Watchdog Report Vol.16 No. 46 April 3, 2016 EST 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating 17 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 for 16 years now, has reported back weekly on how your billions of public dollars in local government are being spent. And how to help support me providing this service is at the end of the WDR. And I hope you will consider keeping an independent news service out in our community, where what is going on with all our government entities is of critical benefit for both the public institutions but voters as well. Thank You. And to my Supporters I pledge to keep ‘going when you cannot.’ And in the past I have broken the story on Cuban refugees coming in droves and also the Oriental fruit fly quarantine and its huge economic impact to name just a few of the more recent stories in past WDR’s.

>>>And you can now easily support the Watchdog Report by going to my new PayPal Button account at www.watchdogreport.net However, because of fiscal issues I was barely able to publish this week as Miami continues to get more expensive. It is no easy task to do the WDR weekly. And years ago the County Ethics Commission did a report that suggested over the past decade some $50 million had been spent fighting waste fraud abuse and public corruption and having the press at public meetings (some very obscure) changes the tone of the meeting (and is why you don’t speed past a state trooper, if you’re smart) Further, I have tried to be an information electrolyte available to all free (and that is a problem) between these large public institutions when I first started back in 1997. And many public meetings back then were not being recorded except by me and that is no longer the case. For an accurate public record is key and diminishes legal action. For you either have an accurate public record or you don’t. And I hope you will consider helping me in this effort to keep the community informed and saving taxpayer monies in the process. For I need your help and Thank you for the past support over the last 17 years. And to read a national story and profile of the WDR publisher in the early years back in 2003 go to: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the street

>>> World shudders as ISIS hits Belgium and other sites in coordinated attack and did lack of sharing Intel make country vulnerable?

The recent attack in Brussels highlights the global danger of terrorism and while the ISIS inspired attack are shaking the Western world to its core. The timing of the multiple attacks that happened to coincide with President Barack Obama visiting Cuba just highlights the turmoil and change occurring around the globe and how social media has changed the tapestry of the planet.

What about the GOP presidential primary?

After months riding high in polls Donald Trump appears to have stumbled and his favorability is dropping in the polls and his stream of conscious speaking style caught up with him when he was asked his stance on abortion, a hot party issue and he suggested women should be punished if they had one and women’s groups cried foul and while he met with Republican leadership recently many of his supporters had hoped he would settle down a bit and act more presidential in temperament. And women and Hillary Clinton are using the controversial comments against him with the pundits noting it would be hard for Trump to win if he loses the woman vote.

And here in South Florida at the tony Ocean Reef Club a member said some 80 percent of the voters at the resort voted for Trump. And all eyes are on the badger state’s open primary and people are calling this week’s Trump’s worse politically and how the primary goes could be a blow to Trump’s momentum. And his performance is driving some GOP voters to support Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tx and if Cruz does well in Wisconsin it could begin the deflation of the Trump phenomena.

What about Kendall Coffey?

Former U. S. Attorney Kendall Coffey is in the news again as the defense attorney for Trump’s campaign spokesperson after he touched and squeezed a woman reporters arm and while a past controversy is mentioned. The press forgets to mention that the high profile drug case jury was later found to be the most corrupt in Florida’s federal system’s history and big time drug lords bought the jury foremen and, gave him $500,000 to influence fellow jurors and he was later sentenced and that anomaly might explain why he could not understand how they lost the case and caused the incident with a stripper and for more go to http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1998-08-19/news/9808190035_1_jury-system-acquittal-trial

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/18/us/us-attorney-in-south-florida-quits-after-inquiry-into-reportedaltercation.html and her is a DBR story on the campaign manager’s incident http://www.dailybusinessreview.com/id=1202753548535/ExUS-Attorney-Coffey-Represents-Trump-Campaign-Manager-on-Battery-Charge?slreturn=20160302160734

And Coffey, a Democrat has represented a number of Cuban Exile leaders and is a commentator for NBC and he has kept himself in the public eye. And is considered by many to be a white knight when it comes to defending the poor or weak or out spoken in the legal world and he worked on the Bush Gore 2000 court case. And his wife is a former Miami-Dade County assistant attorney who is now the Broward County Attorney and she is also highly skilled in the legal world and is highly respected.

And while Hillary Clinton won four of her primaries her campaign is still lacking enthusiasm versus Sen. Bernie Sanders, I VT. But Clinton did win four of the recent Democratic Party’s primaries and while Trump says he can’t wait to take her on in a campaign she is having trouble connecting with the sixty or older voter and millennials are with Sanders and his rallies have palatable energy.

>>> And after almost 60 -years President Obama goes to Cuba, And Stones give free concert, will Cubans get any satisfaction on human rights and political freedoms?

And given the change in the political vortex this week with President Barack Obama traveling to Cuba. South Florida and the exile community is demanding the president get some human rights concessions, release jailed dissidents from the Castro brothers, and still has the Ladies in White getting roughed up even as travel restrictions are easing. And while all the details have not been hashed out and he is slated to speak to the people directly but it remains to be seen if that happens. And the trip is more surreal.

Since The Rolling Stones are doing a free concert on the Island where for 70 years there have been no free elections but critics say the embargo after all the decades has not changed the regime’s policies as hoped and many believe it is time for the nation to try a new diplomatic tact when it comes to the island nation just 90 miles from America.

>>> Last Tuesday was Diabetes Awareness day and it is a new scourge some of us face as we age, diet and excise key

Tuesday is Diabetes awareness day and each of us should review the risk factors www.mayoclinic.org for it us becoming a part of the ageing process and dealing with it early can be very beneficial and is emerging quickly in the public domain.

FLORIDA

>> State Rep. Diaz lobbies county commission for Hive charter school in north Dade, net worth through 2014 $153, 609, paid $120,000 by Ackerman law firm

State Rep. Jose F. Diaz, R-Miami was in front of the county commission as a lobbyist for a charter school in North Dade and the Watchdog report over the years has had a problem with this dual role of state lawmakers that historically could come back to haunt the commission at a state level, and even bleeds into municipal chambers and was seen with the red light cameras where a local senator represented the red light camera companies.

What do we know about his finances?

Diaz through Dec. 2014 had a net worth of $153,609 and he earned $120,000 from the law firm Ackerman nd to red his complete disclosure form of rate year go to

http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/Forms/2014/235003-Form6.pdf

>>> Enterprise Florida CEO Johnson may have lost Scott support for bon vivant workstyle

Enterprise Florida’s CEO Bill Johnson’s abrupt departure from the organization came as no surprise to the Watchdog Repot. Since Johnson was criticized for overspending and living high on the organization’s $9 million budget with 90 employees and a $9 million payroll even though http://www.fox13news.com/good-day h http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/enterprise-floridas-high-living-liability-bill-johnson ttp://www.fox13news.com/news/fox-13-investigates/45041560-stoand failed getting the $250ry http://web.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/a-weakened-enterprise-florida-battles-critics-from-outside-and-anxiety/2271631

However, besides living high on the hog Johnson, was paid $265,000 got his board to give him a $50, 0000 bonus after only six months on the job the media reported? And the WDR has watched Johnson for years and while a county trouble shooter in many ways. He is high maintenance and has always enjoyed a good Glenlivet at a club and the televisions story on the extensive meals and custom chairs for his office costing $6,662 (later credited back after media inquiries). But Scott up abhors such stories of over spending and while Enterprise Florida claims it is not public funds paying for this. That is the wrong answer in today’s political climate because it is someone’s money. And conservative expenses by the CEO sets the tone for the rest of the employees and Scott does not seem like the forgiving type of person on such a topic.

What about the Everglades CERP restoration?

The Corps of Engineers is calculating the Everglades clean up and restoration costs are on the rise and it is a mammoth challenge to bring more water through the sea of Grass and back in 2000 the cost was roughly $8 billion but that has ballooned to $16.4 billion.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article69122437.html

But the Everglades is a South Florida treasure and fuels the eco-tourism gaining steam throughout the state and Florida when it comes to funding is ahead of the federal dollars contribution and getting this money is no easy task given South Florida’s reputation of rampant corruption and miss spending of public money for such projects but it needs to be done.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> To incorporate or not to incorporate, that is the question, and what of countywide services like police, fire rescue and water and sewer? Proponents want the right to vote

Incorporation and annexation was the talk of the day at a county workshop on the issue and it has been a festering [problem over the years for the Count. A “consultant’s report is not set in stone,” said Commissioner Estephan Bovo but the county has been grappling with this for years and was once put on hold by recalled commissioner back in 2007. But Municipal Advisory Committees (MACs) have been meeting for years but no votes have been and proponents argue “let the people decide,” and vote nd make their own determination and in “God We Trust,” said one speaker at the meeting and the comment was echoed by Bovo.

But Commissioner Barbara Jordan has always been concerned that “cherry picking,” would occur where wealthy communities leave the poorer ones out of their tax base and was a major concern back in 2003 when Miami Gardens was incorporating but the city stood on its own and while taxes went up a tad. The City with the largest black population in Florida and is over 1, 000, 0000 residents. However critics note incorporation creates another tier of government and elected leaders and how county services survive and are continued is also another issue and whether there is a need for regional noted government only. And Commissioner Juan Carlos Zapata noted that his commission district is totally “unincorporated island,” and residents pay some “$9 million” “more than the services,” the area gets he said at the meeting.

And Commissioner Rebeca Sosa a former mayor of West Miami noted residents should be told what their taxes will be if they incorporate for historically taxes do rise a bit and the unincorporated reduced tax rate was a way for commissioners to keep the creation of cities to a minimum and in Miami-Dade there are 34 municipalities and new cities look at malls and other development as revenue rich and also impacts the county’s total tax base that if a small city is created is almost negligible. But is not the case with larger cities. Since the county provides a host of countywide services like water and sewer or Fire Rescue and police and capital projects many times are funded by bonds so the loss of any tax base has a rippling effect at the county.

And the report suggests that commission districts which change every decade should not be used as a consideration when creating any new municipalities. And decades ago Broward County made a concerted effort to consolidate county government and allowed the creation of 30 cities and Broward has only one small area that is unincorporated but Miami-Dade residents don’t seem to mind county government versus local municipal government and part of that is local officials let the power go to their heads.

What about campaigning disclosure reports offering more transparency of where political action groups are getting there money for attack political ads during campaigns and County Commissioner Daniela Levine Cava sponsored the issue but she and Commissioner Xavier Suarez were the only commissioners that attended the campaign reform legislation discussion.

>>> PAST WDR: Women are doing some of the work on 106 Hitachi Metro Rail cars, $375 million CITT funded project

The new Hitachi trains for Metro Rail’s ageing and over 20 year old trains are being built in a facility in Medley and the project is being funded with the half-cent sales tax proceeds and is the second largest CITT project being funded by this sales tax revenue. The 106 Metro rail vehicles are costing $375 million and only the Orange Line to MIA is using more of this transportation money dedicated to transportation improvements but has been a disappointment since it passed back in 2002 on the promise of a massive expansion of public transit but has fallen short.

What about traffic downtown on Friday?

Alice Bravo the County’s transportation director should experience the downtown grid lock with closed roads poor signage of an alternative route and then you add a parked UPS and FED EX truck and the quagmire is complete except for the outraged and touchy drivers. And Bravo a former FDOT secretary also has the habit of eating breakfast with lobbyists, including one whose husband Raphael is close to Mayor Carlos Gimenez and since the department is also one of the County’s biggest. And Bravo previously worked at the City of Miami in capital projects and she is a civil engineer and UM grad.

Bravo

What about the new Lexus lanes on 836?

County Commissioner Estephan Bovo noted he is getting “incoming” criticism from residents regarding tolling on the MDX expressways and people believe the county Commissioners are doing this not the separate MDX board and he is suggesting a community education program to tamp down this discontent with County Commissioners by residents. Since the public thinks it is the work of the commissioners who are much more visible than the MDX board members.

Central Terminal extensive discussion Moss wants a vigorous debate on expansion and cost to get it done?

MIAs massive Central Terminal is getting a massive face lift and airport officials gave a major presentation to a tourism commission committee meeting and the issue of a “Fuel Farm,” for MIA is still up in the air and a pipeline route along the Miami River once considered is a no go said staff to the commissioners. And MIA had a record 50.6 million passengers and while some S. American countries have financial problems and “Venezuela’s [economy] is in a basket,” but a new ten year Chinese Visa is expected to help increase tourism from the Middle Kingdom even though the country’s economy has slowed as well. And international trade at MIA is down “4.87 percent,” said Manny Gonzalez at the tourism meeting.

And the estimated cost is $1.2 billion and other renovations will come in around $20 million per year in maintenance projects to allow the facility to “have capacity,” and not be “constrained,” to grow and will include new gates capable of handling the new domestic and international jumbo aircraft. And when it comes to the proposed fuel farm that will come in “close to $7 billion,” said Commissioner Jose Pepe Diaz at the tourism and trade committee meeting. A plan for that has yet to be finalized.

>>> Sosa wants to push for film incentives, blocked by state, productions go to Georgia, big economic impact

Film incentives that get vetoed or shot down in the Florida legislature was a hot topic and the county is looking at its own incentive program for movie people are going to Georgia to film and it is costing Miami-Dade millions in local community development revenue. And Commissioners Rebeca Sosa and Jose “Pepe” Diaz want to get the local state legislative delegation together, and also talk to Gov. Rick Scott and Enterprise Florida in a public sunshine meeting in the commission chambers, suggested Sosa last week and see if there was some way to end the stalemate in getting any film incentives money and funding. And the special Miami sun was what “brought the famous Jackie Gleason Show,” to Miami Beach said Diaz and the show put the Beach on the map back in the 1960s.

And who gets to have concessions at MIA had commissioners grilling MIA Director Emilio Gonzalez last week and commissioners Dennis Moss and Barbara Jordan asked if a local Creole restaurant had found a spot and commissioners have been beating on staff in what is a mystical process of becoming a concessionaire at the airport and had Commissioner Rebeca Sosa asking what she can say when asked about getting someone a concession.. Since in all her years on the dais she has never been involved with deals at MIA. And she did not know what to tell a resident, and frankly does not want to get into procurement and she has pushed for procurement reforms at the county and MIA, over her years in office.

Bovo

Sosa

>>> Mayor Gimenez let the media park at the Stephen P. Clark Center, they fell on their sword when juvenile court House built and three press spots were absorbed, created in 2000 after Elian Gonzalez controversy, parking on plaza sidewalk gets tickets from Miami Parking Authority

The Mayor should consider reinstating parking areas for the press that were lost when the Children’s Juvenile Court House was built and for a decade there were three parking slots for the media but since then parking around county hall is almost impossible and needs to be corrected and can be done by having a couple of dedicated media parking slots in one of the county’s garages now charging around $10.00 to park which in today’s world adds up if you try to be there every day like I used to be able to do and cannot for a variety of reasons.

>>> Mayor Gimenez should insist water and sewer repairs on roads should end with a smooth roadway, and be part of a repairs final inspection.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez could get a huge number of votes if county contractors doing the $10 to $20 billion in water and sewer repairs on the streets after they dug up the road asphalt that the new asphalt be done so there is a smooth road and not the rough uneven surface the road usually becomes and this is a big deal given the mammoth scope of the upcoming work and any final inspection should include a suitable final road surface for currently the streets are getting badly torn up and is a major complaint that I hear all the time.

>>> And here is what Lester Sola the director of Water and Sewer wrote regarding the matter of the torn up streets, “In response to your recent statement in The Watch Dog Report, I wanted to clarify the process that Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) undertakes in relation to paving roadways following construction projects. It is the policy of the department to leave an area better than they found it and to ensure the public’s safety and convenience.

Currently, WASD also works with municipalities, local and state utilities/entities that also conduct roadwork to attempt to schedule projects simultaneously in order to minimize repeated cuts and repairs to roadways, as well as to mitigate traffic impacts.

For emergency repairs following an event such as a water main or sewer line break, WASD performs a temporary road repair will allow the roadway to be reopened to traffic. The department then submits a paving request to Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) for final restoration that is then completed in accordance to Public Work standards.

I hope this information is useful to both you and your readership and whether this would be something that you would be inclined to update on your site for your audience. If you have any questions, please contact me,” wrote director Sola last week.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>>> JAMES R. HAJ APPOINTED PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE CHILDREN’S TRUST

>>> Press Release:  James R. Haj, assistant superintendent at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, has been appointed president and CEO of The Children’s Trust.

“We are delighted to welcome Jim to our organization,” said Laurie Weiss Nuell, chair of The Children’s Trust Board of Directors. “Jim brings a dynamic combination of administrative experience, knowledge of the Miami-Dade community, and passion for the rights of children and I am certain his leadership will further the mission of the Children’s Trust.”

Prior to becoming Miami-Dade County Public School’s chief negotiator with five labor unions representing more than 31,000 full-time employees, Haj served as administrative director for its south and central regions, during which he collectively oversaw 170 schools and nearly 200,000 students. In that capacity, he provided one-on-one support and guidance to principals and assistant principals with regard to curriculum and instruction; state accountability and school improvement; teacher evaluations and professional standards; and crisis response plans and student safety.

Earlier in his career, Haj served as principal at Paul W. Bell Middle School and Southwest Miami High School, his own alma mater. Haj took the latter from a “C” to an “A” rating on Florida’s A+ Plan for Education and significantly improved overall academic achievement, boosting graduation rates and championing inclusion for the school’s special needs population, the largest mainstreamed group of students with disabilities in any Miami-Dade high school.

Haj is a lifelong Miami resident and father of three young children. He received an MBA in business management from the University of Miami and a B.S. in education from Florida State University.

“Leading The Children’s Trust is a calling for me and the culmination of my life as an educator,” continued Haj. “I look forward to working with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, families and child advocates with the same collaborative spirit that I have with schools, parents, teachers and administrators to help our children and youth reach their full potential.”

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.

OBITUARY

>>> District CFO Hinds passes financial wizard grew reserves reduced debt

Dr. Richard Hines passed and the past Associate Superintendent and CFO of the nation’s fourth largest public schools district awes a financial wizard. Hinds who retired but came back to the district in 2008 when the schools reserves were around $5 million refinanced millions in school capital debt and relentlessly built up the district’s reserves and he was a prince of a man with a dry sense of humor and over a decade always welcomed the Watchdog Report to meetings and he was a great public servant. However, I was unable to find an obituary on Dr. Hines in a search but he was a financial warier who gave his all and left the District fiscally better than he found it and I was sorry to hear that he had passed at a audit and budget review meeting.

>>> Press release: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Continues to be the Silent Killer Learn How to Detect & Prevent CO Poisoning & Raise Funds for More Awareness

Janelle Bertot, FIU student, died inside a parked idled car at Weston Town Center in 2004. Cause of death Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Janelle’s Wishing Well Foundation formed to educate the public on CO exposure prevention. In 2008, State of Florida passed “Janelle’s Law” which requires all new buildings to install CO detectors. Hundreds die annually of CO poisoning and it can be prevented. Last week, residents of Miami Beach apartments were evacuated due to CO exposure. In January, workers at a Doral food company were sickened by CO exposure.

Janelle’s Wishing Well Foundation donates CO detectors to communities throughout South Florida including local police, coast guard/boating and healthcare entities and Florida Power & Light’s community outreach division.

The Miami-Dade Schools and Broward County Schools approved a curriculum on Carbon Monoxide prevention to educate school-age children on the dangers and exposures of Carbon Monoxide. Janelle’s Wishing Well collaborates with Florida International University, Nova University, Western High School and other educators, in providing students with Carbon Monoxide detection badges/kits for cars, as well as awarding annual scholarships totaling more than $65,000 year-to-date.

The annual “The Janelle Bertot Memorial Scholarship” is designed for a Health Science student who displays the same qualities that endeared those to love Janelle. Those qualities include mental discipline, compassion, kindness and pursuit of academic excellence. Janelle’s Wishing Well Foundation has attended the annual Governor’s Hurricane Preparedness Conference to educate communities throughout Florida on the prevention of CO exposures. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is the Silent Killer
Learn How to Detect & Prevent CO Poisoning & Raise Funds for More Awareness

WESTON, FL:   Don’t sit inside your closed vehicle in idle for extended periods. This is Janelle’s Wishing Well’s founder Barbara Bertot’s advice to avoid a carbon monoxide poisoning accident. Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can claim lives without warning.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 400 deaths and approximately 15,000 emergency room visits nationally a year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning each year. The highest percentage of carbon monoxide exposures occurs during the winter months, although CO poisoning can occur year round – especially in South Florida.

In January, 11 workers were sickened by CO exposure at a Doral food delivery company and a mother and her two young children died in New Jersey after the tailpipe of their car became covered with snow while the father cleared snow around their vehicle. In December 2015, two East Bay High School students in St. Petersburg, Florida were found accidently dead in an SUV in a garage. On November 14, 2004, FIU student Janelle Bertot of Weston fell victim of a CO poisoning accident while parked idle at Weston Town Center’s parking lot. Due to her avoidable death, Bertot’s family and friends formed the Janelle’s Wishing Well Foundation to raise awareness on accidental carbon monoxide poisonings. While Janelle’s death is a tragedy, the foundation is steadfast on taking steps to prevent another tragedy from happening. One of the foundation’s largest accomplishments to date is the State of Florida’s passage of Janelle’s Law in 2008. It requires that a carbon monoxide alarm be installed in every building (residential and commercial) for which a building permit is issued for new construction on or after July 1, 2008, and having a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. The carbon monoxide alarm will need to be installed within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping purposes. The state law also applies to public lodging, as it relates to every enclosed space or room that contains a boiler system. Janelle’s Wishing Well Foundation would like to see CO detectors installed inside vehicles too; however, the automotive industry has not been responsive to their pleas.

Last month, the U.S Senate designated January as National Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Awareness Month to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide and encourage the installation of detectors which will help break the silence and help families across the country prevent this tragedy before it strikes. The legislation would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to provide support for public safety education and the installation of safe and reliable carbon monoxide detectors.

Cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, fireplaces, wood stoves and pool heaters all pose a potential risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuel, such as gasoline, wood, paper, natural gas, or kerosene. Many of these deaths are due to faulty or defective products, including lawn mowers, gas stoves, hot water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces or snow blowers. Exposure can occur even in the outdoors. Cases have been reported of children who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from exposure to boat and jet-ski exhaust fumes. One of the main dangers is that sitting in a car where one can be overcome with this odorless gas and a resulting tragedy as the Bertot family experienced. “In an effort to continue Janelle’s legacy, the foundation not only provides CO poisoning education but also enhances educational opportunities by providing scholarships to deserving students interested in health care,” said Barbara Bertot. “Help us avoid these tragedies throughout our communities.”

About Janelle’s Wishing Well Foundation: Janelle’s Wishing Well Charitable Foundation 501 (c) 3 is focused on raising the general public’s awareness to prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisonings. The foundation was formed in memory of Janelle Bertot, a victim of an accidental CO accident in Weston, Florida, in 2004. Janelle’s Wishing Well was established to honor her community spirit. www.janelleswishingwell.org | Facebook

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> PHT Trustee Patino withdraws his application at last minute, five remain Dotson major lobbyist, cop Javier Ortiz has his own controversies, and how will commissioners vote?

A new efficiency expert hired by JHS has streamlined getting approvals for projects from months to just a few days, partially because in the old days there was no money for projects and thus no pressure to get projects approved in the highly beau acratic organization. And this new spirit is being demonstrated in the numerous projects being paid by the $830 million GOB passed by voters in 2012 and is funding a host of new projects including a new rehabilitation building badly needed. And an early flow chart was some 15 feet long and that has been shrunk considerable the man said.

>>> New think “sepsis,” program disease impacts 100,000 patients and costs $20 billion each year in the U.S. In treatments, I know from experience when I was septic years ago.

Further JHS is initiating a “think Sepsis,” program and sepsis is diagnosed in 100,000 cases each year in the U.S. said Jackson staff on Mar. 23 and the disease costs some $20 billion in healthcare costs and I know from my own experience years ago when I became septic and barely survived considered a “flip of the coin,” by my surgeon Jorge Rabaza, M.D. a vascular surgeon at South Miami Hospital and left me with a colostomy bag for a couple of months and a suction machine and recently actress Patty Duke died of sepsis and it is something not to be taken lightly since the infection shuts down the body’s organs and clearly can be terminal.

>>>> Trustee Patino withdraws his application at last minute, five remain Dotson major lobbyist, cop Javier Ortiz has his own controversies, and how will commissioners vote?

Who are the finalists as new PHT trustees, high profile community service conflicts verboten, comes with media, IG and ethics and public trust commission. “Please see the revised list as Ralph Patino withdrew his application this morning. William Joseph, Heffernan, Dr. Irene Lipof, Albert Eugene Dotson, Esq., Robert Zarco, Javier Ortiz,” wrote Paulette M. Acevedo Assistant to the Deputy Mayor, Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor, after the WDR did a public records request late week.

And the board is chaired by Joe Arriola whose son Rickey is a Miami Beach commissioner and was featured in a story on www.newtropic.com/mismi-leaders-havana on Obama’s trip to Cuba.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Omni CRA Dir Bockweg out the door reluctantly, was only following board policy, Claims “not a political position,” but became very political under Sarnoff

The past Omni CRA director Peter Bockweg was terminated Thursday after he made a desperate plea to retain his job during the Miami Commission meeting arguing he was only following the orders of the board members and his leaving was wrong since it was ‘not a political position,” he told commissioners who unanimously gave him the boot after he agreed to not sue the city that has one t will firing having the employee seeing the city for millions said Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez. However, Bockweg arguing about the politics of the position was almost funny after then Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff had his predecessor James Vilacorta fired and subsequently replace by Sarnoff with Bockweg and the man was very compliant to the commissioners wishes and prior to the CRA meeting Bockeg was outside of city Hall chain-smoking before the expected vote where he was relieved of his position.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article67624957.html

>>> CRA’s still on Miami Commissioner Russell’s mind, wants ‘increased accountability and transparency,” of Omni CRA, says a staffer to county commissioners, after critical grand jury report

Miami Commissioner Ken Russell is pushing for more “increased accountability and transparency,” at the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). A commissioner staffer told commissioners at a county commission committee meeting last week and Russell has taken these CRAs to tasks after a grand jury report noted they many times became a political slush fund for politicians that sit on the board. And the commissioners are debating whether there should be a CRA workshop given the 11 in the county but representatives from a Homestead CRA were Luke warm on the workshop. The staffer also noted it will take the Omni CRA board to approve some of the reforms Russell has suggested in the past

Russell

>>> Avid biker Zyscovich meets with Russell staff to explain “plan Z,” and the creation of protected bike lanes after riders killed on Rickenbacker Causeway

Miami architect Bernard Zyscovich an avid biker met with Russell’s staff Thursday to discuss his Plan Z to create protected bike lanes after numerous cyclists were killed going over the Rickenbacker Causeway

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article7965759.html And Zyscovich is connected and his firm has done extensive work for the public schools district and once gave a major presentation on what the District could develop on the land it owns in downtown Miami and at the time I was shocked how he was pitching development ideas at the time years ago, and he is frequently seen riding his bike in the Grove.

>>> SEC done with bond investigation of city’s bond sales

And The Securities Exchange Commission has decided not to charge the municipality for bonds sold to fund a Florida Marlins Parking garage that had irregularities when the bonds were sold but also says the investigation could be reopened and the letter is not condoning what they did and a trial of a city CFO is planned for next summer said Miami assistant attorney Robin Jackson at the Miami Finance Committee Wednesday.

>>> A.C.s Ices at Kennedy Park is honored by commission and city leaders, has been an iconic fixture at park since 1978, kids line up everyday

And the Miami commission recently honored A.C. Weinstein for his decades of providing lemonade ices at Kennedy Park and his truck is a community icon serving a great hot dog since 1978. And the man who got hugs from the mayor to commissioners has served politicians kids for decades when they came to the one of the city’s iconic parks. And the reconition is well deserved since he also keeps his eye on the park and if it is being abused by the city in some way and the Watchdog Report wishes A.C. Many more years and good health.

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>>> Mayor Levine and Commissioner Arriola make pitch for Cuba to have a consulate on Beach, after Miami demurs, new tropic does a inside the Cuba trip story

Mayor Philip Levine and Commissioner Rickey Arriola joined president Obama on his trip to Cuba and the politicians were trying to sell the idea that the Island nation put a new consulate in Miami Beach since Miami officials did not want it citing security concerns and past issues with the Venezuelan consulate Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado has told me in the past and Regalado, a former Pedro Pan has been adamant he would never go back to Cuba until the Castro brothers were dead and Levine and Joe Arriola took advantage of this split and while competing with Tampa, South Florida has the highest concentration of Cubans and Miami Beach is a logical choice.

Check out Mayor Levine’s trip to Cuba with Commissioner Rickey Arriola.

New Tropic.com did a major story on Mayor Phillip Levine’s trip with President Obama and included Commissioner Rickey Arriola https://thenewtropic.com/miami-leaders-havana/ and his father Joe Arriola, is the chair of the PHT board.

>>> Press release: Please enjoy my exclusive personal interview on Sirius with Secretary Hillary Clinton while she was in Miami Beach this week.
Click: An-intimate-conversation-with-Hillary-Clinton
COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Press release: The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County Presents -THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF THE GODDESSES
MASTER QUEST Multimedia symphonic concert returns with new music and scenes from “Tri Force Heroes,” the latest The Legend of Zelda video game. The Legend of Zelda franchise celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2016!

“An utterly flawless presentation!” – WIRED Part of the 2015-2016 Live at Knight Series

April 16, 2016 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $35-$125* VIP Package: $150*John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall

MIAMI, FL January 15, 2016 – Now celebrating its 10^th Anniversary Season, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to present the return of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF THE GODDESSES and its new highly-anticipated multimedia symphonic concert MASTER QUEST. This latest edition of The Legend of Zelda symphony will feature brand-new music and visuals from the new The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes video game released in October 2015. As part of the Center’s Live at Knight Series, MASTER QUEST will delight video game and orchestral music fans alike on April 16 in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall.

Tickets to MASTER QUEST are on sale now and range from $35 to $125*. A VIP Package for $150* includes premium seating, meet and greet with executive producer Jason Michael Paul and principal conductor Amy Andersson, official tour VIP lanyard, limited edition poster and a VIP Fast Pass to the merchandise booth. Tickets may be purchased at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org.

Making its South Florida premiere, MASTER QUEST is a never before seen or heard multimedia concert experience featuring a live 56-piece orchestra, 20-person choir and a larger-than-life video presentation of gameplay imagery. The concert also boasts live orchestral performances of theme music from Nintendo’s beloved The Legend of Zelda franchise – now celebrating its 30^th anniversary. Guests will enjoy their favorite game moments from the series, carefully and beautifully timed with a gorgeous orchestral score approved by Nintendo sound director and The Legend of Zelda composer Koji Kondo.

Those new to THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF THE GODDESSES will also have the opportunity to experience the beautifully orchestrated four-movement symphonic work from last season which chronicles fan-favorite moments from the video game’s rich and storied history, carefully and expertly timed with videos. The concert is a festive experience for all fans, many of which attend in “cosplay” as their favorite characters.

For more information, please visit: www.zelda-symphony.com. Support for the Live at Knight Series is provided by Wells Fargo. *All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Additional fees may apply. Visit www.arshtcenter.org for up-to-date information, details and performance.

Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.arshtcenter.org/press.

 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, as well as the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations. In its 10^th anniversary season, the Arsht Center thanks its institutional donors for their historic commitment to the performing arts and Greater Miami: Adrienne Arsht; Miami-Dade County; John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Dr. Sanford L. and Dolores Ziff & Family; The Arison Family/Carnival Corporation; Knight Ridder Inc. and The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald; Sears Roebuck and Co.; Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation; Bank of America; Joyce and M. Anthony Burns; Audre and Donald Carlin, Hedy Carlin and B. Pair Carlin; The Cejas Family Foundation; Gilbert S. Kahn and John J. Noffo Kahn; Haskell Company; Miami Salon Group Inc.; Odebrecht; Peacock Foundation Inc.; Ryder Charitable Foundation; Terra Group; Wells Fargo and Lynn Wolfson.

 

About the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

Set in the heart of downtown Miami and designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is one of the world’s leading performing arts organizations and venues. Since opening in 2006, the Arsht Center, a 501C3 non-profit organization, has emerged as a leader in presenting innovative programming that mirrors South Florida’s diversity as well as a catalyst for billions of dollars in new development in the downtown area. Spotlighting legends and serving as a launch pad for local artists to make their mark on the international stage, the Center presents nearly 500 events each year across its eight flexible, state-of-the-art performance spaces. The Center programs 12 signature series, including the largest jazz series in South Florida, the biggest flamenco festival on the East Coast, and a robust program of new theatrical works as well as free programming for the community and an arts education program that serves nearly 30,000 children each year. As Miami’s new Town Square, the Arsht Center also houses Brava! A fine dining restaurant; the Café at Books & Books in the historic Carnival Tower and a weekly Farmers Market. Visit www.arshtcenter.org for more information.

>>> History Miami is celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of iconic singer Frank Sinatra and for more go to www.historymiami.org  

Toast Jack Daniel’s biggest fan: American icon, Frank Sinatra. Jack Daniel’s was as much a part of Sinatra as his tuxedo, his fedora and his golden voice. And much like Sinatra, this whiskey is one of a kind.

Jack Daniel’s Distiller Chris Fletcher is flying all the way from Tennessee to present you with an exclusive whiskey tasting. Learn about Jack Daniel’s and how it became Sinatra’s signature cocktail. Taste Jack Daniel’s Black Label, Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel, and of course the new Sinatra Select.

Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Ticket also grants admission to view the exhibition Sinatra: An American Icon currently displayed at the History Miami Museum. Space is limited and advanced reservations and payment is required. For more information call 305-375-1492.

Members: $40 Non-Members $55

RSVP HERE

Taste of Little Haiti: Culture Walk

Saturday, March 26, 2016 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212 Northeast 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137

Vin went no! Come join us! Taste your way through the heart of Little Haiti with a guided tour led by our History Miami guide. Savor conch fritters with pikliz, a spicy cabbage relish, freshly made Haitian pastries and the popular candy tablet pistach, the Haitian version of peanut brittle. Stop at Libreri Mapou bookstore and taste Kremas Mapou, a rum drink, while hearing stories about the Haitian diaspora experience in Miami.  Visit the Little Haiti Cultural Center’s art galleries, shop at the Caribbean Marketplace and enjoy the rhythm and aromas from this vibrant community. Reservations are highly recommended.

Members: $40 Non-Members: $50

RSVP HERE

EDITORIALS

>>>> When it comes to PACs, politicians demur increasing transparency of shadowy groups and funding, usual attack ads says Suarez

The fact that only two Miami-Dade County Commissioners attended a commission workshop where enhancing transparency legislation was discussed seeking more transparency (Daniela Levine Cava sponsored the legislation and in her own race was attacked by some shadowy ECO) (Commissioner in where money is coming from and most of these ECOs do attack ads,” said Commissioner Xavier Suarez and had been a target of such ads and while a campaign expert spoke and the County’s Ethics and Public Trust Commission Director Joe Centorino also spoke of the need of transparency and he believes is one of the reasons the public has lost confidence in their elected leaders. And while commissioners may have had conflicts. The item should come back and get a thorough vetting and discussion. For ignoring the reforms will not help the commission when it comes to public trust and the lack of participation suggests commissioners don’t even care what the public thinks. And here is the Miami Herald’s take on the matter http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article68914782.html

>>> Elected officials and municipal employees getting free tickets that are not disclosed is still a problem with some 30,000 public employees, Ethics commission years ago found very few people get gifts since so few reported as required, state attorney KFR lists a host of tickets, many for charities, one even to Miami Heat game

The issue of elected leaders getting free bees and tickets to events has been a persistent problem over the years in South Florida and the Miami-Dade County Ethics and Public Trust Commission once did an analysis and report and found out of some 30, 0000 employees at the County and the 34 municipalities only a hand full of people listed these items on the required disclosure forms for any ticket over $100. And the commission could only conclude that people were not accepting these benefits and one of the main people when it came to these types of gift disclosers was Miami Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle who extensively reported receiving a host of event tickets including one to a Miami Heat game and at least she reported them. But when it comes to the municipalities only sporadically are these gifts reported though many are on Miami Beach. But officials should realize how taking these perks send residents through the roof and is one of the reasons on a national scale voters are so angry with government and with elections coming around in the months ahead there was never a better time to play by the book and either wave off these gifts or pay the price at the polls. And voters are watching.

>>> Public institutions need to remember baby boomers not as nimble with technology as young folk’s small font a nightmare for some

There is not just a digital divide, but a widening technological gap as baby boomers get older and are expected to be more capable of their computer skills, despite having some medical issue like a stroke and public institutions are moving faster with this new technology leaving many people behind, who may or not have a smart phone that was first introduced Jan. 9^th 2007 by Steve Jobs and the Apple iPhone and while young people have no problem with all this technology that is likely not the case if you are in your sixties where reading small font requires a magnifying glass and public institutions as they rush to embrace this technology that they need to remember that for some people they may need some help navigating it and catching up to speed of this technological revolution.

>>> One of Watchdog Report’s main missions is to keep watch on all the host of Trust’s in Miami-Dade and these organizations involve some serious public money in the billions

Residents in Miami-Dade County periodically ask why I cover all the trust’s found in the county, from the Children’s Trust to the Public Health Trust to the County’s Homeless Trust and it is because elected county leaders are always looking for new funds and while the raids of these public dollars periodically occurs like in the case of the Citizens Independent Transit Trust where the county is slowly paying back the sales tax dollars absorbed by the county’s transit system in what was called “unification,” by county leaders but the Public Health Trust was also raided back in 20002 when county commissioners shifted some $ 70 million in unfunded mandates on to organization and that cost has risen over $100 million a year and was one of the reasons the Public health trust needed a $830 million GOB passed overwhelmingly by voters a few Years back to upgrade its infrastructure and ageing main campus

After this past money was diverted over a decade by the County commission that does provide some $250 million in public funds for a maintenance of effort contribution. But in Miami-Dade where everything is political. I keep watch so that these organizations are kept whole and politics is kept to a minimum and this oversight helps keep the organizations on the straight and narrow when it comes to public dollars and it is no small amount of money and helps explain why there have been so few scandals in the past that plagued the county back in the 1990’s and was a frequent topic in the media.

LETTERS

>>> Correction on Children’s Trust funding about $250,000 not the $5 million I reported my error

I’m pretty sure our investment in this project with the County is $750,000. The discussion probably got wrapped up in other facts and information about us. For example, this year we directly funded $6 million in youth enrichment programs with summer youth employment components. This was procured in 2015. Here is a link to what that that solicitation looked like and its outcome, including details of what orgs were funded and for what:

https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/uploads/images/providers/funding/FY14-15/2015-03/2015-03_RFP_Youth_Enrichment_Recommendations_052215.pdf

So, for The Children’s Trust, our contribution to the County initiative helps to leverage funding pledged by them to fund even more programs and augments our own investment in this arena further. It’s a win, win for everyone — especially inner city youth who need these opportunities most.

Emily Cardenas

Director of Communications

The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County

>>> A Reader on danger of yellow pole barriers on 195, and sign petition asking FDOT to modify polls https://www.change.org/p/florida-department-of-transportation-change-i95-plastic-poles-to-unable-movement-in-and-out-of-the-express-lanes

>>> 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

>>> And another reader sent the following the shocking truth about Miami-Dade Animal Services, http://www.animalliberationfront.com/ALFront/Actions-USA/MiamiAnimalServices.htm

DR

Coconut Grove

>>> 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.

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

***** LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & Initial sponsors since 2000

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 2000

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

HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com .

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

Mr. NORMAN BRAMAN http://www.bramanmotorcars.com/dealership/normanbraman.htm

BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com

RONALD HALL

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov

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

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 to $5,000 a year

COLSON HICKS EIDSON, PA www.colson.com

BERKOWITZ POLLACK BRANT Advisors and Accountants www.bpbcpa.com

JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST

RON BOOK

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

WILLIAM PALMER www.shutts.com

Rbb PUBLIC RELATIONS www.rbbpr.com

ROYAL MEDIA PARTNERS www.royalmp.com

SHUBIN & BASS www.shubinbass.com

WILLIAMSOM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP http://williamsonautomotivegroup.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

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

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

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ETHICS & PUBLIC TRUST COMMISSION

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

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

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

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

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

 

>>> 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

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

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

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

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

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

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

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

>>> 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, 2016, 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

>>>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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