Watchdog Report Vol.18 No.57 September 30, 2018 EST: 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating 18 years of weekly publishing
>>> I want to apologize to the one reader I have been unable to delete. Here is my philosophy on why I do this? >>> This national story ran in all the Tribune papers around the nation and covers the early years of the WDR: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and here is a different versionhttp://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american Further, if this works the WDR will go back to my original schedule over the last 18 years. bailed me out of this IT nightmare that coincided with my 18th anniversary of weekly publishing since May 5, 2000.
>>> And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account that is easy to use http://paypal.me/WatchdogReport Further, if you would rather send a check send it made out to Daniel Ricker and mail it to 3109 Grand Ave., #125 Miami, Fla. 33133. Thank you, Dan
I am using a back-up list and any one that asked to be removed may get another one and I apologize for the inconvenience.
>>>And having a member of the press at public meetings gives teeth to the Florida Sunshine Law (and why you get a Flu Shot) and open meetings tape recorded keeps good governance in place and reduces waste fraud and abuse, and public corruption, and is why you don’t speed in front of a state trooper for example. And hope you can support the WDR efforts to have informed residents to public institutions issues, in our community.
>>> Further the www.watchdogreport.net in South Florida is an established news service presence, because most people are too busy to go to these important meetings, and all the information comes through me as a central point allowing me to see things at a 100-mile altitude and being an early warning system when projects have overruns or other issues. But my job is to sound the alarm and I have done so many times over the past years in a host of ways.
>>>> Clarification Dr. Philip and Patricia say in relation to the SEC charges they are innocent and want to clear their name. here is the Herald story on the matter: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article218420880.html
CONTENTS
ARGUS REPORT: Senators punt ask for updated FBI background check on nominee Kavanaugh, after rigorous questioning, beer, black outs, asked one senator if she ever blacked out he later apologized, how will other candidates fare in the future?
Dr. Ford’s Thursday testimony puts GOP senators in minefield with women voters who have experienced unwanted advances by men or boys – Knight Foundation steps up again to help displaced Puerto Rican students complete their studies with $350,000 grant to FIU- Dr. Frost says he is innocent in media – Community is stunned that SEC is charging Frosts with ‘pump and dump fraud scheme,’ will the charges stick? –The environmental community got some good news after a federal judge in South Carolina U.S. District Judge David C. Norton in the Charleston Division ruled Aug.16 2018 in favor of a host of environmental groups on the EPA ignoring the Clean Water Act after President Trump issued executive order 13778. The judge granted a “nationwide injunction,” of the order that protected wetlands around the nation. Gov. Scott ad goes for the jugular, with phony tax payroll ad, people were consultants but devastating political ad against Nelson — Strong mayor legislation brings out past ethnic demons, “Maduro, dictator,” referenced in Miami commission discussion, includes four people dressed as guerilla fighters in Monday’s Miami commission audience —
STATE of FLORIDA: Former Mayor Penelas steps out of political shadows, considering running for state senator being vacated by Sen. Garcia – Thank God Florida’s tourism industry is red hot and tourists fund some 45 percent of the state’s $89 billion budget and Miami-Dade County kicks in another 34 percent of the state’s budget.– Florida Supreme Court strikes three constitutional amendments, one removing district oversight of private charters a good start, DeSantis picks Nunez & Gillum picks King as running mates — police will be police,” said Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina to Miami commissioners Thursday when discussing putting Miami police in the Miami schools. He noted a school environment is different from the streets and the WDR in an extended conversation with Miami-Dade Schools police. They all said in the schools it is “all about conflict resolution,” and I started to gain an understanding of the different environment dealing. Children’s Trust gets new trustees, Gimenez, Collins, Diaz, Dr. Callaghan
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: Commission Chair Bovo objects to charges of “voter suppression,” multiple early voting sites, 28 after budget hearing north and south MDCC, FIU get sites, county pays postage on absentee ballots voters in assisted living facilities, nursing homes can get ballots, if agreed to by organizations, but not voters in hospitals says election director Christian White, 1,4 million registered voters,13 commissioners get discretionary funds bump to $148,000 – County’s Office on of Budget and Management signs off on County’s homeless trust $68 million budget, food and beverage tax expected to bring in $22.7 million (95 % of projection) for coming year starting Oct.1, $7.1 million in reserve fund– Fla. SPCA and animal abuse & cruelty needs help, cares for 77 malnourished horses, county hot bed for butchered animals, needs more funding to do mission.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Board member Mari Tere Rojas sends out flyer thanking voters for her uncontested reelection to dist.6, former educator active at audit committee meetings — Supt Carvalho gets three contract extension, new auditor Cartaya was peppered on diversity issue after Williams resigns- District’s number one mission is to reestablish District Cost Deferential at the state formula for more expensive urban districts, extra $20 million for extra security costs are “unsustainable,” says Carvalho, county and eight municipalities chipping in but only this coming year. Since “children safety & security comes first” says mayor Gimenez at county budget meeting Supt. Carvalho since a “decade ago,” has replaced some “85 percent, of all principals asst. principals “tenure,” shorter he says – Four-year funding referendum for teacher pay raise and new security costs after state’s unfunded mandate for more police presence at schools, once ramped-up significant ongoing cost for district, needs voter approval, about 75 cents on tax bill, with independent over sight board, past bond monies 50 percent expended, “projects on time no scandals,” says, Supt. Carvalho to BCC –
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST: Jackson Health System: has a “lock on charity care,” internal report says $884 million given past year, new high also hitting all hospitals — The PHT closed its 3rd quarter $18 million in the black $55 million cash on hand and continues a six-month trend of operating in the black despite Jackson Health System (JHS) having a “lock on the charity care market,” quipped CEO Carlos Migoya at a joint BCC meeting and the PHT board.– Annual PHT joint board meeting smooth and an upbeat discussion after the county once thought of selling Jackson Health System to Boston investors, now while challenges is public community “jewel,” says chair, Bovo Chair of citizens GOB $830 million Making Miracles bond, says on track, low administrative costs, clinics popping up all over Miami-Dade, CEO Migoya gets rave reviews from BBC, though commissioner Jordan was “skeptical,” and gave the banker a “tough time,” that’s changed –
CITY OF MIAMI: Civility leaves the house as Miami commissioner Carollo amps up criticism of commissioner Russell, outraged that a “shaking [Russell] staffer” attended Bay front Trust public meeting where Russell has one trustee — Dueling U.S. attorneys Martinez & Gimenez representing Suarez and Carollo in law suit challenging strong mayor initiative, Suarez’s net worth from 2014 to 2017 — Mayor Suarez buys tony million-dollar home in Grove, won’t say where cash down payment came from, says none of my business, his push for transparency, accountability rings hollow– Strong mayor legislation brings out past ethnic demons, Carollo throws in, “Maduro, dictator,” reference in Monday’s Miami commission discussion, includes four people dressed as guerilla fighters in Monday’s audience — Suarez’s strong mayor initiative runs into iceberg Carollo; language must ban outside employment, for mayor and manager- The Miami Exhibition and Sports Authority is in the news again after its staffer Lourdes Blanco was found to be getting two paychecks and the city employee (is suing the city) is calling it a ‘witch hunt, ‘also $10,000 promotion check, given and then rescinded to wrong Jazz Festival, former mayor Regalado attended last MESA meeting June 31– Will MSL stadium on city golf course open floodgates on other developments on waterfront public properties Dist. 2 “in Harm’s way,” says one attorney, because of all the waterfront park land — Commissioners Carollo and Reyes wants commission auditor to audit BayFront Park Trust, where there is a “$1.5 million” variance said Carollo, brother Frank former chair and CPA headed the trust, Carollo has no trust in CFO and director, back in 2000 major scandal at entity with the director Ira Katz being arrested, case fell apart after federal, state and FDLE agencies lost the evidence, CFO tried to hide laptop in bathroom ceiling tile – Miami Mayor Suarez petition for strong mayor form of government getting close, but will voters trust all powerful mayor?
EDITORIALS: Mayor Suarez’s strong mayor proposal flawed should not allow outside income for either mayor or manager, not about him but future mayors – Where does Miami draw the line with Lt. Col. Colmenares, accused of stealing $300,0000 in donations for veterans? –Politicians don’t realize voter’s frustration is they are such hypocrites, many times (like now when congress gets paid but no other federal departments with a gov. shut-down) in their own actions Florida Constitutional commission should insist on transparency, not darkness as Sunshine law gets diluted — Most politicians hate the press- Florida needs Sunshine Amendment many municipalities out of control and get little press coverage or oversight, legislators are on wrong side of this one
>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)
>>> If you wish to be deleted, just e-mail me with that message.
>>> And here is the story done by Miami New Times when they named the publisher as the community’s Best of Miami and Best Citizen and to read the story go to: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517
>> Given his dedication and perseverance, this new honor, Best Citizen, is well deserved. Ricker goes to 2500 mind-melting meetings annually, from the Public Health Trust’s purchasing subcommittee to the Efficiency and Competition Commission to the Alliance for Human Services’ nominating council to the school board’s audit committee. Sometimes he’s the only public observe
Object: to be the Public Citizen for all those out there who can’t attend, and to connect and serve as an information bridge[electrolyte] among the special-interest-dominated Miami-Dade governmental institutions that seem newsletter, The Watchdog Report, celebrates its [18h] Anniversary. In a former life Ricker made a handsome living as an international salesman of heart pacemakers. As the hard-working publisher of Watchdog, though, he’s struggling financially — this even though his weekly compendium of meeting summaries, analysis, interviews, and commentary has become essential reading for anyone involved in public affairs. What his written work may lack in polish, it more than makes up for in comprehensiveness. So, raise a toast to the man whose official slogan says it all: “A community education resource — I go when you cannot!”
ARGUS REPORT: Heard Seen on the Street
>>>>Senators punt ask for updated FBI background check on nominee Kavanaugh, after rigorous questioning, beer, black outs, asked one senator if she ever blacked out he later apologized, how will other candidates fare in the future?
The nation was riveted to the Senate’s Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday when Dr. Christine Blasey Ford was questioned by a woman an expert prosecutor of sexual crimes and her probing questions were calmly answered by Ford and in talking to many women they thought she was believable and when supreme court nominee. Judge Brett Kavanaugh spoke he went from being a calm jurist and coach to a more animated nominee and made the claim his name is being smeared by Democrats intent on blocking his name going forward and while at one point the judge teared -up a number of women felt that was something more likely done by a woman which Ford did not employ but he did. Further untimely it was a he said. He said question. And another quick FBI background check is being done to see if a clearer understanding of what occurred at this party in the early 1980s and well before the emergence of the #Me To Movement that has swept the nation.
However, people are questioning his judicial temperament after his many comments about how much he “likes beer,” an getting slightly testy with a senator asking if he had “ever blacked out?” and had him shooting back asking her if she had ever blacked out and she responded, “I don’t have a drinking problem.” Which the nominee denied he had so it remains to be seen if the federal agency finds anything new as the nation waits to see who the next supreme court judge will be.
>>> Dr. Ford’s Thursday testimony puts GOP senators in a minefield with women voters who have experienced unwanted advances by men or boys
The Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s hearings continue to dominate the news 24/7 and the continued negotiations with Christine Blasey Ford, Ph.D. who is accusing the federal judge of assaulting her and the case has become a rallying cry for women having similar situations and the all-male judiciary committee having learned a lesson after the controversial Anita-Hill and Clarence Thomas confirmation. The senators given the explosive nature of the subject are negotiating with Prof Ford And her attorneys, but the woman is getting death threats and has had to move her family with reporters camped out of her front door. She is requesting security and several other requests if she was to appear and testify at the senate hearing. She is now expected to testify on Thursday but she could has become a rallying figure for all the women half of the nation’s voters that have experienced similar actions and were not believed and many women never come forward and this conformation has become a political minefield for the GOP with midterms only weeks away the hearings could be a litmus test for many voters. For more go to:https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/kavanaugh-accuser-wants-to-talk-to-senate-terms-up-in-air/ar-AAAt6zt?ocid=spartandhp
>>> Knight Foundation steps up to help displaced Puerto Rican students complete their studies with $350,000 grant to FIU
With President Donald Trump challenging the number of deaths in Puerto Rico. After a study done by The George Washington University stated just under 3,000 people perished during and after Hurricane Maria. Further, Gov. Rick Scott is distancing himself from the controversy since some 4 million Puerto Rican voters have migrated to Florida where they can vote versus on the Island. But this controversy is not good for big Trump supporters like Ron DeSantis –The Knight Foundation has stepped up helping students whose studies have been put on hold by granting Florida International university a $350,000 grant for these displaced students to continue their education and as pundits debate the number that perished in this tragedy Americans will see if there is any difference in the nation’s response. Versus the monster storm hurricane Florence flooding the Carolinas and I have niece in Raleigh and so far, they have no flooding and still have power, but the states are underwater. However a friend of mine from Puerto Rico commented about the nations response that the island is “just a “colony,” and that remark has stayed with me since she said it and yes the infrastructure was not great to begin with the presidents dismissive comment on the dead even drew a rebuke from U.S. Rep Ileana Ros Lehtinen, R-Miami who questioned the cavalier comments by the commander in chief. For more on the grant go to:https://news.fiu.edu/2017/10/knight-foundation-grant-to-support-puerto-rican-students-at-fiu/116512
>>> Community is stunned that SEC is charging Frosts with ‘pump and dump fraud scheme,’ will the charges stick?
The Watchdog Report was shocked to read that Phillip and Patricia Frost are being accused by the SEC of a stock manipulation scheme involving some $27 million in fraudulent gains in a fraud plot and the couple has donated millions to a host of facilities and universities. The philanthropists have funded a host of facilities including the county’s Frost Science Museum after the couple bailed out the delayed project with over runs for Miami-Dade County that had insufficient funds to complete the state-of-the-art museum that is still in litigation with the contractors. For more go to : https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-billionaire-phillip-frost-charged-sec-27-million-fraud-plot-n907751 And here is the SEC charging document: https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2018-182
Further, the contractors are suing the facility and former CEO Gillian Thomas has been deposed and the saga of the museum is far from over After Thomas terminated Suffolk Construction.
What about CEO Gillian Thomas’s deposition?
Legal proceedings with the contractor Suffolk Construction of the Philip and Patricia Frost Science Museum show Gillian Thomas the CEO does not recall a number of things and one board member was critical of Dr. Frost and I am working on getting a copy of the deposition and for more go to: https://www.frostscience.org/community-partnerships/
>>>> Strong Miami mayor legislation brings out past ethnic demons, “Maduro, dictator,” referenced by Carrolo in Miami commission discussion, includes four people dressed as guerilla fighters in Monday’s audience
At the City of Miami special commission meeting Monday to have the body discuss the ballot language to allow voters to weigh in on a strong mayor form of government and is being pushed by sophomore mayor Francis Suarez and is a form of government pushed by his father Xavier Suarez but failed to get traction and commissioners are fighting back since it will “diminish,” and dilute the body’s powers and Suarez has raised an obscene amount of money some $962,000 for this consolidation of power campaign. I asked the mayor about this on Tuesday and he insists these donors believe in a strong mayor but on Spanish radio former mayor Tomas Regalado and others are calling this a power grab. Further, commissioner Joe Carollo is calling this the “recall the mayor,” initiative, at Thursday’s commission meting and the battle lines are becoming sharper.
Further, the issue is impacting the no bid MLS stadium at Melreese country club and while Suarez with such a war chest could be positioning himself for a run at county mayor. That his father Xavier may be eyeing. However, People question his velocity for more power and are stepping back as his administration faces one setback after another and he has yet to prove his petition drive was done on the up and up though his attorney says it was. Further it appears the issue will be settled in the courts.
What was odd at the commission meeting?
Two men and two women were dressed in gorilla military fatigues and was reminiscence of 20000 when after the young boy Elian Gonzalez was extracted and south Florida erupted into ethnic turmoil and tensions were high and these Miami residents are voicing their concerns about the mayor possible becoming a “dictator,” a term that inflames the exile Cuban community like few words and hopefully Carollo will not inflame these emotions further.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article212955234.html
>>> Dueling former U.S. attorneys Martinez, and Gimenez represent Suarez and Carollo
However, in local court after Carollo sued the city you have dueling former U.S. Attorneys since Roberto “Bobby Martinez,” is representing Suarez and Marco Daniel Gimenez is representing Carollo and both men are prominent local attorneys and Gimenez in the past has represented the charter school industry and Martinez is a former chair of the schools District citizen oversight board and both attorneys are community leaders and Republicans. For more on the lawsuit go: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2018/09/joe-carollo-sues-miami-over-francis-suarezs-strong-mayor-referendum.html
>>>> The environmental community Aug.16, 2018 got some good news after a federal judge in South Carolina U.S. District Judge David C. Norton in the Charleston Division ruled in favor of a host of environmental groups on the EPA ignoring the Clean Water Act. After President Trump issued executive order 13778. The judge granted a “nationwide injunction,” of the order that applied to wetlands around the nation.
Further, I also want to thank all my teachers and mentors for taking the time to explain a host of issues over the past years. Especially my long-time sponsors who believed in my motto “I go when you cannot,” and helped fund me on what was considered a doomed effort to keep the community informed and I have tried to serve with honor and integrity. Further, in the beginning I also returned money. Since I did not want to be associated with the person. Something unheard of in Miami. So here we are 18 years later of weekly reports every Sunday since then unless. I was in the hospital and was saved twice for which I thank Baptist Health South Florida and South Miami Hospital for my survival.
What about the internet back in 2000?
Back then everyone was using e-mail and would say to people at the time “my email is on the card,” very proudly and even then, there was a question if this would stay around but later exploded to what it is today. Further the community’s major public institutions were like giant ships in the night not knowing what each was doing in an aggregate way. Wasting millions in public tax dollars since they operate in a discrete fashion.
>>> I also pushed to have schoolboard committees taped. Since I had the only tapes of these and contained what was said about a variety of land purchases sold by politically connected individuals with one piece needing some $49 million in demucking given the containments.
During the 1990s one trick in Miami was to sell contaminated land to a public entity which would in one deal involve some $44 million to demuck and clean up the site but the land was owned by a politically connected man. Now deceased school member Betsy Kaplan once said to me “Dan your trying to keep us out of jail,” she said. I responded no kidding. And to read the early years go to Maya Bell’s long profile in the Orlando Sentinel and she spent weeks with me in an old BMW without air and it captured my journey in this endeavor and to read the national story go to:http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american
>>> Knight Foundation injects $2.5 million to fact check news
The John S. and James L. Knight foundation has committed $2.5 million to organizations fighting fake news and the idea of fake news. I believe started when Dan Rather of CBS ran a story on George Bush II that turned out to be wrong and after that mistake broke a republican candidate when I was interviewing him said “are you going to Rather me?” I joked back you want me to FOX you instead and that blunder on Rather’s part started the ball rolling and then Brian Williams (who still has a snarky attitude) added to the fire when he embellished his military coverage and saying he had been under fire which was not true.
https://knightfoundation.org/articles/where-you-can-meet-knight-at-nicar-2018
>>> Connect Miami is a new program trying to get residents to engage with their neighbors and friends to broaden community interaction something that at times may be difficult to do. And for more go to www.connectmiami.org And Many of the events are free.in the future.
STATE OF FLORIDA
>>> Former Mayor Penelas steps out of political shadows, considering running for state senator being vacated by Sen. Rene Garcia, a former Champion of Children by county’s Children Trust
Former Miami-Dade County mayor Alex Penelas is considering a comeback and he was spotted at a press conference with Sen. Bill Nelson, D Fla. Who is in a tight race against GOP challenger Florida governor Rick Scott who is spending his own money in the tight race. However, Penelas has his own baggage with Democrats after he left his post and did not support AL Gore for president. Where a few votes determined the presidency of George W. Bush during a county voter recount held in government center and the eyes of the world were on Miami.
Penelas is said to be considering running for the state senate seat being vacated by Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah and the mayor was once a commissioner on the Hialeah council before running for mayor. He was with Nelson talking about the need for much more to be done for the battered Puerto Rican residents and seems to be forgotten by federal officials and both Scott and nelson have visited the island and organizations like the Knight Foundation have donated $350,000 in student scholarships at FIU for displaced students from the island.
https://news.fiu.edu/2017/10/knight-foundation-grant-to-support-puerto-rican-students-at-fiu/116512 for more go to:https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article218727065.html
>>> Florida Supreme Court strikes three constitutional amendments, one removing district oversight of private charters a good start, DeSantis picks Nunez & Gillum picks King as running mates
Thank you Florida Supreme Court for striking down a number of charter questions including some counties (Miami-Dade County) having an elected sheriff, an elections supervisor and the questions will not be on the ballot and includes public school districts having oversight over local charter schools after a number of them getting public money especially for capital improvements and here in Dade county the district has over 115 charter schools and is also reducing capital funding for maintenance. The bill in question if passed would have cut out this oversight and to read the questions go to: http://dos.elections.myflorida.com/initiatives/initdetail.asp?account=11&seqnum=24
>>> The field is set DeSantis picks Nunez and Gillum picks King as running mates for governor
GOP gubernatorial Ron DeSantis has chosen state Rep. Jeannette Nunez, R-Kendall as his running mate and Nunez years ago was the legislative spear of the sword for Jackson Health System and has done a good job in the state House and will help her running mate in voter rich South Florida and she might be the first Cuban American lt. Gov. if the pair is able to beat Democratic Party Mayor Andrew Gillum who picked businessman Chris King a rival as his running mate.( however critics think this choice does not add to ticket like Nunez does for DeSantis).
What about congressional district 27?
Journalist Maria Elvira Salazar will be facing former UM president Donna Shalala who defeated a pack of challengers to represent the Democratic party’s nominee and she will find this is a competitive race and could be the first time the district flips since U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros- Lehtinen, R-Miami won it back in 1986 and she held the office without a hint of scandal and has worked well with congressman Mario Diaz- Balart who is a transportation maven in the house. However, her past marriage has harmed her campaign given bankruptcies in the past.
Further, Children’s Trust CEO Jim Haj told and updated county commissioners recently and Commissioner Sally Heyman suggested they put more articles in the Community newspapers that are free and cut a wide swath in communities explaining some of the upcoming programs and here is the latest children’s trust annual report:
What about the Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County?
The county commission voted on new trustees for the Children’s trust and they are Lourdes Gimenez, Constance Collins, Jose “Félix” Diaz, and Dr. Kate Callaghan our youth and the trust is a community treasure nurturing our youth to excel in life.
>>> Further, the trust is having its annual Family trust family expo and is free and offers health check-ups and the event is free. For more on the upcoming expo go to:
https://wsvn.com/news/local/childrens-trust-family-expo-held-in-west-miami-dade/
The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County is having a youth Fair that includes free medical exams for young children with Jackson Health System personnel and is an annual event that has only gotten bigger. O damaged hospitals in the Keys
What about the United Ways new program?
United Way of Miami-Dade County has several programs for-not for-profits with good ideas fostering their growth for more go to: https://unitedwaymiami.org/contact-us/media-kit/
>>> Great PBS update on Baptist Health Mariners hospital and Fisherman’s Baptist Health Hospitals in Keys, Fisherman’s flattened after Hurricane Irma.
PBS did a great show over the weekend and one section deals with the two Baptist Health South Florida hospitals in the Keys and Mariners Community hospital hardened was open just days after Hurricane Irma. However, Fisherman’s hospital did not fair as well and had yet to be hardened and the show interviewed several people and executives and physicians on the hospital’s future. Further, Knight Foundation CEO Albert Ibarguen was interviewed on the organization’s $ 350,000 donation to FIU to supplement displaced Puerto Rico students allowing them to complete their education and to see the show go to: https://www.pbs.org/show/your-south-florida/
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> Commission Chair Bovo objects to charges of “voter suppression,” multiple early voting sites, 28 after budget hearing north and south MDCC, FIU get sites, county pays postage on absentee ballots voters in assisted living facilities, nursing homes can get ballots, if agreed to by organizations, but not voters in hospitals says election director Christian White, 1,4 million registered voters,13 commissioners get discretionary funds bump to $148,000
Thursday’s Miami-Dade County’s final $1.78 billion budget hearing was a quite affair with many younger speakers commenting and early voting sites were the hot topics with public speakers. Opening additional early voting sites has become political issue with Democrats crying that Miami is trying to do “voter suppression,” but the administration agreed to open extra voting sites that require a separate ballot for at the 800 precincts said elections department director Christine White to commissioners. She said her biggest concern was not having enough ballot printers given the length of the ballot that in Miami and Miami Beach is some 8 pages both sides long, said newly minted county commissioner Eileen Higgins. The county on general election day will open 854 precincts and the meting went well. Since the 13 commission districts got a bump in their discretionary funding to some $148,000 for each of the 13 districts.
What about the cost of the cost of the 2002 election?
When it comes to elections mayor Gimenez reminded commissioners of the 2012 “election debacle,” and back years ago the phrase when it came to floridaduh voting and came. After a disastrous 2002 primary where the final vote count took weeks the county commission. Then elections supervisor David Leahy was criticized to the point he fainted at the podium and commissioners gave the job to run the general election to then county police department director Carlos Alvarez and coming in at around $13 million since police officers manned the polls that had opened late back then and was a national scandal and another voting embarrassment after the 2000 general election and was the most expensive cunty election in the country. This year the county has 1.4 million registered voters said white to commissioners.
>>>>The WDR gives a tip of the hat to budget guru Jennifer Moon she and her staff crafted a clear budget and with over 75 revenue streams coming in that is no easy task.
>> Crackdown coming on storage sheds in UMSA, some being used as rental homes
Storage sheds in unincorporated Miami Dade caused a vigorous conversation with homeowners showing these sheds are being rented out and are against county code but these adones to property are ubiquitous and in the city of Miami, it is rampant with many unapproved granny rooms attached to a house and in the 1900s in Miami a few select people had the key to the platting office and were changing their property’s description on file with the city.
The County’s Vehicle inspection section was a hot topic since some 5,000 vehicles need to be inspected annually said staff and it includes taxis special transportation vehicles and there are only four inspectors and there are other certified mechanics that also do the examination ( and the WDR believes this private inspection sites would be a prime target for fraud similar to when cars exhaust had to be checked yearly and a cottage industry grew up around the test sites that untimely were abolished years ago because of the shakedowns of drivers .
The county commission made the newly created millennial task force permanent on Wednesday and the group has brought a host of ideas to the county in past meetings
The commission also approved increasing the number of trustees on the Adrian Arsht Performing Arts board to 55 up from some 41 trustees included in a new operating agreement with the trust and county and can be terminated “without cause,” which mollified critic commissioner Joe Martinez, who was the one who pushed for a smaller Jackson board that went from 21 to a seven member trustee board making it more nimble and helped bring the public hospital back into the black after years of hemorrhaging red ink. John Richardson the center’s CEO said the new agreement would enhance “community diversity” on the board and help raise endowment money and shows stability of the county’s commitment to the arts.
>>> Commissioner Suarez feels political hostility and has Commissioner Souto calling him “Judas,” after he supported a Diaz rival who lost, wants county to beef up “not a Mickey Mouse public corruption and money laundering units,” in police department after Souto beats five challengers
A Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) meeting Tuesday since the primaries shows there is a split on the county commission after commissioner Xavier Suarez tried to unseat his peer Jose “Pepe “Diaz and helped a PAC send out attack ads that showed Diaz’s mug shot after being arrested on his motorcycle in Monroe County. The meeting had long serving commissioner Javier saying while he has been portrayed as “Old,’ he did win reelection. He said the administration needs to beef up the police “public Corruption unit,’ and that “money Laundering has long been a perennial problem in south Florida. Further , at the TPO Suarez has two allies his son Francis and Coral Gables Commissioner Vince Lago who both argued for rail in south Dade instead of a BART transit that involves a dedicated lane with $12 million in crossing guards and Lago who was very passionate in his comments about what was told to voters back in 2002 when the half cent sales tax was pitched and over promised by past elected leaders who knew it was not enough and should have been a full cent sales tax, but that idea went down in flames after a late June election date based on lower turnout but voters understood the tactics and shot it down.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/election/article217211050.html
That includes $5.37 billion for its operating budget: To read the complete budget go to:
http://www.miamidade.gov/budget/library/fy2018-19/proposed/volume-1.pdf
>>> The Miami-Dade County Home less Trust held their televised monthly meeting percent Friday, costs will continue even after 3 percent homeless, “elderly in Miami huge problem,” looming says Book, historic community event Aug. 2 at Fire memorial in Doral, HUD Sec. Dr. Carson attending, all hush hush says Chair Book
And to review the task force recommendations: go to http://www.miamidade.gov/charter/library/2018-02-26-meeting-materials.pdf
What about shot spotter technology 80% of shots residents hear do not call 9/11?
A presentation by a regional rep of shot spotter which employs sensors around the county and the facts show only a small number 80 percent of people who hear shots” will not call 9/11 when they hear shots and many families have a “protocol,” when they hear shots and the rep believes they are afraid of being known as a “snitch,” and residents why call after hearing shots and no police coming. Commissioner Dennis Moss suggested they think “the police just don’t care.” One thing the shot spotters is good at is recovering shell casings which helps law enforcement on who the shooter might be. Further county police will soon be equipped with “license plate readers’ already in use in a variety of municipalities. And for more on the technology go to: http://www.shotspotter.com/
>>> The county’s OIG issued its report on a P3 proposal leak by KPMG and concluded it was accidental. To read the report go to: http://www.miamidadeig.org/Reports2018/CourthouseDisclosureIncidentAssuranceReview7.3.18.pdf
| >>> Further, last year’s IG annual report is out, and it is a fascinating read and the office has saved millions since its creation 20-year ago and to read the report go to: http://www.miamidadeig.org/ANNUALREPORTS2.htm
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>>> New continuum of care center coming for homeless with mental issues, JHS involved one stop center
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust along with Jackson Health System is opening a one stop public facility for homeless who qualify for a new diversion program with a mental illness and includes many veterans on the streets and is an old facility previously used by the state, but it will offer a continuum of care and was briefly discussed at the trust board meeting Friday. The whole community has been seeking ways to resolve the mental health issues of the homeless now drawing in people with opioid addiction and a drop of fentanyl can kill and many times is cut with cheap yellow Mexican heroin that appeared years past and is causing thousands of overdoses and the city of Miami spent $150,000 in procuring the miracle drug Narcan that can revive a overdosed person almost immediately and these people cut across all ethnic lines and the issue was discussed Sunday on “This Week in South Florida,” and to see the show go to https://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida/this-week-in-south-florida-oct-29
>>> And here is a broader explanation on the new mental facility Health System – Public Health Trust.
“Progress is being made to create a first of its kind mental health diversion and treatment facility which will centralize, coordinate, and provide a seamless continuum of care for individuals, including homeless individuals, who are frequent and high cost users of taxpayer funded services in the criminal justice and acute care treatment systems. South Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc., DCF’s Managing Entity for administering state substance abuse and mental health funding in Miami-Dade County, will lead the renovation of a former state forensic hospital in Miami which will bring together community-based treatment and social services providers under one roof.
The project will include an integrated crisis stabilization unit and addiction receiving facility, various levels of residential treatment, day treatment and day activities programs, intensive case management, peer support and mentoring services, outpatient behavioral health and primary care treatment services, and vocational rehabilitation/supportive employment services. All services will be designed to address the complex and co-occurring needs of the target population, including mental health, substance abuse, physical health, histories of physical and emotional trauma, and risk factors for future criminal justice involvement.
The facility will also include space for the courts and for social service agencies such housing providers, legal services, and immigration services that will address the comprehensive needs of individuals served. By housing a full array of services and supports in one location, it is anticipated that many of the barriers and obstacles to navigating traditional community mental health, substance abuse, and social services will be removed; and individuals who are currently recycling through the justice system, crisis units, hospitals, and other deep end services will be more likely to engage in ongoing and sustainable treatment and recovery services. The Mental Health Diversion Facility is championed by Judge Steven Leifman, who chairs the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust’s Finance & Audit Committee. The project has been developed with input from the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration, which will be responsible for designating and licensing service providers at the facility. The Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation spearheaded efforts to occupy the building based on a 99-year lease at $1/year. The facility is funded, in large part, with county General Obligation Bond funds, with additional funding provided by the Jackson Health and The Public Health Trust.
>>> Chapman Partnership CEO H. Daniel Vincent saying sayonara in future, highest integrity and compassion for the homeless and families in Miami-Dade, he will be missed
Long time CEO of the Chapman Partnership for homeless H. Daniel Vincent was honored Friday by Homeless Trust Chair Ron Book on Friday at the trust’s televised board meeting and Vincent has been a tireless advocate for the organization and has done a superb job without a hint of scandal and the organization is doing a search but this is one person who will be hard to replace given his compassion and good nature and the WDR gives Vincent a Tip of The Hat for a job well done for the weakest of us and many times includes families and children out on the street. For more on the Alvah Chapman, Jr. partnership go to: https://www.chapmanpartnership.org/about-us/leadership/
The trust has a new program where people with rental housing can register their rental units with the county and for more on the program go to: http://www.homelesstrust.org/rentconnect.asp
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> Board member Mari Tere Rojas sends out flyer thanking voters for her uncontested reelection to dist.6, former educator active at audit committee meetings
The watchdog Report received a campaign piece for school board member Mari Tere Rojas and who was reelected to her District 6 seat and the former educator is very verbal at the district’s Audit and Budget Review committee which is the community firewall looking after how the billions in public bonds are being spent.
>>>> District’s number one mission is to reestablish District Cost Deferential at the state formula for more expensive urban districts, extra $20 million extra security costs are “unsustainable,” says Carvalho, county and municipalities chipping in but only this coming year, since “children safety & security comes first” says mayor Gimenez at county budget meeting
Superintendents Alberto Carvalho held a Cabinet Retreat Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Double Tree Grand and the handouts note that when it comes this year’s legislative session. Past laws changed have left the larger districts in the fiscal lurch Thus in the next Florida Legislative session the nation’s fourth largest public schools district wants the District Cost Differential (DCD) brought back that considers the higher costs associated with a more expensive urban areas that also includes Broward County. Th extra funding formula was stripped in 2004 and with 67 smaller counties these smaller districts want a cut of this funding, but it has hammered the larger districts whose teachers need a salary boost but is not getting the money from the state
However, the district is skeptical without a unified effort of the other larger urban districts to get the legislature to kick in more even though the upcoming House speaker is Jose Avila, R-Miami Lakes and the chief auditor Iraida Mendez- Cartaya formerly the school lobbyist in Tallahassee said until the general election that the GOP controlled legislature members are all about winning the General Election in November and Dr. Stephen Gallon, III said “he has given up after three years of lobbying state representatives and senators.” He said after, “he believes in open lines of communication.” He also appreciates that the “legislators were elected by the people,” and thus with the increased security costs that after the Parkland High school massacre he believed the schools new security plan is “unsustainable next year.” Since the District along with the county and eight municipalities have agreed to assist staffing school sites. The District has 390 school sites “spread across 25 municipalities and unincorporated Miami-Dade and has only 361 sworn officers and 29 armed guards,” state the handout documents and will include a new Enhanced Training Platform and three active attack integrated responses. Further, Mayor Carlos Gimenez had the county this one time kick in some funding for extra police who “will be on overtime,’ to help with protecting and keeping the children safe was a number 1 priority for the termed out mayor, at a county commission budget meeting but also called for more than the $20 million granted by the state of which the county only gets some $2 million.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/20170804/senate-pushes-dcd-study-forward
>>> Supt. Carvalho since “decade ago,” has replaced some “85 percent, of all principals asst. principals “tenure,” shorter he says
At Wednesday’s school board meeting Supt. Alberto Carvalho discussed recent personnel changes and is one of the reasons the district has a A rating. Carvalho back in the great recession understood the depth of the fiscal issues early and he replaced some “85 percent of all principles,” since a “decade ago,” Further assistant principals “tenure is shorter these days, said Carvalho. He also pruned underperforming teachers during this crisis period and his gamble paid off. Because many principals over the years were d avoided protected and attempts to remove principals many times came with blowback but given the fiscal crisis the school board allowed Carvalho to do what he had to and avoided some of the problems found in the Broward County school district the second largest in Florida.
>>>BCC puts on ballot: Four-year funding referendum for teacher pay raise and new security costs after state’s unfunded mandate for more police presence at schools, once ramped-up significant ongoing cost for district, needs voter approval, about 75 cents on tax bill, with independent over sight board, past GOB bond 50 percent expended, “projects on time no scandals,” says, Supt. Carvalho to county commission
It’s a go Miami-Dade County approves putting a referendum to help fund teacher’s salaries increased police costs for school safety after the state passed legislation requiring districts to have police in every school after 17 people were killed at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
The unfunded mandate is just another reminder that the state legislature does not get the size of Miami-Dade’s public-school district (where school police can only cover only 90 schools), An A District but with 70,000 students English learners (and 5,300 students in the autism spectrum in the district) and the demographics of Miami-Dade are such “That the county has the smallest percent of Angelo’s in the nation,” said board member Marta Perez and why the A grade for the district is so special in comparison to other districts around the nation without such a high level of diversity.
>>> DASH school project tells peers with stickers and help # regarding mental health. “Don’t stall call,” for help it suggests.
A DASH school project had students come up with a way to remind students if they need mental health. ‘Don’t stall make the call,” a slogan that will be found on the sides of toilets and the issue of lonely aggrieved students lashing out has been brought home after the Parkland shooting and the role of gamming with these addicted young male students.
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>>> Jackson Health System: has a “lock on charity care,” internal report says $884 million given past year, new high also hitting all hospitals
The JHS system has the “lock on indigent care in the county” said, CEO Carlos Migoya,” state’s a recent charity report generated by Jackson Health System and it highlights the amount of uncompensated care countywide and Commissioner Daniel Levine-Cava who represents South Dade. She noted in her district that Baptist Health in Homestead does a significant amount of charity care at the new state of the art hospital that replaced an outdated 1950 hospital flattened after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
What about the $884 million in charity care report at JHS?
A new charity care report has been released and a consultant’s study says the public health system does some $884 million in charity care and with cutbacks in LIP. The lower income pool the costs are expected to rise and over the years all the hospitals in Dade have had issues with charity care and years ago Mt Sinai Medical Center did some $130 million in uncompensated care and Baptist Health also gets hit with some $250 to $300 million in charity care or 24 percent of the community’s charity care and JHS is still saddled with $78.8 million in uncompensated mandates to the county that began in early 2000 and includes costs for jail inmates and a host of other expenses and to read the complete report go to: the report was requested by county commissioners Barbara Jordan and Daniella Levine-Cava go to http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/legistarfiles/Matters/Y2018/181871.pdf
>>>> The PHT closed its last quarter in the black and continues a six-month trend of operating in the black ($55 million cash on hand) despite Jackson Health System (JHS) having a “lock on the charity care market,” quipped CEO Carlos Migoya at a joint BCC meeting and the PHT board.
>>> Annual PHT joint board meeting smooth and an upbeat discussion after the county once thought of selling Jackson Health System to Boston investors, now while challenges is public community “jewel,” says chair Bovo
The Annual Joint meeting with the county’s commission was a night and day presentation. BCC Chair Estephan Bovo, Jr. said it was a “leap of faith,” when the body reduced the size of the board from 21 members to seven and, but the commission passed and instituted some reforms that at one point some investors from Boston wanted to buy Jackson Health System.
Bovo thanked Migoya for the remarkable job and gave a shout out to union leader Martha Baker. for working closely to make the hospital more efficient while keeping the world class medical care. Migoya noted Jackson did over $300 million in charity care and JHS has “cornered that market.” Though other hospitals have the same problem of uncompensated care.
>>> Chair of citizens GOB $830 million Making Miracles bond, says on track, low administrative costs, clinics popping up all over Miami-Dade, CEO Migoya gets rave reviews from BBC, though commissioner Jordan was “skeptical,” and gave the banker a “tough time,” that’s changed
The chair of the Citizens oversight board Jose Luis Gomez for the $830 million JHS making miracles bond, gave an upbeat report and the low administration costs for the major capital program that includes a host of community clinics. The voters approved this bond back in 2013 overwhelmingly under the leadership of CEO Carlos Migoya who has worked closely with the unions and was a key to getting the public hospital.
He also created a “protégé program,” that helps SBAs qualify for contracts and the capital plan is moving at a brisk rate. Ron Frazer an architect said the county should consider doing its own protégé program, he told commissioners on Tuesday where the body got an update on the bond’s progress. For more go to: https://www.jhsmiami.org/webApps/JHSGOBCitizen/getFiles.cfm?MeetingType=c_CitizensMeetingAgenda#
>>>> Florida Legislature needs to fund Ryder Trauma, the communities crown jewel for Trauma
What about Ryder Trauma?
Florida Legislators need to reaffirm the importance of the Ryder Trauma Center and keep funding for the medical center. One of the finest in the world and is the only Class I Center in South Florida and should be nurtured by law makers. I reminded Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R Monday of this fact. He noted when a Florida State Trooper was badly injured it was Ryder that saved his life and he seemed to understand what a jewel the center is to the community.
>>> Trust continues to have clean audits, challenges continue ahead, closed the year with $30 million budget surplus, 50 days cash on hand, new rehabilitation Center property prepped Friday
The PHT trustees’ meeting was short and sweet Wednesday with the health trust having a “clean,” KPMG audit for last year and the auditing firm has been the trust’s auditor for 7 years but having no audit exemptions is a big deal and back in 2004 under previous management the trust took a $84 million chargeback on past audits going back to the late 1990s.
>>> New report on how JHS spending $830 million bond monies, going well
Here is the most recent update on the $830 million GOB passed by County wide voters to update the ageing facilities at Jackson Health System and the projects are going very well and includes minority vender participation similar the public schools oversight system and this public money is key to the communities’ health since there is a big push toward prevention and wellness has FIU physicians doing primary and family medicine and is a real boon in keeping healthcare costs down. To read the report go:
>>> County OIG report on Career Source and workforce development in Monroe and Miami-Dade; to read the report go to: http://www.miamidadeig.org/Reports2018/FinalAuditReport-CareerSourceSouthFlorida.pdf
CITY OF MIAMI
>>> Civility leaves the house as Miami commissioner Carollo amps up criticism of commissioner Russell, outraged that a “shaking [Russell] staffer” attended Bay front Park Trust public meeting where Russell has one trustee
Well civility has left the Miami commission chambers and the catalyst is commissioner Joe Carollo. In a discussion on the controversial ULTRA music festival contract that he had negotiated but would not vote on it. He got into it with commissioner Ken Russell saying as a negotiator he had dealt with Donald Trump in the past while he was “selling yo-yos to children” He also brought the Naguchi fountain in front of the By front Park Trust a board that Carollo chairs and is seen as a rubber stamp board since he made the bulk of the appointments to the obscure board that oversees the park and condominium residents complaining about the high decibel music ULTRA puts on in March for the last some 20 years and is kicking in $3 million in income to the city and is used to maintain the facility that in 2000 required a $450,000 injection of city general funds but a scandal later ended that need after the executive director Ira Katz went to jail and the CFO tried to hide his laptop in a ceiling tile. http://www.bayfrontparkmiami.com/Facilties.html
DDA yellow shirt program giving homeless people a job in downtown
>>> Dueling U.S. attorneys Martinez & Gimenez representing Suarez and Carollo in law suit challenging strong mayor initiative, Suarez’s net worth from 2014 to 2017
Mayor Francis Suarez attended the FOP Negations union talks Thursday and, in an email, he thought the talks went OK and a contract “was agreed upon,” he wrote in an email last week. Miami after a financial emergency cut the payroll for officers for years and the court’s have ruled the employees deserve some $120 million in back pay but when I asked an officer Friday he said they had not agreed, and the city took away some benefits.
Miami River vacuum Scavenger gets county funding is also a tourist draw while keeping river clean
The Scavenger boat for the Miami River clean-up got funding from the county commission Thursday. Th water vacuum is essential to keeping the working Miami River clean and is almost a tourist attraction while the boat ply’s the waterways.
>>>>> Mayor Suarez buys tony million-dollar home, won’t say where cash down payment came from, says none of my business
Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo continues to be feisty and he took several shots at Commissioner Ken Russell Thursday in a discussion of a at large board member to the Bayfront Park Trust board that Carollo chairs. He carped that Russell serves on the most boards and his choices for a board member should be respected. After Russel thought the need for downtown condos representatives have a voice on the park’s board and all the events like ULTRA.
Carollo said he is in tune with the residents’ concerns and they have never had a bigger voice under his leadership, he shot back to Russell and the two of them have feuded on the five-member commission and generally objected to the any political resolutions Russell was trying to pass while he was running for congress but the commissioner later changed his mind and withdrew. However, Carollo is a republican and when he was last running for mayor back in 2001 and there was a large pack of candidates. He once spoke at the Elephant Forum at the Rusty Pelican and he told the quest’s that he personally stopped a 747 after 9/11 from crashing into Turkey Point he told the stunned attendees and I taped it back then, but it gives an idea into his mercurial personality and his ability to embellish his thoughts. Here is an ethics commission report on Bayfront and members getting free ULTRA tickets: http://ethics.miamidade.gov/library/closed%20investigations/2018/pi_18-10_bayfront-park-ultra.pdf
>>> Further Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has bought a tony new home in Coconut Grove costing over$1.4 million and given I have all his financial disclosure forms. I asked him Thursday how he came up with the down payment and he suggested it was none of my business, yet the young mayor talks about transparency and good government, but this issue will continue, and he needs to explain) especially with him trying to be a strong mayor where trust is a top concern. In some ways the WDR supports a strong mayor but with that comes complete accountability and Suarez has raised so much money for PACS many see it as obscene and lobbying is flourishing in the city and during commission meetings that it is hard not to wonder what his true intentions might be since a campaign tag he had a few years was “our time,” re his generation in power and government.
What do his financial disclosures look like since 22014 to 2017?
Suarez said he had no income since he had just started to work at a law firm so I checked his financial disclosure forms from 2014 where through June he was worth $13,018.44 and in 2016 it jumps to $100,163 the same net worth he had back in 2016 and in 2017 his net worth was $245,015 and I only checked this information since he is seeking to become a strong mayor and since his salary in that initiative is referenced to be 75 percent the county mayors salary. Suarez got a significant raise since in the county budget there was a pay raise of $250,000 in the budget passed Thursday night for Carlos Gimenez and could even grow higher for Suarez and will be cherry on the compensation cake for the young real-estate attorney who will not confirm he will have no outside income with this bump and is od since most senior officials focus only on their duties ( ask ex Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne about this after he went to prison on tax evasion).
>>> Strong mayor petition validity falls on courts, Carollo leads the charge in circuit court, Mayor Suarez says, “let the will of people,” decide new city’s charter
A circuit court judge will decide on if the strong mayor petition is a valid document after the plaintiffs met in court last week. And Commissioner Joe Carollo is suing the city and the petition process that followed the county’s statute since the city has nothing in its charter.
>>> When it comes to the Miami Charter I have been watching this process since 1999 when the charter Review committee met and was chaired by commissioner Willey Gort and while a charter question is the right of Miami electorate many times It is a staged process.
>>> Suarez’s strong mayor initiative runs into iceberg Carollo; language must ban outside employment, for mayor and manager
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s bid to put a strong mayor form of government hit an ice berg called Commissioner Joe Carollo as he drilled into the petition process that is not defined in the Miami charter and use the county’s petition guidelines and Suarez hired a firm from Tallahassee to get the signatures and Carollo zeroed in whether theses paid signature gathers either lived in the state or even Miami-Dade and that is important for to gather signatures under county statutes you have to be a registered electorate to perform this function and Carolllo found many of the signatures he checked were bogus.
Further in the lobby was a man dressed like a dictator and the mayor’s initiative once was pushed by his father Xavier Suarez a former Miami Mayor. Carollo and Commissioner Manola Reyes also had problems with the way the salary would be written and not what could be up to $326,000 and does not exclude outside employment and it was revealed the city manager is also moonlighting in some capacity and that is not boding well with the discussion starting again this week and for more go to:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article216436445.html
What was the new wrinkle during the meeting Suarez refused to say he would not have outside employment and when that was asked to Miami manager Emilio Gonzalez he did not say no and does something, now unknown in some capacity. However, tax payers expect full time employment when discussing salaries and performance goals for the taxpayers and the fact that Gonzalez is doing something beside his job is disconcerting and, in the mayor’s, case given the political maneuver.
Miami Residents get to roll the dice re city leadership and is Suarez the anointed one has the cash to make it happen?
Further, if this form of government is approved the electorate will be rolling the dice that the young attorney with a new daughter will have the heft and political skills to work under the five-member city commission that can resemble a verbal lion’s den with a level of diversity not seen anywhere else in America and his judgement sometimes goes off course.
Like when Suarez and Marc Sarnoff ate lunch at Versailles with a group of Miami lobbyists and used two sergeant -of. Arms to transport them (and he got an ethics commission slap of the hand) to the tony local restaurant. Suarez when he first ran said he could have run as Xavier Suarez rather than Francis. But by doing that he also dodged his father Xavier’s media moniker of “mayor loco,” coined back in 1997 when he briefly was Miami mayor, yet later removed by county circuit judge Tam Wilson. After it was found there was widespread voter fraud in the election and Joe Carollo was brought back to the office through 2002. Further, Suarez’s father got into a political fray with county mayor Carlos Gimenez and Pepe Diaz and the father Xavier Suarez has brought back his old moniker of Mayor Loco after Gimenez told a story about one of Suarez’s ideas of using helicopters to lift cars out of traffic and the father is coming off as a little strange and is bleeding into the son’s political life who is expected to run for county mayor when Gimenez is termed out in 2020.
The freshman mayor believes the strong mayor administration will be more responsive and if voters are dissatisfied the occupant can be recalled he insists and no easy project without serious money. Further, critics wonder why this push for transparency and performance since. He has yet to show that with the no bid Beckham deal as a prime example and was hosted on the commission before it was fully baked and rushed through, until the commissioners pushed on the brakes but in his mind the $3 million he raised for his campaign was not obscene after I asked him about this and I left puzzled what his core values were and Miami will find out if his initiative passes.
However, while Suarez may be a prototype mayor. What about his replacement in the future?
What about the Miami city Charter and the role of Jessie Manzano who helped organize the strong mayor petition signature process felt the sting of Carollo and asked the lobbyist and a political sidekick of Suarez’s to stop going on Spanish radio telling listeners that the reason the commission is blocking this is because voters would be able to recall commissioners, and Carollo suggested he might be a recall target (which they can already do). However, this feud is missing the fact the charter does not have clear language about how to do a petition effort and Suarez used the county’s requirements and the validly of the petition gatherers as county voters, which Carrolo says had one person “registered in Broward,” with potentially some “ten percent.” Not being qualified petition gatherers under the law.
>>>> MESA, The Miami Exhibition and Sports Authority is in the news again after its staffer Lourdes Blanco was found to be getting two paychecks and the city employee is calling it a ‘witch hunt, ‘also $10,000 promotion check, given and then rescinded to wrong Jazz Festival, former mayor Regalado attended last MESA meeting June 31, body passes resolution dissolving the board among controversy and law suits by Chalks and heliport.
The board founded years ago is the back-door entity for deals on Watson Island waterfront and is an obscure board that was funded by the old Miami Arena and had commissioners wining and dining with no; limit on the charges said one city intern back then, while the elected official hit on them and the women rebuffed by laughing at the thought. However, that was years ago and more recently MESA was supposed to have given $10,000. For the Miami Jazz Festival, when it was supposed to be for the DDA’s downtown Jazz festival with a similar name and afterwards the director told the wrong organization, the city wanted the $10,000 back immediately even though it had already been spent on promotion of the earlier event but it shows some of the chaos, and while a very visible tape recorder tapes the meetings rarely are there meeting minutes in the handout documents many of which I have from the past meetings and the board is run by the mayor in this case Tomas Regalado and past staff have included an attorney or any administrator or connected employee an is one of Miami’s sweetheart jobs with car allowance and other perks.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article215641790.html
At the county people are having second thoughts about having a strong mayor calling county Mayor Carlos Gimenez “King Carlos.”
However, young Suarez could be taking a Greek Icarus political trajectory and believes given his overwhelming election with 85 percent of the vote. That anything he wants should be on autopilot. And while he talks “Transparency and trust,” Manolo Reyes wants “to trust but verify,” but given support documentation available only at the last hour it appears the mayor and Suarez administration was winging it on the fly. Further commissioner Joe Carollo went after the mayor on details and verbally clubbed Suarez, like a baby seal and the lack of study and transparency he believed going into the meeting and how the deal was crafted was the point of the spear of his criticism and Suarez asked the public to “trust,” him. But after raising some $3 million for his mayoral campaign he is a believer the ends justify the means when I hinted that the amount he raised was “obscene,” for a municipal mayor’ s race, and he did that to challenge any opponents when in fact he ran against five unknown candidates who raised no money for their own races.
Francis the eldest son of former Miami mayor Xavier Suarez is the chosen one and he is said to be eying a run for governor in the years ahead. However, he is making a political calculation on this stadium deal and he believes he can make it a done deal with little commissioner input as Wilfredo Gort pointed out and Gort was looking for some attention since the stadium would be in his District.
The problem with unsolicited proposals is that Miami could have park waterfront land become developed and this could be that precedent even with city voter’s approval for development on Miami waterfront parks something eyed by the city in years past and is a third rail with many voters but the city does have some underused waterfront land that to the city is just an avenue for money after the city’s boom and bust property value history and has Carollo saying during these boon times Miami was spending city funds Like a drunken sailor.”
Why is sophomore mayor Francis Suarez being verbally pummeled by Commissioner Joe Carollo? Suarez blows off the lack of transparency and insufficient documentation and details before the commission discussion and on “trust” says it is a great deal for the city since it’s a $1billion investment deal with Jorge Mas of MAS TEC and an investment group doing the financing and will “not involve any public funding.” Mas noted a stadium is not a “economic engine developer unless there is some retail and an entertainment complex,” and the renderings show a fair amount of green space. Further MAS TEC had a subsidiary JASCO that got an IG audit years ago and to go to that go to: http://www.miamidadeig.org/Archived/01-124jasco.pdf
The Downtown development Authority’s budget included continued funding for the yellow shirt program where formerly homeless people are paid to keep the streets clean and to help in any way possible tourists a downtown resident. Further several them after this program find employment, and one speaker said someone they knew got a job as a “butcher” and she thought the DDAs program was a resounding success for downtown residents. However, commissioner Carollo wondered if he could get some of this attention in his own district.
But the administrations info was half baked and reflected on Suarez who also got mauled by the other commissioners for the lack of “specifics,” and Manola Reyes who ran “nine times,” said his “dream was to bring “transparency,” to Miami,” and he is not giving up on that dream,” he told his peers at the dais.
>>> Commissioner Carollo and Reyes wants commission auditor to audit BayFront Park Trust, where there is a “$1.5 million” variance said Carollo, brother Frank former chair and CPA headed the trust, Carollo has no trust in CFO and director, back in 2000 major scandal at entity with the director Ira Katz being arrested, case fell apart after federal, state and FDLE agencies lost the evidence, CFO tried to hide laptop in bathroom ceiling tile
Newly minted Commissioner Joe Carollo is maintaining his reputation of being a divisive force on the commission and an item trying to abolish the Bayfront Park Trust and the board Carollo chairs was being pushed by Commissioner Ken Russell who later withdrew it to promote peace on the dais and Carollo followed his brother Frank Carollo, CPA.
His brother believes there are a variety of irregularities regarding the Trust’s finances and he told commissioners when he met with the director and CFO he was told there was some “$1.5” million variances. Carollo the senior said he did not know these people and wanted the trust to be audited by the commission auditor Ted Guba who is very busy with other audits since commissioner Manola Reyes wants every city trust to be audited. However, outside audits are done for all these organizations already, but the former Miami Mayor thinks some of these could be cooked
What about the park’s scandal back in Jan. 9, 2000 when the then director Ira Katz was arrested after Miami herald reporter Tyler Bridges did an extensive investigative series of stories and when the trust was raided by federal and state authorities and the then CFO tried to hide his laptop in a ceiling panel. Further, back then the trust was getting some $500,000 from the city in subsidy and longtime Commissioner J.L. Plummer chaired the trust like a little fiefdom. The reason the city has so many trusts is the commission periodically raids any money in them and see the trusts as piggy banks. Further, Carollo notes the city could be under fiscal siege since a judge ruled in favor of a flagstone project on Watson island and the developers sued the city $120 million and another lawsuit is MESA is said to be coming.
What about the city’s finances?
Commissioners have been holding private “shade meetings,” where the administration and their attorney’s discuss legal suits and Carollo brought up the need for revenue a number of times and “hard times,” could be coming since a court ruled on a $120 million lawsuit for the city terminating the Flagstone project on Watson Island and another suit is going on for discussions leaders has at Miami Expedition Sports Authorities meeting that I have attended for years and involved a helicopter and seaplane base that was run by Chalk’s Airlines until a high profile crash shut down the service.
What about the Watson Island Flagstone project?
Suarez Friday told the WDR that he believes the city appeal of a local court ruling will be successful saying past administrations due diligence for the Flagstone Development on Watson Island was flawed and the developer never had the financial where with all to get the project done and the company “had been shopping the deal,” he said, and the final verdict will be determined by the District’s Third Court of appeal. However, this deal has always been political and was selected by the financial urgency board created by the state and at the time was chaired by banker Adolpho Henriques and the Flagstone project was to pay the most of three proposals that were put on the ballot. The selection committee back in 2001 met at the Miami outboard motor club. Further, the city was sued $120 million for it claiming the development was in default and along with pension concerns the city is dealing with a variety of fiscal obligations: Editor: Miami lost this in court and is another fiscal torpedo coming to the city.
EDITORIALS
>>> Mayor Suarez’s strong mayor proposal flawed should not allow outside income for either mayor or manager, not about him but future mayors, needs to explain financing of new home in the Grove
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’ push for a strong mayor an idea not about him. He says he wants a quick decision so that voters don’t have to pay $1.2 million for the Special election in Nov. is a canard. The issue is about the soul of the city, its charter that is constantly reviewed by a city Charter Review panel but the strong mayor form of government never passed muster with the panel over the years and the young commissioner a real estate attorney wants the power and the big bucks but will not commit a strong mayor will not have outside employment and that is a big deal and is what many times gets officials arrested and can raise the ugly head that taxpayers interests could be at risk and conflict and he is lowering the good governance bar.
Further, it emerged recently that the Miami Manager has outside employment, but it is not known what that is, and residents should demand to know what that is and the fact. Suarez is not forthcoming on this issue flies in his claim for more transparency and open government and many of his past staffers are lobbyist pitching deals or zoning and his entourage are populating Dinner Key and there are several new staffers.
However, Suarez is diminishing the office’s gravitas with all the social network activity and the potential to become a reality star seems to be his plan and with his 75 percent win at his election. The telegenic mayor may feel he is recall proof and that is very dangerous for a politician though he punts with the phrase “let the voters decide while,” he sits on a few million PAC and campaign assets. For more go to: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article216436445.html
Further, with voter turnout in many elections in the 15 percent range this lack of participation by the electorate is a corrosive force. Early voting in state, judges and other races start Monday in Miami Dade and will you be participating for we get the government we deserve if voters do not exercise their right and is the bedrock of a democracy.
>>> The Florida Legislature should keep its hands off the 20 counties that have Home Rule Charter local government is better with local leaders but yes not perfect, at least we arrest our own
Thank you, Florida Legislature, for requiring at local meetings the public has “a right to be heard,” and at the county commission and at local municipal meetings law makers are hearing a host of matters many times with the bark on and usually deal with a local community dilemma that might be heard without this new opportunity to be heard. However, the legislature is wrong to dilute the powers of Home Rule Counties and try to put a state overlay of laws that don’t represent the diversity of the state’s communities and since there are 20 Home Rule Counties local government is always better for residents and voters should let their legislators know they should keep their hands off parenting local government since counties already get beat up in the capital and since Miami-Dade is the state’s largest county with 2.5 million residents and a donor community by some 34 percent of the state’s budget, said the Florida CFO years ago. The state lawmakers should keep that in mind and let local government decide their own legislation regarding issues that affect the local communities.
>>> Mayor Suarez needs to lead by example, and be careful who he hob nods with, city needs to tighten-up
New Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has a unique chance to change the permissive culture of the city where practically no Miami employee wears their city ID or carries cards. Further, city leaders have to tighten up with whom they associate with and if someone is a convicted felon one might want to steer clear because the mayor sets the tone of the administration and after the last few years things were very loose and who you knew versus your competency, was many times over rode and Miami residents deserve better and every city employee represents all and should never forget that you are a public figure and a public servant something many employees seem to forget.
>>> The Watchdog Report is soon Celebrating 18 years of weekly reliable publishing since May 5th 2000 and when I started back then I never thought I would be doing this so this is a national story in all the national Tribune papers: 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.
>>> 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 almost 18 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 information is at the end of the WDR. And I hope you will consider supporting 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 l. Thank You.
And to my Supporters I pledge to keep ‘going when you cannot.’ And we have about $9 billion in GOB funds being spent through a variety of public institutions and that is no small number 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 I also keep watch for the all-important tourism industry and with the Zika Virus people are starting to understand how vital these tourists are for a host of amenities like culture and the arts, Jackson health System and transportation dollars all entities that benefit from tourism sales tax dollars.
>>> And while the Watchdog Report has reached19 years of using my own money to survive in the costlier Miami community. And while I have cut expenses I need my readers help. In this fast-changing world and with Pay Pal now you can easily use a credit card to contribute and I hope you will consider helping to keep someone out in the field. And I have not wanted to be a lobbyist but rather a lobbyist for everyone and is why I use the tag line ‘I go when you cannot’. But things were made worse after spending 18 days in the hospital with a badly infected finger. And is why I am behind sending my traditional thank you letter to any supporters contributing and hop to catch up soon. And I thank these people from the bottom of my heart for the past financial help.
>>> I just ask any reader, once a year who thinks this community resource is valuable to contribute via my Pay Pal account for the fiscal issues sometimes keeps me from going to a meeting sometimes, and the stress also affects my health and only with my readers support can “I go when you cannot,” thank you and hope you will help so the WDR can celebrate 18 years on May 5th. 2018.
>>> And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account http://paypal.me/WatchdogReport Further, if you would rather send a check send it made out to Daniel Ricker and mail it to 3109 Grand Ave., #125 Miami, Fla. 33133. Thank you, Dan
However, 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 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 future 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. And I thank my supporters over the last 17 years. And to read a national story and profile of the WDR publisher in the early years and background back in 2003 go to: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american
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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, 2018, 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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