Watchdog Report Vol. 16 No. 23 October 11, 2015 EST.05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating 16 Years of weekly publishing

>>> 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 www.knightfoundation.org   to maintain my webpage. The Watchdog Report webpage is free, has no pops-up and is just the news in a mainstream reporting manner.

>>>> The Watchdog Report publisher is in trouble and needs fiscal help and new Sponsors. For 16 years now, I have reported back weekly how your billions of public dollars in local government are being spent. And how to do that is at the end of the WDR. Thank You. And to my Supporters and Sponsors, I thank you for your confidence over the past 16 Years. >>> I will also be on WLRN 91.3 FM on Nov. 2, Monday before Election Day on Topical Currents hosted by Joe Cooper and Bonnie Berman at 1:00 p.m. on 91.3 FM, and the local elections will be one of the hot topics on the show. >>> Correction in a letter last week on composting another author, not attributed was Jackie Gobie. I apologize for the error.

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the Street

>>> In CNN debate Clinton gets new lease on political life, others become an afterthought after performance, challenger Sanders dispels email sever controversy, for her and that people are tired of it

Well the Democratic Party voters got their first look at the pack of presidential candidates during the CNN debate Wednesday and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was the clear winner and she seemed to grow stronger from the audiences response and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I Maine, gave her a pass and her supporters are quite now about her faltering candidacy but Vice President Joe Biden was the clear loser. As he continues to mull if he will jump into the six person race that looked possible when Clinton was fading in the polls but has rebounded back after the debate. But there is still an FBI investigation concerning a computer server’s security dogging her race. But the event not as highly watched as the GOP debates still had some 15.3 million viewers and the last such big turnout was when President Barack Obama debated Clinton in 2008, and had 8.3 million viewers, states http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/14/15m-viewers-tuned-in-for-democratic-presidential-debate-cnn.html

And GOP front runner Donald Trump tweeted comments through the debate and his poll trending is still positive, and candidates Jeb Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio are still trailing though Rubio had a good fundraising quarter and has kept his expenses low versus Bush who has spent a lot on national campaign infrastructure and staff in key battle ground states as the Party’s primary evolves around the nation in the months ahead. But the two Florida favorite sons are competing for many of the same Republican donors and Jeb and Rubio have yet to catch fire with the GOP faithful and some of the other candidates like Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, are still at the bottom of the fundraising quarter. And the physician may possible may have to defend his senate seat as discontent in the Republican Leaning state is shifting. And voters want him to do his job in the senate and to give up the campaign but he is defiant and believes he will prevail http://news.yahoo.com/concerned-gop-push-rand-paul-focus-senate-election-073456585–election.html

And while Clinton had a good fundraising period Sanders is also holding his own in campaign contributions

And Sanders who comes off as a grumpy grandfather during the debate is still riding high in the polls but Clinton’s numbers have gone up as well and Sanders is still appealing to millennials with his plan on doing away with student loans that are a fiscal albatross to these new voters just entering the workforce. Where conventional nine to five jobs are scarce and in short supply with many workers free lancing in jobs trying to get work experience while looking for a permanent job and Sanders is resonating with these younger voters, who have yet to demonstrate their political clout in the electoral process. And all the candidates were skewered on Saturday Night Live last night and to see the show go to http://www.people.com/article/larry-david-bernie-sanders-saturday-night-live and Sanders came off the worst and given the role of social media it remains to be seen if the satire impacts his followers who are a passionate bunch of voters and he is currently tied with Clinton in New Hampshire polls.

Zogby report card: Obama gets boost when no Dems attack during debates

Press release: It wasn’t the best week for President Obama, having to junk his promise to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, but he was given respect by the five Democrats during their first presidential debate and that’s good enough for pollster John Zogby to give POTUS a grade of B in this week’s Obama Report Card. From John Zogby: “President Obama had to backtrack on his promise to have all U.S. troops out of Afghanistan by the end of this year. Taliban gains are coming in fast and furious. http://zogbyanalytics.com/news/662-zogby-report-card-obama-gets-boost-when-no-dems-attack-during-debates

>>> The Democrats’ Dream Ticket Doesn’t Include Hillary

Zogby press release: There is an old saying that when Democrats form a firing squad they do it in a circle. While the Republicans have certainly learned how to do the same, the Democratic National Committee is back at it. Just when party leaders thought they could breathe a sigh of relief that their frontrunner (former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton) met positive expectation for her debate performance and the deputy frontrunner (Vermont Senator Bernie Senator Bernie Sanders) generated a lot of enthusiasm without laying a glove on the champ, word comes that there is trouble in the party after the debate. First, two vice-chairs charged this week that DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz has been acting autocratic and not consulting other party leaders about the skimpy presidential debate schedule. While the chair denies this, word is leaking out that she has issued the moral equivalent of a fatwa about having only six debates and is seen as stacking the deck for Mrs. Clinton. http://zogbyanalytics.com/news/661-the-democrats-dream-ticket-doesn-t-include-hillary

>>> John Zogby Forbes.com Contributor: It is a sad state of affairs when a bona fide Renaissance man cannot get traction in the race for this nation’s Presidency. We have seen the likes of Winston Churchill – author, wit, strategist, Cabinet Minister, hero in the United Kingdom and Vaclav Havel, already an iconic poet and playwright in then Czechoslovakia, led a revolution and rose to the presidency. But not here in the United States. Guys like that don’t have a chance. The Jim Webb Story is big screen Hollywood. He grew up in a military family, served in Vietnam where he became a decorated hero, was Assistant Secretary of Defense then Secretary of the Navy under President Reagan. He also served as counsel to the House of Representatives on veteran’s affairs, taught at the US Naval Academy, and devoted much of his adult life in defending both the lives and honor of his fellow combat veterans. He defeated a popular US Senator in Virginia and left the Senate of his own volition after one term. In his perhaps most famous moment, this grizzled war hero confronted the President of the United States and chastised him for the colossal mistake of going into Iraq. He has written ten best-selling novels and is worth millions of dollars. And there is more. Please click on the link below to view the full release: http://zogbyanalytics.com/news/660-what-happened-to-jim-webb

>>> History Miami on Jun. 26 to Jan.17 2016 features a major and moving Operation Pedro Pan exhibit, and includes comments from U.S. Sen. Martinez, Miami Mayor Regalado, to Codina, one of the many boys sent to freedom leaving their parents back in Cuba, unknown if parents were to be seen again and has changed the fabric of Miami since the 1960 airlift, and the exodus of 14,000 Cuban children

And the History Miami Museum is celebrating its 75^th anniversary and an upcoming moving display of Operation Pedro Pan is being chronicled and includes interviews of the 14,000 children sent from Cuba to Miami. After Fidel Castro took over and it is a moving exhibit after the Watchdog Report saw the promotional piece on the exhibit including comments from former U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and a host of other children who said good bye to their parents in the Havana airport’s “fish bowl,” not knowing if they would ever be seen again or would join them in Miami. Where many were welcomed by members of their extended families and for more go to http://www.historymiami.org/events/details/pedro-pan-at-55-lawyers-and-the-legal-profession-looking-back-and-looking-forward/2015-10-22/ and for more on the Pedro Pan airlift, exodus by the Catholic Charities go to http://www.pedropan.org/category/history

>>> Dan Marino Foundation teams up with Badia Spices to help support children with autism, something appearing across all ethnic groups kids

Webpage info: Badia Spices invites consumers to join their efforts in support of children and young adults living with autism. From now through December 31st, 2015, when you purchase a bottle of Badia (1 LT) Extra Virgin Olive Oil anywhere in the world where Badia Spices are sold, Badia Spices will donate 5% of the proceeds from that sale to The Dan Marino Foundation. Badia Spices believes that being a member of a community means giving back through charitable and community investment. As such, the company supports a variety of charitable and educational organizations. Through the course of the past ten years, Badia Spices and the Badia Family have contributed millions in financial contributions and in-kind donations to a variety of local and national institutions. The family’s efforts on a broad sense have focused on education, healthcare, women’s issues, youth sports, and underserved communities. For more than 23 years, The Dan Marino Foundation has been serving the autism community through unique, impactful initiatives, like Marino Campus – a post-secondary educational opportunity for young adults with developmental disabilities, ages 18-28. The Campus, which opened in 2014, was the logical next step in furthering the Foundation’s mission of “empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.” Badia Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a rich nutty flavor with delicate notes of fruitiness. The Olive Oil is made from the first cold press of Manzanilla, Arbequina, and Lechin and Picual olives. Aside from all the attributed health benefits of olive oil, it is bottled with the promise of full aroma, freshness, rich flavor. “Badia Spices is looking forward to once again partnering with The Dan Marino Foundation,” said Joseph “Pepe” Badia, President of Badia Spices. “This partnership enables us to support the Foundation and Marino Campus, in providing state of the art programing and services for children, teens and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities on their path to independence.” Over the last three years with the support of its customers through the “Go the Extra Yard for Those with Autism Campaign”. Badia Spices has raised more than $300,000 for The Dan Marino Foundation and the Marino Campus programs for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. “We are continually grateful for the friendship and support of Pepé Badia. It is a privilege for all of us at the Foundation to be a part of the Badia Spices family, stated Dan Marino, Chairman of The Dan Marino Foundation. I hope Badia Spices and their customers realize the significant impact they have in changing the lives of the young people we serve.” ABOUT BADIA SPICES: Established in 1967 by Jose Badia, Badia Spices is the world’s leading privately Hispanic-owned spice manufacturer with 2012 sales totaling over $100 million. Badia Spices has brought to market the finest ingredients from all corners of the world, making it a favorite among all types of cooks. More than 350 different products are prepared, packaged and shipped to 70 countries and the entire United States. In addition Badia Spices is committed to offering their consumers the highest quality. Badia Spices has added an Organic and Gluten-Free line, and is proud to have its products certified by Safe Quality Foods, an audit recognized around the world as being one of the most rigorous and credible food safety management systems in the marketplace today. For more information, visit the company’s website badiaspices.com.

>>> Knight Foundation’s Cities Challenge grant program open, looking for big ideas for community engagement

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Cities Challenge Grant Program is open Oct.1 and Knight program director Matt Haggman discussed the offering last week on Topical Currents hosted by Joe Cooper and Bonnie Berman on WLRN/NPR 91.3 F.M., https://www.newschallenge.org/ and to listen to the show got to http://wlrn.org/post/knight-cities-challenge-funding-innovators-ideas-making-cities-more-sustainable And the program is open to all even if you are not a IRS 501.C3 and all you need is a good idea to make your community more sustainable and informed, Given the Foundation is the premier organization for the Arts and innovative journalism in this changing world of the press in the digital age. Editor’s note: The Watchdog Report has been honored to have the Foundation as an initial Founding sponsor back in 2000, when Hodding Carter, III, a former Press Secretary for President Jimmy Carter. And the Princeton University graduate told me what I was doing was important and fundamental reporting. Since I was covering public meetings where other press was not there and that encouragement has been with me over the past 16-years and I am forever grateful for Carter’s words of encouragement especially when it came to security. An issue I was having in the early years. And for more on Carter who is a professor at UNC Chapel Hill go to http://www.tcf.org/experts/detail/hodding-carter-iii

>>> From the Knight Foundation’s web page: About Knight Cities Challenge

What is your best idea to make cities more successful? The Knight Cities Challenge seeks new ideas from innovators who will take hold of the future of our cities. From Oct. 1 to Oct. 27, 2015, we invited applicants from anywhere to tell us their ideas for making the 26 Knight communities more vibrant places to live and work. From a pool of $5 million, we’re looking to award grants at the city, neighborhood and block levels, and all sizes in between.

What is the goal?

The challenge is designed to help spur civic innovation at the city, neighborhood, and block levels, and all sizes in between. In particular, we hope to generate ideas that focus on one or all of three key drivers of city success: attracting talented people, expanding economic opportunity and creating a culture of civic engagement.

Who should apply?

The Knight Cities Challenge welcomes anyone with big ideas and the ability to realize them. Applicants may be activists, designers, artists, planning professionals, hackers, architects; everyone is welcome. You don’t have to live in one of the 26 Knight communities to apply, but your project must be located in and benefit one of those communities. No project is too small — so long as your idea is big. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article37161870.html

FLORIDA

>>> At Grove Elementary school, Tucker, “tuff,” takes on a whole new meaning after winning a $100,000, “Live Positively Fitness Center,” grant for a state of the art work out room for strong body and mind, says Gov. Scott with exercise guru Jake Steinfeld, representing the Governor’s Fitness Councils

At Miami-Dade County Public Schools Francis S. Tucker Elementary School, Tucker tuff takes on a whole new meaning after the elementary school in the Coconut Grove Village West was selected for a $100,000 grant given out by the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Council. For an impressive new exercise room dedicated to fitness on the campus and the school’s principle Annette DeGoti, is also a fitness buff. And Gov. Rick Scott came to the ribbon cutting for the impressive workout facility and the driving force of the Foundation is Jake Steinfeld of body building show fame, Body by Jake, and the man is Chair of the Foundation. And the children sitting in the auditorium politely, “All said in unison good morning Mrs. DeGoti,” when she stepped to the podium (and it was almost a movie moment) since it was done so naturally. And the kids were told they could even be governor too if they shoot for the stars academically and past guest speakers have included an astronaut said school board Member Raquel Regalado who told the students they “could be anything they wanted if they “stayed learning and stayed fit,” said the school board member that applied for the grant. And Florida was picked Jake said because Scott “picked up the phone,’ and since no public money was involved, with Coca Cola and Nike being sponsors. Scott supported it whole heartedly, said Jake at the event.

And all the speakers reiterated besides being fit “The most important thing was showing up at school,” and recently the school board and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho noted empirically a host of students with perfect attendance records all got into major schools of higher learning including Syracuse University, Florida International University, and many others and some of the students were in the posse program that helps fund low income kids going to college and is a Carvalho initiative. Below is from the school’s webpage on principal DeGoti: And the Watchdog Report gives the educator a Tip of The Hat for such an impressive event featuring the governor and the school children who were beaming with contagious happiness.

DeGoti

Annette DeGoti Principal As parents or guardians, you are your child’s first teacher and we welcome you as partners in the education of your child. Please assist us in encouraging good attendance and study skills throughout the school year.  We look forward to having you join our Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.) and help us create a positive relationship between home and school and we stand united for the benefit of our children.  I believe that by working together, all students will “A”spire “T”o “A”chieve “G”reatness (A-TAG) and live their lives with an A-TAG ATTITUDE.

>>> Pres release: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) made the following statement regarding news that a Florida Circuit Court judge has ruled on a proposed map apportioning Congressional districts. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “As Pharrell sings, ‘bring me down, can’t nothing’ and that’s the truth since I feel great about today and every day because I love our community. Every part of South Florida and every neighborhood feels just like home to me. Artificial lines make for great headlines but they don’t tell the real story: whether you live in Homestead or Hialeah, West Brickell or West Dade, you’re worried about the same issues. My priorities continue to be fixing our economy, making sure our nation leads on democracy and human rights around the world, and helping our community innovate so that our children will have more opportunities than their parents. Lines or no lines, I work hard for South Florida every day because I know that our strength lies in unity. No matter whose Congressional district you’re in, I’m honored to share my vision for the future with all South Floridians.” And for more on the current redistricting go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article38398038.html

ouse Foreigns Affairs Foreign Relat2ions C

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> With tenth Anniversary of Arsht Performing Arts Center, mission of drawing thousands of residents and school children to the arts an overwhelming success and $1.1 billion economic generator, and the “Arts calms people down,” and we want a “happy and united community,” says now cultural maven Souto at UMSA meeting, after urging more cultural programs run on the county cable station

The Miami-Dade County Commission at a the Unincorporated Municipal Service Area (UMSA) committee meeting last week honored along with all the arts the importance of Culture and the Arts which is coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center of Miami-Dade County and hundreds of thousands of public local school children have gone to free performances and the halls have become a community treasure after starting off with a 20 month delay and the need for more public money. That came from a nearby Miami CRA that has benefited from the twin hall theaters presence costing $472.9 million and the neighborhood is white hot when it comes to real estate, but in the early years of the center’s construction. Commissioners used words like we can’t leave it “just a hole,” and “nightmare,” was another reference word but it did get finished though some things were left for later like sealing the pavers not done when it first opened. And Commissioner Javier Souto who used to refer to the arts centers construction for the “Gucci crowd and wine and cheese people,” but last week he talked about using the county’s cable station for more cultural and arts programs and museums for the health of the community as a whole.

Since he said it is “proven,” the arts can “calm down people in the community.” The long serving commissioner and a former state senator said. Referencing when he went to Columbia just after the drug kingpin “Pablo Escobar,” time and Medellin was rampant with violence. And Souto talked to government leaders, after it had calmed down. And they said it had calmed down after an extensive television campaign back then featuring museums and music and it was “heavy duty,” performances from opera to symphonies and the city got calmer Souto said. And the Arts in Miami-Dade represent some $1.1 billion in community economic impact http://www.miamidadearts.org/arts-economic-prosperity and there is Art Basel waiting in the wings in early December. And for more on the show go to https://www.artbasel.com/miami-beach . And Souto noted only stations like www.WLRN.org  and www.WPBT.org have such “heavy duty,” programs and the county’s cable station could facilitate some of this programing. Since mainstream television stories don’t “uplift people,” and instead are “pushing [them] down.” Souto believes is what the “commercial stations are doing,” excluding WLRN and WPBT and the county should run programs that can be watched by “families,” and appropriate for “boys and girls,” to watch, he insisted. And in Westchester a new performing arts center is being planned by the County and is in the heart of Souto’s commission district, and the new facility will join the South Dade Cultural Arts Center that is in current operation and will allow people from all over the county to have special cultural arts programs available to them and their families. And South Florida is going through a cultural Renaissance and is seen countywide at the public schools where the Watchdog Report had an opportunity to hear Friday. The Coral Gables High School Cavaliers band play at an event featuring Gov. Rick Scott and these young people were swinging having fun and being directed by a young confident women and it was heartening to see these band members so enjoying the experience, that I remember as a young drummer that drove my parents and brothers and sisters nuts at the time, but the activity was a esteem builder for me and forms one of the many experiences of one’s life developing.

Why did Souto want a Sunshine meeting to discuss Homeland Security?

And Souto at the UMSA meeting said he wants to have a “Sunshine meeting,” with other commissioners and it is “urgent,” he said and his insistence is because it involves “Homeland Security,” and “might take us out,” our “boats and neighborhoods,” he warned fellow commissioners and that is “how the cookie crumbles,” when it comes to these discussions he believes but was not more specific from the dais on what possible threat he was referencing.

What about Commissioner Levine-Cava?

And new Commissioner Daniela Levine-Cava after 11 months on the dais has settled into office since she beat Lynda Bell in 2014 for the district that stretches through South Dade and much is considered a rural area and she is a none practicing attorney. Further, she remarked when she was given the commission gavel from Souto for a moment and there was a pause in the proceedings. She joked, “it was going to my head that I am chair for a few minutes,” she laughed and she is a quick learner of the legislative ropes at county hall and is putting in the time and has changed some of the dynamics on the 13 member board generally for the better when it comes to robust discussions on county matters.

MIA starts non-stop service to Vienna and Turkey flights are back at international airport with 6percent rise in Int. visitors, swells CDT revenues to $9.3 million for past month, says tourist Bureau front man Talbert

And the Tourist and Visitors Committee meet last week and William Talbert, III told commissioners that domestic tourism is up 8.3 percent and 9.3 million in tourist taxes came in and is a 9.3 percent increase said the tourism maven. He also noted direct flights with Turkey are beginning and the service is returning after they left and “Bureau dollars,” were helpful in getting the business back, said Talbert. He also noted flights to Vienna were being inaugurated and it is a “direct,” service said the man who is in “the good news business.”

And Commissioner Xavier Suarez wanted to know if any convention development tax funds could be “used for any additional bonding capacity,” to perhaps help pay for Baylink from Miami to the Beach. He inquired. And when it came to currency flocculation’s like in “brazil” where we have been there “thick or thin,” over the years and is a strong market for Miami. Further, he said international tourists are up by “six percent.” And they are watching the currency issue in Brazil.

And Commissioners honored J.D. Patterson, Jr., the County’s Police Director for his 30yaers of service and it was a touching ceremony when he discussed his wife who has never called him a “boyfriend,” and she has put up with all the challenges his job threw at him over the years and the Watchdog Report wishes the law enforcement chief all the best.

J.D. Patterson, Jr.

>>> Local Bahamian pioneer Sir. Lancelot Jones honored by county commission, Levine-Cava did the honors

The County Commission honored Sir. Lancelot Jones for his selling of the land to the National Parks that began Biscayne National Park and the honor included The Mahogany Youth Corporation that teaches children how to fish and enjoy nature and recently had over 20 of the students getting carried as SCUBA divers, and County Commissioner Daniel Levine-Cava did the honors and for more go to http://www.ournationalparks.us/south_florida/biscayne/local_pioneer_his_family_called_park_island_home/ and for more on the organization go to http://www.mahoganyyouth.com/ .

>>> And the public should come out to the Commission Chambers and support the upcoming legislation coming before the Miami-Dade County Commission Oct.20, if approved would establish a Honor Code for county employees, enforced by the ethics commission and below is the Commission’s press release on the matter.

>>> County Committee moves ahead on Honor Code, great idea and should be considered by the BCC

Ethics Commission press release: A Miami-Dade County Commission committee today took a step forward to adopting a Public Service Honor Code for elected officials and employees.  The Strategic Planning and Government Operations Committee voted 5-0 to approve the proposal, initiated by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust (COE). If the resolution, implementing order and ordinance – all sponsored by Commissioner Rebeca Sosa — are adopted by the full Commission and implemented by the County, all officials and employees would be obliged to follow an honor code of conduct that revives a long-ignored 1964 County Administrative Order requiring that they report criminal government misconduct to appropriate authorities when they know about it.  It adds directives that employees monitor their workplaces for misconduct, place the public interest ahead of personal loyalties, and cooperate truthfully with investigations.  Failure to abide by the code could result in disciplinary action. “It is time to bring a public service honor code into all levels of Miami-Dade County government,” said COE Executive Director Joseph Centorino.  “No one whose primary duty is to serve and protect the public may be said to perform that duty adequately by remaining a bystander after becoming aware of corrupt practices by a colleague or supervisor.” Also today, the BCC Committee adopted a resolution proclaiming Thursday, October 22^nd as Ethical Governance Day 2015.  The resolution echoes the Ethics Commission call for all public and private institutions and residents to participate in appropriate civic or educational ethics programs.  In addition, for the fourth year in a row, the COE will place community leaders in almost every 12^th grade government and economics class on that day to emphasize the importance to high school seniors of civic engagement.   For more information or to volunteer, visit www.ethics.miamidade.gov

GMCVB press release: RECORD ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD SERVICE JOBS IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REPORTED FOR   SEPTEMBER 2015 MARKING 5 YEARS AND 9 MONTHS OF CONSECUTIVE JOB INCREASES
Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service jobs increased 4.7% in September 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. This marks 5 years and 9 months of consecutive increased employment in Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service Industry.

Record Greater Miami Accommodations and Food Service Jobs
September 2015	September 2014	% Change
120,000	114,600	+4.7%

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Board honors 10^th Anniversary of Adrienne Arsht Center, Chair Eidson singled out for support of so many “education programs,” hundreds of thousands of students see performances for free, culture is “proven to make for a quitter, happy united community, “says Commissioner Souto who used to criticize the “beautiful people, the wine and cheese crowd, but twin halls are a major success and community asset

The Miami-Dade School Board honored the Adrienne Arsht Centers of Miami-Dade County’s Tenth Anniversary with a Resolution for “Its education programs,” and its long time chair of the PACT board Mike Eidson. For his service and his law firm Colson Hicks Eidson has donated “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” to the center, said the Center’s CEO John Richard and the facilities are named after philanthropist and financier Adrienne Arsht who has donated around some 40 million and has placed the organization on a good financial foundation though further donations are expected and the packed two hall theater has given free tickets to thousands of public school students and has become community jewel, and after a pipe burst a few years ago. The center opened the next day and the repairs were done quickly, and the show went on, with hardly a hic-up at the time after water flooded all the patrons who got out without incident and was the result of the professional staff and numerous volunteers that commit time and enthusiasm for the signature Centers celebrating a decade in operation and the Watchdog Report contacted Eidson on the honor at the school board Wednesday and he responded, “We do everything we can to include the kids at the Arsht Center. There was a lot of love in the room with the parents and the entire board and superintendent,” which I agree with, wrote the long serving chair of the PACT. But residents don’t realize how much money is saved by these community volunteers and around the county it is in the millions and at the Arsht Center, you might even be seated by the halls namesake that she is known to do and sets the tone for all the other volunteers. And to see all the programs and community benefits go to http://www.arshtcenter.org/Education-Community-Engagement/How-We-Give-Back/ and for more on the Trust leadership go to http://www.arshtcenter.org/About-Us/Board-Lists/ and financier Alan Fein is the new chair of the PACT board with Eidson stepping down.

Arsht

Fein

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Past PHT trustee Dr. Rosenbaum introduces herself to the County commission, other two applicant’s bankers Heffernan and Henriques, will get the same opportunity to speak

PHT board applicant Judy Rosenbaum, PH.D. a former trustee on the old board PHT board of 17 later dissolved by the commission, and replaced with the smaller financial recovery board and she was on the sort list and ranked third at the PHT Nominating Council meeting and County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson is the ranking person and represents the commission and the council picked two well-known bankers and philanthropists for one of the slots Commission. Where Rosenbaum got a shout out by County Commissioner Daniel Levine-Cava who said she was very experienced and brought “skills not found on the current board,” Levine-Cava remarked at the meeting. But Edmonson believed they should stick with the Council process, where the applicants were interviewed and had William Heffernan and Adolpho Henriques ahead of Rosenbaum and that slate of three names will go to the full County Commission for a vote. ( and the other applicants are expected to introduce and explain themselves to commissioners as well) and a frequent joke at the Council meeting was if anyone “had ever gotten a loan from either of them and PHT Board Chair Joe Arriola said he had at the Council meeting and at the time the way Council members were gushing over the men Edmonson joked Arriola was having a ‘bromance,’ as quoted in the Miami Herald and the board takes up an inordinate amount of time given its $1.4 billion budget and any conflicts of interest are watched over by the Miami-Dade County Ethics and Public Trust Commission and the County’s Office of the Inspector General and trustees are public figures and represent the 2.5 million county residents on the oversight board and gets some $350 million in public funding.

And the Trust is facing a big fiscal torpedo in the coming years with the state legislature not expanding Medicaid as the Affordable Care Act proposes and cutting what is known as Lower Income patients (LIP) funding by some $50 million and will hit Jackson a public hospital particularly hard since it gives some $365 million in charity and uncompensated care. And for more on these LIP cuts go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article39511626.html

Latest Construction Projects Jackson is proud to begin work on major initiatives throughout Miami-Dade County, including pursuing our 100-bed inpatient… [Read More]

What about the tumor removal of a Haitian girl at Baptist Health South Florida?

Physicians at Baptist Health did a grueling surgery on a Haitian patient, for free, with a fast growing tumor on her face, and for more on how the system’s surgeons helped her go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article39313206.html. And this is another example of what other health systems are doing for the community after the patient was noticed by a Baptist physician in Haiti and he could not shake it and the physician made arrangements to get the girl the medical treatment she needed, and was impacting her ability to breath and the Watchdog Report was also saved at South Miami Hospital. Where vascular surgeon Jorge Rafael Rabaza, M.D., did an extensive operation on me at 4:00 a.m., since “I could not wait,” “was a flip of the coin,” whether I would live,” since I was septic at the time, and for that I am forever grateful. And I give Baptist a Tip of The Hat for arranging for this lifesaving medical intervention and the not-for-profit has a strong pastoral care component since it was founded in 1960 when Kendall Drive was the “road to nowhere,” and Baptist Health is in the process of building a new $400 million Proton Comprehensive Cancer Institute opening in 2016 featuring https://baptisthealth.net/breast-cancer/new-miami-cancer-institute-to-open-in-2016/ . and I write about this because these institutions touch the community in so many ways and are not getting public dollars but are trying to fulfill their mission as a not-for-profit, which they do very well, and Baptist for many is the standard for patient customer service where staff when entering the hospital have a sign that reads “Director of First Impressions,” and that sets the tone that Jackson Health will be competing with when drawing insured patients looking for healthcare, that helps defray the costs of the uninsured patients at Jackson, and also had Baptist funding a clinic at Camillus House a few years ago.

Dr. Rabaza

And what about CPR training at the public schools?

Baptist Health South Florida along with the American Heart Association (AHA) was recognized by the nation’s fourth largest public schools district Wednesday for “training 11,135 students in “Hands-Only CPR,” last year and it is one of the many ways to assist in saving lives through education of students in this time sensitive critical lifesaving activity and the skill is a major contribution to the community’s overall wellness in years to come.

CITY OF MIAMI

>>>> Candidate Sarnoff skips League of Women voter’s debate, suggests race will be done on the airwaves with around $1 million to play with, airwaves target the condominium voters, and key block of voter’s candidates cannot get into see

Teresa Sarnoff the controversial candidate in the Miami District 2 race skipped the recent debate among the other eight candidates held by the League of Women voters at a restaurant at Mary Brickell Village last week and she appears to be running out the clock by the no show, and a campaign piece hit mailboxes from her today crying foul declaring say “No to negative and Dirty Campaigns,” the flyer says with a big red line over several negative ads sent out by the challengers. And the neophyte candidate is expecting her $1 million combined war chest to give her plenty of television campaign ad time, up to the Nov.3 election where a runoff is expected in the low turnout race that makes television ads so critical with Brickell voters in their secure condominiums where candidates are not allowed in except through the airwaves.

And while she says she has walked the district three times, I have had only her husband Marc the nine year commissioner, his wife is trying to follow in office knock on my door. And the attorney dropped off a book detailing his accomplishments while in office but no Teresa yet. And since she is promoting a women is her own person type of campaign, her absence from the debate is odd, where in past debates she looks very tense and is not used to this new enhanced public role. And another debate for the District 2 candidates is being held Oct. 20 at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m., ( that hopefully she will drive to versus having her husband use a sergeant-of-arms officer to Shepard her to the event). At the downtown Hilton and for more go to https://www.miamichamber.com/ to make reservations. And candidate Grace Solaris is cleverly hitting the woman hard in attack campaign pieces that emphasizes the political flip flops the commissioner has done. From going from a Democrat, and her lack of repudiation of the act to a party that helped funding the man at the last minute in the runoff race. And catapult Sarnoff to win his first runoff in 2006 against Linda Haskins who had a significantly larger war chest to more recently appearing in an ad with GOP Gov. Rick Scott saying he was proud to be a Democrat supporting the jobs governor. And Solaris in her campaign asks voters ominously using the bio hazard logo asking, “Are you suffering from Sarnoff Syndrome, and check your symptoms on the back it states.” And on Teresa’s webpage is a ringing endorsement from a physician at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and the FIU medical college and to see the piece written by S. Howard Wittels, M.D., go to http://www.teresasarnoff.com/testimonial/mark-johnson/

And a campaign attack ad from Solaris directed at Ken Russel has a grime image and saying he is guilty of not voting in past local elections so why is he a good candidate? Russell in an interview last week with the Watchdog Report by phone said he is a consistent voter. And in an email Russell wrote, “The allegation stating that I’ve never voted is incorrect. I have voted regularly in federal, state, and local elections since I was 18.  Like many, I was disillusioned with City of Miami government and considered it to be a broken system. Organizing my community with regard to the contaminated parks has made me realize that the system is not broken— just some of the people.” Wrote the candidate on the matter that he is being attacked on by opponents. And Russell got a nice write-up in The Miami Herald and it fleshed out the candidate more for voters and has followed similar profiles of Solaris and Teresa and to read it go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article39543000.html

And the Watchdog Report is hearing lawn signs on private property are being picked up by local Miami code enforcement officers in district 2 and the signs are legal on private property and should not be touched. Since it is a First Amendment Right and should not be occurring if voters are to have a proper election for the coveted District 2 seat on the five member commission and these kind of shenanigans are unacceptable.

>>> Teresa Sarnoff runs her first campaign ad, features her mother and sister how low will she and the other candidates go for Miami District 2, seat being vacated by her termed out husband Marc?

Teresa Sarnoff kicked off her campaign ads, with a shot of her mother and one of her ten sisters speaking about how she had to get along with the crowded family of females, “learned when to compromise,” and when to stand up and she notes she helped get a smaller Home Depot versus the mega store proposed (And help catapult her husband Marc into office and was a major rallying point for many Grovites. And the spot ends with her siblings saying that people should vote for her “because she is ready to serve,” and the airwaves will burn with attack ads claiming she is just another Sarnoff, a controversial figure, and while she insists she would be independent of her husband. Nine year Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff who is termed out and his wife is trying to follow him in office, but she is getting mauled for her lack of public participation prior to announcing her candidacy , saying she was ‘reserved,’ and wanted to be behind the scenes of her husband’s political career. However the couple who went to China with the world Champion NBA Miami Heat team a few years ago when LeBron James was with the team and they both were wined and dined as only the Chinese can do on the trip.

And another trip to Brazil, she took with her husband Marc caught the eye of the County’s Ethics and Public Trust Commission and in her campaign pieces she does not mention any interest in transparency and openness in government. Since her husband comingles his emails doing public business, with his law firm account. And she does not address if she will follow his past policy of talking transparency but doing something else once in office. And that fact has some wondering if she has the same Machiavellian attitude on how to govern as her attorney husband, saying she is supporting all the “Sarnoff initiatives.” She also has not discussed why she went to Guatemala years before marrying her second husband and while emphasizing her large family she does not have a family of her own. And her first campaign piece a partial biography of her life called ‘Teresa’s Story,’ on the second page she proclaims ‘Family is everything,’ but she is an enigma like her husband is. To many people that have dealt with him and he has a fatigue and trust deficit with District 2 voters that she has to overcome, but has yet to address the matter and she is leery of the press and voters should ask. If she respects the institution or will be secretive when around the media like her husband was when he chaired the Center Grove homeowners Association at Coconut Grove Sailing club meetings before he ever ran for office. And he was visually uncomfortable when the Watchdog Report came into the meeting and at the time I blew it off. But he would later be reticent with the press and she needs to address this openness to the press or will she be just a public relations commissioner and have a press aide who will interface with the media. And Sarnoff once thanked me for the fairness and accuracy of a Herald story I did on his election back then but he changed while in office and is now not so pro press. And hopefully is not a tradition his wife will follow.

What about the physician supporting her on her campaign web page and his heaping of praise and what is the connection?

And her sudden entry into the political world caught many people by surprise, and while she is trying to project clear sails on her political voyage, where she has raised $979, 0000, to $1 million for her run for public office. There are shoals expected ahead and a runoff in the crowded race is expected in the low turnout race for the district that snakes along the Miami coast from Coconut Grove to parts of Morningside, cut out of the district during the 2010 redistricting process. And in the last reporting period Oct. 10 she has raised $659,436 for the period and her overall war chest is around $970,000 when her husband’s Pac ( cutely named “Truth is the daughter of time,”) is included and with his help she is a fundraising juggernaut. Candidate Ken Russell has $123,000, plus endorsements from former Mayor Maurice Ferre and former Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton and in his campaign for the period, and Javier Gonzalez has $61,220 for the reporting period and Grace Solaris is reporting $175, 210 that includes a $6,000 loan to her campaign and Lori Woods trails with $23,005. For her upcoming campaign. That will likely result in a runoff race where if the winner gets one vote plus one they win in the winner take all race. And to read all the campaign reports for all the candidates’ go to: http://www.ci.miami.fl.us/City_Clerk/Pages/Elections/CampaignReports15/CampaignTreasurersRpt_G1_Teresa_Sarnoff_Oct09_2015.pdf

What about candidate and activist Grace Solaris?

And longtime activist and candidate Grace Solaris got a nice write up in http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article38679564.html and the longtime activist has worked in the trenches for years. Challenging the status quo at Miami in her own way but she is the candidate that probable best knows some of the shenanigans that have gone on at the city over the decades and she is getting support from Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and County Commissioner Daniela Levine-Cava for her race.

When does early voting start?

Early voting in the City of Miami starts Oct. 24 and ends Nov.1. And absentee ballots will be going out soon so readers should expect the airwaves to heat up as the candidates try to make their case why they are the best candidate for the important office.

>>> Sarnoff growing war chest raising eyebrows, With PAC contributions, grows to $900,000, from developers, special interests, and vendors,  

With almost continuous debates going on between all the candidates running for the Miami District 2 race some of the candidates are getting their verbal licks in and the perceived front runner Teresa Sarnoff, 60, (with $560,000, or around $900,000. If her husband’s PAC is included in her campaign war chest) is trying to follow her termed out husband Marc in the office and if she is elected could extend his influence for another 16 years and in her campaign piece entitled ‘Teresa’s Story.’ She mentions she went to the University of Miami but does not say if she graduated (she did not The Herald reports). Since her father apparently died suddenly and I contacted the candidate, who says she is ‘reserved,’ by email three times asking if she had gotten a degree but as of my publishing date. She has not responded and given the benign nature of the question, since I used both email addresses including the one on her qualification documents to run for office. For this is the big league and Miami commissioners over the years have a mixed reputation, of ignoring media inquiries and is why voters are so skeptical about their commissioners, their temperament and ability to not go nuts with the trappings of power that the commissioner wants to keep in the family.

But she is trying to run a stealth election and condones everything her husband has done and how he treats people, over the past nine years. She claims to be a “listener,” to his my way or the highway attitude, but she is running a muscle political race given the resources available to her. But Miami voters are wary since her husband has a trust deficit. First manifested when he claimed to be the grandson of Gen. David Sarnoff the founder of NBC and made RCA a powerhouse and has his own library at Princeton University. However when contacted by reporters. The family had no idea who Marc was and before a WLRN show on public private partnerships he was asked about the connection. And he responded it is “part of my linage,” he replied at the time. And Teresa has never addressed some of these inconsistencies at any of the debates and while she says she is her own woman she also says she wants to continue the “Sarnoff initiatives,” And she needs to clear the air on some of her husband’s performances including challenging someone to a “fight,” from the dais. And whether her husband is the template for how she would govern but she is mute on these haunting issues. http://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/marc-sarnoff-lies-about-his-lineage-6551033 and to watch one of the more recent debates go to http://www.crespogram.com/index_public_html/INTRO_PAGE.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGfdVyv4NNE

And why is the grandfather thing an issue?

When Marc first ran after he chaired the Coconut Grove Village Council (that used to be televised) the buzz around the man was did I know who he was related to. And I heard this often prior to his running and at his first inauguration, held outside of Miami City Hall. Sarnoff spoke extensively about how his grandfather instilled his deep commitment for transparency, openness, and good government. Further, he referenced quotes from JFK, RFK, and MLK, at the time in 20006 and it was a moving speech. But as one admired former attorney who retired at 92, and has since passed. When I told her the embellishment of the family line, she remarked “that is such a fundamental defect in someone’s soul,” and did not understand why someone would do that. And Teresa, who says she has made three walking sweeps through the district listening to residents’ concerns, but she seems to be condoning all her husband’s past actions, even though it is hindering her race that is expected to be a low turnout race, and absentee ballot brokers will be hard at work, and these votes will essentially assure the winner, and since her husband is knocking on doors, people challenging her commitment she says are “sexist,’ she tells the Miami Herald. But it is difficult separating the candidate from her husband. And for an updated story on the Sarnoff brand and campaign go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/downtown-miami/article37528581.html

What questions would the WDR have asked?

Voters should get on the record that any candidate elected will not use the Commission Sargent-of Arms like a chauffeur, especially since they get a $1,100. Monthly car allowance and whether they will only use only one email account, under the City’s control so the integrity of the messages is protected. When someone might do a public records request of past email traffic, yet has not been followed by Sarnoff. And will the candidates crank back the imperial aspect of being a commissioner, never seen before over the past 16 years of watching Miami government. Further, the candidates need to start going to some of the internal meetings like the Finance Committee meeting if they are to have a clue what is going on. And to read the candidate’s reports go tohttp://www.ci.miami.fl.us/City_Clerk/Pages/Elections/CampaignReports15.asp   And the outgoing commissioner maybe the wife’s biggest hurdle to clear for he is considered a “bully,” and could even become her chief of staff, though people admit that would be political suicide. But she needs to be asked what role her husband might play? And her past response was that “I’m my own person,” is not enough. If she were to win the office in what will be a low turnout race. Where absentee ballot brokers will be the key vote machine and allowed her husband to win back in 2011 by a few votes, which was different from when he first ran and beat then Miami Commissioner Linda Haskins by a two to one vote, even though she had a much larger campaign war chest. Thanks to then Mayor Manny Diaz and his fundraising machine in action. She raised some $750,000, to Sarnoff’s around $350,000 for his campaign at the time. And the man changed after he won his first full term and became a totally different person, very high maintenance and he loves to make demeaning remarks about other people at their expense and Teresa is facing this blowback, as a candidate and she needs to address it, as she campaign’s the Watchdog Report believes.

What about Sarnoff’s email and will it bleed into his wife’s campaign effort?

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, whose wife Teresa says “He is trainable.” He noted at a recent Miami commission meeting. And the Watchdog Report has become aware that the commissioner uses two email accounts when he conducts public business. And I asked his law partner Jay H. Solowsky, if his “server was secure?” last Wednesday and he said the salaw account was supposed to be used “only for business,” but that is not always the case. And Solowsky said the firm’s server “was as secure,” as one can be in today’s world he noted referencing all the cyber-attacks that have hit the nation. And at a Miami Exhibition and Sports Authority (MESA) meeting that Solowsky sits on with Commissioner Sarnoff, Willie Gort and is chaired by Mayor Tomas Regalado. A speaker making a presentation noted the people in the room were very “erudite,” and Sarnoff, quipped he must be talking about only “Solowsky,” but it was a snarky comment the others in the room did not deserve. Update: Sarnoff at Thursday’s commission meeting honored Solowsky with a proclamation saying he is one of the “five smartest people he knows,” and he is the number five,” of them and the snarky comments keep coming from the man who is clearly going to miss the life of an elected Miami commissioners and all the perks that come with it, after voters approved a salary bump for them but included commissioner term limits, something his wife is trying to get around with this election maneuver.

What about the Brickell District 2 debate last week?

The Miami Commission District 2 candidates made their pitch to the Brickell Homeowners Association, moderated by former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora who failed in his mayoral bid. But Brickell is a powerful new voting bloc for a seat that stretches along the coast and the urban downtown and is the largest contributor to the City’s property tax base and general fund and Teresa Sarnoff appeared flat, Grace Solaris, and Lori Woods, and Russell made some headway and to watch the other candidates make their pitch and thanks to investigative reporter and blogger Al Crespo, the event can be seem on video at http://www.crespogram.com/index_public_html/INTRO_PAGE.html and voters can make up their own minds who looks like a candidate they will want to support. And the pack of candidates all said they would be “listeners,” of residents’ concerns and a higher resident satisfaction rating should be achieved. And Ken Russell is calling for developer “impact fees,” to stay in “the District” and he believes we don’t have accountability on how this money is utilized, he said. Candidate Javier Gonzalez said we are in “the service,” business and you are not voting on someone’s staff. You are voting for me. And Teresa Sarnoff is; heading the fundraising race with $563, 0000 and Solaris, Russell all have enough money to run a campaign but the fiscal edge of Sarnoff gives her a ability through television to reach voters in the high rise condominiums, where many voters reside and cannot be entered by candidates as long serving Congresswoman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami found out a few years ago during an election cycle.

Further, Sarnoff the husband knocked on my door recently and he left a canvas bag emblazoned with his name and the seal of the City of Miami, and inside was a book on his achievements in office and what he did to clean up Merri Christmas Park that was contaminated with ash. But the bag was probable bought with public funds since his office has been giving them out for some time, but the man is blurring the line of who is the candidate running for office, she or the husband, and the very official looking bag has no markings that it is a campaign give away item. And Sarnoff, an attorney was once a big President Barack Obama supporter, but in 2012, the man openly supported Florida Gov. Rick Scott and he is an enigma to many people and voters are just getting to know his wife Teresa who has the financing to by-pass voter interaction and just use the television airwaves to make her case in the District 2 commission race. And some of the candidates coming on strong are Grace Solaris and Ken Russell, Lori Woods, and all the candidates are first time runners and excluding Solaris, and Russell are rarely seen at Miami City Hall and that also applies to Teresa. And Solaris is getting help from incumbent Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado raising money for her campaign. And for more on the race go to http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article35858511.html

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Will bump in meter parking rates affect the upcoming elections for mayor and commissioners? effort is attempt to get people to park in city garages, not drive around looking for a spot

A bump in the cost of metered parking on Miami Beach where a 400 percent increase is taking effect,, though stays roughly the same for residents and at parking garages is raising eyebrows after www.local10.com did a piece on it. Where city officials hope to reduce traffic congestion from people driving around looking for a parking spot, and would have them go to the City garages, where it costs $1.00 an hour. But the matter comes right at the time of a contentious mayoral race and a host of commissioners leaving and candidates looking to replace them. And Philip Levine looking to be reelected, and self-financing is finding what was expected to be a cake walk http://www.local10.com/news/metered-parking-prices-increase-in-miami-beach/35890378 continues to get more complicated but the mayor is pressing on his platform and he is facing a low name reconition attorney named David Wieder but it is how the undecided voters break running up to early voting starting Oct. 24 in the days ahead. And to find early voting sites go to file:///C:/Users/DAN%20RICKER/Downloads/EARLY%20VOTING%20DATES%20AND%20LOCATION.pdf But Levine is pressing ahead despite some negative attack ads and even past Mayor Bower is weighing in on the election, of the “get it done mayor,” in a Herald letter and with a new plan for the Miami Beach Convention Center as a key achievement for the mayor and breaks ground after Art Basel is concluded. The convention center is a key tourist economic generator and is expected to boost the city‘s tax revenue coffers.

Further, Levine the mass transit maven has been pushing hard for some form of mass transit from Miami to Miami Beach at the County’s MPO board and the University of Michigan graduate has taken the lead on climate change where some bad luck with the tides and torrential rains highlighted how vexing the water intrusion and flooding has become and is something he must finish after his second term and the businessman is termed out in four years. And the city is getting ready for Art Basel and the construction of a new convention center will begin after the mega art event that brings collectors and artists from around the world and is a huge economic generator And show cases the tony city’s attractions and island beauty and includes a host of celebrities coming many in their own private jets and is an economic shot in the arm for all of Miami-Dade and not just the beach.

>>> Three and a half foot tides causes more flooding after earlier king tides, Mother Nature is not letting up on tony island community

And a 3’ and a half foot tide last week has bedeviled residents again with flooding on the tony island and while the city is trying to mitigate the issue Mother Nature is not cooperating with the city’s efforts to get this problem under control and is likely to become an issue in the upcoming mayor’s race that is heating up with a number of commission seats open and Mayor Philip Levine facing challenger David Weider for the top post, but will be up to voters in what is expected to be a low turnout race.

>>> Candidates Arriola and Weithorn going head to head for Commission V seat on the dais, how low will they go to win coveted spot, but risky political maneuver from Weithorn, whose wife is termed out on the commission

The race for the three open commission seats on the dais is getting heated and candidate Ricky Arriola who has a contract with the city says if he is elected. He will terminate the relationship http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article36330018.html and he is facing Mark Weithorn whose wife Deede is on the dais, but is termed out   http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article34974060.html and because there are just two candidates in the race Arriola, a former Chair of the Arsht Center of the Performing Arts and is a businessman well known in the community. And Weithorn is trying a similar political maneuver as Teresa Sarnoff, trying to follow her husband in office and Deede has been very active on the County’s Homeless Trust board, where she notes the Beach commits considerable resources to the effort and the Certified Public Accountant is well respected and was a good addition to the commission and she has done a solid job, but her husband Mark, a real estate broker will have to convince voters he will be just as vigilant as she was.   http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article17132219.html   and with three commissioners leaving the dais Weithorn, Ed Tobin, and Jonah Wolfson because of term limits. Beach residents will have new faces something voters wanted when they voted for term limits.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

Press release: Gov.Scott taps Rick Watson to the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners.

Watson, 68, of Saint George Island, owns and operates Richard Watson, LLC and is a realtor with Century 21 Collins Realty Inc. Watson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his law degree from Emory University. He is appointed to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Pinki Jackel, for a term beginning October 5, 2015, and ending November 15, 2016.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Press release: Florida International University Presents Miguel “Mike” Benito Fernandez Monday, October 12, 2015 | 2:30 p.m. Graham Center Ballrooms Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC) Florida International University 11200 S.W. 8th Street | Miami, FL, 33199 Complimentary Parking will be available inside Lot 33 for external guests. About The Author: Mike Fernandez is the founder of MBF Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm that invests in healthcare service companies nationwide. Mike has been honored frequently for his business achievements, named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, from St. Thomas University, a degree that acknowledges and celebrates his outstanding achievements as a humanitarian, leader and philanthropist. A gifted storyteller with a terrific sense of humor, he lives in Miami with his wife Constance and their family. HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY is his first book. About the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation: All proceeds from HUMBLED BY THE JOURNEY go to The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) focused on early childhood education, development initiative and “universal readiness” — that is, making available and affordable high quality health, education and nurturing for all children between birth and age 5 in Miami-Dade County, population 2.6 million, Florida’s largest county, with more people than 16 states. In doing so, the initiative works toward the social, physical, emotional and intellectual growth of all children so that they are ready and eager to be successful in the first grade and, indeed, in life. For more information visit: http://www.teachmorelovemore.org/ECIF.asp. Complimentary copy of the book will be provided to all guests in attendance. Click Here to RSVP by October 2, 2015. >>> Grove Rotary Club: The guest speaker at our luncheon this Thursday, October 22nd, is Ron Magill, Communications Director of the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens.  We meet at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club (2990 South Bayshore Drive) at 12:15pm.  The cost for lunch is $20. Ron is an American wildlife expert and photographer.  He is the communications director of the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens and makes regular television appearances across local South Florida networks. Mr. Magill has won three Emmy Awards for his work on the nature documentary programs; Dreams of Alaska, The Amazon & Beyond, and Dreams of the Rain Forest.. Born in New York City, Ron’s family moved to Perrine in 1972.  He attended Palmetto High School and graduated from the University of Florida.  In 1980, he became a zookeeper at Miami Metro Zoo and gradually became lead zookeeper, senior zookeeper and then assistant curator.  Today, Ron remains at the renamed Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, as its communications director and makes regular appearances on television shows.  He has a regular segment on ESPN Radio show The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, where listeners can call in and ask him questions. He has also appeared on several documentaries for the Discovery Channel and the History Channel.  During the 1980s, he handled all the animals used on the Miami Vice television series. In 2006, Ron received the Wildlife Ambassador Award in recognition of his efforts on wildlife preservation. Ron is also director for the Cheetah Conservation Program. Please join us at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club for what promises to be a most interesting and entertaining program!  RSVP at coconutgroverotaryclub@gmail.com See you all Thursday at “the Club”.  Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested in attending. Please note that prior to our lunch program, City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff will be presenting a proclamation plaque to our Club for the goodwill projects we have accomplished in the past years.  We ask that all members, as well as Paul Harris Fellows arrive early for this important presentation.

Editorials

>>> Field of District 2 candidates heating up, ads hitting the airwaves, but the question is will you vote as pathetic electoral turnout mires candidates sacred bond with voters?

With the Miami District 2 Commission race coming down to the wire on Nov. 3, voters have a choice to change the commission culture and start to curtail the Imperial nature the Miami commission has become. Further since most of the candidates running have been activists in some manner over the years they all probable share something in common and that is an event. In the Watchdog Report’s case. It occurred when a major political operative, who was running the 29 year veteran Commissioner J.L. Plummer campaign, outside Miami City Hall in 1998 said. “You F…ing little people we are going to crush you,” he threatened and the man later passed about five months later. And no I did not kill him as some people suggested at the time, and Plummer lost the election.

But that exchange is what started me to dive into the deep end of our local and county politics for most people have no idea or the time to find out what is going on at their public institutions and how their billions of public dollars are being spent. And who voters chose to be their elected leader is a decision that has repercussions in the years to come and the biggest challenge is will voters turnout something in the past has been pathetic around six to 10 percent of the electorate in any given race. And when voters back in 2002 passed paying Miami commissioners a decent salary some $90,000 and up from $5,000. They also passed term limits because they wanted the option of new faces on the dais over the years and even with term limits. For example Commissioner Willy Gort is still in the mix and he was first termed out in 2001, when he lost his bid for Miami mayor to Manny Diaz. But the orderly transition of leaders in office is one of the fundamental things about America.

Leaders, from the President on have to actually leave when they are termed out and professional politicians who go from office to office are out of style and their UBD is passed and voters are also looking for the authentic candidate, and even money is becoming a lightning rod with voters since the candidate appears to be bought or paid for and is one of the reasons Donald Trump, who is self-financing his campaign, is so high in the polls. While the more traditional candidates are flat, because people want to elect people that are not self-absorbed prima donnas. And restrain their use of the trappings of power, and hopefully don’t require an entourage like Commissioner Marc Sarnoff did when the commissioner showed up, at a meeting where three separate cars were used, including his media person driving one of them versus Congresswoman U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R Miami who drove a black Ford Taurus, put money in the meter and had a meeting with Sarnoff, about the cutting of the tress at the Coconut Grove Post Office Parking lot, a federal facility. But I marveled at the difference since she at the time was chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, versus a municipal local leader. So Miami District 2 voters have a choice to either continue “The Sarnoff initiatives,” says his wife in a campaign television ad hitting the airways, but the real question is now what? You did not run yourself, will you at least vote in the municipal elections because local government is the most important form of government representation one gets and determines your own local quality of life?

LETTERS

>>>> Local Grove residents believes it is time for Miami to consider Community Composting, would create incredible rich soil bank, maybe vegetables the size of small children?

Community Composting: Let’s look at Coral Gables/ Coconut Grove: I believe many people in this area eat fruits and vegetables and have a lot of compostable waste that is thrown in the garbage. Because there is so much garbage, the trash is picked up once a week, recycling every other week. I am under the impression that people would make the effort to separate their compost from trash if there was somewhere to bring it (if they do not want to or don’t have enough space to compost at home/ apartment building). This is where community composting comes into play. There is much effort that goes into properly layering the compost with different materials and mixing it regularly which people don’t want to do themselves. But if there was a community compost in which dedicated members agreed to take care of it for rich soil benefits, then people would start making the effort to separate compost from trash. If community members contribute to the compost pile, they can take some of the soil, and if they just want to compost without gardening themselves, then the community gets more soil, and the person feels good about composting. This idea needs dedicated environmentally conscious community members and a local place to bring the compost. This could work in Coconut Grove area because the community is so lush and many people garden.

Compost Pickup: If yard debris was separated from big trash such as tables, metals, etc that is thrown in the ‘big trash pickup pile’ collected by the city, then collecting compost could be simple. Compostable plastic bags could be distributed by the city to encourage in-home separation of Recyclables, waste and compost. The bags filled with compost could be thrown on the piles of ‘Yard debris’ to be collected, or have their own bins maybe colored Brown for compostable materials. They would have to be collected once a week. It would actually be great if compost and recycling could be picked up once or twice a week, and regular trash once every two weeks (the amount recycling is currently being picked up).  This would encourage people to separate their compost and recycling for regular pickup because so much of our waste is either compostable or recyclable. If people are not participating, they should be encouraged, and also be given to those who do not separate house items from compostable yard debris in the “big trash pickup pile” for easy pickup and/or who are not using the brown bins & compostable bags given out by the city.

And images like this could be on the bins:

It’s not rocket science for people to separate their trash. They just need to be educated on why and be given the tools to do it. Why: To decrease the size of landfills, create nourishing soil from compostable materials, and recycle to reduce and reuse. The earth’s resources are running out fast and it’s time to act. I will be proposing this for the Knights City Challenge,

Cynthia Fleischmann & Jackie Gobie

Coconut Grove

>>> Great story on the Pets’ Trust.  I’d love to speak with you and tell you more.  You are right…..it will be an issue in the Mayor’s race.  

Please watch this… Pets’ Trust…the Story    password is     movie         

 And read this…….. http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/joe-cardona/article2087823.html

Michael Rosenberg

President Pets’ Trust

Rita Schwartz Cofounder

>>> We are having an incredible exhibit at the Warehouse of Anselm Kiefer, one of the foremost artists this century. Anselm will be here October 21st for an intimate dinner with the proceeds to benefit Lotus House. It is the best exhibit we have ever had in our fifteen years. Please make sure you see it when we open in late October.
Marty Margulies

>>> The Watchdog Report is Celebrating 16 years of weekly publishing since May 5^th 2000 and when I started back then I never thought I would be doing this so

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog. And while I have taken a licking over the years including some medical issues I have kept at the job thanks to my supporters who I thank so very much over the many years. And the community’s public institutions are better when it comes to them knowing what the other is doing and why I have tried to be an information electrolyte for these giant institution’s leaders and things and here is a national story done on why I started to watch government back in 2000 http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and to all the people along the way that have helped me I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Publisher’s Statement on the mission of the Watchdog Report and the special people and organizations that make it possible:  Government Subscribers/Corporate Subscribers/Sustaining Sponsors/Supporting Sponsors

***** LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & Initial sponsors since 2000

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 2000

ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S

HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com .

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

Mr. NORMAN BRAMAN http://www.bramanmotorcars.com/dealership/normanbraman.htm

BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com

RONALD HALL

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JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST

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LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.

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HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA www.hfsf.org

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MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org

THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

>>> 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

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY www.fiu.edu

THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov

GREATER 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 COMMISSION www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIR www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION ON ETHICS and PUBLIC TRUST www.ethics.miamidade.gov  

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL www.miamidade.gov/ig

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org

THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

Publisher’s Statement on the mission of the Watchdog Report and the special people and organizations that make it possible:  Government Subscribers/Corporate Subscribers/Sustaining Sponsors/Supporting Sponsors the Watchdog Report covers a few of the meetings attended weekly. It remains my belief that an informed public will make better decisions. Therefore, I go to meetings, make the presence of an informed citizen known, and bring the information to you.   The Watchdog Report is in the fourth year of publication and it has been an honor to be able to send this information to you. It is sent to readers in Miami-Dade, Florida, the U.S. and the world. The Watchdog Report is sent to thousands free and while readers have been prodded to subscribe the results have been mixed. Over 250 reports and Extras 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. I welcome letters via e-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, 2015, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> The Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel & Sun-Sentinel articles on the Watchdog Report publisher over the years.

Published on September 9, 1999, Page 1EA, Miami Herald, the (FL)

CITIZEN ADVOCATE’ KEEPS TABS ON POLITICIANS

Published on January 3, 2000, Page 1B, Miami Herald, the (FL)

MIAMI-DADE WATCHDOG WILL BE MISSED

Published on January 20, 2003, Page 1E, Orlando Sentinel, PAPERWORK TIGER, Miami’s citizen watchdog piles up government files in his quest to keep the “little people” informed. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog

>>>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/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517

From the spring of 2003:  U. North Carolina, Chapel Hill:  Southeast U.S. Media Report lists Watchdog Report publisher as leading Florida commentator >>> Selected excerpts from the report on Florida’s media sources-Those who do read the newspaper in Florida have a bevy of options for state government and political coverage. The dominant newspapers in the state are Knight-Ridder’s The Miami Herald (Acquired by the McClatchy Company in 2006) and the Poynter Institute’s St. Petersburg Times. Both papers endorsed Gore in 2000 but split on the 2002 gubernatorial race, with the Herald endorsing Republican incumbent Jeb Bush and the Times backing Democratic challenger Bill McBride. Daniel Ricker of The Miami Herald also writes an influential column as well as an email newsletter called the Watchdog Report that goes out to more than 100,000 subscribers. FEBRUARY 2004 – Florida: Columnists in Abundance —ERIC GAUTSCHI, graduate student, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, UNC-Chapel Hill – D) LEADING COMMENTATORS – Resource Commentator Organization Type Web site –Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/bousquet.shtml -“First Friday” WPBT TV (Miami) TV Show www.channel2.org/firstfriday/issues.html –Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/morgan.shtml  –Daniel Ricker Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter –www.miami.com/mld/MiamiHerald/news/columnists/dan_ricker/

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