Watchdog Report Vol.18 No.37 March 4, 2018 EST: 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating almost 18Years of weekly publishing
I need to apologize to two of the people on my distribution list. They asked to be removed which I did. However, they are somehow still getting the WDR.
And here is my philosophy on why I do this?
>>> This national story ran in all the Tribune papers around the nation and covers the early years of the WDR: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and here is a different versionhttp://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american
>>>And having a member of the press at public meetings gives teeth to the Florida Sunshine Law (and why you get a Flue Shot) and open meetings tape recorded keeps good governance in place and reduces waste fraud and abuse, and public corruption, and is why you don’t speed in front of a state trooper for example.
>>> Further the www.watchdogreport.net in South Florida is an established news service presence, because most people are too busy to go to these important meetings. That is why my motto is ‘I go when you cannot.’ >>> Further, I am very efficient since I work alone, and all the information comes through me as a central point allowing me to see things at a 100-mile altitude and being an early warning system when projects have overruns or other issues. But my job is to sound the alarm and I have done so many times over the past years in a host of ways.
CONTENTS
ARGUS REPORT: If you have not been to Brickell in the early morning, you don’t understand how bad the traffic and congestion is downtown with all the new development and I got lost given all the new buildings and street changes, never got to Beacon Council panel on the media
STATE of FLORIDA: Will Gov. Rick Scott push back against arming teachers, and will he get $400 million in new mental health funding?
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: School District & County working closer together for security at schools, Supt. Carvalho wants $10 million from state for 100 new “resource officers” — New County Youth Commission sworn-in, in past “school violence and bullying have been top concerns,” youth speakers more adamant, after Stoneman Douglas massacre
Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Supt. Carvalho decides not to parachute into NYC schools district 1.1 million strong, mayor de Blasio furious, community strongly backs educator
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST: Florida Legislature needs to fund Ryder Trauma, the communities crown jewel for Trauma– Ryder Trauma Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary — Community Crown Jewel Ryder Trauma Center has its Silver Anniversary last week, only Level 1 public trauma center in Miami-Dade, saves lives daily a community treasure!
CITY OF MIAMI: State of City good, says new mayor Suarez hopes rainbows will stay over his administration, increase in technology coming —- Miami Commissioner Carollo wants former Mayor Diaz to tell commission what he thinks of Marlins stadium now, calls it worst deal ever, total sellout of Miami residents,” says Carollo – Some leaders leave office with grace, others Sarnoff can’t live without the limelight, walking the halls and commissioners offices during commission breaks, even had a book done of his achievements something rarely done
EDITORIALS: The Florida Legislature should keep its hands off the 20 counties that have Home Rule Charter local government is better with local leaders but yes not perfect, at least we arrest our own – Where does Miami draw the line with Lt. Col. Colmenares, stealing $300,0000 in donations for veterans? –Politicians don’t realize voter’s frustration is they are such hypocrites, many times (like now when congress gets paid but no other federal departments with the shut-down) in their own actions Florida Constitutional commission should insist on transparency, not darkness as Sunshine law gets diluted — Most politicians hate the press- Florida needs Sunshine Amendment many municipalizes out of control and get little press coverage or oversight, legislators on wrong side of this one
LETTERS: Important mission of Lotus Village, helping women and children needs community support
>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)
>>> If you wish to be deleted, just e-mail me with that message.
>>> And here is the story done by Miami New Times when they named the publisher as the community’s Best of Miami and Best Citizen and to read the story go to: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517
>> Given his dedication and perseverance, this new honor, Best Citizen, is well deserved. Ricker goes to 2500 mind-melting meetings annually, from the Public Health Trust’s purchasing subcommittee to the Efficiency and Competition Commission to the Alliance for Human Services’ nominating council to the school board’s audit committee. Sometimes he’s the only public observe
Object: to be the Public Citizen for all those out there who can’t attend, and to connect and serve as an information bridge among the special-interest-dominated Miami-Dade governmental institutions that seem newsletter, The Watchdog Report, celebrates its [18h] Anniversary. In a former life Ricker made a handsome living as an international salesman of heart pacemakers. As the hard-working publisher of Watchdog, though, he’s struggling financially — this even though his weekly compendium of meeting summaries, analysis, interviews, and commentary has become essential reading for anyone involved in public affairs. What his written work may lack in polish, it more than makes up for in comprehensiveness. So, raise a toast to the man whose official slogan says it all: “A community education resource — I go when you cannot!”
ARGUS REPORT: Heard Seen on the Streets
>>> If you have not been to Brickell in the morning, you don’t understand how bad the traffic and congestion is downtown with all the new development and I got lost given all the new buildings and street changes, never got to Beacon Council panel on the media
The Miami Dade Beacon Council Feb.28 is held a panel from 8;00 a.m. to 10 a.m. of media CEOs and to discuss how the industry is changing in today’s digital world and results in two dimensional reporting and for more or tickets goto:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mh-ceo-roundtable-a-conversation-on-media-tickets-43000512691 However, the WDR now under stands the issue of traffic in Brickell and I got up at 7:00 but got lost trying to get to the Beacon Council’s headquarters on 8th street and was glad to get out of the area without getting into an accident and gave up trying to get to the seminar.
>>> Nicholas Children’s Hospital made a bad bet when the organization bought the Miami Medical Center for $88 million and sits dormant with only a security guard at the hospital formerly known as Pan American Hospital and Children’s expansion at the main hospital is stressing its finances.
Corporate documents. She tells authorities that she was unaware that the hotel stays were free and included at one resort a suite and a VIP ticket to the Bongo Night club at a International resort. Judges don’t get much scrutiny overall but when you see this type of activity it must be called out.
Further, new Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber has been pushing for a IG and this will add impetus but the problem of free meals and other favors is not new and as so many say “what’s the issue everyone is doing it,” and that attitude really flourished after Hurricane Andrew when many residents padded their insurance damage and the federal government wrote off billions of dollars and some of that money kept Miami from going under until later and because Andrew came as the administration was changing the FEMA director back then. He told the WDR once at County hall they “wrote it off,” and few were ever prosecuted for fraud and that planted the seed that what is the issue and decades ago past Miami Commissioners used to eat a many places for free and this is insidious, since when it comes to ethics and honesty ‘you can’t be a little bit pregnant.” the saying goes. Further, if convicted the man loses his pension and other benefits and public servants should remember that fact. For working in public service is not a right but a privilege and that attitude fosters this corrosive behavior of the public trust and must be rooted out whenever it rears its ugly head. Further, so many public servants say what people do on their own time is their own business, but it does reflect on the institution an over the years I have seen many bad behavior examples. And for more on the scandal go to:www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article198607234.html and here is another take: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/miami-beach/article198607234.html
Troubled Miami Police get new Chief Jorge Colina, wants community policing
Jorge Colina is the new Miami Police Chief and the family man wants to do community policing but will have challenges in the sometimes-politicized office over the decades and he is I the first appointment for new Miami manager Emillio Gonzalez, but the department has been an embarrassment with the contamination of the property room under a I 95 overpasses. And the unaccounted-for hand guns gone from the facility and some of the evidence was contaminated and it remains to be seen how he handles Javier Ortiz, who had a restraining order but was promoted to captain and the past chief said it was because of “civil service,” he said a few weeks ago after I asked about the promotion and has been the subject of a few blogs.
>>> Knight Foundation injects $2.5 million to fact check news
The John S. and James L. Knight foundation has committed $2.5 million to organizations fighting fake news and the idea of fake news. I believe started when Dan Rather of CBS ran a story on George Bush II that turned out to be wrong and after that mistake broke a republican candidate when I was interviewing him said “are you going to Rather me?” I joked back you want me to FOX you instead and that blunder on Rather’s part started the ball rolling and then Brian Williams (who still has a snarky attitude) added to the fire when he embellished his military coverage and saying he had been under fire which was not true.
>>> Connect Miami is a new program trying to get residents to engage with their neighbors and friends to broaden community interaction something that at times may be difficult to do. And for more go to www.connectmiami.org And Many of the events are free.in the future.
>>> A Ted x independent event Friday was held at the Ransom Everglades School and the talks are a fascinating array of speakers. In this case the event was sponsored by a host of philanthropists, CisnerosCorporation, the Keven W. Smith Memorial Fund, and the Symbiosis Foundation and to see some of the new local philanthropists go tto:http://www.greenff.org/index.php/news-events/2000/121-the-changing-face-of-philanthropy Further here is more on Ted: https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/tedx-program
STATE OF FLORIDA
>>> Will Gov. Rick Scott push back against arming teachers, and will he get $400 million in new mental health funding?
Gov. Rick Scott is saying he is against arming public school teachers that most teachers are against for a variety of reasons and is asking the legislature for $450 million in school security and $400 million in new mental health funding. Scott’s softening on some gun issues continue his easing of some issues while he muses on running for the Senate in 2020. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/florida-gov-rick-scott-opposes-trump-idea-arming-teachers-article-1.3841348
Gov. Scot changes tone now asking for $500 million in mental health funding a school safety
>>> The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade Annual Report is out and to see what the organization has done over the years go to; https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/ and is seen when children have to repeat a grade and results in a large community bubble and County Commissioner Dennis Moss noted when he was in school there was a “Truancy officer,” and they would pick you up take you to school and also “call your mama,” said Moss but that oversite is hard since a parent may be taking care of multiple kids and not able to ensure her children are in school and the lack of literacy was brought home when the County’s Police Department Director Juan J. Perez told a committee when he was in school he spoke no English and was held back an d he said he learned to read ‘real fast after that,” wake up call. And at a county commission meeting the issue of literacy and the lack of it among certain parts of the community had Jean Monestime wondering how he can do more in his own community to foster literacy and the Children’s trust has a host of reading programs throughout the county including in the summer free books being sent to eligible students.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> School District & County working closer together for security at schools, Supt. Carvalho wants $10 million from state for 100 new “resource officers”
Future, the mayor also spoke at the Miami-Dade County Public Schools board meeting on the efforts to tamp down gun violence. He noted the indicators to take the wrong path are known “as early as 3 years,” he told the school board and both entities are working closer together than ever before and includes the State Attorney’s Office federal resources and money and better protocols are being put together. To break the spiral of failing students and poor academic performance, with attendance being a major red flag for these students trying to break the pipeline to jail many students get caught up in.
High Technology body scanners are coming to the Miami-Dade department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and these are needed to catch all the “contraband,’ including opioids that have killed some inmates and over the years phones were found in “body cavities,” said the director. However originally the department was going to buy seven of the machines costing $122,000.” But that was changed to three since state law does not allow these machines to be used on visitors and only inmates and the law may need to be changed since jails are a “microcosm of the nation.” And with the opioid epidemic is just another form of contraband.
What about the BBC Chairman’s Policy Council meeting Thursday?
Jim Murley the head of the sea level rise division at the county gave commissioners an update on how the county is working with the 34 municipalities and he has hired an employee to be the liaison with the municipalities some of which have their own water and sewer systems and may have different size pipes (noted Commissioner Bruno Barreiro). He also suggested that Miami-Dade do something that the “Keys,” have done and consider requiring homes to be “built on stilts,” given the low terrain and would be cheaper than trying to raise a highway. Something if done should be only for major “arterial roads,” heading north he suggested at the policy council meeting last week. And Barreiro is a GOP candidate running for congress.
It has come to the WDR attention that Miami 21 the new zoning code does not consider sea level rise and risk management is being factored in on the cost of many bonds and could skyrocket as the bond company’s asses any risk. Further, Miami’s Jane gilbert has been contacted by the county’s new outreach officer hired by Murley
What about the crime statistics?
Juan Perez the director of the Miami-Dade County Police Department gave an impassioned speech in front of commissioners on the fact that the department no longer has “the jump out boys,’ a nickname given to officers and not an official name and Perez said if that was what commissioners wanted. They have the wrong chief he said because he believes community policing is the only realistic way to go to reduce the murders in south Florida and end the no snitch culture hampering criminals being caught.
What did the OIG find back in 1999?
Back in 1999 the newly created office of the Miami-Dade County inspector general did an investigation of 30,000 water meters and found some two thirds of 15,000 meters were bypassed, and it was a cottage industry back then and farmers in Homestead were using county water for fields using fire hydrants for the long lines and the report concluded some $30 million was being lost in county revenue through leaks and this systematic bypassing of water meters and is a cottage industry in South Florida. I bring this up because the county has raised the price of water and if you have any leak it will involve serious money and will hit renters hard in the coming years.
>>> Further, last year’s annual report is out and it is a fascinating read and the office has saved millions since its creation 20-year ago and to read the report go to: http://www.miamidadeig.org/ANNUALREPORTS2.htm
The Patricia and Phillip Frost Science Museum is having record crowds and a new exhibit called river monsters is on display and for more go to
https://www.frostscience.org/exhibition/monster-fish/
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article190087984.html
>>>The Frost Museum also received a significant grant.
>>> New continuum of care center coming for homeless with mental issues, JHS involved one stop center
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust along with Jackson Health System is opening a one stop public facility for homeless who qualify for a new diversion program with a mental illness and includes many veterans on the streets and is an old facility previously used by the state, but it will offer a continuum of care and was briefly discussed at the trust board meeting Friday. The whole community has been seeking ways to resolve the mental health issues of the homeless now drawing in people with opioid addiction and a drop of fentanyl can kill and many times is cut with cheap yellow Mexican heroin that appeared years past and is causing thousands of overdoses and the city of Miami spent $150,000 in procuring the miracle drug Narcan that can revive a overdosed person almost immediately and these people cut across all ethnic lines and the issue was discussed Sunday on “This Week in South Florida,” and to see the show go to https://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida/this-week-in-south-florida-oct-29
>>> And here is a broader explanation on the new facility Health System – Public Health Trust.
“Progress is being made to create a first of its kind mental health diversion and treatment facility which will centralize, coordinate, and provide a seamless continuum of care for individuals, including homeless individuals, who are frequent and high cost users of taxpayer funded services in the criminal justice and acute care treatment systems. South Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc., DCF’s Managing Entity for administering state substance abuse and mental health funding in Miami-Dade County, will lead the renovation of a former state forensic hospital in Miami which will bring together community-based treatment and social services providers under one roof.
The project will include an integrated crisis stabilization unit and addiction receiving facility, various levels of residential treatment, day treatment and day activities programs, intensive case management, peer support and mentoring services, outpatient behavioral health and primary care treatment services, and vocational rehabilitation/supportive employment services. All services will be designed to address the complex and co-occurring needs of the target population, including mental health, substance abuse, physical health, histories of physical and emotional trauma, and risk factors for future criminal justice involvement.
The facility will also include space for the courts and for social service agencies such housing providers, legal services, and immigration services that will address the comprehensive needs of individuals served. By housing a full array of services and supports in one location, it is anticipated that many of the barriers and obstacles to navigating traditional community mental health, substance abuse, and social services will be removed; and individuals who are currently recycling through the justice system, crisis units, hospitals, and other deep end services will be more likely to engage in ongoing and sustainable treatment and recovery services. The Mental Health Diversion Facility is championed by Judge Steven Leifman, who chairs the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust’s Finance & Audit Committee. The project has been developed with input from the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration, which will be responsible for designating and licensing service providers at the facility. The Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation spearheaded efforts to occupy the building based on a 99-year lease at $1/year. The facility is funded, in large part, with county General Obligation Bond funds, with additional funding provided by the Jackson Health and The Public Health Trust.
>>> Mayor Gimenez taps Solas as MIA chief, seasoned county employee
Mayor Carlos Gimenez picked Lester Solas as the new director of MIA and he is a long serving county employee and was last heading up the massive $12 billion replumbing of the county’s water and sewer systems under a federal decree and MIA is the top economic generator and is key to the South Florida tourist economy.
What about M-Dade County Public Schools?
On Feb. 21 Miami- Dade County public schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho spoke passionately about the need of hardening schools and how many have “multiple points of access.” The biology teacher and an immigrant from Portugal whose father had a 3rd grade Education and worked as a custodian said he needs the state legislature to approve $10 million in funding for a 100 new resource officers.
He told commissioners another $12 million annually is needed “to harden our schools.” The family man said the district with 355,000 students and 120 charter Schools and Carvalho is working close with Mayor Carlos Gimenez. Commission Chair Estephan Bovo, Jr., said he has a 7-year-old son and He is concerned with all “the graphic violence in video games,” and wonders if this gaming dulls a child’s sensitivity to violence acts.
Dennis Moss asked what kind of people have we become? That we allow “the slaughter,” of our children. We need to have a “red flag,” when someone is acting odd and Commissioner Rebeca Sosa said the HIPA law needs to be changed while confidentially is maintained, so these people in need of help “can’t Buy a gun,” she said.
What about the Homeless Trust’s Rent Connect program with landlords?
The trust has a new program where people with rental housing can register their rental with the county and for more on the program go to: http://www.homelesstrust.org/rentconnect.asp
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> Supt. Carvalho decides not to parachute into NYC schools district 1.1 million strong, mayor de Blasio furious, community strongly backs educator
The Watchdog Report sent out an Extra on the fact district schools superintend Alberto Carvalho would be staying because I know the man and people are skewering him and suggest all the drama was staged and has New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio furious and feeling jilted when the man changed his mind and some wonder if he wants to run for county mayor and the 2020 field is crowded.
What about NYC?
Carvalho has a high profile in South Florida and I once wrote “he is a rock star,” at events he speaks at and how the public treats him. That adulation would be gone in NYC, and he is thin skinned and would be under the thumb of the mayor. Further, while people are criticizing the drama Carvalho is part of the fabric of our community and he would have to start over in the Big Apple and I knew he was going to announce he was staying and had de Blasio verbally upset something Carvalho may not have seen before when he was being courted.
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>>> Florida Legislature needs to fund Ryder Trauma, the communities crown jewel for Trauma
What about Ryder Trauma?
Florida Legislators need to reaffirm the importance of the Ryder Trauma Center and keep funding for the medical center. One of the finest in the world and is the only Class I Center in South Florida and should be nurtured by law makers. I reminded Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R Monday of this fact. He noted when a Florida State Trooper was badly injured it was Ryder that saved his life and he seemed to understand what a jewel the center is to the community.
>>> Trust continues to have clean audits, challenges continue ahead, closed the year with $30 million budget surplus, 50 days cash on hand, new rehabilitation Center property prepped Friday
The PHT trustees meeting was short and sweet Wednesday with the health trust having a “clean,” KPMG audit for last year and the auditing firm has been the trust’s auditor for 7 years but having no audit exemptions is a big deal and back in 2004 under previous management the trust took a $84 million chargeback on past audits going back to the late 1990s.
What about the new rehabilitation Center?
Migoya said Friday dignitaries were going to start the demolition of buildings on land that will be used for the new rehabilitation facilities long awaited and needed at JHS and is being founded from the $830 million obligation bond passed overwhelmingly by voters after the trust righted itself with help of the unions and currently there are some 1,200 full time workers an there is currently “50 days of cash,” on hand and at one point years ago it was only some 9 to 15 days and put the health trust in jeopardy but Migoya and his team has turned that fiscal situation through efficiencies in the rear mirror.
>>> New report on how JHS spending $830 million bond monies, going well
Here is the most recent update on the $830 million GOB passed by County wide voters to update the ageing facilities at Jackson Health System and the projects are going very well and includes minority vender participation similar the public schools oversight system and this public money is key to the communities’ health since there is a big push toward prevention and wellness has FIU physicians doing primary and family medicine and is a real boon in keeping healthcare costs down. To read the report go:
CITY OF MIAMI
>>> State of City good, says new mayor Suarez hopes rainbows will stay over his administration, increase in technology coming
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez gave his first State of The City speech 100-days into his new administration and the man is “spiritual,” as is his father Xavier also a past Miami mayor. And he looked on at his son during the speech with pride, but the young attorney is picking up “where his father left off,” said Commissioner Joe Carollo to me Monday on wanting a strong mayor form of government the father pushed in 1997.
Suarez the younger is embracing new technologies and he needs to set a new standard of accountability and not who you know, and his manager Emilio Gonzalez seems to want to come out of the shadows and create his own persona and the retired colonel needs to focus on competency and performance and while new young Turks are walking the halls. Suarez, cannot make Miami the graduate school for new lobbyists if he wants to truly lead us into the future. Further, he must demand more from the city’s “blind code enforcement officers,” as Carollo calls the officers that under the previous administration allowed restaurants to open without the right permits and other licenses.
Suarez said when he was sworn in outside at Dinner Key Marina and a storm raged. He said he thought it might be a message “from God,” but commissioner Ken Russell shared a photo when the rain passed, and it showed a rainbow in the sky kind of covering the event and so all must be well and while he is moving quickly people are waiting to see. Further Suarez broke a tradition of having food on the patio and instead of working the crowd he huddled with some of his people in an office.
>>> Commission balks at rubber stamping board for Bayfront Park trust, at large members all Carollo’s choice
Commissioner Joe Carollo when it comes to the Bay Front Park Trust, he chairs a watchdog board. He wants to be able to pick all the at Large members on the relatively small board which he says is the “commission’s tradition,” but Commissioner Ken Russell balked at that and he wanted to see resumes” to see Carollo’s appointments a
And back in 2000. This trust caught my attention and was then chaired by long serving Commissioner J.L. Plummer and the executive director Ira Katz was later arrested. However, Carollo shot back that he doesn’t remember of needing resumes with past candidates and suggested maybe the “CRA,” chairs not appoint their own board members if an exception can’t be made.
Carollo also during a budget update warned given some of the city’s possible liabilities and a potential $120 million settlement with the police and fire unions could send the city in a fiscal spiral and frugality should be the watchword.
What about good governance at Bayfront Park Trust?
The WDR ears perked up when I heard this about the trust board members and was surprised. Carollo was so serious about having essentially a rubber stamp board. Since he is such a stickler on other matters, but this trust and the MESA board are a Miami back door entity to do projects on the waterfront. That rarely come to fruition such as the Flagstone project. Further his brother Frank had been pushing for an over $1 million German playground set that was a no bid contract and caused discussion among many the board members. Russell also suggested FIU professor Nathan Kurland be on the board. The man has been on it for some time and readers will see if Carollo changes his mind.
 Carollo |
 Russell |
What about the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM)?
Carollo also went after the MCM director because the not for-profit was seeking some city land about a half-acre for a new Autism wing and is offering to also make a park in the land left and would be maintained by MCM saving the city money. Editor’s note: Carollo said his wife had an autistic boy and one Miami Charter school once they heard the “A” word never called his wife back, he told his peers on the dais, and he thought that was deeply wrong he said. Without naming the school. He also reminded commissioners when he left there was $100 million in reserves back in 2001 when Mayor Manny Diaz was elected and blew through a lot of this reserve with the Marlins stadium and the Global Agreement with the county being the final strain on the Miami budget.
What about the Forever Miami bond Oversight Board?
However, Carollo wanted with MCM to see three property appraisals part of legislation known as “the Carollo Amendment,” that sates any projects on waterfront land must get voter approval and was passed by voters back in 1984. The city’s finances were very aggressive saying. Miami is dependent on real estate and when things are good the city “spends money like a drunken sailor,” and rarely socks anyway in a “rainy day” fund.
Carollo wants former Mayor Diaz to tell commission what he thinks of Marlins stadium now, calls it worst deal ever, “total sellout of Miami residents,” says Carollo.
Dereck Jeter the new owner of the Miami Marlins spoke to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on his plans for the new team he acquired. “Every player is playing for his job,” he told the crowd and they are going to build a new team from the ground up. He further noted that he is “listening to fans’ and believes some of the new perks given for season holders will help bring fans back.
What did Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo say Thursday about the stadium deal?
He requested for past Mayor Manny Diaz who crafted the deal while meeting with county officials at the old Grand Bay Hotel in the Grove, getting room service, smoking some cigars and hashed out the financing with then county manager George burgess and recalled Mayor Carlos Alvarez and the county’s budget office also had concerns with the financing package that through the life of the 30-year bond will come out. To some $1.6 billion. and the terms are set in stone and the deal is generally described as tax payers getting “hosed,” is the phrase heard often. Carollo wants Diaz to come to the commission “to explain what he thinks of the deal now.
Lotus Village gets a $50,000 Drake donation
The Lotus House village since Feb.2, 2018 has 265 women and children at the facility and will eventually hold 500 women and children in the future and the shelter provides much need services for women and their children. And for more go to
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/article198995194.html
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/article198995194.html and for more go to
>>> Some leaders leave office with grace, others Sarnoff can’t live without the limelight, walking the halls and commissioner’s offices during commission breaks, even had a book done of his achievements something rarely done
Some elected leaders leave office with grace, while others still crave the adulation and former Miami Dost. 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff at the last commission meeting was shuttling between Commissioners Manolo Reyes and Joe Carollo’s offices and the man in a Miami Herald opinion column last week reminded readers that the issue of affordable housing in the Village West in Coconut Grove and the man who pushed his wife into running for his past office since he was termed out. Further, using public money he christened a book on his accomplishments while in office.
What was shocking at a commission meeting?
A Over town woman Karen Cartwright gave a blunt assessment of what it is like to live in Overtown calling it a “warzone,” with residents being threatened with AR-15 type of firearms and children are getting used to seeing “dead bodies,” on the streets and Miami Commission Chair Keon Hardeman who represents the area called what is going on “domestic terrorism,” that all the government employees see every day and Hardeman said around the nation Overtown is “known as where someone can get the best drugs,” he said. Yet the area also receives released inmates from county jails and since there is a UM state legislation allowing a “needle exchange program,” the commissioner wondered why the not -for-profit van doing the program resides in Overtown and wondered why this area is so neglected and has “residents in fear.” The exchange was more a pleading for the city to do something about it. He said he was tired of Overtown being treated like a “freak show,” said the chair.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli%C3%A1n_Gonz%C3%A1lez_affair
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article124820224.html
However, Miami at one point in the 1990s went through ten managers ( and later two managers went to jail) and the city since then has had to defend two bond offerings after the SEC found irregularities and Alphonso and his CFO Chris Rose also a budget guru, will be very helpful if the city’s voters approve a $250 million to $400 million GOB and requires fiscal transparency if the city is to not run afoul of the SEC again, And the Watchdog Report believes they have a gem in the manager and the city is on solid fiscal ground. But Miami has a history of appointing political managers and not based on their skill set and taxpayers should realize after the Great Recession the administration under Regalado has bounced back partially because of the rising tax base given the development of Brickell
EDITORIALS
>>> The Florida Legislature should keep its hands off the 20 counties that have Home Rule Charter local government is better with local leaders but yes not perfect, at least we arrest our own
Thank you, Florida Legislature, for requiring at local meetings the public has “a right to be heard and at the county commission and at local municipal meetings law makers are hearing a host of matters many times with the bark on and usually deal with a local community dilemma that might be heard without this new opportunity to be heard.
However, the legislature is wrong to dilute the powers of Home Rule Counties and try to put a state overlay of laws that don’t represent the diversity of the state’s communities and since there are 20 Home Rule Counties local government is always better for residents and voters should let their legislators know they should keep their hands off parenting local government since counties already get beat up in the capital and since Miami-Dade is the state’s largest county with 2.5 million residents and a donor community by some 34 percent of the state’s budget, said the Florida CFO years ago. The state lawmakers should keep that in mind and let local government decide their own legislation regarding issues that affect the local communities.
>>> Mayor Suarez needs to lead by example, and be careful who he hob nods with, city needs to tighten-up
New Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has a unique chance to change the permissive culture of the city where practically no Miami employee wears their city ID or carries cards. Further, city leaders have to tighten up with whom they associate with and if someone is a convicted felon one might want to steer clear because the mayor sets the tone of the administration and after the last few years things were very loose and who you knew versus your competency, was many times over rode and Miami residents deserve better and every city employee represents all and should never forget that you are a public figure and a public servant something many employees seem to forget.
>>> Politicians don’t realize voter’s frustration is they are such hypocrites, many times in their own actions
Politicians are always asking for our trust but it is the hypocrisy of their actions that has gone on for years that makes voters jaded and even if voters pass something they then renege on any promises made and the Pet Trust is one such example and for many local politicians who are high maintenance they forget they work for the people and voters should not have to say thank you for running for office which periodically raises its ugly head and that it is a privilege that just sometimes is based on someone getting their resume punched and the idea of political dynasties in the coming 2017 election is not the way to elect our local representatives and the public can only hope that their true colors will not be seen during their time being a public servant. Further, with municipal elections coming. Since you did not run yourself will you at least vote Nov. 7 and make your community a better place with quality elected leaders or have a small minority chose your leaders. It is up to you.
>>> The Watchdog Report is soon Celebrating 18 years of weekly reliable publishing since May 5th 2000 and when I started back then I never thought I would be doing this so this is a national story in all the national Tribune papers: 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.
LETTERS
>>> Lotus Village provides vital services for Miami women and children
Here is some information about the Lotus Village. In Lotus Village, we seek to create a prototype for the future, in which shelter and services for those in need are fully integrated with the urban fabric of the neighborhood we call home. In addition to offering increased capacity with efficient design and land utilization, Lotus Village will include a holistic neighborhood health clinic and children’s day care and wellness center, serving Lotus House and our community.
The shelter facilities in Lotus Village, to be operated by Lotus House, are being designed to accommodate high special needs individuals and families, including programs for youth, elders and the medically needy, a safe haven for those with severe trauma histories, pregnant women and infants, and families of all shapes and sizes. The children’s wellness center will offer child therapy services, nurturing parenting classes, a day care and playground. Food service and dining facilities will include training programs for life skills and job readiness, in addition to meal preparation, dining and a wide range of social activities. A neighborhood health clinic will offer a complement of basic and preventive health care, maternal and pediatric care, eye and dental care, behavioral health and wellness, and a wide range of health and wellness programming for the shelter and our Overtown neighborhood. Deeply integrated in the fabric of our neighborhood, Lotus Village will provide critical linkages to a network of service providers and resources in the larger community, empowering those we shelter and serve to build the foundation for enriched, happier and healthier lives.
You can learn more at: http://lotusendowment.org/about-lotus-village/
>>> 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 for 16 years now, has reported back weekly on how your billions of public dollars in local government are being spent. And how to help support me providing this information is at the end of the WDR. And I hope you will consider supporting keeping an independent news service out in our community, where what is going on with all our government entities is of critical benefit for both the public institutions but voters as well l. Thank You.
And to my Supporters I pledge to keep ‘going when you cannot.’ And we have about $9 billion in GOB funds being spent through a variety of public institutions and that is no small number and in the past I have broken the story on Cuban refugees coming in droves and also the Oriental fruit fly quarantine and its huge economic impact to name just a few of the more recent stories in past WDR’s.And I also keep watch for the all-important tourism industry and with the Zika Virus people are starting to understand how vital these tourists are for a host of amenities like culture and the arts, Jackson health System and transportation dollars all entities that benefit from tourism sales tax dollars.
>>> And while the Watchdog Report has reached16 years of using my own money to survive in the costlier Miami community. And while I have cut expenses I need my readers help. In this fast changing world and with Pay Pal now you can easily use a credit card to contribute and I hope you will consider helping keeping someone out in the field. And I have not wanted to be a lobbyist but rather a lobbyist for everyone and is why I use the tag line ‘I go when you cannot’. But things were made worse after spending 18 days in the hospital with a badly infected finger. And is why I am behind sending my traditional thank you letter to any supporters contributing and hop to catch up in the near future. And I thank these people from the bottom of my heart for the past financial help.
>>> I just ask any reader, once a year who thinks this community resource is valuable to contribute via my Pay Pal account for the fiscal issues sometimes keeps me from going to a meeting sometimes, and the stress also affects my health and only with my readers support can “I go when you cannot,” thank you and hope you will help so the WDR can celebrate 17 years on May 5th.
>>> And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account at https://paypal.me/WatchdogReport
>>>And you can now easily support the Watchdog Report by going to my new PayPal Button account, you know you want to do it at https://paypal.me/WatchdogReport for as media resources contract residents still need to know that someone is also watching out for their interests. Because government watched is a better governing experience for voters and their local quality of life?
However, it is no easy task to do the WDR weekly. And years ago the county Ethics Commission did a report that suggested over the past decade some $50 million had been spent fighting waste fraud abuse and public corruption and having the press at public meetings (some very obscure) changes the tone of the meeting (and is why you don’t speed past a state trooper, if you’re smart) Further, I have tried to be an information electrolyte available to all free between these large public institutions when I first started back in 1997. And many public meetings back then were not being recorded except by me and that is no longer the case.
For an accurate public record is key and diminishes future legal action. For you either have an accurate public record or you don’t. And I hope you will consider helping me in this effort to keep the community informed and saving taxpayer monies in the process. And I thank my supporters over the last 17 years. And to read a national story and profile of the WDR publisher in the early years and background back in 2003 go to: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american
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
Mr. ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S
HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr (The first contributor)
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
BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com
RONALD HALL
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov
UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.unitedwaymiamidade.org
>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 to $5,000 a year
EIDSON, COLSON & HICKS www.eadisoncolsonon.com
BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com
BERKOWITZ POLLACK BRANT Advisors and Accountants www.bpbcpa.com
JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST
BERKOW RADELL FERNANDEZ & LARKIN www.brzoinglaw.com
RON BOOK
LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.
WILLIAM PALMER www.shutts.com
Rbb PUBLIC RELATIONS www.rbbcommmunications.com
ROYAL MEDIA PARTNERS www.royalmp.com
SHUBIN & BASS www.shubinbass.com
WILLIAMSOM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP http://williamsonautomotivegroup.com/
>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less
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 ETHICS & PUBLIC TRUST COMMISSION
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/
MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu
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
>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less
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, 2017, 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
>>> 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. ********************
Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form Thank you
Large Business Supporters $500
Small Business Supporters $250
Make Checks payable to Daniel Ricker
3109 Grand Ave, #125 Miami, Florida 33133
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