Watchdog Report Vol.12 No.32 December 11, 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.

>>> RED ALERT: I NEED FINANCIAL HELP IF THIS IS TOO CONTINUE AFTER 12-YEARS AND HEADING INTO 13-YEARS IN MAY: 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.

>>> I was on Topical Currents, hosted by Joseph Cooper on WLRN/NPR 91.3 FM on Tuesday and to listen to the show where we covered some hot issues like the Miami Marlins stadium SEC investigation and the recent naming of the new Miami Art Museum after Related President Jorge Perez go to http://www.wlrn.org/radio/programs/topical-currents/archive/

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> Time flies with Downtown Bay Forum celebrating its 20th anniversary, topnotch panel of speakers including Fair, Talbert, Lewis and Ruvin

The Downtown Bay Forum of Miami celebrated its 20th Anniversary Wednesday and around 100 people turned out to celebrate the luncheon event that included a first rate panel of T. Willard Fair, William Talbert, III, Michael Lewis and Miami-Dade Clerk Harvey Ruvin at Temple Israel. State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle was scheduled to be on the panel but demurred earlier saying she did not want to create a conflict of interest since her office was investigating the Miami Downtown Development Authority for the organization’s out reach program and mailings regarding a Get Out the Vote drive by the organization. The DDA chaired by Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff had one of his challengers, Michelle Niemeyer in the Nov. election for commission District 2 file a complaint with the state attorney’s office. Sarnoff says the program had been going on for a while before the election, and given the dismal eight percent voter turnout of the districts voters including within the DDA area. He suggested the effort essentially failed and had no real impact on the election results.

Moderator Sean Foreman, Ph.D. asked the panel of Fair, Talbert, Lewis and Ruvin, how Miami has changed over the past 20 years and some of the answers were frank and revealing. Fair, the president of the Urban League of Greater Miami and former chair of the Florida Board of Education said, “The coming of the Cubans has helped shape Miami over the last 20-years,” and the mood of the community is “better today than yesterday,” but noted, “no one wants to talk about race anymore,” said Fair. Talbert noted 30-years ago, Time Magazine had a front-page story called Paradise Lost and the tourist maven reflected on how things had changed since then. He said Miami is now perceived as “the city of sun and beaches, we are about art, and we have come a long way baby,” the executive director of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau thought. Lewis, publisher of Miami Today www.miamitoday.com was “glad that we are talking about a community vision, and trying to get a shared vision, instead of some hair brained scheme.” And said he was concerned when it came to the future because “we don’t know where we want to go.” He ticked off ten things that made Miami what it was ranging from Henry Flagler’s train, the auto, World War II, Fidel Castro, racial integration, Mariel, and believes if gambling comes to South Florida, that will be the 11th major change agent.

Ruvin felt “there is plenty of hope ahead” and society is moving “into a new domain where one is technology and the other is the global environment and how it will affect us.” The Miami-Dade Clerk said technology is creating a “paperless platform that will allow us to make better and wiser decisions.” He said a “lot of waste and fraud in government is in the system” and believes there is “tremendous savings when we remove paper and that technological act increases efficiencies.” The environmentalist also noted South Flroida is “ground zero for Global Warming” from Palm Beach and south and a Climate Task Force he chaired “developed 51 recommendations if we are to survive and prosper,” he said.

Fair, the founder of the now closed Liberty City Charter School and close friend to former Gov. Jeb Bush said when it came to a shared community vision. It was not there and challenged “the assumption that we all share the same vision.” He said “we are not a community but a constellation [of peoples] and until we have that discussion” we will get nowhere. “My community is Liberty City, not Pinecrest and the circumstances are not common.” “I deal with violence, the schools are failing,” and it is the “worst I have seen in my life,” concerning the economy and what is going in the inner city. The community leader also questioned Blacks getting jobs in the tourist industry but Talbert came back saying, “Miami has had 17 straight months of adding jobs” and for Blacks and others “there is great upward mobility in the hospitality business.”

Lewis observed that in Miami there was a serious “need for a better education system and the greatest divide we face is the educated and uneducated” people in our community. And Fair observed that he “is dealing with young boys that have never seen a man go to work” and believes his community is now “totally void of leadership.” Lewis believes part of the reason South Florida has no collective vision is because we “have no big money in the community.” He said people like Alvah H. Chapman, Jr., the former Chair of Knight Ridder “had a moral compass,” and the corporations here now have to ask their “boss” in North Carolina and is one of the reasons we “don’t have a shared vision,” he speculated. >>> This is just a snippet of what was discussed by the panel but it was a ying/yang conversation that showed more dialogue and forums of this type must be ongoing here in Miami and the Forum after 20-years plays an important role in this community conversation.

>>> Check out PHT President Carlos Migoya discussing Jackson Health System’s financial challenges with Michael Putney on his show www.wplg.com This Week in South Florida today.

>>> Check out Helen Ferre’s show Issues on www.wpbt2.org this weekend where top journalists Michael Lewis, Patricia Mazzei, and Tim Elfrink covering the city of Miami discuss the new Miami Marlins Stadium being built in Little Havana: Watch this Weeks Issues: ISSUE ONE: 1 of 2 Marlins Garage Property Tax – 2 of 2 Marlins Garage Property Tax

>>> White House press release: MIAMI-DADE’S DR. JAYNE GREENBERG APPOINTED TO PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL ON FITNESS, SPORTS AND NUTRITION

Dr. Jayne D. Greenberg of Miami-Dade County Public Schools was sworn in by Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as a member the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) today. President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint Dr. Greenberg to serve on the President’s Council on October 17, 2011.

Dr. Greenberg is the District Director of Physical Education and Health Literacy for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Previously, she served as Special Advisor on Youth Fitness to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and as President of the Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance, and Driver Education. Dr. Greenberg assisted HHS in developing the I Can Do It, You Can Do It Program, addressing physical activity for youth with disabilities. Dr. Greenberg has published a book, “Developing School Site Wellness Centers”, written numerous articles, and co-authored a professional text.

In 2009, Dr. Greenberg received the Point of Light Award by the Governor of Florida and was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. In 2005 she was named the National Physical Education Administrator of the Year by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education and received Highest Recognition Award by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Dr. Greenberg has a B.S. in Physical Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; an M.S. in Sports Psychology from Florida International University; and an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership in Physical Education from Florida International University. >> About PCFSN – PCFSN is a committee of volunteer citizens who advise the President through the Secretary of HHS about opportunities to develop accessible, affordable and sustainable physical activity, sports and nutrition programs. PCFSN administers the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards program which encourages Americans to make regular physical activity and good nutrition part of their daily lives. PCFSN is co-chaired by NFL Quarterback Drew Brees and Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes. For more information, visit www.fitness.gov.

>>> 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, twice in 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. Further, I am a frequent guest on WWW.WPBT2.ORG on Helen Ferre’s show Issues, and have also appeared on Eliott Rodriguez’s show News & Views.

FLORIDA

>>> Will redistricting & $66.4 billion budget suck the oxygen out of other issues during Jan. legislative session?

The Watchdog Report originally thought Destination Resort Casinos in South Florida approval would be almost a sure thing a few months ago in the Florida Legislature, given the behind the scenes financial grease and the large number of lobbyists the Genting Group Malaysia has hired to represent them in the Florida capital. However, speed bumps are popping up, ranging from past testimony of Genting officials in a Senate committee, to the Florida Legislature’s upcoming session in January where the $66.4 billion state budget and new redistricting maps after the 2010 Census that required state legislative and Congressional Districts to reflect the population changes, has sucked all the oxygen out of the room for other legislation. And while Gov. Rick Scott has given a preview of the $66.4 billion state budget this week that gives a $1 billion bump to education, it also takes a whack at Medicaid funding that would hammer local hospitals like Jackson Health System and Miami Children’s Hospital. However, two local state lobbyists over the weekend cautioned for people not to panic when it came to the Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts and that the Florida Legislature gets to weigh in as well on the matter.

>>> What about state Rep. Eric Fresen and his back taxes & foreclosure issues?

The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com and the story broken by www.eyeonmiami.com on state Rep. Eric Fresen, R-Miami problems with the IRS and his house in foreclosure had the Watchdog Report asking the legislator elected in 2008 about the issue Thursday at the Miami-Dade Commission chambers. Fresen in an exclusive interview with the Watchdog Report said his “accountant is clearing up” the multiple issues recently reported in the press regarding past IRS liens and his home in foreclosure, and he “has always filed and paid his taxes on time.” He owes the IRS $7,274 from 2004 taxes and another $21,925 tax liability from 2007. La Salle Bank also foreclosed on his Coral Gables home in 2009 to the tune of a $641,000 foreclosure judgment. He said his accountant is drafting a letter to the IRS clarifying that money in “escrow was counting as income” and it involves “the transfer of one property to another” and when it came to the bank liens on his home. “Washington Mutual, LaSalle, then Chase, they all closed down but have not finalized the transfer” and these issues are being squared away he said and he offered to send the Watchdog Report a detailed explanation of the issue when his accountant is done with it.

>>> In FY 2010 Florida taxpayers spent $2.4 billion to incarcerate over 102,000 people, according to the Florida TaxWatch Center for Smart Justice, which released the findings of a first time ever in-depth analysis matching Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) data with Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) data going back to 1995, to provide a deeper understanding of the system today.

This analysis shows some recent state successes in public safety—the state prison population has declined, and crime rates and recidivism have been declining as well— as recently reported by the FDOC. However, there is always more work to be done in order to ensure the public’s safety.
“It has been evident in statewide conversations that Florida’s leadership is engaging in reform efforts and looking to continue to improve our criminal justice systems,” said Bob Stork, Chairman of the Florida TaxWatch Center for Smart Justice. “We are fortunate to have this critical attention, and all of our efforts are designed to provide constructive, data-driven and evidenced-based recommendations for our state’s consideration.” A brief summary of the findings:
Florida’s inmate population has more than doubled since 1990 and nearly quadrupled since 1984. In FY2010-11, 70% of admissions to prison were for non-violent offenses. Over the past decade, more than 40,000 people were admitted to prison for technical violations of probation, costing the state over one billion dollars. In FY2010-11, Florida spent over $300 million to incarcerate people for drug offenses. The cost of mandatory minimum offenses was nearly $100 million.
Nearly half of prison admissions will serve terms of two years or fewer. From 2009-10, admissions of offenders under the age of 18 will cost the state more than $200 million. Nearly a third of released prisoners return to prison and almost two-thirds are re-arrested within three years.

It is the goal of the Florida TaxWatch Center for Smart Justice to arm Florida’s leaders with empirical information, and help drive the state towards continued success in criminal justice to protect the public, lower crime rates, reduce re-offending and victimization, and conserve potentially tens of millions of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. “Through data analysis, we are able to discover trends, uncover problems, chart meaningful successes, examine reasons for growth and declines of the volume and costs of incarceration, and make adjustments accordingly,” said Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. “We should not rely on what we think we know to compel better public policy, we should use our data to inform decision-making and understand and communicate our unique Florida story.” The findings of the report can be found here.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Tensions regarding new commission districts on the rise, verbal fireworks at Sunshine meeting between 5 commissioners

When it comes to redistricting the 13 commissioners new Districts for the 2012 elections, the verbal gloves are coming off among commissioners when it came to discussing the 7th draft of the body’s redistricting maps on Friday afternoon. Commissioners Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Audrey Edmonson, Jean Monestime, Esteban Bovo and Barbara Jordan met in the second floor commission conference room and what started out slowly when it came to the discussion, escalated at the end that had commissioners squaring off on their positions and ultimately the final districts configurations will be decided by the full commission at their next meeting. Guillermo Olmedillo, a cartographer and former county planning director was hired to draw the maps for the commission to consider and in the three past Sunshine meetings, these were calmer affairs, but never included all the commissioners in the room. Census data shows Commission Districts 1,2,3 and 4 are under populated and need to expand and it means going west where Hispanic residents are the majority diluting Afro-American, Haitian-American and Anglo residents and voters.

So changes to the districts were occurring at these earlier gatherings and this seventh map permutation set off fireworks with Jordan, Edmonson and Monestime, all in “under populated districts” that have to expand in size to pick up more voters. But also causes a population domino affect throughout the commission’s other districts. In Monestime’s case, he has to pick up roughly 8,500 people and “District 2 takes most of the hit” and a “big portion of District 2 is now going to District 3,” now represented by Edmonson. But with around a 65 percent Hispanic population after the 2010 Census among the 2.5 million Miami-Dade residents, getting districts that will vote for African-American candidates and keeping like communities together when it comes to their representation is no easy task.

The target is to have roughly 192,000 residents in each district and it must allow for “one person, one vote” to count and the map presented Friday was “substantially similar, regarding legal and traditional,” redistricting, said Olmedillo. Further, Randy Duval an assistant county attorney giving counsel on this activity said at Tuesday’s commission meeting when discussing the issue getting a first reading that the district maps could be changed, but not by “wholesale radical changes.” He said that is defined as “something very significant that has the lines looking a lot different,” and the proposed district “lines are not a radical change from the previous districts,” he told the county commission.

Commissioner Rebeca Sosa told the Watchdog Report Tuesday she could live with whatever the new map looked like when it came to her District 6 and Commissioner Xavier Suarez has said in the past that he thought a computer-redistricting program should draw the new districts and in his case. Suarez who represents District 7 will likely get all of the Village of Pinecrest that currently is shared with Commissioner Lynda Bell who represents District 8.

Jordan

Monestime

Edmonson

Diaz

Bovo

>>> Proposed FL legislature preemptive scrap metal bill, could weaken new tough law in Miami-Dade

A scrape metal bill being considered at the state that would preempt a strong ordinance passed by Miami-Dade County a while ago may or may not exempt the county said Commission Chair Joe Martinez. He told fellow commissioners to keep an eye on this issue that plagues South Florida at Tuesday’s county commission meeting. Martinez and Commission vice Chair Audrey Edmonson sponsored the bill that passed and cooper theft plays havoc on electric streetlights in many neighborhoods but especially Edmonson’s where the dark inner city streets spawn acts of violence. Even Commissioner Dennis Moss who works at the Optimist Club in Perrine has had an issue with the street light being stripped of cooper where the organization is located.

The copper wire stolen, which can be as thick as a baseball bat for some electrical applications and has considerable weight is then sold to scrape metal dealers in the county and Broward and the commission’s legislation is probable the toughest in Florida, given this epidemic of the activity. To rewire a street light costs over $1,000 per pole and a man in a small truck was actually arrested with a street light hanging past the flatbed of the vehicle, showing it is that brazen in Miami-Dade and a real problem.

>>> Suarez says when it comes to GOB projects in district, it’s “the good, the bad, and the scary.”

The “good, the bad and the scary,” was how Commissioner Xavier Suarez described the status of GOB money for projects in District 7 for Fairchild Tropical Gardens, the Coconut Grove Playhouse and the closed Miami Marine Stadium. Jennifer Glazer Moon, the county’s budget guru Tuesday night told commissioners during a discussion of the proceeds of the $2.9 billion GOB passed by voters in 2004 being allocated over the years. She said funding for Fairchild was in place, there was still $5 million for the Playhouse (but not the $15 million allocated in the GOB since the building is shuttered and closed and not ready for any new money), and $3 million was available in tourist taxes for the marine stadium, which is a longer-term project. Suarez joked before the discussion that when he approached Mayor Carlos Gimenez and county Attorney Robert Cuevas about these projects they both asked what he was going to do for them? Since they both live in the district and will have to vote for him again in August, when Suarez is up for reelection for a full four-year term.

How is Suarez doing?

Suarez who considers himself a transportation maven has a spotty Metropolitan Planning Organization attendance record and he skipped the one on Thursday and missed the one in September attendance documents state. His office is also said to be hesitant to resolve constituent issues on their own and when it comes to actually speaking with Suarez. He generally directs the public to talk to his staff about any issues and he did just that after speaking in front of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce a while ago. He has yet to get a challenger, his son will be the new Miami Commission chair next year, but his district that he calls “Like Texas” given its property tax base wealth is not solid Hispanic and is a demographic blend of all ethnic groups with one thing in common. The voters in many cases are wealthy, well educated, fairly informed on many of the issues and can be demanding in their request for any county services though much of the area in District 7 is incorporated into cities, towns or villages.

Suarez

>>> Press release: Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Judge Norma Lindsey and Angelica Zayas, both of Miami, to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.

Lindsey, 46, has served on the Miami-Dade County Court since 2005. Previously, she was a sole practitioner and of counsel with Borgognoni, Gutierrez and Arza in 2005. She served as an associate general counsel for Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade from 2001 to 2005. During Lindsey’s 18-year legal career, she also practiced with Schoeppi and Burke P.A. from 1997 to 1999; Zemel and Kaufman P.A. from 1996 to 1997; Stuzin and Camner P.A. in 1995; and Hornsby, Sacher, Zelman and Stanton P.A from 1993 to 1995. Lindsey served on the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Third District Court of Appeal from 2001 to 2005. She received a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and a law degree from the University of Miami.

“Judge Lindsey’s well rounded background and proven experience as a county court judge demonstrate that her work ethic and judicial temperament qualify her for elevation to the circuit bench,” Governor Scott said. “Her commitment to the South Florida community is unquestionable, and she has demonstrated a sense of fairness and commitment to judicial restraint that will benefit the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.”

Zayas, 47, has served since 1996 as an assistant state attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, where she handled complex and sensitive cases at both the trial and appellate levels. From 1989 to 1996, she served as an assistant attorney general in Miami office of the Attorney General’s Office. Zayas received her bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Miami.

“Angelica has a proven record in difficult cases and has shown a strong commitment to her community, public service and the legal profession,” said Governor Scott. “I am confident she will bring a principled and judicially sound approach to the cases that come before her.” Lindsey will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Ivan F. Fernandez to the Third District Court of Appeal, and Zayas will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Amy Steele Donner.

>>> Gov. Scott taps Donald “DJ” Cannava Jr. to the Miami-Dade County Court.

Cannava, 51, has been the statewide deputy director of Children’s Legal Services within the Florida Department of Children and Families and the regional director for Florida’s southern and southeast regions since 2008. Previously, he was a senior vice president with Passport Marine from 2006 to 2008, senior vice president and general counsel with Inktel Direct from 2001 to 2006, and an assistant state attorney with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office from 1993 to 1996. He also was a junior agent with United Talent Agency from 1996 to 2000 and manager of business development for CBSSportsline.com from 2000 to 2001. Cannava received bachelor’s and law degrees from Boston College.
“DJ’s broad range of experience has prepared him to handle the diverse matters that come before the county court every day,” Governor Scott said. “His ability to assess situations fairly and in an efficient and straightforward manner will allow him to serve the Miami-Dade County Court well.” Cannava will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Rosa C. Figarola to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.

>>> Press release: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and Commissioner Jean Monestime, will host the grand opening ceremony for Phase II of the Scott-Carver HOPE VI Redevelopment located in the Liberty City area.

The HOPE VI Grant was awarded by US-HUD to Miami-Dade County on September 16, 1999 to redevelop the former Scott and Carver public housing developments. Phase I of the redevelopment was completed in 2008 with 57 single-family homes built by Habitat for Humanity. The Grand Opening of the new “Northpark at Scott Carver,” developed by McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) and partner, Reliance Housing Foundation, is a mixed-income development which will provide 354 rental units; 177 public housing units, 107 low and moderate income units and 70 market-rate units. This community features “green and sustainable” initiatives such as water-saving features and energy efficient appliances that have been incorporated into the design. The Phase II development represents over $65 million in new investment. WHO: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime WHAT: Scott-Carver HOPE VI Phase II Grand Opening Ceremony WHEN: Monday, Dec. 12, 2011 at 10 a.m. WHERE:75 Street and NW 23rd Court, Miami, FL 33147

>>> DMV to Go – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will offer its services at the Stephen P. Clark Center on Thursday, December 15, from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Space is limited so sign up today!

>>> Press release: GMCVB: RECORD DEMAND FOR TRAVEL TO GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REMAINS STRONG IN OCTOBER 2011 RESULTING IN DOUBLE-DIGIT INCREASES IN TWO OF GREATER MIAMI’S TOURIST-RELATED TAX COLLECTIONS

The October Convention Development Tax (CDT) collections for Greater MIAMI and the Beaches of $4,057,218 compared to $3,122,138 for the same period last year represent a +29.9% increase. The MIAMI-Dade Resort Tax collections (excluding MIAMI Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) for October 2011 totaled $1,345,578 compared to $1,103,747 in 2010 for an increase of +21.9%. October 2011 2% Food and Beverage tax collections from hotels in MIAMI-Dade (excluding MIAMI Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside) generated $444,901 compared to $422,388 in 2010, an increase of +5.3%.

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Miami Herald pops the bubble when it comes to wayward Charter Schools and $400 million in public money

Anyone that thinks The Miami Herald www.miamiherald.com is down for the count when it comes to breaking big investigative stories just needs to read the I-Team series on Charter Schools, a $400 million business in Florida. Over the past six-months, reporters Scott Hiaasen and Kathleen McGrory have combed through thousands of documents related to these schools operation and lack of adequate oversight that has a public school district only able to shut them down for severe issues like life safety or fiscal distress. Here in Miami-Dade there are over 90 charter schools that are funded by the public school district to the tune of $250 million or about $6,000 per student. The Watchdog Report since 2004 has watched one charter school in Coconut Grove, surrounded by restaurants and bars and referenced in the story, The Arts and Minds Charter School and I have written about it extensively since then via the school board audit and budget advisory board meetings. I have no beef in many ways with the school that academically is rated an A school. I was flagging the management arrangement and board oversight where the schools founder and building owner controlled the whole operation while getting almost $90,000 in monthly rent from the school district.

This type of arrangement is called a “related transaction” within school audit management circles and there are others of these such charters in Miami-Dade but A&M happens to be the one I see on a daily basis. Since writing about the school over the last seven years. I have amassed about eight inches of documents related to A&M and the school is getting the gift that keeps on giving. A public school district forensic audit and the community will see what that discovers, but the nation’s fourth largest public school district is the eight hundred pound gorilla in the room. For the school district is not some small public institution where a politically connected person might be able to pull some strings and make certain things perhaps go away. The district is deadly serious when it comes to precious taxpayer dollars and accounting for how this money is spent under state guidelines and how could it get worse for some of these schools operators? While many of the schools are a for profit-operation many are not-for –profit, pay no taxes or property taxes and that tees them-up to perhaps have issues with the IRS.

In the case of A&M, the buildings owner Manny Alonso-Poch, after explaining why the rent went from $29,000 back in 2004 to the new much higher number at a audit committee meeting years ago and reported in the Watchdog Report at the time. Frederick “Buck” Thornburg, the Audit Committee chair and attorney quipped, “There is a lot of fairy dust in the room,” that had other committee members incredulous at the explanation. Now with this new Herald series, readers can also hear what the reporters found on WWW.WLRN.ORG with Phil Latzman, The Miami Herald News anchor in the coming days and the paper has done a great service to Florida taxpayers. For while many of the state’s Charter Schools are great and do an effective job educating students. There is a need to tighten up some of the oversight guidelines and with two more big stories coming out in the paper in the days ahead. The Watchdog Report gives a Tip of the Hat to everyone that worked on the investigative series. To read the story go to
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/09/19/2541051/florida-charter-schools-big-money.html and to leave comments on WLRN, go to radio@wlrn.org

>>> Press release: Statement from the Florida State Board of Education on Governor Scott’s 2012-2013 Budget Recommendations

“The State Board of Education commends Governor Scott on his 2012-2013 budget recommendations for education and urges the legislature to adopt them. By recommending over $1 billion in new state education spending and the third largest education budget in Florida history, the Governor has clearly demonstrated that education is his top budget priority. As Florida moves to new standards, the increase in per pupil funding and the doubling of the allocation for reading coaches is particularly timely. These funds will ensure that local school districts have the resources they need to help students meet new standards.”

>>> Press release: EDUCATION COMMISSIONER GERARD ROBINSON – Regarding Proposed Budget from the Governor

“Florida’s teachers have done an incredible job providing a learning culture that fosters academic success and growth for each of their students. Today, I want to thank Governor Scott for proposing a budget that will provide significant additional resources that our classroom teachers need to make student dreams a reality. The Governor’s commitment to a high quality education is demonstrated by infusing one billion dollars in state funds to: fund 30,000+ new students,
replace one-time state funding, overcome diminishing local revenue, and increase per student funding. The Governor has also made a commitment to public higher education and student financial aid by maintaining funding in these areas. This ensures that our students are able to continue to achieve their higher education goals.

This budget will help students gain the tools to master increased standards and graduate from high school college- and career-ready. I also want to thank the State Board of Education for its continued support of increasing our legislative budget to sustain our public education system. The Department’s Strategic Plan aligns with the Governor’s mission and the proposed budget will help preserve what our schools have accomplished in the past and stand to achieve in the future.”

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Gov. Scott’s budget hits JHS to the tune of $133.5 million, nurses union at impasse; hits just keep on coming

Carlos Migoya, the PHT CEO went to Tallahassee last week to lobby for the public Jackson Health System that has Gov. Rick Scott’s preliminary $66.4 billion state budget for next year potentially hitting Jackson to the tune of $133.5 million in state Medicaid funding. Other South Florida hospitals public funding would also be whacked back that has Miami Children’s Hospital potentially losing $34 million and cuts funded days for poor patients in hospitals possible being cut from 45 to 23 days www.miamiherald.com . Migoya is trying to stem the fiscal hemorrhaging at Jackson with his mission to have a balanced budget at the end of the year, but the fiscal hits keep on coming and that goal is a moving target he is finding.

Further, the PHT just announced official impasse with the nurses union SEIU Local 1991 after months of protracted negotiations trying to get concessions from the organization, though the union is crying foul and suggests the move is endangering patient care. He has already instituted a two-week furlough program and cut employees down by the hundreds but the health trust is also being hammered by reduced admissions and a lower number of paying patients that will only be exasperated by this reduced state funding. The public hospital has posted $420 million in losses over the past three years and this new proposed funding reduction is expected to be fought by South Florida lawmakers.

Scott in the past has said he thought Jackson should be making money and he ran a chain of 343 private hospitals that benefited from these Medicare and Medicaid patients. But his time as CEO of Columbia/HCA ended in controversy in the 1990s and after he left the helm with a golden parachute. The company paid a $1.7 billion federal fine for Medicare billing abuses, the largest such fine ever. However, the governor’s plan is getting blowback from state legislators and state Sen. Rudy Garcia, R- Hialeah is asking why the hits disproportionately affects urban hospitals that includes Shands Hospital in Gainesville, another public and teaching facility affiliated with the University of Florida. Garcia, a healthcare executive who has worked at the old Cedars Hospital and Mercy Hospitals in the past believes the cuts should be spread out around the state, and his comments were echoed by state Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine whose poorer residents use Shands for their healthcare.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Incoming Commission Chair Suarez wants to scrap Mason’s Rules, wants to change to more manageable County parliamentary procedures

Incoming Commission Chair Francis Suarez had a Sunshine Meeting Wednesday to discuss the Parliamentary Rues of Procedure on the body and how to streamline it rather than using Mason’s Manuel of Legislative Procedure, a around 800-page document. The commission uses Mason’s to run meetings but the legislative body strays from the guidelines that is more suited for legislative bodies like Congress and the Florida legislature since these elected officials can discuss things without it falling under the Florida Sunshine Law. In the case of municipalities elected leaders, that is not the case and Commission vice Chair Frank Carollo periodically attended the meeting. Suarez brought in a parliamentary expert to facilitate the discussion along with city Clerk Priscilla Thompson, an assistant Miami attorney and invited commissioners to attend but only Carollo showed up. Suarez said the current rules “were cumbersome and more suited for Congress” and the way the Miami commission operates. “It is more of a free flow discussion,” and the next chairman said Mason’s procedures “does not make sense,” given the reality of the discussions on the dais. He is going to suggest that the commission consider using the Miami-Dade County Commission’s rules of procedure “as a model because it is digestible and easy to understand,” he said.

Suarez an attorney hopes to bring it to the commission in a future meeting in the form of an ordinance after a preliminary discussion with fellow commissioners, “that may include a time frame on the amount of time the discussion goes on” by the commission. Carollo however cautioned, “That future [commission] chairs may want to put their own spin on it,” and it remains to be seen if Suarez’s idea becomes a Miami ordinance.

Who is the commission vice chair?

Further, Mayor Tomas Regalado told the Watchdog Report Thursday that the commission’s new vice chair would be Commissioner Marc Sarnoff. Sarnoff, an attorney recently won a second four year term in November after getting 53 percent of the eight percent voter turnout for the District 2 election that had four other candidates challenging his incumbency. He was an earlier commission chair back in December 2009 when he and Vice Chair Frank Carollo were the only commissioners on the dais after some commissioners’ removal left vacancies on the body. He was first elected in 2006 and won his first full term in 2007 and in 2009 served as the commission chair before being replaced this year by Commissioner Willy Gort. Suarez will chair his first commission meeting in January.

What about the Miami Marlins stadium?

Regalado said last week one of the little known facts was that Marlin officials David Samson and team owner Jeffrey Loria, along with then county Manager George Burgess, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and others during the final negotiating stages of the over $630 million new stadium contract. These people had rooms at the Grand Bay Hotel across from city hall that now has Miami holding the around $1.3 million property tax bag for the four city owned parking lots next to the stadium. Regalado said about the current U.S. SEC probe into the deal, that then Commission Chair Joe Sanchez received “some $30,000 in campaign contributions” from people associated with the team and Sanchez would bring baseball players to “senior centers” during the campaign when he was running for mayor against Regalado in 2009. The mayor also said the “team gave out free tickets,” to the elderly voters in these retirement centers. The mayor also noted the city was on the hook for $250,000 in maintenance costs every year when it came to the stadiums upkeep and this is money the city really doesn’t have but is obligated to pay, given the way the deal was structured, he said.

Regalado

Sarnoff

Suarez

>>> Miami Bayside Foundation looking to help minority businesses, loans range up to $50,000

The Miami Bayside Foundation under a new executive and board is back in business helping small minority firms in the city get loans from the not-for-profit. The Foundation was under everyone’s radar for years and was overhauled after a spotlight was put on the past organization administration and oversight members and Miami minority businesses located in the city can apply for $10,000 to $50,000 in loans states a brochure found in a Miami commissioner’s office. For more information go to www.miamifundation.org

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Mayor Bower “a fighter” in effort to protect the Beach at county MPO, when it comes to destination resorts and attendant infrastructure challenges

Anyone on the Beach that did not think Mayor Mattie Herrera Bower was not a verbal “expert at fighting” did not see her Thursday at the Miami-Dade County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting and she took on future Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans, and wanted to be part of any discussions to any Miami downtown freeway changes. Bower, not a voting member of the MPO yet, after Miami Beach Commissioner Edward Tobin was the original member on the body but he is going to the police academy said Bower and when it came to state transportation officials. We “want to be on the table, at the table, in the table but somewhere on the table early on,” when it comes to these highway discussions, now that Genting Resorts is trying to build a $3.5 billion, 10 million square foot hotel, shops and casino complex on The Miami Herald waterfront site and the Omni building in Miami, she told the MPO board. Bower has been holding community meetings on the subject with one most recently Wednesday night at the Botanical Society. Beach residents have been giving her an ear full, some pro and some con to destination casinos and the city’s commission will discuss it this week.

Bower, who decisively won her race for a third two-year term in November is getting her voice and while thanking MPO Chair, Miami-Dade Commission Chair Joe Martinez for allowing her to be at the dais with the other MPO members. She also stuck to her guns about Miami Beach being involved early on when it came to these transportation infrastructure issues and future planning since the only way to get to the Beach is by causeways.

Bower

>>> Beach activist and attorney Frank Del Vecchio calls for residents to rise up and oppose destination resort gambling

Email from Del Vecchio: Billionaire Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn is trying to squelch Miami Beach opposition to destination casinos by dangling the possibility that he will build a convention/casino complex for us. [“Las Vegas mogul endorses Beach for casino site”, Nov. 10 Herald article by Douglas Hanks.] http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/11/09/2494150/las-vegas-gambling-mogul-eyes.html#storylink=misearch This dangerous flirtation distracts us from the clear and present danger of a massive casino/convention center on the Herald/Omni site. The “Destination Casino” bill pending in the state legislature must be defeated to clear the way for an upgraded Convention Center on the Beach and avoid the nightmare of gridlock on MacArthur and Venetian Causeways. The casino bill can be defeated in the state legislature, but not if residents buy in to Wynn’s game.

Miami Beach knows better than to be taken in by the Las Vegas hard sell and the illusion of easy money. The sooner we scuttle the Destination Casino bill the sooner we can upgrade our convention center, capitalizing on our city s unique concentration of architecture, pedestrian ambience, art, music and dance, climate and beachfront. Casino industry hype is so intense; Miami Beach commissioners need confirmation that residents oppose casinos in Miami-Dade. >>> They will vote on this at their December 14 city commission meeting (item to be heard after 5PM). Opportunities for resident input: Chamber of Commerce “Gaming Forum”, 5:30PM-7:30PM Tuesday, Dec. 13, Convention Center Hall D — City Commission discussion item, after 5PM Wed., Dec. 14, city commission chambers Residents should e-mail the mayor and commissioners on this matter: mayorBower@miamibeachfl.gov, Deede@miamibeachfl.gov, Ed@miamibeachfl.gov, Jerry@miamibeachfl.gov, Jonah@miamibeachfl.gov, Michael@miamibeachfl.gov, Jorge@miamibeachfl.gov

>>> Press release: Free NWS Concert for Miami Beach Residents – Miami Beach residents are invited to “Sights & Sounds of the Season,” a free New World Symphony holiday concert on Saturday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. The complimentary tickets are available at the New World Symphony box office, 500 17 Street, Miami Beach. Tickets are available to residents with valid proof of residency on a first-come basis. The concert is made possible by the City of Miami Beach as part of its agreement with the New World Symphony.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES

>>> Mayor Cason says Biltmore Hotel agreement “hopefully resolved,” at Tuesday’s commission meeting after years of haggling

A resolution may be coming up at the Tuesday commission meeting concerning the Historic Biltmore Hotel lease and the over $5 million in back rent they owe the city. The Watchdog Report contacted Mayor Jim Cason and commissioners last week and Cason emailed back. “[The contract] will be discussed and hopefully resolved this coming Tuesday at the commission [meeting], he wrote. Commissioner Ralph Cabrera, Jr., wrote, “To the best of my knowledge, the City Attorney has been working on “the details” of the agreement and apparently met with Seaway’s lender yesterday. I have requested a briefing from him on the outcome of the meeting and have not yet received one.” The issue of the Biltmore lease and obligations has been a hot button with City Beautiful residents and taxpayers for the last couple of years, though Biltmore representatives say it is not all there fault as has been reported in past Watchdog Reports but it looks like there may be a final resolution to this vexing issue.

>>> OTHER STORIES AROUND FLORIDA

BROWARD COUNTY

>>> Feds charge seven people charged in $120 million national tax fraud scam

Press release: U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Tax Division Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General John A. DiCicco, and Jose A. Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID), Miami Office, announce today’s arraignment of defendants Penny Jones, a resident of Rigby, Idaho, and Christopher Marrero, a resident of Davie, Florida, on an indictment charging them for their participation in a $120 million tax fraud scheme. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas. Both defendants entered not guilty pleas this morning at their arraignments before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lurana S. Snow.

The indictment, recently unsealed, charges seven individuals – Jones, Marrero, Michael D. Beiter, Jr., formerly a resident of Coral Springs, Fla., David Clum, Jr., a resident of Whites Creek, Tenn., Dale Peters, a resident of San Mateo, Cal., Laura Barel, a resident of Lauderhill, Fla., and John Michael Smith, Jr., a resident of Hidden Hills, Cal. – with participating in a scheme to file false tax returns. Barel had been previously charged by a criminal complaint in May 2011. Arraignments are pending for Beiter, Clum, Peters, and Smith. According to the indictment, the false return scheme was national in scope, causing the filing of tax returns for at least 180 clients from 30 different states, requesting more than $120,000,000 worth of fraudulent tax refunds. The indictment alleges that the defendants and clients of the scheme collectively filed more than 380 tax returns, mostly from tax year 2008 but also for other tax years, reporting the amount of their personal debt obligations as both income and as federal tax withholding.

The indictment alleges that the scheme was premised upon the fraudulent “redemption theory” argument that individuals are not responsible for their common, personal debt obligations such as home mortgages, unpaid credit card bills, and lines of credit, and may instead seek money from the IRS to repay these outstanding obligations. As part of the scheme, defendants prepared and caused to be prepared false IRS Forms 1099-OID, Original Issue Discount, and 1099-A, Abandoned Property, on behalf of the scheme’s clients. According to the indictment, defendants held seminars in Florida and Tennessee in which they recruited potential clients. The indictment and other publicly filed documents allege that clients paid $750 to have defendants prepare a tax return reporting this type of “OID” income, and that clients agreed to share 10% of their tax refund with defendants. Previously, in a separate case in Fayetteville, Ark., a client of the scheme, Philip Butcher, formerly of Rogers, Ark., was charged with filing false claims for tax refunds.

According to the indictment in that case, Butcher filed two tax returns reporting his loans as OID income and tax withholding, claiming tax refunds totaling $1,456,696. The IRS paid Butcher $672,781. Jones was previously enjoined by a federal court from preparing tax returns. >> An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Jones, Beiter, Clum, and Peters each face 215 years in prison, Barel faces 25 years, Marrero faces 30 years, and Smith faces 75 years. All of the defendants are also subject to fines and mandatory restitution if convicted. These cases were investigated by Special Agents of the IRS – Criminal Investigation. Trial attorneys Jed Silversmith and Jonathan Marx of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertha Mitrani are prosecuting the case. More information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/tax. 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.

>>> Mortgage broker & straw buyer plead guilty to multi-million mortgage scam scheme

Press release: Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Vance Luce, Acting Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Miami Field Office, and Tom Grady, Commissioner, State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, announced that defendant Jinnie Mathurin, 42, of Coral Springs, pled guilty yesterday to wire fraud in connection with her participation as a mortgage broker in a mortgage fraud scheme. Defendant Guhier Florvilus, 36, of Sunrise, previously pled guilty (on November 3, 2011) to wire fraud in connection with his participation in a mortgage fraud scheme. Sentencing for defendant Jinnie Mathurin has been scheduled for February 28, 2012 at 10:30 AM before U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks. Sentencing for defendant Guhier Florvilus is scheduled for January 12, 2012 before Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel T.K. Hurley. The defendants each pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 134. Each defendant faces up to thirty years’ incarceration on the wire fraud charges.

According to documents filed and statements made in court, defendant Jinnie Mathurin was a mortgage broker licensed by the State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation and defendant Guhier Florvilus acted as a straw buyer of a home in Broward County. These defendants and others engaged in a scheme to enrich themselves by fraudulently causing Broward County real estate to be bought and sold through straw buyers who obtained high value mortgages based upon fraudulent mortgage loan applications and closing statements. Furthermore, the defendants submitted documents to the mortgage lenders reflecting a significantly inflated price for the properties than the true value of the properties. Both defendants also received wire transfers from the closing agency responsible for the property closings. In this regard, defendant Guhier Florvilus received a wire transfer from a closing agency of $382,101 for his participation as a straw buyer. Based on the false documents submitted to financial institutions, mortgage lenders issued approximately $2,835,000 in loans to the defendants and others. >>> Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Secret Service and Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Katz. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

>>> 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

>>> TaxWatch press release: Re: Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock’s Presentation to the Board of County Commissioners

A statement from Florida TaxWatch Vice President for Research Robert Weissert —“The recent Florida TaxWatch analysis of Palm Beach County, Analysis of the Unreserved Funds, Debt, and County Property Utilization in Palm Beach County, aimed to draw attention to the need for comprehensive fiscal reform. Florida TaxWatch agrees with Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock that one important reform would be the creation of a comprehensive fund balance plan to guide the County in the future. We commend Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock for focusing on this issue and continuing to discuss these problems with Palm Beach County.
The independent research conducted by Florida TaxWatch has found that reform is needed, and our organization stands strongly with Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock in her longstanding and ongoing reform efforts. Florida TaxWatch looks forward to working with her, the Board of County Commissioners, civic groups like the Palm Beach Civic Association and Taxpayer Action Board, and the Palm Beach community on these needed reforms to improve fiscal stewardship and transparency in Palm Beach County for the benefit of all the taxpayers of Palm Beach County.” A pdf of this statement can be found here

>>> Gov. Scott announced the appointment of Elizabeth B. Marshall to the Board of Landscape Architecture.

Marshall, 52, of Palm Beach, is a self-employed landscape architect. She is appointed for a term beginning December 9, 2011, and ending October 31, 2013. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott taps J. Scott Duncan, of Pensacola, to the First Judicial Circuit Court.

Duncan, 39, has practiced with Borowski and Duncan P.A. since 2002. Previously, he was an assistant state attorney with the First Judicial Circuit from 1997 to 2002, where he coordinated the Escambia County Drug Court Program from 2000 to 2002. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from Florida State University.

“Throughout his legal career, Scott has had experience with complex cases that have required intensive research of legal principles and thoughtful application of the law,” Governor Scott said. “His ability to quickly analyze issues and make informed decisions based on the rule of law will enable him to be an effective Circuit Judge.” Duncan will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Nikolas P. Geeker.

VOLUSIA COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott today names Steven Henderson of Port Orange to the Volusia County Court.

Henderson, 38, has been an assistant state attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the Seventh Circuit since 2003, where he currently manages misdemeanor and juvenile crimes prosecutors. Previously, he was an admissions counselor at Florida Metropolitan University from 1998 to 2000 and at Stevens-Henager Business College from 1997 to 1998. Henderson received a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a law degree from Florida State University. “Steven’s life experiences, service to others and work as a prosecutor have developed his skills and shaped his temperament to work hard and listen to others,” Governor Scott said. “As a manager, he has carefully worked to apply the law on a daily basis, and I am confident he will use the same diligence as a county court judge.” Henderson will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge David B. Beck to the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

St. LUCIE COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott taps Mark H. Gotz to the St. Lucie Fire District.

Gotz, 62, of Port St. Lucie, is the owner of MH Realty Associates. He succeeds Frances A. Hutchinson and is appointed for a term beginning December 6, 2011, and ending January 16, 2013.

MADISON COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott names Thomas R. “Tommy” Hardee of Madison, new Supervisor of Elections.

Hardee, 37, has been an insurance agent with Odiorne Insurance since 2009 and a volunteer firefighter with Madison Fire Rescue since 2000. Previously, he was an insurance agent with Aflac from 2006 to 2009, a supervisor with Packaging Corporation of America from 2000 to 2006 and a fireman with Madison Fire Rescue from 1994 to 2000. Hardee has been chairman of Friends of the Hospital since 2009 and served on the Madison County Zoning Board from 2006 to 2008. He attended North Florida Community College and the Florida Fire College. Hardee will serve during the suspension of Jada Williams.

GULF COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott picks Leah O. Dunn, James W. McKnight and Ralph C. Roberson to Board of Trustees, Gulf Coast State College.

Dunn, 56, of Panama City, has been the chief executive officer of Gulf Resources L.L.C. since 2008, Cobroc Med L.L.C. since 2005 and Dunn Properties L.L.C. since 2001. She has also been the chief financial officer of DSI L.L.C. since 2003. Dunn has served as board chair and advisory chair of the Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida and has been a member of the Florida Medical Association Alliance and the Bay Education Foundation. Dunn received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. She succeeds Charles Isler and is appointed for a term beginning December 8, 2011, and ending May 31, 2015.

McKnight, 59, of Wewahitchka, has been the chief operating officer of North Florida Child Development since 2010. Previously, he was an administrator at Crenshaw Community Hospital from 2005 to 2008 and chief executive officer at Doctors’ Memorial Hospital from 1999 to 2004. McKnight has been a member of the Gulf County Planning and Development Review Board since 2010 and was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Luverne, Alabama, from 2005 to 2008. He received an associate degree from Hillsborough Community College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree from the University of St. Francis. He succeeds Linda Wood and is appointed for a term beginning December 8, 2011, and ending May 31, 2015.

Roberson, 59, of Port St. Joe, is a certified public accountant and has been the owner of Roberson and Associates P.A. since 1997. From 1993 to 2001, he served on the board of trustees of Gulf Coast Community College. Roberson has been a member of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce since 1987, the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce since 1986 and the Florida Institute of CPAs since 1979. From 1985 to 2006, he was a member of the Rotary Club of Port St. Joe where he served as president and director, and he is also a past member of the Florida Association of Community Colleges. He received an associate degree from Tallahassee Community College and bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida. He succeeds James Norton and is appointed for a term beginning December 8, 2011, and ending May 31, 2014. The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

LEON COUNTY

>>> Press release: Gov. Scott taps Joseph R. Boyd to the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board.

Boyd, 42, of Tallahassee, is an attorney at Boyd, DuRant and Sliger. He is appointed for a term beginning December 6, 2011, and ending October 31, 2012. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

EDITORIALS

>>> Leaders that bristle at people looking into their financials tip off the press, most good politicians say, “It is what it is.”

A Broward Municipal elected leader last week wondered why I was so interested in officials financial disclosures and whether they were in financial trouble last week when he stopped in at Miami City Hall for a swearing-in ceremony and he said many people these days have fiscal issues, and why the interest. The interest would not be there if these officials were just citizens but when it comes to their role in watching over public tax dollars, that fact is what gets the Watchdog Report’s attention and in some ways may make them vulnerable to be unduly influenced when money is waved in their face. Many elected leaders wave off this issue of accepting inappropriate money (Or bribes) but when one is down and out, has a family to raise, yet is still a lawmaker. It can be a tempting alternative that the past decades has shown in South Florida is not regulated to anyone ethnic group, but is an affliction that is common in one way, a willingness to sell your political and civic soul.

Public Corruption has been with us since the dawn of time in one way or another but in today’s world of limited public tax dollars and the desperate needs of the South Florida residents we don’t have money or time for this activity and while it is less prevalent in Miami-Dade and Broward than years ago, it is still going on and has helped lead to the lack of trust so prevalent with voters and the public in their community leaders over the years. And one of the only ways to keep these corrupt forces in check, besides the U.S. attorney and state attorneys offices is an inquisitive press and is why most weeks. I list people’s net worth next to their name if they are elected leaders. Further, while this week I did not plug in leaders numbers because on Saturday I had a cold and lost some writing time. I still did get five state leaders financial disclosures that I have reviewed and the interesting part about this practice is most people accept this is public information and is part of being a public figure. But others bristle at what they consider an intrusion into their lives and that is a sure fire give away that while they may be okay. They need to be watched because most politicians just go with the flow saying, “It is what it is,” and that is how it should be because legitimate elected officials know what the rules are when they ran. And if that is a problem for you now, don’t jump into the political arena, for when public tax dollars are involved it is everyone’s business who is looking after this money, especially when those same watchdogs are broke themselves.

LETTERS

>>> Reader on new Miami Marlins Stadium in Little Havana

I live in the neighborhood near the Miami Marlins stadium, and feel grateful to have a professional sports team here again. The business deal with the Marlins may, or may not have been the most favorable financially, short-term. But in the longer term, the people employed, taxes generated, ripple effects, and free publicity generated for South Florida by a beautiful world-class facility, that we almost lost, is all to the good. Let’s take a second look in twenty years.
Miami history is littered with skeletons of lost opportunities botched by our short-sighted politicians, fixated on the next election. First, they botched the Orange Bowl, which Maurice Ferre tried so hard to save, and then-commissioner Joe Carollo opposed. Because of that botched deal, Miami lost the Orange Bowl, professional sports venue with a national reputation, host to some of the games during the Atlanta Olympics; and lost the Miami Dolphins, and University of Miami college football, which played at the Orange Bowl.

Next, they botched the now-demolished Miami Arena, a white elephant; and our professional ice hockey team, the Florida Panthers, left Miami because of that. Then we nearly lost the Miami Heat before the American Airlines Arena was built, and Miami Arena was abandoned as professional sports venue. And there is Miami Marine Stadium, abandoned and allowed to decay. Where would Miami be, had we had wiser politicians who had not botched those opportunities; and all those teams were still here, with their consequent ripple effects? I expect that our image would have benefited, that more people would have work, more tourists would have come down, and that our tax base could have gone nowhere but up. Instead, we are close to being the poorest major city of the nation, in need of a better image, and badly in need of attracting a better tax base.

O.D.

>>> Reader corrects the Watchdog Report

It is a small world among United Way of Miami-Dade fundraisers. I was President of the Miami Herald Publishing Company from 1994 to 2001. I was never The Herald’s CFO, though I was its controller in the mid-80s.

Joe Natoli
University of Miami Chief Financial Officer

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 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 G. 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
Small Business Supporters $250
Individual Supporter $150
Student Supporter $ 75
Any amount $

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