Watchdog Report Vol.12 No.11 July 17, 2011 Est. 05.05.00 I go when you cannot!
CONTENTS
Argus Report: PAST WDR: Nov. 08: U.S. Attorney Acosta’s term coming to an end, there have been four AG’s over last decade, pressure cooker job!
Florida: Children’s Trust of M-DC budget drops 10% to $99 million, only real safety net from birth to kids in county & hit hard by collapsed property values
Florida Supreme Court: Chief Justice Canady in the spotlight, tapped by Gov. Crist in 08, has $448,000 net worth through May
Miami-Dade County: Community Periodical program has 375,000 readers of M-DC announcements, around $1 million spent on program, tightened up in 2003 after six papers got $20,000 each that did not exist
Miami-Dade Public Schools: Is new charter school run by school district as vendor a “Trojan Horse” to prove these schools can run at same standard as public schools?
Public Health Trust: Greater FRB independence from BCC on union agreements moves forward, nurses union feels they are “being singled out,” says Baker
City of Miami: Sarnoff king of the hill when it comes to campaign fundraising, hits $377,000 mark, has four challengers with Niemeyer raising most with $60,000
City of Miami Beach: Commission tentatively votes to keep millage flat, gap a little “over $5 million,” says Mgr. Gonzalez
City of Coral Gables: Commissioner Anderson calls next year’s budget “an elected official’s dream,” with lower millage rate & no service cuts
City of Doral: City continues to be AA- rated by S&P bond rating service
Village of Key Biscayne: Mgr. Iglesias says sayonara to Key in Sept.; headed to Mayor Gimenez’s office as Chief of Staff
>>> Other stories around Florida
Broward County: Sheriff Lamberti in the spotlight, only elected GOP member countywide, had a net worth of $557,000 through Dec. 2010
Palm Beach County: Gov. Scott taps Janet C. Croom and Peter M. Feaman to the Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission.
Pasco County: New Port Richey woman gets two years in federal prison for making threats to Broward schools
Citrus County: Gov. Scott goes with the appointment of Edwin H. Lytton and the reappointment of Veeramaneni “Upender” Rao to the Citrus County Hospital Board.
Hernando County: Gov. Scott appoints Dr. Barbara C. Wolf as District 5 Medical Examiner, serving Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties.
Community Events: Commissioner Souto holds town hall meeting on Jackson Hospital system — The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery goes through July Jul 29, photos of kids looking for parents heart wrenching — During the summer recess Miami-Dade Community Action Agency is providing free meals to children 18 years and younger at no cost. The Summer Food Service Program began on June 13, 2011 and ends on August 12,
Editorials: Leaders need to listen to their own meetings and how they speak, some are annoying too the public — Ex Commissioner Alonso is the winner, still has campaign signs in public domain since 1990s
Letters: Further correction on Miami Chamber Military Appreciation luncheon error — Dueling letters on Marlins Stadium vote, Braman versus BCC Chair Martinez — Physician on cuts to post graduate medical training — Readers on TIME magazine story on Miami
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.)
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>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding by the Knight Foundation with technical support from the Knight Center for International Media http://knight.miami.edu within the University of Miami’s School of Communication www.miami.edu to maintain my webpage.
>>> 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 and I hope you or your organization will consider helping in a small or larger way and help keep another voice on line in the media. A convenient form is at the bottom of this week’s Watchdog Report with all the instructions on how to support this newsletter and news service that is celebrated its 12th Anniversary May 5, 2011.
>>> Check out Tim Padgett’s Time Magazine story on Miami-Dade County, the mayor’s race and the civic state of our community where 16 percent of 1. 2 million voters elected new county Mayor Carlos Gimenez and the Watchdog Report is quoted in the story. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2080904,00.html?artId=2080904?contType=article?chn=us
>>> The Watchdog Report will not be online Monday since my webmaster is dealing with a personal issue that trumps this activity. When she returns, any past reports will go back online. I wish her well in the coming days and a quick recovery.
>>> CORRECTION BY Lettie Bien, Ret. Col. U.S. Army: Thank you very much for the plug; but there is an error. I was not singled out by the Admiral but by Penny Shafer (The new chair of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, but incorrectly reported last week in the Argus section being said by the vice admiral.) While I may be a combat vet and a Bronze Star recipient, I am not a Purple Heart recipient or Bronze Star with “V” Device recipient as are Larry Hawkins and Bob Levy – both for their service during the Vietnam War. It was Bob Levy that was mentioned along with Larry Hawkins, not me. I would be honored to carry their boots.
ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street
>>> PAST WDR: Nov. 2008: U.S. Attorney Acosta’s term ending, there have been four AG’s over last decade, pressure cooker job!
R. Alexander Acosta, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida for the last few years has to resign Jan. 20 with president-elect Barack Obama being sworn in at noon that Inauguration Day. Acosta has faced soaring Medicare and mortgage fraud cases during his time in the hot seat and the office has been aggressive in its enforcement but the amount of the fraud occurring is so vast that the $1billion mark in healthcare fraud cases was achieved in just over a year. Over the past years, the federal office that is a community firewall has had five U.S. attorneys. Kendall Coffey, Tom Scott, Guy Lewis, Marco Jimenez and now Acosta have all been in the pressure cooker job with the office’s priorities changing over the decade. Besides fighting conventional crime, Scott and Lewis made public corruption one of their top priorities but that changed after Sept. 11 when fighting terrorism became a new federal law enforcement front after the attacks on American soil draining federal assets and people from the District.
The Watchdog Report has no idea who the new justice department will select for the Southern District but it will be someone local, since that is one way to keep the confirmed official in line since he lives in the community he will serve in and later return too. Each of the federal top cops in the past has had their own personality and one former U.S. Attorney, Dexter Lehtinen who held the office during the Bush 41 presidency. If the federal prosecutor and federal agents assigned to a case lost in federal court. The next morning they would have breakfast with Lehtinen, get a tongue-lashing, and go through what they would do differently so that there would not be a loss the next time in federal court. >>> Editor’s note: The current U.S. Attorney is Wifredo A. Ferrer.
>>> PAST WDR: Nov. 2008: Green Iguana non-protected, exploding in population, but also a food getting around $12.00 a pound in some countries
The Green Iguana, an exotic and non-protected species in Florida, rapidly populating, causing some local governments to regulate the pests was the meal for the day Wednesday at Fairchild Tropical Gardens on a beautiful clear morning, which highlighted the gardens natural beauty. A staff member from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission detailed the history of the iguana coming to Florida from the South and Central America and these first arrived here in Coral Gables and Hialeah in 1965. The species would then spread along the east coast of the state hitting Broward in the later years and the west coast of Florida in 1990’s said Scott Hardin a commission exotic species coordinator.
What about the Nile monitor and Burmese python?
Bruce Greer, the chair of the Gardens oversight board welcomed the 33 attendees and he noted it was a topical subject and he had just recently spotted a Nile monitor near his home in Pinecrest. The Nile monitor and Burmese pythons have expanded their population in the Everglades especially over the years and the species have few predators to keep the numbers under control. One participant in the audience stated a biologist had done a study and estimated there could be “up to 60,000” (The Watchdog Report questions this number, but there is no question there are a lot of them out there) of these pythons in the River of Grass.
>>> Nile monitor From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search
| Nile Monitor |
| Conservation status |
The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is a large member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae). Nile monitors grow to about 1.5 to 2 meters (4.5 to 6.5 feet) in length. They have muscular bodies, strong legs and powerful jaws. The teeth are sharp and pointed in juvenile animals and become blunt and peg-like in adults. They also possess sharp claws used for climbing, digging, defense, or tearing at their prey. Like all monitors they have a forked tongue, with highly developed olfactory properties. Their nostrils are placed high on the snout, indicating that these animals are highly aquatic, but are also excellent climbers and quick runners on land. Nile monitors feed on fish, snails, frogs, crocodile eggs, birds, small mammals, large insects, and carrion. In Southern Africa they are commonly referred to as “leguaan”, from the Dutch for iguana. [edit] Range -Nile monitors live throughout Africa except for desert regions. They have also been introduced to Florida.[1] In June 2007, they were sighted in and near Sanibel, Florida. In July 2008 one was spotted in Homestead, FL.[2] One 6′ long monitor was found in Oregon in September 2008.[3]
>>> Press release: Congressman Diaz-Balart tapped as chair of Hispanic Conference in 112th Congress
The Congressional Hispanic Conference (CHC) announces new Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the 112th Congress. The CHC founded in 2003, seeks to promote policy outcomes that are important to the Hispanic and Portuguese communities. In addition, the Conference also represents the diversity of thought that exists in the Hispanic community. “I am proud to announce the re-launching of the Congressional Hispanic Conference as it actively works to highlight and promote policies that are of interest to a large and growing community within our population,” said Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-21). “As Chairman, I look forward to working with my colleagues in this effort and provide the Hispanic community with a vote and voice in Congress,” concluded Congressman Diaz-Balart.
“As the son of Mexican immigrants and a newly elected member of Congress, I am humbled by the honor to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Conference. Hispanics are our nation’s largest minority, The Conference will ensure that the Hispanic American constituency is well represented in our country’s decision-making process in the 112th Congress,” said Congressman Canseco (TX-23).
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) said “I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Hispanic Conference. Our nation’s Hispanic population is and will continue to be a key component of our nation’s long-term prosperity. I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues as we address the important issues facing our community.”
“My family emigrated from Spain and settled in Texas in 1725,” said Congressman Flores (TX-17). “They came to this great country in search of the ‘American Dream’ and I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that the same opportunities are preserved for our children and their children. I am honored to have the opportunity to work under Chairman Diaz-Balart and Vice-Chairman Canseco’s leadership so that we may work to restore America’s promise, prosperity and security for future generations of Hispanic-Americans. ”
Congresswoman Jaime Herrera-Beutler (WA-3) said “Our Hispanic communities want us to protect the greatest of American rights for them: the opportunity to work hard and achieve success. I’m eager to join my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Conference to protect this right and build a better America.” >>> Congressional Hispanic Conference members include: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Rep. Devin Nunes, Rep. Jaime Herrera-Beutler, Rep. Bill Fores, and Rep. David Rivera. The conference is also open to non-Hispanic “associate” members.
>>> Press release: Florida Members of Congress Recognized for Commitment to National Parks Voting Record on Park Issues Earns NPCA Award
Senator Bill Nelson and Representatives Corrine Brown (FL-3), Kathy Castor (FL-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20), and Alcee Hastings (FL-23) have been honored with a Friend of the National Parks award from the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for their contributions to protecting and enhancing America’s national parks. The award, presented to 236 members of Congress on June 21st recognizes members with pro-park voting records during the 111th Congress.
“America’s National Parks are living classrooms that teach us valuable lessons about our shared heritage, and Senator Nelson and Representative’s Brown, Castor, Wasserman Schultz and Hastings’ support is essential to the preservation of our national treasures,” said Dawn Shirreffs, Everglades Restoration Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “We look forward to working with our Florida members to ensure the protection of our parks in the future.” NPCA’s Friend of the National Parks award was established in 1999 to track and publicize congressional members’ votes on significant park issues. For the 111th Congress, NPCA examined 12 key House votes and six key Senate votes. Senators who voted pro-park four out of six times received the award as did House members who supported parks on at least seven out of twelve votes. A complete list of the 57 senators and 179 representatives who received NPCA’s award is available online at http://www.npca.org/park_policy/friend-award.html. >> Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its 600,000 members and supporters, and many partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for our children and grandchildren. For more information about, visit: www.npca.org.
>>> Repeat of national Tribune paper profile, a blast from the past of Watchdog’s life back in Jan. 2003, and not all that much has changed financially
The Watchdog Report is going down memory lane again, during the past moving process, and here is a national profile and story done by Maya Bell in the Orlando-Sentinel, but ran in all the Tribune papers around the nation on Martin Luther King’s Birthday back in Jan.20, 2003. After she spent about six weeks, off and on, experiencing the world I was living in back then, and she nicely captured the reality of my life, that in many ways continues to today, which I wish was otherwise after now 12-years. >>> `I Go When You Cannot’ – January 20, 2003|By Maya Bell – Orlando Sentinel – Miami Bureau Chief —
Sometimes Dan Ricker lives in the dark so others may live in the light. It’s not by choice. Miami’s self-anointed citizen watchdog depends on the people he writes for and about to finance his quixotic quest to attend nearly every government meeting in Miami-Dade County. That’s a lot of mind-numbing meetings — as many as 2,500 a year — but not a lot of income. So Ricker teeters on bankruptcy. He dashes to his post office box daily, hoping subscribers to his weekly Watchdog Report have finally mailed their checks. Among them are managers with Florida Power & Light, the utility that regularly cuts power to Ricker’s Coconut Grove home, most recently while he was attending a legislative delegation meeting last month. But what Ricker, once a successful international sales executive, lacks in financial stability, he makes up for in credibility. When he walks into Miami-Dade’s government center, the county manager salutes him. When he runs into Miami’s first Cuban-American congresswoman, she greets him with a kiss. “He knows where the bodies are buried,” said U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami. “He knows the people behind the curtain. He knows the real wizard of Oz.” >>> To read the section’s large front page story, but without the photos and smart box graphics, go to: `I Go When You Cannot’ – Sun Sentinel 20 Jan 2003 … Sometimes Dan Ricker lives in the dark so others may live in the light. … to his weekly Watchdog Report have finally mailed their checks. … http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american
>>> All photos in the Watchdog Report are taken from public government sites, and the Report goes on line at www.watchdogreport.net on Monday sometime during the day usually. >>> If you believe it is important to have someone watching your public institutions consider supporting the Watchdog Report for I am a low cost news service yet 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 numerous times over the past decade.
FLORIDA
>>> Children’s Trust of M-DC budget drops 10% to $99 million, only real safety net from birth to kids and hit hard by collapsed property values
The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County continues to be slammed when it comes to its funding and the organization’s budget for 2011-2012 is a ten percent reduction from the previous year to $99 million state’s trust budget documents. Modesto E. Abety-Gutierrez the Trust’s president in a Jul 11 budget memo notes that revenues “have decreased another 2.6 percent” at the current millage rate of .5000 mills and suggests keeping that taxing rate “to mitigate more dramatic reductions that would otherwise have to be made in services.” The Trust is the only backstop left when it comes to zero to 18 children services since most federal, state, county and city funding for children’s programs and health have been cut back or the fiscal faucet has been turned off. Further, the organization is shifting its emphasis since it was first created in 2002 “from the prominent investment in middle childhood (6-12 year olds; currently 46 percent of budget) to early childhood (birth to five years; currently 26 percent of budget), for a more even distribution of investments across age groups,” wrote the CEO. The Trust, reauthorized by county voters overwhelmingly in Aug. 2008 will be holding its public budget hearings in September and the public is invited and to speak.
What about the Trust’s yearly awards?
A Trust nominating committee met Monday before its monthly board meeting that included Miami-Dade Commissioner Audrey Edmonson and the group voted to award the prestige’s 2011 David Lawrence Jr., Champion of Children Award to Dr. Robert Nolan, the executive director of the Institute for Child and Family Health. The other people and organizations selected by category were Jill Little, BSSW, a FSU social worker and she will be awarded the Excellence in Direct Service for Children and Families, and The Children’s Forum – Quality Counts Career Center will be awarded the Excellence in School Readiness Programming award. The Excellence in Youth Programming for School & Life Success award will be given to the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, the “premier youth symphony in Miami-Dade,” said one attendee. And the New Horizon Community Health Center is tapped for the Excellence in Health, Family or Community Services award. Edmonson said New Horizon with sites in Liberty City and Overtown has been “the backbone” organization that works with children and families along with increasingly “grandparents,” because they are taking care of “kids whose parents have been incarcerated,” and this program for grandparents is the only such program of its kind. Further, the recognized health organization has branches in Opa Locka and Hialeah, said staff. >>> For more information about the Trust go to www.thechildrenstrust.org
>>> Chief 11th Circuit Court Judge Brown in the spotlight, won close election for top bench office, had $1.64 million net worth
Chief Circuit Court Judge Joel H. Brown of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida is in the spotlight this week and he won the top judge spot originally by one vote over Circuit Court Judge Ivan Fernandez (Net worth $50,000). He is in the court’s family division and the judicial circuit is the largest in the state, has 123 Circuit and County judges and the sprawling district handles some 800,000 cases. For more information about the courts go to http://www.jud11.flcourts.org/SCSingle.aspx?pid=231
Brown
What do we know about his finances?
Brown through Dec. 2010 had a net worth of $1.64 million (up from $1.55 million) and he lists $50,000 in household goods. He has extensive investments with Charles Schwab to the tune of $1.38 million, and his only liability is $4,300. His income for the year was $143,258 as a judge, Smith Barney kicked in $2,900, Schwab interest was $49,000, and another $4,100 came in from the Nolan River Mall Associates. The jurist lists receiving no gifts over $100. and his disclosure is what I consider benign.
>>> Press release: The week began with a speech to a national conference of educators in Orlando about The Children’s Movement, followed by the fifth of our 17 gatherings – this one in Lakeland – for our summer-long “listening tour” to decide on next steps for The Movement. The Lakeland gathering brought together leaders of business, civic, political and faith leaders plus key child advocates. We heard plenty of wise advice. This coming week, I’ve been invited to share the inspiration of The Children’s Movement with significant leadership groups in Wyoming, Washington D.C. and Boston.
You can see the need for a children’s movement everywhere. I hope you will take just a few minutes this weekend to read a guest column featured on our website. It’s written by Dr. Peter Gorski, the director of research and innovation at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Just click here. He paints an important picture of how our failure to invest in the future workforce — our children — leaves our economy and our country far less prepared than we should be for the future.
One alarming statistic: “…one-third of U.S. manufacturers cannot find qualified workers even since the recession that began in 2008. They blame the fact that 83 percent of American high school students are not proficient in math.” There’s so much for all of us to do — in Florida, and elsewhere. Onward…
Dave Lawrence Jr.
Chair
The Children’s Movement of Florida — P.S.: If you did not have a chance to vote for The Children’s Movement in the Inktel Direct innovation competition last week, you may do so by clicking here. Every vote helps.
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT
>>> Chief Justice Canady in the spotlight, tapped by Gov. Crist in 08, has $448,000 net worth through May
Chief Justice Charles Canady is in the spotlight this week now that the required yearly financial disclosure forms have been filed. The former congressman and Yale law school graduate has had a fast paced legal career from the halls of Congress to being General Counsel for Gov. Jeb Bush, and Gov. Charlie Crist elevated him from a Appeals Court to the state’s highest court in Aug. of 2008. He is now the Chief Judge of the seven member body.
What do we know about his finances?
Canady through June 1, 2011 had a net worth of $448,000 (up from $442,000) and he lists $59,500 in household goods. His home is worth $310,000, there is $165,000 in a thrift account, ING deferred income has $82,800 and there is another $56,425 in bank accounts. His liabilities include owing Wells Fargo $171,489 and a financed Hyundai is owed $14,600. His salary for the year was $155,574 and he lists no gifts over $100.00 for the year.
>>> From web page: Chief Justice Charles Canady was born in Lakeland, Florida, in 1954. He is married to Jennifer Houghton, and they have two children. He received his B.A. from Haverford College in 1976 and his J.D. from the Yale Law School in 1979. Justice Canady practiced law with the firm of Holland and Knight in Lakeland from 1979 through 1982. He practiced with the firm of Lane, Trohn, et al., from 1983 through 1992. From November 1984 to November 1990, Justice Canady served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives, and from January 1993 to January 2001, he served four terms in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout his service in Congress, Justice Canady was a member of the House Judiciary Committee. For three terms, from January 1995 to January 2001, Justice Canady was the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution.
Upon leaving Congress, Justice Canady became General Counsel to Governor Jeb Bush. He was appointed by Governor Bush to the Second District Court of Appeal for a term beginning November 20, 2002. On August 28, 2008, Justice Canady was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by Governor Charlie Crist and took office on September 8, 2008. >>> Office Information: The phone number is (850) 410-8092. His judicial assistant is Pam Stewart. His staff attorneys are Dalana Johnson, Kristina Samuels, and Jeremiah Mosley. The mailing address is 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee FL 32399-1925.
Attorneys or law students interested in clerkships in this office should check our Law Clerk Recruitment Page. There also is information on Internships.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> Community Periodical program has 375,000 readers of M-DC announcements, around $1 million spent on program, tightened up in 2003 after six papers got $20,000 each that did not exist
During a commission committee meeting last week, county staff indicated the Community Periodical Program had a reach of “375,000 readers” and this number includes the over 40 free periodicals the county funds to the tune of about $1 million to get the county’s side of the story out to residents. The Watchdog Report has kept its eye on this program since the 1990s and in 2003, a county internal audit found six newspapers had gotten around $20,000 each, but the papers did not exist and were unable to be found by county auditors. After that scandal, the county commission tightened up the program but as the tense relationship with the press and blogs continued to escalate. The program’s funding continued unabated and whenever this funding is challenged by the county’s administration. The papers publishers come to the chambers, make their case, and given the wide variety of papers involved given the diversity of the community and the number of people who read these free weeklies or monthlies. The commission buckles and the funding continues generally at an even higher level than recommended by the county administration.
>>> Commissioner Suarez questions the $60 million spent on IT, doesn’t see the “high tech at the county”
Commissioner Xavier Suarez (Net worth $328,000) carped about the IT department at the county and said when it came to his office equipment. “I don’t see high tech at the county.” The former Miami mayor and attorney said he had discussed the issue with new County Mayor Carlos Gimenez (Net worth $923,000) since the county spends $60 million in this endeavor and “our system is not state of the art” and I “am baffled by the cost given what we have,” and there must be a “more efficient way” to handle IT, he thought. And during the discussion, staff said roughly, 13,000 of the estimated 27,000 county employees were connected to the county system and there are 551 employees in the department said IT staff. They also noted, “A lot of the [IT] issues were legacy systems” such as payroll and the property tax system, said the department’s staff.
Further, Commissioner Esteban Bovo, Jr., (Net worth $25,000) a former state representative said the state had done such a review as well and had found savings but suggested when you “look at security, which is a great exercise” that the county staff “be mindful of the security risks,” that must be minimized or eliminated all together, he said. And Jose “Pepe” Diaz (Net worth $164,000) reiterated cyber security was a real issue since in the past “we were vulnerable” and the county had to deal with “one attack after another” when it came to internet security.
What about any news stories on Suarez?
Suarez, now that he is back in office is getting profiled after flying under much of the medias radar during the race but reporters are bring up the past and last week. Tim Elfrink did a nicely balanced story on the man and his quirky manner in some cases. To read the piece go to Xavier Suarez: Don’t call him loco – Page 1 – News – Miami – Miami New Times
Comment of the week?
At the Recreation & Cultural Affairs Committee awards ceremony honoring 30-year county library employee Cecelia Revere. The county libraries Director Raymond Santiago said something snarkey during the ceremonies noting the women was smiling. The director said he was surprised she would “still be smiling after working with the public all these years and it was a difficult thing,” he thought. But it came out wrong and suggested Santiago may have become too cynical for public service.
Santiago
>>> Press release: Animal Services invites you to celebrate its summer Pet Adoption Event, Get Some Summer Lovin’, on Sunday, July 31st, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This cheerful adoption celebration of pets, life, loyalty and love will be held at the Animal Services Shelter located at 7401 NW 74 Street, Miami, FL 33166. This pet adoption celebration will give residents the opportunity to adopt dogs and cats who are in need of a loving home and find true unconditional love. Anyone who adopts a pet at the event will receive a complimentary picture with their new family member.
>>> GMCVB Press release: RECORD ARRIVALS AT THE ‘NEW MIA’ (MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) FOR FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 2011
Passenger arrivals at the “New MIA’ (Miami International Airport) increased for the first five months of 2011 with international passenger arrivals up +7.7% and domestic arrivals up +4.9% when compared to the same five months last year. Total arrivals increased in the first five months of 2011 by +6.2%.
INTERNATIONAL MIA Passenger Arrivals
| January – May 2011 | January – May 2010 | % Change |
| 3,699,481 | 3,436,418 | +7.7% |
DOMESTIC MIA Passenger Arrivals
| January – May 2011 | January – May 2010 | % Change |
| 4,122,499 | 3,928,284 | +4.9% |
TOTAL MIA Passenger Arrivals
| January – May 2011 | January – May 2010 | % Change |
| 7,821,980 | 7,364,702 | +6.2% |
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> Is new charter school run by district as a vender a “Trojan Horse” to prove these schools can run at same standard as public schools?
“A Trojan Horse,” was how one school district employee described the board approving a new Charter School run by the Miami-Dade Foundation for Educational Innovation. The “historic” agreement said Superintendent Alberto Carvalho was a first for Miami-Dade making the district be a vender for the school and will allow the public school district to show it can run a charter school successfully and also have “parity” with stricter requirements that public schools have to follow, but not applied to charter schools. The district will supply the curriculum, auditing and food services and other activities and the new school will accept all applicants. The plan is the school will open in the fall of 2012 and further refinements will be incorporated into the operating agreement with the foundation’s former school district employees on the foundation’s board.
However, during the board discussion School Board members voiced some concerns. Board member Marta Perez was “concerned about conflicts” of interest since the district would be running the school and was “concerned about the process.” She believed that while it might a great idea she “did not want someone in the future” to question the arrangement and asked it “be deferred for a month to get the legalities resolved,” she suggested. Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman said the idea was only brought to her recently and “the devil is in the details,” she suggested. She also believed it was “a new concept” and wondered if “we would want to embrace it “since “ultimately we all are responsible.” Board Member Raquel Regalado also suggested oversight could be a problem since board authority over charter schools is limited. She said I am “concerned about the hypocrisy and lack of control over charter schools.” The attorney also suggested that the school board lobby “Tallahassee” to make these schools “more in accord with our own schools” and when it comes to shutting a charter school down. It can only be done by the school district after “egregious” things had occurred by the entity and she thought that high threshold was wrong when it came to district action.
Carvalho hearing these concerns said he “agrees the Devil is in the details” and he joked it “put God into the big picture” and he believed the new school would “serve to elevate the education opportunities offered in Miami-Dade County,” he concluded. The school district spends about $224 million funding over 82 charter schools in Miami-Dade since these were first created at the end of the 1990s around the state. And two other county school districts in Florida have charter schools run by the public schools administration. The legislation passed and Perez was the only no vote at Wednesday’s school board meeting.
 Hantman |
 Regalado |
 Perez |
>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County School Board Chair Perla Tabares appointed Board Member Raquel Regalado to the WLRN-TV/WLRN-FM Community Advisory Board.
WLRN Public Radio and Television, a member of the Public Broadcasting system, is a trusted source of information and entertainment in South Florida’s diverse community. Licensed to the school board of Miami-Dade County, WLRN is best known for its award winning public radio and television programs. “I’m excited about the opportunity to participate on the advisory board,” said Regalado. “I believe that the partnership between M-DCPS & WLRN is one that should be focused primarily on informing and educating our residents and students.” The mission of the WLRN Public Radio and Television (WLRN) Community Advisory Board (CAB) is to serve the South Florida Community, the WLRN audiences and WLRN management as an independent and diverse group of listeners, viewers, and supporters, committed to enhancing public broadcasting by working collectively to ensure that WLRN continues to provide quality, responsive, and independent noncommercial broadcasting services that adhere to the Editorial Integrity Policy. The role of the CAB is solely advisory in nature.
The Community Advisory Board is composed of a maximum of twenty members who are representative of the cultural, education, civic, ethnic, geographic, and economic diversity of the WLRN-TV and WLRN-FM coverage area; plus two currently elected Miami-Dade County School Board Members appointed by the Chair of the School Board; two Friends of WLRN, Inc., Board Members appointed by the Friends of WLRN, Inc., Board; and one member of the South Florida Chapter of Professional Journalists appointed by the Chapter’s Board. For more information on the Community Advisory Board, please visit http://www.wlrn.org/community/advisory-board For general information on WLRN visit www.wlrn.org
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>> Greater FRB independence from BCC on union agreements moves forward, nurses union feels they are “being singled out,” says Baker
The second show is dropping regarding giving the new Financial Recovery Board (FRB) more independence from the Miami-Dade County Commission after a commission committee last week passed requiring a two-thirds vote to override any agreements passed by the seven member FRB when it comes to union contracts. The county commission has already passed a similar ordinance that applied to FRB decisions when it came to general policy concerning the running of the Jackson Memorial Health System and this one applies to union agreements. Martha Baker R.N., the president of the union that represents nurses carped the PHT employees were “being singled out” and this higher vote threshold did not apply to the other unions at the county. And Commissioner Barbara Jordan (Net worth $1.97 million) questioned why the commission policy was being changed since the body historically has only overturned “two decisions” over the years with the most recent being the attempted shut down of the obstetrics service at the Jackson South Hospital.
However, this legislation sponsored by Commission Chair Joe Martinez (Net worth $238,000) passed the committee 4 to 2 and will go tentatively to the full board July 21. The commissioners that voted for the ordinance were Jose “Pepe” Diaz (Net worth $164,000), Esteban Bovo, Jr., Lynda Bell and Sally Heyman (Net worth $425,000). The no votes were Commissioners Barbara Jordan and Javier Souto (Net worth $790,000).
>>> New County IG report: Audit of the Management Services Agreement Between the Public Health Trust of Miami-Dade County and Foundation Health Services, Inc., IG09.98.2, July 14, 2011.
>>> Press release: Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz organizes public meetings on Jackson Hospital Governance Task Force recommendations
Miami-Dade residents are invited to voice their opinions on recommendations made by the Hospital Governance Task Force to manage the County’s major public hospital, Jackson Health System. The Hospital Governance Task Force was created by the Board of County Commissioners to study and present recommendations on the governance structure of Jackson. A series of public meetings will be held throughout Miami-Dade County in which residents can learn more about the recommendations and state their opinions on the future management of Jackson Memorial Hospital. The current recommendations made by the Task Force touch on a number of topics, including the structure of Jackson’s Board of Directors, ethics standards, legal structure and governance, and responsibilities to be held by both the Miami-Dade County Commission and the Jackson Health System Governing Board. The meetings were coordinated by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, who chairs the County’s Public Safety & Healthcare Administration Committee. All county commissioners were invited to submit dates, times, and locations for meetings within their respective districts.
>>> Meeting dates and locations are as follows: Monday, July 18, 2011 – 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. West Kendall Regional Library 10201 Hammocks Blvd, Miami, FL 33196 (Chairman Martinez’s District 11)
>>> Wednesday, July 27, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Victor Wilde Senior Center
1701 W 53 Terrace, Hialeah, FL 33012 (Commissioner Bovo’s District 13)
>>> Thursday, July 28, 2011 – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Joseph Caleb Center 5400 NW 22nd Avenue Miami, FL 33142 (Vice Chairwoman Edmonson’s District 3)
>>> Wednesday, August 3, 2011 – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Jackson North Medical Center
160 NW 170th Street, 2nd Floor Auditorium North Miami Beach, FL 33169 (Commissioner Heyman’s District 4)
>>> Thursday, August 4, 2011 – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center
250 SW 114 Street Sweetwater, FL 33174 (Commissioner Diaz’s District 12)
>>> Wednesday, August 17, 2011 – 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Hispanic Branch Library
1398 SW 1 Street Miami, FL 33135 (Commissioner Barreiro’s District 5) >>>
A copy of the recommendations can be viewed online at http://www.miamidade.gov/auditor/library/11-07-14_Outline_of_HGT_Recommendations.pdf. For more information, please contact Commissioner Diaz’s office at 305-599-1200.
CITY OF MIAMI
>>> Sarnoff king of the hill when it comes to campaign fundraising, hits $377,000 mark, has four challengers with Niemeyer raising most with $60,000
Marc Sarnoff (Net worth 2.08 million), the incumbent District 2 commissioner continues to be the giant gorilla when it comes to campaign fundraising and through June, he has raised $377,600, spent $105,000 and far out raised the other four candidates running against him this November. Kate Callahan through the same period has raised $51,420 and spent $43,000 and Michelle Niemeyer has $60,350 in her campaign war chest and has spent $47,300, Donna Milo has $32,570 and $1,670 was expended and Williams Armbrister lists no money raised, but $20.00 has been spent.
What about the race?
Sarnoff an attorney elected in 2006 in a bitter race against Miami commission appointed Linda Haskins who raised $750,000 to his around $300,000 at the time, but he prevailed by two to one after the ballots were counted and he sailed to reelection in 2007 after one year in office. He since has expanded his significant Coconut Grove voter base, but he is also a polarizing man and people either regard him in a cult fashion or the Devil incarnate and there are a number of local blogs that track the man’s moves almost every day over the years. Since the district snakes along Miami’s shoreline from Coconut Grove to the Upper Eastside and accounts for a significant amount of the city’s tax base, its voters are high maintenance and with the influx of condominiums downtown. The voting demographics are changing and getting to these new urban voters in their security-protected condominiums is a real challenge for candidates and why television ads will be the way to go, and these are not cheap.
Callahan, a past nurse and public policy wonk with a Ph.D. and Master’s Degree from Harvard in public affairs is trying to unseat Sarnoff along with Niemeyer, an attorney, both from the Grove, and Milo is a contractor. However, the fact he is facing three women (though Milo is transgender) may make the dynamics skewed, when it comes to any future debates the candidate might participate in and he could have his hands full in these forums, despite the larger campaign war chest. Further, it is expected to be a low turnout race and if there is a run off, that level of voter participation will further decline giving the edge to whoever can get absentee ballots and voters to the polls in the upcoming November election.
What about Commissioners Gort & Suarez?
Gort (Net worth $226,000) is up also in November and through June has raised $93,400 for his campaign and has spent $20,500, and his one challenger Shawn Selleck has $18,100 and has spent $2,500. Two past registered candidates, Mike Suarez and Miguel Angel Gabela have withdrawn from the Commission District 1 race in November. And Commissioner Francis Suarez (Net worth $81,000) also up has smooth sailing to be reelected to Commission District 4 for the moment since his two challengers Andres Carlos Vallina and Franklin “Pancho” Monjarrez have both withdrawn their candidacy. The last day for people to qualify as candidates for these Miami commission races is Sat., Sept. 10 at 6:00 p.m. >>> To review the campaign reports go to http://www.miamigov.com/city_clerk/Pages/Elections/CampaignReports11.asp
What about filling the commission Auditor opening?
Commissioner Frank Carollo (Net worth $707,000), a Certified Public Accountant is the point person in the effort to fill the opening in the office after the commission did not renew Auditor Victor Igwe’s four–year contract a couple of months ago and he was escorted out of the city’s administration center. Igwe was selected after a committee headed up by Richard Berkowitz, a CPA and attorney with a large firm downtown after voters created the office in 2001 did a national search. Since then, Igwe has earned awards for his diligence and Carollo suggested that he apply again to the position. City staff said the job will be posted in a variety of ways and the city manager will decide where the ad will run. However, in the meantime, Carollo suggested and the commission agreed Thursday night to move the ranking person based on “grade” seniority in the office as a supervisor in the interim and if there were two people at the same pay grade, to choose the one that has the longest tenure with the city.
>>> Miami Commissioner Sarnoff says Miami is not county’s “dumping ground” for dredge fill closing Bicentennial Park boat slip after $25 million spent on improvements
Commissioner Marc Sarnoff got a resolution passed by the commission Thursday telling the Miami-Dade County Commission to leave the FEC deepwater boat slip located in Biscayne Bay adjacent to the American Airlines Arena alone. He noted Miami has plowed $25 million into “seawall improvements,” and the city built a dock for large ships like the Coast Guard’s Eagle Tall Ship the service uses for training and periodically the ship has stopped in Miami on its voyages and this location “was a great place to have a deepwater slip,” he said. The commissioner said the county needs to know they should not “consider our property as a dumping ground,” after county Commissioner Dennis Moss (Net worth $342,000) thought it might be a place to dump some of the dredging fill when the channel is dredged to 50 feet and perhaps after filling it in, later put a restaurant or something on the site said a knowledgeable source on the issue. However, at a Miami-Dade Commission meeting recently, the item was deferred and has yet to be considered by that legislative body.
Comment of the week
During the Thursday commission meeting, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff after city Attorney Julie O. Bru had a coughing attack and was replaced by her number two in the legal office. He said something snarkey about her replacement on the dais noting she was “so much more fun to berate,” and that kind of comment gives the public a feel for the dynamics that are occurring down at Miami city hall these days.
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
>>> Commission tentatively votes to keep millage flat, gap a little over $5 million says Mgr. Gonzalez
The Watchdog Report last week contacted city officials and Manager Jorge Gonzalez about the 2011-2012 budget and any financial hole that has to be plugged and he wrote back. “The commission, yesterday, voted to “tentatively” set the millage at the SAME rate as this year. NO millage rate increase for the operating budget. This has the City absorbing the impacts of the loss in revenue due to the decline in property values without affecting the resident’s rate. We still have some work to do between now and September to reach a final budget. [But] I am confident we will get there. The gap right now stands at a little over $5 million, compared to more than $30 million last year. A lot of the choices and decisions made last year have put us in a better place this year,” wrote the veteran municipal manager.
>>> Press release: Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club – Meeting Date: Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 Meeting Time: 8:30 AM Meeting Place: David’s Café II, 1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach – Dave Crystal, a candidate for the position of Mayor of Miami Beach, will be the guest speaker at the July 19th meeting of the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club. There is no charge for attending and everyone is welcome. David Kelsey, Moderator for the Breakfast Club. Visit our web site at www.MBTMBC.com (Miami Beach Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club). For more information contact David Kelsey. To be placed on the Breakfast Club’s mailing list, contact Harry Cherry. Both can be reached at www.TuesdayMorningBreakfastClub@Yahoo.com
CITY OF CORAL GABLES
>>> Commissioner Anderson calls next year’s budget “an elected official’s dream,” with lower millage rate & no service cuts
The Watchdog Report contacted the mayor and commissioners last week and I asked if they had any comments about the upcoming city budget that will be voted on by the commission in September, and by deadline, only Commissioner Maria Anderson responded to the question. Anderson wrote, “The 2011-12 budget is an elected official’s dream; lowering the millage rate, without compromising basic services. Additionally, the much needed restructuring of the city’s organizational structure will breathe new life and accountability into what had become a staid and stagnant mindset within City Hall. Over the past years, we have made some strategic and tough decisions that are bearing good fruit with a growing reserve account, real pension reform, etc. In a time when cities are struggling, Coral Gables is finally on the right track for the long term. Myopic decisions based on the short-term have been replaced with forest for the trees vision. Having lived through some turbulent times from 2007- 2010, I can tell you people are pleased with the direction we are heading. My email volume is low and that is always a good barometer to public sentiment. Stay tuned!” wrote the commissioner first elected in the spring of 2001.
CITY OF DORAL
>>> City continues to be AA – rated by S&P bond rating service
Press release: Standard & Poor’s Rating Service (S&P) has reaffirmed the AA- rating for the City of Doral, and has given the city a stable outlook. Despite the economic downturn, the City of Doral’s rating remains the same as the last detailed review performed by S&P, proving the government’s financial stability in an uncertain economy. This is a testament to the City of Doral’s sound financial policies and management and confirmation that we are committed to being fiscally responsible,” said Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez. “ S&P cited Doral’s strong financial position, its overall low debt burden, a deep and diverse economy coupled with strong wealth and income indicators as its main reasons for the favorable rating. “In our view, the city’s financial position continues to be strong,” cites the S&P report.
VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE
>>> Mgr. Iglesias says sayonara to Key in Sept.; headed to Mayor Gimenez’s office as Chief of Staff
Village Manager Genaro “Chip” Iglesias was at a county commission committee meeting last Monday getting an inter-local resolution approved that has Key Biscayne paying the county up to $300,000 for the improvement and maintenance of the Calusa Mangrove Trail area in Crandon Park. The commission passed the item sponsored by Commissioner Xavier Suarez but it will be one of the last times he comes to these chambers in that capacity now that he has accepted being county Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff. He starts his new job in September and he is being paid $225,000, which is actually higher than Gimenez’s salary. He has been a long time associate of the mayor and worked for both Commissioners Jimmy Morales and Gimenez at the commission when they represented Commission District 7 and he has done a solid job as the Village’s manager over the recent years. He was also a finalist for the Village of Pinecrest manager’s job but he has notified the tony village’s officials he is now out of the running for the post.
>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, who was sworn into office less than two weeks ago, has offered long-time public servant and current Key Biscayne Village Manager Genaro “Chip” Iglesias a position on his staff as Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff. While Mr. Iglesias has accepted the position as one of Mayor Gimenez’s Deputy Mayors, he has contractual obligations he must fulfill prior to joining Miami-Dade County government. “Chip and I have a personal and professional relationship that spans several decades. I trust his judgment, know his commitment to public service and am confident that his skills will be of great benefit to my office, and, by extension, to the residents of Miami-Dade County who we serve,” said Mayor Gimenez. “In the coming weeks I will provide the organization plan for the Mayor’s Office and look forward to bringing the best and the brightest to serve on the team.” Mr. Iglesias served in several capacities in the public sector. He was a member of the City of Miami Fire Department for twenty-three years, rising to the rank of Captain. Subsequently, he served as Chief of Staff to then-City of Miami Manager Gimenez, and as his Chief of Staff when he was a member of the County Commission. Mr. Iglesias earned an MBA at Florida International University.
>>> OTHER STORIES AROUND FLORIDA
BROWARD COUNTY
>>> Sheriff Lamberti in the spotlight, only elected GOP member countywide, had a net worth of $ 557,000 through Dec. 2010
Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti, the ranking countywide elected leader when it comes to Broward’s funding is in the spotlight this week and he was first appointed to the position after the previous Sheriff Ken Jenne got busted by the feds and Jenne ultimately spent a year and a day in a federal prison on three counts of tax evasion. Lamberti, a 33-year police veteran is a Republican in a strongly controlled Democratic Party stronghold and he is the only member of the GOP in an elected countywide position. He was first appointed to the office by Gov. Charlie Crist (Net worth $461,000) in Sept. 2007 and was elected to a four-year term in 2008. His department that includes Fire Rescue personnel (which merged with the office from the county in 2003) has a roughly $700 million budget, 6,300 employees that includes roughly 3,190 certified deputies and another 600 firefighters. The office also does policing for 14 of the county’s 31 cities and towns plus the unincorporated Central part of Broward County. For more information go to http://sheriff.org/
What do we know about his finances?
Lamberti through Dec. 10, 2010 had a net worth of $557,000 (down from $642,000) and he owns $120,000 in household goods. His home is valued at $171,560, another one in Ormond Beach is worth $227,000, there is $3,758 in a CD, and IRAs have $13,600, $43,000, and $8,180 in them. An annuity is valued at $81,300, a brokerage account with Morgan Stanley has $162,000 and there is another $235,000 in deferred compensation. The sheriff’s liabilities are $344,000 owed to Chase Mortgage and Citibank wants 62,000. His salary is $170,091, and there are two small payments of $2,000 and $1,560 for being in law enforcement.
Lamberti
>>> Press release: Governor Rick Scott today announced the following reappointment and appointments to the Seventeenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission.
Jamie J. Finizio-Bascombe, 44, of Sea Ranch Lakes, is a partner with Finizio and Finizio Law Offices P.A. She is reappointed for a term beginning July 15, 2011, and ending July 1, 2014.
Finizio-Bascombe has served as an arbitrator for the Florida Bar Association fee dispute program. She has handled bad faith insurance matters and represented both defendants and plaintiffs in personal injury cases. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from Nova Southeastern University School of Law. Finizio-Bascombe is reappointed from the list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar.
Georgette Sosa Douglass, 62, of Fort Lauderdale, is a self-employed attorney. She succeeds Clarence McKee and is appointed for a term beginning July 15, 2011, and ending July 1, 2015. From 1999 to 2010, Sosa Douglass served on the Broward College District Board of Trustees, and from 2000 to 2002, she served on the Florida Bar Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. She was president of the Florida Council of Bar Association Presidents in 2004, president of the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association in 1998, and president of the Broward County Women Lawyer’s Association in 1997. Sosa Douglass has served as pro bono family law counsel in family matters for indigent clients through Broward Lawyers Care. She received her bachelor’s degree from Schiller University in London, England, and a law degree from Nova Southeastern University.
William R. Scherer, 63, of Fort Lauderdale, is a founding partner of Conrad and Scherer L.L.P. He succeeds John Pisula and is appointed for a term beginning July 15, 2011, and ending July 1, 2014. During his 25 years at Conrad and Scherer, he has supervised teams of legal experts in healthcare and malpractice law that served as General Counsel to the North Broward Hospital District. Scherer’s practice areas include civil rights, personal injury, first party insurance, product liability, commercial and banking, government and administrative, professional liability and government relations. He received his bachelor’s degree from Franklin College of Indiana, where he currently serves on the Board of Trustees, and his law degree from Indiana University School of Law.
Fred E. Karlinsky, 44, of Weston, is a shareholder for Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky and Abate P.A. He succeeds Michael Marcil and is appointed for a term beginning July 15, 2011, and ending July 1, 2015. Karlinsky has practiced with the firm since 1993, except from 1996 to 1999, when he was chief legal officer and assistant executive director of the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association. Previously, he held positions with the Florida House of Representatives, Florida Department of Community Affairs and as a law clerk for a trial judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. He currently serves as Florida counsel to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and general counsel for the Florida Property and Casualty Association. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and his law degree from the Florida State University College of Law.
D. David Keller, 55, of Plantation, is president and a founding shareholder with Keller Landsberg P.A. He succeeds Timothy Bailey and is appointed for a term beginning July 15, 2011, and ending July 1, 2014. Keller maintains membership in the Defense Research Institute, and the Florida Defense Lawyers Association and has been elected to membership in the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He also served as a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates and has served the Florida Bar and local bar associations in various capacities. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University, and his law degree from the University of Florida. Keller is appointed from the list of nominees submitted by the Florida Bar.
>>> 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
>>> Press release: Gov. Scott taps Janet C. Croom and Peter M. Feaman to the Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission.
Croom, 42, of Vero Beach, is a partner with Collins, Brown, Caldwell, Barkett and Garavaglia Chartered. She succeeds Paul Lopez and is appointed for a term beginning July 15, 2011, and ending July 1, 2015. From 1996 to 1997, Croom served as law clerk to Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Ray Thornton, and she was Assistant Attorney General for the State of Arkansas from 1994 to 1996. In Florida, she has served on the Code and Rules of Evidence Committee and the Appellate Court Rules Committee for the Florida Bar. She received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Arkansas.
Feaman, 58, of Boynton Beach, is a self-employed attorney. He succeeds Donald Beuttenmuller and is appointed for a term beginning July 15, 2011, and ending July 1, 2015. Feaman practiced with Hodgson and Russ from 2005 to 2009. In 2001, he was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to serve on the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, and in 1988, Governor Bob Martinez appointed him to the Fourth District Court of Appeal Nominating Commission. He has also served on the Palm Beach Housing Authority in 2000 and on the Palm Beach Zoning Commission from 2003 to 2007. He received his bachelor’s degree from Union College in Schenectady, New York, and his law degree from the University of Miami.
PASCO COUNTY
>>> New Port Richey woman gets two years in federal prison for making threats to Broward schools
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, Dan Giustino, Chief, Pembroke Pines Police Department, and Al Lamberti, Broward County Sheriff, announced today that the defendant ELLISA MARTINEZ was sentenced in United States District Court on an Indictment charging her with interstate communication of a threat to injure the person of another, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c). Ellisa Martinez was sentenced to a term of 2 years in prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release. A restitution hearing is scheduled for September 27, 2011. The charges arose from an incident which occurred on November 10, 2010, when the defendant sent an email to Joyce Kaufman at Radio Station WFTL in Pompano Florida, which stated:
“Dear Ms. Kaufman I was so thrilled to see you speak in person for congressman elect west. i was especially exited to hear you encourage us to exercise our second amendment gun rights. i felt your plan to organize people with guns in the hills of Kentucky and else where was a great idea. i know that you know one election is not enough to take our country back from the illegal aliens, jews, muslims, and illuminati who are running the show. i am so glad you support people who think like me. i’m planning something big around a government building here in Broward County, maybe a post office, maybe even a school, I’m going to walk in and teach all the government hacks working there what the 2nd amendment is all about. Can i count on your help? you and those people you know in Kentucky? we’ll end this year of 2010 in a blaze of glory for sure. thanks for your support mrs kaufman. what does sarah say, don’t retreat, reload! let’s make headlines girl!”
This email was followed by a telephone call to the WFPL radio station from a female caller who stated that her husband Bill Johnson was going to go to a school in Pembroke Pines and carry out a shooting. The female referenced Joyce Kaufman’s rally and that the female was worried that her husband, who was bi polar was going to shoot up a school. The female requested that the radio station broadcast a plea to her husband not to carry out the shooting. Further investigation revealed that the email and the telephone call were linked to Ellisa Martinez in New Port Richey, Florida. As a result of the threats transmitted by Ellisa Martinez all Broward County Florida schools, both public and private, were placed in lockdown for several hours. Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pembroke Pines Police Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Walleisa. >>> 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.
CITRUS COUNTY
>>> Press release: Gov. Scott goes with the appointment of Edwin H. Lytton and the reappointment of Veeramaneni “Upender” Rao to the Citrus County Hospital Board.
Lytton, 85, of Inverness, is a retired business owner. He succeeds Deborah O. Frankel and is appointed for a term beginning July 14, 2011, and ending July 11, 2013.
Rao, 61, of Lecanto, is a self-employed physician. He is reappointed for a term beginning July 14, 2011, and ending July 3, 2015. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
HERNANDO COUNTY
>>> Press release: Gov. Scott appoints Dr. Barbara C. Wolf as District 5 Medical Examiner, serving Citrus, Hernando, Marion and Sumter counties.
Wolf, 53, of Leesburg, is a forensic pathologist. She is appointed for a term beginning July 14, 2011, and ending July 1, 2012.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
>>> The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery goes through July Jul 29, photos kids looking for parents heart wrenching
Welcome to the official Web site of The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery, a traveling, museum-quality exhibit featuring portraits of children in Miami-Dade’s foster care system who are available for adoption. This initiative is a collaboration between The Children’s Trust and Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe. The Children’s Trust is embarks on its adoption awareness initiative for the fourth consecutive year. This year’s photos have a Mediterranean flare that accentuate the locations throughout Coral Gables that served as backdrops for the photo shoots, including the iconic Biltmore Hotel.
To see the photos or for more information go to http://www.miamiheartgallery.org/
>>> Press release: During the summer recess Miami-Dade Community Action Agency is providing free meals to children 18 years and younger at no cost. The Summer Food Service Program began on June 13, 2011 and ends on August 12, 2011. A nutritionally balanced lunch and snack is served weekdays at 200 program sites throughout Miami-Dade County. A list of the participating sites is available to be downloaded from the Miami-Dade County web portal at www.miamidade.gov/caa. The program sites are approved in geographical areas where 50% or more of the children qualify for free and reduced price meals during the school year. Program sites are located in recreational centers, summer camps, churches, and community based organizations that provide services to children during the summer recess. It is the policy of Miami-Dade County that all children will be served without discrimination. Meals will be provided to all children regardless of race, color, sex or disability. According to Ruthe White, Nutrition Service Coordinator, “this summer we have seen a significant increase in the number of meals served compared to last year.”>> For additional information about the programs and services provided by the Community Action Agency please call (786) 469-4600 and for information regarding the Summer Food Service Program, please contact Rani Panchanathan at (786) 469-4789. Who: Miami-Dade Community Action Agency What: FREE meals for children during the summer recess When: Start Date: June 13, 2011 End Date: August 12, 2011 Where: 200 Program sites throughout Miami-Dade County Why: To provide nutritious meals to low-income children during the summer recess.
EDITORIALS
>>> Leaders need to listen to their own meetings and how they speak, some are really annoying too the public
Local County and municipal elected leaders and staff should watch how they sound and look on television because with some of them, it is almost painful to listen to them say “ah” every ten seconds or keep repeating some inane phrase like “you know” over and over again, and if you want to capture the hearts of voters. Driving those people listening to public meetings nuts through their words and actions may not be a political résumé builder for an elected leader. Every person has their own style and some people are just not made for television, but anyone in the industry knows how one communicates on camera is a reflection on the speaker, and some snarkey comment appears perhaps one way in a commission chamber, but to viewers at home. It could appear you are arrogant and insensitive to what is being discussed and that includes leaving the dais when the public is speaking. Something that drives the public at these meetings nuts since they are the ones that have to park themselves in these facilities for hours waiting for elected leaders to get to their item. And given how restless the voters have become, a suggestion would be to review your own performance and speech patterns and see what you think. Are you annoying or not, because when you are, you subject the electorate to the worst possible punishment. A politician droning on at a public meeting and that is not a vote getter in the long run with the electorate.
>>> Ex Commissioner Alonso is the winner, still has campaign signs in public domain since 1990s
And the winner is ex Miami-Dade County Commissioner Miriam Alonso when it comes to still having old campaign posters or signs out in the public domain and she has one under the 395 interchange at the school board exit that says to elect her to the Dade County Commission District 12, which makes it the mid 1990s. The Watchdog Report writes about this visual eye pollution because much of it is still out there after the current elections, but older campaign pieces continue to dot the landscape as well, and all should be removed, especially if you lost. For it just reminds everyone that you are a loser and not particularly responsible or respectful to the community you wished to serve in the past.
LETTERS
>>> Further correction on Miami Chamber Military Appreciation luncheon error
In your article last week about the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation lunch – I believe the Admiral spoke about former Miami-Dade Commissioner Larry Hawkins and Bob Levy and how they both served in Vietnam. Both have Purple Hearts and Bronze Medals with valor. The Admiral did not mention that Mr. Levy also has a Silver medal – the second highest medal awarded.
J. Diaz
>>> Dueling letters on Marlins Stadium vote, Braman versus BCC Chair Martinez
> Apparently, you have been under the impression that both Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe Martinez and City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff voted “against” the Marlins’ stadium. Actually, the facts are that of both them, or either one, could have killed this outrageous giveaway. You see, each of them voted “for” sole sourcing the contractor before each them voted “against” the stadium funding. Each of them was a part of the super-majority {exactly the number constituting the super majority voted in favor} that was necessary to “sole source” the stadium contractor. That vote was the crucial vote, not the funding vote. Had either one of them voted against “sole sourcing”, the entire deal would have died then and there, yet both have been claiming that they voted “against” the stadium— seeking political “cover” when each of them had the opportunity to thwart the construction of the stadium at the outset.
Norman Braman
> As in most cases, Mr. Braman has once again not put forth the complete set of facts. There were several votes taken on the Marlins stadium. Two important dates were March 23rd and June 29th. He is correct that the item was bifurcated and the construction was taken separately from the funding. I have never, ever disputed that. As a matter of fact, I have stated that if the stadium was to be built, it made sense to use the company that had build most, if not all, of the new stadiums built in the last decade. Having said that, the vote for “sole source” in March was 10 to 3. While I was part of the super majority, my vote would not have been able to stop it as Mr. Braman claims. To demonstrate the point you have to proceed to the June 29th final amendment vote. Although I had advised Chairman Moss that I would be out of town that week, the date was still set. If the vote had changed on the 29th, it would have voided the March vote. The vote that day was 9 to 3. As you can see, even though I was absent, the super majority was attained. I was not the deciding vote as Mr. Braman claims. The city vote; that’s a different issue you have to research. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to clarify. Normally I wouldn’t bother but you have proven to actually be objective in your reporting.
Joe Martinez, Chairman
Miami Dade Board of County Commissioners
>>> Editor’s note: I asked Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff if he wished to respond to the Braman letter, but by my deadline. I have gotten no response.
>>> Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Graduate Medical Education: In their efforts to reduce the federal deficit the partisan negotiators seem to agree on one issue only: drastic cuts of the Medicare subsidy for postgraduate medical education and funding reduction for advanced equipment that teaching hospital require to train young doctors. The recommendations made by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, currently under consideration, would cut about $5.8 billion in graduate medical education funding from the nation’s teaching hospitals. This represents a 53% cut compared to the current $10.9 billion in payments! The Simpson Bowles Commission, which advised President Obama on debt and deficit reduction called in December 2010 for reducing “excess” payments to hospitals for medical education. The commission said the payments could be brought in line with the costs of medical education by limiting the direct subsidy to 120 % of the national average salary paid to residents. A second, indirect subsidy, which pays for intensive services and advanced equipment should also be reduced.
The proposed draconian cuts will jeopardize the sorely needed expansion of graduate medical education in the U.S . and exacerbate the looming physicians shortage. Who will care for the baby boomers seeking medical services? Who will provide primary care physicians once millions of Americans gain access to healthcare coverage in 2014? The proposed measures are based on penny wise and pound foolish approaches to cover our federal deficit and ignore the long-term investments needed to protect our crumbling healthcare service infrastructure in the U.S. The suggestions were developed by politicians with a limited political life cycle instead by healthcare planners who are being tasked to develop policy and not politics. I suggest to review thoughtful proposals such as the Nineteenth Report by the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME) entitled “ Enhancing Flexibility in Graduate Medical Education” http://www.hrsa.gov/advisorycommittees/bhpradvisory/cogme/Reports/nineteenthrpt.pdf before throwing out the baby with the bath water. The future of our healthcare is at stake and politicians must step aside to let experts take charge.
Bernd Wollschlaeger M.D.
>>> I read the TIME magazine article from last week’s report and was wondering this morning, why does Miami have such a hard time getting its act together?
L. J.
>>> Thanks for sharing the TIME magazine article on Miami. Tough story for our community, but true in many ways, and your quotes were right on point.
C.C.
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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.
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>>> 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 >>> >>> To read the full section large two page front page story, but without the photos and smart box graphics, go to: `I Go When You Cannot’ – Sun Sentinel 20 Jan 2003 … Sometimes Dan Ricker lives in the dark so others may live in the light. … to his weekly Watchdog Report have finally mailed their checks. … http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american >>>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 – http:///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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