Watchdog Report Vol.11 No. 21 October 3, 2010 Est. 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot
Argus Report: Clock winding down with 29-days left to election, Crist, Meek, Rubio going head to head for U.S. Senate seat, long shot Rubio leading in the polls
Florida: Scott and Sink at each others political throats, ads are becoming numbing, polls give Scott edge, but what of voter turnout?
Miami-Dade County: Braman throws down gauntlet, seeks Mayor Alvarez’s recall, mayor fights back but election cost a canard
Broward County: Sen. Bullard in the spotlight, represents 5 counties, had $125,000 net worth through June 2010
Palm Beach County: Ethics commission up and running, Johnson director, will it be doing a volume business like M-DC?
Polk County: Gov Crist taps Barry W. Bennett of Winter Haven to the Polk County Court.
Martin County: Four men charged in failed drug and alien smuggling operation
Monroe County: Leaders go with 3.79% property tax rollback rate, up tick in sales taxes, may mean improving local economy, says Mgr. Gastesi
Miami-Dade Public Schools: Board member Rivas Logan wants to move on up to state House, had $177,000 net worth through June 20 2009, faces Democrat Herrera in race
Public Health Trust: The Magnificent Seven, Ayala, Ishoof, Medina, Nuell, Oza, Reiter-Faragalli and Rogers make PHT trustee slate, best field of candidates since 1997
City of Miami: Almost $500 million budget passed, cries from taxpayers go long into the night, CRA budget under the microscope
City of Miami Gardens: City installing red light cameras at sites throughout Miami Gardens, motorists beware if you run a red light
City of Miami Beach: Developer Galbut to speak at TMBC at Shelborne Hotel
City of Coral Gables: After decades CDMP “Historic” agreement with UM, “dawn of a new day,” says Mayor Slesnick with “U”
Community Events: Elephant Forum luncheon features Cardenas – Upcoming Margolis Collection 12th season
Editorials: Braman recall of Mayor Alvarez, should be accompanied by community leaders supporting a more robust press to cover and report on $14 billion in public institutions — PAST WDR: April 2007: Elected leaders should remember that sometimes it is good to be short and sweet when it comes to their verbal remarks at the dais
Letters: Gables Mayor Slesnick on story last week – New readers on the Watchdog Report
Sponsors – Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue
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>>> I will be doing election analysis and discuss the issues on the Nov. 2 ballot on Topical Currents hosted by Joseph Cooper and heard on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM – Nov.1 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. www.wlrn.org
ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street
>>> Clock winding down with 29-days left to election, Crist, Meek, Rubio going head to head for senate seat, long shot Rubio leading in the polls
Marco Rubio is continuing to lead in multiple statewide polls for his bid to join the world’s most exclusive club and with early voting stating Oct. 18, and a televised debate Oct 20 between the Republican, Democratic Party Champion Kendrick Meek, and independent Charlie Crist, it may be the other candidates last chance to kick in the campaign afterburner if they are to prevail. Rubio, the former Speaker of the Florida House ending in 2008 was considered a long shot when he announced his candidacy last year, but his grassroots efforts with Republican faithful caught fire and drove presumptive candidate Crist into the political wilderness of an independent. Rubio achieved this unexpected victory when his campaign against the governor focused on the race ending April 30, the last day to change your party status with the state, and his campaign poured $1.2 million into the primary race using the gift that kept on giving. The photos of Crist being embraced by President Barack Obama in blanket television ads back then. The polls are now showing Rubio has a lead with likely voters Nov. 2 www.miamiherald.com followed by Crist and Meek and the winner needs only 35 percent of the vote to capture the prize.
Meek a congressman first elected in 2002 after his mother Carrie retired from the U.S. House was a big Hillary Clinton supporter in 2008 and has been using her husband former President Bill Clinton, still highly popular along with Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama to give his campaign some extra life as the days click by with only 29 days left to the general election. Meek has been hammering Crist in ads for his past party statements such as being in the mold of a Gov. Jeb Bush Republican and Rubio is also hammering the governor with other past statements and at a recent Univision debate between the three. Crist is said to have taken the biggest hit during the affair. For Crist to prevail, he has to convince Democrats and independents that he can win versus Meek and all three candidates are campaigning with fervor throughout the state.
What about Mayor Alvarez’s recall initiative by Norman Braman?
The Rubio senate race has some interesting back ground to it and it is pitting Braman, a Rubio supporter against Alvarez who is supporting Crist and now that there is a recall initiative by Braman, if Rubio wins. It will be interesting to see how this whole process pans out locally in the coming months.
>>> Press release: THREE INDIVIDUALS AND A CORPORATION CONVICTED IN AN OIL POLLUTION CONSPIRACY
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Rear Admiral William D. Baumgartner, Commander, 7th Coast Guard District, and Jonathan Sall, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, announced the convictions today of defendants Hugo Pena, 45, of Miami, HP Maritime Consultants, Inc., of Miami, Ronald Ramon, 45, of Honduras, and Northon Eraso, 66, of Colombia, in an oil pollution conspiracy case tried before U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas. Specifically, the jury convicted Pena and HP Maritime Consultants, Inc. of one count of failing to conduct a complete oil pollution prevention survey of the cargo ship ISLAND EXPRESS I, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a), and one count of false official statement, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). The jury convicted Ramon of one count of conspiring to fail to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and seventeen counts of failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a). The jury convicted Eraso of one count of conspiring to fail to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and twenty-five counts of failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a).
According to the evidence admitted at trial, Ramon was the Master of a 155-foot cargo freighter called the M/V ISLAND EXPRESS I. Eraso was its Chief Engineer. Hugo Pena and his company HP Maritime Consultants, Inc. were the ship’s classification surveyors. On May 4, 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard discovered that the ship’s Oil Water Separator was broken. Under the leadership of Ramon and Eraso, the ship’s crew pumped the ship’s oily waste into the ocean from as early as February 7, 2010, until the Coast Guard’s arrival on board. Ramon and Eraso further concealed these discharges of oily waste by falsifying the ship’s logs. Additionally, the Coast Guard discovered that on April 15, 2010, HP Maritime Consultants, Inc. and Pena went on board the M/V ISLAND EXPRESS I to survey its oil pollution prevention equipment. Despite the fact that the ship’s Oil Water Separator was broken, HP Maritime Consultants, Inc. and Pena issued a required certificate for the ship that certified that the ship’s pollution prevention equipment was adequate. On July 16, 2010, in a related but separate criminal information, Coastal Maritime Shipping, LLC, a Fort Lauderdale-based shipping company, also pled guilty to two counts of failure to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, in violation of 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a). U.S. District Judge James I. Cohn later sentenced Coastal Shipping Holding to a $350,000 fine and three years’ probation. Judge Cohn also ordered Coastal Shipping Holding to make a $350,000 community service payment. The payment will fund environmental projects and initiatives designed for the benefit, preservation, and restoration of the environment and ecosystems in the waters of South Florida. Coastal Shipping Holding previously pled guilty to two counts of failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book on board the M/V Island Express I. Sentencing for Pena, HP Maritime Consultants, Inc., Ramon, and Eraso is scheduled on December 3, 2010. Pena, Ramon and Eraso are facing maximum possible sentences of six years’ imprisonment. HP Maritime Consultant, Inc. is facing a maximum possible sentence of $500,000 fine. The conviction of Pena and HP Maritime Consultants, Inc. represents the first criminal case brought against a classification surveyor for failure to fulfill to its pollution prevention responsibilities in the United States. >>> Mr. Ferrer commended investigative efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services. This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Raich. 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.
>>> Press release: Project Vote Smart: Last week we mailed you an advance copy of a new publication by Project Vote Smart titled the U.S. Government Owner’s Manual. This 97-page guide is free upon request to Florida citizens who want to keep an eagle eye on the behavior of their representatives and candidates. Click here to read news release: “U.S. Government Owner’s Manual Exposes Candidates” The Manual also introduces the most intriguing tool in Vote Smart’s arsenal to date: VoteEasy (www.voteeasy.org). VoteEasy is an exciting, interactive application that instantly compares voters’ positions on the major issues facing the nation with those of the congressional candidates who want their vote. Florida voters may simply enter their zip code, answer the same questions Vote Smart asked candidates on the 2010 Political Courage Test, and receive a unique visual confirmation on which congressional candidates agree with them on the issues. VoteEasy is currently being released state-by-state and will be available in all fifty states by early October. We will notify you when Florida candidates are available in VoteEasy, but we encourage you to try VoteEasy now to preview what’s coming soon, and to urge people in your community to use it before the November 2nd elections. For more information on the 2010 U.S. Government Owner’s Manual or VoteEasy please contact media@votesmart.org.
>>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for no money came in over the last week and I do have to live, thank you! Further, I have been honored over the years by being named a WFOR-4 Hometown Hero in 2000, being profiled in a major way by The Miami New Times, The Miami Herald, and the Orlando Sentinel which ran as a nationwide story on me in the Tribune papers on Jan. 2003 and UNC Chapel Hill naming me one of the top columnists in Florida in a multi-state study of the media back in 2004. I also thank Joseph Cooper for the opportunity to be on the WLRN/NPR showTopical Currents on www.wlrn.org since 2000, including yearly election coverage since then, and also the opportunity to be on Helen Ferre’s show Issues on issues@wpbt.org numerous times over the past decade.
>>> 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
>>> Scott and Sink at each others political throats, ads are becoming numbing, polls give Scott edge, but what of voter turnout?
Rick Scott and Alex Sink continue to duke it out on the airwaves and statewide polls are giving the healthcare executive a 49-43 percent lead but it will be voter turnout, especially Democratic Party voters. If Sink is to prevail. Democrats have a substantial edge when it comes to registered voters statewide, but it is how the swing no party affiliation voters break that will catapult the victor into the governor’s mansion. Florida voter affiliation through July 26 had 4.6 million registered Democrats, Republicans came in with 3.99 million and NPA accounts for 2.15 million of the 11.12 million state electorate.
Scott continues to be dogged by the healthcare company Columbia/HCA that he ran and the firm’s subsequent payment of a $1.7 billion settlement for Medicare fraud but had the CEO getting a golden parachute of hundreds of millions that he is taping into to finance his campaign. Scott’s jump in the polls also coincides with a strong showing by him in the panhandle of the state where in the primary he got many of the absentee votes that punched him over the top against Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. Further, McCollum’s supporters are still angry with Scott but the businessman gave an olive branch to the party’s leaders when he asked former state Republican Party Chair Tom Slade to be a co-chair of his campaign, hoping more of the old guard might get on board with the campaign.
Sink, the Florida chief financial officer is seeking her second office since 2006 and the former banker, who is coy and not particularly comfortable with the press, which is a characteristic Scott also exhibits over the last months. She also may be affected by her being seen as aligned with President Barack Obama and his administration that in some parts of the state are not looked at favorable while the nation’s economy sputters on, as people forget what a financial crisis occurred in Sept. 2008 and also question his claim he would bring “change that you can believe in.” And voters from both parties are not sure what they are getting with these two current candidates with both pushing their ability to get the state residents working again, and since they have a business background that factor gets negated out, except in the attack ads that are becoming almost numbing in there frequency on air.
>>> Press release: Gov. Crist this week extended Florida’s Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which provides expedited, short-term financial assistance to eligible small businesses in Northwest Florida that have been economically impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. “It is clear that small businesses in Northwest Florida continue to suffer from this disaster,” said Governor Crist. “By extending this important program, these business owners will have access to short-term funds which will help as they await long-term assistance from the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, federal disaster programs or insurance claims.”
To be eligible for the program, a small business owner (less than 100 employees) must have been operational for one full year prior to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on April 20, 2010, and demonstrate physical damage or economic injury as a result of the incident. Small business owners in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties may apply for short-term loans of up to $25,000 until October 27, 2010. Affected small businesses in Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties have until September 30, 2010, to apply for assistance through this program. Florida’s Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program was first activated in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in order to provide short-term emergency funding to businesses affected by the storm. The program has since assisted businesses following the Winter Storm of 1993, the Northwest Florida Floods of 1994, and Hurricanes Opal, Georges, Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis and Wilma. To receive an application or more information about the program, please visit www.floridaoilhelp.com or contact the Florida First Capital Finance Corporation at (850) 681-3601.
>>> Past press release: What a week for The Children’s Movement of Florida…
Five days and five cities: Daytona Beach, Orlando, Fort Pierce, Tampa and Lakeland. The week before: Pensacola, Panama City, Tallahassee and Gainesville. We have been thus far with 6,000 energized and enthusiastic citizens of Florida.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> Braman throws down gauntlet, seeks Mayor Alvarez’s recall, mayor fights back but election cost a canard
Norman Braman, the billionaire auto magnate on Monday threw down the gauntlet and is funding a recall effort of county Mayor Carlos Alvarez who says he is not losing any sleep over the effort and believes he will fend off any challengers if the maneuver succeeds and he is removed from office until a new election is held. Braman has crossed swords with the county before, winning some and also being unsuccessful with others like his court challenge of the Florida Marlins new baseball stadium going up on the old Orange Bowl site. However, his legal challenge did make for a slightly better deal than was originally proffered by the team, county, and city of Miami but the stadium when financing is factored in over decades is costing $2.4 billion, and that is still driving some taxpayers crazy.
Braman initiated this effort because eight of the county commissioners voted to approve the rollback rate county budget for 2010-2011 that for many property owners was a tax increase since they have benefited for years with a lower number because the property tax rate was contained by Save Our Home state legislation that limited any property tax to go no higher than 3 percent or the CPI for the year, whichever was lower. Alvarez termed out in 2012 has been on auto pilot in some regards on how he governs letting county manager George Burgess deal with the nuts and bolts of running the $7.3 billion county and in defending Braman’s call to arms to county taxpayers. He is putting some top legal talent in place, is starting a PAC, and is expected to vigorously fight to retain his job www.miamiherald.com .
What about the cost of a countywide election?
County leaders including Alvarez are carping about the cost of the election as well in these down economic times, saying the event could cost $3 to $4 million to hold, but what is odd about this carping about wasting precious general fund money. None of these elected officials or the administration said a word about the cost factor when special elections were held to give Alvarez strong mayor powers, or the election of a property appraiser, a race held in January, with low voter turnout two years ago.
Who else is joining Braman in this effort?
Braman told reporters that he also had the support of State Rep. Carlos Lopez Cantero, R-Miami, former state Rep. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah (now running for the state senate, and both men attended the press conference) and former Miami Beach Mayor David Dermer in this effort.
>>> CRB planning Hate crimes summit in Jan., community’s temperature is on the rise with down economy
A Miami-Dade Community Relations Board committee met last week to talk about hate crimes, speech and bigotry and the organization is planning a summit in late January. The CRB, over 40 years old is watching the up tick in these crimes and activities throughout Miami-Dade as the economy deteriorates, and intolerance of different religions is on the rise, especially for members of the Muslim community. The board is working with the school board and Board member Lawrence Feldman attended the meeting since the issue cuts across all age and ethnic groups in the county. CRB Chair Mario Artecona in an e-mail last week wrote, “We are just still in the planning stages, we will be having an event in late January. It was more a logistical [meeting rather] than substantive at this point. It’s interesting because so many groups feel that they are the worse victims of hate crimes. They’re really not,” wrote Artecona.
During the meeting it was noted that “70 percent of all hate crimes occur in the Black community” and the group understands the need to get the message out to students through the schools and the institutions student government said one person, and the “target audience was hundreds of kids” over the course of the program that is hoped to run on the county television station, said Artecona.
>>> Commission Chair Moss gets new grandson during PHT trustee interview process
On Thursday, while attending the PHT Nominating Council meeting, Commissioner Dennis Moss was notified around noon that he had a new grandson and he showed some of the people in the room an e-mailed photo of the new little future taxpayer. Congratulations Commissioner Moss and his family.
>>> Press release: Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Luz “Lucy” Morillo-Agnetti of Miami as this week’s Governor’s Point of Light in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“Lucy is an exceptional public servant, who works tirelessly to mobilize resources to care for some of our most vulnerable Floridians,” said Governor Crist. “Her passion and commitment to improving the well-being of Florida’s children, as well as her community, is making a positive impact in the Sunshine State.” Lucy Morillo-Agnetti devotes countless hours to improve child health care in the Sunshine State and throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. In addition to her work with children, Lucy is also active volunteer serving on the Board of LEAVE A LEGACY, the Miami-Dade Partnership for Philanthropic Planning Council, National Society of Hispanic MBA’s Corporate Advisory Board, and various other community and philanthropic groups. Because of her community service, Governor Crist also appointed her to the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers in 2009. >>> AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. Walt Disney World is an in-kind supporter. 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. Florida’s Foundation manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.FloridasFoundation.org.
BROWARD COUNTY
>>> Sen. Bullard in the spotlight, represents 5 counties, had $125,000 net worth through June 2010
State Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami is in the spotlight this week and the long serving legislator first went to the top legislative body in 2002 and was in the House from 1992 to 2000. The former teacher is an education consultant and is termed out in the senate in 2012. Her Senate Dist. 39 meanders through five counties and the district is the poster child of what a gerrymandering district might look like that includes Broward, Collier, Hendry, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.
What do we know about her finances?
Bullard through June 2010 had a net worth of $125,000 and she lists $140,000 in household goods. There is $10,000 in a tax shelter, personal items are valued at $70,000, an auto is worth $16,000, and life insurance is worth $60,000. The veteran legislator lists liabilities of $225,000 for a mortgage, two hospital bills are owed $20,000 and $25,000 and she owes $15,000 on her credit cards. Bullard’s income for the year was $32,000 as a senator and the state of Pennsylvania kicked in $1,392 state’s her financial disclosure form for the year.
>>> Press release: BROWARD RESIDENT SENTENCED FOR HURRICANE WILMA FRAUD
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Aaron Collins, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Investigations Division, Eastern Regional Office, announced that Ronald Jansson, 59, of Miramar, was sentenced today on fraud charges related to Hurricane Wilma. U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas sentenced Jansson to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by one year of supervised release. On July 23, 2010, Jansson pled guilty to one count of making false statements to the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to obtain a disaster assistance loan for real estate repair and replacement based on alleged disaster damage from Hurricane Wilma, in violation of Title 15, United States Code, Section 645(a). Hurricane Wilma made landfall in South Florida on October 24, 2005. According to a factual proffer agreed to by the defendant in court, Jansson sought a loan for $143,700 for his property in Miramar, Florida, based on Hurricane Wilma disaster-related damages. Investigation revealed that Jansson’s home was already in considerable disrepair before Hurricane Wilma struck South Florida and that the condition of his home was not a result of the hurricane. Jansson subsequently fabricated and altered expense invoices, work estimates, and contracts to falsely substantiate his expenditure of disaster funds to the SBA. Jansson spent the money, in part, to pay off a mortgage refinance of his home and purchase an automobile. >>> Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the SBA Office of Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Katz. 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.
>>> 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
>>> Ethics commission up and running, Johnson director, will it be doing a volume business like M-DC?
The Palm Beach Ethics Commission is up and running and the organization’s director is Alan Johnson, and the body was created after a majority of the county’s elected leaders went to federal prison, or just step down after an incident, which happened to county Commissioner Jeff Koons a few months ago. The tony county has historically fallen under the critical radar that had Miami-Dade as the poster child in the 1990s of wayward elected leaders being arrested or removed from office. But the political bloodletting by federal authorities over the last few years shook up the electorate and they demanded something be done and the ethics commission along with a new inspector general was the answer. And both are based on Miami-Dade County models for these offices. In the state’s biggest county, many believe the two organizations have helped diminish corruption, waste and conflicts of interests.
>>> Ethics Commission webpage: Thank you for visiting the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics Website. It is a tremendous honor to serve the people of Palm Beach County. At the commission, we are dedicated to providing you accurate, easy to understand information about the ethics laws governing Palm Beach County. I hope you find our website convenient and useful. The Ethics Commission receives and investigates complaints and is charged with enforcement of the Palm Beach County Code of Ethics, Lobbyist registration and Post Employment Ordinances. The commission also issues advisory opinions to county officials, employees and others subject to its jurisdiction such as county vendors, lobbyists and their employers. The commission is composed of five members appointed by various civic, educational and professional associations. The position of commissioner is nonpartisan and nonpolitical. The key to our ethics commission is independence. I invite you to find out more about us and to take an active role in the new ethics movement for Palm Beach County. Alan S. Johnson, Executive Director: >>> Next meeting Oct. 7, 2010, 4:00 p.m. Govt. Center 6th floor BCC Chambers http://www.pbcgov.com/ethics/
>>> Press release: Gov. Crist announced the following appointments: Fifteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission
Mariano Garcia, 42, of West Palm Beach, attorney with Gonzalez and Garcia, succeeding Denise Nieman, appointed for a term beginning September 29, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.
James M. McCann, 61, of Jupiter, attorney with Akerman Senterfitt, succeeding Douglas Duncan, appointed for a term beginning September 29, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.
Anthony V. Pugliese III, 63, of Gulf Stream, president of The Pugliese Company, succeeding Richard Hutchison, appointed for a term beginning September 29, 2010, and ending July 1, 2014.
POLK COUNTY
>>> Gov Crist taps Barry W. Bennett of Winter Haven to the Polk County Court.
“With over 35 years of law experience, Barry will bring a wealth of knowledge to the bench,” said Governor Crist. “I am confident that he will serve the citizens of Polk County fairly and justly.” Bennett, 62, has practiced with Stanley, Wines, Bennett, Murphy and Helms since 1974. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Florida State University and law degree from the University of Florida. Bennett will fill the vacancy created by elevation of Judge Beth Harlan to the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court.
MARTIN COUNTY
>>>> Four men charged in failed drug and alien smuggling operation
Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, Miami Field Office, Kevin Sposetta, Director of Marine Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Rear Admiral William D. Baumgartner, Commander, 7th Coast Guard District (USCG), announced the arrest of William R. Roberts, 50, Luckson Morin, 38, Guy Derilus, 54, and Alphonse Pierre, 32, for their participation in a failed drug and alien smuggling operation. The defendants made their initial appearances in federal court today, before U.S. Magistrate Frank J. Lynch in Ft Pierce. All four defendants were temporarily detained as risks of flight and dangers to the community, pending their detention hearing on October 5, 2010. Their arraignment is scheduled for October 8, 2010. William R. Roberts, a Bahamian national, is charged with alien smuggling, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(i). If convicted, he faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release. Luckson Morin and Guy Derilus, both of Ft. Lauderdale, are charged with attempting to transport illegal aliens, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii). If convicted, they face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release. In addition, Morin and Alphonse Pierre, a Haitian national, are individually charged with possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(1). If convicted, they face a minimum of ten years and a maximum of up to life imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release.
According to the criminal complaint, on September 26, 2010, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection vessel encountered the motor vessel “WHO CARES,” in the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. CBP officers boarded the vessel and found five persons claiming to be Haitian nationals. CBP officers also found four padlocked carry on-sized pieces of luggage, which contained 78 bricks of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine. Each brick weighed approximately one kilogram. Acording to the criminal complaint, Alphonse Pierre, one of the passengers on the boat and Morin’s cousin, possessed the keys to open the luggage that contained the cocaine. The complaint also alleges that boat captain William R. Roberts, who claimed to be a Bahamian national, was bringing the others to the United States for the purpose of financial gain, and had been coordinating the delivery of the five individuals with someone known to Roberts as “Nixon,” later identified as defendant Luckson Morin. On September 27, 2010, an undercover ICE special agent accompanied Roberts to a meeting with Morin at the Sailfish Marina in Stuart, Florida, to purportedly complete the delivery of the foreign nationals. Defendant Guy Derilus, a naturalized U.S. Citizen originally from Haiti, accompanied Morin at this meeting. During the meeting, Morin promised Roberts $3,000 per kilogram of cocaine for his unwitting transportation of the cocaine from the Bahamas. After the meeting, ICE special agents arrested Morin and Derilus. >>> Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations in Ft. Pierce, CBP, and the U.S. Coast Guard, for their work on this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger. A complaint is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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
>>> Leaders go with 3.79% property tax rollback rate, up tick in sales taxes, may mean improving local economy
The Watchdog Report contacted county Manager Roman Gastesi last week asking how the budget and local economy was in the nation’s southern most county, made up of about 65,000 people and a tourist mecca for people from all over the globe. The administrator wrote, “The Commission passed a 3.79% below rollback budget that includes continuation funding for all the CBOs, maintains current service levels, does not include any salary increases with the exception of firefighters salary increases due to collective bargaining agreement made years ago. We continue to adapt our budget to the economic correction. In summary, we have reduced the hierarchy from 9 divisions to 4, and reduced staffing 15% during my tenure. Also, we are seeing an up tick in sales tax revenue. For example, bed tax up approx 8%, local sales taxes up approx 3%. We have the state’s best hotel room occupancy rate at approx 80%, and Airport traffic up 16% for the year. I personally think that the “economic correction” has leveled off and expect to have a very prosperous tourist/winter season. Hello to the mainland, come down to relax and have some fun, wrote the Administrator of Monroe County (Florida Keys).
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> Board member Rivas Logan wants to move on up to state House, had $177,000 net worth through June 20 2009, faces Dem. Herrera in race
School Board Member Ana Rivas Logan is on the move after first being elected to the school board in 2004. The educator back then beat out a crowded field of challengers but prevailed and has been on the nation’s fourth largest public school district in the nation winning reelection in 2008. She has decided to leave the body and is running for State House District 114 and the Republican faces Democrat businesswoman Millie Herrera, who lost an earlier campaign to County Commissioner Javier Souto in 2006 and both are competent candidates. The school board member has raised $107,000 for her campaign war chest and spent $43,000 of the money through Sept. 24. Herrera has raised $34,405 and expended $26,000 so far for her campaign
What do we know about Rivas Logan’s finances?
Since Rivas Logan as an elected leader and has to file a financial disclosure form and I reviewed the document and her net worth through June 1009 was $177,912 and she lists $31,500 in household goods. Her home is valued at $230,000, a property in Georgia is worth $75,000, there is $23,081 in stocks and bonds and there is $11,305 in a retirement fund. She lists liabilities of $7,680 for a car loan, a mortgage is owed $79,100, the raw land mortgage is owed $72,000 and she owes an equity line $34,200. Her income for the year was $45,711 from the school board, Miami-Dade College kicked in $16,200 and $15,000 came in from a rental property.
Ana Rivas Logan
Millie Herrera
>>> District and Board member Hantman promotes Walk Our Children to School Day
Press release: Miami-Dade County School Board Vice Chair Perla Tabares Hantman will lead students, teachers, parents, concerned citizens, and community leaders in “Walk Our Children to School Day” activities beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 6 at John G. DuPuis Elementary School, 1150 W. 59th Place, Hialeah 33012. “During this special event, we will be joining forces with millions of students, parents, teachers and community leaders from around the globe, working in unison to learn and practice safe walking and bicycling skills” said Hantman. “These skills will be reinforced throughout the entire school year”.
The International Walk to School Day event increases the awareness of safe walking skills, safe routes to school for students and parents, as well as walking as an exercise that promotes good health and physical fitness. In addition, walking helps the environment by reducing school-related traffic and pollution and reinforces the importance of reducing traffic speed and obeying the school speed zone limits. Over the past 14 years the event has grown from a one-day program to a month-long celebration, with over 4 million participants in approximately 40 countries. In conjunction with this event, Ms. Hantman also encourages participation in the “WalkSafe Program” at the elementary school level. This program was developed by the University of Miami/Miller School of Medicine to teach safe walking skills. The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee have endorsed “Walk Our Children to School Day,” which is sponsored by Safe Kids USA locally led by Miami Children’s Hospital. For more information about this event, please contact Ms. Vivian Villaamil at 305-995-7287.
>>> Press release: EXPERIENCED TEACHERS WANTED — Are you an experienced teacher? Do you want to work in a profession where the rewards are priceless? Miami-Dade County Public Schools has just the opportunity for you. Biology, chemistry, physics, and science teachers are needed at schools across the District. You must be highly qualified and have a valid State of Florida teaching certificate. Other requirements may apply. To learn more about how you can teach in Miami-Dade County Public schools, visit www.jobs.dadeschools.net and select Recruitment Information.
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>> The Magnificent Seven: Ayala, Ishoof, Medina, Nuell, Oza, Reiter-Faragalli and Rogers make PHT trustee slate, best field of candidates since 1997
The community stepped–up Wednesday and Thursday when the over 20 applicants applying to the PHT board had their interviews with the Nominating Council and they were the best group of candidates since 1997. The 17-member PHT board that includes two voting county commissioners needs five people this go around that includes three incumbents reapplying, and the slate presented to the Miami-Dade Commission will have seven names for the body to vote on in the days ahead. The Council is chaired by County Commissioner Dennis Moss and includes Commissioners Katy Sorenson, Sally Heyman; state Rep. Juan Zapata, R-Miami, and PHT chair John Copeland, III.
The people that made the short list are Gladys Ayala, Saif Ishoof, Angel Medina (all incumbents) Stephen Nuell, Kamlesh Oza, both attorneys with a good understanding of Jackson, Robin Reiter-Faragalli, the chair of the county’s $2.9 billion GOB oversight board, former chair of the Beacon Council and a former vice president of human resources at The Miami Herald, and Mark Rogers, M.D. who has extensive experience running hospitals including Duke University’s as well as being a physician with a MBA. The applicants responded to a wide range of questions and the people responded in a very erudite and thoughtful way, and they knew the challenges facing the PHT giving over $600 million in charity care. Moss at the beginning of the interview said we “are all friends here” and later said he thought it was a “great group of applicants,” that applied to be on the highest profile public board in the county. Zapata also expressed his frustration when he “wished The Herald www.miamiherald.com was here” covering the interviews so the paper could see the caliber of the people being selected and the in depth interview process being used this time around.
Further, the candidates also had some fascinating suggestions about some of the issues and it is a shame that there are only five slots on the board. Since there is one weak trustee on the board who previously has been written about in the Watchdog Report in the past five years because Martin Zilber still is just to busy to be a productive and engaged trustee. He is always on his Blackberry during meetings, rarely wears a tie and socks, even when the meetings are televised, and has a spotty attendance record, suggesting he does not have the time to be a top notch trustee. But the attorney slipped through again in 2008 and even Sorenson and Heyman voted for his reappointment despite his questionable performance back then, though Heyman has ties with his parents over the years. The full county commission board is expected to vote on the slate Oct. 19 and the top five vote getters will be appointed to the prestigious board.
Anything unusual?
Out of the 17 people listening and talking about Jackson Memorial Hospital in the room for two days, I was reminded most of the people there got a paycheck from government, had decent health insurance provided by government. And that I was the only one with neither, and people who get these benefits should realize that in today’s world these things are a big deal, though through observation most don’t get that new reality.
>>> Press release: JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM BRINGS IN MOST REVENUE IN ITS HISTORY
Jackson Health System (JHS) ended Fiscal Year 2009-10 Thursday, bringing more than $1.1 billion in cash from government, commercial payers and patients who can afford to pay. This record high is remarkable considering the recent decline in patient volume due to market conditions. Bringing in cash is critical to a hospital’s survival. For the past year, Jackson’s Revenue Cycle Department has instituted several changes in how accounts receivable are managed, from initial patient access through coding, billing/collections and contracting. The revenue cycle team is also working closely with hospital operations on identifying additional efficiencies. Each day, finance management and staff consult with clinical departments to address bills held up in Jackson’s financial systems because of missing information. These finance representatives are educating clinicians on the importance of accurate clinical documentation and coding. They are also helping patients fill out the necessary paperwork to become qualified for Medicaid and disability. Another initiative underway is a team approach to working accounts receivable on bills older than 90 days. This effort has identified issues with accounts receivable and root causes for no payment or less-than-expected payment from government and commercial payers. The central business office has been working closely with operations to address these issues to ensure that they do not reoccur in the future.
An effective revenue cycle department is just one key element to a successful hospital. Jackson also has other initiatives underway that contributed to bringing the health system’s net operating loss down from $259 million in 2009 to an estimated $90 million. Over the last seven months, JHS management has worked closely with its union partners, SEIU and AFSCME, to match staffing resources to volume demands. It has also worked closely with SEIU to identify additional efficiencies and improve patient throughput in the emergency department and other clinical areas. One initiative that management is currently working on with the unions is productivity monitoring. Additional cost savings have been achieved through better management over non-salary expenses. As Jackson Health System begins its new fiscal year today, management is focused on continuing to improve efficiencies system wide. During FY 2010-11, Jackson will kick off a customer service program, aimed at improving the patient experience. Long overdue capital improvements will also be a priority, as Jackson will make significant investments in upgrading its facilities. “Jackson remains committed to providing the people of Miami-Dade County with the best medical care,” said Eneida O. Roldan, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., president & CEO of Jackson Health System. “We are working diligently to identify all of our funding sources in order to ensure Jackson survives well into the future.”
>>> E-mail sent out last week by Bob Dickinson: Jackson Health System -Ladies and Gentlemen, it came to my attention today that there is a PHT retreat being held this weekend to focus on the JHS crisis. For the retreat to be successful, all parties concerned must recognize that the JHS business model is broken and unsustainable. JHS is truly a unique and valued resource in our community. Its sustainability must be ensured. However, the business model cannot be fixed unless all four of the following issues are addressed (in no particular order):
1) Budget Process: The Jackson budget system and methodology is flawed. The County mandate to submit a balanced budget forces a process which creates unrealistic, incomplete and unattainable budgets. As examples, the pressure to “force” a balanced budget has historically resulted in inflated, unrealistic revenue assumptions, as well as a pattern of deferring critical repair and maintenance projects. This later situation has resulted in a decaying, non-competitive physical plant.
2) Unfunded Mandates: The annual revenues and costs for the additional county mandates (nursing homes, jails etc.) must be quantified and laid out in such a way as to show the annual and cumulative shortfall — the unfunded mandate. It is only when all sides fully recognize the nature and magnitude of this problem that dialogue can begin to address appropriate solutions.
3) Employment Costs: The per capita labor cost at Jackson is simply too high. Conservatively, $150MM could be saved annually while still providing Jackson employees a pay premium over other South Florida hospitals.
4) UM/Jackson Relationship: It is imperative that a study group be formed to draw up a new UM/Jackson agreement that reflects all of the realities and opportunities of today’s and tomorrow’s environment. (The existing agreement creates inequities and lost opportunities for both parties.) If these four issues are honestly and responsibly addressed, Jackson’ business model will become truly sustainable. Conversely, failure to do so will result in the continuing shrinkage of the Jackson service model. Respectfully, Bob Dickinson
CITY OF MIAMI
>>> Almost $500 million budget passed, cries from taxpayers go long into the night, CRA budget under the microscope
The commission passed next year’s $499 million budget Tuesday morning and some residents wonder if the new budget is a wing and a prayer when it comes to the expected revenue streams for the coming year, that includes $10.4 million coming from a CRA and over $8 million in red light running fines, but had Johnny Martinez, the city’s director of capital improvement saying in defense to a question that Miami was doing this only to generate money. He said the thrust of the new cameras was a safety issue and if the city got no revenues from the activity that was okay when the legislation went through the commission.
What about the CRA money and staff?
During the late night budget hearing Commissioner Frank Carollo verbally unloaded on CRA Director Pieter Bockweg www.miamiherald.com concerning the salaries of the staff at the organization governed by the city commission and generally has been a lapdog of funding for elected leaders to tap into. These redevelopment organizations were created to fight blight and underdevelopment in parts of the city but after years, these diverted property tax dollars have had a mixed history though the Arsht Center is the most visible example of where some of this money is going and did improve the economic climate on Biscayne Boulevard. The CRA’s combined budget for two of these entities is $80 million, with about a dozen employees but the director’s proposed salary of $220,000 also raised eyebrows and Carollo, a CPA refused to sign off on any new budget for next year until a more detailed breakdown of salaries was provided. He later told the Watchdog Report that he will not “rubberstamp” these fiscal budgets and is expected to look very closely at future numbers presented in front of the body. The CRA budget for next year is scheduled to be discussed at an Oct. 14 meeting.
>>> 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. It currently goes to his new e-mail address.>>> “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 GARDENS
>>> City installing red light cameras at sites throughout Miami Gardens, motorists beware if you run a red light
Press release: New red light camera locations planned: Please be advised that the City of Miami Gardens will install new photo enforced (including right turn) Red Light Cameras at the following intersections: NW 27th Avenue at NW 183rd Street (Miami Gardens Drive) • NW 199th Street at NW 2nd Avenue • NW 2nd Avenue at NW 215th Street (County Line Road) • NW 7th Avenue at NW 183rd Street (Miami Gardens Drive) • NW 27th Avenue at NW 199 Street • NW 183rd Street at NW 37th Avenue • NW 27th Avenue at NW 175th Street • NW 2nd Avenue at NW 7th Ave Extension • NW 27th Avenue (North Side) at NW 167th Street • NW 167th Street at NW 27th Ave (South Side) • NW 17th Avenue at NW 183rd Street (Miami Gardens Drive) -This is a public safety program. The City’s goal is to prevent serious injuries or deaths as a result of motorists running red lights in the City of Miami Gardens. Cameras operate 24 hours a day and capture images of every vehicle running a red light (including right turns) at the intersection. The program is administered by American Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS) with each violation reviewed and approved by the Miami Gardens Police Department prior to issuance. For more information call 305-474-1568 or visit www.miamigardenspolice.org
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
>>> Developer Galbut to speak at TMBC at Shelborne Hotel
Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club – Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 5th, 2010 Meeting Time: 8:30 AM Meeting Place: Shelborne Hotel, 1801 Collins Ave., South Beach – Russell Galbut, President of Crescent Heights Development, has invited members of the Breakfast Club to join him Tuesday, October 5th, at the Shelborne Hotel for a special breakfast honoring the Breakfast Club. Mr. Galbut will also present his views on the future of Miami Beach and his company’s plans to be a part of that future. Over the years, Crescent Heights has developed a number of projects on Miami Beach and elsewhere, including the Shelborne Hotel, which is currently undergoing renovations to coincide with its upcoming seventieth anniversary, and the construction of a nearby fully robotic parking garage. Valet parking at the hotel is available for $10.00
CITY OF CORAL GABLES
>>> After decades CDMP “Historic” agreement with UM, “dawn of a new day,” says Mayor Slesnick with “U”
A historic agreement between the city and the University of Miami passed the commission Tuesday and it took decades to achieve the milestone. Attending the meeting were University of Miami President Donna Shalala, former Ambassador Charles “Chuck” Cobb, a former chair of the university’s board, local historian and author Arva Moore Parks, and a host of others from the school, including the institution’s land use attorneys. Shalala, a cabinet member in the Bill Clinton White House said, “World class cities, deserve world class universities” and that is what Gables founder George Merrick wanted when the city was created. She said a team hammered out the agreement and we are “very proud to be your hometown university,” the president told commissioners and Mayor Donald Slesnick, II. Cobb noted when he was chair of the university’s board we “never got to the final conclusion of this process” and he noted when it came to payments to the city, we “swallowed hard” when it came to a $22 million payment that also includes a number of constraints including school enrollment size, and the school could not modify the deal without further approvals, he said. The new agreement was the “highlight of her [Shalala’s] ten years here,” said the prominent Republican. Land use attorney Jeff Bass representing the university echoed those sentiments saying the agreement was a “iconic accomplishment” that these two entities could come together, it was “possible to prove the skeptics wrong” and he believed the agreement would “redefine the future” for both organizations.
The Watchdog Report contacted Slesnick after the meeting and he wrote, “The agreement was adopted without substantive changes (just some technical language amendments) – hopefully, this is the dawn of a new day for both the City and the “U”. We have always had a supportive, cooperative relationship, but this gives some true long-term direction for the University’s future campus development – and, in return, a valuable financial return to the citizens of the “City Beautiful,” wrote the mayor who is still mulling whether he will run for office again since first being elected in the spring of 2001. And Commissioner Maria Anderson believed the new Comprehensive Development Master Plan agreement was a “Historic moment” for both institutions she wrote in an e-mail back.
What about the hurricane winds found in the Gables on a daily basis?
Commissioner Ralph Cabrera is pushing an ordinance that would ban leaf blowers in the tony community, citing noise pollution, toxicity issues of air born debris among a few reasons why he wants the devices banned. Former Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli told the Watchdog Report last week while he was waiting to interview to be on the PHT board that the issue of leaf blowers had come up in the 1990s when he was in office. However, as in the past Cabrera’s legislation while passing on first reading may face further hurdles in the second reading before becoming municipal law.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
>>> Elephant Forum luncheon: We are pleased and excited to announce that Al Cardenas, the Past Chairman of the Republican Party of the State of Florida, will be our Speaker at the next Elephant Forum meeting to be held on Monday, October 11, 2010, at 12:00 Noon, at The Rusty Pelican Restaurant on Key Biscayne. With the Elections on November 4th, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear our most informed, Al Cardenas, talk about Florida politics. Make your reservations early, and invite guests. Contact Mary Ellen Miller at 305.377.9187. or email at memil@comcast.net
>>> Press release: the margulies collection at the WAREhOUSE – Wynwood Art District, Miami, Fl – This November 10, 2010, the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse will open its 12th season of exhibitions to the public with the following : AFRICA Photography and Video JENE HIGHSTEIN Large Stone Carvings MICHELANGELO PISTOLETTO Broken Mirror Painting CONTERMPORARY PAINTING Selections from the Margulies Collection including William Beckman, Vincent Desiderio, Oliver Dorfer, Jonathan Meese, Chris Ofili and Tal R BRIAN ALFRED Digital Animation PERMANENT LARGE SCALE SCULPTURE Abakanowicz, de Kooning, Eliasson, Gormley, Heizer, Judd, LeWitt, Miro, Noguchi, Segal, Serra and Tony Smith
 |
| Pieter Hugo, The Hounorable Justice Unity Dow, 2005 |
About the 2010-2011 Exhibition:
AFRICA: Photography and video -This exhibition will present over 250 works of art by African artists as well as non-African artists whose subject is Africa. Produced over the past 60 years the works in the exhibition explore the complexities of daily life across the vast continent of Africa. Artists in the exhibition include: Roger Ballen, Peter Friedl, David Goldblat, Subodh Gupta, Pieter Hugo, Alfredo Jaar, Seydou Keita, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Arnold Newman, Jackie Nickerson, George Osodi, Robin Rhode, Viviane Sassen, Malick Sidibe, Montsikelelo Veleko, George Rodger, and Lyle Owerko.
EDITORIALS
>>> Braman recall of Mayor Alvarez, should be accompanied by community leaders supporting a more robust press to cover and report on $14 billion in public institutions
The initiative to recall Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez by Norman Braman last week has stirred up a hornet’s nest of discontent with voters and taxpayers but such activity should be combined with an expanded news and media presence at public and government meetings but that seems unlikely to occur. After 14-years, 11 writing the Watchdog Report, I have seen the media contract in an unprecedented way with many of my friends in the profession getting the heave ho from their respective organizations given the economic reality we live in but this loss is corrosive to the community’s political health. On Monday I asked Braman, a self made billionaire, that along with this recall effort if a second prong should be considered where community leaders get together and help fund some reporters in the field for at many of the meetings I attend ranging from the PHT Nominating Council and the Coral Gables Commission meeting. I was the only press on site and in the case of the non-televised Council meeting. I also inoculated the participants of any charges of hanky panky or not being transparent because I taped the meeting and took photos at both events, so I am sure these actually happened.
However, after my two major surgeries in February and April I understand I will not be around in the community forever, and that will be another set of eyes and ears, that will be lost, especially since I have well over a decade of history of the community and its elected leaders that cannot be passed on. And no one has ever looked at all these public entities simultaneously at the same time before, that includes all the information coming to a central thinking site. Further, given the diversity and complexity of our public institutions, historical understanding cannot be replaced and is one of the things I worry about as I see new young reporters or bloggers arrive on the scene, who do not know the elected leaders well or the context in which many votes are taken, and while readers get a snapshot of the issue. They do not get the historical depth that many important stories deserve and cheats the public, at a time they are starving for more knowledge and a better understanding of the issues.
For some reason, every September is a financial challenge for me when it comes to covering my rent payment and I normally do not discuss this need for financial help but it was ironic that at the Council meeting last week, most of the time I was thinking about how to continue to survive, while others in the room droned on. And in the future, as the press continues to recede, and blogs flourish and try to fill this information void they cannot do it for they are not physically there many times, and have yet to demonstrate if these people have the longevity to keep at it over a decade.
It is clear the community’s residents are frustrated with many aspects of how they are governed and voter turnout unfortunately reflects this apathy but without a vigorous press, people should realize their public institutions will only become less accountable, something hard to believe given the current circumstances. And since in the Watchdog Report’s case, I am hanging on by my financial fingertips and the community’s future outlook is bleak when it comes to watching, monitoring and writing about the $14 billion in public institutions in South Florida. Community leaders should consider more than a study group to look at issues but help keep the press in the field. If these pillars of the community really want to make a difference and change public institutions for the better.
>>> PAST WDR: April 2007: Elected leaders should remember that sometimes it is good to be short and sweet when it comes to their verbal remarks at the dais
After ten years of watching government, elected leaders besides reducing taxes and giving better services could help the public out in one very important way, by getting to the point. Leaders throughout Miami-Dade must love to hear themselves speak and while it is great to hear some thing once. It gets very very old after it is repeated over and over again. Frankly if elected leaders did keep some of these comments shorter, the meetings would not go on as long and since in the case of county commissioners. They only make $6,000 and that would give them more time to do their outside job if they have one.
Years ago, I used to joke that I wanted to have a sign in the different commission chambers that if a few citizens hit a button it would light up and say, get to the point please. In a town where everything is political, it is okay for some of this to go on, but when it is repeated three or four times by the same speaker, enough is enough. Elected leaders should consider a little verbal conservation when it comes to their speeches because sometimes keeping it short and sweet is a good thing and voters would love you for it.
LETTERS
>>> That was a very interesting and “gentle” article about my Mayorship and my future plans. Thank you – I even enjoyed reading it…..thanks.
Mayor Don Slesnick, II
City of Coral Gables
>>> Some new readers on the Watchdog Report
>> It was good to see you yesterday and thanks for forwarding the Watchdog Report — really impressive.
>> I looked at your site, it’s amazing. What a great resource that I wasn’t aware of. I will be a regular reader from now on.
>>> Thanks for being a watchdog.
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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, 2010, 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.
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