Watchdog Report Vol.20 No.06 February 10, 2019 – EST: 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating almost 20 Years of weekly publishing
See you next week and hope you will consider supporting a reliable news service and keeping me in the field and I think over the years I have done my best work covering Jackson health System and the school board and these still need to be monitored and hope you will help. If you are no longer getting the WDR please send me an email after my internet service earth link account was hacked by a foreign actor a few months ago and the cost for the IT was not cheap. Thanks for all the past support!
>>>> Further today is my Vol.20, 05 weekly edition since 05.05.00 of publishing the Watchdog Report and while I have had a variety issues over the past years, I thank my supporters again for the privilege of doing this free news service along with the internet.
>>> And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account that is easy to use and right now would be a great time: 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
>>> 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.
CONTENTS
ARGUS REPORT: Assistant state attorney Horn asking county commission to us its muscle, to get state attorneys & PD a raise from $41,500 office suffers with 20 percent retention rate, who will replace KFR, 68, as the county’s top cop, handles 1,200 employees, 250,000 cases?– The civic angels of “the bobcat law society,” visited the Miami-Dade County Commission chambers Thursday, when a dozen or so high school students from the Bob Graham Educational Center spoke in front of the Miami-Dade County’s Homeless trust and if these students are our future America is in great shape.– The super bowl is not the big enchilada of upcoming events, but the 2020 Census is, undercount costs millions, maybe even a new future house seat like in 2000, the worse count ever after Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez sent fear through the Cuban community of the federal government, some $800 billion at stake for some counties around the nation.
STATE of FLORIDA: Governor Ron DeSantis Leading with Purpose and Conviction – Gov. Ron De Santis has released his $91.3 billion proposed state budget and he is proposing money to help clean-up the environment after toxic algae blooms fouled the state’s waterways and beaches and drove tourists away from the once pristine state – taps judges’ luck & Lagoa to supreme courts, benign financial disclosures, see below
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: Domestic violence takes a new twist 200 cases of, “strangulation,” new issue, difficult for cops to see since bruising takes a couple of days, may be underreported in Miami-Dade – Mayor says, state of county good, as he gives sayonara speech at new Royal Caribbean terminal, losing his angel on his shoulder Alina Hudak, retiring –Domestic violence takes a new twist, “strangulation,” new issue, difficult for cops to see some 200 cases since bruising takes a couple of days, may being underreported in Miami-Dade – Last week’s hot topics were, vehicles & furniture, “4 to 10 police,” vehicles a week can be processed by county in new police cars, $84 million contract, $38 million from previous year “1,006 new cars from that amount
Miami-Dade County Public Schools: OIG busts district employees for selling GDGs, WLRN workshop coming up Feb.27-
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST: FIU taps Harvard trained medical school dean Robert Sackstein M.D., Ph. D, former JHS resident coming home born in Cuba– JHS getting senior staff from other local hospital systems, not always the case years ago, public system is transforming itself and Miami residents will be the beneficiaries —
JHS like a phoenix rebuilds itself, Bariatric and transplants two areas for growth girders rising on the campus
CITY OF MIAMI: Mayor Francis Suarez gave his first state of the city speech at the Miami Freedom Tower and the high energy young man and attorney was received by quests almost like a rally as he detailed the administrations goals in the coming year, but can he deliver? – mayor Suarez moving on up now sitting on dais between manager and attorney, make it seem he is a strong mayor though voters rejected that idea, not stopping him – Bayside Foundation Willy Gort scholarship to get $250,000 anti-poverty funding from his dist.1 fund, foundation gives $200,000 in scholarships, odd taxpayer money being used, will it start a trend of scholarship programs?
EDITORIALS: Elected leaders’ foreign trips, could determine if they are Marco Polo, to county and city voters! – Mayor Suarez’s strong mayor proposal flawed should not allow outside income for either mayor or manager, not about him but future mayors – 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
Community Event: Lotus Village gala https://lotushouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-Gala-Sponsorship-Package-final.pdf
>>> If you wish to be deleted, just e-mail me with that message.
>>> 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.)
ARGUS REPORT: Heard Seen on the Street
>>> Assistant state attorney Horn asking county commission to us its muscle, to get state attorneys & PD a raise from $41,500 office suffers with 20 percent retention rate, who will replace KFR as the county’s top cop, handles 1,200 employees, 250,000 cases?
One of the nation’s largest public law firms the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office had an ask for the county commission Wednesday. Don Horn the senior administrative assistant to state attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, 68, ( Net worth $3.1 million) noted the office has a 20 percent retention rate, since attorney pay is set by the legislature and the average salary is “45,000” and newly minted law students, many times have “$100,000,” in debt and while the office is a great training ground and handles some 250,000 cases a year and hires more new attorneys than many other counties have in total given the state’s 67 counties. Many which are rural and nowhere the urbanization of south Florida and its cost. What is odd is that Miami-Dade is a major donor to the state’s budget but gets shortchanged by the legislature that looks at us like the golden goose but does not reciprocate.
Further, it is unknown who will follow her in the office since her appointment in 1993, and her last serious challenge was in 2004 when now judge Alberto Milian ran against her. https://www.miamitodaynews.com/2019/02/05/pay-for-state-attorney-office-called-crisis-level/ and for more on her career go to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Fernandez_Rundle Editor’s note: I only write about her office since no names are being heard while dozens are lining up to be county mayor, this is a critical office when it comes to corruption and good government.
What about 11th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Steve Leifman?
Behavioral health advocate Circuit Court Judge Steven Leifman was the key note luncheon speaker at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce monthly chamber luncheon. The man honored for his work in mental health and the judiciary must deal with the largest number of inmates in the county’s jails and many incarcerated are there for low level offences but have mental issues. Some for being homeless and arrested having a milk container a misdemeanor under state law along with shopping carts. He said in Dade some 2 million residents are arrested since “9.1 percent” of our residents have “mental issues,” he said. Further the county spends $80 million and receives some 92,000 mental health calls and “treatment works,’ he says. He noted that the county has trained some “6,500,” police officers trained in mental health calls where Dade does 2 million mental health ‘psychological evaluations,” a year. He noted nationwide the country spends some $200 billion on depression and many insurance coverage” does not include mental health and is expected to increase since ageing diseases like diabetes enhance depression. He believes the criminal justice system is not the solution for these people and society would not do this if it was “cancer,’” and believes awareness and medical intervention is the solution. For more go to https://stepuptogether.org/people/steve-leifman
The jurist noted the cost of prisons is no small number to house these people and depression and a host of other ills including PTSD for police can all be contributing factors. He said as community we treat animals better than people,” after he had to take his dog to a vet and the doctor called later to see how the dog was.
>>> The Knight Foundation releases commission report on restoring trust in media
The John. S. and James L. Knight Foundation has released a report looking at restoring trust in the media and its corrosive effect to Democracy to read the commission’s report go to: http://csreports.aspeninstitute.org/Knight-Commission-TMD/2019/report
>>>> What about the Homeless Trust and this year’s number of who had died on the street, a new high many opioid related, last year 138 passed this year 201 passed state’s medical examiner confirms.
The watchdog Report contacted Book about the solemn but stirring meetings after the students spoke and he wrote back, “It was even more because we had the vigil for an hour and a half before in the lobby and it was extremely emotional and painful. Last year, 138 individuals died on our streets. The number popped up this year to 201, which is the highest year yet and 77% are confirmed by the medical examiner to have died from opioid overdoses. That is simply unconscionable and unacceptable and disheartening.
Secondly, if that’s not bad enough, the national average from a life expectancy perspective on someone who lives on the streets is 79 years of age nationally. Our average this year amongst the 201 was 55 years old. Think about it, our average is 24 years younger than the national average and we don’t have minus 44-degree weather. It was very emotional and very hard and draining. Then we go to the Trust Meeting and it just becomes a high, but it was a high after one of the worst downers in the 25 years I’ve served this Board. Then right after the Board meeting, I had to judge with four of my team members, our annual essay and poster contest amongst elementary, middle school and high school kids. Just a hard day around on homelessness, wrote the long-time chair. For more on the Sadowski trust go to;https://www.bradenton.com/opinion/editorials/article48810155.html
What have I learned being a watchdog of our community’s public institutions?
Since 1997 I have watched the interaction of all our public institutions and there is still a need for an information facilitator between these public institutions and while these institutions are communicating and are not like ships passing in the night saying essentially to each other drop dead we will do what we want regardless if its redundant or counterproductive. That has been my goal to be information nervous system. “
>>>PBS continues to have host Pam Giganti still doing “This Week in South Florida,” while she also does ads for Miami U health seen on WPLG as recently as last week (promoting new franchise UM heart surgeon Joseph Lamalas, M.D.) and I decided to check out the station and pulled some audits and to read them go to:
On her twitter account she is blending her shows with U Health which is fine but as it is PBS it seems a conflict when she shills for a health system and might be getting paid.
>> The super bowl is not the big enchilada of upcoming events, but the 2020 Census is, undercount costs millions, maybe even a new house seat like in 2000, the worse count after Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez, sent fear through the Cuban community of federal government, Chair Bovo wants to help this important event, All hands-on deck activity
While Miami-Dade county is preparing for the Super Bowl next year a bigger event is coming in the 2020 U.S. Census that in Miami the count has been generally a flawed process and the worst count was the 2000 Census after the young boy Elian Gonzalez was extracted from Little Havana and the community erupted in ethnic tensions and fear for many residents since even though the count is done by the commerce department many saw a “federally,” and would not participate and years later the numbers had to be revised and south Florida got an extra congressional seat that was later filled by U.S> Rep. Mario Diaz Ballart, R-Miami and the census count per person back then brought some $23,000 in federal funding and was in stark contrast to other counties around the nation where very high count was achieved. Further for some counties the undercount could result in some communities losing some $800 billion in lost federal funding that includes Medicare funding and a host of other programs.
School Board member Lubby Navarro is part of the 2020 census taskforce being assembled an she spoke in front of the county commission about the important matter and noted residents will get a form with a number on it and they can file online using that number. She also noted there will be Major outreach at schools’ libraries and other sites with NGOs to get an accurate count and the community’s fair share of representation and federal funding. She also noted we might get a new house seat if the census is done accurately.
Update?
County Commissioner Dennis Moss asked to put a representative from the United Way of Miami-Dade, The Children’s Trust on the 2020 Census Task Force given the importance of children to explain to parents what the national census is and is not used to target illegal people. Further he counts maybe asking people of their immigration status which is expected to diminish the count. However, the last time the government did this was during World War II with the Japanese internment.
Back in 2000 I watched and wrote a lot about the undercount and how it starts and then stops, though the county did get an extension back then but that is no longer assured.
https://www.naco.org/articles/2020-census-what-counties-need-do-now-prepare
>>> 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
>>> Governor Ron DeSantis Leading with Purpose and Conviction
Highlights of First 30 Days in Office
Press release: Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis marks his 30th day in office that is exemplified by a fast-paced but purposeful schedule. Holding more than 30 events and an equally high number of press briefings across the state, Governor DeSantis recognizes that there is still more work to be done for the people of Florida. Below are highlights of the Governor’s time in office thus far.
“Being Governor is a better job than I could have ever imagined,” said Governor DeSantis. “While we have accomplished a lot in these first 30 days, I would like the people of Florida to know there is no intention of slowing down as I will continue to fight for the issues that are important to our great state.”
To watch the video, click the image or click HERE.
Hurricane Recovery
Following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Michael, Governor DeSantis has made recovery a top priority of his administration. His first full official day in office was spent in Mexico Beach to emphasize that he is committed to aiding recovery efforts. Since then, he has made multiple additional visits to the Panhandle, announced $2.8 million in state matching funds and has met one-on-one with President Trump to secure 45 days of 100% reimbursement for hurricane recovery efforts.
Historic Investments in Our Environment
The environment is a major part of what makes Florida, Florida. That is why Governor DeSantis has made the environment an early priority. In his recently released proposed budget, Governor DeSantis recommends investing $625 million for Everglades Restoration and protection of water resources. By investing this amount each year, $2.5 billion will be invested by the end of his first term, which is $1 billion more than what was invested the previous four years. $360 million would be specifically dedicated to Everglades restoration, allowing Florida to complete the C-44 Reservoir and storm water treatment area, the C-43 Reservoir and an additional 20 projects over the next five years. He also signed an Executive Order calling for the formation of a Blue-Green Algae Task force, the appointment of a Chief Science Officer and the creation of the Office of Environmental Transparency.
Historic Supreme Court Appointments
As promised during his inaugural address, Governor DeSantis made historic appointments to put an end to judicial activism on the Florida Supreme Court. These appointments included Justices Barbara Lagoa, the first Cuban-American female Justice, Carlos Muñiz, the first Nicaraguan-American Justice and Robert Luck, the first Orthodox Jewish Justice.
Repealing Common Core
Governor DeSantis recently issued Executive Order 19-32, outlining a path for Florida to improve its education system by eliminating Common Core and paving the way for Florida students to receive a world-class education. Fulfilling a promise made during his campaign for governor, the Executive Order directs Florida Department of Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to comprehensively review and recommend revisions to the academic standards for Florida’s kindergarten through grade twelve students.
Investing in Our Children
Included in Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget is a nearly $19 million investment to fund the waitlist for Gardiner Scholarships in Florida. Each student has their own unique needs, and the Gardiner Scholarship Program provides eligible students a scholarship that can be used to purchase approved services or products to design a customized education program for the student. Funding the Gardiner Scholarship waitlist would cover nearly 2,000 students with special needs.
Pardoning the Groveland Four
In his second week in office, Governor DeSantis issued a full pardon of the members of the Groveland Four, which was unanimously approved by the Executive Clemency Board. For seventy years, the histories of Ernest Thomas, Samuel Shepherd, Walter Irvin and Charles Greenlee have been wrongly written for crimes they did not commit. Governor DeSantis believes it is never too late to do the right thing.
Standing with Israel
Governor DeSantis condemns all discrimination. Airbnb has a policy that commercially discriminates against the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Governor DeSantis accepted the State Board of Administration’s recommendation to place Airbnb on the Scrutinized Companies List. Further, the Governor announced his support for $2 million in recurring security funding for Jewish Day Schools. He also announced that his first international trip as Governor will be a trade mission to the State of Israel.
Holding Government Officials Accountable
Governor DeSantis has made it a priority to suspend officials who are negligent and incompetent. Since taking office, he has ordered the suspensions of Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools Mary Beth Jackson, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher and has appointed successors who will bring competency and dignity back to the respective offices. In addition, he requested the resignations of all South Florida Water Management District board members, all of whom have either adhered to the Governor’s request to resign or plan to. The Governor has appointed Chauncey Goss and intends to appoint “Alligator Ron” Bergeron to the board.
Eliminating Harmful Regulations
To ensure a brighter future for Florida’s economy, Governor DeSantis recently kicked off a one-day event called “Florida Deregathon” to find solutions to harmful regulations facing Floridians. Hosted by Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears, along with Florida’s Professional Licensing Boards, Florida Deregathon was a success as numerous burdensome regulations were identified.
Proposed Medical Marijuana Reform
Governor DeSantis feels that the current medical marijuana legislation is not in line with the will of the more than 70% of Florida voters who supported it in 2016 via a constitutional amendment. Because of this, he has called on legislators to provide a solution to People United for Medical Marijuana v. Department of Health within the first two weeks of the upcoming legislative session. If a solution is not reached, the Governor will drop the state’s appeal and the lower court ruling, stating a ban on smoking medical marijuana is unconstitutional, would stand.
Saving Taxpayer Dollars
Governor DeSantis’ Bold Vision for a Brighter Future budget amounts to a total of $91.3 billion, including $335 million in tax cuts for Florida families. The proposal also includes the continuation of the highly successful 3-day back-to-school sales tax holiday, as well as the weeklong disaster preparedness sales tax holiday, for a total tax cut of $45.3 million. It also sets aside $5.2 billion in reserves, including $1.6 billion in the Budget Stabilization Fund.
Standing for Freedom in Venezuela
Standing alongside Vice President Mike Pence, Governor DeSantis declared his support for democracy in Venezuela, issuing a proclamation recognizing Interim President Juan Guaidó as the only legitimate leader in Venezuela and standing against Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive regime. The proclamation affirms Florida’s deep affection for the Venezuelan people and decries the individual liberties that have been stripped from them. The Governor also called on the Florida Legislature to act swiftly during the 2019 legislative session to follow suit in recognizing Juan Guaidó as the Interim President of Venezuela.
Governor DeSantis has accomplished much in his first 30 days in office. Stay tuned.
>>>> Gov. Ron De Santis has released his $91.3 billion proposed state budget and he is proposing money to help clean-up the environment after toxic algae blooms fouled the state’s waterways and beaches and drove tourists away from the once pristine state beaches and for many the republican governor has been a surprise. Repelled by the green sludge
The new governor seems to understand that Florida is a tourism driven state and fouled beaches do not help with tourists who are repelled. Click here to review the new state budget that includes extra funding for education. https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/politics/gov-ron-desantis-proposed-budget-includes-335-million-in-tax-cuts/67-4b59a5d3-7b40-4324-bd09-7c284ea5cae5
What about the new Florida Supreme Court judges?
De Santis also has appointed another Florida Supreme court Judge Robert Luck and Barbara Lagoa and both are highly respected jurists, both from third court district appeals court
What about their finances?
Luck has a net worth of $1.098 million through Dec. 17 and Lagoa comes in at $1,153,265 through May 31, 2018.
What about the Governors financial disclosure form?
DeSantis through Dec.31, 2017 had a net worth of $310,971, and his home is worth $480,000, and has two loans one with JP Morgan $205,000 and with Wentworth he owes 267,500. The rest of the disclosure is begin and to read it go to; http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/Forms/2017/275100-Form6.pdf
>>> 16 states have strong cyber stalking laws but not Florida, Legislators should look at this before it happens to them
The upcoming Florida legislature must pass legislation strengthen laws regarding cyber stalking and such laws are common in 16 states and with cameras in dorms and many other sites even a home is capable of being hacked Floridians need greater protections. For it is clear this threat is not going away. Here is what some states are using re legal laws and the Florida legislature should beef up the statutes. For more go to http://www.ncsl.org/
Check out all the programs the Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade
https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/
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/
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> Mayor says, state of county good, as he gives sayonara speech at new Royal Caribbean terminal, losing his angel on his shoulder Alina Hudak, retiring
County Mayor Carlos Gimenez gave his final state of the county speech at the new Royal Caribbean new state of the art cruise terminal and he believes the county is well positioned to flourish in the future. He ticked off record tourism number for Port Miami and MIA the two leading economic drivers for jobs and the man in public service for decades suggested he may leave public service after being termed out. However, he floated he might run for sheriff and he came into office after voters recalled mayor Carlos Alvarez in 2011.
>>> Domestic violence takes a new twist 200 cases of, “strangulation,” new issue, difficult for cops to see since bruising takes a couple of days, may being underreported in Miami-Dade
When it comes to domestic violence a new way is being reported, strangulation said county commissioner Sally Heyman during a discussion at Tuesday’s and presentation about the county’s domestic violence board and its need for another safe house for abused residents. The police when it comes to strangulation may not file a report since versus being hit where a bruise is easily visible but with strangulation it may take days for the trauma to be seen said Heyman. She noted the issue was being discussed at a national county organization national association of counties (NACO).
The board of county commissioners voted on two Jackson memorial trustees on Tuesday and one new member is a relative to a past PHT chairmen Amadeo López Castro and it is his son an attorney Amadeo Lopez Castro, III and the commission also reappointed Dr. Walter Richardson
Commissioner Dennis Moss has suggested a representative from the Children’s trust and the United Way of Miami be on the 2020 Census taskforce because the correct count is so important to the community and there is concern given the possible question of one’s immigration status and will have a chilling effect
Last week at the last committee meetings for a number of county commissioners Chair Rebeca Sosa and Jean Monestime, and Javier Souto all had their last meeting and Souto who has been chair of the parks and recreation committee that commissioner Barbara Jordan called a lifetime and. Souto thinks parks are “scared like a church,” and is a big tourist draw the life blood of the counties revenues that pay for all the cultural perks including helping fund the county’s homeless trust.
What about a furniture and vehicle contract costing millions?
Commissioner Joe Martinez a former police officer took the administration to the wood shed after the administration missed deadline when ordering new police cars and some fire apparatus and garbage trucks that leave a sheen of oil when thy pass by in neighborhoods because they’re so old. And the r
What about the furniture contract?
Commissioners at a committee challenged the administration’s request for some $84 million in a variety of furniture that is needed in many county facilities commissioners and the word “furniture is a misnomer, said budget director Jennifer Moon to commissioners on explaining what the contract involved.
What about the chairs on the commission?
Joe Martinez noted the last time new chairs came up it was being pushed by past commissioner Bruno Barreiro when there many years in use and in the media, there was a firestorm and Martinez said eventually the commissioners will be at floor level, he suggested and wondered why some county employees got ergometric chairs but not the commission
>>>> Chair Edmonson & vice chair Soda take the helm Friday, continue collegiate dialogue tone set by outgoing chair Bovo, term limits and institution history leaving body in mass
County Commission Chair Audrey Edmonson was sworn in Friday in a packed chamber in government center along with Vice Chair Rebeca Sosa, a process supporting reform maven given the unenviable job at; looking at procurement process at the county and her reforms have served well. Edmonson is on a host of county boards at the Jackson Health system (where she is on the nominating council and the oversight board for the system’s GOB committee, and the Adrianne Arsht Center for the perming Arts)
What about shot spotter more cameras and extra police for school safety.?
Mayor Gimenez told commissioners recently shot spotter and their use by police that someday drones may be found “on police cars in the future,” after commissioner Javier Souto went into a discussion about the need for police “to have eyes in the sky,” he thought and would decrease gun violence.
Further the county has “three dome areas,” which is what the shot spotter areas are called and the Ring security camera on people’s homes i reducing crime and Gimenez at his home has one and he can keep track of his home.
Gimenez said the one-time funding to have county police guard schools cannot be sustained and will approach school district Superintendent Alberto Carvalho in January since the district had a bond passed to enhance teacher pay and more school security that the county cannot cover any longer. MDPD director Juan Perez that shell casings collected by ATF is an invaluable tool along with license plate reader technology. He noted two officers killed in south dad end the shell casings showed the gun was “used five times before,” in a crime said Perez.
>>> Dr Frost settles civil SEC case with $100,000 penalty, legal bill at museum continues to rise
Dr. Philip Frost the benefactor of the Dr. Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science settled with the security exchange commission for a stock pump and dump scheme with a few men and is paying a $100,000 fine in the civil case and he still must deal with investors who lost money. For more go to: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article223637625.html
What about legal bills mounting at the Frost?
Extensive litigation is going on with the many vendors after then CEO Gillian Thomas fired abruptly the lead construction company Suffolk Construction and legal costs are coming into the $5 million range and still climbing said a reliable source. The only reason I write about this was during the construction the county IG nor the press could cover the meetings and the public had to rely on Michael spring the cultural director at Miami-Dade County. At a time when it was suddenly announced the organization would run out of money.
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Will elections and sheriff be political patronage havens, or repositories for termed out elected officials to land?
Lack of competency in candidates in new elected offices, highlighted during the last election cycle has many concerned what the future of key elected officials will be. For example, Miami-Dade state attorney in office since 1992 has said she was not running again back in 2015 her last election and there is no current successor of an organization that handles some 250,0000 cases. This highlights the problem when offices are political like a supervisor of elections, sheriff and a host of others recently created by statewide voters and create political patronage rather than competency is one of the reasons Broward elections supervisor Brenda Snipes had problems in November’s elections
What is the new elderly crisis coming seniors & children housing money their lack of permanent long-term homes?
Homeless seniors are becoming the biggest threat facing the county in the future and it is a “Crisis, said Ron Book,” the Miami-Dade County Homeless trust chair. At past trust meeting and the need for permanent housing for this emerging group is critical and he is on a crusade to find permanent housing the trust can buy but in Miami the inventory is small an expensive he has said in the past. And to review the task force recommendations and has some elderly having to live in shelters for up to “1,000,” s and that number qualifying will only increase in the future.
Ron Book has been making the political rounds speaking at a Miami commission meeting about a new encampment in the inner city that has been blocked off by the health department after open sexual acts and drug dealing has resulted in a spike of AIDs cases and the finding of drug paraphernalia around the local schools and the trust has gone into emergency mode to get these people into rehabilitation and other programs and those coming back are being addressed where one Women had “black lips,” gangrene and was “spotted having a rat eating the food in her mouth,” in her stupor condition said Book to city commissioners and she was taken into rehabilitation but this is the challenge the county’s homeless trust faces. For more go to https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/downtown-miami/article219921130.html
What about shot spotter technology 80% of shots residents hear do not call 9/11? Going to be combined with license plate readers in Miami and Miami Gardens, along with Ring security systems helping
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/ Update: In Miami Gardens which along with Miami are getting license plate readers one resident said large number of residents are using Ring security systems as well and hope all these efforts will reduce the violence facing the two municipalities
IG Report affordable housing contractor investigation?
>>> 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 Chapman, Jr. partnership go to: https://www.chapmanpartnership.org/about-us/leadership/ https://www.chapmanpartnership.org/wpq_events/nextgen-gala-party/
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
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>> FIU taps Harvard trained medical dean Robert Sackstein M.D., Ph. D, former JHS resident coming home born in Cuba
The new Florida International University Herbert Wertheim Medical School Dean Robert Sackstein., Ph.D., and was a former resident representative at Jackson health System and the Harvard University trained physician has a training history at Jackson Health System and once was a representative for residents years ago and he would attend PHT board meetings years ago. The physician born in Havana attended local schools here before going to Harvard to get his medical degree and Ph.D., and their he chaired two departments of medicine and for more on him go to https://communitynewspapers.com/kendall-gazette/dr-robert-sackstein-appointed-dean-of-fius-wertheim-college-of-medicine/ and the man is replacing Dr. John Rock and his replacement is very impressive and he will be a real contribution to the medical school and the community as a whole. The new dean said it felt great to walk into the hospital that had “nurtured,” me and believed his arrival will be” seamless,” since we have the same “mission.” He told trustees and the WDR wishes him all the success in this new capacity.
What about all the physicians from up north wanting medical credentials?
During the recent PHT board meeting Jan 31 concerning credentials at JHS trustee. Dr. Irene Lipof noted many were coming from the northeast where there may be a glut of physicians or the weather is better, but the public hospital is really starting to blossom.
HS getting senior staff from other local hospital systems, not always the case years ago, public system is transforming itself and Miami residents will be the beneficiaries.
At Tuesday’s all-day commission meeting of the PHT board the community got some good news when it came to the transplant program and was rated #2 in the nation and #1 in multi organ procedures and JHS has made significant strides reducing “influenza and sepsis and is again designated as a comprehensive stroke center said staff presenters
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> OIG busts district employees for selling GEDs, WLRN workshop coming up Feb.27
Check out the OIG report on the selling of GED documents:
http://www.miamidadeig.org/2019MDCPS/MemoandPressReleaseGED.pdf
>>> Mentoring is being emphasized at the public schools’ district and was sponsored by board member Lubby Navarro who was mentored by board chair Perla Tabares Hantmen the school board chair and this activity can have profound effects on young people, WLRN agreement at workshop Feb.27 at administrative bldg.
>>> A workshop on the WLRN agreement with the district is being held Feb.27 at 9:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the 7th floor conference room at the public school’s district. Here is the most recent audit of the station: http://mca.dadeschools.net/AuditCommittee/AC_February_5_2019/item5.pdf
>>> OIG finds principle used staff as a nanny, shows importance of office in watching over publics tax dollars -OIG report principle hires nanny on district money
http://www.miamidadeig.org/Reports2017/DOC102717.pdf
CITY OF MIAMI
The Miami Historic and Environmental Planning board had a records meltdown after a discussion on the Coconut grove Playhouse did not have the attendant 1,000 pages of documentation with the packets and members would not vote on the county plan until they knew what they were voting for and has people wondering if the county is running out the time. editor’s note:
>>> Mayor Francis Suarez gave his first state of the city speech at the Freedom Tower and the high energy young man and attorney was received by quests almost like a rally as he detailed the administrations goals in the coming year, but can he deliver?
Suarez facing some losses like his strong mayor rejection by Miami voters sees the sunny side of the city and his only road block is Miami commissioner Joe Carollo who has challenged a host of deals being presented by the young mayor following in his father’s footsteps as mayor. The man who raised millions from firms and lobbyist has been criticized for this blatant addiction to campaign money that he cooley says that is the world of politics despite facing no real competition for his last race where millions were raised.
>>> Mayor Suarez moving on up now sitting on dais between manager and attorney, make it seem he is a strong mayor though voters rejected that idea, not stopping him
Well Mayor Francis Suarez may have failed in his bid to become a strong mayor rejected by city voters, but he is moving ahead anyway and now sits between the city attorney and manager with a sign below his seat on the dais proclaiming the occupant is mayor Francis Suarez on the commission dais and that is a first. Further we will see over the weeks if he takes a more aggressive tone in his battles with commissioners and was seen on the questionable deal for a new city government center that commissioner Joe Carollo believes is a terrible deal and hammered Suarez during the commission discussion Thursday.
What about the student savings accounts?
Miami is creating a savings account for every kindergarten student on free food at schools and the program from San Francisco is expected to “triple the number of students,” that go to college and is being administered by the Miami Foundation, united Way of Miami-Dade, catalyst Miami, and a number of other not for profits and has the full backing of public schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s program was brought to the commission by mayor Francis Suarez.
The city for the Willie Gort scholarship approved the $250,000 grant to the Bayside Foundation to administer. However, the WDR is curious if all the other four commissioners want their own name scholarship’s as a legacy.
>>> Bayside Foundation Willy Gort scholarship to get anti-poverty funding from his dist.1 fund, foundation gives $200,000 in scholarships, odd taxpayer money being used, will it start a trend of commissioner scholarship programs?
Who knew there was a Willie Gort scholarship managed by the Bayside Foundation and the commission is asking to approve some funding ($250,000) from the commissioner’s anti-poverty fund from his District 1 allocation? Gort termed out in 2020 has been a fixture on the commission for decades but recently is taking trips on trade mission junkets along with mayor Francis Suarez and CAMACOL paid for the trip but when elected leaders get termed out this is when these trips multiply and yeas it is to promote the city these delegations after often feted and have a great time.
What happened back in 2000?
A man claiming to be the vice-mayor of Miami In Paris was wined and dined, staying in Villas as and when they came to Miami they could stay at Viscata to the point the state department was getting concerned and sent a fax to the mayor of Hialeah of the man’s card that listed a Miami Beach address and the mayor sent the info to then Mayor Joe Carollo and I wrote about back then and after that he disappeared even though the incident did trigger an ethics commission investigation. Further these traveling elected leaders are increasingly bringing a sergeant of arms and ads extra costs
https://miamibaysidefoundation.org/education/scholarships/mbfwilly-gort-scholarship/
http://www.mdc.edu/financialaid/documents/Gort-Scholarship.pdf
>>>> MESA Chaired under former mayor Regalado hires and supports questionable director, audit report finds major lapse of city code, some $170 million not included in city budgets from a host of organizations and CRAs
The Miami independent auditor gave Miami a gift for the new Year and the detailed audit of the obscure Miami agency Miami Exhibition Sports Authority (MESA) shows under former Mayor Tomas Regalado rules and procedures were bypassed and the former mayor’s aide Lourdes Blanco,62, did not have the skill sets (only a AA) for the job as Director and a combined salary of $112,976 since she was also paid out of a second budget. She claims the audit is a ‘witch hunt,’ and did nothing wrong but lack of oversight and violation of city policies is disturbing and the audit Theodore Guba, C.P.A. report shows a failure of responsibility while also identifying some $170 million in an assortment of other accounts not included in the city budget. Further Blanco who is seeing the city told me months ago she was innocent, and she did not “write any checks,” that was done she said, “by an auditing firm,” she insisted and suggested she was being set up since a hot of lawsuits are coming from deals with MESA like a heliport or seaplane airport base. Further Regalado attended the last MESA meeting even though he was no longer mayor. The audit brings up the fact that minutes were not available, even thou Blanco had a stereo tape recorded in the middle of the table and she assured it was being taped years ago and I have minutes from past MESA meetings but back then there was a different director, and many have occupied that position.
Here is a sentence from the audit
“We also found that approved budgets totaling $170 million for 14 authorities, agencies, and trusts were not included in the City’s adopted budget book.” Wrote the auditor and to see more go to
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article215641790.html
or to read the actual report go to:
What about internal promotions and Reyes?
Miami Commissioner Manola Reyes wants the administration to look at asst. directors when it comes to promotions in the administration. He believes their loyalty to the job should be rewarded and gives an incentive. Currently there is a lot of changes in personnel as some members retire like the park’s director Kevin Kerwen.
>>> Lotus Village Event April 18
Join Us at the 2019 Gala Benefiting Lotus House and celebrating All Things New at Lotus House, most importantly, new lives and brighter futures with your help. Your sponsorship provides essential programs that heal, support, nurture, educate, and uplift women, youth, and children to improve the quality of their lives on every level and build the foundation for a safer, healthier, brighter future.
2019 LOTUS HOUSE GALA
ALL THINGS NEW! New Village, New Programs, New Clinic, New Lives
Thursday, April 18, 2019, at The Margulies Collection at the WAREhOUSE Wynwood Arts District: 591 NW 27th St., Miami, 33127
6:00pm VIP Reception, 7:00pm Dinner and Program 6-9pm Silent Art Auction
|
EDITORIAL
>>> Elected leaders’ foreign trips could determine if they are Marco Polo, to county and city voters!
Since Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez is termed out next year he is a lame duck and he is using this time to become the community’s Marco Polo as he travels the globe with his wife in tow and while he pays for her trip it comes across to the public as someone with entitlements and is his reward for being the strong mayor since 2011 and while luckily the region is booming people are wondering what is being accomplished on what used to be called junkets in the congress. However, Miami is not some unknown place throughout the world, and I used to joke. I could be with headhunters in Borneo and say Miami and they would come back with a response. The man a former Miami Fire and Rescue Chief should consider what his legacy will be in the twilight of his political career and these types of trips are little dings, especially since he never admits he might be wrong and bristles when challenged with is lobbyist son C.J. Gimenez his biggest liability as he ply’s the halls of the municipal governments.
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
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
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
Daniel A. Ricker
Publisher & Editor
Watchdog Report
Est. 05.05.00
Copyright © of original material, 2018, Daniel A. Ricker
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
>>> 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 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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Daniel A. Ricker
Publisher & Editor
Watchdog Report
Est. 05.05.00
Copyright © of original material, 2018, Daniel A. Ricker
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
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