Watchdog Report Vol.19 No.28 August 25, 2019 EST; 05.05.00 – Celebrating almost 20 years of weekly publishing

>>> EXTRA: On Friday I had a medical procedure,  and recovering, and I will return next week by doing an extensive story on the national search to replace retireing Dr. Eduardo Padrón  as President of the sprawling Miami-Dade College (MDC) campuses that early on had political overtones that has diminished after public outrage of diluting the academic requirements. M-DC has some 160,000 students the most diverse and largest in the nation and is the educational crown jewel of Miami where thousands are given a chance to advance their education and careers to become productive members of South Florida’s community in a host of academic fields. 

 

Padron has been the driving force to make that happen and was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama and that might have irked the GOP local legislators  to a national level with Padron as beloved in the community and has touched every resident in the county while elevating the college’s graduates to a host of top schools from ivy to MIT, Emory, and so many others. 

 

However, MDC trustee Carlos Migoya says out of the 49 candidates and 4 finalists. The Jackson CEO and banker believed it was clear one finalist. “Provost Dr. Lenore Rodicio,” clearly had a stronge resume and clearly knew the college culture, but she was supported by Padron and after his battle with the local state representatives trying to get a half-cent sales tax for capital improvements but was  fought by the Miami-Dade County Legislative delegation. Back then Padron outside a Miami early voting site where rain and lightning was present. Padron, an economist asked voters for their support and it passed but did not statewide. He drew the ire of one representative state Rep. Jose Oliva, R- Miami Springs and is the speaker of the Florida House. Padron described him as having been ‘born with a silver spoon,’ since his father had a cigar business. He would later apologize to the whole delegation for the remark but some wanted a personal letter some carped and the sales tax would have rehabilitated the ageing campus but a political under current raised its head suggesting a veteran politician should get the job but community outrage quelled that attempt of “hijacking,” the process said healthcare and community leader Mike Fernandez and also had respected Miami Foundation CEO Javier Soto calling the process back then as a ‘farce,’ and he is also highly respected in the community.

 

Oliva’s most recently has a net worth of $15.197 million.   Here is disclosure:

http://public.ethics.state.fl.us/Forms/2018/239428-Form6.pdf 

 

What about County Commissioner Xavier Suarez running for Miami-Dade County mayor as an independent and populist candidate?

 

Suarez and his son Francis around 2004 tried to stack the Miami-Dade County Republican Party executive committee with his fathers’ supporters but that did not pan out and he did not become the GOP’s county chair. Since he was desperate after losing the county commission District 7 race to Carlos Gimenez back then. He also has the reputation as being an armchair quarterback focused on sniping and it is unknown as county mayor what kind of leader he would make. I write about this since he uses whatever party is useful for him to win a very Machiavellian move used by the son as well.

 

Today is the Watchdog Report’s 28th issue and when I started back in 05.05.00 I never imagined I would be doing this weekly publication now closing in on 20 years. I am not a big chest thumper and just try to be an informational electrolyte, between the many large public entities (That in total is about $16 billion and Miami $1 billion). that make up Miami-Dade County. For many times it is at the lower level of government that deals, and other beefs are discussed and to my early supporters thank you for putting your trust in me. 

 

What about the Super Bowl and sex trafficking and the Guardian Litem Program (GAL)?

 

At a school board meeting a few months ago a human trafficking expert and prosecutor said with the big event traffickers are building “capacity of young girls,” and many of the 7th and 8th graders are in foster care. Further the pimps use 7th and 8th graders to recruit these new young girls and this was brought into focus after N.E. Patriots owner Robert Kraft was busted in a Broward massage parlor. Further state attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle also busted some people doing sex trafficking and this dark side of the community will only intensify up to the Super Bowl next year.

 

State attorney Rundle in a Sunday editorial noted some 570 people over years have been arrested for human trafficking and her office is working with Super Bowl host committee chair Rodney Barreto. And the state attorney this week busted a couple, and this is an ugly scourge on our community with many retirees on break the Guardian Ad Litem program is looking for children advocates. The organization provides training for these children representatives.  For more call Victoria Harris at 786.469.3840.https://guardianadlitem.org/

 

Miami has become a premier cancer care destination, UM/ Miami Cancer Institute, $400 million Proton therapy all cutting edge cancer centers, community residents are lucky when it comes to new cancer therapies  

 

Miami has become an area destination for cancer care with University of Miami’s new Federal designation as a National Cancer Institution (NCI) and The Baptist Cancer Institute with a Photon beam device. The only one in South Florida and a $400 million investment in cancer care and patients no longer must go to north Florida to get thus less damaging treatment than chemotherapy and is more precise for more go to:

https://umiamihealth.org/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center for more on Baptist go to:https://www.baptisthealth.com/pages/services/cancer-care/treatments/proton-treatment-for-prostate-cancer.aspx https://baptisthealth.net/cancer-care/treatments-and-services/radiation-therapies/proton-therapy

 

And here is Dr. Stephen D. Nimer’s message on the new designation:https://umiamihealth.org/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center/research/message-from-the-director 

 

>>> What about the issue of the 947 homeless children in Miami-Dade only Lotus House Village can take children Chapman has adults?

 

The Miami-Dade County point count recently was 947 kids on streets since this most recent count? “The count found 49 percent were ’homeless the first time,” 65 percent were non-Hispanic, and 40 percent were LGBT and 180 people were moved into new homes and the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust participated in the 100 Day challenge and above is some of the results 

 

I asked trust chair Ron book about the program discussed at the trust meeting Friday and he responded: “The 100 Day Challenge relates to ending youth homelessness, and we were 1 of 5 Communities identified nationally. We accepted the challenge, and there are now 15 Communities in the Country that have accepted it. We are considered probably if not the most successful to complete the 100 Day Challenge ranking in the top 2 or 3.”  For more on lotus House go to https://lotushouse.org/contact-us/   https://lotushouse.org/childrenfirst/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1J22jC2bBY 

 

We did things to create new best practices, and if you had the opportunity, which you may already have seen the video from the Chicago Summit, you would see that the other 4 that participated in this 100 Day Challenge were truly taken by our efforts, commitment, and our success. We blew our goals out of the water, and we will continue to push, and pursue every youth that are on our streets until we have everyone out, and taken care of,” wrote the long-time chair.https://www.wesh.com/article/desmond-meade-on-time-100-speaks-to-what-this-country-is-all-about/27185500 

 

>>>>What about Friday’s trust meeting and why was $150,000 donated to the trust of which $50,000 was from the city of Surfside?

 

Sen Oscar Braynon, D- Miami Gardens and state Rep. Nick Duran, R-Miami were both honored by the trust board as well as the manager of Surfside a former county employee. The $100,000 was from the state and the two legislators made it happen. Further, the trust signed a MOU with the state attorney’s office re human trafficking cases the trust finds on the city’s streets.

 

> the 2020 Census Task force and the bureau are looking for census takers who are paid between $16.00 to $18.00 and include health benefits.

 

What about water in the school district?

 

During Wednesday’s school board meeting the student advisor asked about getting water for students and noted what happened in ‘Flint Michigan schools,’ and lead in the water system as Miami-Dade which pays for schools’ water is under-going a massive replumbing under a federal consent decree. This caught my eye because there may be a rumor that the county water is suspect and here are a couple reports on the matter

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article148112799.html 

https://www8.miamidade.gov/global/water/water-quality-reports.page 

 

http://www.miamidade.gov/water/library/reports/water-quality-2018.pdf 

>>> And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account that is easy to use and right now would be a great time: http://paypal.me/WatchdogReport    Further, if you would rather send a check send it made out to Daniel Ricker and mail it to 3109 Grand Ave., #125 Miami, Fla. 33133.  Thank you, Dan  

>>>And having a member of the press at public meetings gives teeth to the Florida Sunshine Law (and why you get a Flu 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. And hope you can support the WDR efforts to have informed residents to public institutions issues, in our community.

>>> 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., 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.   
 

Miami-Dade, Fla.
Vol.19 No. 21 June 30, 2019 Soon Celebrating almost 20 years of weekly publishing! www.watchdgreport.net & Former Miami Herald news & editorial columnist. EST: 05.05.00, I go when you cannot, for 1almost 18 years & a trusted community education resource & news service, without the attitude

 

CONTENTS 

 

ARGUS REPORT: Local Grand Jury report says Biscayne-bay on life support, septic tanks poor infrastructure, plastics deadly to bays survival, past attempts to turn bay around have not been successful, but at tipping point, says jury report –

 — Miami Civil Service board violates Sunshine Law with extensive discussion while on coffee break after commissioner Carollo testifies about firing of aide claiming whistle blower status, all caught on city television — 2020 Census complete count top priority $177 million lost in 2010 count only,82 percent, says census bureau outreach coordinator Diaz a former Little Havana resident $675 billion annually at stake nationwide $29 billion goes to Florida  commissioner Bovo leading the charge, school district must work closely to ensure accurate count students’ best way to explain to parents what the 2020 Census is, undercount costs millions, maybe even a new future house seat like in 2010, the worse count ever after Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez sent fear through the Cuban community of the federal government, some $800 billion at stake for some counties around the nation.

OBITUARY: Former state Rep Barreiro passes at 60, was a champion of children and gave heart burn to Jeb Bush administration regarding DCF’s treatment of inmates in state custody, was working at Miami-Dade Children’s Trust

STATE of FLORIDA:  Years ago Rodney Barreto was peppered by recalled commissioner Seijas saying she thought the manatee herd was getting “to large” and asked DERM to remove the one in her canal, which they could not do but she had a dislike of the gentle sea cow after environmentalist put her face on a manatee and asked who is  the better looking? Gov De Santos taps commission veteran Barreto for FFFW Conservation commission t —UM Ryder sign MOU with Hebrew University, over half of all Israeli trauma surgeons trained at UM Ryder – Check out Children’s Trust heart gallery, kids needing forever homes, will break your heart when you see their smiles – Disruptive pre-k children getting “suspended,” new challenge for Children’s Trust — Complete 2020 Census count critical to get our share of $675 billion annually, some $29 billion in 2010, undercount costs $1,400 in lost revenue

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: While state reps try to pierce Miami-Dade county’s home rule charter jurist disagrees in dissolving MDX citing politics, the driving force state representatives called “traitors for pushing dissolving expressway authority 

Will the county commission be able to fill the three slots on the new Greater Miami Express Way agency that the state created to dissolve MDX and the criteria for applicants is daunting in the future Commission Chair Audrey Edmonson will create a search committee to review the applicants but will state date guidelines be met given the extensive applicant limitations in the law. The Miami-Dade County is looking for applicants to fill three seats on a nine member Greater Miami Express Way agency and applicants need to file by Aug. 9thHere is the criteria for applicants: http://miamidadetpo.org/newsroom.asp — MIA directed to do study of impact of Melreese soccer stadium deal on runways and if in “safety zones,” for runways 

Deputy mayor Hudak says sayonara after 30 years was a good governance model, Mayor Gimenez says “she’s a killer [Hudack],” when it comes to Zika eradicated after panic a few years back, calm hand on the county’s tiller- Will new HUD program RAD help with affordable housing crisis, could create some 10,000 units in five to seven years in S. Florida?–With Miami-Dade #1 in HIV infections UM Idea program showing results needs second mobility van for dispensing HIV preventative drugs Prep doses “middle school students,” at “risk,” too says county commissioner Rebeca Sosa an educator.  At the disparity committee Monday, a sobering presentation was done on the rising HIV infections IDEA the UM  needle exchange pilot program needs dedicated mobile van may get surplus county van suggests, commissioner Jordan: -The Miami-Dade property Appraiser Thursday released his estimates and countrywide property tax value rose “5.9 percent,” with a value of $307,213,billion and this revenue bump is because of the new development  to see the report by municipalities go to: http://www.miamidade.gov/pa/reports.asp – Will county commission spend this new tax revenue wisely while new commissioners are termed out, how much in rainy day fund? — M-D County Youth Commission finds “rampant,” bullying and “code reds,” climate change, vaping new issues, body creating the leaders of the future, and note Miami is one of the first “cities to run out of water say,” studies show-  Will the county float a new GOB for infrastructure, getting thousands off septic tanks, suggests commissioner Jordan? –Commissioner Souto says with humongous county government mayor should “crack the whip,” believes, running slower, “wants more eyes on major contracts”– Last week’s hot topics were, vehicles & furniture, “4 to 10 police,” vehicles a week can be processed by county in new police cars, $84 million contract, $38 million from previous year “1,006 new cars from that amount

Miami-Dade County Public Schools: The bands from local high schools will be playing at Noticia Tropicana festival held in Tropical park and is a major event for years pushed by Commissioner Javier Souto a former state senator and county parks advocate.– Some board members not seeking reelection, will it impact past school achievement no F schools in district with future turbulence on the nine-member board, Dr. s Karp, Feldman leaving board? – School Board Budget Review Advisory committee meets Tuesday, is the taxpayers firewall, made up of CPAs & tax attorneys, not always the case until 2004, when chair Hank Mack finally steps down reluctantly, two schools named after the man on in Dade another in Broward – District saves $68 million in COP bond refinancing, IG busts electrical contractor and minority “front” –Community leaders in shock after M-DC public Schools former chair Dr.  Solomon Stimson charged with felony after shooting at police in Broward, has dementia Parkinson– School district will get property appraiser funding on time after value adjustment board met Monday and whittled down the time for appeals with more hearing masters, loss years ago was $171 million hit to district– School District Impact Fees audit Check out the audit and what the county owes to the public– http://mca.dadeschools.net/AuditCommittee/AC_May_14_2019/Agenda.pdf — Charter schools 134 of them are asking to receive some of the $1.2 billion GOB proceeds passed by county voters, teacher raises and facilities upgrades, is running into protests. 

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST: Has JHS health trust been hit with a body blow feds audit of Florida and LIP draw down Medicaid program could cost $436 million in returned federal funds. Being litigated with feds, not good news – state funding cut proposed $58 million versus $1.5 million JHS trustee Rep. Duran R-Miami worked across party lines to mitigate cuts- Joint PHT BCC meeting goes smoothly love fest versus the past CEO Migoya says, “Doral west on budget and on time by Nov. 2020,” can be seen from landing MIA planes The new AOA agreement calls for health trust to pay $130 million to UM for a host of medical services and below is a complete breakdown of the services and payments.

http://www.seiu1991.org/files/2011/07/AOA-Payments-Rationale-and-Distribution-3.pdf 

CITY OF MIAMI:  Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo aide is busted at 10:00 a.m. for a DUI after running into the back of a boat on Fuller and Grand Ave. Further, this continues the turmoil in the District 3 commission office that has major staff members being fired because of a hostile work environment and Carollo responded after hearing the charges. He was just glad there were no injuries but the political turmoil in the office should be monitored by manager Emilio Gonzalez for the lawsuits will likely be coming from some of these past employees including one claiming whistle blower status which ultimately was declined. – Miami mayor’s counsel Eddy Leal, a Duke Blue Devil, gets some media ink on Babylon project. Says not paid so does not have to register as lobbyist, ethics commission starts investigation, says ‘hit piece,’ in Miami herald, mayor vetoes commission vote on Babylon and zoning anomality — Joseph Napoli a deputy Miami assistant manager has something in common with manager Emilio Gonzalez. The men are both retired U.S. Army colonels Napoli told me Thursday at the commission meeting. — Influential attorney Diaz de la Portilla, not prepared is denied a zoning exemption for Montessori village school off Coral Way, associations not notified they say, Little Havana, Silver Bluff, his brother Alex running for commissioner , police policy to have a sergeant -of arms travel with mayor, WDR has made some 80 trips to Honolulu in my corporate capacity on my way to Japan, Suarez named  a trustee out of 500 city mayors — Suarez administration runs into headwinds on MRC development project, Carollo calls it “sweetheart deal,” worse “than Marlin’s stadium deal,” the former mayor claims, only small # of city’s 4,400 employees work in building, mayor will deal after back from Honolulu — Unacceptable to hold public meeting in private venue excluding public Miami Parks Dir. Lara Hamway, needs ethics and Sunshine law class, I once went to Fischer Island MAC and was welcomed, mayor talks transparency, we need to see it. – A behind the look at F1 race negotiations done by county ethics commission, no charges since attorney did not accept getting “full VIP credentials,” went diving instead memo closed out, but fascinating read, Commission Chair Ken Russell tapped by Florida DNC as “chairman of their statewide Municipal Victory program,” in Orlando–Commission Dist. 1 candidate Alex de la Portilla trying to bounce back has $167,000 in war chest leads pack of candidates since Gort termed out, ex Miami commissioner Humberto Hernandez plying the halls of city hall was disbarred attorney for mortgage fraud – Mayor Suarez needs to get commission under control law practice gives Carollo a huge opening and now we find he is a lobbyist for ritzy Fisher Island, he is a well-paid mayor, causing his own problem by not fighting acknowledging the potential conflict — Will commission turbulence affect bond ratings, “you are not the chair,” says Carollo, says he “knows one Harvard idiot [referring to mayor’s father and political nemesis], commissioners tooling around in new $73,000, SUVs with massage chair button — Commissioner Carollo attacks staff and administration for dereliction of duty and code enforcement, end of meeting like a Tchaikovsky sympathy’s climax — Mayor Francis Suarez gave his first state of the city speech at the Miami Freedom Tower and the high energy young man and attorney was received  by quests almost like a rally as he detailed the administrations goals in the coming year, but can he deliver? – mayor Suarez moving on up now sitting on dais between manager and attorney, make it seem he is a strong mayor though voters rejected that idea, not stopping him – Bayside Foundation Willy Gort scholarship to get $250,000 anti-poverty funding from his dist.1 fund, foundation gives $200,000 in scholarships, odd taxpayer money being used, will it start a trend of commissioner scholarship programs?

Community Events: Arsht Center function; Future of Miami Arts- New Knight Foundation programs strengthening democracy and a strong free media

EDITORIALS: Mueller testimony to congress not the silver bullet Democrats hoped for but veteran marine, did shoot a flare regarding hacking of America’s election infrastructure calls for paper ballots as back-up cyber-attacks coming from a host on nation’s not just Russia, Iran N. Korea in the mix. – “civility oath goes out the window,” says Mayor Suarez — S. Florida’s political vendettas hold back what could be Miami’s greatness, Failure to move on costs all S. Florida residents, in quality of life? -! – Mayor Suarez’s strong mayor proposal flawed should not allow outside income for either mayor or manager, not about him but future mayors – 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 a gaov. 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 municipalities out of control and get little press coverage or oversight, legislators are on wrong side of this one

 

>>> If you wish to be deleted, just e-mail me with that message. “

 

 
You may not take an interest in politics, but politics may take an interest in you.” –Pericles (430 B.C.)

    

 

ARGUS REPORT: Heard Seen on the street

 

>>> Local Grand Jury report says Biscayne-bay on life support, septic tanks poor infrastructure, plastics deadly to bays survival, past attempts to turn bay around have not been successful, but at tipping point, says jury report 

 

A recent Miami-Dade County state attorney’s Grand Jury report has concluded Biscayne- Bay is at a tipping point when it comes to the bays health and is a major tourist draw. The report says banning straws and plastic bottles along with reducing septic tank leakage and the lack of an infrastructure to discontinue with septic tanks are one of the reasons to blame, but fixing it is not cheap. To read the report go to: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6248684-Grand-Jury-Report-Biscayne-Bay.html 

 

The Miami-Dade County State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle was on WLRN recently discussing the grand jury reports findings (net worth $3.359 million through 07.01.19). She is up for reelection in 2020 since being elected in 1993. She noted The Super Bowl host committee is making two community commitments. One to too plant some 100 staghorn corals at Rainbow Reef offshore of Key Biscayne and the other is concerning “human trafficking,” said the state attorney on air and below is the federal consent decree on Miami-Dade’s. federal settlement with its Water & Sewer department and is costing billions in the coming years and the county has enhanced the funding given the size of the problem and some lead may be in pipes running into old houses from the connection and below are water testing findings and I was surprised at what appears in  the county. Further check out the exploration of coral reefs in the Keys.https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article230807454.html and here are links to the county’s massive water and sewer plan and accomplishments.

https://www.miamidade.gov/water/library/consent-decree-overview-english.pdf 

https://www8.miamidade.gov/global/water/consent-decree.page 

 

https://www.mswmag.com/editorial/2017/06/utility_of_the_future 

 

local pipe break: https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/miami-dade-sewage-leak-still-not-fixed-over-1000000-gallons-spilled-so-far/ar-AAFUGIv?ocid=spartandhp 

 

>>> China tries to nip Hong Kong unrest in the bud, hard to put back in bottle once Freedom is tasted, former Colony plays key role in China’s economy, but will a crackdown come with PLA massing troops over the border?

 

‘One country two systems, ‘was the pledge the People’s Republic of China made to the British colony’s residents of Hong Kong in1997 and Beijing must be concerned the continued unrest does not spread into the mainland. The conflict was created after legislation was proposed that would extradite locals to the mainland for trial under the oppressive Chinese judicial system nothing like the courts in Hong Kong and the former colony has always had a special status for business and it being a portal to the mainland and includes in Happy Valley the financial district having a racecourse track. Further, in the late 1800s the European nations tightened their imperialism and it was referred to “slicing the melon, “using gun boat diplomacy, as they divided up city districts and ports many under British control. I write about this because China has a hypersensitivity about being told to do something by outsiders since it is the Middle Kingdom. Here is more on the period in Chinese History.

http://blogs.bu.edu/guidedhistory/moderneurope/tao-he/ 

 

other takes on the demonstrations: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/17/world/asia/hong-kong-protests.html 

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/14/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-identity-china-edward-leung.html?action=click&module=RelatedCoverage&pgtype=Article&region=Footer 

 

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Hong-Kong-protests/Hong-Kong-protests-spread-possibly-affecting-next-election 

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/01/world/asia/hong-kong-china-handover.html 

 

OBITUARY

 

>>> Former state Rep Barreiro passes at 60, was a champion of children and gave heart burn to Jeb Bush administration regarding DCF’s treatment of inmates in state custody, was working at Miami-Dade Children’s Trust

 

Former state Rep an children advocate Gus Barreiro passed at 60, and he was a relentless advocate for children in state custody and battle GOP leaders and then Gov. Jeb Bush, who was dealing with a sit-inn in the governor’s office and number of high profile cases were brought to light and helped reform the state department of children’s and Family  https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article234076672.html 

 

>>> Sexual abuser Epstein’s suicide Sat. has public puzzled conspiracist theorists go crazy trying to connect Bill & Hillary Clinton to man’s death

 

The suicide of Jeffrey Epstein has put conspiracists in overdrive suggesting he might have spilled the beans on his illicit activities with underage women with the rich and powerful. The Financier a registered sex offender who never completed his degree and hob knobbed with a host of powerful politicians including President Donald Trump on an NBC video https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=epstein+trump+video&view=detail&mid=873E4797750C372169E3873E4797750C372169E3&FORM=VIRE , people are believing that Bill and Hillary Clinton are behind this and the public awaits for  the autopsy and the investigation on how he was able to kill himself and why he was taken off suicide watch and its protocol. For more go to: 

 

https://www.local10.com/news/crime/epstein-had-been-taken-off-suicide-watch-before-killing-himself-source-says?breaking_news=4338&utm_content=17741637&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Breaking%20News%20Alert&utm_term=wplg_breaking

 

>>>> Miami Civil Service board violates sunshine law with extensive discussion while on coffee break after commissioner testifies about firing of aide claiming whistle blower status, all caught on city television ethics commission needs to review this violation

The Florida Sunshine Law and open public records is being assaulted in the municipalities in a variety of ways and since many public meetings are being televised it is easy to see board members talking among themselves as was the case at a City of Miami Civil Service board meeting April 2nd  and 3rd  just after commissioner Joe Carollo testified concerning the firing of a former staffer Steven Miro who was claiming a whistle blower status in front of the five member board where one member had to recuse himself. The county’s Ethics commission needs to review this private conversation because it was so blatant.

 

At this meeting around 11:40 a.m., there was a long animated conversation, after he moved the mic away between the members and chair and finger pointing to make a point and it also had the chair moving the mic away even though it was turned off while they were waiting for someone to bring them coffee but it was so blatant.

I later went down to the commission to cover this blatant disregard for the law and to get the names of the board members since they are not on the city’s webpage for this board. Editor’s note: The Miami-Dade County Ethics and Public Trust should review this meeting because the Sunshine law was so clearly violated, right after Carollo had testified and their final deliberations.

 

Rerun because so important:  2020 Census complete count top priority $177 million lost in 2010 undercount, says census bureau outreach coordinator Diaz a former Little Havana resident $675 billion annually at stake nationwide $29 billion goes to Florida  

 

The Miami-Dade County Community Relations board (CRB) met Wednesday in the county commission chambers and the topic was community “fear,” when it came to the upcoming 2020 Census. Where some $1,400 is lost in federal funding across the board through federal agencies and in the 2010 Census only “82 percent” of the community was counted and nationwide the percentage was “74 percent,” said Ana Maria Diaz with the Census bureau outreach coordinator.

 

The importance of the Census is not only financial but is key to reapportionment of congress and in 2010 south Florida picked up two congressional seats. 

 

What about community outreach and education? 

 

Further, while many residents may not be eligible to vote these people must be counted for the federal funding helps these possible undocumented and the citizenship question is what many residents and while many residents fear that ICE or HSH might raid and arrest them. The count since 1790 has been sealed for 72 years and a president cannot unseal the information and that can only be done by an act of congress said the Census Bureau outreach coordinator who grew up in Little Havana populated with seniors and may have their kids living with them and they all must be counted she said and “a 3 percent increase in the count,’ would be a major achievement for the county and while it is a year away  now is the time to educate. For many residents who don’t understand the Census that starts April 1 next year. The WDR spends so much time on this subject since I interviewed many people working on the 2000 Census and the count was terrible after the young Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez was extracted from his Little Havana home after federal authorities raided the home and chaos erupted in Miami with extensive ethnic divisions and curb sitting counting was a problem where there were many people living in homes or apartments and the undercount was considerable and had to be adjusted later but that may not happen again so it has to be done right because as Diaz said “It starts and cannot be stopped,” despite weather or any other issue. She noted when challenged about “doing damage control, ” for the Trump administration and her boss U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilber Ross and the fear in the community which is a minority majority committee that keeps many people afraid to even go to a bank and use check cashing stores where there are lines but that is the reality of South Florida and is why getting a complete count is so important. Update: in 2010, under the Obama administration which employed extensive minority outreach it is estimated in that count some 2 million children were missed in the final count.

 

>>>The Knight Foundation releases commission report on restoring trust in media

 

The John. S. and James L. Knight Foundation has released a report looking at restoring trust in the media and its corrosive effect to Democracy to read the commission’s report go to: http://csreports.aspeninstitute.org/Knight-Commission-TMD/2019/report 

 

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is funding programs and films documenting Miami blocks and Dennis Scholl discussed the program on PBS show Your South Florida Friday night. The foundation has been the cultural Miracle Grow for the arts and is seen throughout Miami from Wynwood to the walls and I could not find the shows link on the shows webpage but one filmmaker looked at the MLK bike celebration wheels up guns down that is locally considered a protest the film maker found out. Further the Knight Arts Challenge is going on and artists should check out the application process at www.knightfoundation.org  

 

>> The super bowl is not the big enchilada of upcoming events, but the 2020 Census is, undercount costs millions, maybe even a new house seat like in 2000, the worse count after Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez, sent fear through the Cuban community of federal government, Chair Bovo wants to help this important event, All hands-on deck activity

 

While Miami-Dade county is preparing for the Super Bowl next year a bigger event is coming in the 2020 U.S. Census that in Miami the count has been generally a flawed process and the worst count was the 2000 Census after the young boy Elian Gonzalez was extracted from Little Havana and the community erupted in ethnic tensions and fear for many residents since even though the count is done by the commerce department many saw a “federally,” and would not participate and years later the numbers had to be revised and south Florida got an extra congressional seat that was later filled by U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz Ballart, R-Miami and the census count per person back then brought some $23,000 in federal funding and was in stark contrast to other counties around the nation where very high count was achieved. Further for some counties the undercount could result in some communities losing some $800 billion in lost federal funding that includes Medicare funding and a host of other programs. School Board member Lubby Navarro is part of the 2020 census taskforce being assembled an she spoke in front of the county commission about the important matter and noted residents will get a form with a number on it and they can file online using that number. She also noted there will be Major outreach at schools’ libraries and other sites with NGOs to get an accurate count and the community’s fair share of representation and federal funding. She also noted we might get a new house seat if the census is done accurately.

 

Update Trump will not add a citizenship question on the long form?

 

Back in 2000 I watched and wrote a lot about the undercount and how it starts and then stops, though the county did get an extension back then but that is no longer assured. 

https://www.naco.org/articles/2020-census-what-counties-need-do-now-prepare 

 

>>> 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. 

 

FLORIDA

 

>>> Years ago Rodney Barreto was peppered by recalled commissioner Natacha Seijas saying she thought the manatee herd was getting “to large” and asked DERM to remove the one in her canal, hitch they could not do but she had a dislike of the gentle sea cow after environmentalist put her face on a manatee and asked who is  the better looking?

 

Years ago, Barreto gave the Miami-Dade County Commission an update on the manatee herd in Florida and he was asked if the population “was to large asked recalled commissioner Natacha Seijas “

 

The watchdog Report ran this in a story in The Miami Herald and she got hundreds of phone calls back then and even suggested in “Cuban lore these “sea cows made excellent sushi,” on the Island and she also wanted DERM to remove the one in a canal in her neighborhood.

 

Florida Sen. Lauren Book, D- Broward is demanding an independent investigation of the Jeffrey Epstein deal and  his sweetheart work release deal and Book a survivor of abuse by a nanny has been a champion in getting justice for victims and is currently getting threats to stop her snooping into this and that is unacceptable and while the Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. To support her efforts go to: https://laurenskids.org/do-you-stand-with-lauren/?fbclid=IwAR2OwsUaActvezmHGZxMNZGsjbi0MIntZ7JH2sQiLqNKM0WmHAYEDHHVcgo 

https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article233209856.html?fbclid=IwAR0DQbep2vMe_8i5bdWS1cn-f3piNSQB30LI7eLzdnMlAzeNIijyBf9308Y 

 

>> Check out Children’s Trust heart gallery, kids needing forever homes, will break your heart when you see their smiles

 

The Miami-Dade County Trust is featuring its heart gallery on children looking to be adopted into lifetime homes and to see the gallery that will break your heart go to 

https://www.miamiheartgallery.org/  

 

>>>> Disruptive pre-k children getting “suspended,” new challenge for Children’s Trust Miami-Dade County

 

when it comes to pre-K early learning programs many minority and other children are being “suspended,” for their behavior and since it is proven that these early programs put children in a readiness state to learn. And this a new challenge among these troublesome children for decades children age “3 to 5,” the expert said.

 

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>>> While state reps try to pierce Miami-Dade county’s home rule charter jurist disagrees in dissolving MDX citing politics, the driving force state representatives called “traitors” for pushing dissolving expressway authority 

 

The Miami-Dade Home rule Charter got a new friend when a Florida judge stated the state legislature went too far in trying to dissolve the MDX authority that manages the Miami expressway system and was being pushed by local GOP state representatives and was fought by MDX chair County mayor Carlos Gimenez and had officials calling the representatives of “being traitors” to the community they represent and has resulted in a protracted legal battle that agreed with the county’s position and as political in nature since this body says toll rates for commuters especially in west Dade.

 

Further, the county commission was unlikely to meet the time lines to replace the new board members in time given the odd collection of requirements to be on this new entity but the judicial ruling being appealed id s victory for the state’s largest and populous county since 1958 when the home rule charter  took effect allowing Dade some autonomy in running our own affairs other than Tallahassee. And state legislature has tried multiple times to pierce this charter and its independence from state rule. 

 

>>> Will the county commission be able to fill the three slots on the new Greater Miami Express Way agency that the state created to dissolve MDX and the criteria for applicants is daunting in the future Commission Chair Audrey Edmonson will create a search committee to review the applicants but will state date guidelines be met given the extensive limitations in the law. The Miami-Dade County is looking for applicants to fill three seats on a nine member Greater Miami Express Way agency and applicants need to file by Aug. 9thHere is the criteria for applicants: http://miamidadetpo.org/newsroom.asp >>> more on the court issue go to: >>> https://twitter.com/MiamiDadeCounty/status/1148705840175730688 

 

Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements: Nominees must be permanent residents of Miami-Dade County, Must be residents of an incorporated municipality within Miami-Dade County, May not have been a member of the governing body or employee of the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority on or after July 1, 2009,May not be a lobbyist as that is defined in House Bill 385,May not currently represent the Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority as a lobbyist. May not have lobbied the Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority in the previous 4 years, May not have done business with, or been an employee of a person or entity that has done business with the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority in the previous 4 years, May not hold, or have held, in the previous two years, elected or appointed office in the county,

May not have been an employee of the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority in the previous 2 years.>>>> Please submit resumes by close of business on Friday, August 9, 2019, to Ms. Zainab Salim, TPO Clerk of the Board, at 111 NW First Street, Suite 920, Miami, Florida 33128 or via email at Zainab.Salim@mdtpo.org.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article233700127.html 

 

County upcoming budget from mayor Gimenez twitter: : https://twitter.com/MiamiDadeCounty/status/1148705840175730688 

 

Homeless Trust honors young women 

 

https://miami.cbslocal.com/2019/08/15/miami-proud-local-teenager-delivers-personal-hygiene-bags-homeless-women-miami-dade/ 

 

>>> ‘Let’s hope no one needs a [fire rescue] bird],” after BCC defers getting new helicopters after 7 – year procurement process, says committee chair Sally Heyman 

 

The issue of new helicopter for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is still up in the air and Heyman is getting impatient with not getting the new birds and while they have 4 many times these are being repaired and originally the county considered to sell them to fill a budget gap years ago and that has yet to happen. Check out the links for more on the department.https://www8.miamidade.gov/global/fire/air-rescue.pagehttps: //www8.miamidade.gov/global/fire/air-rescue.page 

https://fireaviation.com/2015/01/04/miami-dades-aviation-program/ 

 

Miami-Dade county has 34 municipalities and the issue of incorporating parts of S Dade had a host of speakers not wanting  to be incorporated since the county’s services like police and fire rescue are provided by the county’s regional departments and some residents complained it would create another political body and given only Pinecrest was in corporate an property values rose all most all the other new incorporations ended  up raising their taxes over decades.

 

>>> MIA directed to do study of impact of Melreese soccer stadium deal on runways and if in “safety zones,” for runways, could impact MLS stadium at golf course

 

The county will do a study on the proposed MLS stadium at Mel Reese golf course that includes a stadium and hotel and if it would fall into a “runway safety zone,” that The FAA could not certify said MIA director Lester Sola and he is trying to get the study done in 90 days since Miami voters in November will be asked to vote on the controversial project since it is proposed by private interests and commission vice Chair Rebeca Sosa wants nothing to put the largest economic engine MIA in any jeopardy she believes and requested the study.

 

When it comes to transportation planning Organization (TPO) chair Oliver Gilbert,III thinks more technology international trips should be done with a larger group including professors from UM FI,U should be included and Broward county is sending a second delegation to Asia with some 70 people going on the research trip and may be looking at monorail technology.

 

>>> Further, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez made a motion for a new $1.2 million in office lease space for the Citizens Independent Transit trust from their current cubicle office in government center and after it was approved, he left from MIA and fly to Honolulu. However, Javier Souto objected to spending this much money, but it passed.

 

>>> Will new HUD program RAD help with affordable housing crisis, could create some 10,000 units in five to seven years in S. Florida?

A new U.S. HUD program called RAD was presented at a county commission committee meeting and it could over 4 to 5 years increase rental housing stock to up to 10,000 units said Michael Liu the county’s housing director and could  be a boon in South Florida where housing and affordable housing is a crisis.

https://www.hud.gov/RAD/program-details 

 

>>> With Miami-Dade #1 in HIV infections UM Idea program showing results needs second mobility van for dispensing HIV preventative drugs Prep doses “middle school students,” at “risk,” to says county commissioner Rebeca Sosa an educator.  

 

At the disparity committee Monday, a sobering presentation was done on the rising HIV infections IDEA UM needle exchange pilot program needs dedicated mobile van may get surplus county van suggests, commissioner Jordan, 

 

Miami-Dade is #1 in new HIV infections Idea syringe exchange pilot program going statewide, mobile van needed to deliver HIV medicine 

 

The UM Miller Medical needle syringe exchange program was a major discussion at the community disparities committee chaired by county commissioner Eileen Higgins who has part of Miami Beach and is a “hot zone,” for new infections that cuts across all ethnic lines black or Hispanic and has one person getting AIDs daily  and last week and the controversial exchange program has shown positive public health outcomes said Dr. Hansel Tookes, III, M.D., M.P.A. http://medicine.med.miami.edu/ideaexchange 

Tookes who took the needle exchange program to the state legislature and high rates of HIV infections are found in Broward and Palm Beach Counties and a traveling Prep mobile unit donated by Sylvester Cancer is going into the community and giving testing and antiviral drugs. However, reaching some of the infected runs into stigmas that includes blacks and Hispanics who are sometimes reluctant to be tested and one hot spot is on 14th street in Miami and Higgins is trying to get a dedicated van to increase the coverage and help for infected patients. 

 

>> M-D County Youth Commission finds “rampant,” bullying and “code reds,” climate change, vaping new issues, body creating the leaders of the future, and note Miami is one of the first “cities to run out of water say,” studies show 

 

A joint meeting with county commissioners and the Miami-Dade County Youth Commission created by the body in 2011 is always an eyeopener. These young members say what they mean with the bark on and in the past years school violence and bullying was a number one concern and after the tragedy at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas students expressed  concerns when it comes to “code red,” drills that they need the teachers to explain more what the “procedures,” should be and that these drills “should end after some six minutes the students,” on the council said. 

 

Further the issue of vaping and e cigarettes is a big concern since some 2.3 million students in the county are vaping and has a variety of Side effects that still need to be studied more but it has become increasing number the student representatives said.

http://www.miamidade.gov/youthcommission/prindex.asp?year=2017&web=youthcommission 

 

These members also did community service like Books for Tots where they give out children’s books like Vegetable Soup and others to get preschoolers reading early.

 

They also traveled to Washington, D.C. PAMM and a school board meeting where they believe “zoning changes should be modified where vaping stores in strip malls should be outlawed in the county code close to schools. Further, each member talked about the programs impact on them from a roundtable meeting with Miami-Dade County Police Department and changed people’s perspective about officers that was different from what you see on social media.   

 

>>> Summer Youth intern program funding running into trouble with school district “that has problems accepting the funding,” says Gimenez

 

Summer Youth Internship program is facing obstacles with the county school board said Gimenez and involves the Children’s Trust funding and the school district. It may be something “bureaucratic,” and will continue to fund it and maybe next year figure a way to resolve it said Gimenez. In the past years 5,000 to 7,000 kids have participated in this program for at risk youth during the summer break. Part of the problem is a new requirement for “audits,” said sponsor Barbara Jordan. The mayor said, “they [the school district] has problems accepting the funding in this cycle. He is continuing to negotiate with the district since this an important youth program.

 

>>>>What about the Homeless Trust and this year’s number of who had died on the street, a new high many opioid related, last year 138 passed this year 201 passed state’s medical examiner confirms.

 

The watchdog Report contacted Book about the solemn but stirring meetings after the students spoke and he wrote back, “It was even more because we had the vigil for an hour and a half before in the lobby and it was extremely emotional and painful. Last year, 138 individuals died on our streets. The number jumped up this year to 201, which is the highest year yet and 77% are confirmed by the medical examiner to have died from opioid overdoses. That is simply unconscionable and unacceptable and disheartening. 

 

Secondly, if that’s not bad enough, the national average from a life expectancy perspective on someone who lives on the streets is 79 years of age nationally. Our average this year amongst the 201 was 55 years old. Think about it, our average is 24 years younger than the national average and we don’t have minus 44-degree weather. It was very emotional and very hard and draining. Then we go to the Trust Meeting and it just becomes a high, but it was a high after one of the worst downers in the 25 years I’ve served this Board. Then right after the Board meeting, I had to judge with four of my team members, our annual essay and poster contest amongst elementary, middle school and high school kids. Just a hard day around on homelessness, wrote the long-time chair. For more on the Sadowski trust go to;https://www.bradenton.com/opinion/editorials/article48810155.html 

 

Will elections and sheriff be political patronage havens, or repositories for termed out elected officials to land?

 
Lack of competency in candidates in new elected offices, highlighted during the last election cycle has many concerned what the future of key elected officials will be. For example, Miami-Dade state attorney in office since 1992 has said she was not running again back in 2015 her last election and there is no current successor of an organization that handles some 250,0000 cases. This highlights the problem when offices are political like a supervisor of elections, sheriff and a host of others recently created by statewide voters and create political patronage rather than competency is one of the reasons Broward elections supervisor Brenda Snipes had problems in November’s elections. >>>> GMCVB press release: From January-June 2019, international passenger arrivals at Miami International Airport (MIA) increased by +4.5 percent compared to the previous year. Domestic passengers increased by +1.1 percent compared to the same period in 2018, contributing to total passenger arrivals with an increase of +2.7 percent.  

Record International Arrivals

January-June 2019 January-June 2018 % Change 5,801,928 5,554,571 +4.5%

Record Domestic Arrivals

January-June 2019 January-June 2018 % Change 5,990,894 5,926,350 +1.1%

Record Total Arrivals

January-June 2019 January-June 2018 % Change 11,792,822 11,480,921 +2.7%

 

 

What is the new elderly crisis coming seniors & children housing money their lack of permanent long-term homes?

 

Homeless seniors are becoming the biggest threat facing the county in the future and it is a “Crisis, said Ron Book,” the Miami-Dade County Homeless trust chair. At past trust meeting and the need for permanent housing for this emerging group is critical and he is on a crusade to find permanent housing the trust can buy but in Miami the inventory is small an expensive he has said in the past. And to review the task force recommendations and has some elderly having to live in shelters for up to “1,000,” s and that number qualifying will only increase in the future.

 

Ron Book has been making the political rounds speaking at a Miami commission meeting  about a new encampment in the inner city that has been blocked off by the health department after open sexual acts and drug dealing has resulted in a spike of AIDs cases and the finding of drug paraphernalia around the local schools and the trust has gone into emergency mode to get these people into rehabilitation and other programs and those coming back are being addressed where one Women had “black lips,” gangrene and was “spotted having a rat eating the food in her mouth,” in her stupor condition said Book to city commissioners and she was taken into rehabilitation but this is the challenge the county’s homeless trust faces. For more go to https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/downtown-miami/article219921130.html 

 

The homeless trust has a new program where people with rental housing can register their rental units with the county and for more on the program go to: http://www.homelesstrust.rg/rentconnect.asp  
 

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

 

>>> Has JHS health trust been hit with a body blow feds audit of Florida and LIP draw down Medicaid program could cost $436 million in returned federal funds. Being litigated with feds, not good news 

 

https://www.miamiherald.com/  for more go to:

https://www.miamiherald.com/site-services/profiles/article233162581.html 

 

>>>> State funding cut proposed $58 million versus $1.5 million JHS trustee Rep. Duran R-Miami worked across party lines to mitigate cuts

 

PHT agenda: State Legislative Update:  Carlos A. Migoya, President and Chief Executive Officer stated that the 2019 Legislative Session concluded with Jackson Health System (JHS) receiving a cut in funds totaling $1.5 million versus the proposed $58 million. Mr. Migoya stated that the work of the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation, the House of Representatives who remained strong with their formula attributed to less funding cuts to JHS, and Representative Nicholas X. Duran who did a great job working across party lines. In all, slightly few health care bills were passed but for the ones that did pass are beneficial for JHS and long-term health care. The Certificate of Need (CON) House Bill (removes a requirement that general hospitals apply and obtain approval from the state to build or expand) passed. The approval of the House Bill does present some challenges but the positive side of it gives JHS the opportunity to finalize the CON for Jackson West Medical Center. Mr. Migoya stated that Don S. Steigman, Chief Operating Office, Mark T. Knight, Chief Financial Officer and the construction team are working together to maximize JHS opportunities to successfully complete the work to open and occupy the facility at the end of year 2020. 4. Adjournment Joe Arriola, Vice Chairman, Strategy and Growth Committee at 11:29

 

>>> Joint PHT BCC meting goes smoothly love fest versus the past CEO Migoya says, “Doral west on budget and on time by Nov. 2020,” can be seen from landing MIA planes

 

The PHT board had its joint meeting Tuesday with the county commission and it was a love fest versus years in the past where people were talking about selling the public hospital after years of mounting debt serving the uninsured and residence confidence was plummeting after all the bad fiscal news and leadership changes that included the county commission periodically weighing in and had a past CEO Marvin O’Quinn telling me after he arrived. This “place is so political,” and I responded back no kidding. Or more see the better building bond webpage. Doral east “is own time and budget,” CEO Carlos Migoya tells commissioners. Or more go to https://jacksonhealth.org/jackson-bond-program/ 

 

>>>> The AOA agreement calls for health trust to pay $130 million to UM for a host of medical services and below is a complete breakdown of the services and payments.

http://www.seiu1991.org/files/2011/07/AOA-Payments-Rationale-and-Distribution-3.pdf 

 

This is a breakdown of the payments and a graph is on the pdf above 

 

Distribution of AOA Payments Direct Patient Care, $20,057,576 Residency and Fellowship Program Administration, $5,704,521 Residents and Fellows Clinical Instruction Support, $22,941,836 Residents and Fellows Direct Expense Stipend, $587,640 Residency and Fellowship Program Coord and Admin, $1,391,611 Hospital Administration Support, $10,143,812 Recruiting Support, $11,752.

 

The 50-year affiliation with the UM Miller school of medicine is a tremendous boon for the community and ends the tag line. “You go to Jackson to die,” was a frequent refrain, but that medical synergy has made the health trust one of the top medical health systems in Miami-Dade and is rebooting after a GOB bond was passed allowing for new updated facilities.

>>> New continuum of care center coming for homeless with mental issues, JHS involved one stop center, upcoming special PHT board meeting to ratify new committee chairs

 

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 Chapman, Jr. partnership go to: https://www.chapmanpartnership.org/about-us/leadership/ https://www.chapmanpartnership.org/wpq_events/nextgen-gala-party/ 

 

>>> Last girder to state-of-the-art Christine E. Lynn rehabilitation facility fitted Friday $175 million rehab, home to UM Project to Cure Paralysis

 

On Friday the last girder was added to the new state of the art rehabilitation facility and it is dearly needed after the previous one was inadequate and antiquated and was always a hot topic with county commissioners especially commissioner Sally Heyman who had a back issue and had to get rehab there. The $175 center will also be home for UM’s the Miami Project to cure Paralysis and the fundraising got a jolt when Christine E. Lynn donated the first $25 million and was augmented with proceeds from the $830 million GOB approved by county voters.

 

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

 

>>> The bands from local high schools will be playing at Noticia Tropicana festival held in Tropical park and is a major event for years pushed by Commissioner Javier Souto a former state senator and county parks advocate.

>>> Some board members not seeking reelection, will it impact a past school achievement no F schools in district with future turbulence on the nine-member board, Dr. s Karp, Feldman leaving board?

 

>>> District saves $68 million in COP bond refinancing, IG busts electrical contractor and minority “front”

The school board is refinancing some Certificates of Participation (COP) bonds and the maneuver suggested by a treasury advisory board is saving the public district 468 million and the nation’s second largest district has an extensive bond portfolio and has been refinancing since interest have been so low especially a few years ago. 

An electrical contractor was busted by the county’s IG for being a front when applying and complying with the district’s minority contract policies to read the report click on 

http://www.miamidadeig.org/2019MDCPS/OIGFinalReportofInspectionGOBIG0015.pdf 

 

here is the link to the audit agenda: http://www.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/agenda/e35.pdf

 

The Value adjustment board met, and commissioners Jose Pepe Diaz attended along with commission chair Audrey Edmonson a and school board member Lubby Navarro and this year there is no delay in money owed to the district that in the past was roughly $171 million. For more on that funding conflict with the county go to:

https://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/12/05/dade-teachers-union-files-lawsuit-against-mayor/ 

 

School District Impact Fees audit Check out the audit and what the county owes to the public district http://mca.dadeschools.net/AuditCommittee/AC_May_14_2019/Agenda.pdf

 

CITY OF MIAMI 

 

>> Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo aide is busted at 10:00 a.m. for a DUI after running into the back of a boat on Fuller and Grand Ave. Further, this continues the turmoil in the District 3 commission office that has major staff members being fired because of a hostile work environment and Carollo responded after hearing the charges. He was just glad there were no injuries but the political turmoil in the office should be monitored by manager Emilio Gonzalez for the lawsuits will likely be coming from some of these past employees including one claiming whistle blower status which ultimately was declined. For more on the incident go to: https://miami.cbslocal.com/2019/08/16/aide-miami-commissioner-joe-carollo-arrested-drunk-driving/ 

 

>>>> Ken Russel subject of hit campaign piece paid by gambling lobbyist, how low will the District 2 race go?

 

Miami Commissioner Ken Russell is being characterized for causing a court ruling that the city owes a Flagstone development of putting the city having to pay a $20 million judgement and is being pushed by a lobbyist supporting clients that want the city to approve gambling. The race for District 2 is said to get uglier and he has only one opponent a realtor in the Grove Javier Gonzalez who claims he will be his own man since he owns a Maserati and has a Rolex he has said in past forums.

 

>>> Commissioner Carollo tells Mgr. Gonzalez he was in Marine Corps, but evidence of proof not forth coming, and stonewalls media requests seeking proof  

 

I have known Commissioner Joe Carollo since 1999 after an election was thrown out for voter fraud and his moniker was “Crazy Joe,” and had people saying, “That’s just Joe being Joe, but at least he is honest,” was he general refrain. I bring this up for recently his bombastic behavior has gotten more frequent.

 

However, the latest controversy concerns whether he had served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves  as he told manager Emilio Gonzalez and he received a certificate for his service in the reserves but  the man in all my years has never given a hint he might have been a Marine and he is getting lambasted for his what appears a false tale and while he was once a Miami public service aide. The press and media are trying to hunt down the truth about his military service at a time he is up for reelection and is always carping about all the corruption in Miami. Here is Grant Miller’s take on the Carollo issue in community newspapers: https://communitynewspapers.com/biscayne-bay/is-joe-carollo-a-victim-or-has-he-stolen-valor/ Further Carollo also has fired his chief of staff a former police chief in Doral Richard Bloom and had the commissioner suggesting https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article233555347.html 

 

https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/commissioner-joe-carollo-allegedly-fired-staffer-for-reporting-illegal-campaigning-10420087 

 

PAST April WDR Carollo staffer Miro loses his whistleblower civil service board case against Carrolo, federal court next up,

 

Fired Miami commissioner staffer Steve Miro who had worked for Miami commissioner Joe Carollo For two days was on the dais during his hearing with the city’s Civil Service Board. Miro maintains he was fired for bringing a whistle blower case against Carollo since he was fired just after two state attorney investigators had stopped by the office asking about a campaign event at a senior center where another candidate Alex de la. Portilla was running for the county commission attended. Miro was claiming public funds were being used for that campaign and he was supporting a rival candidate. However, the city’s attorney said the man was a “Jeckle and Hyde,” because when there were no “men in the office he acted differently said one of three women to the board.

 

The chief of staff a former police chief Richard Bloom (since fired) told the board that the women had come to him about their concerns because “they were visible shaken,” and felt he was harassing them by “standing behind them while they worked at their desks,” and his attorney hammered the city for the lack of paperwork of this behavior before he fired and when commissioner Carollo took the podium to be grilled about the episode. The former Miami mayor said when Miro was outside on the phone. Carollo wanted to know if it was “social day,” since the staffer was talking to a lobbyist. Miro the commissioner said was on a website for hours called “Second Life, https://secondlife.com/

 

>>>> Miami mayor’s counsel Eddy Leal, a Duke Blue Devil, gets some ink on Babylon project. Says not paid so does not have to register as lobbyist, ethics commission starts investigation, says ‘hit piece,’ in Miami herald, mayor vetoes commission vote on Babylon and zoning anomaly

 

Eddy Leal got some ink for his involvement in the Babylon project a ziggurat building since torn down and was an anomaly in the city’s zoning code argued attorneys and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez  new legal counsel Eddy Leal was drawn in the controversy because he was not registered as a lobbyist. He is claiming he is not being paid but an ethics complaint has been filed calling the Herald story a ‘hit job,’ and said he did not talk to the mayor about the project that Suarez vetoed Friday. Suarez is claiming he is listening to residents ‘his employees’ not the city’s employees but the whole issue now has become an ethics commission investigation.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article233453547.html  

 

here is Leal’s law office web [age http://www.leallegal.com/#leallegallawfirm  

 

>>> Joseph Napoli a deputy Miami assistant manager has something in common with manager Emilio Gonzalez. The men are both retired U.S. Army colonels Napoli told me Thursday at the commission meeting. 

 

It is interesting because commissioner Joe Carollo is referring to Gonzalez as the colonel and last Thursday he focused on Napoli in a very sharp exchange about the Ultra contract and really dressed him down.

 

What else happened?

 

Carollo reached into his old toolbox when people were asking about 4 new parks in his district. He said the people complaining just didn’t want people outside the neighborhood using the parks and one person actually “grabbed his wife’s arm.” And he suggested this was racially or anti Hispanic rhetoric from elites in his district and he used this tactic back in 2000 but now is a different time and he may not get the ethnic divide traction he is looking for and had people throwing bananas in front of Miami City Hall back then.

 

Speeding boats on Miami River scarring manatees in river

 

What about the speeding boats on the Miami River and these hitting manatees? The river with a dubious history has restaurants dotting the shores and residents are asking for a more robust police marine patrol and say the fast boats are scarring the slow-moving sea cows that swim along the shore to avoid these boats

 

>>>>The sea Level Rise committee wants bump in funding for resiliency officer’s office, an extra $500,000 in the upcoming budget would help for “most important Miami committee,” manager has said.

 

“The most important committee the sea level rise committee,’ is going to ask for more public funding for studies and members going to conferences and after much debate is  asking the commission to fund $500,000 to the resilience and sustainability officer’s office and the chair will be speaking at a upcoming commission meeting since budget hearings are in September. To read the budget go to:

https://www.miamigov.com/Government/Departments-Organizations/Management-Budget 

 

here are the Miami commissioner campaign reports: check out the serious coin raised: for races on the five member body https://www.voterfocus.com/CampaignFinance/candidate_pr.php?c=muncitymiami   

 

Miami’s City’s budget next year http://archive.miamigov.com/budget/docs/FY20/BudgetinBrief.pdf

 

Here are the civil service minutes:

http://archive.miamigov.com/civil_service/Agendas_Minutes/2019/04%2002-03final.pdf 

 

Here is a list of candidates and the amount of money they have raised

https://www.voterfocus.com/CampaignFinance/candidate_pr.php?op=cv&e=2&c=muncitymiami&ca=24&rellevel=3&committee=N 

 

>>> Commission Dist. 1 candidate trying to bounce back has $167,000 in war chest leads pack of candidates since Gort termed out, ex commissioner Hernandez plying the halls of city hall was disbarred attorney for mortgage fraud

Former state Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla leading in the fundraiser bracket at over $167,000 in his war chest and he is a controversial candidate and has lost a number of recent races and is drawing more attention by his having a relationship with convicted Miami Commissioner Humberto Hernandez since disbarred and Hernandez’s claim to fame was mortgage fraud. However, Alex had a controversial divorce is a chain smoker and got into it at a Boston hotel where he was smoking and interfaced with a police officer County Mayor Carlos Jimenez’s son C.J. Jimenez, an attorney and registered lobbyist continues to ply the halls of Miami and has his sister Tanya Jimenez ( not a registered lobbyist with the city was spotted on Thursday and the sister and daughter team are trying to maximize the time their father is in office who refers to his kids lobbying that they have the right to make a living he many times has said and is not a conflict.

Community Events

 

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Strengthening democracy in the digital age: Why we’re investing $50 million in a new field of research.

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Why this Silicon Valley venture fund is doubling down on Miami’s growing entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem.

View more at KF.org and on Twitter @knightfdn.

 

 
EDITORIAL 

>>>> Mueller testimony to congress not the silver bullet Democrats hoped for but veteran marine, did shoot a flare regarding hacking of America’s election infrastructure calls for paper ballots as back-up cyber-attacks coming from a host on nation’s not just Russia, Iran N. Korea in the mix. 

While Robert Mueller’s testimony was not the silver bullet Democrats thought they would hear. The veteran Marine combat officer did make it clear the nation has to beef up its cyber and voting machine security as foreign actors like Russia and Iran try to impact are elections and states must all consider having back-up paper ballots and beef up  their own internal security.

Further, with multiple municipalities, hospitals utilities have been held hostage and cyber ransom blackmail to regain access to encrypted computers. To read more about these hacks and technology go to these two links and it will open your eyes on the danger of these actors including North Korea and is only evolving in complexity and even the CIA has been penetrated along with the ultra-secret NSA. 

https://www.wired.com/story/2017-biggest-hacks-so-far/?verso=true 

https://decideconsulting.com/5-recent-cyber-security-threats-in-2018/ 

>>> S. Florida’s political vendettas holds back what could be Miami’s greatness, Failure to move on costs all S. Florida residents, in quality of life, 

If Miami wants to reach its true heights its political leaders need to end political vendettas work together and remember why they originally ran for office and not to get absorbed with the trappings of political office that makes many politicians lack empathy and just focus on getting even or worse themselves. Regardless how constituents might be impacted.

This comes to mind after the contentious Miami commission meetings where commissioner Joe Carollo verbally slaps around city staff and its manager Emilio Gonzalez  a retired colonel in the army who seems ill prepared for this disrespect by the elected commissioner and former mayor that when in office in 2000 would go on Spanish radio and gin up the community and the city story on the young rafter boy who lost his mother on the journey and resulted in an ethnic divide that allowed someone like saloon owner Jay Love to get some 19 percent of the vote over incumbent county mayor Alex Penelas and challenger Miguel Diaz de la Portilla in a countywide race Pinellas won., and it took the county years to heal from this ethnic divide that had blacks in Homestead with red necks and confederate flags protesting “f…ck the Cubans,” and the Miami Herald had a great photo of the demonstration that showed a black man looking at the flag thinking this is so weird and was a black eye for S. Florida.

And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account http://paypal.me/WatchdogReport
Further, if you would rather send a check send it made out to Daniel Ricker and mail it to 3109 Grand Ave., #125 Miami, Fla. 33133.  Thank you, Dan 

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          

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 

The homeless trust has a new program where people with rental housing can register their rental units with the county and for more on the program go to: http://www.homelesstrust.org/rentconnect.asp  
 

And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account http://paypal.me/WatchdogReport Further, if you would rather send a check send it made out to Daniel Ricker and mail it to 3109 Grand Ave., #125 Miami, Fla. 33133. Thank you, Dan

 

  Further, if you would rather send a check send it made out to Daniel Ricker and mail it to 3109 Grand Ave., #125 Miami, Fla. 33133.  Thank you, Dan 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

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report 

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2019, 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 

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)

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THE MIAMI HERALD www.miamiherald.com (2000-2007)

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WILLIAM HUGGETT, Seamen Attorney (Deceased)

ALFRED NOVAK

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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

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MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov

UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.unitedwaymiamidade.org

Weiss Serota Helfman & Cole & Bierman  

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 to $5,000 a year

BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com 

BERKOWITZ POLLACK BRANT Advisors and Accountants www.bpbcpa.com

JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST

BERCOW RADELL FERNANDEZ & LARKIN www.brzoninglaw.com 

RON BOOK

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

WILLIAM PALMER www.shutts.com

Rbb www.rbbcommmunications.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

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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 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 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

Miami Parking Authority   www.mpamiami

>>> 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. ****************************************************

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Please make checks out to Daniel A. Ricker and send to 3109 Grand Ave. #125 Miami, Fla 33133