Watchdog Report Vol. 10 No. 29 December 20, 2009
CONTENTS
Argus Report: FIU awards 5,500 degrees; public university should use Miami-Dade as community laboratory, especially in journalism and political science
Florida: Is bloom off Crist’s U.S. senate campaign, and will Rothstein’s $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme bleed into the Republican race with former Speaker Rubio?
Miami-Dade County: Commission taps IG Mazzella for another four-year’s, first started watchdog gig in Dec. 1997
Broward County: How much more public corruption will it take for creation of ethics and IG in state’s second largest county?
Palm Beach County: PAST WDR: JUNE 2009: Corruption from Palm Beach to Monroe is being busted; elected leaders are taking note
Polk County: State Rep. Troutman in the spotlight, termed out in 2010, had $39.6 million net worth through 2008
St. Johns County: Gov. Crist today taps retired Sgt. Major Ray Quinn to the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners.
Pinellas County: Gov. Crist today taps Emily Ercius of St. Petersburg as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light.
Alachua County: Gov. Crist today made the following reappointments and appointments: North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Region 3
Flagler County: Gov. Crist today announced the appointment of Tucker to the Flagler County School Board.
Levy County: Gov. Crist today appointed James “Tim” Browning to the Levy County Court.
Monroe County: SR 5 (U.S. 1/Overseas Hwy) – Channel 2 Bridge (MM 72.6 to MM 73.1) Week of December 21, 2009
Miami-Dade Public Schools: Board member Perez says Crew got only “good news coverage” and blames “Herald for dropping the [investigative] ball”
Public Health Trust: President Roldan updates county commission, looking to privatize county jail and nursing home care
City of Miami: Ringmaster Sarnoff, snaps verbal whip at administration & attorney, says clerk like his 3rd grade teacher
City of Miami Beach: $70 million in storm water & water and sewer bonds to be sold in 2009-2010, heavy rains and street flooding show why
City of North Miami: Mayor Pierre carries Miami-Dade MPO flag to Sarasota and Tampa with Mayor Bateman
City of Homestead: Mayor Bateman is tapped by county commission Chair Moss to go to two MPO conferences
Community Events: Children’s Home Society Holiday Toy Drive — King Mango Strut Parade set for Dec. 27, marchers wanted!
Editorials: PAST WDR: FEB 2004: Miami-Dade light years ahead of Broward regarding ethics and conflict of interest code
Letters: Reader of net worth and financial disclosure forms
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.)
>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding 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.
>>> May you and your family have great Holidays, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in the days ahead, and lets hope next year is better, because 2009 was something else for many in our community and around the world, especially those serving in harms way helping to keep the nation and world safe in these dangerous times.
>>> If you think it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider becoming a supporter or sponsor. For there is no trust fund and I do have to live. A convenient form is at the bottom of this week’s Watchdog Report with all the instructions on how to support this decade old newsletter and news service. Thank you.
>>> To listen to my Dec. 15 interview on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on Topical Currents hosted by Joseph Cooper, go to (http://204.13.1.19:81/) and the TC archive where an audio file of the program is available to listen too.
ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street
>>> FIU awards 5,500 degrees, public university should use Miami-Dade as community laboratory, especially in journalism and political science
Mark B. Rosenberg, the president of Florida International University in a letter last week in The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com. He wrote the university last week graduated 5,500 degrees, of which more than 60 percent were degrees to minorities. The public university with its first class of medical students starting this past August is one of the community’s key higher education public institutions and while not the size of Miami-Dade College with its 168,000 students. The 35,000 plus university is a colossus with satellite campuses throughout Miami-Dade. The university’s medical school philosophy is community healthcare and given the diversity, size, and demographic population of the county. This call for local community medicine should be emulated in other academic disciplines. In the past, the Watchdog Report has suggested local universities and colleges should take advantage of the local public institutions given there size, study, and dissect them for students and professors will learn a lot about how their public institutions function or there dysfunction.
For these public organizations operate in the Sunshine of open public records and that fact should be taken advantage of given most of the documentation is now on line. I thought of writing about this again after talking to some FIU journalism alumni and faculty having their Holiday Party last week and 2,300 students were enrolled in the program in 2008-2009. The contraction of conventional media has been well documented but Miami-Dade County with its over $7 billion government is a perfect entity that should be watched by both aspiring journalists but political science and public policy students as well. When you throw the nation’s fourth largest public schools district, Jackson Memorial Hospital System and the over 30 municipalities you have a public palette of all kinds of institutions that should be watched, but currently fall under most of the media radar.
I thought about this issue because this past week a number of people suggested I should write more about some institution, or Broward and its 31 municipalities colorful political activities but as I pointed out. I am just one person, and given the almost $15 billion in Miami-Dade public institutions there is only so much one person can do. I know I will not be around forever and is why educational institutions should consider there ability to train students sights on their public institutions. For these bodies are fascinating microcosms of South Florida and America as a whole and a inquisitive mind will find a treasure trove of stories that concern our own governance and how taxpayers public money is spent and it does not get any better than that. >>> http://news.fiu.edu/2009/10/fiu%E2%80%99s-journalism-program-thrives-in-changing-media-landscape/
>>> White House Press release: STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON HEALTH CARE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
THE PRESIDENT: Hello. Good afternoon, everybody. You know that I am from Chicago, so let me first say that with the place where I live covered with snow I’m finally starting to feel like home. And I am sorry to drag you guys out in this weather, but I wanted to speak briefly to you about the significant progress that we’ve made on two of the major challenges facing the American people: the crushing cost of health care and our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels. On health care, with today’s developments it now appears that the American people will have the vote they deserve on genuine reform that offers security to those who have health insurance and affordable options to those for do not. And so I want to thank Senator Harry Reid and every senator who’s been working around the clock to make this happen.
There’s still much work left to be done, but not a lot of time left to do it. But today is a major step forward for the American people. After a nearly century long struggle we are on the cusp of making health care reform a reality in the United States of America. As with any legislation, compromise is part of the process. But I’m pleased that recently added amendments have made this landmark bill even stronger. Between the time the bill passes and the time when the insurance exchange gets up and running there will now be penalties for insurance companies that arbitrarily jack up rates on consumers. And while insurance companies will be prevented from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions once the exchange is open, in the meantime there will be a high-risk pool where people with pre-existing conditions can purchase affordable coverage. And a recent amendment has made these protections even stronger. Insurance companies will now be prohibited from denying coverage to children immediately after this bill passes. There’s also explicit language in this bill that will protect a patient’s choice of doctor. And small businesses will get additional assistance as well. These protections are in addition to the ones we’ve been talking about for some time. No longer will insurance companies be able to drop your coverage if you become sick and no longer will you have to pay unlimited amounts out of your own pocket for treatments that you need.
Under this bill families will save on their premiums; businesses that will see their costs rise if we don’t act will save money now and in the future. This bill with strengthen Medicare and extend the life of the program. Because it’s paid for and gets rid of waste and inefficiency in our health care system this will be the largest deficit reduction plan in over a decade. In fact, we just learned from the Congressional Budget Office that this bill will reduce our deficit by $132 billion over the first decade of the program, and more than one trillion dollars in the decade after that. Finally, this reform will make coverage affordable for over 30 million Americans who don’t have it — over 30 million Americans. As I said before, these are not small changes. These are big changes. They’re fundamental reforms. They will save money. They will save lives. And I look forward to working with the Senate and the House to finish the work that remains so that we can make this reform a reality for the American people.
I also want to briefly mention the progress we made in Copenhagen yesterday. For the first time in history all of the major -– the world’s major economies have come together to accept their responsibility to take action to confront the threat of climate change. After extremely difficult and complex negotiations this important breakthrough lays the foundation for international action in the years to come. This progress did not come easily and we know that progress on this particular aspect of climate change negotiations is not enough. Going forward we’re going to have to build on the momentum that we established in Copenhagen to ensure that international action to significantly reduce emissions is sustained and sufficient over time. At home, that means continuing our efforts to build a clean energy economy that has the potential to create millions of new jobs and new industries. And it means passing legislation that will create the incentives necessary to spark this clean energy revolution. So even though we have a long way to go, there’s no question that we’ve accomplished a great deal over the last few days. And I want America to continue to lead on this journey, because if America leads in developing clean energy, we will lead in growing our economy and putting our people back to work, and leaving a stronger and more secure country to our children. That’s why I went to Copenhagen yesterday and that’s why I will continue in these efforts in the weeks and months to come.
>>> Press release: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a senior member of the Florida Congressional Delegation, issued the following statement regarding the jobless rate in Florida hitting 11.5%. “The economic mess we are in continues unabated according to the many constituents with whom I speak every week. My constituents tell me how they personally feel the constant drumbeat of rising unemployment; the ballooning cost of college tuitions; the reality of postponing retirement and the unending credit implosion that has hurt so many homeowners and small businesses.
Without a doubt, our nation continues to struggle economically and people need our help. The Congressional Majority just doesn’t get it: they have spent the last year on an agenda that grows big government, escalates the deficit and borrows hundreds of billions from dangerous foreign regimes. Floridians expect their elected representatives to act in a responsible manner and to put into place policies that create jobs, spur economic growth and lower taxes. Republicans have put forth many good ideas that accomplish this yet the Majority has ignored us at every turn. We should block any federal tax increases until unemployment drops to at least 5%; we should freeze domestic discretionary spending at last year’s level without raising taxes; we must approve three promising free trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea and Panama; and we must enact a jobs creating program that encourages small businesses to hire and purchase new machinery. As long as the unemployment rate in Florida continues to rise, we have our work cut out for us. We cannot say that the economy is improving while millions continue to look for work without any hope. Without a low unemployment rate, our so called ‘recovery’ will be fleeting at best.”
>>> SayfieReview.com/AIF/Zogby: Florida Divided: Forty-six percent of likely voters in Florida say they support President Obama’s proposed healthcare reform while 47% oppose the plan, a new SayfieReview.com/AIF/Zogby telephone survey shows. On the healthcare issue a strong partisan divide splits Florida, with a majority of Democrats (51%) expressing strong support and a more than two-thirds of Republicans (68%) voicing strong opposition. Do you support or oppose the Obama healthcare reform proposal?
| Overall | Democrats | Independents | Republicans | |
| Strongly Support | 29% | 51% | 25% | 7% |
| Somewhat Support | 17% | 23% | 21% | 6% |
| Somewhat Oppose | 11% | 6% | 14% | 14% |
| Strongly Oppose | 36% | 12% | 29% | 68% |
| Not Sure | 9% | 9% | 11% | 6% |
*Numbers may not add to 100% due to rounding
Eighty-one percent of likely voters in Florida are concerned that the President’s and Congress’ economic policies such as the stimulus package and proposal to reform healthcare could raise taxes and increase the national debt. The majority of those who indicated they are concerned (60%) say they are “very concerned” while 19% say they are “not very concerned” or “not at all concerned.” A majority of Florida’s likely voters (55%) approve of the job President Obama is doing, slightly higher than his national average. Forty-two percent disapprove of the President’s job performance. In a generic Congressional election match-up, likely Florida voters are again evenly split between those who would vote Republican (35%) and a Democrat (33%) with 22% undecided and 9% considering “someone else.” On this question independents slightly favor a generic Democrat (27%) over a generic Republican (21%) but nearly one-third (30%) are undecided. “This poll confirms, once again, that Florida’s hue is bright purple,” said Justin Sayfie, SayfieReview.com publisher. “Floridians are deeply divided on the President’s health reform proposal, approve of President Obama’s job as President, and also prefer Republicans being elected to Congress. 2010 promises to be another hot and humid election season for both political parties in Florida.”
Zogby International was commissioned by SafieReview.com and the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) to conduct a telephone survey of likely voters in Florida. This telephone survey of 801 likely voters was conducted December 7-11, 2009. Samples were randomly drawn from telephone CDs of national listed sample. Zogby International surveys employ sampling strategies in which selection probabilities are proportional to population size within area codes and exchanges. Up to six calls are made to reach a sampled phone number. Cooperation rates are calculated using one of AAPOR’s approved methodologies[1] and are comparable to other professional public-opinion surveys conducted using similar sampling strategies.[2] Weighting by region, party, age, race and gender is used to adjust for non-response. The margin of error is +/- 4.5 percentage points. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. For full poll results, please visit: http://www.sayfiereview.com/floridapoll
>>> See what was said about the Watchdog Report in the Miami New Times 2003 — Best of Miami — BEST CITIZEN — Daniel Ricker –
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
>>> Is bloom off Crist’s U.S. senate campaign, and will Rothstein Ponzi scheme bleed into the Republican race with former Speaker Rubio?
Gov. Charlie Crist (net worth $466,000) was in Miami Friday and he stopped by at The Miami Herald’s www.miamiherald.com editorial board that also included news reporters for a one-hour discussion on the state and the challenges facing the governor and residents in the coming months. Crist is quoted in the paper Saturday as saying job creation and improving the Florida economy was of paramount importance but the paper’s political reporter Beth Reinhard skewered his performance at the meeting. She wrote later the aura of a front-runner seemed to have faded and he now looked like a political mortal that has had a tough few weeks. The Herald notes new statewide polls show that underdog former state Rep. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, (net worth $8,351) considered a long shot in the 2010 Republican Primary U.S. senate race has closed the gap and he is apparently neck and neck with Crist, in a new poll. The governor who had been riding a crest of sustained popularity around the state since being elected in 2006. However, he is being criticized by the conservative party base in the closed primary in August. Rubio, 38, a former Speaker of the House left office in 2008 but has kept his political life alive when he announced he would seek the open seat in the nation’s most exclusive club. He has since generated some positive press from Republican pundits including columnist and commentator George Will and while the young former legislator has raised nowhere near the over $6 million in Crist’s war chest, but with just over eight months left until the August primary. Rubio cannot be counted out. However, Crist for the moment is brushing off the poll information saying the only poll he cares about is the one held on “election day.”
On the Democratic side U.S. Rep Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, (net worth around $62,000 in 2002) is facing off against former state legislator, county commissioner and ex Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre, (net worth $2.16 million) though the mayor lags, the congressman, when it comes to campaign fundraising. Ferre is actively using the internet to get his message to the media and some of his points have been picked up in The Herald. Ferre for example has jumped on Meek for supporting President Barack Obama’s troop surge in Afghanistan saying he is being political and disregarding his political party’s wish to get out of the country. Ferre has also carped about Crist receiving campaign money from indicted attorney Scott Rothstein or people that worked at the law firm and the governor recently returned that money. However, Alex Sink, the state CFO and a 2010 gubernatorial candidate also got campaign money from Rothstein Ponzi scheme. The attorney gave generously to both parties, though mostly Republicans, and he even sponsored candles costing $1,000. each for the governor’s birthday party fundraiser. That includes a photo of the two men bent over the cake and blown out candles smoke whiffing up in the air.
>>> What did Crist say about Broward and Palm Beach efforts to curb public corruption?
Crist coming out of The Miami Herald building around 11:35 a.m. Friday told the Watchdog Report when I asked about the need for an IG and ethics commission in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. He said that while he was not aware of the specifics. “I think anything we can do to restore and instill public trust” is a good thing especially when you are dealing with “what has become a culture of corruption,” he said. He also hoped the state legislature during its normal session will take up and “tighten up the Florida ethics laws,” and he believes it could “prevent in the future this culture of corruption.” I asked about how frustrating it is for federal leaders when they are trying to bring down funding because of all the Medicare and Medicaid fraud. He said the local environment of fraud “makes it challenging,” to get federal funding, he thought. Crist, a former state attorney general said regarding the widespread fraud in south Florida. He believes “Florida and frankly the country” has an “opportunity to stop this type of fraud.” “People are stealing healthcare from the people that need it the most, the poor [Medicaid] patients and our seniors when it comes to Medicare fraud,” he concluded. Editor’s note: here is the status of what Palm Beach has done so far: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/ethics-watchdog-gains-added-independence-with-palm-beach-93935.html
>>> Local legislators hear the financial cries of 47 Miami-Dade organizations, but money tight
The Miami-Dade Delegation held its second public hearing Wednesday and 47 organizations were signed up to speak in front of the local state legislators. With the state still reeling from the continued contraction of state revenues considered well over $2 billion short next year. The many cries for help while heard by leaders will be framed within these economic times and limited partial funding assistance may be as good as it gets. The session was led by the delegation Chair state Rep. Juan Zapata, R-Miami, (net worth $340,000) and other state legislators attended and he suggested the people “keep it brief” since there were so many speakers and focus on just a few issues the legislators should keep in their mind in the future.
Some of the speakers who spoke represented Jackson Health System www.um-jmh.org, Baptist Health South Florida www.baptisthealth.net and the Health Foundation of South Florida www.hfsf.org. Steven Marcus, the president and CEO of HFSF said he was not there “to ask for money,” since his organization’s endowment is $130 million, but he suggested there was much that could be done through “public/private partnerships” with the community’s residents improved health the end goal. He said the effort was to have people get “better preventative treatment” that will also result in “early intervention” that helps not only the patient. But will also reduce the costs of medical care, especially if the treatment is in a hospital Emergency Room where the cost is generally ten times the amount. >>> For more information about the grants and programs at HFSF go to HFSF A public charity that funds initiatives to promote improved health and health care delivery for the medically underserved, such as children, the elderly, http://www.hfsf.org/ .
>>> Press release: Gov. Crist regarding Meeting with Governors Riley and Perdue on Tri-State Water Sharing
“Today, I was pleased to join Governors Riley and Perdue to discuss the importance of equitable water sharing between our three states in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River system. By coming together we were able to discuss the need for long term strategies and the importance of protecting downstream flows to both Florida and Alabama. The meeting marks another important step in the process. “Each of our states values the water resources of the system for a variety of important reasons. However, as leaders we must adequately address the water needs of the region, as well as the needs of the communities downstream and the lives that those waters support – like the oystermen of Apalachicola. “I look forward to continuing a productive and science-based dialogue with both Governors so that we may leave a legacy of sustainability for the people of our three states and our environment.”
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> Commission taps IG Mazzella for another four-year’s, first started watchdog gig in 1997
Christopher Mazzella, the only inspector general Miami-Dade has ever had was granted a new four-year contract Tuesday when the commission approved the consent agenda with no comments. Mazzella and his office does double duty and they also provide IG oversight over the nation’s fourth largest public schools district. The IG is a retired special agent with the FBI and has held the office since Dec. 1997 when the county commission approved him for the watchdog position. Commissioners in the past have said the office’s creation was one of the best thing the commission did but they “would never get credit for,” said Commissioner Joe Martinez a few weeks back when Mazzella was in front of the body, discussing his contract that would run out weeks later.
>>> Commission redistricting expected to hit body in winter of 2011, for elected leaders consideration
The issue of redistricting was discussed Tuesday at the county commission and the body got an up-date on the subject by Guillermo Olmedillo, a former county director of planning. He noted that the process has to be done every ten-years after the 2010 U.S. Census is completed and the population data has been analyzed for Miami-Dade. He said the final census numbers would be available in April 1, 2011 and should add about 25,000 new residents per district, with the most growth being in the SW part of the county. Further, the federal census bureau recently made an 80,000 resident adjustment upwards to the county population.
Redistricting is a legislative activity and it is political in nature that has commissioners alone deciding what will be the new 13 county commission districts. He said the past process that lead to the new 2002 commission districts, sustained legal challenges, had no incumbents losing their seats, and was considered successful in its results. However, a assistant county attorney noted a citizens panel would also be involved and should be in place in late 2010 and their suggested redistricting based on the new population numbers should be in front of the commission by the “late fall or winter of 2012,” said the attorney.
What about Olmedillo?
Olmedillo since retiring from the county has been an active lobbyist on a wide variety of issues at the county and at municipalities and currently he is registered with Miami-Dade as a lobbyist for Aires Investment and Financial Services, Continental Park Group, FIR Investments Corp., and Swerdlow Development Co. LLC, state county lobbyist’s documents. He also was short listed as a possible new manager for the city of North Miami but that opening went to another person. The Watchdog Report notes while Olmedillo will likely be involved in this redistricting process in the future, he will not be doing it alone, it will involve a wide range of individuals, and ultimately new districts will be up to commissioners to approve. However, if one was a county lobbyist that would be involved in this activity in the future, they would clearly have a feather in their favor when having discussions with commissioners and I am going to keep an eye on this commission redistricting activity in the coming years.
>>> Press release: Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson was honored by Women in Transition of South Florida, Inc. for her service to the community on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Embassy Suites, 3974 NW South River Drive. The commissioner was recognized during the organization’s year-end holiday ceremony. Women in Transition works to empower women by offering G.E.D. prep courses, and teaching computer and pre-employment skills to ready women for workforce. “I thank Women in Transition for offering opportunities for young women to learn workforce skills, to believe in themselves, and to tackle everyday challenges with strength and confidence,” said Commissioner Edmonson.
>>> Press release: MIAMI ANIMAL COPS NEW SERIES PREMIERS MONDAY, JANUARY 4TH AT 10 PM ON ANIMAL PLANET
Follow the Miami-Dade Animal Services team of dedicated Investigators and Animal Control Officers while they protect the pets in Miami-Dade County and see how they help animals in distress and educate our community about responsible pet ownership. The new Animal Planet’s Series ‘Miami Animal Cops’ premiers Monday January 4th at 10 pm. “We’re proud to have worked with Animal Planet and Granada Productions in the new series of Miami Animal Cops end we know it will reach so many people who care about animals”, said Dr. Sara Pizano, Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services. “It was an honor to be chosen for this series and the audience will become fans from day one,” added Dr. Pizano. WHO: Miami-Dade Animal Services & Animal Planet, WHAT: Miami Animal Cops, WHEN: Monday January 4th, 2010 at 10 pm (Premier), Show airs every Monday at 10 pm – WHERE: Animal Planet – Don’t miss the first episode Monday, January 4th at 10 pm on Animal Planet and meet the heroes that protect our pets and families in Miami-Dade County. >>> Miami-Dade Animal Services is responsible for enforcing Chapter V, as well as Florida Statutes 828, which deals primarily with animal cruelty issues. Unlike private shelters that have limitations on the number of pets they accept, Animal Services accepts all dogs and cats. Last year, the shelter impounded more than 37,000 pets. The goal at Animal Services is to reunite lost pets with their families or find life-long homes for as many animals as possible. Related links: www.miamidade.gov/animals or call 311.
BROWARD COUNTY
>>> How much more public corruption will it take for creation of ethics and IG in state’s second largest county?
With all the political turmoil and federal investigations going in Broward County there was never a better time for county leaders and residents to establish not only a effective ethics commission with powers to also investigate the 31 municipalities, but also create the office of an inspector general, like is in place in Miami-Dade, with a variation of the offices in Palm Beach coming on line in the future. Broward, the state’s second largest county for years has floated under much of the oversight radar that Miami-Dade has been under but the past political establishment has hit more than a road bump with the arrest of Scott Rothstein and others and the cascading effect rises to fund raising done for presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, Gov. Charlie Sink and Florida CFO Alex Sink. The county commissioners paid around $90,000 should move forward and get ahead of the ethics and public corruption curve if public trust is to be restored.
One of the reasons the Watchdog Report over the years has been running elected county leaders financial disclosure forms around the state is because it is the one opportunity the public gets to check out an elected officials business and financial life and for a majority of elected leaders. These disclosures are generally benign in nature and are consistent with someone managing their money responsible. However, outside income continues to dog politicians and it has been seen many times with the most recent example being ex Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne. Jenne, after almost a year in federal prison because of his moonlighting used to file his IRS 1040 and on one form, years ago popped up income coming from sources other than in his official capacity. A law enforcement job that made him the most powerful person in the county. Further, where else would Jenne go after leaving the big house but to Scott Rothstein’s law firm and it is unknown what he is doing now. Broward residents and voters should keep up the political heat when it comes to an ethics commission and an inspector general’s office. For it will be money well spent if county residents and voters want to really change their political landscape. The question is whether people like Broward Mayor Ken Keechl (net worth $1.02 million), who represents District 4, will have the political will with other commissioners to make that reality happen. http://www.broward.org/kenkeechl/welcome.htm >>> Editor’s note: Investigative reporter Bob Norman has been on top of the Rothstein story since the Ponzi scheme’s unraveling and for more go to http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/.
>>>County’s web page on Ethics Commission: The Ethics Commission was approved by the electorate at a special referendum election held in conjunction with the General Election on November 4, 2008. Purpose: To establish a Code of Ethics for the Broward County Commission. To work in a collaborative and communicative nature with the County Commission in drafting the Code of Ethics. The Ethics Commission shall present a Code of Ethics to the Broward County Commission for consideration no later than at the first County Commission meeting in March 2010. If the Broward County Commission fails to adopt the Proposed Ethics Code as proposed within 180 days of its receipt of the proposal, the Proposed Ethics Code shall be presented to the electors of Broward County for consideration at the November 2010 general election. If approved by the electors of Broward County, the Proposed Ethics Code shall become part of the Broward County Code of Ordinances. Membership: Eleven (11) members. Each County Commissioner shall appoint one (1) member from their respective districts. The Broward League of Cities shall appoint two (2) countywide members. Assistant to the County Administrator (Ethics Commission Staff Liaison) Robert L. Teitler, Assistant County Attorney (Ethics Commission Staff Attorney) Terms: Members shall serve until a Code of Ethics is adopted by either the Broward County Commission or the electors of Broward County. If a member fails to attend any three (3) consecutive meetings, that member shall be considered to have vacated their seat, and the vacancy will be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The public is invited to attend all meetings and will be invited to ask questions and/or comment from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. http://www.broward.org/ethicscommission/welcome.htm
>>> THREE SOUTH FLORIDA RESIDENTS PLEAD GUILTY IN IMMIGRATION BENEFIT FRAUD SCHEME
Jeffrey H. Sloman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Investigations, announced that three South Florida residents that were indicted on Oct. 29 on charges of conspiracy to induce and encourage aliens to remain in the United States and making false statements in applications for immigration benefits pled guilty yesterday in federal court for their involvement in an immigration benefit fraud scheme. On Dec. 17, Adriana Segundo Zaldivar, 42, of Hollywood, Florida, Sergio Gabriel Alfaro, 45, and America George, 42, both of Miami, entered a plea of guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Marcia Cooke on charges of conspiracy to provide false statements to a federal agency. Sentencing for Segundo Zaldivar and Alfaro has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, December 22, 2009 and sentencing for George has been scheduled for March 3, 2010. Co-defendants Victor Abreu, 45, of Sunny Isles, and Pablo Roldan, 38, of Hollywood, are in federal custody pending trial on charges of conspiracy, false statements, and inducing and encouraging aliens to remain in the United States. Karina Vazquez, 37, formerly of Hallandale Beach, remains a fugitive. In May 2007, ICE special agents in Fort Lauderdale began an investigation of Victor Abreu of Abreu & Associates, based on allegations that he was involved in immigration benefit fraud.
Abreu and his employees were allegedly preparing false boilerplate immigration applications for illegal immigrants, including applications for employment authorization and employment visas. The defendants were charged with engaging in a scheme through which they solicited payments from illegal immigrants by falsely promising to assist them with immigration matters. Defendants Segundo Zaldivar, Gabriel Alfaro and George pleaded guilty to making false statements on immigration benefit applications for the illegal immigrants, knowing that the immigrants were not entitled to the benefits sought. The scheme involved the preparation of benefit applications for at least 300 individuals from Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Venezuela, and Mexico, among other countries. After receiving payments, Abreu and his co-defendants prepared the false immigration documents. To execute the scheme, Abreu falsely purported to be an immigration attorney and consultant. As a result of the scheme, some of the illegal immigrants obtained legitimate work authorization cards and driver’s licenses to which they were not lawfully entitled.
Pablo Roldan of Argentina, Adriana Segundo-Zaldivar of Mexico and Sergio Alfaro of Argentina were also found to be in violation of U.S. immigration law and face immigration removal proceedings after their criminal cases are completed. Segundo-Zaldivar and Alfaro will be transferred into ICE custody at the completion of their criminal sentence. Acting United States Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman said, “Immigration fraud undermines the public’s faith in our system, as it provides benefits to those who are willing to break the laws. We will continue to work to make our immigration system free from fraud.” “The filing of false applications to obtain immigration benefits for individuals that are not authorized to be present in the United States puts the security of our communities at risk,” said Anthony Mangione, Special Agent in Charge of ICE’s Office of Investigations in Miami. “Immigration benefits like these could be exploited by dangerous criminals to obscure their identities and cover their tracks. ICE will continue to aggressively pursue and criminally charge individuals who would exploit immigrant communities for their own self interests.”>>> Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of ICE’s Office of Investigations in Fort Lauderdale. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorraine Tashman. 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.
>>> Thank you for using the Broward County Commission Agenda E-mail Notification System. A new Broward County Commission Agenda is available. Point your browser to http://www.broward.org/commission/welcome.htm to view the new agenda.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
>>> PAST WDR: JUNE 2009: Corruption from Palm Beach to Monroe is being busted; elected leaders are taking note
The busting of a majority of past county commissioners now in federal prison has had major reverberations on all of South Florida politicians. The federal investigations in Palm Beach started a few years ago but the impact did not really sink in until more recently, when long serving county Commissioner Mary McCarty got over 40-months in federal prison, as well as her husband who got a different sentence. At a meeting that brought current Palm Beach County commissioners months ago to Miami, they mentioned they were not the ones that had the troubles, but federal and state prosecutors have made their point and elected leaders are on edge throughout South Florida and that is a good thing.
POLK COUNTY
>>> State Rep. Troutman in the spotlight, termed out in 2010, had $39.6 million net worth through 2008
State Rep. Baxter G. Troutman, R-Winter Haven, is in the spotlight this week and the citrus grower and owner of a staffing agency was first elected to the body in 2002. He represents House District 66 and the representative is termed out in 2010. The Republican is on key committees in the House including vice chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Environment & Natural Resources Council. He enjoys fishing, hunting, travel and he is married.
What do we know about his finances?
Troutman through Dec. 2008 had a net worth of $39.66 million and his total assets for the year was $40.8 million. His assets include $2.8 million in citrus groves, a home is valued at $815,000, there is $589,000 in cash and investments in a closely held corporation are worth $36.03 million. He lists one liability owed $1.18 million.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4259&SessionId=57
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today appointed retired Sgt. Major Ray Quinn of St. Augustine to the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners.
He will serve during the military leave of absence of Commissioner Mark Miner, beginning January 2, 2010.“Ray has dedicated his life to the service of his country and to the people of St. Johns County and Florida,” Governor Crist said. “He has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to the community, and I am confident he will serve the people well while Commissioner Miner serves our nation during his upcoming deployment.” Quinn, 63, currently serves as the chairman of the St. Johns County Veteran’s Council and on the board of directors of Vets4Vets in St. Johns County. He is a past president and member of the Kiwanis Club of Historic St. Augustine Board of Directors from 1987 to 2008. Previously, he served with the Florida Department of Military Affairs, Florida National Guard, from 1995 to 2008, retiring as the director of executive services. He served in the Florida Army National Guard from 1965 to 1995, including full-time service beginning in 1973 and Active Guard and Reserve service in 1981. He received the Florida Distinguished Service Medal for service to the State of Florida in 2008. He is a graduate of the United States Army Infantry School; the basic, advanced and senior non-commissioned officer courses; and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. “I am honored to continue my service to the people of St. Johns County,” said Quinn. “I look forward to addressing the important issues facing our community during Commissioner Miner’s deployment.”
PINELLAS COUNTY
>>> Press release: Gov. Crist today taps Emily Ercius of St. Petersburg as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light.
“Emily’s generous spirit and enthusiasm for helping others in need is truly inspiring,” said Governor Crist. “She has shown that there are no boundaries when it comes to supporting our neighbors and communities.” For five years, 10-year-old Emily Ercius has helped provide Thanksgiving meals to the hungry and homeless residents of St. Petersburg. This year, she was able to raise $2,700 to purchase 378 turkeys and 250 pounds of food, helping the St. Vincent de Paul Food Center feed 522 people. In addition to the food and donations she collected, Emily helped fill 350 holiday baskets that provided a feast for an additional 1,400 individuals in her community. “Emily’s sensitivity to the plight of the less fortunate at such a young age is remarkable,” said Patricia Waltrich, executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas Inc. “She may be little but her heart is huge and her efforts to feed the hungry and homeless enormous.” >>> 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.
ALACHUA COUNTY
>>> Gov. Crist today announced the following reappointments and appointments:
North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Region 3 (Senate confirmation required)
David Dodge, 79, of Starke, self-employed real estate appraiser, reappointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2012.
Sandra Haas, 62, of McAplin, attorney, Guardian Ad Litem, reappointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2010.
Charles Maultsby, 68, of Perry, manager of Florida Plywoods Inc., reappointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2012.
Andrew Smith, 47, of Raiford, correctional officer, reappointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2012.
Lorene Thomas, 68, of Old Town, retired realtor, reappointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2012.
Adeniyi “Ade” Aderibigbe, 25, of Mayo, student, succeeding Heather Neill, appointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2010.
David Biddle, 32, of Trenton, technician with McCall Service Pest Control, succeeding Gordon Dasher, appointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2012.
Wes Eubank, 67, of Gainesville, Alachua County School Board member, succeeding Frank Urban, appointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2012.
James Montgomery, 76, of Lake City, professor at Lake City Community College, succeeding Dixie Donovan, appointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2010.
Charles Williams, 57, of Jasper, president of C.L.Williams and Associates, succeeding Martha Butler, appointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2012.
Mike Williams, 51, of Madison, president of Williams Enterprises of Madison Inc., succeeding Fred Reeves, appointed for a term beginning December 17, 2009, and ending October 1, 2012.
FLAGLER COUNTY
>>> Press release: Gov. Crist taps Trevor Tucker of Bunnell to the Flagler County School Board.
“As a graduate of the Flagler County School System, Trevor has a great insight into the needs of Flagler County students,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident that he will continue to serve his community with integrity and diligence. Tucker, 33, is the president-elect of the Flagler County Education Foundation. He is also a graduate of the Flagler County School System and owner of Sun Country Pest Control. Tucker received his bachelor’s degree from Wingate University. Tucker will fill the vacancy created by the death of Peter Palmer.
LEVY COUNTY
>>> Press release: Gov. Crist taps James “Tim” Browning to the Levy County Court.
“Tim’s dedication to justice and his community makes him well-suited to serve Levy County, where he already has a proven record of being diligent and fair,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident Tim’s extensive courtroom experience will enable him to serve the good people of Levy County well.” Browning, 53, is a lifetime Florida resident and has spent the last 20 years working for the State Attorney’s Office in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, serving most recently as the chief of special prosecutions in Gainesville. Previously in the State Attorney’s Office, Browning served as the chief of the Division of Crimes Against Women and Families in Gainesville, and as an assistant state attorney and division chief in Levy and Gilchrist counties. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. Browning will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joseph E. Smith.
MONROE COUNTY
>>> SR 5 (U.S. 1/Overseas Hwy) – Channel 2 Bridge (MM 72.6 to MM 73.1) Week of December 21, 2009
Lane shifts will occur on Channel 2 Bridge between MM 72.6 and MM 73.1, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along the northbound and southbound lanes from Monday, December 21 thru Wednesday, December 23 in order to allow for construction activities on the bridge. Please exercise caution and obey the reduced 35 MPH speed limit throughout the limits of the project. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive or log on to www.511southflorida.com to get real-time traffic and lane closure information. For more information, please contact Will Thompson at 305-797-0962 or via email at will@QCAusa.com.
>>> SR 5 (U.S. 1/Overseas Hwy) – Grassy Key (MM 57.4 to MM 59.9) Week of December 21, 2009
No lane closures are planned; however, travel lanes will be shifted and narrowed from 12 to 11 feet in some portions within the project limits from MM 57.4 to MM 59.9. Please exercise caution and obey the reduced 45 MPH speed limit throughout the limits of the project. 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 Will Thompson at 305-797-0962 or via email at will@QCAusa.com.
>>> West Summerland Key at MM 34, and on Little Duck Key at MM 40
Week of December 21, 2009: During the re-construction project, the boat ramps and parking areas at Summerland Key, MM 34, and Little Duck Key, MM 40, will be closed. This project should in no way impact traffic on Overseas Highway / U.S. 1 / State Road (S.R.) 5. Work will mainly be concentrated in the area directly adjacent to the ramps. To find the locations of alternative public boat ramps in this area.
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> Board member Perez says Crew got only “good news coverage” and blames “Herald for dropping the [investigative] ball”
Marta Perez, the long serving school board member representing District 8 on the nine-member board spoke at the Elephant Forum luncheon this past Monday and she lashed out at the local media’s coverage of the nation’s fourth largest public schools district. Perez was first a community council member before being elected to the board in 1998 and she has been easily reelected since then though she did briefly try to run for Miami-Dade mayor in 2004, but dropped out that race after not getting political traction and support.
Perez, a “firm believer in Charter Schools,” believed that past district Superintendent Rudy Crew left the schools “bankrupt,” and only after new Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who is “very smart,” then brought in retired past district CFO Richard Hines “were we able to weather the [financial] storm” that has the district “on okay financial footing” versus “Miami-Dade and the city of Miami,” she said. The long serving board member “was saddened we didn’t have all the media scrutiny like years ago” during the past five years and she believed the “media was in love with Crew.” She claimed, “The Miami Herald dropped the ball” when it came to investigative reporting claiming some board members even courted the superintendent so they “may get preferential treatment,” Perez said. When asked what the most important factor was when it came to student performance and graduation. “Parental involvement was the number one factor in students doing well,” she thought. She also called for more emphasis on math and sciences in the schools and the teacher “unions have to understand” the need for this emphasis.” One factor further inhibiting a students success in schools around the nation is that “51 percent of the mothers in America are single,” said Stanley G. Tate at the end of the discussion. >>> School Board Members – Dadeschools.net The School Board of Miami-Dade County is comprised of nine members.
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>> President Roldan updates county commission, looking to privatize county jail and nursing home care
Eneida Roldan, M.D., on Tuesday spoke in front of the Miami-Dade County Commission and she gave the body a update on past, current and future initiatives to keep the struggling health trust solvent while giving around $525 million in charity healthcare. Roldan, the president & CEO of Jackson Memorial Health System has had her hands full since taking over the management reins after Marvin O’Quinn left after five-years in that capacity. O’Quinn in December 2008 stated to the commission in his final briefing that the model currently at the health trust could not be maintained and graphs suggested Jackson with a $64 million monthly payroll would be insolvent by 2011.
>>> PAST WDR: JUNE 2008: Joint BCC/PHT board meeting somber affair, institution will not survive in future without changing mission, “rationed” medical care could come in 2010
The joint meeting between the PHT board and the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday morning in the county commission chambers with 22 of them attending was a somber event as PHT President Marvin O’Quinn gave his presentation and the grim financial fortunes facing the health trust that gives over $500 million in charity care yearly. O’Quinn has trimmed hundreds of millions in costs over the last few years but the demand for charity care is infinite when you have over 600,000 residents without health insurance.
This is why the Watchdog Report has been doing PHT 101?
The Watchdog Report knew this meeting was coming up and in past years county commissioners would pound the trust’s administration regarding union contracts, parking fees or other issues such as the campus infrastructure but not this time for the future is clear. The PHT will need more financial assistance, that if not provided will change the hospitals mission to one where care is “rationed” and certain medical services would be cut. The Watchdog Report has a unique take on this issue for as a medical sales representative in 1979. I sold implantable pacemakers at the institution and actually have been in the operating rooms there. However, back then Jackson was on COD, I could not give a surgeon a device or electrode without a certified check in my hand, and that is a terrible way for a hospital to operate.
CITY OF MIAMI
>>> Ringmaster Sarnoff, snaps verbal whip at administration & attorney, says clerk like his 3rd grade teacher
>>> Gov. Charlie Crist told The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com Friday that if suspended and charged Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones wins the new special election Jan.12. The governor will likely suspend her again, he told the paper. The voters of commission District 1 and 5 go to the polls Jan. 12 and with nine candidates running for each district. The winner take all race could end up with an elected leader with less than 1,000 votes given the expected low turnout. For more information about the candidates and their campaign fund raising efforts go to http://www.miamigov.com/City_Clerk/Pages/Elections/Elections.asp
>>> What happened at Thursday’s commission meeting?
The Watchdog Report has been watching the commission’s new members, Commission vice Chair Frank Carollo, Commissioner Francis Suarez and Chair Marc Sarnoff. I have been watching how they handle the public and run the meetings, and there appear to be some strange political dynamics going on. Sarnoff is likening Clerk Priscilla Thompson to his third grade teacher and even referred to the clerk by the teacher’s name. He also in an odd verbal way went after Miami attorney Julie O. Bru when she discussed a legislative issue that referred to assault and battery “going hand in hand” in bars, she said Sarnoff, joked after her explanation what bar was she was talking about, “and what time tonight will you be there,” he jokingly queried.
Another odd thing said came from the Clerk when she referred to Suarez as “this young man” during a commission vote and while the attorney is 32, and has been practicing law for just under five years. He still is the elected commissioner for District 4 and should get the appropriate respect regardless of his age. Since most men were called that last when maybe they were ten years old, after doing something bad, by their mother.
>>> The following e-mail was sent to (now former) 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
>>> $70 million in storm water & water sewer bonds to be sold in 2009-2010, heavy rains and street flooding show why
With the rains on Thursday and Friday that had Beach streets flooded with homes and cars bearing the brunt. The Watchdog Report thought about the city’s anticipated storm water and sewer bonds that are planned to be sold in over the next two years. City documents indicate the city in 2009-2010 is going to sell long term fixed rate bonds to the tune of $30 million for water and sewer projects, another $40 million offering is for storm water revenue bonds and $25 million will be in parking revenue bonds, state city documents. In later years, two more bonds will be teed up, one for $28 million in water and sewer paper and another $55 million of bonds will be sold for storm water projects. The city administration has been battling with this flooding issue for decades and while progress has been made, there is still obviously a long way to go when you talk to local Beach residents.
CITY OF NORTH MIAMI
>>> Mayor Pierre carries Miami-Dade MPO flag to Sarasota and Tampa with Mayor Bateman
Mayor Andre D. Pierre will be taking two road trips this year after his appointment to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) after county commission Chair Dennis Moss asked if he would attend the events to educate members on the body of their duties. There are MPO’s around the state but the one in Miami-Dade is the largest when it comes to the region and population and 22 members serve on it including county commissioners, a few municipal leaders and one citizen. The MPOAC Weekend Institute meetings are planned in Sarasota on Feb. 5 through 7 and another is scheduled in Tampa for May 14 to 16. These meetings will focus on critical funding issues, origins of the MPO, the laws and regulations affecting such a body are just a few the issues that will be discussed, states a Nov. 11 memo in the local MPO agenda package.
CITY OF HOMESTEAD
>>> Mayor Bateman is tapped by county commission Chair Moss to go to two MPO conferences
Mayor Steven Bateman attended his first Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting Thursday held at county hall and he also got tapped to go to two state meetings that involve MPO members around Florida to get educated on what the regional transportation body does and there responsibilities on the board. Bateman in a major change of city leadership in the municipality founded in 1913 also wants to be sure Homestead gets the attention it deserves on the body.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
>>> Dear CHS Friends and Supporters: It is that time of the year again when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. This year, while shopping for your loved ones, why not add a child in need to your list? The Children’s Home Society of Florida is conducting the Holiday Toy Drive for 2009 and your contribution—big or small—can help fulfill a child’s holiday dream. We welcome participation from all of your company employees, colleagues and friends. And we can provide you with wish lists. We have also updated our web site so you can see the lists of toys that kids love right now by age group—to help you select toys that will truly bring a smile to a child’s face. Here is a link to the web site with that information and more. http://www.chsfl.org/Locations/Southeastern/Holiday-Toy-Drive-2009 Our Holiday Toy Drive 2009 is also on Facebook. Join now for the most up-to-date information about our drive. http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=166368148228&ref=ts Without your help and assistance from so many others like you, the Children’s Home Society of Florida would not be able to ensure that more than 2,000 children we serve receive toys this holiday season.
>>> The King Mango Strut Parade is back on schedule at it will be held Dec. 27th with setting up starting around noon for the event held on Commodore Plaza in Coconut Grove. On Tuesday an organizational meeting is being held at Greenstreet Café at 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday there is a kick-off party and it will include the announcement of who will be the grand marshal for the event founded in 1982.For more information go to www.kingmangostrut.org or call the Mango Hot line at 305-401-1171. Editor’s note: Check out Sunday’s story in www.miamiherald.com
>>> 25th Annual Everglades Coalition Conference to be held in West Palm Beach January 7-10, 2010 Elected Officials, Environmental Groups, and Community Leaders to Discuss The Changing Face of Everglades Restoration
WHAT: The Everglades Coalition will host its 25th Annual Conference at the PGA Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. Hosted by the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation, the conference will bring together leaders, elected officials, community and environmental activists, and the general public to discuss the Changing Face of Everglades Restoration, and develop solutions for the next ten years of the 2000 landmark law, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Conference sessions focus on the state of Florida’s River of Grass Initiative, climate change, diversity in restoration, national restoration initiatives, and ecosystem services programs, among other topics. WHO: The Everglades Coalition is an alliance of 53 local, state, and national conservation, environmental, and civic organizations dedicated to full restoration of the greater Everglades ecosystem. Its conference is the largest annual forum for Everglades conservation and restoration, bringing together the Coalition’s membership with its local, state, and federal partners. Members of Congress and the Florida state legislature, and other political figures come to the conference to discuss their positions, pledge their support and present challenges to the community.
Conference speakers confirmed to date: Former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor Bob Graham U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton Assistant Secretary of the Interior Tom Strickland Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink U.S. Congressman Ron Klein Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy –Speakers invited: Florida Governor Charlie Crist, U.S. Senator George LeMieux, FL, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, FL –WHEN: Conference Dates: Thursday, January 7– Sunday, January 10, 2010 -*Press Conference: January 8, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Note: Press Conference will be preceded from 8:45 – 10:15 a.m. by Plenary Sessions I: 2020 Vision for the Everglades, moderated by John Adornato, National Parks Conservation Association, and will be followed by Plenary Session II: The River of Grass Initiative: An Historic Opportunity for Everyone to Win, moderated by Richard Grosso, Everglades Law Center, from 10:45-12:15 p.m. WHERE: PGA Resort and Spa, 400 Ave of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (800) 633-9150 Website: www.pgaresort.com>>> This year’s conference is located near the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, where our fieldtrip will be held on January 10. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton will address the Coalition, and guided tours will be available to a remnant of the Cypress forest that once stretched south to Miami-Dade; a butterfly garden; and an 80-acre microcosm of the Everglades where restoration techniques are tested. For more information about the Everglades Coalition and the Conference, or to register online, visit: www.evergladescoalition.org. To have a registration form faxed or mailed to you, contact Pat Carr (954) 942-3113 or patriciacarr@evergladescoalition.org For press credentials, materials, and questions, contact Shannon Andrea at 202-454-3371 or sandrea@npca.org.
EDITORIAL
>>> PAST WDR: FEB 2004: Three editorials: Miami-Dade light years ahead of Broward ethics and conflict of interest code
The government and elected leaders of Miami-Dade County are always being criticized for being corrupt and unresponsive to the people, but from my vantage point the community has made progress but part of that is because we have a county ethics commission and a county Office of the Inspector General and soon a county commission auditor. In addition, while commissioners have tried to get a pay increase, voters repeatedly believe the $6,000 salary and other benefits they get is enough for now. However, that is not the case for our neighbor to the north and in Broward County commissioners are paid $84,000 but they are still allowed to work in other jobs and in some cases, the commissioners are lobbyists. While there is nothing wrong with this profession, it does create a potential conflict if someone is also an elected leader and here in Miami-Dade, any elected official that ventures into that arena knows how sensitive the issue is and treads with caution.
However, that same abundance of caution found here does not seem to apply to Broward County elected leaders and recently there have been two examples, Broward County Mayor Ilene Lieberman, who registered as a lobbyist in her married name with the Broward Public School Board. Now we have the County Commissioner, Proud Mother Memo, from Lori Nance Parrish, a long serving Broward Commissioner who has also headed up the commission. It is clear that Broward electorate should consider the creation of an ethics commission and an office of the Inspector General for this conflict of interest trend needs to be nipped in the bud.
Broward hates any comparison with Miami-Dade but in some ways, we are light years ahead of our smaller neighbor to the north in the area of ethics and conflicts of interest. What is funny is we freely admit the need for these entities versus there, where some elected officials, when challenged about these activities, respond by making counter accusations. Further, these outside jobs held by commissioners, deep six’s the idea that if commissioners were well paid, that income would be enough to sustain them financially limiting potential conflicts. Broward elected leaders are planning what it wants to be in the future and the public and community leaders during this public discussion should debate if there is a need for these types of institutions, and changes in the county conflict code. For the Watchdog Report can assure the residents in Broward, that if something like the Parrish memo was done in Miami-Dade there would be a public firestorm, so maybe there is a difference after all with Broward, and the public here likes that.
***** All Public money should be treated with respect by elected officials
A newly elected Hialeah Council woman Cindy Miel with 13 words recently sums up what is wrong with our elected leaders thinking in many ways. She is quoted in The Herald when discussing a no bid for street work to be done within the city of Hialeah that “since it’s not city money that were spending, then whatever, just do it.” The money was coming from the county but that should not have mattered for it is still taxpayer money.
Because it is not Hialeah money it seems okay to her to spend it anyway they want even if it is not needed and that is the problem with our elected leaders. The Watchdog Report sees and hears this type of attitude all over government and it is appalling. The mother of all examples of this type of mindset was in 1999 when former Miami-Dade Aviation Director Gary Delapa told county commissioners that a $1.2 billion charge as a result in a change in airlines strategic plans was not such a big deal because “it was not county money.” It is everyone’s money and elected leaders must rise to the occasion of better oversight of public dollars for after 9/11 we as a community are facing some tough choices now and in the future and every public dollar must be spent wisely.
***** The Watchdog Report is cranking it up a notch
With the New Year, plus some events last week at public meetings, and the publisher’s branching out to cover Broward County I am going to be tougher on my coverage of public meetings, and all the different board members and government administrations must maintain civility, give correct information and operate in the sunshine or it will be written about. Further, when I hear people who are not subscribers say, as one state representative did recently, “why should I pay when I can get it free.” I am moving these people, after almost five years of getting the report into my real disappointed column and if I am a little cool to you in the future. You will understand.
The Watchdog Report will turn five years old in May and because of the miracle of the inter-net it is one of the most widely read government electronic newsletters in the nation and I thank those of you that have kept the publisher out in the political jungle by your financial support. However, to those of you that have said you would subscribe but did not, now is the time because it takes very little financial where with all, in the scheme of things to keep this going and I hope more of my readers begin to appreciate that fact.
LETTERS
>>> Reader of net worth and financial disclosure forms
You know, stating net worth for government paid employees or officials is like serving half a loaf of fresh baked bread. If someone stands to earn $100,000 from their retirement pay. The value of that pay is worth a lot more than a net worth of a $ 1 million. What about the absurdity of making $200,000 and having 60% or more already matched by a pension and freelancing in Panama. Pretty soon you are talking about real money. Don’t forget those who retire early, stay out a few months to start collecting and then go back to working for the county and double dipping. How about making room for the unemployed, laid off executive?
Steve
Miami
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WILLIAM HUGGETT, Seamen Attorney (Deceased)
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THE HONORABLE STANLEY TATE
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LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.
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CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.
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GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com
THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschoolsnews.net
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org
THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com
THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu
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 ReportEst. 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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Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form
NOTE: Invoice is for Yearly supporter/sponsorship Rates: Thank you.
Supporting Sponsors $5,000
Sustaining Sponsors $2,000
Corporate Sponsors $1,000 (All levels above will be listed in the report with web-site link if desired)
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To contact the Publisher please e-mail to watchdogreport1@earthlink.net