Watchdog Report Vol.12 No.29 November 20, 2011 Est.05.05.00 – I go when you cannot

>>> 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.

>>> May you and your family have a great Thanksgiving Holiday this Thursday and we should each reflect on this very special American Day that regardless of religion brings all of us together in the nation to be with our family and friends.

>>> RED ALERT: I NEED FINANCIAL HELP IF THIS IS TOO CONTNUE AFTER 12-YEARS: 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 has celebrated its 12th Anniversary May 5, 2011.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Cain comes to South Florida, drawing decent crowds at Versailles, but neophyte dealing with foreign affairs & the press

Herman Cain, the Republican presidential primary candidate and former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza came, saw and fired up his around 125 or so supporters that attended one of several events Wednesday in South Florida but he kept his comments to the national and local press to a minimum during one campaign stop. He arrived just after noon at Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana that had supporters and media braving the hot sun where he spoke from a set up stage in the restaurants parking lot with his campaign’s bus parked on the street. Cain, whose attempt at Spanish leaves a lot to be desired, is the tea party darling with one supporter waving a yellow flag bearing the words Don’t Tread on Me and the attended coiled snake on it from the nation’s Revolutionary War period. He was leading in the polls but is taking a dip after accusations from women and a major gaffe when asked about Libya and how President Barack Obama handled it where his response involved a long pause and he was unable to articulate a response to the question. He has said his supporters stay on “the train,” when it comes to these type of things and believes the media is out to get him “with gotcha questions,” and would not respond to many of them on this trip to Miami last week.

He told his faithful supporters that “We the People” have been woken up and they will not “go back to sleep.” “Our national economy is on life support and all people want is the opportunity to work and care of their families.” He said his roots were his mother was a domestic worker and his dad a chauffer, and “all they had was sweat equity,” to live and with 14 million Americans out of work, he understood their condition. He also reiterated his “999 tax plan” and getting rid of the IRS and “throw out the current tax code.” He predicted “the economy will not get any better between now and Election Day,” and only by identifying the “right problem” and using “good people” can we turn the nation’s economy around. When it came to world affairs he called for “freedom for Cuba now” and said, “More pressure should be put on Castro” and says the nation has become “weaker and if you show weakness, it invites attack,” he said. And when it comes to his campaign and supporters. “We the people are still in charge of America,” he closed to applause. Cain on Thursday has gotten U.S. Secret Service protection after receiving credible threats on his life the national press is reporting.

What did people say at the event?

However, some Cuban American political operatives that attended the campaign stop thought Cain was pandering in some ways, and his attempt at Spanish was a blunder followed by him saying how do you say this in “Cuban.” He also has been ridiculed after a long lapse and some confusion during an interview when asked about President Barack Obama’s handling of Libya. He also is being dogged with claims he sexually harassed some female employees working for the nation’s restaurant association when he was its head years ago and that is still playing out on the national media stage, and could explain his drop in Republican candidate polls where he shot to the top briefly before the recent controversies. But it is Cain’s lack of foreign policy heft and experience that is shaking some of the Republican establishment in regard to his candidacy and concerned how he compares with Obama when in future debates.

>>> Press release: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) voted for a Balanced Budget Amendment in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ros-Lehtinen strongly believes that our out of control debt is weighing down our economic activity and hindering job creation. Though the Balanced Budget Amendment received a substantial 261 “yes” votes, it failed to reach the 2/3rds majority needed for passage of a constitutional amendment. This legislation, H.J. Res 2, the “Balanced Budget Amendment” would have required that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues unless a supermajority of 3/5ths in both Chambers votes to approve. It also would require that the President submit a balanced budget to Congress because fiscal responsibility must occur at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Said Ros-Lehtinen, “The latest figure on the national debt of $15 trillion should have been a wake-up call to all the critics of this important legislation. The need has never been greater for a Balanced Budget Amendment because our debt is hindering current economic growth and crushing future growth. I am disappointed that there are still Members of Congress who choose to turn a blind eye to this mounting problem. This is simple common sense: If a family lives beyond its means for many years, stacking debt upon debt, sooner or later that family will have to either cut back its expenses and reorganize its priorities or file for bankruptcy. That is also the scenario our nation faces if we don’t get our sky-high debt situation under control.

It took the U.S. over 200 years from Presidents George Washington to Bill Clinton to amass the amount of debt that has been added since 2006. The present course is unacceptable. Too many of my Democratic colleagues in the House continue to play games when they should have been voting in favor of this constitutional amendment. America’s debt problem is an existential threat to our way of life and we cannot ignore it any longer.”

>>> Press release: IBOPE Zogby Poll: Gingrich Takes Lead in GOP Field, Romney Drops to Third ~ Both Romney & Gingrich in Dead Heat With Obama
Newt Gingrich has soared into the lead of the Republican field for President among primary voters with 32%, followed by Herman Cain at 26% and Mitt Romney at 14%. In theoretical match-ups with Barack Obama among all voters, both Romney and Gingrich are statistically tied with the President.
The IBOPE Zogby interactive poll conducted from Nov. 15-17 also finds Obamas approval rating holding steady 44%, as is the percentage saying he deserves re-election (40%). The poll also asked whom Republicans primary voters would choose if the only candidates were Romney and either Gingrich, Cain, Rick Perry or Ron Paul. Both Gingrich and Cain easily defeat Romney, who defeats Perry and Paul. Please click the link below to view the full news release on our website:
http://www.ibopezogby.com/news/2011/11/17/ibope-zogby-poll-gingrich-takes-lead-gop-field-romney-drops-third/

>>> National profile of the publisher in The Tribune papers Jan. 2003 & UNCCH 2004 media study that cites Watchdog Report having 100,000 readers weekly

To read a national story run in the Tribune papers on my life and how this all began done by Orlando Sentinel featured reporter Maya Bell go to: 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 >>> And to read a University of North Carolina Chapel Hill study on the media in the Southeast United States that mentions the Watchdog Report with 100,000 readers weekly, done back in 2004 and to read the Southern Media Study go to: 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 … – – Cached.

>>> 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

>>> Gov. Scott learns PIP fraud only produces jail time after 13 counts, one Hialeah area “Triangle of Death” when it comes to staged accidents

Gov. Rick Scott (Net worth $103 million) took a road trip to Miami-Dade Monday and personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance fraud was the mission that had South Florida ground zero when it came to this abuse where two cars with four people each routinely have an accident. “Fraud is the cost driver on PIP,” said Scott and fraud is costing Florida almost $1 billion in increased consumer costs, and while past attempts over the years to tamp out this activity has failed. The skyrocketing cost of the bogus claims are driving up the cost for all drivers in the state. Scott met with Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle (Net worth $1.75 million), at her office along with state Rep. Frank Artiles R-Miami, (Net worth $196,289), Insurance Consumer Advocate Robin Smith Westcott, representing Florida CFO Jeff Atwater’s (Net worth $1.63 million) office along with consumers and legitimate service providers and Miami and Tampa were the target areas. Here in Miami-Dade, the “Triangle of Death” for this fraudulent behavior is parts of northwest Dade and Hialeah and the vexing issue is while traffic accidents are down, accident claims are through the roof.

One attorney dealing with the issue everyday said legitimate physicians, chiropractors and licensed massage therapist were not the problem, but it is the small storefront massage operations that are the culprits, along with unscrupulous attorneys. The man suggested that these organizations “should not be eligible” to participate in PIP unless they are licensed and believed stricter oversight controls “was not that big of a deal with doctors and chiropractors,” he said. Assistant State Attorney Howard Rosen, the lead prosecutor in the state attorney’s office said there was a real need to beef-up the punishments noting “the sentencing guidelines are weak, if 12 counts of insurance fraud no prison time, and only after 13 counts [of insurance fraud] do they go to prison,” and that must be changed if prosecutors are to make a dent into this rampant activity. Rosen also noted, “We want to get the higher ups in these organizations and use the little people to get up the chain.” He said most fraud claimants in these fraud cases generally get around “$1,000 to sit in a fake or staged accident” that many times has “four people in each vehicle and how often will you see that [in Miami-Dade], and then they hit each other,” he speculated. Fernandez-Rundle said people pulling off these scams “are the same group of individuals, the same repeat offenders many times including the mom, sister and other family members and other groups” and they end up “having two accidents a month,” the long serving state attorney said.

The issue is a hot topic in Tallahassee and the legislature is expected to take up the matter in the coming January legislative session but push back from a wide range of interests is expected and detailed out in http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/17/2507238/florida-tackles-car-insurance.html

Atwater

What do we know about Artiles finances?

Artiles, who represents Florida House District 119 through June 2011, had a net worth of $196,289 and he lists $199,500 in household goods. His home is worth $400,000, a business car is valued at $50,000, life insurance is worth $9,000, there is $70,000 in savings and CDs and his partnership interest is valued at $10,000. The attorney, insurance adjuster and general contractors liabilities are student loans owed $25,211; $102,000; $42,000 and his home mortgage is $261,000. He also owes three other loans $30,000, $38,000 and $74,000. His income for the year was $78,546 from Artiles 2 Solutions, Atlas Consulting brought in $23,787, Pinnacle Public Adjustments kicked in $26,535, another entity paid $1,574.00 and the state of Florida contributed $4,791.00.

Artiles

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4529&SessionId=70

>>> Press release: Governor Rick Scott, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and legislative leaders identified four issues that must be addressed in order to rein in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance fraud and reduce insurance rates for Florida consumers. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, the number of Florida drivers has remained stable and the frequency of crashes has declined from 2006 to 2010 while the number of PIP claims opened or recorded increased 28 percent. In addition, the payment on PIP claims increased 66 percent during the same period.

“To tackle this nearly billion dollar hidden tax and keep the cost of living low in our state, Florida must have significant PIP reform,” Governor Scott said. “As I have heard from Floridians, they are fed up with being cheated by scammers who get a payday while innocent citizens get stuck with skyrocketing insurance costs.”
The Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law requires Florida drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) that provides $10,000 per person for medical bills, regardless of which driver is at fault for causing the crash. “Regrettably, our state’s auto insurance system has been taken over by a circling pool of piraya – fraud clinics, lawyer referral services and organized crime – that have been making their millions on the backs of every Floridian with a car in the driveway,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater. “Today, we stop throwing consumers to the wolves and take action to drive down the cost of auto insurance for Florida’s consumers.”

Governor Scott and CFO Atwater announced four pillars that must be addressed to lower automobile insurance rates for Floridians: Fraud Prevention. Florida leads the nation in staged crashes and questionable claims, and often individuals not involved in the crash receive PIP benefits. Litigation Reform. From 2006 to 2010, PIP-related lawsuits pending at year-end increased by 387 percent. Attorney fees often far exceed the value of the $10,000 coverage and the damage amounts in dispute. Utilization and Provider Reform. Florida is above the national average in the amount of medical provider charges per claim and the number of procedures per claim. Florida must address fraud and abuse to reduce these occurrences. Accountability. Governor Scott and CFO Atwater called for a plan to gather the data needed to evaluate the legislation’s overall effectiveness to stop PIP fraud and abuse and drive down rates. >> Governor Scott and CFO Atwater recently concluded a series of consumer roundtable discussions where Floridians, as well as law enforcement officers and prosecutors, shared their firsthand experiences with increased auto insurance fraud and rising insurance rates.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Marlins hit foul ball with bilingual requirement at job fair, team says it was a ‘miscommunication’

The Florida Marlins management hit a foul ball Tuesday when the team held a job fair for applicants to be hired as employees at their new enclosed stadium being built on the former Orange Bowl site, when the organization’s webpage said only people who spoke “English slash Spanish” need apply, said Commissioner Barbara Jordan at the county commission meeting the same day. Jordan noted the $530 million stadium was being paid for with public dollars and her “phone was jumping off the hook” by her constituents on this matter. She noted it was telling the community. “If you don’t speak Spanish, you need not apply,” and “I am sure the posting was an error,” she said.

Commission Chair Joe Martinez, noted that while he voted against the stadium deal that finances out costing $2.4 billion in the decades to come. He said the professional baseball team since it is “a publicly funded stadium, that they should abide,” by county rules. Commissioner Jean Monestime said “it’s insulting” and there “should be no bias in this” hiring of a local workforce and “I hope this is just an error.” He said this is “public money” and “regardless if you were for or against” the stadium. My “constituents have called” me and I hope the team “will correct it,” he concluded.

The Marlins told the media after this public commission-meeting firestorm that the bilingual language issue was ‘a miscommunication’ and bilingual language skills ‘is certainly not a requirement. The website will be changed,’ the team’s spokesperson told www.miamiherald.com last week. The new stadium is slated to open in April but it still generates community controversy about its overall cost over the decades and the Marlins ability to draw fans, given past attendance levels over the years that have been some of the lowest in the Baseball League but the team has blamed this fan turnout on the many games rained out and delayed because of storms.

Martinez

Jordan

Monestime

>>> County salaries topic since Suarez’s wife, a public school teacher makes $41,000 & Commissioner Sosa gets $78,000 from school district

A discussion about funding the commission’s Community Relations Board and other boards under the commission’s purview had Commissioner Xavier Suarez (Net worth $328,000) carping about the high pay for top county executives. He believes the salary cap should be $150,000 and not over $200,000 as is the case with senior deputy mayors and directors. He has carped on this theme in the past and noted his wife was a public elementary school teacher and she only made $41,000 after years of being with the district. He said when she retires she will only get a monthly retirement payment of $670.00 and he was contrasting that to county employees pay.

Further, Commissioner Rebeca Sosa (Net worth $439,000) who first brought up the subject of pay. She said in her case that she gets $78,818 working as public schools employee and said when it came to today’s economy, salary levels like this are the norm, not the exception. However, Commissioner Barbara Jordan (Net worth $1.97 million) believes this should not be applied retroactively and in some cases, critics may not have taken into consideration the employee’s time with the county or their educational background. She said if the commission wants to change these compensation levels moving forward that is one thing, but you cannot suddenly apply that to people that have been working within this pay scale structure over the decades. Jordan is a former county assistant county manager prior to her being elected to her commission district in 2004.

Suarez

Sosa

>>> Arts in Public Places Trust commissioned $200,000 pulsating and glowing multi colored light boxes in county hall lobby

The county’s Art in Public Places Trust board is responsible for the around $200,000 dynamic light boxes on the sides of the support pillars in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Government Center and the money came from the construction of a nearby county parking garage. The Art program takes a small percentage of any county construction project funding and uses it for art at the site or can be placed at another location. Michael Spring, the director of the Cultural Affairs Department Friday said the Trust board decided the lobby would be a more suitable location then the parking garage for any art, and after a competitive process chose, the artist that did the tall glowing towers that responds to activity in the area. Spring said he has seen people dancing in front of the numerous interactive columns since there installation recently and does not find the cost unreasonable, he said. However, critics say this program while great when the economy was humming along should be looked at now. And in the case of the new Jackson South Hospital, the money for the public art at the facility could have paid for a couple more examining rooms or other such facilities in the $100 million plus redone facility.

>>> I’m caught between a “felony or a misdemeanor,” says Chair Martinez; BCC settles on Nov. 23 meeting date to accommodate state Sen. Diaz de la Portilla’s schedule

The commission Late Tuesday scrambled to schedule a special zoning meeting after state Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami (Net worth $486,000) could not make one commission hearing last week since he is at Senate committee meetings but there was a state deadline that needed to be complied with to get the projects into the state system. Thus, the recessed Tuesday county commission meeting that will now meet again on Nov. 23 starting at 9:30 a.m. to take the legislator’s and other parties issues concerning certain county developmental plans and land use issues. Legislators get an exemption when one of the issues they are lobbying on or are representing at commissions or the courts and the Senator is a lobbyist and land use attorney in his day job. The legislator first elected in Nov. 2010 following his brother Alex in the District 36 senate seat carped to the Watchdog Report in the past by phone that he does not get any special consideration for being in the citizen based Florida legislature where he gets around $34,000 for the job. He said people seek him out because of his 20-years of building a legal practice that also had him being the first Cuban American Chair of the county commission in the mid 1990s and he left the body in 2000 when he ran against Mayor Alex Penelas and Jay Love. Penelas squeaked by in the race garnering just over 50 percent of the vote.

Commission Chair Joe Martinez during the discussion trying to settle on a new date with commissioners that also worked for Diaz de la Portilla but met the state clicking state time guidelines complained his choices were either a “felony or a misdemeanor,” depending on the potential choice he had. The commission agreed on this new date that satisfies all the parties involved but it meant the commission had to make the legislative accommodation, not the senator. And it is that fact that the Watchdog Report has raised the issue over the past 12 years when it comes up, because it applies to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers who lobby local counties and municipalities for their clients. And many of these elected officials use this Florida law in a variety of ways and it is not available to their peers in the private sector, and gives the elected leaders a slight edge over others in these legislative matters, and why I highlight it when it occurs.

Diaz de la Portilla

>>> Check out what state Rep. Fresen said about his gambling bill on WPBT Issues

To watch what state Rep. Erik Fresen, R-Miami (Net worth $330,000) tell Helen Ferre over the weekend on her show Issues about the new destination gambling resorts go to http://ka.uvuvideo.org/_ISSUES-Gambling-Legislation-with-State-Rep-Erik-Fresen/video/1660316/86294.html?b and might establish three mega casinos in total between Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Fresen

>>> Miami-Dade County Ethics Commission letter regarding absentee ballot fraud investigation after Judith Thompson complained

Gary Solomon, administrator
Park Plaza Retirement Residence
15520 NW 2nd Avenue
North Miami Beach, FL 33169

RE: Investigation into alleged voter fraud at the Park Plaza Retirement Residence

Oct. 24, 2011

Dear Mr. Solomon:

I am writing to inform you we have closed our investigation into allegations of possible voter fraud affecting three residents at your facility – Judith Thompson, Agnes Keyzer and Daisy Davis. Please see the copy of the enclosed findings.

We thought you should be aware that all three residents appear to have been victimized to some degree by unscrupulous practices involving their absentee ballots. We did not have enough evidence to file charges, but our review of voting records does indicate that all of the women had their ballots or related forms altered, forged or compromised.

We would especially like you to be aware of the alleged statement by a member of your staff, Latarra Kearney, who was said to have told a co-worker she intended to destroy all absentee ballots received by your facility in order to avoid “any more problems” with authorities. She should be strongly counseled that, were such behavior to take place, this could lead to a criminal complaint against her and that the voting records of Park Plaza’s residents should be handled with the utmost care and attention. We would also like to bring to your attention that the Miami-Dade County Department of Elections – per Chapter 101 of Florida Statutes (101.655) – has a program to send staff to ALFs and provide supervised absentee voting to residents. The request must be made in writing at least 21 days in advance of Election Day and contain the names of at least five residents who want to vote in this fashion. You may want to contact the Voter Services Section of the Elections Department at (305) 499-8548 for more information. Editor’s note: If you would like to read the full close out memo on the voter fraud investigation, contact me at publisher@watchdogreport.net

>>> Press release: GMCVB: 17TH CONSECUTIVE MONTH OF JOB INCREASES–RECORD LEI$URE AND HO$PITALITY JOB$ IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES DURING MONTH OF OCTOBER 2011
Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality Industry JOBS reached a RECORD high for October with an increase of +2.3% in October 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. This is the 17th consecutive month of increased employment in Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality industry. In October 2011, a RECORD 109,300 people were employed in Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality sector compared to 106,800 for October 2010.

GREATER MIAMI LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY JOB$

October 2011 October 2010 % Change
109,300 jobs 106,800 jobs + 2.3%

>>> Amazing pet portraits attract local and long-distance adopters TO MIAMI-DADE’S ANIMAL SERVICES

The Miami-Dade Animal Services Department has seen an increase in interest in pet adoptions, since volunteer photographer, Walter Chacón of Pawprints Miami, began taking pet portraits of shelter pets. For more information on how to adopt a pet, visit www.miamidade.gov/animals or call 311. To schedule a pet portrait with Mr. Chacón, visit www.pawprintsmiami.com. Mr. Chacón is donating his services for free two to three times per week to help the shelter animals. “When we changed our usual pet ‘mugshots’ on our webcams, we noticed an increase in interest in those pets from near and far. These photos taken by the amazingly talented Mr. Chacón are truly artistic portraits,” said Alex Muñoz, Director, Miami-Dade Animal Services. “People can view the photos of all of our pets updated every hour on www.petharbor.com. Photos can also be viewed on Facebook pages like Urgent Dogs of Miami and Urgent Cats of Miami.”

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Will redistricting of nine board districts for 2012 Tuesday be a heated debate between board Members Curbelo and Perez?

At Tuesday’s school board meeting redistricting the nine-member board’s districts will likely be the talk of the day. Every ten years after the U.S. Census is done and the results known. The school board has to make adjustments to the board members districts and a battle seems to be brewing between school board members Carlos Curbelo (Net worth $226,000) and Marta Perez (Net worth $2.18 million). Perez at an earlier board workshop on the redistricting issue carped about how her new District 8 seat was being configured and Curbelo is trying to make a more compact area for his own sprawling District 8 seat. Perez was first elected in 1998 and Curbelo took office in 2010 but he faces reelection in 2012 for a full four-year term on the board after he replaced now state Rep. Ana Rivas-Logan, R-Miami who still had two years left on her term on the public schools board.

Public comment on the redistricting maps has been almost nil and the school board hired an outside demographer to draw possible new districts in what the courts have ruled is a highly political process in nature. And the only real guidelines are the new districts population must be fairly uniform with no one district having over 10 percent more residents than the others and it reflects the ethnic demographics of the area residents . Guillermo Olmedillo is the consultant doing the maps, and at the board meeting, the body will vote on the new district maps, so that these will be ready by the elections in August 2012.

The redistricting item is G-1 on the board’s agenda and it remains to be seen if Curbelo has the other seven board members backing to pick up some new population and schools, at the expense of Perez and the schools she has represented in the past. And she has rarely faced a challenger in past elections since her elevation to the school board after being on a Miami-Dade Community Council.

Curbelo

Perez

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> With the budget clock ticking, CEO Migoya lays off 170 employees, union cries foul, but with 11.8 days cash in Dec., he says no option

In a move to achieve a promised balanced budget for the year, PHT President Carlos Migoya last week cut 240 jobs after the health trust reported a $9.6 million loss for October, the first month of the new budget year. The www.miamiherald.com states that about 170 employees will be cut and the other are unfilled slots at the public hospital system with around 10,970 employees, down from a high of about 12,500 a few years ago. Further, Jackson blows through about $4.2 million of cash a day and has already instituted 10-days of employee furloughs earlier in the month over the year and the administration is reporting only 11.8 days of cash on hand in December, a incredible low level that has most hospitals with around 160 to 180 days of cash on hand but with Jackson doing $550 million in charity care. The public money available to cover this charity care tsunami is insufficient, and has other hospitals in Miami-Dade also filling the charity care gap with Mount Sinai giving $91.2 million in 2010 and Baptist Health South Florida in 2009 gave $215 million in charity care and community benefits, but Jackson is in the eye of this storm.

Migoya on board since May has tried to stem this financial hemorrhaging since his arrival but it has not been easy. And the health trust’s unions are crying foul when it comes to the layoffs and furloughs and were ‘shocked’ by the layoff news said Martha Baker, the president of SEIU local 1991 in The Herald. She says in the past the union leadership would have been consulted about these personnel adjustments but Migoya, a former banker seems to have lost patience and is taking steps unilaterally trying to keep the institution going while also dealing with a low patient census rate and the administration has declared a impasse with one of the unions, and that could spread to the other union negotiations. And would involve a magistrate trying to broker a settlement, but if that fails. The issue falls into the hot seat of the Miami-Dade County Commission to try to resolve and ultimately approve.

>>> M-DC Mayor Gimenez taps attorney Khagan for FRB

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez (Net worth $923,000) has tapped Mojdeh Khagan as his choice on the all male seven member Financial Recovery Board overseeing the Jackson Health System and his choice of an appointment has been awaited since July after the mayor was elected in a runoff race with former Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina on June 28. The attorney went to Columbia University for her undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate and she is fluent in five languages including Farsi. She still needs to be confirmed by the Miami-Dade County Commission and that is expected in the near future.

Gimenez

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Multi Towers Island Gardens project on Watson Island must be in Genting project mix and its impact if both are built

With all the hoopla regarding the planned Genting Groups Miami Resorts project on The Miami Herald property and the adjacent Omni area, the one thing that has yet to be considered in the public meetings or press. And that is what happens if the Flagstone multi tower hotel complex and mega marina is built on Watson Island further adding to the infrastructure congestion? The project has been meandering its way through the political landscape since 2001 when Miami voters approved the massive complex but the company was given time by the city of Miami commission to get its financial act together when it came to the rent owed by the organization over the past decade and after the economy tanked in 2008 has yet to break ground. The Miami commission discussed the project during the summer and Mayor Tomas Regalado (Net worth $7,500) was the point man for keeping the project going. On Thursday, the Watchdog Report mentioned this issue to the mayor who has said the Genting project could be a great thing or a very bad thing for Miami. But when I mentioned this scenario, for just a moment, he looked concerned about such a situation and this will be another one of the factors on how the $3 billion plus project with a hotel that has 5,300 beds will proceed.

What about Commissioner Marc Sarnoff?

Newly reelected Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff (Net worth $2.08 million) was on Eliott Rodriguez’s Saturday show News & Views on http://miami.cbslocal.com/category/news-views/ Eliott’s Insight: Major League Change of Mind for Sarnoff I never thought I’d hear Marc Sarnoff utter these words: “Let’s get out there and support the Marlins.” But that’s exactly what the Miami commissioner told me during a taping of News & Views when… wrote Rodriguez regarding the interview done on Friday. Sarnoff talks about his tough election Nov. 1 where he faced off against four challengers who worked over the five-year commissioner charging he had become aloof and arrogant and had lost touch with his average constituents. On the show Sarnoff said after knocking on some 7,000 doors during the course of the campaign he had learned something’s and it did make him realize that he was perhaps too far ahead of other people when it came to “leadership” and he needed to bring more of them along when discussing or making policy.

>>> No NBA season could hit MPA $500,000 in lost revenues

Art Noriega, the CEO of the Miami Parking Authority told the Watchdog Report Thursday that when it came to the dormant NBA season. If there ultimately was no basketball season it would reduce the authorities revenue to the tune of $500,000 he estimated and the MPA is a critical city revenue-funding source, especially in this tight budget year.

>>> Press release: City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones and Miami Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime will host a Thanksgiving luncheon for Senior Citizens on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. at the Liberty Square Community Center, located at 6304 NW 14 Avenue. During the luncheon, senior citizens will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast with music and entertainment. Commissioner Spence-Jones will also deliver Thanksgiving baskets filled with turkeys and trimmings to 40 homebound senior citizens beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Thanksgiving luncheon and turkey give-away is in partnership with Carrfour Supportive Housing, Link Construction, Talcolcy Economic Development Corporation, and the Contractors Resource Center. For more information, please contact Jonelle Adderley at (305) 496-4953.

CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS

>>> “I am not a strong mayor [form of government], but I am a strong woman,” says Mayor Gibson on success of city

“I am not a strong mayor [form of government], but I am a strong woman,” on how her city has thrived since becoming incorporated said Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson at The Good Government Initiative breakfast Friday held at the University of Miami. The city’s only mayor since the Miami-Dade commission allowed its residents to vote on whether to be incorporated or not and became the 33rd municipality in 2003 in Dade. She was first elected in 2004 and is termed out next year but she has done a remarkable job breathing life into a city many suggested would not survive given the tax base. The pragmatic woman also had a split city to contend with since only 8,000 voters of the well over now 109,000 residents turned out for the elections that brought her to office, and the city made up of 79 percent African American residents was born.

Gibson, a sixteen-year veteran of the Miami-Dade police department with a variety of degrees including a Ph.D in theology has been the public face of the state’s largest Black municipality and she started out her political career as a county Community Council member in 1996 and was reelected three times before becoming the city’s new mayor. She ran for Congress more recently but lost to U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami (Net worth $405,000) in the 2010 race.

Gibson bio: http://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/mayorcouncil/mayor.html

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Mount Sinai gives $91.2 million in charity care for 2010, up from $71.3 million in 2008

The Mount Sinai Medical Center 2010 community report has come out since I wrote about the hospital last week and when it comes to charity care, I was using an older number. The report for last year indicates Sinai does around $91.2 million of charity care, in the preceding years it was $84.9 million and in 2008 the hospital gave $71.3 million and these numbers reflect the impact of having around 600,000 people in South Florida that are medically uninsured. The hospital and its satellite clinics admitted 22,898 patients, 11,730 surgeries were performed and 2,583 babies, the highest ever were delivered for the year. The organization performed 7,866 health screenings and 218 free memory screenings and over $3.8 million came in from National Institute of Health research funding states the report. Sinai, one of only six teaching hospitals in Florida, trained more than 160 residents and fellows in 17 medical specialties and the hospital’s foundation counts on support from more than 13,500 donors and corporations.

Mount Sinai Medical Center is the only hospital and largest employeer on the Beach with an economic impact estimated to be $3.3 billion. The employees salaries, wages and benefits came in at $193.4 million, research salaries was $2.8 million, capital investments were $23.9 million and teaching hospital costs were $22.7 million, for a total of $242.9 million for the year. For further information go to www.msmc.com

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Gables residents get to hear what is going on with the Miami Marine Stadium, a South Florida icon >>> www.poncebusiness.com – “Keeping you abreast of the pressing issues affecting Coral Gables.” We meet the first and third Mondays of the month at JohnMartins restaurant (253 Miracle Mile – 2nd floor) at noon. Lunch is $20 for members and $22 for guests. >> Friends of Miami Marine Stadium Co-Founder Don Worth: Please join us for lunch this Monday, November 21st. Our guest speaker will be Don Worth, Co-Founder of Friends of Miami Marine Stadium.. We meet at noon at JohnMartin’s restaurant (253 Miracle Mile – 2nd floor). Completed in 1963 and named for Coconut Grove pioneer and boating enthusiast Ralph Monroe, the Marine Stadium has hosted hundreds of events including boat races, concerts, political rallies and Easter Sunrise services. The stadium was closed in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew. In 2008 a group of local residents formed the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium to support the restoration of the stadium. Through the group’s efforts the Stadium was designated a historic landmark by the City of Miami and has been recognized as significant by the World Monuments Fund. Originally formed under the administrative umbrella arm of Dade Heritage Trust, the organization has recently become an independent 501 (c) entity capable of receiving tax-deductible contributions. Don Worth will give a PowerPoint presentation and an update on the current proposal to the City of Miami to be designated as developer of the Stadium. Please RSVP for our luncheon at poncebusiness@gmail.com

CITY OF OPA LOCKA

>>> Press release: Members of drug trafficors gang and city police captain charged by feds with drug offenses

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Hugo Barrera, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), and Addy M. Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), announced the indictment of Toriano Johnson, 36, of Opa Locka, Terrence Johnson, 38, of Miramar, Dwayne Miller, 27, of Opa Locka, Jermaine Parrish, 29, of Miami, Antwan Davis, 29, of Miami, Lawrence Benbow, 35, of Miami Gardens, Justin Jean, 27, of Opa Locka, and Arthur Balom, 44, of Miramar, a Captain with the City of Opa Locka Police Department, in connection with their participation in the distribution of cocaine, Ecstacy and Oxycodone in Opa Locka. The charges announced today are the result of two-year joint investigation into drug distribution activities in the City of Opa Locka.

More specifically, the four-count indictment against the eight defendants charges them with various counts of conspiracy to distribute and substantive drug distribution charges. The indictment also includes a forfeiture count. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of up to 40 years in prison. Initial appearances and Pre-trial detention hearings have been scheduled for November 18, 2011 before U. S. Magistrate Judge John O’Sullivan. U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “Drug trafficking is a scourge on our communities. Its effects are even worse when, as in this case, we find police officers, who are sworn to protect and serve our community, instead abuse the public trust and engage in drug trafficking to line their pockets. We are pleased to have discovered and removed this bad apple from the rank and file of honest and working police officers on the force.”

“Today’s arrests and indictment have disrupted and struck a serious blow to a violent, multi-kilo drug trafficking organization based out of Opa Locka. This criminal organization had the alleged assistance of a corrupt Opa Locka Police Captain who misused his position and violated the public’s trust by assisting members of this gang in carrying out their criminal activities,” said John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge for FBI Miami… An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent 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.

CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI

>>> Mayor Stoddard calls for a drop of charging residents to attend State of the City Address

Mayor Dr. Philip K. Stoddard is introducing city legislation that will change charging a fee to people who attend the State of the City Address though it will not come in time for the current year. The Watchdog Report criticized the mayor and city for this charging of money to attend what should be a public free meeting last year when I heard about it. The mayor subsequently did some research and it was a city requirement and he is proposing changing that policy and the city’s commission should go along with this request by the mayor up for reelection next year. Stoddard in an email to me on this subject wrote, “I am sponsoring an ordinance in my city to end the long-running practice of charging admission to the State of the City Address. I am also proposing to move the address away from election season (staff says it’s too late for this year, but will apply in future years). Thanks for providing the ammunition, wrote the mayor. For more on South Miami go to www.southmiamifl.gov and to see the mayor’s blog go to mayorstoddard.blogspot.com .

>>> OTHER STORIES AROUND FLORIDA

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Press release: Manhattan federal attorney announces arrest of local businessman in $11 million scam

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Victor W. Lessoff, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Newark Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation ( IRS-CI ), announced today that JOHN A. MATTERA was arrested this morning on charges of securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, in connection with an $11 million scheme to defraud investors through false claims of ownership of shares of Facebook, Inc. ( Facebook ), Groupon, Inc. ( Groupon ), and other private companies. MATTERA is also alleged to have misappropriated millions of dollars of investor funds for his own personal use.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: As alleged, John Mattera duped investors into believing they had bought rights to shares of coveted stock in Facebook and other highly visible and attractive companies which had not yet gone public. As the Complaint describes, Mattera told elaborate lies about stock he did not own and about how he would keep investors money safe in escrow accounts. Instead, Mattera took the investors money to fund his own extravagant lifestyle. With today s charges, his charade is exposed and he will be held to account for his alleged crimes. IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Victor W. Lessoff stated: The allegations against Mr. Mattera show that the appearance of success can be a tangled web of financial lies. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation is committed to leveraging the financial investigative skills of its agents to identify and investigate fraudulent schemes that often times victimize innocent investors.

According to a Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: In 2010 and 2011, MATTERA controlled and held himself out as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Praetorian Global Fund Ltd. ( Praetorian ), a professional mutual fund. In that capacity, MATTERA exercised the day-to-day management decisions for the company. Beginning in the late summer of 2010, MATTERA and others, promoted to investors the opportunity to invest in special purpose entities related to Praetorian (the G Power Entities ). MATTERA falsely represented that the G Power Entities owned shares in the stocks of private companies such as Facebook and Groupon, among others. Ownership of stock in these private companies was particularly attractive because, as MATTERA and others represented, there was an expectation that an initial public offering would soon occur, thereby increasing the value of the shares. However, as MATTERA well knew, neither he, Praetorian, nor the G Power Entities held these shares of stock.

Based on the misrepresentations of MATTERA and others, investors sent more than $11 million into escrow accounts maintained at a Florida bank. MATTERA reassured investors that their money would be held in the escrow accounts until either the offering was completed or another triggering event took place, at which time the investors would receive their ownership interest in the particular special purpose entity. However, instead of maintaining the investor money in the escrow accounts as he promised, MATTERA caused the vast majority of it to be
transferred to other entities with which he was associated. Ultimately, MATTERA misappropriated more than $11 million of investor money and spent nearly $4 million on personal items for his family and himself, such as expensive jewelry, interior decorating, and luxury cars.

MATTERA, 50, was arrested at his residence in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is charged with one count of securities fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering charges; and a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. The defendant also faces a fine of the greater of $5 million or twice the gross gain or gross loss from the offense on the securities fraud charge, as well as fines of lesser amounts on the remaining charges… >>> Assistant United States Attorney Eugene Ingoglia is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

>>> Gov. Scott announced two reappointments and one appointment to the Children’s Services Council of Broward County.

Emilio Benitez, 53, of Hollywood, is the president and chief executive officer of ChildNet Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 18, 2011, and ending January 31, 2015.

Ana M. Valladarez, 56, of Weston, is vice president of Design Nuovo Inc. She is reappointed for a term beginning November 18, 2011, and ending January 31, 2015.

Maria M. Schneider, 51, of Fort Lauderdale, is an assistant state attorney for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. She succeeds Mariza D. Cobb and is appointed for a term beginning November 18, 2011, and ending January 31, 2015.

>>> 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

>>> Local man who owned precious metals firms gets 151 months in federal Big House for stealing $29.5 million in investment scheme

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Henry Gutierrez, Postal Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Tom Grady, Commissioner, State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, announced that Jamie Campany, 48, of Palm Beach County, was sentenced today before U.S. District Court Judge James I. Cohn to 151 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on multiple counts of mail and wire fraud. According to the Information filed in the case and statements made in court during the plea and sentencing, Campany was the owner of three investment firms specializing in purported gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion purchases on behalf of individual clients. Among his companies were Global Bullion Exchange, LLC (“Global”), in Lake Worth, Florida, and various affiliated licensee businesses throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties and other locations outside of Florida. In addition to Global, Campany owned and operated two predecessor firms, Barclay Trading Group, Inc. (“Barclay”) and The Bullion Group, Inc., both with offices in West Palm Beach.

Campany’s three businesses conducted a sophisticated telemarketing operation to solicit investors to purchase precious metal bullion using purported “leverage” financing. These same investors were led to believe that they would need only to provide a fraction of the total cost of the purchased metals, with the remainder of the purchase price to be covered by margin-type financing, which would purportedly be extended to the investor by a purported “clearing firm.” As further detailed in court records, the purported “clearing firm” with which Barclay had initially associated, began delaying and ultimately ignoring requests by Barclay’s customers to sell their precious metals investments. As a result, the unsatisfied clients began to complain and threatened Barclay with litigation. In addition, the clearing firm’s failure to sell the clients’ holdings left Barclay insolvent. In an attempt to prevent further complaints, litigation, and possible governmental enforcement action, Barclay began to satisfy its clients’ requests for liquidation of their investments by making payments to these clients using funds it had received from newer investors. After Global succeeded Barclay, Global continued this same Ponzi strategy. Global used Diversified Investment Group, Inc. (“Diversified”), a shell company, as its “clearing firm.” In fact, however, no bullion was purchased, even though clients paid substantial commissions and fees totaling approximately 18% of the total purported value of the metal allegedly purchased.

Campany also misrepresented to the inventors that their holdings had been financed through so-called “margin” credit. Thus, the investors were charged substantial interest on these non-existent “loans” and were subjected to periodic false “margin calls” during market declines. Moreover, investors who could not comply with such “margin calls” were informed that their investment positions had been forcibly liquidated and taken by Diversified as a secured creditor. In a recent litigation filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court by a court-appointed assignee, it is estimated that more than 1,400 investors were defrauded by Campany’s scheme out of more than $29.5 million. >>> 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.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott names MarDee H. Buchman as Trustee for Hillsborough Community College.

Buchman, 52, of Plant City, is an office manager for the Hillsborough County Republican Party. Previously, Buchman was a homemaker for 11 years and prior to that, she spent 18 years in the banking industry. She has held various titles at Barnett Bank of Tampa and what is now Bank of America. She received an associate degree from Hillsborough Community College and bachelor’s degree from University of South Florida. She succeeds Daniel Coton and is appointed for a term beginning November 16, 2011, and ending May 31, 2015. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

COLLIER COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott reappoints John W. Vaughn and taps David Farmer and Frederick “Rick” Barber to the Big Cypress Basin Board.

Vaughn, 78, of Naples, is a realtor with Coldwell Banker. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 18, 2011, and ending March 1, 2013.

Farmer, 45, of Naples, is the owner of Keystone Development Advisors L.L.C. He succeeds Pamela S. Mac’Kie and is appointed for a term beginning November 18, 2011, and ending March 1, 2014.

Barber, 65, of Bonita Springs, is the chairman and chief executive officer of Agnoli, Barber and Brundage Inc. He succeeds Fred N. Thomas and is appointed for a term beginning November 18, 2011, and ending March 1, 2014. >>> The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

HERNANDO COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott taps Kathy A. Burke, Leonard H. Johnson, Morris R. Porton and Victor Young to the District Board of Trustees, Pasco-Hernando Community College.

Burke, 56, of Hernando Beach, has been the divisional vice president of operations for Health Management Associates Inc. since 1994. She was the vice president of the Hernando Healthcare System and served on the Hernando County Health Care Advisory Board from 2007 to 2011. From 2001 to 2007, she was chief executive officer of the Sebastian River Medical Center. Previously, she held several positions at Charlotte Regional Medical Center from 1992 to 2001, including chief executive officer from 1998 to 2001, and was administrative director at Hialeah Hospital from 1976 to 1992. Burke received an associate degree from Miami-Dade Community College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of New York and a Master of Business Administration from Kennedy Western University. She succeeds Irvin Homer and is appointed for a term beginning November 17, 2011, and ending May 31, 2015.

Johnson, 54, of Dade City, has been the president and shareholder of Johnson, Auvil, Brock, Wilson and Pratico P.A. since 1990. He has served on the K-Bar Ranch Community Development District since 2005 and is a past member of the board of directors for the Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation. He served on the board of trustees for the Pasco Regional Medical Center from 1993 to 1996 and on the board of directors of Downtown Dade City Main Street Inc. from 1987 to 1995. Johnson received bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida. He succeeds Thomas Weightman and is appointed for a term beginning November 17, 2011, and ending May 31, 2015.

Porton, 65, of Spring Hill, has been the Hernando County executive for Florida Traditions Bank since 2007. With 44 years of banking experience, he most recently was the Hernando County executive for CenterState Bank from 2002 to 2007. A reserve deputy for the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, he has served on the board of directors for the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce since 1995 and on the board of Hernando Progress since 2002. His extensive community service also includes serving on the boards of the Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation since 2009 and Arc Nature Coast since 2007. Porton received an associate degree from Clearwater Community College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and a banking degree from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. He served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1965 to 1966. Porton succeeds Deborah Kilgore and is appointed for a term beginning November 17, 2011, and ending May 31, 2013.

Young, 41, of Land O’Lakes, has been the chief executive officer of Young Enterprises since 2004. With 19 years of automotive business experience in the Tampa Bay area, he is a trustee for the Southeastern Guide Dogs and a board member of Manatee Rural Health Care. Previously, he was a board member of the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope from 2008 to 2010. Young is also president and co-founder of Florida Youth Inc. He succeeds Gary Worthley and is appointed for a term beginning November 17, 2011, and ending May 31, 2014. >>> The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Press release: Elephant Forum meeting, Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 – Noon: Speaker: Republican State Rep. Michael Bileca and also member of the Jackson Health System Financial Recovery Board – 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, 1395 NW 57 Ave (Red Road)] Miami -Reservations: Please reply to via email or call: Mary Ellen Miller, 305 377 9187 >> Cost: Members $21.00/Others $25.00 payable at the door, cash or check payable to: The Elephant Forum

>>> Press release: Driving Fore a Cause 1972 Undefeated Dolphin Hall-of-Famers Support Virginia Key Beach Park Trust

NFL Pro Hall-of-Famer Larry Little is lending support with his undefeated Miami Dolphin team by hosting the 5th Annual Larry Little Legends Golf Classic at the Inverrary Country Club located at 3840 Inverrary Blvd, Lauderhill, FL 33319 on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 8:30am. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the restoration, operation and capital improvement projects at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (HVKBP). The Inverrary Country Club features an 18-hole “West” course highlighting its 6,621 yards of golf on beautiful Bermuda grass and has hosted several PGA and LPGA events. Sponsored by the Calder Casino & Race Course, the 2011 Larry Little Legends Golf Classic will launch a two-day event with a V.I.P. Cocktail Party on the evening of Thursday, December 1st at the Calder Casino & Race Course, 21001 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056.

Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on appealing auction items and engage in an enjoyable meet & greet with celebrity Hall of Fame golfers like Bobby Bell, Ted Hendricks, Dwight Stevenson, Leroy Kelly and Ricky Jackson, members of the 1972 undefeated Dolphin team and an array of influential guests. “Over the years, I’ve realized how exceptional and important it is to give to the community. Being the spokesperson for Virginia Key Beach Park Trust allows me to lend my support and efforts to this historical jewel, hopefully inspiring change and unity. In addition to what the Trust has done to preserve history, I call on fellow community leaders both in sports and other arenas to assist in supporting and uplifting the beautiful nature and value of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. It really is a wonderful cause,” says Larry Little. Participants will begin the second day with a pre-event breakfast followed by warm-ups beside the driving range. At the ‘shot-gun’ opening, golfers will be paired with famous sports figures where they will then begin to compete. Post-competition events will feature an awards banquet and prizes, with all proceeds benefiting the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust.
Additional sponsors include the Miami Dolphins, American Airlines, The Produce Connection, Warren Henry, Ryder System, Bacardi, Five Brothers Produce, Community Bank of Florida, Publix, S&L Beans, Miami-Dade Fair, Miami-Dade County and Mercedes Benz. >>> For further information about the Larry Little Legends Golf Classic or sponsorships contact Ingrid Stuart, at 954.867.6511 or email at istuart@miamigov.com For more information on Virginia Key Beach Trust or media inquiries, contact Kechi Okpala at 305.960.4618 or email at KOkpala@miamigov.com. Visit our website at www.virginiakeybeachpark.net.

>>> Press release: The Coconut Grove Rotary Club Presents – THE GREAT GROVE TREASURE HUNT!

The search for fun and treasure in the Grove is Saturday, December 10th and starts at the SANDBAR SPORTS GRILL, 3064 Grand Avenue. Register between 11:30am and 1pm and join your mates and other scallywags with $10 Bottomless Bloody-Mary’s or Mimosas and two fabulous breakfasts for just the price of one. You’ll be given a treasure map leading you on a Grove Treasure Hunt for fun, great grog and great treats, plus treasure tickets for dozens of fabulous raffle prizes. Then from 5 to 8 join the “Grab-Some-More-Booty-Party” at MR. MOE’S, 3131 Commodore Plaza. While we replay the day, you’ll get Grub ‘n’ Grog specials, live music and the big drawing for all the loot! The cost is just $25 at the door or $20 in advance at coconutgrovetreasurehunt.eventbrite.com with all proceeds going to The Rotary Club of Coconut Grove Foundation to help our Coconut Grove neighbors.
For more information call Kelly Smith @ 305-302-9342

>>> JUST ANNOUNCED! ONE NIGHT ONLY! – The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County proudly presents LONG-REIGNING “KING OF THE BLUES” B.B. KING — “No. 3 of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time!” – Rolling Stone As part of the 2011-2012 Knight Masterworks Season Pops Series – January 4, 2012 at 8 p.m., Tickets Starting at $49 John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall

American blues legend B.B. KING, who has played to sold-out audiences at major concert halls, festivals, and stadiums in 90 countries around the globe, brings his signature mix of expressive singing, sinuous riffs and distinctive guitar sound to the Arsht Center’s John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall on January 4, 2012 at 8 p.m. Widely regarded as the most influential and renowned blues artist of the past half century, the ever-popular “king of the blues” is more relevant than ever as he continues to define the blues for a worldwide audience. B.B. KING makes his Arsht Center debut with this performance, which is the second concert of the 2011-2012 Knight Masterworks Season Pops Series.
KING is known for his crowd-pleasing showmanship, performed on his trademark Gibson guitar “Lucille,” and his ability to create an intimate concert experience at every show. The program will include a selection of traditional blues and original songs by the blues patriarch. >> Tickets start at $49 and may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org. Tickets go on sale to members on November 14, and to the public on November 21. “The sounds of King’s guitar distinguish him as the one and only B.B. Forever he will be the giant of jazz blues that we all love,” said M. John Richard, president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “We are thrilled to present this concert as part of our Knight Masterworks Season Pops Series which showcases the best talent in American popular music.” American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter B.B. KING is widely regarded as one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time, inspiring countless other electric blues and blues-rock guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Throughout his long and illustrious career, he has maintained a highly visible and active touring schedule, performing at every major venue and music festival around the globe, averaging 250 concerts a year. In the late 1980s, he reached a new generation of fans with the single “When Love Comes to Town,” a collaborative effort with U2, and again when he teamed up with guitarist Eric Clapton to record “Riding with the King.” His numerous accolades include 15 Grammys, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award. KING was ranked No. 3 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”

EDITORIALS

>>> An accurate public record and how elected leaders vote is a must, opens door to policy and contract questions when there are speaking or vote gaps

At the Miami-Dade Commission meeting Tuesday, a roll call vote was taken on an issue but it was very difficult to ascertain who voted yes or no on the body, because some commissioners did not speak into their microphones or these were turned off and even in the pressroom in the chambers. There was confusion among reporters and county staff on what the vote count was and an original 10- 3 vote became a 9 to 4 vote at the end of the day. An accurate public record of votes and discussions is an important tool for good government and I have seen some attorneys challenge what was being said at appeal hearings with one attorney asking when a taped conversation suddenly stopped at a public meeting because the tape was being changed but the conversation continued.

The attorney asked was that a minute or an hour? Did God speak from the burning bush during the gap he asked and that is the problem. Either you have an accurate public record or you don’t. And at any public meeting not just at the county but with the municipalities and school boards as well. Nothing actually protects these elected officials like an accurate public record if the goal is transparency and good ethical government and all elected leaders should remember that fact.

PAST WDR: OCT 2005: What is it about some people in Miami-Dade who believe only they should serve on a board or in a position?

Miami-Dade County with 2.5 million residents (in 2011) seems to have a few people that consistently believe only they have the Holy Grail of truth and knowledge when it comes to being on different public boards and that is wrong. I see so many of the same people who believe only they should serve the public in these capacities, sometimes enhancing their role and capabilities and many advisory or oversight boards end up with the usual community suspects versus what this community needs so bad, people with new blood and new ideas. It is fascinating watching some boards blow up, or see ongoing personality clashes among board members many times brought on from disputes years ago but this does not serve the community interest. South Florida has changed markedly over the past decades and public boards should reflect these changes for the community is moving forward not looking only at its past.

Mega builder Armando Codina had the right idea when he took over as chair of the board of Florida International University years ago. At the time, he said he would step down and leave after his term, which is what he did. He could have said he had changed his mind, the university needed his steady hand on the tiller and stayed but he understood that you serve and do your duty but then leave.
People who apply for these public oversight boards should keep that in mind for these positions are not for life and if there is one thing, I have learned over the last decade watching this community. It is that change is good and people serving should remember that being in an elected office or on a public board is not a right but a privilege, a belief that sometimes gets lost with some of the giant egos some board members bring to public service.

LETTERS

>>> Reader on local police cars going out of the county

For years, I’ve seen these Miami police cars coming to and from Miami on the turnpike and the Gratigny as guys go home or come from home in Broward and Palm Beach and now even Martin County. It really bothers me. With the incident that happened in October, I still don’t see a discussion about police officers in Miami-Dade who are not part of the community nor that Miami municipalities have wear and tear and perhaps fuel expenses to pay for these commutes. Referring back to the October incident I heard today this guy was coming from Jupiter? That’s 3 hours of commuting and 200 miles each day. I thought police work was better done by those who live in the community. How do we get attention on this issue?

>>> Reader on rising sea level and the Beach

Our guest for last week’s meeting of the Breakfast Club was SunPost columnist Charles Ranham-Bailey speaking on the topic of rising sea levels and the effect it will soon be having on coastal communities. which is causing some communities to be making plans now. Given what Hollywood is going through due to a ruptured sewer line, many are viewing this incident as a wake-up call. While the cause of global warning is quite controversial, the fact that sea levels are rising seems not to be. And according to the sources Charles quoted, the rise is happening sooner than expected, which could leave Miami underwater by the end of the century.

David Kelsey

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & Initial sponsors since 2000

ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S
HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr.
THE MIAMI HERALD www.miamiherald.com (2000-2008)
ARTHUR HERTZ
WILLIAM HUGGETT, Seamen Attorney (Deceased)
ALFRED NOVAK
LINDA E. RICKER (Deceased)
JOHN S. and JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION www.knightfoundation.org
THE HONORABLE STANLEY TATE

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $2,000 a year

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com
RONALD HALL
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov
UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.unitedwaymiamidade.org

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 a year

AKERMAN SENTERFITT www.akerman.com
RON BOOK
LEWIS TEIN www.lewistein.com
LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.
WILLIAM PALMER
SHUBIN & BASS www.shubinbass.com

>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less

CAMILLUS HOUSE, INC. www.camillushouse.org
CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.
CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH www.miamibeachfl.gov
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.cph.org
THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov
GREATOR MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.miamichamber.com
GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com
HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA www.hfsf.org
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschoolsnews.net
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org
THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com
THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org
THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

The Watchdog Report covers a few of the meetings attended weekly. It remains my belief that an informed public will make better decisions. Therefore, I go to meetings, make the presence of an informed citizen known, and bring the information to you. The Watchdog Report is in the fourth year of publication and it has been an honor to be able to send this information to you. It is sent to readers in Miami-Dade, Florida, the U.S. and the world. The Watchdog Report is sent to thousands free and while readers have been prodded to subscribe the results have been mixed. Over 550 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, 2011, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> 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 >>> 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.

General subscriber’s names will not be published in the Report. To subscribe to the Watchdog Report please use the form below as a subscription invoice.
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Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form

NOTE: Invoice is for Yearly supporter/sponsorship Rates: Thank you.

Supporting Sponsors $5,000
Sustaining Sponsors $2,000
Corporate Sponsors $1,000 (All levels above will be listed in the report with web-site link if desired)
Large Business Supporters $500
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Name & Address

Please make checks payable to: Daniel A. Ricker

Send to: 3109 Grand Avenue, #125
Miami, FL 33133
Fax 305-668-4784 -To contact the Publisher please e-mail watchdogreport1@earthlink.net