Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 17 September 20, 2009
Miami-Dade, Florida
Vol. 10 No. 17 September 20, 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: Obama trying national full court press on health insurance reform & Gov. Crist faces resistance with some Republicans while U.S. Rep. Meek still has past Wackenhut issue
Florida: Chief Circuit Court Judge Brown in the spotlight this week, net worth $1.44 million through Dec. 2008 & Clerk Ruvin elected in 1992, net worth $1.53 million
Florida Supreme Court: Justice Polston in the spotlight, tapped by Gov. Crist last Oct., had $273,000 net worth in June
Miami-Dade County: Mayor Alvarez tries to take The Miami Herald to woodshed, paper stands by stories and reporters
Broward County: Chief Circuit Judge Tobin gets tapped by peers in Jan. to lead 17th Judicial Circuit, had $2.16 million net worth through 2008
Polk County: State Sen. Dockery in the spotlight this week, termed out in 2012, had $2.8 million net worth through Dec.
Martin County: Four residents from county are sentenced for series of armed robberies
Monroe County: PA Higgs in the spotlight, appraises property in tony county, had $1.4 million net worth through 2008
Miami-Dade Public Schools: Public schools takes a stand against violence in the community
Public Health Trust: BCC taps Rosenbaum and Ayala as new PHT trustees, four incumbents approved, now four women on 17-member board with $1.9 billion budget
City of Miami: Now there are just two, Commissioners Regalado and Sanchez face off in Nov. mayoral race, audience gets ugly at local debate
City of Miami Beach: Last public hearing on $226 million budget, but commission races in Nov., where things are heating-up
City of Coral Gables: Last public budget hearing plays out Tuesday, passions are high, email traffic heated last few weeks
City of Homestead: The 16 candidates running for mayor and council talk ethics and transparency in government
City of Miami Springs: Mayor gets $7,800 salary; Council Members are paid $6,000 a year
City of North Bay Village: Mayor gets $7,500 salary and commission pay comes in at $6,000
City of North Miami: Mayor’s salary is bumped to $48,000, Council Members also get raise to $36,000
City of North Miami Beach: Mayor gets $3,600 in salary in leadership position, Council Members get $3,000, but they get more in perks
City of Opa-Locka: Mayor’s salary comes in at $6,600 but there are other perks
City of Palmetto Bay: Mayor gets $24,000 salary; council members get $12,000 yearly salary, plus perks
Village of Pinecrest: Elected village leaders get zip when it comes to salary, get state rate for meals and per diems
Community Events: Elephant Forum luncheon — The Miami Herald Americas Conference 2009 —Ethics and the Media panel at UM
Editorials: Two PAST WDR: JUNE 2004: Regionalism only works with visionary local leaders, but do we have that? — Miami must remember the lessons taught by the state oversight board
Letters: Reader on different public pension funds — Two reader’s correct WDR Miami story headline last week
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.
>>> This Week on ISSUES – 9/18 & 9/20 >> Race in Healthcare Debate? On Tuesday, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter injected race into the healthcare debate saying that opposition to President Barack Obama’s plans stemmed from him being African-American. We gathered a panel to discuss this and whether race has played a role in Obama’s presidency so far. Guests: Joy Reid, South Florida Times —Justin Sayfie, SayfieReview.com >>> Balancing the Budget and More Miami-Dade Salary Increases –The Miami-Dade County Commission met Thursday night to finalize their budget. Early that day, the press gathered at a news conference held by County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, who was responding to a Miami Herald article about more salary increases during this fiscal crisis. We review the end result of both events. Guest: Daniel Ricker, Watchdog Report >>> Lack of Civility in the U.S.? –First athlete Serena Williams shouted obscenities at judges during a game held last Saturday, then on Sunday musician Kanye West jumped on stage interrupting an award recipient during a televised ceremony. Even prior to this week, South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson shouted at the President during a joint session of Congress. Is this type of behavior limited to a few individuals, or is America becoming ruder? Guest: Karen Callaghan, Ph.D., Barry University
>>> Check out what I said on Topical Currents hosted by Joseph Cooper on WLRN 91.3 FM on the Miami-Dade County budget and the cuts and on Wednesday the discussion was with Jackson Memorial System President Eneida Roldan, M.D. and the chair of the Public Health Trust, John Copeland, III that is struggling to cover $535 million in charity care. www.wlrn.org
>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the James S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding and the University of Miami’s Knight Center of International Media http://knight.miami.edu within the University’s School of Communication www.miami.edu assistance to rebuild my web site www.watchdogreport.net that is now on line again, since the previous one was shut down in July 2008. Past reports will continue to go on line in the future, potentially as far back as May 2000. This institutional support is a major break through for me, and I am deeply appreciative of the help these two substantial international institutions have given me at a time the site was an unbudgeted expense and to keep the Watchdog Report a community education resource, while also being a decade old news service.
ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street
>>> Obama trying full court press on health insurance reform & Gov. Crist faces resistance with some Republicans and U.S. Rep. Meek still has past Wackenhut issue
President Barack Obama is on a media blitz trying to crystallize broad national support for reform of health insurance that has a “public option,” taking a possible back seat as dueling legislation is being considered by the House and Senate. Obama, with the summer recess over is going for the gold in trying to convince Americans that the current system is unsustainable and has to be addressed. He is arguing that primary care for all in some form will greatly assist in paying for a new health option for the 35 million Americans without health insurance but resistance has been stiff. Obama on Sunday hit the airwaves arguing that now was the time to deal with a problem that is costing the nation around 16 percent of the nation’s total Gross National Product and only going up, even with inflation under control, healthcare costs continue to rise above 5 percent this past year. The president acknowledges this is a Herculean task but the Congress must take it up and it remains to be seen if the American public, currently struggling to keep or find a job will but into Obama’s game plan.
>>> What about the U.S. Senate race in 2010?
The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com Sunday did an in depth story on Gov. Charlie Crist’s (net worth $466,000) ongoing 2010 Senate campaign. Crist has amassed a campaign war chest that has over $4 million in it so far. The governor has always been “a happy warrior” when it comes to campaigning but Republicans around the state are balking at some of Crist’s political moves and with a closed Republican primary. Crist will find winning the Republican primary against former House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-Miami no cakewalk. Rubio is campaigning very actively around the state and while his fund raising efforts fall far short of the governor’s. His message is resonating with some hard-core party members that believe Crist is too moderate, something that helps him in the general election but could be a problem during the closed primary.
Either candidate will likely face U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, (net worth $62,000 in 2002) and the Democratic challenger is raising a fair amount of money for his campaign in his own right but is also short of Crist’s fundraising efforts to date. Meek is also being dogged by his past association with Wackenhut Security now involved in a legal struggle with Miami-Dade County. The county in a critical audit believes the security company over billed Miami-Dade by over $3.4 million in phantom employees and the company shot back with a $20 million lawsuit. Meek had been the company’s lobbyist at the county and got around $90,000 in that capacity through 2002, his wife Leslie then took it over until 2004 when his mother, former U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek, D-Miami picked up the lobbying assignment. The elder Meek a few months ago got a conflict waiver from the Miami-Dade county commission, since she also gets up to $75,000 as a county lobbyist to the federal government. Further, her Meek Foundation has received hundreds of thousands of county dollars over the years and the first county money at the time was considered “seed money” by one of the county commissioners voting on the item at the time.
>>> Watchdog Report starting to wrap up financial disclosure stories
The Watchdog Report will be wrapping-up the financial disclosure forms for state and local elected leaders in the months ahead and I try to do these during the summer when government leadership goes into hibernation. People ask all the time why I run these required yearly disclosures and it is because it is the only time we get to see financially what our elected leaders are up to when it comes to their personal finances. And over the years there have been surprises, such as Palm Beach Commissioners whose net worth suddenly jumps, to ex sheriff of Broward Ken Jenne who listed outside income around 2004 on his disclosure and ended with his going to federal prison. Over the past decade I have found well over 90 percent of respondents are straight up, and their disclosures are what I call benign but it is important to check and verify.
>>> 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.
>>> 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!”
>>> PAST WDR: Dec. 22, 2003: The Watchdog Report publisher’s story, perceived versus real
The Watchdog Report publisher has been covering events at about 25% of my usual activity level in the community the last few weeks and this week’s report is a lite version of the usual 20 plus page report. Since I jumped into this activity in 1997, much has happened in our community and I could not have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, some of the happenings in South Florida since then.
I have also talked with numerous people about the problem that I face regarding the perception that because I still dress well, write a column and provide a news service for The Miami Herald, and am a frequent contributor to WLRN/NPR that I am flush with subscribers and the money is just rolling in and thus other readers do not need to subscribe. Readers should note that the public institutions listed are really not major financial contributors and most range between $250 to $500 with some more in their yearly contributions but for example, in the case of the public school district, the administration has only provided $500 over the past four years. However, a number of board members have also subscribed but there again big bucks are not involved.
I list these public institutions partially because the Watchdog Report is read by their staffs and elected officials and by having links to the institutions allows readers to easily find the appropriate web pages. The point of this is that I have in fact gone out my way to limit the financial contributions of these public institutions so that my coverage would not be clouded by the threat of being cut off. That is why I ask readers to step forward and help fill this financial gap to keep someone out in your community. Because I am frequently asked, why Broward or Palm Beach Counties do not have a watchdog in their community and one of the reasons is that it requires a community supporting someone’s efforts and as I have found out after almost four years. That is not an easy task. >>> Please take a moment and go to the bottom of the report and follow the easy directions, send you’re check in today and be one of the special people that keeps someone like me out in our community reporting back every week. Thank you.
>>> Do you write about everything you see?
No, Readers get about 5 to 10% of what I see, hear, read and collect regarding documents, interviews and many times months may go by or years before I work information into a story.
>>> You always have a tape recorder; do you tape people’s conversation secretly?
Absolutely not, doing that would be against the law without a court order. When I have the recorder in someone’s face with the large red recording light flashing then you know that I am recording. So all you folks that think otherwise, you can relax, because most of the things I hear in the course of my day excluding public meetings are not tape worthy anyway. Readers should also realize that only a small percentage of what I see and read is reported on yet within government. They do not know what will be covered and it does have an effect on how your government performs.
FLORIDA
>>> Chief Circuit Court Judge Brown in the spotlight this week, net worth $1.44 million through Dec. 2008 & Clerk Ruvin elected in 1992, net worth $1.53 million
Chief Judicial Circuit Court Judge Joel Brown, of the 11th Judicial Circuit is in the spotlight and he was voted into the office by his judicial peers earlier in the year and it was a close race. Brown edged out Circuit Court Judge Ivan Fernandez, (net worth $140,000) in the tight race. The Miami-Dade Judicial Circuit is the busiest in the state, the state attorney’s office alone has 150,000 misdemeanors that have to be dealt with, including the more serious felonies such as domestic violence, murderers, armed robbers and others, and the judicial side of the equation is complex given the circuit’s caseload.
What do we know about Brown’s finances?
Brown through Dec. 2008 lists a net worth of $1.44 million and he has $60,000 in household goods. There is $26,000 in bank accounts, $15,000 in stock, a Smith Barney account through the end of last year is valued at $56,000 and a Charles Schwab account is valued at $1.3 million at the end of the year. He lists one $22,000 liability with MB Financial and income for the year was $145,968 as a judge, Merrill Lynch kicked in $1,000, Schwab contributed $29,000 and a company in Philadelphia called Nolan River Mall Associates gave him $3,957. The local chief justice received no gifts over $100.00. for the reporting period.
>>> What about Miami-Dade Clerk Ruvin?
Harvey Ruvin, the Clerk of the 11th Judicial Court Circuit is in the spotlight this week and he was first elected to the countywide office in 1992. Ruvin an attorney who graduated from the University of Florida and got his law degree from the University of Miami won his first elected office in 1968 when he became the mayor of North Bay Village. The Clerk’s office has around 1,400 employees and an $80 million yearly budget. For more on Ruvin go to http://www.miami-dadeclerk.com/dadecoc/Clerk_Bio_Outline.asp
What do we know about his finances?
Ruvin through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $1.53 million and he lists $175,000 in household goods. He has $400,000 in a deferred IRA, his home is valued at $1.65 million and a limited partnership of Signature Gardens is worth $40,000. He lists liabilities of $335,000 with Wells Fargo, another mortgage is owed $280,000 and there is $5,000 owed on credit cards. His salary as clerk brought in $185,000 and he got $24,000 from social security.
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT
Justice Polston in the spotlight, tapped by Gov. Crist last Oct., had $273,000 net worth in June
Justice Ricky Polston is in the Watchdog Report spotlight this week and he was appointed to the top court by Gov. Charlie Crist on Oct. 2, 2008. The justice’s family includes six children that are adopted and he is a Florida State University graduate.
What do we know about his finances?
Polston, through June 13, had a net worth of $273,000 and he lists $225,000 in household goods. His home is worth $650,000 and his liabilities are a $508,000 mortgage, Citizens Auto is owed $5,100 and he owes Region Bank $29,283. He lists income of $13,500 from FSU, and his judicial salary was $155,000. The justice lists no gifts on his over $100.00 gift disclosure form.
>>> Court’s web page: Justice Ricky Polston –Justice Ricky Polston Hometown – Graceville, Florida — Spouse – Deborah Ehler Polston, Children – Ten (Adoptive parents of sibling group of 6) Degrees – J.D. with High Honors, Florida State University, 1986; B.S., Summa Cum Laude, Florida State University, 1977; A.A., Chipola Jr. College, 1975. Offices and Positions – Justice, Florida Supreme Court, October 2, 2008-present; Judge, First District Court of Appeal, January 2, 2001-October 1, 2008; Private Law Practice 1987- 2000; Adjunct Law Professor, Florida State University 2003-present; Certified Public Accountant 1978-present; Public Accounting Practice 1977-1984. Legal Activities – Member, The Florida Bar. Admitted to practice before United States District Court, Northern District of Florida; United States District Court, Middle District of Florida; United States District Court, Southern District of Florida; United States Tax Court; United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; United States Court of Federal Claims; United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; United States Supreme Court. Certified Circuit Court Mediator (1997-2003). Florida Bar Appellate Court Rules Committee (2003 – 2006). Other Honors and Awards – Valedictorian of Graceville High School, 1973; Florida State University Most Outstanding Accounting Student, 1977; Beta Alpha Psi Honorary ccounting Society, 1977; Florida State University College of Law, Law Review 1985-86; Order of Coif. Legal Recognitions and Associations – Martindale-Hubbell AV rating and Bar Register Preeminent Attorneys; Tallahassee Bar Association; Tallahassee Inn of Court (alumni, former Treasurer); Florida Conference of District Court of Appeal Judges, Treasurer (2006 – 2008). Other Activities – Christian Heritage Church (Elder); prior member, Celebration Baptist Church (Deacon and Chairman of Deacons, teacher of various student and adult classes); member, Florida Institute of C.P.A.’s; American Institute of C.P.A.’s. >>> Office Information >>> Justice Polston’s phone number is (850) 488-2361. His judicial assistant is Tamara L. Adkins, and his staff attorneys are Diane Cashin West, Diane G. DeWolf, and Denise Mayo. 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.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Mayor Alvarez tries to take The Miami Herald to woodshed, paper stands by stories and reporters
The Watchdog Report attended a news conference Thursday afternoon called by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez ($1.66 million net worth) and I was stunned, having never before seen the mayor in such a rage. The mayor, a 33-year county employee who rose to the rank of director of the county’s police department with now about 3,200 sworn officers was considered a unlikely candidate when he first ran for office in 2004 but voters liked his straight forward and lets break the mold of our leaders, for someone that just wants to do the right thing. However, what set Alvarez off last week was The Miami Herald’s coverage and investigative series on pay raises given to his office’s staffers, pay bumps to police majors commiserate with their larger responsibilities that had some captains making more before, and the stories were “biased” and just did not seem right to the mayor. He said the series coverage “took a certain direction” and the story “was manipulated” that suggested “something underhanded had occurred,” he carped.
Further, Alvarez thought the paper intentionally broke the last story www.miamiherald.com on the day the commission was to have its last public budget hearing that had $444 million in cuts on the table and tensions were running hot through the commission chambers and the community. Alvarez said when he first ran in 2004. The paper’s reporter assigned to his campaign amplified any negatives and minimized any positive things he was suggesting or doing. He was sufficiently incensed, he said that he contacted the paper’s publisher at the time, Alberto Ibarguen to complain about the coverage and another reporter was assigned to his campaign, the mayor said. . Alvarez also noted that there was a $20 million carryover from the current budget cycle, that in fact he was a good steward of the public trust and actually seemed surprised at the strong reaction in the press and community as a whole. The paper’s executive editor Anders Gyllenhaal stood up for the two reporters saying the story is exactly what the paper should be doing in its watchdog role of public institutions.
The mayor used the logic that in the case of the police majors, people with more responsibility should get higher pay but when I asked about the salary of Manager George Burgess, who makes over $100,000 more than Alvarez does. It went unanswered. This fact is one of the things that is fueling some of the taxpayer anger since voters did approve a strong mayor form of government and it is difficult to reconcile the salary differential between the top post of mayor and his number two. Burgess got the salary bump a few years ago when he indicated he might apply to be the CFO at the University of Miami and the county commission granted the raise, but that was done before county voters passed the strong mayor form of government. With that vote, many Miami-Dade residents thought there would be big changes but instead an almost dual form of government exists, with both the mayor’s office and manager having their own extensive staff. It should be noted that there has been some staff reductions at the top but it still is a very strange arrangement. Readers should stay tuned.
>>> The Children’s Trust is having its final public budget hearing Monday, $115.2 million operating budget
The Watchdog Report contacted Emily Cardenas of the trust and asked what the new budget was and she wrote back. “Our total operating budget for next year is $115,186,272. Less than 8% is administrative costs. The total amount of tax revenue being collected is $106 million. Our financials are posted on our web site if you want further details.” >>> The Children’s Trust is having its second and last public TRIM meeting Sept. 21 at 5:00 p.m. and will end around 7:00 p.m., and the meeting is open to the public. The meeting is being held at the Miami-Dade College – Wolfson Campus, 300 NE 2nd Avenue, Bldg. 3000, #3210 — Miami, FL 33132 and for information about next year’s budget go to www.thechildrenstrust.org
>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County’s Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 11.7 Percent in August 2009, the Same as July 2009
SEASONALLY UNADJUSTED – Miami-Dade County’s unemployment rate for July 2009 was 11.7 percent. The rate remains the same as July 2009. When compared to last year’s August 2008 rate, it increased by 5.2 percent. The unemployment rate for the State of Florida was 10.9 percent, dropping by 0.1 percent over the previous month (July 2009), and the United States was 9.6 percent in August 2009, which also saw a drop of 0.1 percent over the previous month (July 2009). This is an encouraging sign that Miami-Dade County might be stabilizing. There are other optimistic indicators, such as certain industry sectors holding their own and existing residential real estate sales increasing, however, it is still too early to determine if our local economy has reached bottom and a recovery period is emerging. When a recovery period does emerge, employment growth is expected to lag and therefore we can expect the unemployment rate to remain higher than we have historically seen. For neighboring Broward County, the unemployment rate in August 2009 was 9.5 percent; the same compared to the previous month (July 2009) and is an increase of 3.1 percent compared to August 2008. For Palm Beach County, it was 11.3 percent; dropping 0.1 percent from the previous month (July 2009) and is an increase of 3.7 percent compared to August 2008. The overall unemployment rate for the tri-county area in August 2009 was 10.8 percent, down 0.1 percent from the previous month (July 2009). The South Florida region (Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Pompano Beach MSA) experienced a decrease in employment of 78,200 non-agricultural jobs between August 2008 and August 2009 of jobs, or a decrease of 3.4 percent.
Non-agricultural companies in Miami-Dade County lost 31,100 jobs between August 2008 and August 2009, a decrease of 3.0 percent. The industry sector that has the greatest job loss is the construction sector, which continues to be of major concern. It experienced a decrease in employment of 6,600 jobs between August 2008 and August 2009. Other sectors that lost jobs between August 2008 and August 2009 include: Retail Trade, -5.2 percent or 6,500 jobs lost Professional and Business Services, -3.5 percent or 4,800 jobs lost Manufacturing, -7.0 percent or 3,100 jobs lost, Financial Activities, -4.0 percent or 2,900 jobs lost, Leisure and Hospitality, -1.1 percent or 1,100 jobs lost. Sectors that experienced positive growth between August 2008 and August 2009 include: State Government, 3.1 percent or 500 jobs created, Hospitals, 1.5 percent or 600 jobs created, Wholesale Trade, 1.4 percent or 1,000 jobs created Air Transportation, 0.7 percent or 100 jobs created, Federal Government, 0.5 percent or 100 jobs created. Frank R. Nero, President & CEO of The Beacon Council, states: “The Beacon Council is aggressively working on attracting new companies to our community and working on the retention of existing business. We are working on several potential new locations and expansions, but it will be a while for employment to rebound due to the high unemployment in construction, financial services and retail. Job creation must be our number one priority, bringing in new employers and making sure the existing jobs in our community are not lost. Florida as a whole must begin to diversify its economy beyond tourism & agriculture in order to create jobs that can be sustained over the long run. To do this we need to become competitive in education, in order to fulfill the workforce needs of higher paying industries. An economy based on population growth and two sectors is not the ideal combination to become a successful economy in the 21st century.” >>> Now more than ever, Miami-Dade County needs to be marketing the County’s diverse business assets, nationally and internationally. The Beacon Council continues its new marketing campaign, “Miami: Where Worlds Meet”, together with American Airlines, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Miami-Dade County, Downtown Development Authority and Baptist Health South Florida. Please visit (www.MiamiWhereWorldsMeet.com) to learn more about this marketing campaign. >>>The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s official economic development partnership, is a not-for-profit, public-private organization that focuses on job creation and economic growth by coordinating community-wide programs; promoting minority business and urban economic revitalization; providing assistance to local businesses in their expansion efforts; and marketing Greater Miami throughout the world. Visit www.beaconcouncil.com for more information.
>>> Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau press release: JOB$…JOB$..JOB$: EMPLOYMENT IN GREATER MIAMI’S LEISURE AND HO$PITALITY REMAINS $OLID IN AUGUST DESPITE GLOBAL ECONOMIC RECESSION >>> In the month of August 2009, Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality Industry employment reached 98.9% of the employment reported for the same period in 2008. An average of 101,500 people were employed in Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality in August 2009, compared to 102,600 during the same period last year. >>> UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FOOTBALL VICTORY ON ESPN RANKED #2 IN NIELSEN CABLE TV RATINGS FOR THE WEEK ENDED SEPTEMBER 14TH –Nielsen Cable TV Ratings ranked the University of Miami vs. Florida State football victory #2 in a tie with the 2009 Video Music Awards (VMAs) during the week ended September 14th. Both had more than 8 million viewers. Congratulations UM! >>>New Feature: ‘DO YOU KNOW…’ “Do You Know” is a new feature of the newsletter. It will provide a Miami fact you may or may not know. This week’s fact: Clark Gable was among the many members of the US Army Air Force stationed in Miami Beach during World War II.
BROWARD COUNTY
>>> Chief Circuit Judge Tobin gets tapped by peers in Jan. to lead 17th Judicial Circuit, had $2.16 million net worth through 2008
Victor Tobin, the new Chief Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit is in the spotlight this week and people speak highly of his being awarded that position by his peers on the bench and he is expected to bring in some fresh air in the sometimes clubish judicial circuit.
What do we know about his finances?
Tobin through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $2.16 million and he lists $160,000 in household goods. His townhouse is valued at $331,000, and raw land in the Bahamas is worth $80,000. He has joint bank accounts with his wife worth $83,000 and in brokerage accounts; there is $301,000; $510,000 and $750,000. His salary as a judge was $145,000, another $7,967 came in from three tax-exempt dividends, and another was a capital gains distribution. He lists two gifts over the year valued over $100.00. These are one ticket to the Broward County Hispanic Bar Luncheon valued at $200.00 given by attorney Hyram Montero and two tickets to the Caribbean Bar Association Banquet were worth $200 and given by another Ft. Lauderdale law firm. http://www.17th.flcourts.org/judges_and_judicial_staff.html
POLK COUNTY
>>> State Sen. Dockery in the spotlight this week, termed out in 2012, had $2.8 million net worth through Dec.
State Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland is in the spotlight this week and she is termed out in 2012. She lists her occupation as a legislator and is chair and on a number of powerful senate committees. Her state senate District 15 encompasses Hernando, Lake, Osceola, Polk, and Sumter Counties.
What do we know about her finances?
Dockery through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $2.8 million and she lists $315,000 in household goods. Her assets include $90,000 in a Vanguard Fund, an IRA has $51,183 in it, and there is $81,000 in a Schwab account. She lists houses valued at $316,000, a condominium is worth $257,000 and two jointly owned homes are worth $1.1 million and $619,000. Her only listed liability is Colonial Bank owed $111,000 and income for the year was $31,314 from the state, Vanguard kicked in $3,644, the Boys and Girls Club supplied $1,500 and another $2,702 came in from the Schwab account.
MARTIN COUNTY
>>> MARTIN COUNTY GROUP SENTENCED FOR COMMITTING SERIES OF ARMED ROBBERIES
Press release: Jeffrey H. Sloman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Amos Rojas, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Edward M. Morley, Chief, Stuart Police Department, William McCollum, Chief, Tequesta Police Department, Frank J. Kitzerow, Chief, Jupiter Police Department, Donald Shinnamon, Sr., Chief, Port St. Lucie Police Department, R. Sean Baldwin, Chief, Fort Pierce Police Department, Ken J. Mascara, Sheriff, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and Robert L. Crowder, Sheriff, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, announce that defendants Matthew Joseph Anderson, Aaron Alvin Taylor, Dewayne Bernard Mitchell, Jr., and Eliza Wesley Ramsdell were sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore for their respective roles in a series of armed robberies, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951, and use of a firearm during commission of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924©.
Anderson was sentenced to 471 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release. Mitchell was sentenced to 327 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release. Taylor was sentenced to199 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release. Ramsdell was sentenced to135 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release. Each defendant was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims. Two additional defendants, Michael Shane Ragland and Deshawn Kenneth James, are scheduled for trial in Ft. Pierce in November 2009. On March 16, 2009, a year long multi-agency investigation spearheaded by the FDLE and the Stuart Police Department resulted in the arrest of six members of an armed robbery group based in the Hobe Sound area. The six members identified were responsible for ten (10) armed robberies of convenience stores from Jupiter to Fort Pierce, Florida. The robberies were committed from December 11, 2007 to February 22, 2008. Mostly cash and cigarettes were stolen from each of the stores.
The following convenience stores were robbed by armed members of the group:
December 11, 2007, at approximately 09:10 p.m.: Right Way Foods, 1880 SE Palm Beach Road, Stuart, Florida >>December 14, 2007, at approximately 03:07 p.m.: Island Beverage, 9128 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound, Florida. >> January 12, 2008, at approximately 09:46 p.m.: Shell Gas Station, 1308 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, Florida. >> January 27, 2008, at approximately 10:02 p.m.: Texaco Gas Station, 11010 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, Florida. >> February 2, 2008, at approximately 10:43 p.m.: A & M Discount Beverage, 200 S Whitney Drive, Jupiter, Florida. >> February 18, 2008, at approximately 10:04 p.m.: Stop & Shop Food Store, 391 Seabrook Road, Tequesta, Florida. >> February 20, 2008, at approximately 11:54 p.m.: Shell Gas Station, 2799 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, Florida. >> February 22, 2008, at approximately 01:34 a.m.: Chevron Gas Station, 1780 SW Saint Lucie West Boulevard, Port Saint Lucie, Florida. >>>> Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the FDLE, Stuart Police Department, Tequesta Police Department, Jupiter Police Department, Port Saint Lucie Police Department, Fort Pierce Police Department, Saint Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and the ATF. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rinku Talwar. 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 United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
MONROE COUNTY
>>> PA Higgs in the spotlight, appraises property in tony county, had $1.4 million net worth through 2008
Ervin Higgs, the Monroe County Property Appraiser is in the spotlight and his office assesses the value of the commercial and residential properties in the nation’s most southern county. The county has about 65,000 residents and includes some major resorts such as the Ocean Reef Club but property values that once soared are coming back to reality like other places around the nation.
What do we know about his finances?
Higgs through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $1.4 million, and he lists $30,000 in household goods. His home is worth $970,000, a condominium is valued at $54,000, and he has $284,000 in deferred income. There is $231,000 in mutual funds, and his savings account has $65,500 in it. He lists a $125,000 mortgage and he owes $12,450 on a home equity loan. The appraiser’s only listed income was $109,848 paid in his official capacity.
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> Press release: MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TAKES A STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE IN THE COMMUNITY
Press release: Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and involved community leaders held a press conference today to outline the implementation of initiatives to prevent and address violence in the community. The initiatives are a partnership between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the community to curb violence.
Among the initiatives discussed were:
• “All Eyes, All Hands, All Hearts” – A call-to-action for our entire community, including faith-based institutions, community based organizations, municipalities, the State Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, schools, students, and parents, to take a stand against violence and make a commitment to social responsibility and shared ownership of the problem of violence.
• Weapon Amnesty – an ongoing interagency program that allows people to turn in weapons to a designated safe site.
• U Decide – an awareness campaign for students to take responsibility for their own behavior and make positive choices.
• Communication Pipeline – dedicated communication resources to hear students’ safety-related issues, anonymously, 24/7. In addition to telephone hotlines, social media, which is often more favored by youth, will be incorporated.
• Parent Outreach – Working with the PTA, parent advisory groups, and the Parent Academy on a series of regional meetings with panels of experts, in areas of bullying, cyber-safety, building resilience, adolescent mental health, and violence prevention. Meetings will be scheduled to accommodate parents’ schedules.
• Youth Summit – Bringing together community stakeholders, particularly our youth, for a youth-driven conference that allows students to initiate conversations and action plans to curb violence. >> These programs will complement the District’s ongoing initiatives that support violence prevention for students and adults.
>>> Check out the new IG report on the nation’s fourth largest public school district: View our First Annual Report for the M-DCPS OIG Office, Fiscal Year 2008-2009.
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
BCC taps Rosenbaum and Ayala as new trustees, four incumbents approved, now four women on 17-member board
The 17-member PHT board is about to become full strength again after two vacancies on the board were created last year when two trustees resigned for a variety of reasons. The board oversees Jackson Health System, a $1.9 billion medical enterprise and is the community premier citizen based oversight board that also includes two voting county commissioners. On Tuesday, the Miami-Dade County Commission voted and the four incumbent trustees, John Copeland, III, (current board Chair), Ernesto De La Fe,(past Chair), Georgena Ford, (Secretary) and Marcos Lapciuc (Treasurer) were all approved for another three-year term on the trust by the commission. In addition, after a runoff vote, the two vacant slots will be filed by Judy Rosenbaum (a full term) and Gladys Ayala will fill the slot that has one year left on it, before she can then apply for a full three-year term. The current incumbents have done a superb job during their time on the board and the Watchdog Report gives each of them a Tip of the Hat for their leadership, integrity and hard work on the health trust.
Further, the board is now in sync and the new trustees will be sworn into office in October versus later in the year since the process was halted about six years ago and put into “abatement” by then county Commissioner Dennis Moss ($477,941 net worth) to modify the governing structure that reduced the board size and added the two voting commissioners to the health trust. Further, the process over the years since then has also been delayed because of repeated Hurricanes that caused meetings of the Nominating Council to be cancelled suddenly.
What about the issue of women on the board?
The Watchdog Report has written extensively in the past about the lack of women on the board and prior to these two new women, there were only two on the board and that was not a reflection on the community’s demographics since the gender represents the majority of voters in the county.
CITY OF MIAMI
Now there are just two, Commissioners Regalado and Sanchez face off in Nov. mayoral race, audience gets ugly at local debate
With the 6:00 p.m., Sept. 19 qualifying deadline passing there are now just two men running to replace Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz ($1.8 million net worth) state’s the city clerk’s webpage. Commissioners Tomas Regalado ($5,000 net worth) and Joe Sanchez, ($319,000 net worth) both veteran politicians on the dais have a free field after Juan Miguel Alphonso dropped out of the race on Sept. 14. The candidates on Wednesday had a debate at the Miami Museum of Science in Coconut Grove moderated by WPLG Channel 10 veteran political reporter Michael Putney and the Watchdog Report did not attend because I knew it would be chaotic, the crowd unruly, and people attending the event said that was exactly what happened. The candidates will have another debate at The Downtown Bay Forum monthly luncheon and that one is expected to be more civil and illuminating regarding what the candidates propose for Miami’s future.
>>> Past July, 2009 WDR: Commissioner Sarnoff leads the pack with $2.2 million net worth, Mayor Diaz drops to $1.8 million, cash tumbles to $388,000
The Watchdog Report got the elected leaders financial disclosure forms filed July 1, this week and Mayor Manuel Diaz has dropped the most in net worth, and his cash on hand has dropped for the first time since being in office. The mayor through 2008 had a net worth of $1.8 million and his cash on hand dropped from over $500,000 to $388,000 and he has $230,000 in liabilities. Commission Chair Joe Sanchez through the same period had a $319,000 net worth and Commission Vice Chair Michelle Spence-Jones stated her net worth through July 2009 dropped to $17,346. Commissioner Marc Sarnoff now leads the pack with a $2.28 million net worth through June 2009, Commissioner Angel Gonzalez is worth $843,000 through 2008 and Commissioner Tomas Regalado still is the low one with his net worth coming in at $5,000. The assets listed are essentially the same as last year, and below is the last two-year’s disclosure stories for Miami elected leaders.
>>> Past July 2008 WDR: Commissioner Sarnoff dethroned as top dog, Mayor Diaz net worth $2.44 million to his $2.25 million through June 2008, a drop for the commissioner
The Watchdog Report received the financial disclosure forms for all the commissioners for the past year and Mayor Manuel Diaz wins the top net worth award of $2.44 million after being number two last year with $2.06 million. He displaced Commissioner Marc Sarnoff who had a net worth last year of $2.64 million but that has dropped through June 2008 to 2.25 million. Commissioner Angel Gonzalez reported $883,600; Commissioner Joe Sanchez posted $408,930 for the year, Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones has a net of $28,600 and Commissioner Tomas Regalado’s net worth is $5,000.
Diaz has $2.69 million in assets including real estate valued at $700,000, $500,000 and $200,000. He lists $543,000 in securities, and has $503,000 in cash with $66,000 in a retirement fund. Diaz has a family, there is $100,000 in household goods, and another $86,000 came in as a shareholder. Diaz’s liabilities are mortgages owed $176,000 and $74,000 with a total of $250,000 in liabilities.
Sarnoff in his disclosure through June 2008 lists stock in his law firm valued at $500,000, his connected townhouse is valued at $500,000 and $750,000, and there are $710,000 invested in securities. He lists $64,000 in bank accounts and $50,000 in AXA life insurance. The commissioner’s liabilities are $160,000 with Citibank and another $19,500 with Chase. A mortgage is owed $505,000 and he lists $400,000 in personal goods. Gonzalez through Dec. 2007 had a net worth of $883,695 and the assets includes property valued at $268,000, $273,000 and $223,000. His 2002 SUV is worth $6,000 and there is $24,157 in a savings account and another $101,789 in a checking account. He owes $33,364 on a mortgage and he has $20,000 in household goods.
Sanchez listed income from the city and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, his home is valued at $175,294, and other real estate is valued at $479,549 and $185,080. His Chrysler is worth $22,000 and there is $32,900 in cash. The commissioner lists mortgages of $321,435; $47,298 and $117,205 and he owes Toyota finance $6,500 and lists $20,000 in personal goods. Spence-Jones has a net worth of $28,676 through June 2008. Her assets are a home valued at $280,000, an investment account has $18,000, and there is $8,000 in a credit union. Her liabilities listed are a Citibank mortgage owed $223,000 and she owes Lydecker, Lee, a local law firm $74,324. She owes $18,000 on a Range Rover and there is $38,000 in household goods. Regalado through 2007 lists a net worth of $5,000 and his only asset is his homestead. The commissioner owes Washington Mutual $110,094, Chrysler is owed $9,480 and he lists household goods valued at $10,000.
>>> From the Clerk’s office Saturday night: The City of Miami completed candidate qualifying for the November 3, 2009 General Municipal Election on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. The sixteen (16) candidates for the office of Mayor and the offices of Commission Districts 3, 4, and 5 listed below have filed their qualifying documents and have successfully completed our candidate qualifying process.
List of Qualified Candidates For the City of Miami
November 3, 2009 General Municipal Election
Office Sought
Last Name
First Name +
Mayor
Regalado
Tomás P.
Mayor
Sanchez
Joe
Commission District 3
Carollo
Frank
Commission District 3
Chacon
Guillermo “Willie”
Commission District 3
Colmenares
Antonio “Mico”
Commission District 3
Diaz
Pedro R.
Commission District 3
Lopez
Mavel
Commission District 3
Morse
Luis
Commission District 3
Sardiña-Mann
Beba
Commission District 4
Reyes
Manolo
Commission District 4
Rod
Denis
Commission District 4
Rodriguez-Fonts
Oscar
Commission District 4
Suarez
Francis
Commission District 5
Chiverton
David
Commission District 5
Spence-Jones
Michelle
Commission District 5
Torain
Jeff
Our website: http://www.ci.miami.fl.us/City_Clerk/Pages/Elections/candidates.asp should be updated by tomorrow. >>> Franklin Monjarrez (Dist. 4 candidate) and Juan Miguel Alfonso (Mayoral Candidate) both filed Oaths of Withdrawal. Andy Vallina (Dist. 4 candidate) did not change his campaign to the 2009 election and therefore did not qualify, but as of today, he is still signed up to run in the 2011 election. >>> Upcoming mayoral luncheon debate between Regalado and Sanchez >>> Downtown Bay Forum — INVITES YOU TO OUR LUNCHEON MEETING ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 –11:30 AM –CITY OF MIAMIMAYORAL CANDIDATE DEBATE: Commissioner TOMAS REGALADO & Commissioner JOE SANCHEZ, MODERATOR HELEN FERRE- CHANNEL 2 & LAS DARIOS AMERICAS REPORTER – MIAMI TODAY and WPBT CHANNEL 2 WILL BE TAPING FOR FUTURE AIRING, MARRIOTT HOTEL–1633 N. BAYSHORE DR., MIAMI >>$5.00 Valet Parking Available at Marriott Hotel, Call ANNETTE EISENBERG (305)757-3633 Fax (305)754-2015, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED >> Membership Application &/or Luncheon Reservation (please print clearly)Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________
Phone No: _____________E-mail ___________________ Fax No. _____________ $30 Membership ___ $22 Lunch, member w/reservation __ $52 Membership & Lunch __$26 Non-Member or Member without reservation if space is available ___$250 Table of 10, DOWNTOWN BAY FORUM P.O. Box 371633, Miami, FL 33137
>>> Press release: Mayor Diaz Presents Fiscal Year 2010 Budget to City Commission -Proposed $511.4 million budget identifies $118 million in reductions >>> Mayor Diaz’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2010 can be viewed at http://www.miamigov.com/Budget/pages/budget_books/FY10_Book_Proposed.pdf Mayor Diaz’s remarks can be viewed at http://www.miamigov.com/cms/mayor/
>>> Press release: Miami City Commission Chairman Joe Sanchez today announced at a landmark financial reform legislative package that will establish financial practices that safeguard the City’s future financial health. “Actions speak louder than words and this package of legislation takes decisive action to save taxpayers a significant amount of money,” Sanchez said. “I am confident the City Commission will vote unanimously on each piece of legislation to tighten the purse strings now and forever.”
The reforms, to be voted on during the September 24 City Commission meeting, will: Eliminate pensions for all future elected officials. Require that all collective bargaining agreements be reviewed by the City’s Finance Committee prior to submission to the City Commission for approval. Prohibit executive employees from joining the costly general employees’ pension system. Take away the ability of non-union employees to cash out unused leave for huge payouts. The experts on the Finance Committee recently issued a report detailing how the City’s pending agreements with its four unions are creating a salary and pension burden that will bankrupt the City unless modified. The City Commission took action its September 10 meeting to review a court case that drives up pensions costs.
>>> 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 .
>>> Grove Council almost two-decades old, 18 candidates vie for nine-slots on advisory board
The Coconut Grove Village Council’s qualifying date has closed and below are the candidates that Grove voters can chose from. The Village Council was the brainchild of the late Pan Courtelis in 1991 along with other grovites. He also was the driving force in getting an inituiiatve on the city of Miami ballot Sept. 1992 asking if the Grove should be allowed to break away from the city. However, with one ad by the opposition, the vote was essentially 85 percent against the succession and the fact that Hurrican Andrew had just hit a few weeks earlier easily doomed the effort. The Council since its creation has had its ups and downs over the years, and was rejuvenated when Marc Sarnoff, now a Miami commissioner used it as his political springboard into elected office in 2006. The Council’s first Chair was Michael Samuels, now a former county judge and Tucker Gibbs; an attorney was the first secretary on the body that does not fall under the Florida Sunshine Law, since it is not an official city board and only an advisory body. The Council in the beginning would meet in the library of the Coconut Grove Elementary School and I remember because there were fleas in the facility. The body now meets either at the commission chambers or at the Glass House located at Peacock Park. The nine top vote getters on Election Day Nov. 3, will serve a four-year term on the body. For more information about the not-for-profit organization go to www.coconutgrovevillagecouncil.com
>>> Coconut Grove Village Council Candidates are: Heather Bettner, Kate Callahan, David B. Collins *, Liliana Dones *, Felice Dubin *, Rose Fountain, William Furry, Javier Gonzalez, Scott Janowitz, Giana M. Leyva, Stephen P. Murray, Michelle Niemeyer *, Lottie Person *, Sylvia Quinn, Renita Ross Samuels–Dixon, Patrick Sessions, Adam Weirich *, David Eric Wells. Candidates with * are incumbents.
>>> 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
>>> Last public hearing on $226 million budget, but commission races in Nov. where things are heating-up
The commission is holding its second public budget hearing on Sept. 24 and the meeting kicks off at 5:01 p.m. and if the last public hearing is any example. The meeting overall will be a staid affair. Commissioners along with Mayor Mattie Bower have worked over the months with manager Jorge Gonzalez to trim a $19.5 million shortfall the city suffered in reduced property taxes and other revenues. www.miamiherald.com The new budget for the coming year starting Oct. 1 is $226 million, and will include not filling dozens of positions and also layoffs but it also calls for $3.5 million in union concessions.
What about the mayor and commission races?
While the budget hearings are many times over the years the hot meeting, Beach residents should watch closely the commission races for seats on the dais and I am getting reports that things are heating up between different candidate supporters. >>> Clerk’s office: NOVEMBER 3, 2009 GENERAL ELECTION — The following individual(s) have submitted Form DS-DE 9 (Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates) Mayor (Mayor Bower’s Seat) Matti Herrera Bower, Raphael Herman, Joshua Larose; Group I (Commissioner Libbin’s Seat), Jerry Libbin, Oduardo Segui; Group II (Commissioner Gross’ Seat), Roger Abramson, Jorge Exposito
Maria Mayer, Sherry Roberts; Group III (Commissioner Diaz’s Seat), Alex Fernandez, Michael Gongora, Gabrielle Redfern, Luis Salom, and Martin Shapiro –*denotes latest change >>> Editor’s note: David Smiley in www.miamiherald.com did a great profile on the candidates Saturday.
CITY OF CORAL GABLES
Last public budget hearing plays out Tuesday, passions are high, email traffic heated last few weeks
The commission will be holding its final public budget hearing Sept. 22 at 5:01 p.m., and the Watchdog Report is getting major e-mail traffic from residents on both sides of what has become a more than contentious debate. One side is demanding their right to be heard, and another group thinks only a vocal minority is speaking on this dissatisfaction with leaders and the administration. The county commission has taken most of my time this past week and all residents that care about how they are governed locally. The government entity that impacts you most, then either attend or watch the commission meeting on cable. It is your City Beautiful and remember as Pericles said in 430 B.C., “You may not take an interest in politics, but politics may take an interest in you.” www.coralgables.com
>>> Gables E News: City Employees To Increase Pension Contribution
In order to curtail the increasing cost of the pension plan, the City Commission passed on first reading an ordinance on September 8 requiring all managerial, professional and other non-union employees to contribute an additional five percent of their salary toward the City’s retirement system. Such employees already contribute five percent toward the pension plan, bringing the total of their contribution to 10 percent. To our understanding, this is the second highest employee retirement contribution in comparison to other municipalities in Miami-Dade County. In addition, at an Impasse Hearing with the police union held on August 31, the City and the Coral Gables Fraternal Order of Police agreed for union members to make a contribution of five percent toward the City’s retirement system, among other concessions. This agreement was later ratified by the majority of police union members. City leaders continue to make pension reform a high priority and these steps will help reduce the costs to the retirement system by approximately $2 million annually. For more info go to www.coralgables.com
>>> CITY OF HOMESTEAD
The 16 candidates running for mayor and council talk ethics and transparency in government
Press release: Homestead Candidates to Debate Political Ethics >>> The sixteen candidates hoping to lead Homestead have been invited to discuss how they would contribute to an open, honest government if elected to office. Voters, who will cast ballots for mayor and four city council seats on October 6, will have a chance to listen in during an Ethics Forum sponsored by The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. The event will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2009, at the Homestead Branch Library, 700 North Homestead Boulevard (on U.S.1, next to City Hall). >>>The forum, to be moderated by Miami-Dade College Professor Emeritus Michael Lenaghan, will focus on potential conflicts of interest, the role of lobbyists in local government, accountability in public procurement and ways to improve the public’s confidence in local leadership. The Ethics Forum is free and everyone is invited. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. >>> The Ethics Commission was created in 1996 as an independent agency with advisory and quasi-judicial powers. It is composed of five members, serving staggered terms of four years each. Through a program of education and outreach, the Commission seeks to empower the community and bolster public trust.
>>> 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 Cities of Miami Springs, North Bay Village, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Opa-Locka, Palmetto Bay and Village of Pinecrest.
>>> CITY OF MIAMI SPRINGS
Mayor gets $7,800 salary; Council Members are paid $6,000 a year
The City of Miami Springs’ Mayor received a salary of $7,800; he was not reimbursed for any expenses. Each of the four Council Members received compensation of $6,000. Under the City Charter at § 5.03, compensation includes both a salary and a fixed allowance for expenses. The Mayor did not receive any expense reimbursement, taxable or nontaxable, in 2007. According to the City budget, which is posted on line, it appears that the City paid travel and related expenses of approximately $9, 500 directly to the travel providers. Miscellaneous expenses paid directly to the City council totaled under $1,000. Of that amount, each of the four Council Members received $91 in taxable reimbursement and $147 in nontaxable reimbursement. The City does not provide an allowance for vehicle use or personal public relations budgets and does not provide cell phones or government credit cards.
>>> CITY OF NORTH BAY VILLAGE
Mayor gets $7,500 salary and commission pay comes in at $6,000
The City of North Bay Village’s Mayor receives a salary of $7,500 per year and each of the four Commissioners receives a salary of $6,000, based on the City Charter at § 3.04. General City policies and procedures allow for the Mayor and each of the four Commissioners to be reimbursed for expenses up $5,000 each, with proof of receipts. Additionally, in 2007, the elected officials incurred a total of $25,000 in expenses traveling to conferences and meetings. Again, reimbursement is predicated on receipts. Four elected officials receive government cell phones. None have government credit cards.
>>> CITY OF NORTH MIAMI
Mayor’s salary gets bumped to $48,000, Council Members also get raise to $36,000
The City of North Miami has recently revised its policy on salaries and expenses following an inquiry posed last year by the Ethics Commission’s Independent Advocate. The City Charter at § 7 originally established the Mayor’s salary at $4,200 per year and each of the four Council Members at $3,600 per year. This year, however, the City Council voted to increase the Mayor’s salary to $48,000 per year and each Council Member’s salary to $36,000 per year. Within the past year, the City also changed its expense policy to comply with the City Charter at § 7, which states that elected officials may “receive actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties of office.” As a result, elected officials now submit monthly expense reports on an approved form, accompanied by receipts, following the month in which the expenses were incurred. Reimbursement is given for costs incurred to attend local government-related meetings and dinners, but not for phones and autos expenses and not for any other local, travel-related expenses. When outside the county on city business, officials may use City procurement cards for travel expenses. Prior to this newly instituted policy, elected officials had been given taxable fixed (i.e. non-accountable) amounts to cover expenses. The Mayor received an annual expense account of $14,400, an annual auto allowance of $3,000, and an annual cell phone allowance of $1,440. Each Council Member received an annual expense account of $10,800, an annual auto allowance of $3,000, and an annual cell phone allowance of $1,200.
>>> CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH
Mayor gets $3,600 in salary in leadership position, Council Members get $3,000, but they get more in perks
The City of North Miami Beach’s Mayor receives an annual salary of $3,600, in accordance with the 2007 budget adopted in Ordinance No. 2007-11. Council Members receive an annual salary of $3,000 annually. In actuality, the Mayor and the six Council Members each receive a taxable expense fund, for which there is no accounting, of $13,720 annually. The $13,720 expense allowance is broken out as follows—$5,520 for auto allowance and $8,200 for executive allowance. Additionally, in 2007, elected officials received nontaxable travel reimbursement, based on receipts provided. Individual nontaxable reimbursements were dispersed in the following amounts: $110, $495, $2,090, $715, $275, and $495. The City does not provide cell phones, government credit cards, or a personal public relations budget.
>>> CITY OF OPA-LOCKA
Mayor’s salary comes in at $6,600 but there are other perks
The City of Opa-Locka’s Mayor receives an annual salary of $6,600 yearly. In addition they receive a separate yearly expense allowance of $2,400 a year. Their total taxable income is $9,000 yearly. In addition, Commissioners and the Mayor are each provided a city car, free gas at the city’s public works depot and a cellular telephone. Elected officials are also issued a City credit card with a spending limit of $3,500. The City revised its credit card policy in 2007 following the arrest of former Vice Mayor Terence Pinder for allegedly abusing his credit card privileges. The new policy expressly forbids using City cards for cash advances or personal items, and calls for repayment within 30 days for any expenditure deemed to be of a personal nature, whether in whole or in part.
>>> CITY OF PALMETTO BAY
Mayor gets $24,000 salary; council members get $12,000 yearly salary, plus perks
The City of Palmetto Bay’s Mayor receives a salary of $24,000 yearly. Council Members receive a salary of $12,000 yearly. Elected officials do not receive a vehicle allowance, but are provided with a cellular phone and/or a Blackberry for city business. He said they do not receive a separate expense allowance. The Mayor receives a monthly cellular phone allowance of $150 and Council Members get $75 a month for cellular phones. The Mayor and two Council Members also have a Blackberry, the cost of which is $52.55 monthly. These items are not treated as taxable income, he said. Only the Mayor has a City credit card for travel, and must provide receipts and other information detailing the nature of the expense “for audit purposes.”
VILLAGE OF PINECREST
Elected village leaders get zip when it comes to official salary, get state rate for meals and per diems
The Village of Pinecrest’s Mayor and Council Members do not receive a salary or expense allowance of any kind. City officials are only reimbursed for expenses linked to legitimate city business or travel. The Village pays officials at the state rate for meals and per diems.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
>>> Elephant Forum – September 2l — noon – Rusty Pelican Restaurant – featuring Tony Villamil speaking on the economy – RSVP Mary Ellen Miller 305-377-9187 – $25 –
>>> The Miami Herald Americas Conference 2009
The region’s premier business and political forum on Latin America and the Caribbean – Americas Conference 2009 will be taking place on September 29 & 30th. This year’s theme After the crisis: Emerging challenges and political stability (Después de la crisis: Nuevos desafíos y estabilidad política) -WHAT/QUE: The Miami Herald Americas Conference is the region’s largest and most acclaimed annual forum of international executives and top government leaders, who gather to discuss a wide spectrum of relevant business and political issues. The conference will feature panels and discussions on important topics such as business opportunities between Latin America and Asia, Latin America’s technological advancements and challenges, the U.S. credit crisis and its effects on the region and the globalization of healthcare, among others. La Conferencia de las Americas, organizada por The Miami Herald, es el foro más importante y aclamado de la región donde ejecutivos internacionales y los más altos líderes de gobierno se reúnen durante dos días para debatir una amplia gama de temas en materia de negocios y política, de crucial importancia para América Latina y el Caribe. >>> WHEN/CUANDO: September 29-30, Program: 7:30am -5:00pm, 29 y 30 de septiembre, programa: 7:30am-5:00pm -WHERE/DONDE: The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida – Media Contact/Contacto de Medios: A press release with additional information will be issued in the coming days. If you are a member of the media and would like to attend/cover the conference, please register media credentials at the following email: E-mail: AmericasConference@bm.com Please send us your name, title, media outlet you’ll be representing as well as your contact information such as phone number and email address. Un comunicado de prensa con más información se les enviara en los próximos días. Si usted es un miembro de la prensa y le gustaría asistir a la conferencia, por favor regístrese al siguiente correo electrónico para obtener sus credenciales de prensa: E-mail: AmericasConference@bm.com Por favor envíenos su nombre, título, medio de comunicación que represente, al igual que su número de teléfono y su dirección de correo electrónion Sitio Web: www.americasconference.com
>>> 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
>>> Two PAST WDR: JUNE 2004: Regionalism only works with visionary local leaders, but do we have that?
The tri-county luncheon meeting in Hollywood last week where Gov. Jeb Bush spoke about the need for a regional approach to south Florida’s problems hit the nail on the head, but it also takes vision and commitment from local elected leaders that has yet to emerge in any substantial way. With 5.3 million people in the tri-county area and another 2 million plus more coming in the decades ahead, the sooner we can collectively address our communities collective problems such as over crowding of schools, traffic congestion and environmental pollution among a few of the critical issues the better we all will be. However, our local elected leaders seem to be in a cocoon, concerned about only their local districts and cannot see the forest from the trees. One sees this at the Miami-Dade Commission almost at every meeting when any proposal that might have a regional impact is shot down with consistent regularity. Not in my neighborhood seems to permeate every regional discussion and raises the question if the current form of county governance works in south Florida in this next century.
A federal court decree created the 13 member Miami-Dade County Commission districts in the early 1990’s but since then county government seems to lurch from one crisis after another, be it our water supply, MIA governance, where low cost housing should go (which is mostly in a few limited county commission districts) or what communities can incorporate. South Florida, with Miami-Dade County being the largest followed by Broward and Palm Beach Counties must learn to govern and plan together if we are to survive and county commissioners in all three government entities must change their vision and take off the myopic glasses that barely allow them to view issues outside their own local community and its parochial interests. Just as Miami-Dade is like a ship where all its residents are trapped in a collective destiny so is all of south Florida when other issues are thrown into the debate. Our communities elected leaders still have time to make long range changes that could result in south Florida being a paradise, but some hard choices are ahead to achieve that goal and it is unknown if our leaders will be the states people they need to be. South Florida’s destiny is yet to be written in stone but how it ultimately will turn out will depend on leadership and a mutual vision, that may make consensus difficult but it must be achieved. If we collectively are not to collapse under our own political and parochial weight and elected leaders committed to making our community better and to make something positive happen in the future should remember that.
***** Miami must remember the lessons taught by the state oversight board
The city of Miami needs to be very careful with all the vendors and professional services that are being let out without a competitive request for proposal. The State of Florida financial oversight board created after the city went into a financial tailspin in the mid 1990’s mandated that all contracts be put out to bid to ensure the lowest price but also highest quality. However, the recent $1.7 million contract to an architectural and planning firm, while a well-respected one was based on a two-year-old competitive bid process and the firm was selected by an existing pool. However, by doing it this way personal preference and whom you know becomes part of the selection process and that can be dangerous for a city with such a checkered past.
While Mayor Manual Diaz and Chief Administrator Joe Arriola’ administration has had some success and the city’s bond rating continues to soar upward, the municipality must not forget the principles that brought this renaissance which included fiscal integrity and the end of cronyism when doing business with the city. Miami has an opportunity to become the Magic City that many of us have dreamed about, but that will involve thoughtful development and growth, and the continuation of a disciplined administration that seeks the best vendors possible, highest quality services or product yet based on a competitive selection process. The city may never be totally out of woods when it comes to its finances and that is why the continuation of the parking surcharge was so important, though it originally was to be levied for only five years. City elected leaders are right to be proud on their past achievements over the last five years, but they should also remember a municipalities fortunes can change with a wink of an eye and some of the disciplines instituted by the outside oversight board should not be forgotten. For one Miami meltdown was enough and while the future looks bright, money should also be squirreled away for a rainy day, just in case Miami and the region’s fortunes take a turn for the worst.
LETTERS
>>> Reader on different public pension funds
Perhaps you missed this. It was published in the 9/15 Miami Herald. When you report on pensions, you must be fair and distinguish between the Florida Retirement System (County) and municipal pension funds. There is a huge difference. In addition, with regards to firefighters, statistics show that most do not outlive their pensions. In other words, we die before we collect what was contributed. So we are a bargain to the FRS. Public-sector employees earn their pensions. >>> The Aug. 31 editorial www.miamiherald.com How to fix pension mess was a collection of hyperbole and insinuations about government pensions. Only about 10 percent of public-sector employees can retire before age 50 — typically public-safety employees — and most of them hardly retire “long before” that age. Even public-safety employees must serve 20-25 years before retirement. The editorial implied that public pensioners receive almost their full working salary. However, most top out at about 80 percent of their salary and then only after 25-30 years on the job. Many don’t receive that much, and since public-sector salaries still lag those in the private sector for the same jobs, the idea that 80 percent of a public salary is overly generous is a stretch. In fact, the average public pension in Florida is $1,354 a month, which is hardly lavish.
The editorial also stated that “cost-of-living adjustments go far beyond the national average,” when in fact 50 percent of Florida’s plans do not have COLAs. What does “far beyond the national average” actually mean? Overtime pay included in salary calculations for pension benefits was represented as an excessive perk. Public-sector workers labor in notoriously understaffed departments that require them to exceed the productivity expectations of their private-sector counterparts and oblige them to spend too much time away from their families to serve the public, a daily condition of work for which they deserve to be paid. The statement that “most businesses were turning to 401(k) plans, in the 1980s and 1990s” is a misrepresentation. Defined-benefit plans still are prevalent among Fortune 1000 companies. Small employers, or those who have gone bankrupt, have steadily moved in the direction of defined-contribution plans.
Cities certainly face challenges in meeting pension funding obligations during a down market. Reduced revenues caused by the housing slump hurt. However, during strong stock-market years, many cities made no contribution to their employees’ pension plan. In fact, approximately 80 percent of public-pension payouts nationally come from earnings on investments and employee contributions, not taxpayer dollars. If there are problems with public pension plans, then let’s fix them. If there are abuses, let’s stop them. We oppose enhancing pension benefits without added funding. To fix the problems, we should engage in honest discussions with real facts and figures. Hyperbole won’t solve any problems.
RAYMOND T. EDMONDSON JR., chief executive officer, Florida Public Pension Trustees Association, Tallahassee
>>> CORRECTION: Two readers on my name mistake, Mayor Diaz warned of financial Armageddon
>>> Good morning Dan. Did Mayor Manny Diaz have an Agamemnon or an Armageddon? The first being the King that sacked Troy…the latter being the end of the world. “Diaz warns commission of financial Agamemnon”?
Roger
>>> I’m guessing you meant to say “financial Armageddon” Keep up the great work!
Clay
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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
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