Watchdog Report Vol.16 No. 21 October 4, 2015 – EST.05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating 16-Years of Weekly publishing

>>> 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 www.knightfoundation.org   to maintain my webpage. The Watchdog Report webpage is free, has no pops-up and is just the news in a mainstream reporting manner.

>>>> The Watchdog Report publisher needs fiscal help and new Sponsors and I have for 16 years now, reported back weekly how your billions of public dollars in local government are being spent. And how to do that is at the end of the WDR. Thank You. And to my Supporters and Sponsors, I thank you for your confidence over the past 16 Years. >>> CORRECTION: My sister pointed out that I was 64, not 63 as I thought. I will also be on WLRN 91.3 FM on Election Day Nov. 3, on Topical Currents hosted by Joe Cooper and Bonnie Berman at 1:00 p.m.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Democratic candidates warm up for Oct. 13 debate in Vegas, but will VP Biden jump into the race, and challenge Hillary Clinton’s quest?

With the Democratic Party presidential debate Oct 13 in Las Vegas. The issue is will Vice President Joe Biden jump into the race and join the five candidates who will be on the stage and the event will begin to frame former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s own campaign http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/01/politics/biden-clinton-2016-democratic-debate/ And, Clinton in a cameo on Saturday Night Live, did a reasonable parody of Trump. However, Republicans think Biden would be harder to beat versus Clinton. But the GOP is still dealing with the billionaire developer Donald Trump phenomena who released a tax plan at the beginning of the week and it turns the IRS tax code upside down and potentially could reduce government revenues in the trillions of dollars and the jury is still out on the plan, based on economic growth, but it is his first attempt at policies and while he is trading barbs with former Gov. Jeb Bush, and Carley Fiorina who has not risen much in new polls http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-primaries/255783-trump-stays-on-top-of-gop-field-in-pew-poll And the GOP voters thirst for an outsider is still going strong as the large field is winnowed down. But still has Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. In the mix and he is in it for the long haul he says. But Bush is still rusty campaigning and was seen as flippant when he was asked about the Oregon massacre at a Community College in the rural state. And he responded ‘Stuff happens,’ saying you can’t react to every single crisis, that happens and more government is not always the answer he reflected on the tragedy. And to see the video go to http://abcnews.go.com/US/jeb-bush-stuff-response-gun-violence/story?id=34209380

>>> The WDR wishes past UM President Donna Shalala a quick recovery from her stroke, recently, good prognosis when caught early

The Watchdog Report wishes past University of Miami President Danna Shalala a quick recovery from her stroke and I know from my past experience of my own what a shock to the system it is. After such an event and I wish her as quick a recovery as I had. For the leader now running the former President’s Bill Clinton’s Global Initiative Foundation and news reports indicate she was rushed to a hospital when the past Health and Human Services secretary for two terms in the Clinton administration had the attack and I wish her a fast and full recovery. And here is new University of Miami President, Dr. Julio Frenk’s press release on the stroke http://med.miami.edu/news/statement-from-university-of-miami-president-julio-frenk

>>>PAST WDR: When it comes to Cuban refugees, coming to Miami and Miami-Dade County we have a “crisis,” and there is a “spike,” in the Homeless population, and people are living in the Doral warehouse district on the streets, because of the “rumor,” the Cuban Adjustment Act is going to be repealed with warmer relations with Cuba, said Miami Mayor Regalado at the Homeless Trust meeting Friday

“We have a crisis,” said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado at the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust meeting recently, to his fellow board members. Regalado a former journalist who covered the Ronald Reagan White House for a Spanish media station noted that “rumors,” are rampant in Cuba. That The Cuban Adjustment Act is going to be “repealed,” by the Congress now that relations with the communist nation have been opened and the Mayor noted some Cubans are coming from other countries like Ecuador, and there is some 6,000 to 7,000 doctors and professionals, in “Venezuela,” going through the process to come to America Regalado told the Trust trustees. And Regalado firmly noted again, “We do have a crisis,” and there is a “increase influx of Cuban migrants,” said the mayor and we need “federal help,” to deal with this issue and many of these refugees come with their families to America and while the Trust is trying to accommodate this new influx and the homeless census, “continues the upward trend.” The Trust is a little bit backed up,” said Trust Chair Ron Book on Friday during the discussion of the matter. And it is becoming a “trickle down Mariel,” and we need help from the state and federal government said Regalado to deal with these new refugees coming to Miami where they will be assimilated and not around the country and why the federal government needs to get involved for the Trust does not have the resources to handle this new issue alone, the mayor believes. And Camillus, and a host of other “charities are all tapped out,” said the mayor concerning the “immigration crisis.”

Regalado

Diaz-Balart

 

And the Watchdog Report ran into U.S. Rep Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami last Sunday night and he agreed there was this looming refugee crisis that is emerging in South Florida regarding the fear in Cuba that the Cuban Adjustment Act might be “repealed,” by Congress with normalization of relations with the United States and I wrote about it last week and he agreed this is a pending local crisis the long serving Congressman, said. And Regalado noted at a recent Homeless Trust meeting that these Cuban refugees, “these people are homeless,” and in discussions with Homeland Security, the mayor said there is nothing they can do, since the federal government is operating under a continuous resolution http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/f/federal_budget_us/index.html and for more on the homeless issue go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article37397382.html  http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/02/06/mario-diaz-balart-on-immigration-we-need-to-get-the-support-of-enough-people-or-were-dead/

>>> Press release: John Zogby’s Obama Weekly Report Card is Featured in Paul Bedard’s “Washington Secrets” Published weekly in The Washington Examiner

In his weekly presidential report card, pollster John Zogby finds that President Obama proved ineffective on Syria, talks with the Russians, the economy and guns.

“After a successful papal visit and frank conversations with the president of China, Mr. Obama focused his attention on the United Nations where he outlined U.S. support for Millennial Goals to eradicate poverty and hunger and had a strange sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They talked about Syria and their competing objectives for the near-term future. Please click on the link below to view the full release: http://zogbyanalytics.com/news/655-zogby-report-card-obama-ineffectiveness-takes-center-stage-gets-d

>>> Press release: Request for Proposals: What Should the US Do In Syria? By: John Zogby Forbes.com Contributor

Watching Syria fall apart is a very difficult to do. The human impact is staggering – 8 million people displaced, 4 million refugees having left the country, children washing up to shore, and not even knowing much about those who remain. The political ramifications are equally distressing – a barbaric regime, an even worse gang of criminals, incompetent moderates, regional strife between two large neighbors, and now Russia with its own agenda. I hear a lot of tough talk coming from the Republican candidates for President and Congressional leaders. And more bombast from retired military brass about the need for the United States to show leadership, to commit more heavily to fighting ISIS, and the get rid of Syrian President Assad. But how? Please click on the link below to view the full release: http://zogbyanalytics.com/news/654-request-for-proposals-what-should-the-us-do-in-syriahttp:

With the discovery of possible briny water on the planet Mars and the recent new movie on the planet we must not forget that the red planet has always spooked the planets residents from the night Martian Monsters were invading the country after Orson Wells radio adaption of H.G. Wells War of the Worlds on radio back in 1938 and around the rural nation Americans believed the very realistic production was true and Edward R. Murrow, the internationally known radio broadcaster played an important part of the show’s success that had people packing up their belongings and for more go to http://www.war-ofthe-worlds.co.uk/night_america_trembled.htm

>>> Dan Marino Foundation has teamed up with Badia Spices to fight autism a condition too many children are having to face. And the owner of the company Jose “Pepe” Badia, is a noted philanthropist and company founder. And for more on the program got to: http://www.danmarinofoundation.org/portal/badia-spices-go-the-extra-yard

Webpage info: Badia Spices invites consumers to join their efforts in support of children and young adults living with autism. From now through December 31st, 2015, when you purchase a bottle of Badia (1 LT) Extra Virgin Olive Oil anywhere in the world where Badia Spices are sold, Badia Spices will donate 5% of the proceeds from that sale to The Dan Marino Foundation. Badia Spices believes that being a member of a community means giving back through charitable and community investment. As such, the company supports a variety of charitable and educational organizations. Through the course of the past ten years, Badia Spices and the Badia Family have contributed millions in financial contributions and in-kind donations to a variety of local and national institutions. The family’s efforts on a broad sense have focused on education, healthcare, women’s issues, youth sports, and underserved communities. For more than 23 years, The Dan Marino Foundation has been serving the autism community through unique, impactful initiatives, like Marino Campus – a post-secondary educational opportunity for young adults with developmental disabilities, ages 18-28. The Campus, which opened in 2014, was the logical next step in furthering the Foundation’s mission of “empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.” Badia Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a rich nutty flavor with delicate notes of fruitiness. The Olive Oil is made from the first cold press of Manzanilla, Arbequina, Lechin and Picual olives. Aside from all the attributed health benefits of olive oil, it is bottled with the promise of full aroma, freshness, rich flavor. “Badia Spices is looking forward to once again partnering with The Dan Marino Foundation,” said Joseph “Pepe” Badia, President of Badia Spices. “This partnership enables us to support the Foundation and Marino Campus, in providing state of the art programing and services for children, teens and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities on their path to independence.”

Over the last three years with the support of its customers through the “Go the Extra Yard for Those with Autism Campaign”. Badia Spices has raised more than $300,000 for The Dan Marino Foundation and the Marino Campus programs for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. “We are continually grateful for the friendship and support of Pepé Badia. It is a privilege for all of us at the Foundation to be a part of the Badia Spices family, stated Dan Marino, Chairman of The Dan Marino Foundation. I hope Badia Spices and their customers realize the significant impact they have in changing the lives of the young people we serve.” ABOUT BADIA SPICES: Established in 1967 by Jose Badia, Badia Spices is the world’s leading privately Hispanic-owned spice manufacturer with 2012 sales totaling over $100 million. Badia Spices has brought to market the finest ingredients from all corners of the world, making it a favorite among all types of cooks. More than 350 different products are prepared, packaged and shipped to 70 countries and the entire United States. In addition Badia Spices is committed to offering their consumers the highest quality. Badia Spices has added an Organic and Gluten-Free line, and is proud to have its products certified by Safe Quality Foods, an audit recognized around the world as being one of the most rigorous and credible food safety management systems in the marketplace today. For more information, visit the company’s website badiaspices.com.

>>> Provocative objects left at Mosque by man undergoing mental evaluation concerns Muslim community, since no gate

People of all religions should be concerned with a man leaving hate objects at a Mosque in Miami-Dade for these kind of overt acts are scary and children should not have to live in fear, because of their religion and for more go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/west-kendall/article37419054.html. And the Watchdog Report hopes the authorities keep their eyes on such overt acts for as we have seen all too often, many of these troubled people have mental issues as was seen at the recent massacre in rural Oregon.

>>> Miami Children’s Museum’s tenth Anniversary attractions getting renovation and update, thousands of kids flock to the venue

And the Miami Children’s Museum is celebrating its tenth year on the Watson Island site and all the exhibits are being renovated and the facility has been a fantastic draw to the site packed with Children. Whenever I stopped in over the years and it is a valuable community asset. And for the latest programs go to http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/ .

>>> Knight Foundation’s Cities Challenge grant program open, looking for big ideas for community engagement

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Cities Challenge Grant Program is open Oct.1 and program director Matt Haggman discussed the offering last week on Topical Currents hosted by Joe Cooper and Bonnie Berman on WLRN/NPR 91.3 F.M., https://www.newschallenge.org/ and to listen to the show got to http://wlrn.org/post/knight-cities-challenge-funding-innovators-ideas-making-cities-more-sustainable And the program is open to all even if you are not a IRS 501.C3 and all you need is a good idea to make your community more sustainable and informed, Given the Foundation is the premier organization for the Arts and innovative journalism in this changing world of the press in the digital age. Editor’s note: The Watchdog Report has been honored to have the Foundation as an initial Founding sponsor back in 2000, when Hodding Carter, III, a former Press Secretary for President Jimmy Carter. And the Princeton University graduate told me what I was doing was important and fundamental reporting. Since I was covering public meetings where other press was not there and that encouragement has been with me over the past 16-years and I am forever grateful for Carter’s words of encouragement especially when it came to security. An issue I was having in the early years. And for more on Carter who is a professor at UNC Chapel Hill go to http://www.tcf.org/experts/detail/hodding-carter-iii

>>> From the Knight Foundation’s web page: About Knight Cities Challenge

What is your best idea to make cities more successful? The Knight Cities Challenge seeks new ideas from innovators who will take hold of the future of our cities. From Oct. 1 to Oct. 27, 2015, we invited applicants from anywhere to tell us their ideas for making the 26 Knight communities more vibrant places to live and work. From a pool of $5 million, we’re looking to award grants at the city, neighborhood and block levels, and all sizes in between.

What is the goal?

The challenge is designed to help spur civic innovation at the city, neighborhood, and block levels, and all sizes in between. In particular, we hope to generate ideas that focus on one or all of three key drivers of city success: attracting talented people, expanding economic opportunity and creating a culture of civic engagement.

Who should apply?

The Knight Cities Challenge welcomes anyone with big ideas and the ability to realize them. Applicants may be activists, designers, artists, planning professionals, hackers, architects; everyone is welcome. You don’t have to live in one of the 26 Knight communities to apply, but your project must be located in and benefit one of those communities. No project is too small — so long as your idea is big. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article37161870.html

FLORIDA

>>> Children’s Trust CEO Auslander announces his retirement, board will do a national search to find his successor, with interim person in place

Charles Auslander the second CEO of the Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade has announced his retirement and the attorney is going into private law practice and Auslander has been at the Trust for almost a decade and he was the front runner when Modesto Abety, the Trust’s first CEO retired a couple of years ago and the Trust with a $148.9 million budget funds $103 million for a host of contracted children’s programs throughout Miami-Dade. And the child advocate has been seen often on the county’s government channel talking about all the different programs that are being offered to the County’s children. And I contacted Trust chair Laurie Weiss Nuell about the sudden loss and she said after nine years Auslander wanted to go back to private practice from the job paying under $200,000 and the former long serving member of the Public Health Trust Board said a national search will be done and interim CEO is Imran Ali and there was no scandal regarding is stepping down and

>>> Press release: The Children’s Trust, under the leadership of Board Chair Laurie Weiss Nuell, will begin a search for a new President and CEO following the upcoming departure of Charles Auslander, who has resigned after a distinguished nine year tenure at the organization to resume his private law practice. Senior Operations Manager Imran Ali was named Interim President and CEO. Ali joined The Trust in 2014 after more than 30 years in multiple programmatic and operations leadership positions at Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Children’s Home Society of Florida, and Family Resource Center of South Florida. The Board of The Children’s Trust is committed to a comprehensive and diligent selection process to appoint a new President and CEO who will honor the mission, vision and strategic plan of The Children’s Trust as it moves further into its second decade of building a lasting legacy, and most importantly, improving the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. About The Children’s Trust: The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future… because all children are our children. And to read the budget go to: https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/uploads/images/about/financials/2015/2015-   _Budget_Summary_091115.pdfhttps://www.thechildrenstrust.org/uploads/images/about/financials/2015/2015-16_Budget_Summary_091115.pdf

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> It’s Official County Mayor Carlos Gimenez files reelection papers, facing Raquel Regalado and possible former Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez, before candidate table is set in 2016 high profile race and both men have past GOP ties.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez, (Net worth $1.4 million in 2015), has finally filed his papers for his reelection campaign, long expected, and the paperwork was filed by his professional campaign fundraiser Brian Goldmeier. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article37179747.html and Gimenez is seeking another four year term and he has raised some $1 million for the upcoming campaign where he will take on two term school board member Raquel Regalado, an attorney and daughter of the Miami mayor, and potentially former Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez who followed Gimenez in the District 7 seat on the 13 member Miami-Dade County Commission. And to read Gimenez’s financial disclosure form go to http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/Forms/2014/97170-Form6.pdf

What do we know about Suarez’s finances?

Suarez (2014 net worth $303,000), has ben teasing Miami-Dade voters with his contemplation of running for the office and the Harvard trained attorney continues to snipe at the mayor and his administration and the past mayor frequently is impatient with the County Attorney’s office and all the County’s “acronyms,” like “Unification,” which pertains to the absorbing of half cent sales tax revenues for transportation enhancements, done by the county commission back around 2006. And Suarez through a PAC has run ads proclaiming this PTP money should be returned, which will start to be done over the next few years but he acts sometimes as an arm chair quarterback. And the man after being in the political wilderness for over a decade. When he won in 2011 the District seat his speech after being sworn in went some 29 minutes and the Watchdog Report dubbed him the rambling man and while Gimenez has run a large bureaucracy with some 25,000 employees. It is unknown if Suarez has that same ability that also applies to Regalado, since the public schools District is run by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho who has done a remarkable job in the pressure cooker job. And to read Suarez’s financial disclosure form go to http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/Forms/2014/241635-Form6.pdf And to read Regalado’s financial disclosure go to: http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/Forms/2014/234873-Form6.pdf

.

>>>> The Arrest of a Lobbyist David Alberto Carache-Guzman, trying to rig elections through Community Council candidates, a new Miami moment, when it comes to corrupting our election process, says state Atty. Katherine Fernandez Rundle

The arrest of a lobbyist who was recruiting candidates to run for one of the Miami-Dade County Community Council’s under the investgative auspices of the Miami-Dade County Inspector General Mary Cagel. And it was a joint investigation done by the state attorney’s Office headed up by Kathy Fernandez-Rundle, up for reelection in 2016. And to read what the lobbyist was trying to do was get elected officials in these zoning bodies to be friendly with his clients development plans and it was a perversion of democracy for the man’s own enrichment. Check out the report: http://www.miamidadeig.org/newsreleases2015/IG14.32%20CarcaheArrest.pdf

>>> Press release: State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle A result of a joint investigation by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office Public Corruption Task Force and the Miami-Dade County Office of the Inspector General, David Alberto Carcache (Carcache), a would-be lobbyist and political consultant, was arrested and charged with:

2 counts     False swearing           (3^rd Degree Felony)

1 count     Aiding, Abetting, or Advising in the Violation of the Election Code     (3^rd Degree   Felony)

5 counts     Falsifying Records     (1st Degree Misdemeanor)

Carcache, also known as David Carcache-Guzman and David Guzman, represented himself as a lobbyist/consultant assisting various candidates running for several Miami-Dade Community Council positions during the August 26, 2014, elections. “A young man’s goal of creating his own business is something we usually encourage,” commented State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “However, Mr. Carcache’s business approach of undermining Miami-Dade’s Community Council system, corrupting our election process, has led to his arrest. The investigation by my Public Corruption Task Force and the Miami-Dade Office of the Inspector General uncovered evidence of numerous fraudulent campaign documents and transactions.  Thanks to their efforts, someone working to taint our election system has been thwarted.” The investigation began when a resident of Community Council #12 received a letter from the Miami-Dade Department of Elections providing information to new candidates. However, no one at the address was actually running for election. The resident contacted authorities, initiating   an extensive investigation which identified Carcache and his scheme to solicit and control candidates running for Community Council seats. Having enough politicians beholden to him on various Community Council seats would allow Carcache to effectively sell his (unregistered) lobbying and consulting services. Carcache was undeterred by the fact that some of his candidates were unqualified for election since they did not reside within specified Community Council boundaries.

Would-Be Lobbyist Arrested For Campaign Fraud

“‘All politics is local’ a phrase taken to heart by Carcache who sought to manipulate and peddle his influence in our County government.  But for this investigation, there would be three elected officials in office, being controlled by the defendant.  The OIG will continue to provide oversight of the election process and robustly investigate all allegations of election fraud as it pertains to every level of Miami-Dade County government,” stated Mary T. Cagle, Miami-Dade County Inspector General.

The investigation found that Carcache prepared fraudulent candidate qualifying documents, set up and controlled candidates’ email accounts, and submitted fraudulent campaign treasurer finance reports. At Carcache’s direction, thousands of dollars in campaign expenses were paid in checks or money orders payable to Carcache’s sister and mother. Carcache submitted, or caused to be submitted, numerous documents containing false information and falsely sworn documents to the Miami-Dade Elections Department in connection with the campaigns of three Community Council candidates. Two candidates, Mauricio Rodriguez-Varela and Daniel Diaz won their positions to Community Council #11/113 and Community Council #12/123, respectively. They have resigned as a result of the investigation. The third candidate, Jesus Antonio Salas, withdrew from the race prior to the election.

>>>PAST WDR: What about Le Roy Jones warning about new forms of “social media,” that “is killing our kids is worse than drugs,” parents are not monitoring snap chat but available to kids, who know in advance who might be shot in community

LeRoy Jones who runs the County’s Mom & Pop small business loan program said when it comes to the rampant murders in the inner city. That kids are using some “new forms of social media,” not “Facebook,” because their parents might see them. And Jones said they know in advance who the next person to be gunned down is. He told County Commissioners Thursday in chilling remarks during the public budget hearing and he said new “social media is worse than drugs,” and it is “killing of our kids,” and it must be recognized and he is sounding a new alarm when it comes to the deaths of young people in Miami-Dade that is almost a daily tragedy. And what the kids are using is Snap Chat where the message disappears after being viewed.

What about County Commissioners wanting to modify the Florida Sunshine Law?

County Commissioners recently discussed asking the Florida Legislature via a resolution to modify the open meeting law that makes meetings open to the public, must be advertised, but does not cover state legislators and Commissioner Juan Zapata, a former state Rep. thinks modifying the law would make the local legislature more efficient and effective. And Bruno Barreiro, also a former state representative called the Sunshine Law, “the lobbyist empowerment Act,” from his experience in the House but it was a legislative urging on the County’s agenda with the state and would exclude any judicial cases like zoning said Zapata. But critics hope it does not open the door to less transparency and concern of insider deals on issues. And Commission Chair Jean Monestime brought up the issue at a MPO meeting Sept 30 where he hoped the Florida legislature “would relax the law a little bit,” when it comes to the Florida Sunshine laws where officials on the same body have to hold an advertised public meeting and is seen by commissioners as being cumbersome. And when it came to transportation’s some “$7.7 billion,” in funding when state and federal money is included Commissioner Dennis Moss believes the discussions on the body, “should be a vision and a competition of ideas and consensus,” he believes and transportation has been a priority for him since being on the dais since 1993.

>>> Miami Marlins Stadium is empty when the stands are panned but cost $2.5 billion, over decades with financing, and the enclosed stadium is the gift that keeps on giving, and becoming a “nightmare deal,” for the county as the ball team flounders

What about the new Miami Marlins stadium, and all the empty seats at a recent game that showed huge swaths if empty seats and the stadium that finances out costing some $2.4 billion over the decades was demanded by the teams owners and the lack of fans is because the team is not doing well and don’t like the product. But taxpayers are still on the hook for generations to come.

>>> Over 82,800 SunPass Accounts Registered for MDX Cash Back Toll Dividend Program Authority Plans to Return Cash Rebates to MDX Customers

Press release: MDX announced today that over 82,800 SunPass accounts have been enrolled in the MDX Cash Back Toll Dividend Program (CBTD). This initiative, believed to be the first of its kind in the United States, is the agency’s free customer loyalty program. “We are thrilled that our cash rebate program has connected with our commuters,” said MDX Executive Director Javier Rodriguez, P.E. “Simply by registering for the CBTD during our open enrollment period, which ended on August 31, members will see their overall toll costs lowered if they meet the requirements of the program.” The 2015 dividend distribution will be announced at the agency’s next board meeting scheduled for September 29, 2015 at 4 p.m. in the MDX Headquarters Boardroom, 3790 NW 21^st Street, Miami, Florida 33142. >>> The MDX Board of Directors will declare a distribution of dividends to members of the CBTD program each fiscal year, which occurs from July 1 through June 30, after the agency has closed its financial books. This distribution of dividends is declared after MDX meets its financial obligations, including making its annual principal and interest payments, meeting its senior debt coverage ratio and covering its operation and maintenance costs. The agency will begin issuing rebate checks to MDX customers in December. >>> About MDX operates and maintains five user-supported expressways in Miami-Dade County – SR 112/Airport Expressway, SR 836/Dolphin Expressway, SR 874/Don Shula Expressway, SR 878/Snapper Creek Expressway, and SR 924/Gratigny Parkway. MDX expressways are funded by toll revenue, which is reinvested back into the community and funds the construction of projects that alleviate traffic congestion, create thousands of local jobs and provide new opportunities to small and local businesses. The agency also gives back a portion of its annual revenue to drivers through the MDX Cash Back Toll Dividend Program.

>>> And to read the Miami-Dade County’s 2015-2016 budget go to http://www.miamidade.gov/budget/fy15-16-proposed.asp

>>> County Committee moves ahead on Honor Code, great idea and should be considered by the BCC

Ethics Commission press release: A Miami-Dade County Commission committee today took a step forward to adopting a Public Service Honor Code for elected officials and employees.  The Strategic Planning and Government Operations Committee voted 5-0 to approve the proposal, initiated by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust (COE). If the resolution, implementing order and ordinance – all sponsored by Commissioner Rebeca Sosa — are adopted by the full Commission and implemented by the County, all officials and employees would be obliged to follow an honor code of conduct that revives a long-ignored 1964 County Administrative Order requiring that they report criminal government misconduct to appropriate authorities when they know about it.  It adds directives that employees monitor their workplaces for misconduct, place the public interest ahead of personal loyalties, and cooperate truthfully with investigations.  Failure to abide by the code could result in disciplinary action. “It is time to bring a public service honor code into all levels of Miami-Dade County government,” said COE Executive Director Joseph Centorino.  “No one whose primary duty is to serve and protect the public may be said to perform that duty adequately by remaining a bystander after becoming aware of corrupt practices by a colleague or supervisor.” Also today, the BCC Committee adopted a resolution proclaiming Thursday, October 22^nd as Ethical Governance Day 2015.  The resolution echoes the Ethics Commission call for all public and private institutions and residents to participate in appropriate civic or educational ethics programs.  In addition, for the fourth year in a row, the COE will place community leaders in almost every 12^th grade government and economics class on that day to emphasize the importance to high school seniors of civic engagement.   For more information or to volunteer, visit www.ethics.miamidade.gov

GMCVB press release: During the month of August 2015, Miami-Dade County’s reported collections for the 1% Hotel Food and Beverage Tax collections from hotels in Miami-Dade (excluding Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) showed an increase of 5.3% compared to the same time in 2014, while the 2% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections for Greater Miami (excluding Bal Harbour and Surfside) showed an increase of 3.4% compared to the same time last year. The 3% Convention Development Tax (CDT) for Greater Miami (excluding Bal Harbour and Surfside) showed an increase of 3.3% compared to the same time in 2014.

Record August Miami-Dade County Tax Collections
1% Hotel Food & Beverage Tax
August 2015	August 2014	% Change vs. 2014
$1,880,237	$1,786,261	+5.3%
3% Convention Development Tax
August 2015	August 2014	% Change vs. 2014
$1,615,109	$1,562,482	+3.4%
2% Tourist Development Tax
August 2015	August 2014	% Change vs. 2014
$5,026,287	$4,866,068	+3.3%

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> OIG Cagle report on VAB, makes 16 recommendations, that board member Regalado says one year ago, “All have implemented at VAB

The Miami- Dade County Public Schools Audit and Budget Review Committee met Tuesday and the audit of the Miami-Dade County’s Value Adjustment Board (VAB) was the talk of the day. After the Inspector General of Miami-Dade County Mary Cagel gave her report on the property appraisers delay in the appeal process at the VAB which shot up some “152 percent,” from 20007 to 2009 and was costing the nation’s fourth largest public schools system some $35 to 60 million in delayed funding while this backlog existed of 69,888 property tax appeals back in 2013. Which is down from a high of 103,310 appeals back in 2010 and was why the audit was requested by the audit committee and school board members, and the OIG office reviewed the process and state revenue laws and the office makes eight recommendations on improving the process and one perceived error by the public was the belief that people were filing appeals for homeowners which Cagel said was a canard and not the case at all and represented a small percentage of the appeals her office found. And to read the full report go to http://mca.dadeschools.net/auditcommittee/AC_September_29_2015/item4a.pdf and for the overall agenda go to: http://mca.dadeschools.net/AuditCommittee/AC_September_29_2015/Agenda.pdf

And the audit committee had another smooth leadership transition Tuesday and attorney Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr., Esq. was reelected chair and Rayfield McGee, Jr., Esq was reelected vice chair on the volunteer body. And the board made up of citizens that are tax attorneys, or accountants is one of the best functioning volunteer boards in the county and the body keeps the administration’s feet to the fire and is one of the community firewalls when it comes to how public money is being spent. And the ABRC now after years of not being up to snuff. But that changed in 2004 when a past chair in the office after a decade resigned from the position after the Watchdog Report busted him for a Sunshine violation and an inappropriate email back then.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Dr. Greer says FIU Herbert Wertheim College of medicine, “integration,” with Jackson Health System, going well, physician is a community treasure

Dr. Pedro Greer, Jr. the Associate Dean for Community Engagement. Professor and Chair Department of Medicine, Family Medicine, and Community Health at the Florida international University Herbert Wertheim College of medicine told Trustees that the “integration,” with the new medical College with Jackson Health System and the health trust is going well and Trust Chair Joe Arriola, gave the physician a shout out since his father Dr. Pedro Greer, Sr., had done a liver transplant at the University of Miami Miller Medical School on his brother and that surgery, “was a big deal,” back then when such a surgery was a very rare event. And Greer, a “legacy gastroenterologist,” at the Miller Medical School is a community legend and over a decade ago. He was raising the alarm of the plight of the uninsured in the community, that was set to overwhelm the healthcare delivery system in Miami-Dade and the physician was a member of a large panel of healthcare experts created by then Miami-Dade mayor Alex Penelas studying the issue of the over 500,000 uninsured residents. And he has received a host of awards including a presidential award. And for more on Dr. Greer, Jr., go to http://medicine.fiu.edu/about-us/directory/profile.php?id=1064

Dr. Greer, Jr.

>>> Miami Transplant Institute holding national conference at Fontainebleau hotel on Beach in October

A transplant conference, to be held at the Fountainblue later this month will bring together top transplant specialists in the field and the University of Miami Leonard Miller Medical School and The Miami Transplant Institute is one of the top programs in the world and for more on the program go to http://med.miami.edu/news/transplant-programs-at-um-jackson-rated-among-the-best-in-us and the conference will bring specialist from Johns Hopkins University and many others to discuss this important medical specialty.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>>> Sarnoff growing war chest raising eyebrows, With PAC contributions, grows to $900, 0000, from developers, special interests, and vendors,  

With almost continuous debates going on between all the candidates running for the Miami District 2 race some of the candidates are getting their verbal licks in and the perceived front runner Teresa Sarnoff, 60, (with $560,000, or around $900,000. If her husband’s PAC is included in her campaign war chest) is trying to follow her termed out husband Marc in the office and if she is elected could extend his influence for another 16 years and in her campaign piece entitled ‘Teresa’s Story.’ She mentions she went to the University of Miami but does not say if she graduated (she did not The Herald reports). Since her father apparently died suddenly and I contacted the candidate, who says she is ‘reserved,’ by email three times asking if she had gotten a degree but as of my publishing date. She has not responded and given the benign nature of the question, since I used both email addresses including the one on her qualification documents to run for office. For this is the big league and Miami commissioners over the years have a mixed reputation, of ignoring media inquiries and is why voters are so skeptical about their commissioners, their temperament and ability to not go nuts with the trappings of power that the commissioner wants to keep in the family.

But she is trying to do a stealth election and condones everything her husband has done and how he treats people, over the past nine years. She claims to be a “listener,” to his my way or the highway attitude, but she is running a muscle political race given the resources available to her. But Miami voters are wary since her husband has a trust deficit. First manifested when he claimed to be the grandson of Gen. David Sarnoff the founder of NBC and made RCA a powerhouse and has his own library at Princeton University. However when contacted by reporters. The family had no idea who Marc was and before a WLRN show on public private partnerships he was asked about the connection. And he responded it is “part of my linage,” he replied at the time and I put the comment in my reporter’s notebook, And Teresa has never addressed some of these inconsistencies at any of the debates and while she says she is her own woman. She needs to clear the air on some of her husband’s performances including challenging someone to a “fight,” from the dais. And whether her husband is the template for how she would govern but she is mute on these haunting issues. http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/marc-sarnoff-lies-about-his-lineage-6551033 and to watch one of the more recent debates go to http://www.crespogram.com/index_public_html/INTRO_PAGE.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGfdVyv4NNE

And why is the grandfather thing an issue?

When Marc first ran after he chaired the Coconut Grove Village Council (that used to be televised) the buzz around the man was did I know who he was related to. And I heard this often prior to his running and at his first inauguration, held outside of Miami City Hall he spoke extensively about how his grandfather instilled his deep commitment for transparency, openness, and good government. Further, he referenced quotes from JFK, RFK, and MLK, at the time in 20006 and it was a moving speech. But as one admired former attorney who retired at 92, and has since passed. When I told her the embellishment of the family line, she remarked “that is such a fundamental defect in someone’s soul,” and did not understand why someone would do that. And Teresa, who says she has made three walking sweeps through the district listening to residents’ concerns, but she seems to be condoning all her husband’s past actions, even though it is hindering her race that is expected to be a low turnout race, absentee ballot brokers will be hard at work, and these votes will essentially assure the winner, and since her husband is knocking on doors, people challenging her commitment are “sexist,’ she tells the Miami Herald. But it is difficult separating the candidate from her husband. And for an updated story on the Sarnoff brand and campaign go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/downtown-miami/article37528581.html

What questions would the WDR have asked?

Voters should get on the record that any candidate elected will not use the Commission Sargent-of Arms like a chauffeur, especially since they get a $1,100. Monthly car allowance and whether they will only use only one email account, under the City’s control so the integrity of the messages is protected. When someone might do a public records request of past email traffic, yet has not been followed by Sarnoff. And will the candidates crank back the imperial aspect of being a commissioner, never seen before over the past 16 years of watching Miami government. Further, the candidates need to start going to some of the internal meetings like the Finance Committee meeting if they are to have a clue what is going on. And to read the candidate’s reports go tohttp://www.ci.miami.fl.us/City_Clerk/Pages/Elections/CampaignReports15.asp

And the outgoing commissioner maybe the wife’s biggest hurdle to clear for he is considered a “bully,” and could even become her chief of staff, though people admit that would be political suicide. But she needs to be asked what role her husband might play? And her past response was that “I’m my own person,” is not enough. If she were to win the office in what will be a low turnout race. Where absentee ballot brokers will be the key vote machine and allowed her husband to win back in 2011 by a few votes, which was different from when he first ran and beat then Miami Commissioner Linda Haskins by a two to one vote, even though she had a much larger campaign war chest. Thanks to then Mayor Manny Diaz and his fundraising machine in action. She raised some $750,000, to Sarnoff’s around $350,000 for his campaign at the time. And the man changed after he won his first full term and became a totally different person, very high maintenance and he loves to make demeaning remarks about other people at their expense and Teresa is facing this blowback, as a candidate and she needs to address it, as she campaign’s the Watchdog Report believes.

What about Sarnoff’s email and will it bleed into his wife’s campaign effort?

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, whose wife Teresa says “He is trainable.” He noted at a recent Miami commission meeting. And the Watchdog Report has become aware that the commissioner uses two email accounts when he conducts public business. And I asked his law partner Jay H. Solowsky, if his “server was secure?” last Wednesday and he said the salaw account was supposed to be used “only for business,” but that is not always the case. And Solowsky said the firm’s server “was as secure,” as one can be in today’s world he noted referencing all the cyber-attacks that have hit the nation. And at a Miami Exhibition and Sports Authority (MESA) meeting that Solowsky sits on with Commissioner Sarnoff, Willie Gort and is chaired by Mayor Tomas Regalado. A speaker making a presentation noted the people in the room were very “erudite,” and Sarnoff, quipped he must be talking about only “Solowsky,” but it was a snarky comment the others in the room did not deserve. And later at this same meeting when Regalado started to give an update on the MLS David Beckham new stadium, Sarnoff asked if it was on the agenda and since no, was the response. He and Gort left the meeting because Sarnoff saw “press [was] in the room,” including David Smiley of The Miami Herald whose beat is Miami. And voters should watch what Sarnoff does as his time on the dais winds down, “and there is only 60 more days,” of him on the dais, he joked. For Sarnoff is not a happy camper about stepping down from the five member body, that when he first chaired it, there was only one other commissioner. After two commissioners were picked off, later acquitted by the Miami-Dade State attorney’s office for corruption and the commission was in turmoil, until elections settled on who was to be on the body. Further during a budget discussion. Sarnoff took a joking shot at activist Elvis Cruz, calling him a “despicable,” person and Cruz was once a close friend to Sarnoff when he first ran, but that was in the past. But residents should expect more of these sophomoric shout outs at people before he departs the dais and rides off into the sunset, yet has people wondering why his wife would want to run, and she is seen as a continuation of his own administration that many consider very autocratic and his Coconut Grove base has changed and many people are no longer supporting him like past years. And the Watchdog Report got the following link to District 2 candidate Ken Russell talking about the Yo-Yo Mafia, that his family distributed around the world and he is very good with the popular toy. http://www.lipservicestories.com/stories/lip-service-31-power-stories-miracle-theatre-may-9-2015/ And I asked him for a comment to the video and he wrote back, “You asked for a comment on the yo-yo video. “It’s true.  In high school, I became a professional yo-yo player.  It was a great experience, and it really showed me that I always wanted to be involved in a fun business that people enjoy,” wrote the District 2 candidate back but with the election heating up and qualifying closed. The race is expected to get nasty.

What about the Brickell District 2 debate last week?

The Miami Commission District 2 candidates made their pitch to the Brickell Homeowners Association, moderated by former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora who failed in his mayoral bid. But Brickell is a powerful new voting bloc for a seat that stretches along the coast and the urban downtown and is the largest contributor to the City’s property tax base and general fund and Teresa Sarnoff appeared flat, Grace Solaris, and Lori Woods, and Russell made some headway and to watch the other candidates make their pitch and thanks to investigative reporter and blogger Al Crespo, the event can be seem on video at http://www.crespogram.com/index_public_html/INTRO_PAGE.html and voters can make up their own minds who looks like a candidate they will want to support. And the pack of candidates all said they would be “listeners,” of residents’ concerns and a higher resident satisfaction rating should be achieved. And Ken Russell is calling for developer “impact fees,” to stay in “the District” and he believes we don’t have accountability on how this money is utilized, he said. Candidate Javier Gonzalez said we are in “the service,” business and you are not voting on someone’s staff. You are voting for me. And Teresa Sarnoff is; heading the fundraising race with $563, 0000 and Solaris, Russell all have enough money to run a campaign but the fiscal edge of Sarnoff gives her a ability through television to reach voters in the high rise condominiums, where many voters reside and cannot be entered by candidates as long serving Congresswoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami found out a few years ago during an election cycle.

Solaris argued there has to be “transportation choices,” since the Brickell area is chocked in traffic made worse by the bridge when it opens. And when it comes to accepting developer’s money. Sarnoff, said she considers it one of the “three legs,” of a campaign stool, where Russell quipped, one leg was larger than the others, joked Russell. Further, Sarnoff said she was working on her “third,” walking district listening tour and don’t make people “go to a town hall meeting,” go to their door and talk to them to find out their concerns she says. However, some day. If she wishes to win she must address the elephant in the room. Her termed out commissioner Marc, and she does not acknowledge or address how odd it is for her to run after her husband’s over eight years in office and people either love or hate the attorney, who is an enigma to many people for his endless self-promotion. Including a book done by the Miami DDA detailing all his accomplishments while he was in office. And while Teresa says she is her “own, women,” the question is will voters believe that since her husband is such a control freak, and the man has been a magnet for conflict and controversy in contrast to her saying she is a “bridge builder,” and believes “sustainability,” when it comes to the environment and Miami’s less than stellar record, including removing a couple of hundred mangroves on Virginal Key and the City’s contractor is having to do mitigation of the fragile area. And to read all the campaign reports for the candidates go to: http://www.ci.miami.fl.us/City_Clerk/Pages/Elections/CampaignReports15.asp and for more on the race go to fhttp://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article35858511.html .

>>> PAST WDR July 19, 2015: When it comes to seaplanes and helicopters coming to Watson Island, “We have this mess now,” says Mayor Tomas Regalado

“We have this mess now,” said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado at the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority (MESA) meeting a few weeks ago referring to the fact the license for Helicopters and seaplanes “are both in the city of Miami’s name,” he told authority members. The city for years have been negotiating with two companies to bring the amenities back to the City. However, a Jun.15 letter from the Florida Department of Transportation says the Miami Heliport license was “revoked, due to abandonment,” of the site and the “airport license and Airport site location was included in that revoking, and MESA has to meet again to resolve the issue with FDOT because “This could mean the end of two projects that we want,” said the mayor. Further any reestablishment of the air services also includes electrical infrastructure needs and MESA may have to pay $348,273 to FPL, and this funding has yet to be approved given the limited funding the organization has in in bank accounts. And the body will meet again and see if any resolution to the issues have been resolved but the clock is ticking for the reestablishment of these air services, that made Caulk’s Mallard Seaplanes an iconic part of Miami but ended after a tragic crash a few years ago.

Regalado

What about the Miami Commission District 2 race?

>>>PAST WDR: Campaign reports through Sept 10^th have been filed and Grace Solaris has $156,999 in her campaign war chest, Teresa Sarnoff is posting $561,236 and Ken Russell has $103,000 in his war chest and Javier Gonzalez is trailing the pack with $50,545 in their race for the District Commission seat now occupied by termed out Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.

Further, Sarnoff the husband knocked on my door last week and he left a canvas bag emblazoned with his name and the seal of the City of Miami, and inside was a book on his achievements in office and what he did to clean up Merri Christmas Park that was contaminated with ash. But the bag was probable bought with public funds since his office has been giving them out for some time, but the man is blurring the line of who is the candidate running for office, she or the husband, and the very official looking bag has no markings that it is a campaign give away item. And Sarnoff, an attorney was once a big President Barack Obama supporter, but in 2012, the man openly supported Florida Gov. Rick Scott and he is an enigma to many people and voters are just getting to know his wife Teresa who has the financing to by-pass voter interaction and just use the television airwaves to make her case in the District 2 commission race. And some of the candidates coming on strong are Grace Solaris and Ken Russell, Lori Woods, and all the candidates are first time runners and excluding Solaris, and Russell are rarely seen at Miami City Hall and that also applies to Teresa. But the race is expected to get nasty, some candidates are expected to drop out. Further, people are getting annoying robo calls and they sent to the Watchdog Report some comments on the calls, “I’m getting very robust and annoying robo-calls from the Miami Fraternal Order of Police endorsing Teresa Sarnoff. How did she get the endorsement? Was it paid for through her campaign funds? And if it was a through a contribution to the Miami Fraternal Order of Police how much was paid? (No not paid said the union representative, and she was the only candidate that reached out to him, he said during a press gaggle), last week. And the emailer was concerned about retribution because “I’ve been told Marc is vindictive!” the emailer wrote but that fear and concern of her husband is an obstacle candidate Teresa has to face and overcome if she is too successful in her own campaign that is sure to bank heavily on the absentee ballot brokers in what is expected to be a low turnout race. And Solaris is getting help from incumbent Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado raising money for her campaign. And for more on the go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article35858511.html

Village of Coconut Grove

>>> PAST WDR: County Time line suggests it could take up to eight years to open the Coconut Grove Playhouse, will major economic Grove generator need a jump start?

People have been asking the Watchdog Report what is going on with the Coconut Grove Playhouse shuttered in 2006 and I contacted Miami-Dade County Cultural Arts Director Michael Spring and asked him what was going on and he replied by email and he sent the following link http://www.miamidadearts.org/news/work-underway-coconut-grove-playhouse and critics are decrying this new plan that given the time line would not have the theater open in some eight years. Critics also note most theaters like this are not publically run and a more appropriate model is try to do something with the private sector only because how slow the Theater’s resurrection is taking. And Spring the point of the spear on the project sent the Watchdog Report the following email that is also on line. Work Underway on the Coconut Grove Playhouse September 22, 2015

Spring’s email: “The design team led by Arquitectonica International Corporation and under contract to Miami-Dade County has begun work on the Coconut Grove Playhouse project. The first stage of their activities focuses on the review of existing reports and materials and a physical assessment of the site, including but not limited to a survey of the architectural elements of the building, a structural analysis and an updated survey of the property. The design team includes members with established expertise in historic preservation, structural engineering, theater, acoustical and sound communications and other disciplines essential to the project. The Miami Parking Authority (MPA) is responsible for creating a plan for an independently-financed parking garage on site. The surface parking lot continues to be managed by the MPA under an agreement with Miami-Dade County.

While this work is proceeding, the design team’s theater planning and design consultant, Fisher Dachs Associates, has begun work with GableStage to develop a “program” that defines the spaces necessary for its growth into a great regional theater. In addition, GableStage is working with AMS Planning and Research on an action plan to guide the operational development of this theater company necessary to assume responsibility for the completed Playhouse. Finally, GableStage and Florida International University (FIU) are refining their relationship for programming and partnership activities. It is anticipated that the design team’s “fact finding” regarding the site, MPA’s parking garage plan, the building program for GableStage and the approved budget for the project will provide the basis for the eventual development of options for a site master plan.

The timetable for the Playhouse project was negotiated with the State of Florida and approved by the Board of County Commissioners in October 2013 as part of the lease and business plan between the State of Florida and Miami-Dade County and FIU. Below is an excerpt from this agreement regarding the timeline:

*   Planning and design phase (18 to 24 months);

*   Competitive bidding for construction (6 to 12 months); and

*   Permitting, construction and commissioning – this depends on the what the design phase generates for the project and the response from the selected contractor for how long construction will take; for example, work with an existing structure on the site, new construction and the integration of these elements all can impact the construction timeline (36 to 60 months). You can view the entire, approved County Commission agenda item at: http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/legistarfiles/MinMatters/Y2013/131977min. Pdf – See more at: http://www.miamidadearts.org/news/work-underway-coconut-grove-playhouse#.dpu.” Editor’s note: I am aware Coconut Grove is not a municipality.

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Confluence of moon tests effectiveness of new pumps, Alton Rd is dry, but extra one foot sea-level rise, causes problems in other areas of Beach and highlights challenge of sea water rise on tony community

With the moon not cooperating earlier this week, with a one foot higher rise of the sea water when it came to the king tides that flood the streets. But massive new pumps are supposed to mitigate and Mayor Philip Levine has made the hardening of the e infrastructure for sea level rise a priority and some $500 million is being committed since Levine became mayor in 2013. And he has made it a hallmark of his administration. And last week the pumps worked, at Alton Road where it was dry but still other areas of the Beach were flooded and the confluence of the lunar red moon will not to be seen again for decades. But the flooding highlighted how challenging sea level rise is with the porous aquifer that allows for saltwater intrusion below the surface and why traditional barriers are ineffective and FIU has a new journalism program where people can send photos of flooding as they try to map out flooding hot spots. And the FIU project was discussed on Helen Ferre’s show on Issues on WPBT2   http://wpbt2.typepad.com/issues/ and with the election for mayor heating up this recent water event will continue to be front and center with Beach voters and the action’s the city is implementing to contain the water intrusion in the years to come.

>>> Candidates Arriola and Weithorn going head to head for Commission V seat on the dais, how low will they go to win coveted spot, but risky political maneuver from Weithorn, whose wife is termed out on the commission

The race for the three open commission seats on the dais is getting heated and candidate Ricky Arriola who has a contract with the city says if he is elected. He will terminate the relationship http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article36330018.html and he is facing Mark Weithorn whose wife Deede is on the dais, but is termed out   http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article34974060.html and because there are just two candidates in the race Arriola, a former Chair of the Arsht Center of the Performing Arts and is a businessman well known in the community. And Weithorn is trying a similar political maneuver as Teresa Sarnoff, trying to follow her husband in office and Deede has been very active on the County’s Homeless Trust board, where she notes the Beach commits considerable resources to the effort and the Certified Public Accountant is well respected and was a good addition to the commission and she has done a solid job, but her husband Mark, a real estate broker will have to convince voters he will be just as vigilant as she was.   http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article17132219.html   and with three commissioners leaving the dais Weithorn, Ed Tobin, and Jonah Wolfson because of term limits. Beach residents will have new faces something voters wanted when they voted for term limits.

CITY OF HOMESTEAD

>>> Ethics Commission needs to investigate where Homestead Councilman Williams’s lives, after Miami Herald stories, issue needs to be clarified, not the first time an elected leader might not live in a district

A council member Jimmy l. Williams, III in Homestead is suspected of not living in the municipality and his involvement with a car dealership is raising eyebrows and http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/homestead/article36633684.html And   http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/homestead/article36633684.html   and to read the 2015 lobbying registration forms for the year go to:   https://www.cityofhomestead.com/DocumentCenter/View/862 And the Pasteur needs to set the record straight about where he resides and this is a common practice in South Florida where people are found living outside of their elected boundaries and the County’s Ethics and Public Trust commission has done past investigations over the years.

Williams III

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Press release: Florida International University Presents Miguel “Mike” Benito Fernandez Monday, October 12, 2015 | 2:30 p.m. Graham Center Ballrooms Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC) Florida International University 11200 S.W. 8th Street | Miami, FL, 33199 Complimentary Parking will be available inside Lot 33 for external guests. About The Author: Mike Fernandez is the founder of MBF Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm that invests in healthcare service companies nationwide. Mike has been honored frequently for his business achievements, named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, from St. Thomas University, a degree that acknowledges and celebrates his outstanding achievements as a humanitarian, leader and philanthropist. A gifted storyteller with a terrific sense of humor, he lives in Miami with his wife Constance and their family. HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY is his first book. About the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation: All proceeds from HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY go to The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) focused on early childhood education, development initiative and “universal readiness” — that is, making available and affordable high quality health, education and nurturing for all children between birth and age 5 in Miami-Dade County, population 2.6 million, Florida’s largest county, with more people than 16 states. In doing so, the initiative works toward the social, physical, emotional and intellectual growth of all children so that they are ready and eager to be successful in the first grade and, indeed, in life. For more information visit: http://www.teachmorelovemore.org/ECIF.asp. Complimentary copy of the book will be provided to all guests in attendance. Click Here to RSVP by October 2, 2015. >>> Grove Rotary luncheon Thursday features child advocate David Lawrence, and Early Childhood Initiative Foundation The guest speaker at our luncheon this Thursday, October 8th, is David Lawrence Jr. former publisher of the Miami Herald and President of the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation.   We meet at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (2990 South Bayshore Drive) at 12:15pm.  The cost for lunch is $20. Mr. Lawrence retired in 1999 as publisher of The Miami Herald to work in the area of early childhood development and readiness. Currently, David leads The Children’s Movement of Florida, aimed at making children the state’s top priority for investment and decision-making.  He is a member of the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet and twice chaired the Florida Partnership for School Readiness. In 2002 and 2008 he led successful campaigns for The Children’s Trust, a dedicated source of early intervention and prevention funding for children in Miami-Dade.  He is a board member of the Foundation for Child Development in New York.  In 2002-3 he chaired the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Protection, and in 2011 he chaired a similar panel for the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. In 2002, he was a key figure in passing a statewide constitutional amendment to provide pre-K for all 4 year olds. He is a board member and former chair of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe. The David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Public School opened in 2006. An endowed chair in early childhood studies is established in his name at the University of Florida College of Education. Prior to working for the Miami Herald, he was publisher and executive editor of the Detroit Free Press.  During his tenure as Miami Herald publisher, the paper won five Pulitzer Prizes.  A graduate of the University of Florida he was named “Outstanding Journalism Graduate”  and attended the Advanced Management program at the Harvard Business School. In 1988, he was honored with Knight-Ridder’s top award, the John S. Knight Gold Medal. His national honors include the Ida B. Wells Award “for exemplary leadership in providing minorities employment opportunities” and the National Association of Minority Media Executives award for “lifetime achievement in diversity.” His writing awards include the First Amendment Award from the Scripps Howard Foundation and the Inter American Press Association Commentary Award. He chaired the national Task Force on Minorities in the Newspaper Business, was the 1991-92 president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the 1995-96 president of the Inter American Press Association. He was inducted into the Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2010. Mr. Lawrence will be talking about the current and future goals of the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation. Please join us at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club for what promises to be a most interesting and entertaining program!  RSVP at coconutgroverotaryclub@gmail.com

Editorials

>>> Will Miami District 2 candidates pledge to end, some of the perks, in office? Creates an imperial and high maintenance aura on the body, driving themselves would be a step in the right direction, no need for an entourage

Now what you did not run yourself, will you at least vote in November City of Miami Commission elections? That generally are low voter turnout election events and absentee ballots organized by ballot brokers will be the activity of the day. And The crowded race with nine candidates is turning into a verbal slug fest, where one candidates car was vandalized with a Sharpie while they were knocking on doors and passions are running high that Teresa Sarnoff. The wife of the incumbent with an almost $900,000 war chest when all PAC money raised by her husband is included and in an extensive story in The Miami Herald Teresa, who attended the University of Miami but did not graduate, is bristling that people who think she will just do her husband’s bidding are ‘sexiest,” she tells The Miami Herald in an extensive profile of the considered front fund raising candidate http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/downtown-miami/article37528581.html And the paper’s headline was concerning the creation of a Sarnoff Dynasty and she has yet to address this contradiction where supporters believe her husband has done a good job, and she did not seek the limelight because she considers herself ‘reserved,’ but she looks too tightly wound at the debates, where she appears tense and modulated, and is not natural campaigner.

And all the candidates are seeking a sacred bond with the electorate and must treat the issue of voter trust and keeping ones ego in check and to show some restraint when it comes to the imperial perks, offered to commissioners when they are in office and Teresa told the Watchdog report when I asked if she would use her assigned sergeant-of-arms like Uber rather than drive herself, and she responded “I love to drive,” and even though her husband goes through new cars like M&M’s, now owning a Telsa, after a Porsche Carrera and voters hope none of the candidates learn the wrong lessons and become self-centered, egotistical, and a high maintenance commissioner that has forgotten their roots, for all the candidates are neophytes to the political world and while for a decade. I have sat in Miami City Hall watching who and what is happening and I have rarely seen the bulk of the candidates participate in the hundreds of meetings since then and

>>> New forms of “social media, is worse than drugs and is killing our kids,” children know in advance who might get shot, warns activist LeRoy Jones

What kind of society is social media creating as the watchdog Report sees more and more families where the children at the table are on their devices, and not talking with each other and it is also affecting their ability to concentrate and focus. And given the velocity that technology is moving consider the social ramifications in the future and its impact on the family unit and how our kids interact with other cultures could become a real issue for digital communication is a two dimensional world with no shades, in a world that is not so black and white in nature. But part of growing up is socialization and I wonder what the blowback will be to a society so addicted to technology and only the future will tell us what we have lost when it comes to social skills and empathy for our fellow humans around the planet.

And at a County public budget meeting chilling comments by Le Roy Jones talked about new social media platforms where kids know in advance who might be targeted to be shot are popping up he said. And these outlets without adult supervision are “: killing our kids,” he warned and the public schools must get involved for violence is plaguing our community like never before and the killing of our children must come to an end but is technology overriding our community efforts in this regard for if true. Society faces another unwanted challenge for the safety of our youth. Editor’s note: I asked around and these kids are using Snap Chat, where the messages disappear after a short time and can’t be traced and there is also snap cash where people can transfer money and it is said to be untraceable said an IT maven on the subject who I asked about this issue of new social media outlets.

>>> Trump embodying electorate discontent, “like a car crash you have to look at,” why no party affiliation fastest growing voter party demographic

The Donald Trump show is an expression of voters discontent over the past 16 years, where elected leaders say one thing but then do another and I have written in the past what a corrosive affect this has had on the electorate and their confidence in their politicians, and all their promises made but not kept and with the social media revolution Trump has become the “car crash that you have to watch,” said one person and the microphone (as one news pundit said Sunday) for Americans trying to get special interests and money out of political campaigns and makes candidates become crack addicts when it comes to fundraising efforts regardless of the political party. And this disgust is being reflected in nationwide polls and people in government now are viewed like used cars and voters are considering buying a new one and for the moment it is called Trump. But leaders should not discount this level of discontent because it is reflected in what is the fastest growing group of registered voters, No Party Affiliation. A demographic that has only grown since 2004, and politicians who do not value the sacred bond of trust with voters are in trouble. For people are finally demanding something different in their elected leaders at all levels and they ignore this truth and honesty anger at their political peril.

LETTERS

>>> Great story on the Pets’ Trust.  I’d love to speak with you and tell you more.  You are right…..it will be an issue in the Mayor’s race.  

Please watch this…      Pets’ Trust…the Story    password is     movie         

 And read this……..  http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/joe-cardona/article2087823.html

Michael Rosenberg

President Pets’ Trust

Rita Schwartz Cofounder

>>> We are having an incredible exhibit at the Warehouse of Anselm Kiefer, one of the foremost artists this century. Anselm will be here October 21st for an intimate dinner with the proceeds to benefit Lotus House. It is the best exhibit we have ever had in our fifteen years. Please make sure you see it when we open in late October.
Marty Margulies

>>> The Watchdog Report is Celebrating 16 years of weekly publishing since May 5^th 2000 and when I started back then I never thought I would be doing this so

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog. And while I have taken a licking over the years including some medical issues I have kept at the job thanks to my supporters who I thank so very much over the many years. And the community’s public institutions are better when it comes to them knowing what the other is doing and why I have tried to be an information electrolyte for these giant institution’s leaders and things and here is a national story done on why I started to watch government back in 2000 http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and to all the people along the way that have helped me I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 2000

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

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CAMILLUS HOUSE, INC. www.camillushouse.org

CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com

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FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY www.fiu.edu

THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov

GREATER 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 COMMISSION www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIR www.miamidade.gov

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MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION ON ETHICS and PUBLIC TRUST www.ethics.miamidade.gov  

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

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

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

THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

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

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Publisher’s Statement on the mission of the Watchdog Report and the special people and organizations that make it possible:  Government Subscribers/Corporate Subscribers/Sustaining Sponsors/Supporting Sponsors 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 Extras 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. I welcome letters via e-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, 2015, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog

>>>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/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517

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/

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

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