Summer Camps are being offered by the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, June 11-August 17, 2012, at its parks around the County.

EDITORIALS

>>> After decades, why can’t Miami-Dade and local municipalities like Miami ever let out a RFP that is not botched or is not under protest?

What is with Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami and other municipalities when it comes to letting out a Request for Proposal (RFP) of projects that so many times end up being flawed, are protested and many times are thrown out, and the RFP is rebid. This just happened last week for a hotel proposal at Miami International Airport, and the city of Miami botched a proposal for the redevelopment of the Grove Marina, Scotty’s Landing and Chart House and that has now been thrown out as well says city Manager Johnny Martinez and Mayor Tomas Regalado. http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/13/2894803/miami-scraps-proposals-for-scottys.html And this is forgetting the ongoing fiasco that Jungle Island is and Regalado told the Watchdog Report Thursday that the attractions owners were told they had to comply with the lease and payments to Miami, with a $2 million payment on the HUD loan Aug. 1. In addition, they must continue to make these scheduled payments for the next “five years,” he said. And only then would the Miami commission consider putting the attractions desire for the expansion of land and a new adjusted 99-year lease on a ballot for Miami voters to consider.

But these examples continue to grow like weeds over the past decades as both public institutions lurch from one proposed contract to another and it must stop, for this is not brain surgery. And it is becoming inconceivable that so many contracts and proposals come in flawed and suggests a systemic problem and that must be resolved. If South Florida taxpayers are going to get their money worth of the new precious public tax dollars they deserve. Further, this churning of the bid process is also not a cheap date, causes delays in new revenue streams, and continues to give staff a job that should have been done right the first time.

Miami Commissioners on Thursday questioned the same problem asking why the Scotty’s Landing redevelopment was being rushed because of trying to get it on the ballot before the July 24 deadline.  And while the development decision now is on hold for at least the next year. The Miami administration should have let it out months earlier and not put elected leaders in this position of having to make a rush decision, especially when you consider the city or county’s past track record on some of these pie in the sky proposals, and it must end.

For, the administrators are putting elected leaders in a trap, that they should not have to step into and officials at all levels should demand a better performance out of their administrative staff. For these civil servants are paid good money in wages in today’s “New Normal” economy and it would be nice for once. For them to do the job they were hired to do properly. Because while everyone loves a good tag line, like delivering excellence everyday, someone actually has perform to that level. Moreover, when it comes to these PFPs, it is clear any prospect of excellence is elusive and an enigma, and someone like Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Regalado must demand that end. If taxpayers are ever to get the best deals that involve leases, development, and the revenues that taxpayers deserve.

LETTERS

>>> Correction of GMCVB newsletter numbers last week in the WDR

In follow up to your inquiry to Bill Talbert, there was, indeed, a mistake made in transferring the numbers into Bill’s July 9, 2012 newsletter.  Thank you for bringing it to our attention, and please accept our apologies for this mistake. The correct 2012 number is $600,484 and the 2011 number is $532,014 which is 12.9 percent higher than last year.

Ginny Gutierrez

Director Community Relations

Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

>>> Thanks for the comments in your editorial. I would be very wise to accept your advice since you have been at this for so many years. We have high aspirations and a long road ahead of us. However, we do have passion and drive and we will do our best to exceed our goals!

Michael Burnstine
Vice President
Lockton Companies

>>> Would like to get something In the Watchdog Report on the Epidemic of Homestead Fraud in Miami Dade County..

http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/05/2883077/homestead-exemption-fraud-cheats.html

>>> Thank you for your tireless – and almost dollar less – efforts.  I heard you today on Topical Currents and appreciated the variety and quality of your topics. So I went to your webpage and read July 8 and the two previous months’ WDR’s.  There’s A LOT of phenomenal information in each one.  It’s obvious how much work you put into it.  Unfortunately, I live in Broward and I can only benefit from your statewide and general stories but I’m going to try and read WDR the first week of every month because those stories are equally informative and in depth – and useful.

PG

>>> Hello, I  would like to subscribe to the watchdog report. Excellent info.
DM

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 2000

ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S

HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr.

THE MIAMI HERALD     www.miamiherald.com (2000-2008)

ARTHUR HERTZ

WILLIAM HUGGETT, Seamen Attorney (Deceased)

ALFRED NOVAK

LINDA E. RICKER (Deceased)

JOHN S. and JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION  www.knightfoundation.org

THE HONORABLE STANLEY G. TATE

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

BADIA SPICES    www.badiaspices.com

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com

RONALD HALL

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY  www.miamidade.gov

UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.unitedwaymiamidade.org

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 a year

AKERMAN SENTERFITT   www.akerman.com

RON BOOK

LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.

WILLIAM PALMER

SHUBIN & BASS     www.shubinbass.com

>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less

CAMILLUS HOUSE, INC.   www.camillushouse.org

CITY OF MIAMI  www.miamigov.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH www.miamibeachfl.gov

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.cph.org

THE STATE OF FLORIDA    www.myflorida.gov

GREATOR MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.miamichamber.com

GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA  www.hfsf.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY  www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ETHICS & PUBLIC TRUST COMMISSION www.miamidade.gov/ethics

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL www.miamidade.gov/ig

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

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

THE BEACON COUNCIL   www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

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

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA    http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI             www.miami.edu

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 600 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 www.watchdogreport.net

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2012, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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 >>> >>> To read the full section large two page front page story, but without the photos and smart box graphics, go to: `I Go When You Cannot’ – Sun Sentinel 20 Jan 2003 … Sometimes Dan Ricker lives in the dark so others may live in the light. … to his weekly Watchdog Report have finally mailed their checks. … http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american >>>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 >>> Readers who would like to read the complete University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Southeast United States Media Report go to view the complete report or download all the data used in this study. >>> Watchdog Report Editor’s note to the NCU/CH study: The subscriber number referenced is incorrect and applies to readership.

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

********************************************************************

Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form

NOTE: Invoice is for Yearly supporter/sponsorship Rates: Thank you.

Supporting Sponsors $5,000

Sustaining Sponsors $2,000

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

Large Business Supporters $500

Small Business Supporters $250

Individual Supporter $150

Student Supporter $ 75

Any amount $

Name & Address

Please make checks payable to: Daniel A. Ricker

Send to: 3109 Grand Avenue, #125

Miami, FL 33133 To contact the Publisher please e-mail watchdogreport1@earthlink.net