Watchdog Report Vol.10 No. 15 September 6, 2009

WATCHDOG REPORT

Miami-Dade Florida

Vol. 10 No. 15  September 6, 2009

Daniel A. Ricker, Publisher & Editor

Est. 05.05.00  I go when you cannot & A community education resource & news service

Celebrating My Tenth Anniversary since May 5th,  www.watchdogreport.net & Former, www.miamiherald.com/news/columnists/dan_ricker

CONTENTS

Argus Report: U.S. Sen. Nelson says “public option is dead,” believes Co-Ops will be possible alternative for nation’s 47 million medically uninsured

Florida: State Sen. Gelber says 2010 AG campaign going well, new U.S. Sen. LeMieux “was comfortable” for Gov. Crist

Florida Supreme Court: Gov. Crist taps Canady last September; judge has $350,000 net worth through April 2009

Miami-Dade County: Mayor Alvarez’s budget goes down in flames 8-5, now $444 million must be cut from $7.5 billion budget

Broward County: Commissioner Eggelletion in the spotlight, financial disclosure form late, $535,000 net worth through July 2009

Palm Beach County: Commissioner Santamaria in the spotlight, Wharton MBA graduate, had $11.86 million net worth through 2008

Gulf Coast County: Gov. Crist taps Estes and Jenkins for Gulf Coast Community College

Brevard County: Gov. Crist taps Brower, Green, Hartman, Turla and Warwick for housing agency

Lake Sumter County: Gov. Crist names Morris and Odom to community college

Monroe County: Commissioner Carruthers gets 45-day extension on filing disclosures from ethics commission, family member may be terminally ill

Miami-Dade Public Schools: “Pretty good solid budget,” says board member Rivas Logan to Supt. Carvalho

Public Health Trust: Push is on for more community support, county’s unfunded mandates is killing health system

City of Miami: Mayor Diaz scores, Miami 21 passes first reading 4-1, Regalado questions past administration development decisions

City of Miami Beach: Mayor Bower’s challenger Larose said to be credible candidate, will he be able to raise a campaign war chest?

City of Coral Gables: Public budget hearings kick off Tuesday, $150 million budget, will civility reign?

City of Miami Shores: Three charged in multi-million vacant land fraud scheme

City of Hialeah Gardens: Local mayor’s job not bad, pays $100,000 in salary; council members get $10,500 yearly

Town of Cutler Bay: Mayor Vrooman gets $12,000 salary; council members get $5,000

Village of Biscayne Park: Mayor gets $6,000 salary; commissioners get $3,000 a year

Town of Golden Beach: Town mayor & council get whopping $1.00 salary, which is taxable

Community Events: Ethics and the Media panel at UM

Editorials: Politicians at all levels & senior staff must be held to higher standard, public corruption corrosive to society as a whole — Other past editorials

Letters: Reader on Crist appointment of LeMieux – Mayor on past story – Reader on WDR Tenth anniversary in May

Sponsors – Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue

>>> 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 you are free to e-mail this on to friends.

May you and your family have a great and safe Labor Day Holiday and may we each reflect on workers around the globe doing a wide variety of different jobs and their importance in our societies.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

U.S. Sen. Nelson says “public option is dead,” believes Co-Ops will be possible alternative for nation’s 47 million medically uninsured

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-FL at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon Wednesday said when it came to a comprehensive change in health care delivery and medical insurance being debated around the country, the Senate; a smaller body will likely craft much of the final product and believes it will involve the use of medical insurance “co-ops that are owned by the policy owners.”  He said one thing was sure, “no matter what side of the debate you are on, there is near unanimity that the system is broken and needs to be fixed.” Nelson while noting 47 million Americans are without health insurance, including the 3.6 million in the state said that there is a price that is paid for this, and it costs people with medical insurance “about $1,400.00” on their own health insurance premiums yearly.  He said, “If it is done irresponsible the costs could rise” and “would be an unfair burden to businesses and the elderly.”  The senior Senator from Florida said the Democrats have 57 Senators in the body but the magic number is 60 to get anything passed and when it came to “rounding up all the Democrats it is like rounding up cats” but he also suggested some kind of bipartisan consensus must be reached. He said Medicare has been around for decades and while half of the nation’s “citizens get healthcare through a group plan” there is another “15 percent who participates through Medicare” already and hoped the harsh discourse would tone down after the legislation was more fully hashed out.

The key said Nelson is to target primary medical care physicians and increase the number of family physicians to take care of the ageing Baby Boomer generation retiring at record numbers. He said any new legislation should also include not giving physicians or hospitals an “incentive to readmit patients” yet still give “care that is excellent.” He also focused on the problem of “waste and fraud” which comes up on a “daily basis down here” and even had a past U.S. Attorney agree the region is the “graduate school for fraud.” Nelson also bluntly said he believes “the public option is dead” and the co-ops are the “probable way” the legislation will evolve, he thought. Nelson, a fifth generation Floridian, veteran U.S. Army captain, and congressman was first elected to the world’s most exclusive club in 2000 and was reelected in 2006. He has been a specialist on a Space Shuttle flight while in the House and was the state’s insurance commissioner after Hurricane Andrew devastated South Dade in August 1992. That storm cost $18 billion but Nelson said if it had been “one degree higher” the damage would have been around “$50 billion and taken down every insurance company” in the state and would almost “bankrupt Florida,” he predicted.

What about the U.S. Attorney candidates?

Nelson said he and U. S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fl interviewed the three candidates for the  U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Wednesday morning and after the lunch the two men planned on interviewing the three U.S. Marshall candidates. The interviews took a half-hour each and President Barack Obama’s administration and the Justice Department gets to make the final choice. The three U.S. Attorney candidates are David Buckner, Wilfredo “Willy” Ferrer, and Daryl Trawick, and all are said to be solid choices. Whoever is selected is expected to not take office until next year after a Senate confirmation of the choice.

What about Miami-Dade College?

A long sought federal property wanted by M-DC was officially transferred to the College after President Barack Obama signed a federal bill said Nelson. The property near the downtown campus is a 49,000 square foot parcel that has been used as parking lot.

What did U.S. Rep. Wasserman-Schultz, D-Weston say about the healthcare debate?

Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz was on WPBT on Friday and the Watchdog Report talked to her after taping the show hosted by Helen Ferre. I asked her about the chances of the House passing comprehensive healthcare reform legislation and she thought it would “happen by the end of the year.” But “We may be there until the end of December,” she said.  I noted Nelson thought it would be the Senate that would come–up with the plan and she disagreed saying the House legislation will have the acceptance of pre existing issues, portability, no annual or lifetime medical caps if a catastrophic illness strikes and “we will cover the 47 million Americans” and these reforms would “keep them from being priced out.” She said this was the way to go and she did support a “public option” believing it was necessary to force medical costs down. In regard to Co-Ops, she said she could not comment since she was not that familiar with the organizations.

>>> Hear the Congresswoman’s comments on www.wpbt/issues & what the Watchdog Report publisher said on the Miami-Dade County budget. >>>

September 04, 2009 This Week on Issues – 09/04 & 09/06  ISSUE ONE: Miami-Dade Budget Hearings: The Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners held their first budget hearing on Thursday night, where they listened to hundreds of residents voicing their concern about services being cut and the possibility of increase in property taxes.  We gathered a panel to discuss this spirited budget hearing and the state of County government. Guests: Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University, Joy Reid, South Florida Times, Daniel Ricker, Watchdog Report

>>> ISSUE TWO: Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz joins us on the program to discuss topics such as healthcare reform, energy emissions trading and the controversy regarding the President Barack Obama’s address to schoolchildren. Guest: U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, (D) District 20

>>> Press release: John V. Gillies has been named special agent in charge (SAC) of the FBI’s Miami Division. Director Robert S. Mueller, III appointed him to this position to replace former SAC Jonathan I. Solomon, who retired. Most recently, Mr. Gillies served as SAC of the FBI’s St. Louis Division. Mr. Gillies entered on duty with the FBI in October 1983 as a financial analyst before becoming a special agent in 1985. Upon completion of training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he reported to the Albany Division, where he investigated white collar crime and public corruption matters. He was also detailed to the Binghamton Resident Agency to investigate an international fraud scheme. Mr. Gillies was assigned to the New York Division in 1989 to investigate counterintelligence matters. In 1993, he was assigned to the San Diego Division, where he investigated bank failures and a judicial corruption matter that led to the indictments and convictions of three California Superior Court judges. He reported to the Honolulu Division in 1996, where he worked public corruption and complex financial crimes. In 1997, he was promoted to supervisory special agent, and oversaw white collar crime and public corruption investigations in Hawaii and American Samoa. Mr. Gillies also supervised the Civil Rights program and the National Infrastructure Protection Center/Computer Crimes program. In 2002, Mr. Gillies was promoted to unit chief of the Financial Institution Fraud (FIF) unit within the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters. In this capacity, Mr. Gillies was responsible for the coordination, development, direction, and supervision of the FIF program, including such matters as bank failure, identity theft, mortgage fraud, and cyber banking. He was also responsible for liaison with the Bank Fraud Working Group and bank regulatory agencies.

In 2004, Mr. Gillies reported as the assistant special agent in charge of the Detroit Division. He had oversight responsibility for the white collar crime, cyber, counterintelligence, civil rights, and administrative programs. In May 2006, he returned to FBI Headquarters as the section chief of the violent crimes section of the Criminal Investigative Division, with responsibility for violent crimes, crimes against children, crimes in Indian Country, special jurisdiction crimes, and transportation crimes.  In 2007, he was appointed SAC of the St. Louis Division. Mr. Gillies was born in Chicago, Illinois. He received Bachelor of Science degrees in accounting and business administration from Illinois State University in 1982. Prior to joining the Bureau, he worked as an accountant. Mr. Gillies is a frequent instructor to law enforcement, civic, and private sector organizations on a variety of topics. He has also taught at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, Thailand and at the Middle Eastern Law Enforcement Training Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Press release: A Veteran Pollster’s Advice to the President

Nine months ago, T-shirts and posters portrayed Barack Obama as Superman. Today, he is looking like a very mortal politician who is having a hard time pleasing anyone. The right demonizes him and his efforts to offer conservatives an open hand have only alienated his supporters on the left. Independents see little economic progress, are confused about healthcare reform, and hear the same old partisan noise coming from Congress. Our Zogby Interactive polling shows a steady decline in Obama’s job approval, which was down to 42% at the end of August. That is six points lower than it was on July 24. Over that six-week period, Obama lost 13 points on his approval rating from Democrats and 18 points from First GlobalsTM (18-29-year-olds).  Obama’s party cannot afford to lose the enthusiasm of Democrats and young voters going into the 2010 mid-term elections.

There are plenty of second-guessers about what Obama should have done to prevent his diminished political standing. But given the problems he inherited, it might have indeed taken a political Superman to maintain his post-election popularity. It’s safe to say that no one since Franklin D. Roosevelt has faced such daunting combined economy and diplomatic challenges. FDR was able to use his Democratic Congressional majorities to push through the New Deal, and effectively painted the Republican opposition as tools of wealthy bankers and industrialists. Being confrontational just isn’t in Obama’s makeup and today’s political climate is far different than that of the 1930s. Today, Senators see themselves as free agents and expensive campaigns still require cash from big business. As for Republicans, their opposition to all of Obama’s initiatives may have looked like good politics in August, but putting up stop signs is not an agenda that wins elections.  However, the GOP may be finding that Obama won’t fight back, and there is no greater problem for a politician than the appearance of weakness.

So what should Obama do to assure independents and still win back the energy and trust of his Democratic base?

The average American must begin to see some progress on the economy. Earlier this year, our polling showed a public understanding that it would take at least a year for the economy to recover.  But that was not an unlimited free pass. Even though there will be no immediate dramatic change in unemployment, Obama and his surrogates must campaign across the nation to showcase communities where the stimulus is creating jobs, or at least stopping their loss. New green jobs would be especially attractive to both liberals and moderates. Such a media campaign appears to already be in the works. There is no similar obvious strategy for healthcare reform. The man who showed such great communications skills in the campaign has failed to make a convincing argument for healthcare reform. That has to end in his speech on Wednesday to Congress and the nation. Obama must be concise and deliver effective sound bites. He must make it crystal clear why he believes that doing nothing will only lead to higher premiums and more insecurity. So people who have not already made up their minds need to hear how reforms will lower their costs and keep them secure. If the family next door loses its coverage, you could be next. And even though your neighbor has no insurance, you still wind up paying for the care they will receive through higher premiums. It’s a complex topic to explain, even for Obama.

Liberals are waiting to hear what Obama will say about the public option, which has become a litmus test. Their disappointment with Obama over bank bailouts, detainees and Afghanistan has reached a boiling point over healthcare reform. Conventional wisdom says that Obama will not fight for it, and that liberals will have no choice but to support a plan without a government program to compete with private insurers. That’s how liberals typically reacted during the Clinton years. However, Obama brought in new voters who are not familiar with that script, and they could bolt away from politics if they continue to be denied a happy ending. Also, Obama’s defeat of Hillary Clinton was, in part, a rejection by progressive Democrats of her husband’s triangulation strategy that isolated the left. Unless they can come up with an alternative to the public option that satisfies their liberals in the House and their more conservative Senators, Democrats will be playing a dangerous game of chicken with each other. Democrats must pass a healthcare bill, and I believe they will. The final product won’t please all Democrats, especially liberals.  Then, Obama must heal intra-party rifts by reminding liberals that healthcare is one detour, and that there is more that brings all Democrats together than tears them apart.

The President must remind liberals that he is different, that he is delivering a better U.S. image abroad, making significant progress on global warming initiatives, and safeguarding stem cell research. He has appointed the first Hispanic woman to the Supreme Court and may fill at least two more seats during his first term. Obama already has a model for doing that: his own Presidential campaign and how it began with themes that appeal to both the left and center, and especially to young voters, who do not easily fit under traditional ideological labels. He must hit the road, including to college campuses, and promote initiatives that are green, global, and exciting. Even after a very tough summer, Obama is still the nation’s most popular politician. Most people want him to succeed, and their goodwill gives Obama time and opportunity to do so. By John Zogby, Pollster, Author, and Commentator.  Zogby is the President & CEO of Zogby International and the Author of The Way We’ll Be:  A Transformation of the American Dream Please click the link below to view the full news release: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.cfm?ID=1741

>>> Thanks to my supporters, the Watchdog Report, celebrated its Tenth Anniversary on May 5th.

Over the past ten years there have been so many stories and here are just a miniscule few that have been in the past 410 Watchdog Report’s that each has had almost three dozen stories or announcements per week, and that does not include around 100 Watchdog Report EXTRAS over this time. Back in September 2000, then county manager Merrett Stierheim gave the Watchdog Report the gift of a lifetime when I wrote he would be retiring by Feb 1 and he responded with a official county memo to the mayor and commissioners titled Rumor Control blasting my assertion that later became true. Other stories broken were that Miami Police Chief John Timoney was joining Miami in Jan. 2003 and that there was a man in Italy claiming to be a Miami vice Mayor and being wined and dined by Italian officials even though the city does not have such an office. Over the years I have covered almost every significant story regarding Jackson Memorial Hospital, the school board and county and sent a EXTRA from the PAC construction committee in the summer of 2003 noting the arts centers would be 20-months delayed and needed immediately over $60 million in new funding that ultimately came in at $472.9 million.

In addition, I have covered the Miami-Dade ethics commission and the Office of the Inspector General since there inception and over the years have done dozens of stories on people busted by both agencies since then. For me it is difficult to reflect sometimes on past stories because there have been so many and generally once I have done it I move on to the many other news stories that develop every day and spring up like weeds every week. I have tried to be the news contrarian, and if there is major media at an event, I will move on unless I have something significant to add, and given the size of our public institutions, something is always going on somewhere else. We may just not be aware of it. >>> A convenient form at the end of this report gives instructions on how to financially support the Watchdog Report and me.

>>> See what was said about the Watchdog Report in the Miami New Times 2003 — Best of Miami — BEST CITIZEN  — Daniel Ricker –

watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Three years ago, we said Ricker was our Best Gadfly. 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 observer. Object: to be the Public Citizen for all those out there who can’t attend, and to connect and serve as an information bridge among the special-interest-dominated Miami-Dade governmental institutions that seem so problematic and indifferent to the democratic process.

This month his e-mail newsletter, The Watchdog Report, celebrates its fourth anniversary. In a former life Ricker made a handsome living as an international salesman of heart pacemakers. As the hard-working publisher of Watchdog Report, though, he’s struggling financially — this despite the fact that 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!”

FLORIDA

Sen. Gelber says 2010 AG campaign going well, new U.S. Sen. LeMieux “was comfortable” for Gov. Crist

State Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach (net worth $973,000) and a candidate for Florida Attorney General attended a memorial ceremony last Tuesday in the lobby of the Miami-Dade County Stephen P. Clark government center that had the 133 Miami-Dade Police Officers killed being honored after falling in the line of duty over the years. After the sad and moving morning ceremony, the Watchdog Report caught up with Gelber and I asked how the campaign for attorney general was going. He is being challenged by state Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres (net worth $554,000) for the right to lead the party’s charge in the 2010 general election. Gelber said the campaign was going “terrifically” and when asked about Gov. Charlie Crist’s appointment of George LeMieux to fill the seat being vacated by Republican Mel Martinez. Gelber said he “wished him well” and the “governor wanted someone he was comfortable with and they are extremely close since the attorney general days.”

What do we know about Aronberg’s finances?

Aronberg, who represents senate District 27, had a net worth of $554,000 through Dec. 2008 and he lists $50,000 in household goods. He owns two town homes valued at $285,000 and $210,000, there is $80,000 in a mutual find, and a Roth IRA has $38,953. He has two mortgages owed $156,000 and $155,000 and income for the year was $112,000 from his law firm, the state kicked in $31,242 and a rental contributed $9,497.

>>> Past WDR: The race for the Florida Attorney General is shaping-up and the Democrats are fielding two candidates, state senators Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, (net worth $973,000) and Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres and their opposition are Republicans Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp (net worth $2.2 million) and Jim Lewis state’s the Florida elections web page.

What did state Rep. Garcia say about the Crist senate pick?

The Watchdog Report caught up with state Rep. Luis Garcia, Jr., D-Miami Beach at the Tuesday ceremony and I asked him about Gov. Charlie Crist’s choice of George LeMieux to fill the vacated senate seat until the governor can run himself in 2010 for the office. “That was a little bit of nepotism, the guy is an extension of himself and he is a caretaker” and believes “there were more qualified individuals.” “He is a decent guy but I think we needed someone that knows the system,” he closed. The legislature will hold a special session in October to consider the new pact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.  Garcia, a former Miami Beach Fire Chief and city commissioner was elected to the state House in 2008.

What do we know about Garcia’s finances?

Garcia, who represents House District 107 had a net worth of $100,000 through May 26 and has no household goods listed. His assets are a condominium valued at $380,000, there is $142,000 in a money market, a retirement account has $17,900 and there is $23,500 in stocks.  His total assets are $506,400. The legislator’s liabilities include a mortgage owed $380,000, an auto loan is owed $17,464 and a condominium association is owed $20,000. His income for the year was $108,000 in retirement as a Fire Chief, $30,000 came in as a state representative, $10,500 came from a source that is hard to read, and another $16,000 came in from his wife’s retirement fund.

CITY OF JACKSONVILLE

Press release: Gov. Crist today recognized Wounded Warrior Project as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light.

“Wounded Warrior Project is a beacon in the community for exemplary support services for our servicemen and women upon their return home,” said Governor Crist.  “Their contributions and dedication to our veterans’ wellbeing and quality of life epitomize the true spirit of compassion and volunteerism.” Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring, empowering and assisting severely injured service men and women, while raising public awareness of their needs.  Based out of Jacksonville, this fully accredited national veterans service organization reaches out to soldiers in military trauma centers by sending back packs filled with toiletries and personal goods, advocating for the best interests of veterans through legislation, offering counseling services for families, and providing education and career-building assistance to injured servicemen and women who are ready to transition back into a civilian lifestyle.

Earlier this year, Governor Crist signed military and veteran related legislation at the Wounded Warrior Project’s TRACK Center in Jacksonville. Launched in August 2008, the center is the first education center in the nation designed specifically for wounded service members. TRACK students reside in Jacksonville for a 12-month holistic training experience for the mind, body and spirit. The first half of the program is primarily classroom-based, with support services including mental health counseling, performance training, and life skills classes. Classes are provided through the Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ), and credit can be applied toward a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, or vocational certificate. The second half of the program consists of an employment internship with local employers in the areas of information technology, general business, logistics, and more. >>> AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly.  A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor.  Occasionally, the award is presented to outstanding organizations. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT

Gov. Crist taps Canady last September, has $350,000 net worth through April 2009

Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady is in the spotlight this week in a series done ever year looking at the top state jurist’s financial disclosure forms. The justice appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist last September and a former congressman has had a wide range of judicial and elected office experience.

What do we know about his finances?

Canady through April 1, 2009 had a net worth of $350,000 and he lists $31,000 in household goods. A home in Lakeland is worth $300,000, a minivan is valued at $5,615, a Honda Accord is worth $11,315, there is $154,000 in a savings account and there is $59,000 in deferred compensation. His liabilities are a $146,000 mortgage, and he owes Wachovia $29,148. His income for the year was $156,392 as a judge and there was one $300.00 gift disclosure for a fundraiser at Southeastern University.

>>> Court’s web page: Justice Charles T. CanadyJustice Charles Canady was born in Lakeland, Florida in 1954. He is married to Jennifer Houghton and they have two children. He received his B.A. from Haverford College in 1976, and his J.D. from the Yale Law School in 1979. Justice Canady practiced law with the firm of Holland and Knight in Lakeland from 1979 through 1982. From 1983 through 1992, he practiced with the firm of Lane, Trohn, et al. Justice Canady served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives from November 1984 to November 1990 and four terms in the United States House of Representatives from January 1993 to January 2001. Throughout his service in Congress, Justice Canady was a member of the House Judiciary Committee. For three terms from January 1995 to January 2001, Justice Canady was the chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution.

Upon leaving Congress, Justice Canady became general counsel to Governor Jeb Bush. He was appointed by Governor Bush to the Second District for a term beginning November 20, 2002. On August 28, 2008, Justice Canady was appointed to the Florida Supreme by Governor Charlie Crist and took office September 8, 2008. >>> Office Information: The phone number is (850) 410-8092. His judicial assistant is Pam Stewart. His staff attorneys are Dalana Johnson, Kristina Samuels, and Daniel Cervantes. The mailing address is 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee FL 32399-1925. Attorneys or law students interested in clerkships in this office should check our Law Clerk Recruitment Page. There also is information on Internships. >>> All inquiries about this page: publicinformation@flcourts.org  NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Justices of the Florida Supreme Court to discuss pending cases with the public.  Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Justice about any case.  If you have a comment to make, please mail it to the Clerk’s Office at 500 S. Duval St., Tallahassee FL 32399.  However, the Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court.  The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Justices.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Mayor Alvarez’s budget goes down in flames 8-5, now $444 million must be cut from $7.5 billion budget

County Commission Chair Dennis Moss told groups at public town hall meetings weeks ago on the upcoming budget that he needed just six more commission votes but that was not to be Friday morning when the commission meeting wrapped–up at 4:31 a.m. The commission voted 8 to 5 to keep property taxes flat and added to the now $444 million in county budget cuts that are expected to be across the board when it comes to county services and the number of employees gone. Mayor Carlos Alvarez in his proposed budget asked for a slight tax increase, but would lay off 1,700 employees and others faced a 5 percent salary reduction. However, eight commissioners thought more drastic steps were needed and refused to up residents taxes with a $7.5 billion budget, that should be noted includes billions of dollars in ongoing Capital Programs. The county commission will hold its final budget hearing Sept. 17 and if you watched any of the most recent meeting. The final hearing is expected to be must see, as commissioners and administration scramble to craft a new budget given the new fiscal realities and it will not be pretty.

Commissioners voting for the flat tax rate were Commissioners Bruno Barreiro, Carlos Gimenez, Sally Heyman, Javier Souto, Natacha Seijas, Rebeca Sosa, Jose “Pepe” Diaz, and Joe Martinez. Over the years they have carped about the administration’s need to down size as the number of county employees swelled to over 30,000 a few years back, but a number of new cities were created and critics questioned the staffing levels after years of robust property tax growth that peaked a few years back at $245 billion, up 21.3 percent from the previous year. Now that number is heading south and the new property tax number is around $223 billion and the Alvarez administration is going to have to make further tough choices, which will also include less payments in its Maintenance of Effort to such entities as the Public Health Trust.

Further, Alvarez and Moss did themselves no favors after www.miamiherald.com did a story on raises given to some staffers and it has set off a firestorm of criticism in the media and with residents. The Watchdog Report checked around and for the commission chair, some of the new staff does get a bump in compensation for the two years, but the person is then usually reassigned at the lesser salary when the chair’s term ends. However, the anger I have seen recently, especially regarding the mayor’s supporters who supported a strong mayor form of government granted a few years ago by county voters is astonishing.

Anything new in the commission chambers?

On Tuesday a few were spotted  and the then on Thursday 51 sprouted up throughout the chambers and these were blue fabric with white lettering seat covers reserving spots in the front, to one major area on the chambers side and some I suspect were for the Sergeant of Arms which are understandable.  In the past, they would just block off an area of the chamber’s seats or put paper signs that said reserved but these new covers in some way represent what is going on down at county hall, that after cutting $400 million over the past two-years and now $444 million in cuts in the coming year. The administration still had no problem in funding this little extra, and I am sure these did not cost that much in the scheme of things, but even with these tough times. The band continues to play on.

Quote of the week

At Tuesday’s commission meeting a question about some matter taken up by the commission before had Commissioner Sally Heyman reflecting on the matter said. “I have trouble remembering what I did yesterday.”

>>> The Watchdog Report is running unedited excerpts from a report done on the 35 municipalities in Miami-Dade and leaders compensation and benefits while in public office by the Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust Commission last year. This week I will publish the compensation and benefits of leaders in the Town of Golden Beach, Hialeah Gardens, Village of Biscayne Park, and the Town of Cutler Bay.

BROWARD COUNTY

Commissioner Eggelletion in the spotlight, financial disclosure form late, $535,000 net worth through July 2009

Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion, Jr., is in the spotlight this week and the former state legislature was first elected to the commission in 2000 after being termed out in the Florida House. Eggelletion, 60, was recently the past Broward mayor and he represents District 9 on the body. The commissioner a few weeks ago was spotted in Coconut Grove and he told the Watchdog Report as a kid he grew up in the area.

What do we know about his finances?

Eggelletion who was late in filing his yearly financial disclosure report and he missed the July 1 deadline, and while a Sept. 1 grace period is allowed. The state Ethics Commission did not receive his form until Sept. 2, and he may have an issue with the late filing. On his forms, he lists a $535,000 net worth through July 1, 2009, which is down from $676,000 last year and he lists $390,000 in household goods. His assets include one equal share of land in Gadson County valued at $220,000, and his liabilities are a GMAC loan owed $18,000, Wachovia Bank is owed $42,000 and he owes Ronald Lee Owens $15,000. His income for the year was $92,000 as a county commissioner and Ronald Owens kicked in $15,000.

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PALM BEACH COUNTY

Commissioner Santamaria in the spotlight, Wharton MBA graduate, had $11.86 million net worth through 2008

Commissioner Jess R. Santamaria is in the spotlight this week and the developer has built over 3,000 homes over the decades and currently runs a shopping center and hotel. The commissioner educated as a chemical engineer also got an MBA from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. His web page does not list when he won his commission office but it was probably after the majority of the old commission got busted by federal prosecutors and are now serving time in federal prisons. He represents commission District 6.

What do we know about his finances?

Santamaria through Jan. 2009 had a net worth of $11.86 million, and he lists $100,000 in household goods. He lists total assets of $13.05 million on his complicated financial disclosure forms and liabilities are $1.27 million. His income for the year was $277,000 of which $80,000 was his commission salary. His real estate partnership is valued at $10 million, and two mortgages are owed $344,000 and $125,000 and a line of credit is owed $801,000. He lists no gifts over $100.00.

>>> Press release: PHOENIX DIVERSIFIED COMMODITIES TRADER PLEADS GUILTY TO TAX, MORTGAGE AND FRAUD CHARGES IN $37 MILLION “PONZI” SCHEME

Jeffrey H. Sloman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael J. Folmar, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Miami Field Office, and J. Thomas Cardwell, Commissioner, State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, announced that defendant Michael A. Meisner, 52, of Boca Raton, FL, pled guilty today before the Honorable U.S. Magistrate Judge James M. Hopkins to a three-count Information filed on September 2, 2009, which charged mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C.§ 1341, loan application fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1014, and tax evasion, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201.  Bond was set at a $500,000 corporate surety bond, and a $500,000 personal surety bond. Sentencing was set for November 20, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., before the Honorable U.S. District Judge Kenneth A. Marra.  Meisner faces a maximum of 55 years imprisonment.

As set forth in the Information and the written proffer filed with his plea agreement, in approximately October 2001, Meisner, a registered commodity trading advisor, incorporated a company called Phoenix Diversified Investment Corporation (PDIC).  Meisner, through PDIC, accepted in excess of $37 million from over 260 investors through and until approximately May, 2008, when PDIC was placed into receivership and bankruptcy. In order to solicit investors, Meisner made materially false and fraudulent statements about his background and about PDIC’s performance, and omitted material facts.  He lied to prospective investors, telling them that he was a highly successful commodities trader who had developed a commodities index software trading program that consistently resulted in profitable commodity futures trades.  He provided falsified historical performance return sheets which showed high monthly returns on trades, and told prospective investors that their investments were safe and secure, and that their principal investment was guaranteed and not at risk.

Meisner failed to tell prospective investors that only approximately $13 million of the approximate $37 million in PDIC investor funds were deposited into commodities trading accounts. Though he represented profit to the investors, in reality, trades on these funds showed a net trading loss in excess of $6 million.  Meisner also failed to tell potential investors that approximately $22 million of PDIC investor monies were not invested but, instead, were used to make fraudulent ponzi-type “interest payments” to prior investors. In addition, Meisner failed tell potential investors that approximately $6.8 million in PDIC investor monies were used to support his and his family’s luxurious lifestyle.  PDIC investor monies were used to pay for, among other things: the purchase or lease of at least 15 luxury cars, including a  $217,800 2005 Bentley GT and a $152,000 2005 Aston Martin; the purchase or lease of 8 luxury Palm Beach county residences, including high-end single-family homes in gated communities and oceanfront condominiums; luxury vacations, private education expenses, country club fees, multiple large-screen televisions and other high-end electronics, luxury clothing and housewares, and a lavish wedding for his daughter held at Mar-A-Lago on Palm Beach. Meisner also admitted that on or about April 20, 2006, he filed a false application in order to obtain a $1,000,000 mortgage loan on certain property located on NW 49th Lane, Boca Raton, Florida. He further admitted that from on or about October 21, 2006, up to and including the present, he evaded the payment of a large part of the $444,581 in federal income tax he reported he owed for 2005 by, among other things, using corporate PDIC business funds to pay for personal living expenses related to his lavish lifestyle. >>> Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation.  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Bell.  A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

GULF COAST COUNTY

Gov. Crist taps Estes and Jenkins for Gulf Coast Community College

Press release: District Board of Trustees, Gulf Coast Community College (Senate Confirmation Required) Dan A. Estes, 48, of Lynn Haven, self-employed private investigator, reappointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending May 31, 2013. Shirley J. Jenkins, 54, of Port St. Joe, Gulf County Tax Collector, succeeding J. Allen Cox, appointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending May 31, 2013.

BREVARD COUNTY

Gov. Crist taps Brower, Green, Hartman, Turla and Warwick for housing agency

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following appointments: Brevard County Housing Authority

Nancy E. Brower, 55, of Merritt Island, vice president of lending with Community Bank of the South, succeeding Clifford Cook, appointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending March 3, 2013.

Cynthia A. Green, 36, of Melbourne, mortgage loan officer with Bank of America, succeeding Joe Robinson, appointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending March 3, 2013.

Michael A. Hartman, 50, of Merritt Island, real estate developer with RCMH LLC, succeeding Martha Kirby, appointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending March 3, 2011.

Rene M. Turla, 43, of Merritt Island, mortgage broker with Thomas Louis Mortgage, succeeding George Alberts, appointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending March 3, 2012.

Verna S. Warwick, 74, of Merritt Island, retired, succeeding Donna Ritchley, appointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending March 3, 2012.

LAKE-SUMTER COUNTY

Gov. Crist names Morris and Odom to community college

>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today announced the following reappointments: District Board of Trustees, Lake-Sumter Community College

(Senate confirmation required)

Timothy Morris, 51, of Leesburg, vice president of Ernie Morris Enterprises Inc., reappointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending May 31, 2013.

Margo S. Odom, 56, of Umatilla, regional director of external affairs for Embarq, reappointed for a term beginning September 2, 2009, and ending May 31, 2013.

MONROE COUNTY

Commissioner Carruthers gets 45-day extension on filing disclosures, family member may be terminally ill

Commissioner Heather Carruthers is in the spotlight this week and she was first elected to commission District 3 in 2008. She represents voter precincts 5-9 and won her seat easily carrying all the county’s precincts votes.

What about her finances?

Carruthers requested an extension from the Florida ethics commission on Aug. 28 in a letter to the body. The extension was requested because a “family member has been diagnosed with a potentially terminal disease” and on Aug. 31 the ethics commission chair granted the request for a 45-day extension.

State Road 5 (U.S. 1) between Card Sound Road and 344th Street in Florida City

One northbound lane of U.S. 1 will be closed between Card Sound Road and 344th Street in Florida City, August 10, 2009 through Friday, October 2, 2009. Work is scheduled for the non-peak daytime hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and non-peak nighttime hours of 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. One lane of traffic will be maintained at all times and access to businesses will be provided. Please note this schedule is tentative and may change due to bad weather and/or unforeseen circumstances. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive, or log on to www.fl511.com to get real-time traffic and lane closure information. For more information, please contact Abbie Kelley at 305-481-1186 or via email at pbus1@bellsouth.net.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

“Pretty good solid budget,” says board member Rivas Logan to Supt. Carvalho

The Instructional Excellence and Community Engagement Committee met Thursday and 56 people attended the meeting including school board members. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told board Members Ana Rivas Logan, Martin Karp, Marta Perez, Perla Tabares Hantman, Lawrence Feldman, Renier Diaz de la Portilla and Tee Holloway that $2.8 billion of federal stimulus funds was given to Florida for school districts needs and out of that.  The nation’s fourth largest public school district got $23 million that “overwhelmingly went to teachers salaries,” said CFO Richard Hines. Carvalho, noted through earlier adjustments, including two unpaid days for teachers that the district is in much better shape than in Broward, where they “opted to use the stimulus money” now and “what do you do when the funds dry up in 18 months,” he told the committee. The superintendent also noted the “state has given us the category flexibility” to move monies around during this budget crisis. He also believes a “$35 million [personnel] exposure” will be reduced “to zero” after these “fulltime employees leave or retire,” he said.

>>> The board is having its monthly meeting Wednesday at the downtown administrative building and can be seen on the web or by cable television. It begins at 1:00 p.m. www.dadeschools.net

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

Push is on for more community support, county’s unfunded mandates is killing health system

At the PHT Aug. 24th board meeting, trustees discussed a number of subjects and here are some of the meeting highlights.

>>> Jackson North Hospital has been certified as a Stroke Center and is one of the health facilities that will see new FIU medical students starting their first year of medical training. Medical School Dean John Rock, M.D. said the 43 students just had their first test and the “dream has come true” for the “first public College of Medicine that is embedded in the community,” he told trustees.

>>> Trustee Abraham Galbut stated the cost for medical care in county prisons has risen to $74 million, and these “services represent 27 percent of all indigent healthcare costs”, is a great financial weight, and “is a none core direct expense,” he said.

University of Medical School Dean Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D. also believed the unfunded county mandates were financially crippling the health system. He said there was a real need for more “community support for the financial challenges we are faced with” and the PHT is a “true jewel of the community” and if you backed out the unfunded county mandates, over $100 million a year. The dean said, “If the mandates were taken out, Jackson would be financially stable” and assists in making the medical complex a global “medical destination.”

>>> Trustee Rosy Cancela said the expansion and renovations of Jackson South Hospital “construction is moving forward” and once “done it will be fabulous,” she thought.

>>> New PHT CEO Eneida Roldan, M.D. has been out in the public beating the drum about the need to support the hospital system. She has meet with the 13-members on the county commission, Commissioner Bruno Barreiro is expected to take a tour on Sept. 16, and a meeting with Commission vice Chair Jose “Pepe” Diaz is to be announced. Further, a joint PHT/Dade state delegation meeting is slated for Nov. 11.

>>> Ann St. Thomas, a 31-year volunteer at Jackson was profiled on television and the 90-year-old woman is full of pep and is loved by patients and their families. She started in 1980 and over the years has had past patients come to her home for lunch.

CITY OF MIAMI

Mayor Diaz scores, Miami 21 passes first reading 4-1, Regalado questions past administration development decisions

Mayor Manuel Diaz finally got his first of two wishes after the commission on Friday passed Miami 21; sweeping new zoning legislation, he hopes to be the cherry on top of his administration ending in November. Diaz was rebuked earlier in August but he tried again, but this time with Commissioner Angel Gonzalez on the dais, it passed on first reading 4 to 1. Commissioner Tomas Regalado was the only no vote that included amendments to the legislation and he summed-up his thoughts of the past rampant development under the current code, noting it was under Diaz’s administration. He noted with irony about the past versus what was being said today, “Unless your in Miami where 2 and 2 is five” referring to the lack of acknowledgement of past commission and administration decisions when it came too the rampant development.

>>> The Miami New Times www.miaminewtimes.com  did a follow-up story to a past Watchdog Report on the resignation of Christine Morales from the city of Miami after a union leader hired a detective to follow her during the course of the day and the logs of her activities on city time is a great read.

>>> The following e-mail was sent  to Mayor Manny Diaz using his e-mail address on his extensive city web-page on Sept. 13, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. and to date there has been no answer from the mayor.>>> “Mayor Diaz, I wanted to ask you in the chamber today but not in front of Chair Joe Sanchez. My question is where did the extra $400,000 in the 2007 disclosure form come from? I will run what ever you respond unedited but I would appreciate closing this issue, as I am sure you do. Sorry but I have to ask.  Best to all. Dan”  >>>> The Watchdog Report through Dec.7 has yet to get a response or catch-up with Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz on where he got the extra $400,000 in cash listed in his 2007 financial disclosure forms. To see what CBS 4 reporter David Sutta’s take on this issue and the other city leaders financial disclosures go to cbs4.com Blogs . >>> Readers should stay tuned and catch the meeting on the city’s cable station channel 77. >>> Stream Channel 77, for all City of Miami meetings, (Commission, Village Council meetings, Waterfront, Zoning, PAB, Code, etc. hearings)    http://videos.miamigov.com/

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

Mayor Bower’s challenger Larose said to be credible candidate, will he be able to raise a campaign war chest?

The fact that Mayor Matti Herrera Bower has drawn challenger Joshua Larose is causing some buzz on the Beach and some believe the incumbent mayor could be vulnerable in November and while the Watchdog Report has found nothing about the new candidate. He is said to be credible by a number of people in the know in the municipality and if he has his own money, or can raise campaign funds, he could give Bower a run for her money. Bower, who sometimes has a hard time understanding some of the issues in front of the body, has had her ups and downs while in office. Larose is expected to make the speaking rounds in the weeks ahead and when he is scheduled to speak at the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club I will attend and check out this new political neophyte seeking the top spot on the dais.

Miami Beach Seeks Nominations for Hispanic Heritage Month Awards

Press release: The Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee seeks nominations for the 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Awards. The Committee will select a winner in one of each of the following categories: educator, businessperson, public safety hero &/or provider, social services provider, artist, youth (community activism), and any Hispanic resident of Miami Beach. Nomination forms are available at City Hall and online at http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=49138 and can be submitted via E-mail to nrodriguez@miamibeachfl.gov; by fax to 786.394.4149; by mail to City of Miami Beach, Office of Communications, Hispanic Heritage Award, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33139. Detailed nominations must be received by Friday, September 11, 2009, at 5:00 p.m.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Miami Beach honors those that have contributed positively to the Miami Beach community in their respective professional field and live or work in the City of Miami Beach. The nomination must include the nominee’s full name, address, phone number, and an explanation on how the person has contributed to the Miami Beach community. The awards will be presented during the City’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Friday, October 16, 6:00 p.m. at North Shore Park, 501 72 Street. >>> The Hispanic Affairs Committee serves as an advisory capacity to the City Commission and the City Administration in respect to matters pertaining to the Hispanic community of the City of Miami Beach. For more information, contact Nannette Rodriguez, liaison to the Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee, at 305.673.7575.

>>> County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro (District 5*), will be the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club speaker Sept. 8, 8:30AM – 10:00AM, David’s Cafe II, 1654 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

Public budget hearings kick off Tuesday, $150 million budget, will civility reign?

Residents and city union representatives and others are expected to descend on the Coral Gables Commission Chamber Tuesday at 5:01 p.m. for the first public hearing on next year’s roughly $150 million budget. The administration has been grappling with a reduced property tax base, and other revenues are down, and is suggesting a $50.00 fire fee that passed a first reading recently. The fee is expected to bring in $3 million states www.miamiherald.com quoting Mayor Donald Slesnick, II on the expected revenue.

However, just as Miami-Dade is finding it is tough to cut $444 million out of its $7.5 billion budget next year, in the Gables elected leaders have to make tough choices this year. But people should realize that it is the next year in, 2010-2011 that the real financial pain hits, because there will be very little new development of the municipal tax base and property values may have fallen even further after a second year of low appraisals, and homes in foreclosure. At the public hearing people will have the opportunity to make their case for cuts or for slightly raising the taxes but the one thing that does catch a elected leaders ear is a calm and cogent two minute statement, especially if it makes sense, and hopefully a modicum of civility will prevail during these public hearings.

CITY OF MIAMI SHORES

THREE CHARGED IN MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR VACANT LAND FRAUD SCHEME

Press release: Jeffrey H. Sloman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Michael J. Folmar, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, and J. Thomas Cardwell, Commissioner, State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation, announced the August 25, 2009 Indictment of defendants Daniel Stephen, 42, of Miami Shores, FL, Clotilde Jean, 43, of Miramar, FL, and Patricia DePons, 53, of Miami Shores, FL.  The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, for their participation in a scheme to sell vacant land.  Through this scheme, the defendants defrauded more than 1,000 victims of approximately $10.6 million.  If convicted, the defendants face a possible maximum statutory sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count.

This case arose from the sale of property in North Florida and Georgia by First Loan Solution, a company owned and operated by defendant Daniel Stephen and his partner, co-defendant  Clotilde Jean.  According to the Indictment, Stephen, Jean, and other First Loan Solution employees sold land to members of the Haitian community in Miami Dade County using advertisements on Haitian radio, leaflets in the community, bus trips to North Florida and direct solicitations of the buyers. The Indictment alleges that Daniel Stephen, Clotilde Jean and other First Loan Solution employees made material misrepresentations to induce the buyers to purchase the vacant land.  For example, Stephen, Jean and their employees allegedly represented to potential buyers that First Loan Solution and Stephen actually owned the land that was being sold to them.  In fact, however, First Solution and Stephen did not own the land.  Stephen also represented that First Loan Solution would maintain the buyers’ deposit money in escrow prior to closing on the transactions.  In fact, however, Stephen used that money for business and personal expenses.  Stephen and Jean further represented that the buyers were purchasing individual parcels of land on which the buyers could build.  In fact, however, the buyers were purchasing land collectively with other buyers through a limited liability company, and could not build individually on the property.

According to the Indictment, Stephen hired a title company to serve as closing agent.  DePons was responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the title company.  DePons conducted the closings on the sales, and collected from the buyers the balance due on the sale and the title company’s closing fees.  At the closings, DePons issued fraudulent warranty deeds and closing statements to the buyers in an effort to make the closings appear legitimate.  Ultimately, the buyers never received title to the land nor, in most cases, refunds of the monies paid to Stephen, Jean and DePons for the land. Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Federal State Mortgage Fraud Strike Force with special commendation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter A. Forand. >>> An indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

CITY OF HIALEAH GARDENS

Local mayor’s job not bad, pays $100,000 in salary, council members get $10,500 yearly

>>> Ethics commission report: In 2007, the City of Hialeah Gardens’ Mayor received a taxable salary of $100,800 in and City Council Members received a taxable salary of $10,500 each.  The City utilizes a “non-accountable” expense allowance system. The Mayor receives a bi-weekly expense allowance of $2,798.02, which is treated as taxable compensation income and reported on the Mayors’ W-2 wage statement.  With regards to other benefits provided, the City provides its Mayor with a City-issued vehicle and cell phone, which the City pays for.  However, the Mayor does not have a travel allowance, a City issued procurement card or a public relations allowance. Council Members also receive a monthly expense allowance of $2,134.62, which is taxable compensation income and is reported on their W-2 wage statements. Council Members are not given a vehicle allowance, travel allowance, government issued credit card or a personal public relations budget.  However, Council Members are provided with a City-issued cell phone.

Additionally, the City of Hialeah Gardens does provide nontaxable reimbursements to each elected official for expenses incurred while conducting official City business.  Based on discussion with the City Finance Director, the City requires that the elected officials complete a travel reimbursement request form and submit supporting documents, such as receipts and invoices, in order to receive any reimbursements. Reimbursements for expenses including travel, parking, seminars, conventions and incidental items are processed through the Finance Department by submitting a voucher for reimbursement which requires supporting receipts or documentation for payment. Lastly, Hialeah Gardens does not have written policies and procedures for the payment of a government official’s expenses, per say.  However, the Finance Director documented in memo format the process that is to be followed by the elected official prior to receiving travel expense reimbursements. In Article III., Section 4A. & 4B, the City Charter sets forth the policy governing compensation and expenses incurred by the City’s elected officials. Specifically, Section 4, rate of compensation of the city council and the Mayor, states the following: (a) “The rate of compensation paid to Councilpersons shall be set by ordinance, provided, however, that there shall be at least a required four-fifths vote of the Council for adoption of any such ordinance.” (b) The rate of compensation paid to the Mayor shall be set by ordinance, provided, however, that there shall be at least a required four-fifths vote of the Council for adoption of any such ordinance.”

TOWN OF CUTLER BAY

Mayor Vrooman gets $12,000 salary, council members get $5,000

Ethics commission report: In 2007, the Town of Cutler Bay’s Mayor received a salary of $12,000.  Each Town Council Member received a salary of $5,000.  Salary payments are increased by the CPI annually.  Council Members also received $1,200 in the form of an annual expense allowance. Elected officials and authorized employees of the town receive reimbursement in accordance with applicable law, or as may be otherwise provided by ordinance, for authorized expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.  In 2007, the Mayor received non-taxable reimbursements totaling $422.68. Council Member Sochin received non-taxable reimbursements totaling $3,967.68. Council Member Meerbott received non-taxable reimbursements totaling $650.18.  Council Member Bell received non-taxable reimbursements totaling $2,761.50.

VILLAGE OF BISCAYNE PARK

Mayor gets $6,000 salary; commissioners get $3,000 a year

Ethics Report on municipality: In 2007, the Village of Biscayne Park’s Mayor received a salary of $6,000.  Village Commissioners Anderson, Mallette and Morris received a salary of $3,000 and Commissioner Bernard received a salary of $750, since he took office in the last quarter of the year.  None of the elected officials received reimbursement for expenses. The Mayor and Commissioners receive reimbursement in accordance with state law, or as may be otherwise provided by ordinance, for authorized expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.  None of the elected officials receive any allowances, expense accounts or credit cards for use in village-related business.

TOWN OF GOLDEN BEACH

Town mayor & council get whopping $1.00 salary, which is taxable

Ethics commission report: The Town of Golden Beach’s Mayor receives an annual salary of $1, which is taxable  The Mayor is not provided with a vehicle or cell phone allowance, procurement card, or a public relations budget. However, in 2007 the Mayor did receive a $70 non-taxable travel reimbursement. Each Town Council Member receives an annual $1 taxable salary. Council Members are not provided with a vehicle or cell phone allowance, procurement card, or a public relations budget. Council Members did receive a $140 nontaxable travel reimbursement in 2007. The charter of the Town of Golden Beach sets forth the policy governing elected officials’ reimbursement for government-related expenses. Specifically, Section 2-258 (f) of the charter states the following:

“Not withstanding any of the foregoing restrictions and limitations, the Mayor and other Councilmembers may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred by them in performance of their duties, in maximum amounts to be set by resolution, provided that: The activities in which the expenses were incurred are of identifiable benefit to the Town; and, (2) receipts are provided to substantiate each expense.”  Section 2-258 (g) of the Town Charter allows for advancements to be authorized and made by the Town Manager to cover anticipated costs of travel.  According to Section 2-258 (i) of the charter, the Town Manager is responsible for “prescribing such forms and procedures necessary to effectuate the purpose of this portion of the Town Charter.” The Town’s Finance Department provides internal accounting services to the Town of Golden Beach. This includes preparing the annual budget, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.  The Finance Director stated there are no written policies and procedures for the payment of officials’ expense reimbursements; however, the Town is in the process of creating a written document for this purpose.  In the meantime, elected officials must complete a travel expense form and submit supporting receipts prior to the approval and reimbursement of any government-related business expenditure.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

>>> Press release: ETHICS AND THE MEDIA — “Principled Journalism and Government Relations in a New Era”

A one-day conference for South Florida journalists, government officials and public relations professionals sponsored by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics, the School of Communication at the University of Miami and the South Florida Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists >> FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009 – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., School of Communication, University of Miami, 5100 Brunson Drive, Coral Gables, Florida >> Keynote Speaker: Syndicated Columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr., Other conference presenters include: The Hon. Lynda Bell, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, Esq., Helen Aguirre Ferre, Howard Finklestein, Esq., Dwight Lauderdale, Michael Lewis, The Hon. Harvey Ruvin, Chief John Timoney — Workshop Topics include: Media, Law and Public Access; The Revolving Door between Government and Media Government Information: Presentation and Perception, The Appearance of Impropriety >>> The $20 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch and a panel discussion on Political Smears and Media Manipulation >>> For more information contact the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics at 305-350-0631 or ethics@miamidade.gov .

EDITORIALS

Past WDR: Feb. 2008: Politicians at all levels & senior staff must be held to higher standard, public corruption corrosive to society as a whole

Elected leaders, other public servants that are arrested and then plead out, the light sentences they get nationally, statewide and locally are bothering to the average person and it must end if the public is to view their leaders with the respect they should deserve. Public corruption comes in many forms from just stealing or a bribe, to the misuse of the public positions for something perhaps personal. South Florida is going through a wave of this activity, state and federal prosecutors are popping politicians, and senior staff but some of the sentences just seem too light, especially when it concerns public integrity of a politician.

It is bad enough that public institutions waste billions collectively and just in Miami-Dade County around $250 million is blown a year says the county IG through fraud, ineptitude or carelessness and that is not a small number especially with the cooling state economy. Further, the transformation of an activist or candidate into an ego driven elected leader is sad to watch and because voters are not paying close attention. These people and their actions will not be noticed at first and it takes years sometimes to get some of these wayward rascals out of office.

A person’s feeling of entitlement to elected office is probable the most painful to watch as people go from elected office, to elected office becoming a career politician which is fine, if it is not accompanied by the same politician being a lobbyist or shill for some industry on the side. In addition, while public corruption has been with us since almost the dawn of time, it must be attacked aggressively and when people are found guilty the sentences should reflect the special fact they are a public servant that has gone astray and should get the book thrown at them. For this is definitely not a good thing for the public and society as a whole.

PAST WDR: Sept. 2007: Public institutions and employees need to be careful when it comes to the web, not everyone has access or a Blackberry like them

Government organizations need to be careful when they tell people in a condescending way that all this information is on the government’s web page. For many people do not have access to the web or high-speed connections like many of these public servants, with their Blackberries and they should remember that. The web has proven to be a boon in so many ways but there is a technological divide and access to government must be available in a number of ways if all are to be satisfied with their request for information.

I write about this because it seems to be the catch phrase I hear constantly thrown out to mollify peoples request for information and public servants should be cognizant of that fact, and try to accommodate the request for information in a timely manner. For local government falls under the Sunshine Act and requesting parties have the law on their side, and practically every document falls under this government in the Sunshine and before a public employee gets into a snit when a request comes in. They should reflect that this is the way it is, and as much as they might want to ignore the request, it is the law and should be followed.

>>> Sunshine violations for discussions among people on public boards is wrong and people will start getting busted

Sunshine violations at meetings are going to get increased scrutiny in the future and people on these public boards need to not have side bar discussions with other members for they open themselves up for criticism. People don’t know what is being said when these people come together for a chat, and that doubt does not help bring open and transparent government to the political process.

In the past, especially at the county commission I have taken photos of elected leaders talking while proceedings are going on and they generally have gotten the message. However, in the future such as the charter review meetings, the Watchdog Report will be relentless in documenting these discussions regardless if someone is just discussing their children, or speaking about policy being discussed at the meeting. People on public boards should keep this in mind in the future for the public expects since you are in a leadership position representing them indirectly and with leadership comes this responsibility.

>>> PAST WDR: The Watchdog Report can cover only so much during the week

Over the years, I have gotten e-mails from people in Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe and throughout Miami-Dade asking if I could come up there and cover their municipalities or counties as well as the ones in Dade. However, as one person doing the Watchdog Report, I can only be in so many places in the course of the week and I try to stay within a general corridor of public institutions with an occasional trip to the Broward County Commission meetings.

Below is a letter from a long time reader and I would love to cover Hialeah, and it is why I did the story on Miami Gardens this week but when so many of the institutions are so much bigger when you consider the county, school board or the Public Health Trust. It is difficult for me to cover all the county’s 35 municipalities in a systematic manner.

LETTERS

>>> Thank you for your tireless service to the public, to the people, of Miami-Dade County and surroundings. I personally was tremendously relieved by Governor Crist’s pick for U.S. Senator.  I am a registered Independent, respecting Republicans for their business acumen, and Democrats for their conscience, and wisdom, about the environment and human rights for Indians.  George LeMieux, like Charlie Crist, tries his best to excel in both areas.  We had eight years of so-called very conservative government, and I think people want a centrist U.S. Senator, like George LeMieux, no? For instance, some are criticizing Bush appointee Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, working with President Obama, for increasing the national debt to prevent The Second Great Depression.  Can you imagine if we had gotten someone, of that Herbert Hoover persuasion, undermining our economic recovery?

Jackson Rip Holmes

Coral Gables

>>> Good coverage – you hit the nail on the head….

Don Slesnick, II

Mayor

City of Coral Gables

>>> Congratulations  for your persistence over ten years against apathy, indifference, and ignorance.

A

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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 Extra’s have been sent since May 5, 2000 and over one million words have been written on our community’s governments and events.  The report is an original work based on information gathered at public meetings, interviews and from documents in the public domain.

LETTER POLICY

I welcome letters via e-mail, fax, or snail mail. Letters may be edited for length or clarity and must refer to material published in the Watchdog Report.  Please see address and contact information. Please send any additions and corrections by e-mail, fax or snail mail. All corrections will be published in the next Watchdog Report. If you or your organization would like to publish the contents of this newsletter, please contact me. Please send your request to watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2009, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> Watchdog Report is expanding as a new service and this content is now available to other news media, no longer exclusive to The Miami Herald

The Watchdog Report is no longer exclusively with The Miami Herald, and excluding the one story a week that is printed in the paper on Monday in the Metro & State section by me. The rest of the 20 or so news stories weekly sent out Sunday in the Watchdog Report are now available to television stations web pages, and all the newspapers and other media in South Florida if the publishers have an interest to run part or all of the stories. Further, in 2000, I used to have some paper’s running the report in the Spanish press, that option is available again, and publishers should contact me.  The news content will not be free, but you can pick and chose the stories of interest, edit them if necessary but you must still keep the general story intact.  If you are a news outlet and would like to learn more about, the Watchdog Report and this offer contact me at watchdogreport1@earthlink.net for further information.

>>> Here is what past newspapers have written about the Watchdog Report publisher including a survey and regional study done by the U. North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the media in the southeast United States.

>>> The Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel & Sun-Sentinel articles on the Watchdog Report publisher over the years.

Published on September 9, 1999, Page 1EA, Miami Herald, The (FL)

CITIZEN ADVOCATE’ KEEPS TABS ON POLITICIANS

Published on January 3, 2000, Page 1B, Miami Herald, The (FL)

MIAMI-DADE WATCHDOG WILL BE MISSED

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.

>>>Watchdog Report publisher named ‘Best Citizen’ 2003 by the Miami New Times  –The publisher would like to thank the weekly alternative paper Miami New Times for bestowing their 2003 Best of Miami, ‘Best Citizen’ award to me and I am honored.  Thank you. To read the full story go to http://www.miaminewtimes.com/issues/2003-05-15/citylife2.html/1/index.html

From the spring of 2003:  U. North Carolina, Chapel Hill:  Southeast U.S. Media Report lists Watchdog Report publisher as leading Florida commentator >>> Selected excerpts from the report on Florida’s media sources

Those who do read the newspaper in Florida have a bevy of options for state government and political coverage. The dominant newspapers in the state are Knight-Ridder’s The Miami Herald (Acquired by The McClatchy Company in 2006) and the Poynter Institute’s St. Petersburg Times. Both papers endorsed Gore in 2000 but split on the 2002 gubernatorial race, with the Herald endorsing Republican incumbent Jeb Bush and the Times backing Democratic challenger Bill McBride.

Daniel Ricker of The Miami Herald also writes an influential column as well as an email newsletter called the Watchdog Report that goes out to more than 100,000 subscribers. FEBRUARY 2004 – Florida: Columnists in Abundance –ERIC GAUTSCHI, graduate student, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, UNC-Chapel Hill – D) LEADING COMMENTATORS – Resource Commentator Organization Type Web site –Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/bousquet.shtml -“First Friday” WPBT TV (Miami) TV Show www.channel2.org/firstfriday/issues.html –Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/morgan.shtml  –Daniel Ricker Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter -www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/columnists/dan_ricker/ >>> Readers who would like to read the complete University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Southeast United States Media Report go to view the complete report or download all the data used in this study. >>> Watchdog Report Editor’s note to the NCU/CH study: The subscriber number referenced is incorrect and applies to readership. The Southern Media Landscape (PDF)  Daniel Ricker. Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter. www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald … circulation, 134,269. Dan Hoover leads the. publication’s ..www.unc.edu/~davismt/SouthNow.pdf – 574k – View as html

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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