Ron Book, Lobbyist, Always Scores Big in Budgets. By Geniusofdespair

There is so little money to go around yet Lauren's Kids (Ron Book and His daughter State Senator Lauren Book's charity) is slated to get $1.5 from the State Budget.

Lauren Book, as a State Senator, had to do a financial disclosure. Someone please look it up for me. Never mind I did it. Lauren Book's net worth is 1,566,718. Her salary fro Lauren's Kids was, in 2016, $135,000. Until recently she also Made $71,300 doing research for Ron Book's firm. She has two residences worth almost a million dollars. She has very little debt.

What kills me, Ron Book is a master fundraiser, why doesn't he raise the money himself for this charity? Why is he always at the public trough getting the money? Exactly how much money has this charity collected over the years? And how has Ron Book separated charity funds from his lobbyist/law firm funds at the same address? Which one pays for the staples and scissors?

Ron and Lauren Book and Their Most Annoying Charity. By Geniusofdespair

Love Her Ron - Just Don't Take Our Public Dollars for Your Charity. Don't cash in on tax dollars for  something you thought up to remedy your families' personal adversity. You know you could raise the money from the public sector: like all your clients. How about asking your pal multi billionaire Micky Arison for funds for Lauren's Kids?

I want to choose what charities I give to. I don't want the government doing it for me ESPECIALLY when the charity is headed by one of the most successful lobbyists in Florida. Ron Book has the ability to raise funds privately and not use public dollars but again and again this charity gets public dollars -- from the County as well.

According to Florida Bulldog in May:

Over the last four years, Lauren’s Kids, a nonprofit founded by the daughter of top Tallahassee lobbyist Ron Book, has become one of the Legislature’s favorite charities, raking in nearly $7 million in taxpayer funds. If and when legislators reconvene to pass a budget, that total is slated to rise to $10.8 million.


They did reconvene and they did give the charity more money. Governor Scott said, when he signed the bill to give them more OF OUR HARD EARNED TAX DOLLARS:

“We’re going to do everything we can to make this the safest place in the entire world to grow up,” Scott told the group. “Lauren and Ron, thank you for doing this.”

Well, Governor Scott, I personally think there are numerous charities more needy and I think the money you gave this charity could have gone to schools: Something you should be funding! I would give to the NAACP, Earthjustice, and the Everglades Law Center. They don't get our public dollars. Most charities fund raise in the private sector, as they should.  It is funny that you are against social programs Governor Scott and you are giving to Book's charity.

Somehow Lobbyist Ron Book has maneuvered money from every facet of government. Yes we know Lauren has her sad story with her nanny's molestation, didn't I hear Gwen Margolis also vomited on her at her wedding? That girl was born with bad luck, having given political donations when she should have been playing with girlfriends.  Was her dad setting a good example, sticking her name on financial disclosures as a teen? Was she really supporting all those candidates? Do teenagers care about politics? I think we all now know that poor Lauren was up to other things besides politics.

There are plenty of sad stories out there of needy charities. How about we fund orphan diseases like Spasmodic Torticollus. Who is looking for the cure for that crippling  disease? No one because it is not funded. Governor Scott, let's fund that. 90,000 people have that painful incurable disease in the US -- including my brother.

Let's stop funding charities with our tax dollars. Last year Ron is said to have made $5 million. He should duplicate the work of Developer Marty Margulies' funding the Lotus House, not suck from the public tit:

Lotus House women's shelter got a 20 million dollar pledge from Martin Z. Margulies.

Corporate records for Lauren's Kids:

 It is your money: What charity would you want it to go to readers?

From a reader, Book's daughter make a hefty salary at the non profit:

FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C THE ORGANIZATION REVIEWS THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ANNUALLY TO ENSURE NONE OF THE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS OR TRUSTEES HAVE NEW INTERESTS THAT COULD GIVE RISE TO CONFLICT
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 18 THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST


Form 990 (2011) Page 7 Part VII Compensation of (A) Name and Title (2) Lauren F Book Vice President, (B) Average hours per week 50.00, (C) Position-Officer, (D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC) $ 67,596.00, (E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC) 0, (F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations 0.

Form 990 (2012) Page 7 Part VII Compensation of (A) Name and Title (2) Lauren F Book CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, (B) Average hours per week 50.00, (C) Position-Officer, (D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC) $ 82,250.00, (E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC) 0, (F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations $7,346.00.

Form 990 (2013) Page 7 Part VII Compensation of (A) Name and Title (2) Lauren F Book CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, (B) Average hours per week 60.00, (C) Position-Officer, (D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC) $103,540.00, (E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC) 0, (F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations 0.
Entity Name: LAUREN'S KIDS, INC. DOCUMENT# N07000009940 FILED Jan 15, 2015 Secretary of State CC9561003146 2015 FLORIDA NON PROFIT CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT
Officer/Director Detail : Title PRESIDENT Name BOOK, RONALD L Address 18851 N.E. 29TH AVENUE, SUITE 1010 City-State-Zip: AVENTURA FL 33180
Title VICE PRESIDENT Name BOOK, LAUREN F Address 18851 N.E. 29TH AVENUE, SUITE 1010
City-State-Zip: AVENTURA

Does Ron Book Know Right From Wrong? By Geniusofdespair

If this blog seems convoluted it is because the life of a lobbyist is one big fat jumble of deals.

Conflict of interest is nothing new to Lobbyist Ron Book. He did it with the bail bond industry. Broward New Times said the FBI is focused on Ron Book something about a job he got for a State Senator's boyfriend at Carlisle development (he lobbies for them) an affordable housing developer. He lobbied for red light cameras while he was lobbying for cities that installed red light cameras - like Aventura.

I was looking at my old blogs (I have 33 labeled Ron Book) and in September 2008 I wrote about a letter to the editor in Miami Today that said Ron Book shouldn't head affordable housing team because he is conflicted (Do not skip this link!! The letter shows he might have been laying a foundation for his current affordable housing lobbying.) Then today I read he is lobbying for an affordable housing developer?? And his lobbying list also includes Pinnacle - another affordable housing developer. According to today's Miami Herald article buried in Neighbors:

Lobbyist Ron Book is pushing for a development group (Carlisle/Terra Group) that wants to transform North Miami’s Biscayne Landing property. He’s already met with North Miami council members to share his client’s message.

There’s only one problem: Book is a registered lobbyist for North Miami.

A letter from City Attorney Lynn Whitfield to Book notes that his lobbyist agreement with the city “specifically states that you avoid any representation or relation which would create a conflict of interest.”

He is in on every cash cow in the county like red light cameras and gambling. Also see my second blog on gambling and Ron Book. More on Carlisle and the Liberty City project.

Has he done this sort of thing before? See the Miami Herald in 2007 regarding billboards:

"A ... worrisome aspect of this [Miami-Dade County] ordinance is the role played by lobbyist Ron Book. Make that roles. Mr. Book lobbies for Miami-Dade County in the Legislature. He also lobbies the Miami-Dade Commission on behalf of his other clients. Mr. Book was a consultant for the billboard company during its negotiations with North Miami. Mr. Book says he became part owner of the billboard company only after the settlement was struck. Then he lobbied Miami-Dade commissioners, on behalf of North Miami, he says, to amend the county's billboard ordinance. Conflicted? That's an understatement."

Hit read more to see Ron Book's State lobbying list for 2011:


Principals:

AmTrust Insurance Services, Inc
901 NW 51st St Ste 100 Boca Raton, FL 33431
Industry Code: 524145
Effective: 02/09/2010

Anchor Towing, Inc
12555 Biscayne Blvd PMB 455 North Miami, FL 33138
Industry Code: 488410
Effective: 02/09/2010

Ashbritt
408 S Andrews Ave Ste 103 Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Industry Code: 562111
Effective: 02/09/2010

Assurance Financial Partners, LLC
2901 SW 149th Ave Ste 140 Miramar, FL 33027
Industry Code: 561900
Effective: 02/26/2010

AT&T
150 S Monroe St Ste 400 Tallahassee, FL 32301
Industry Code: 517110
Effective: 02/09/2010

AutoNation, Inc
450 E Las Olas Blvd 12th Floor Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Industry Code: 522220
Effective: 02/09/2010

Bail Agents Independent League of Florida
424 S Congress Ave West Palm Beach, FL
Industry Code: 525990
Effective: 02/09/2010

Best Buddies International
100 SE 2nd St Ste 2200 Miami, FL 33131
Industry Code: 624110
Effective: 02/09/2010

Biscayne Bay Pilots
2911 Port Blvd Miami, FL 33132
Industry Code: 485991
Effective: 02/09/2010

Brevard County
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way C301 Viera, FL 32940
Industry Code: 921120
Effective: 03/01/2010

Broward County
115 S Andrews Ave Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Industry Code: 921110
Effective: 02/09/2010

Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th St Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
Industry Code: 922110
Effective: 02/09/2010

Carlisle Development Group
2950 SW 27th Ave Ste 200 Miami, FL 33133
Industry Code: 236116
Effective: 02/09/2010

Children's Home Society
1485 S Semoran Blvd Ste 1448 Winter Park, FL 32792
Industry Code: 624110
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Aventura
19200 W Country Club Dr Aventura, FL 33180
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Cooper City
9090 SW 50th Place Cooper City, FL 33329-0910
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Hallandale Beach
400 S Federal Hwy Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 (Withdrawal Date: 06/18/2010)
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Lauderdale Lakes
4300 NW 36 St Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Miami
3500 Pan American Dr Miami, FL 33130
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Miramar
2300 Civic Center Place Miramar, FL 33025
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of North Miami
776 NE 125th St North Miami, FL 33161
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of North Miami Beach
17011 NE 19th Ave North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Palm Bay
120 Malabar Rd Palm Bay, FL 32907
Industry Code: 921120
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Pinellas Park
5141 78th Ave Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of South Bay
335 SW 2nd Ave South Bay, FL 33493
Industry Code: 921110
Effective: 02/10/2010

City of Sunny Isles Beach
18070 Collins Ave Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Sunrise
777 Sawgrass Corporate Pky Sunrise, FL 33325
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Tallahassee
300 S Adams St Tallahassee, FL 32301
Industry Code: 921120
Effective: 02/09/2010

City of Tamarac
7525 NW 88 Ave Tamarac, FL 33321
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc
5701 W Sunrise Blvd Ft Lauderdale, FL 33313
Industry Code: 541990
Effective: 03/16/2010

Creditguard of America, Inc
5300 Broken Sound Blvd Ste 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487
Industry Code: 541990
Effective: 04/16/2010

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Inc
3440 Hollywood Blvd Ste 100 Hollywood, FL 33021
Industry Code: 813211
Effective: 02/09/2010

Driver's Rights Inc
2298 S Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33133
Industry Code: 541110
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida Apartment Association
1133 W Morse Blvd Ste 201 Winter Park, FL 32789
Industry Code: 531110
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida Association of Forensic Professionals
14000 E Palomino Dr Southwest Ranches, FL 33330
Industry Code: 813920
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc
2475 Apalachee Pky Ste 205 Tallahassee, FL 32301
Industry Code: 813319
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida Children's Services Council, Inc
216 S Monroe St Tallahassee, FL 32301
Industry Code: 624110
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida Heart Research Institute
4770 Biscayne Blvd Ste 500 Miami, FL 33137
Industry Code: 541771
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida Panthers
One Panther Pky Sunrise, FL 33323
Industry Code: 711219
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida Power & Light Company
215 S Monroe St Ste 810 Tallahassee, FL 32301
Industry Code: 221122
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida Regional Councils Association
18851 NE 29th Ave Ste 1010 Aventura, FL 33180
Industry Code: 813990
Effective: 02/09/2010

Florida WIC Grocers Association
8425 NW 29th St Miami, FL 33122
Industry Code: 445110
Effective: 02/09/2010

GEO Group, Inc, The
621 NW 53rd St Ste 700 Boca Raton, FL 33487
Industry Code: 922140
Effective: 02/09/2010

Grant Street Group
1800 Allegheny Bldg 429 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Industry Code: 541511
Effective: 02/09/2010

Health Choice Network
9064 NW 13 Terrace Miami, FL 33172
Industry Code: 621491
Effective: 02/09/2010

InCharge Debt Solutions
2101 Park Center Dr Ste 320 Orlando, FL 32835
Industry Code: 541990
Effective: 04/30/2010

Indian River County
1840 25th St Vero Beach, FL 32960-3365
Industry Code: 521190
Effective: 02/09/2010

Interior Design Associations Foundation
250 Royal Ct Delray Beach, FL 33444
Industry Code: 813920
Effective: 02/09/2010

Merrill-Stevens
1270 NW 11th St Miami, FL 33125
Industry Code: 336611
Effective: 02/09/2010

Miami Beach Community Health Center
710 Alton Rd Miami Beach, FL 33139
Industry Code: 621498
Effective: 02/09/2010

Miami Project/Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis
Lois Pope Life Center 1095 NW 14th Terrace Miami, FL 33136
Industry Code: 541710
Effective: 02/09/2010

Miami-Dade County
111 NW 1st St Ste 1032 Miami, FL 33128
Industry Code: 921140
Effective: 02/09/2010

Miami-Dade County Public Schools
1450 NE 2 Ave Miami, FL 33132
Industry Code: 611110
Effective: 02/09/2010

Mount Sinai Medical Center
4300 Alton Rd Miami, FL 33140
Industry Code: 621493
Effective: 02/09/2010

Museum of Discovery & Science
401 SW 2nd St Ft Lauderdale, FL 33312
Industry Code: 712110
Effective: 05/06/2010

Neptune Wholesale, Inc
768 E Dania Beach Blvd Dania, FL 33004
Industry Code: 424990
Effective: 02/09/2010

New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc
1313 NW 36th St Ste 400 Miami, FL 33142
Industry Code: 621112
Effective: 02/09/2010

Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc
Rohde Bldg 401 NW 2nd Ave S-212 Miami, FL 33128
Industry Code: 624110
Effective: 02/09/2010

Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners
315 Court St Clearwater, FL 33756
Industry Code: 921120
Effective: 02/09/2010

Pinnacle Housing Group
9400 S Dadeland Blvd Ste 100 Miami, FL 33156
Industry Code: 236116
Effective: 02/09/2010

Public Health Trust-Jackson Memorial Hospital
1611 NW 12th Ave Miami, FL 33136
Industry Code: 621493
Effective: 02/09/2010

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic Florida
6704 SW 80th St Miami, FL 33143
Industry Code: 611710
Effective: 02/09/2010

Republic Services, Inc
751 NW 31st Ave Ft Lauderdale, FL 33311
Industry Code: 562111
Effective: 02/09/2010

South Broward Hospital District
1131 N 35th Ave Hollywood, FL 33021
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

Spectrum Programs & Miami Behavioral Health Center
11031 NE 6th Ave Miami, FL 33161
Industry Code: 621112
Effective: 02/09/2010

Sun Life Stadium
2269 Dan Marino Blvd Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Industry Code: 711219
Effective: 02/16/2010

Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA
444 N Capitol St NW Ste 399 Rogers, AR 72758
Industry Code: 325412
Effective: 02/09/2010

Turnberry Associates
19501 Biscayne Blvd Ste 400 Aventura, FL 33180
Industry Code: 531312
Effective: 02/09/2010

University of Miami
Ashe Administration Bldg Rm 230 Coral Gables, FL 33146
Industry Code: 611310
Effective: 02/09/2010

Vehicle Production Group
1425 Brickell Ave Ste 54-E Miami, FL 33133
Industry Code: 336111
Effective: 02/09/2010

Village of Bal Harbour
655 96th St Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

Village of Palmetto Bay
8950 SW 152nd St Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

Village of Royal Palm Beach
Royal Palm Beach Blvd Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
Industry Code: 921190
Effective: 02/09/2010

Vitas Healthcare Corporation
100 S Biscayne Blvd 15th Floor Miami, FL 33132-2304
Industry Code: 621610
Effective: 02/09/2010

West Flagler Kennel Club, Inc
401 NW 38th Ct Miami, FL 33126
Industry Code: 711212
Effective: 02/09/2010

Westchester General Hospital
2500 SW 75 Ave Miami, FL 33155
Industry Code: 621493
Effective: 02/09/2010

White Rock Quarries
101 Sansbury's Way West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Industry Code: 212312
Effective: 02/09/2010

Ron Book In Defense of Lobbyists (LOL). By Youbetcha'

Ron Book is getting defensive in his golden years as is obvious in a recent article in the Sun Sentinel.

People tend to get pissy about lobbyists and Book seems to be feeling like he has to “explain” the things we don’t understand.

His article was titled: “In Defense of Lobbyists.” He argues that lobbyists help more than people think. Okay....faulty premise to start.

He seriously points out several  things I thought amusing:

“Lobbyists know that the process is driven by information, and more importantly, the integrity of that information. The first time a lobbyist provides bad information is likely the last time that lobbyist will get through a lawmaker's door. The first time you lie or mislead will likely be the last time your information is considered credible. Credibility and the integrity of the information we convey are life and death in our profession, and I cannot emphasize that enough.”

Well, I seem to remember more than once, that the facts were distorted during public hearings as the lobbyist du jour paints his/her picture of their project.  They often paint a picture that is devoid of brush strokes. No matter, the lobbyist has already sold the issue to the eager politicians while in their offices earlier in the week: "Sure we'll build a school and a fire station too!"

Amusing point by Ron Book number 2:

“Many people think lobbyists only represent wealthy, corporate interests, or "special interests," a term we hear so often in the media today. People believe that all these "special interests" want to do is get their way, which will no doubt bring harm to the public. But that is simply not true.”

I know that lobbyists like Ron do an occasional good deed for a non-profit or a neighborhood, or even a daughter's charity. But, let’s be truthful, for lobbyists this is their penance. Lobbyists prefer to help the people who pay them.  And some of the people who pay them will bring us harm if it brings them more profit.

Ron doesn’t want us to believe that lobbyists do evil things or like he sometimes does -- along with Miguel DeGrandy -- represent multiple clients that may have opposing interests.

I have never figured out how Book can ramrod a project for a client through the State legislature to the impairment of another client's best interest. Equally amazing, lobbyist Book appears to get paid by two cities as he screws one of them.

Finally Ron describes himself as an “advocate”, just like you and me. Except, in truth...it is not true. There are so many holes in the logic of this article you could drive a truck through them. Hey, Ron, we ain't no stupid politicians here! Real advocates, like us in the public realm, don’t have the political capital, the election cash tree or the pass key to the Commission offices to  have any hope of advocating effectively.

Stop trying to justify what you do Ron Book, it doesn't ring true. Admit to yourself that you are for sale. I don't subscribe to the opinion that all lobbyists are whores with the gift of gab. To me they are just manipulators or handlers of what are supposed to be OUR public servants.

Ron Book: Three Faced Lobbyist. By Geniusofdespair

Be sure to read the Miami Herald article today by Matthew Pinzur: One lobbyist, three competing clients and you can also read my post of April 2nd: Who is Lobbyist Ron Book Lobbying for this Year?.

According to the article in the Herald:
“The same influential lobbyist worked for all three sides in a high-stakes fight over billboards in North Miami.” and:

“... Even some of the story's central players had no idea Book was working all three sides.” and:

“Book advised and later became a partner in a company that successfully fought the city of North Miami to build six billboards, each of which lease for at least $20,000 a month.” (he was also lobbying FOR North Miami at the time)

This post is now on my ick list. Anything I find particularly offensive makes my "ick" index entry.

I have a tip for all of you that are hiring Ron Book. If he can’t see it is a conflict to lobby for all three sides then he has a major lapse of ethical judgment. Hey, wait a minute, we don’t have any ethical judgment in Miami and lobbyists have even less, for the most part. So I guess this is another case of business as usual. If you are appalled enough, little likelihood of that, call your city government and ask them not to hire Ron Book.

Pinzur said: “Ron Book, one of Florida's most powerful lobbyists, said he did nothing improper and even improved the outcome for all concerned”.

I have one thing to say: Ick!

LIVE REPORT: Circus at County Hall. By Geniusofdespair

9:15 am: Taxi Drivers are lined up honking their horns in protest of Uber. There are people lining up for the Special Taxing District discussion, and the Homeless. People are here to discuss LED signs --- against changes to the county ordinance. Mark Sarnoff and Willie Gort are here from the City of Miami. Wait I have to go pee.

Back. All the lobbyists are here in chambers or the ante room. The public? They are lined up downstairs. So many Lobbyists no room for the people in here.

 They are still giving awards and stuff. 10 am. Stupid Osterholt is watching the Mayor who is talking to Willie Gort while Commissioner Moss is talking. Not a seat left in here. Lobbyists are saving seats. Public Hearing is starting. Mayor is now talking to Lobbyist Ron Book.

Sarnoff, Francis Suarez and Gort are talking about the new homeless program sponsored by Camillus House. Ron Book is not listening still talking to the Mayor. Mayor Regalado just walked in.

Mayor Regalado speaking about homeless problem. Gimenez is talking to Osterholt not listening. Mayor Gimenez now talking to County Clerk - not listening.

10:43 -- not one citizen has spoken. I have to move my car at noon. The Mayor has finally sat down. They are all talking about 7a --- making marijuana possession a civil infraction. The chair was waving a bundle of yellow speaker cards, he said he has 200 speaker cards. That is a lot. Each person has 2 minutes. Half the people are downstairs as there is not enough room up here (all the lobbyists are up there.)

The public hearing begins at 10:51am. This is crazy. They are speaking on so many subjects the Agenda hasn't even been set. This is the general public hearing. Talking about homeless. Mayor walking around.

Okay Ron Book got everyone here to talk about the homeless trust. They have organized, they have uniforms, it is all about homeless. Apparently I AM WRONG. It is bad blood between Camillus House and The Homeless Trust---- a pissing match. The other side motivated and brought the speakers. Speaking of pissing the homeless want porta-pottys too. It is 11:39 still going on. People are supporting the MAT program. They like to sleep on mats outside. The Mat program is sponsored by Camillus House. Have to go --- noon. Too boring.  Book must be furious. His hold on the Homeless Trust is waning.

The Special Taxing District, time certain at 9:30 am, heard at  4:44pm.

Commissioners Levine Cava, Bovo and Chair Monestime

Taxi drivers aren't very happy with UBER.

People waiting to speak in the First floor lobby. The Commission Chamber is filled.

Ron Book, Jack Osterholt and Mayor Gimenez chatting. Who is the dominant one? The Mayor has his tell on -- head tilt. Ron Book is very unhappy. It appears there was a power grab from his Homeless Trust to Camillus House. All the homeless were talking about the training and other perks offered by Camillus house that the Homeless Trust doesn't do.

Ron Book, Yet Again. By Geniusofdespair

Moms and Dads who get stroller parking permits pay a fee. One third of the fees collected is suppose to go to private not-for-profit, non-denominational agencies providing services for severely abused or neglected children.

Barbara Jordan has on the agenda Tuesday that from this fund: Lauren's Kids, Inc. is scheduled to get $30,000, Center for Family and Child Enrichment, Inc. will get $35,000, and the YMCA of Greater Miami gets $35,000.  YMCA??

Lauren's Kids, Inc. was approved for $35,000 in February from this fund. The stroller fund money was always Natacha Seijas' to disburse and she was on the vote that happened in November of last year to disburse the February funds. I think that is why the "Y" also got the nod this time - a salute that Natacha's influence is still alive.  Additionally, Sally Heyman gave Lauren's Kids, Inc. $5,000 in September from her office funds. Didn't the State of Florida have some legislation that gave Lauren's Kids a big chunk of money recently? Anyone recall?

The reason Lauren's Kids, Inc. does well is because Lobbyist Ron Book is the President. Ron can raise money for this charity, all he has to do is pick up the phone. The charity is in his office. Who doesn't owe Ron Book a favor? I guess everyone in the county does because they are quick to help Ron's charity.  Lets not forget he is a master fundraiser that does NOT need to solicit County funds, he can go to the private sector trough. 

I wish he would just raise the funds somewhere else for his worthy charity -- besides from government entities because there are many deserving charities that don't have a Ron Book as President of them that are struggling and are in NEED of funds.  I hope the next time the County is distributing these parking permit funds that they share the wealth.  Notice to anyone giving out tax dollars: Don't worry about Lauren's Kids, it will NEVER be hurting for funds with Ron Book at the helm.  Here is a listing of county checks to Lauren's Kids:

The Power of Ron Book. By Geniusofdespair

This is how Miami Dade County Commissioner see Lobbyist Ron Book

This is how the public views Lobbyist Ron Book - A Bully

You will see the power of lobbyist Ron Book on display at the County Commission later today. He is the top lobbyist for the insane Sun Life Stadium, Marlin Dolphin vote today. No match for Beyonce, watch some of the commissioners lip sync Book's words. Only Book will have the power of persuasion and the silver tongue to turn a REALLY BAD DEAL into sounding like a good one...for us. We are not that stupid Ron but apparently the Commission is, to even entertain public financing for a Multi Billionaire. There are other lesser known lobbyists, such as Brian May, working the County Commission.

Don't be fooled again Commissioners. Get out of the dark side. The superbowl is an insignificant sham in this argument. Put an end to this today: Make no approvals/changes/urgings by increments. Cut it off at the knees.

Moss and Bovo will speak first as they are on the pull list. I was told it is time certain for 11:30 1:30. Watch the meeting.

Listening to meeting now: Sally Heyman wants to move the meeting from 11:30 to 1:30.  Xavier Suarez said he can't be there at 1:30 but he said "Go ahead and change it"???  The time was changed to 1:30. Why did they change it for Sally and Suarez had no problem with that even though he couldn't make the later meeting.  He didn't want to be there I guess. Is it that he doesn't want to anger Braman, a supporter of his so he would rather duck out?  That was bad as far as I am concerned. Suarez was supporting a public vote on the ballpark money, Suarez should have been there to make an argument.

Read Miami New Times on this same subject:

"In total, Ross (Marlins Dolphins owner) raised $71,600 for Gimenez and the four county commissioners in the last election. "

UPDATE: TIME CERTAIN AT 1:30? IT IS 1:56....nothing. What do they think the public does all day wait for them? I guess I am the only idiot out here. What exactly does time certain mean: any time.

Max Rameau and Rich Lobbyist Ron Book Duke It Out

Homeless trust disputes Umoja Village land deal according to today’s Miami Herald. Max’s Rameau’s group had struck a deal with the City of Miami for the land that housed the illegal squatter village (which burned down in April). Max it seems, took matters into his own hands to shine a light on homelessness with the formation of the village some months back to "Take back the Land." However, now very rich Ron Book, the head of another Homeless advocate group, is mad because their toes are being stepped on. Boo Hoo.

Max Rameau couldn’t even get his name spelled correctly in today’s Herald article whereas Book’s name is spelled right. Plus, as you can see, he does not have a glamour shot on-line like Ron Book does. How does Max expect to win? Does he know who he is dealing with: Fast talking, power player, the snippy, acid-tongued Ron? It appears the savvy Max does seem to know:

'I respect Ron Book for his work with the Homeless Trust,'' Rameau said Friday. ``But the Liberty City community and others have given broad support to this idea. I don't know that a big-time millionaire lobbyist can tell us what is best for Liberty City and the black community.''

Touché! (Readers: We have a lot of recent posts, keep scrolling!)

Who is Ron Book Lobbying for in 2011? By Geniusofdespair

(Photo: Lobbyists Jorge Luis Lopez and Ron Book)

According to Jacksonville's Daily Record Ron Book's lobbying firm was among 4 making the most bucks in the second quarter of the year. Book reported over $1 million dollars of lobbying money. Overall, in this same quarter, lobbyists made over $53 million to lobby our Florida legislature. From the Daily Record:

“It is as critical a time to be engaged in the process as it is in good times,” said lobbyist Ron Book, who represents 67 clients at his small firm, which employs just two other lobbyists.

Who is Ron Book lobbying for? He has 18 municipalities including Miami Dade County. Hit read more to see the entire list of 67 clients:

Don't miss this Britto/Ron Book Bashing Article. By Geniusofdespair

Miami New Times had this hilarious article on Britto's painted parking meters that Lobbyist Ron Book commissioned so the public could feed money in them for the homeless. Like that is going to ever happen. Here is a snippet from the Gus Garcia-Roberts article, featuring two of my favorites to razz, Britto and Book. Also in the article the homeless are interviewed for their take on the meters, lets just say they aren't loving Ron Book right now:

​Pop artist Romero Britto's work has infected Miami like a great open sore pulsing red, yellow, and blue. When future archeologists unearth our city, they'll think we worshiped squinting kitty-cats and butterflies--and that our artistic ability fell one neanderthal short of a cave painting.

Now Britto has teamed up with the luminary responsible for Miami's famous Julia Tuttle sex offender colony, lobbyist and Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust chairman Ron Book, for his least tasteful project yet. Parking meters, painted a dog-vomit yellow...

More On Lobbying and Lobbyist Ron Book. By Geniusofdespair

Here is how it works. Tuesday I wrote about Ron Book's client list. Included was Aventura City which has the cash cow red light cameras (before this bill, that Charlie Crist is seen signing into law above, court's said Aventura did not have the authority to collect camera fees under State Law). This bill nullifies the court ruling against Aventura - Book's client. To make these godawful tickets more palatable to we the idiots, Book and others gives a pittance to a charity as a carrot - in this case to cure paralysis. The rest goes to the cities and State of Florida. You lose, because you have to pay the fine. As you can see in the photo above at the signing of the bill, there is Ron Book all smiles at his win for his client. BTW, all his other municipal clients are happy as clams because now they can install the cameras and make extra bucks without hiring police. Big brother is alive and well. Some believe the cameras are a good thing reducing accidents and injuries.

How do lobbyists get paid for these feats of questionable benefit to everyman? First they usually have a monthly retainer of approximately $5,000. In Ron's case that would mean his fees could possibly add up to as much as $6,000,000 a year (he has about 90 clients in the State and Miami-Dade County, also another 20 in Broward County). There are no success fees for Lobbyists but a bonus could legally be added to their fee in the form of a raise for the next year, in appreciation for their success. Sometimes in addition to the retainer, they also get an hourly fee in the neighborhood of $500.

What does a lobbyist do for all that dough? Talk people into stuff, even stuff that is not beneficial to those he/she has coerced, because a lobbyist always finds a hook - that is their forte. I think a more accurate term for what a lobbyist does is 'bullshit' around an issue, but then I am not the most tactful of people.

Lobbyist Ron Book...again. By Geniusofdespair

Like, this is the ONLY guy that is suitable for this Board? We have to waive residency requirements for Lobbyist Ron Book; We have to waive term limits for him; We have to waive multiple board requirements for him. The Commission shouldn't be waiving requirements period. That is why they are there, to be adhered to. We need new blood.

This lobbyist gets all the breaks from the County Commission. Expect this to pass today, he raises money for all the County Commissioners. Wouldn't you know that Pepe Le Pew Diaz is the sponsor. How about looking for someone in Miami Dade County, Pepe? Denny Wood who sent the press release said, "Ronnie Book needs to get out of the Homeless business due to his hate ridden conflicts" (Many of the homeless are former sexual offenders and Book's daughter was a target of a predator). More on Ron Book.

Sex Crime Researcher Takes on Lobbyist Ron Book. By Geniusodespair

Jill Levenson, Associate Professor and Sex Crimes Researcher, took on Homeless Trust's Ron Book on yesterday's editorial page and all I can say is "Ouch!" Levenson says:

"Book repeatedly waves his hand in dismissal of any empirical research suggesting that residential restrictions don't work. He misrepresents the research and their authors." And:

"Ron Book is an admirable and tireless advocate for children. But it is time to stop holding onto illusions about what we hope to be true. Continuing to steer resources toward policies that don't work promotes a false sense of security and is fiscally irresponsible. Book should work with other experts and use facts and research to advocate for sexual-abuse prevention policies that will achieve their goals. Don't children deserve that?"

More on Ron Book by Geniusofdespair

Must read, Fred Grimm’s humorous yet disgusting column in the Miami Herald today, outlining abuses of Ron Book:Want to win in Tallahassee? Buy this Book. Also see my column on Ron Book – June 5th.

My latest column in Biscayne Times. By Geniusofdespair

http://www.biscaynetimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3393:money-money-money-&catid=86:eye-on-miami

Money, Money, Money

Written By Nancy Lee, BT Contributor

DECEMBER 2019

NEXT YEAR, LOBBYISTS’ STRANGLEHOLD ON OUR COUNTY COMMISSION COULD COME TO AN END D Lobbyist Ron Book’s businesses and family have given about $8000 to Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert. Courtesy of Floridapolitics.com o term limits curb lobbyist influence? We’ll soon find out. This stinking system of influence-peddling on the one hand and raising money for candidates on the other is rotten. Lobbyists even write scripts for the dumber county commissioners like Pepe Diaz. Term limits are a teeny, tiny step in the right direction, because sitting commissioners could never lose an election under the old system -- the lobbyists just were too efficient at raising money for them. In Miami-Dade County, citizens changed the charter, voting in term limits for commissioners. It passed years ago. Regrettably, it wasn’t retroactive. Political wonks have been patiently waiting for eight years to pass. Some county commissioners have been in office forever; Dennis Moss has been there since 1993. I say halleluiah for term limits. We’re seeing the end of long-held county fiefdoms, and it feels so good. Five county commissioners from odd-numbered districts will officially be out of office, leaving open seats for the elections in August 2020. Five open seats to vote on. Damn, I’m ecstatic. Audrey Edmonson gave a truly moronic quote to the Miami Herald about being kicked to the curb after 14 years on the county commission. The quote infuriated me. It’s why I’m writing about this subject. “If you don’t have an experienced commission,” she said, “you won’t be able to see through what the lobbyists are telling you.” Audrey: “You needed 14 years of experience to figure out when you were being conned?” • • • Who will admit they like lobbyists? Maybe their children and the spouse who is accustomed to the finer things. Politicians will say they’re a necessary evil, but they actually like most of them. In Miami Beach, lobbyists disclose their fees, which comes in handy. Some get flat fees, such as $12,500 for Alexander Heckler to represent Terra Group. Alexander Tachmes gets $650 per hour to represent Aiyara LLC, a restaurant company. Of course, they all have lots and lots of clients, so they are making “finer things” kind of bucks. Ron Book and his two-person staff made almost $5 million in 2013, according to Sunshine State News, and his firm had 81 clients that year. Unfortunately, even the very best of the county commissioners will see a lobbyist ten times faster than they’ll see you. Your $100 is chump change next to a lobbyist who can raise $10,000 for that commissioner. Ron Book’s businesses and family have given about $8000 to Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert, who is running for the commission from District 1 next year. Of course, that doesn’t include what Book raised from others, and it’s still early. I would say, by the obscene $366,685 that Gilbert has raised so far, he should win. He appears to be the choice of the mega donors. Except… Sybrina Denise Fulton, mother of murdered Trayvon Martin (I call it the Skittles murder), is running against him. Hillary Clinton and Cory Booker have endorsed Fulton, who has hardly raised any money ($41,467), but she does have the community behind her. Plus, voters in that part of the county might not care so much about ads, and Gilbert must tread lightly with negative ads against the much-loved Fulton. I find City of Miami Commissioner Keon Hardemon’s run for county commissioner particularly awful. He comes from a lobbyist family. With his connections, he should win Edmonson’s District 3. He’s already raised $97,325. Almost every donation was $1000, from about 100 people. Those contributors will get the royal treatment, while his constituents will have no clout. When City of Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton was first elected, he wouldn’t even see lobbyists. When they slithered in, he’d instruct them to send their boss. That didn’t last long. More awful than lobbyists raising money for candidates, though, are lobbyists put into positions of power. According to ProPublica, President Trump has had 281 lobbyists in his administration. Trump’s swamp contains “one lobbyist for every 14 political appointments.” Worse, he puts them in positions overseeing industries where they worked on the dark side. According to Open Secrets, $3.46 billion was spent on lobbyists in 2018. Woof! That would go a long way toward subsidizing unaffordable prescriptions. I got in touch with Sylvia Farina, who for 20 years was a chief of staff to three Miami-Dade County commissioners. Sylvia ended her career working for Katy Sorenson. I sent her Audrey Edmonson’s stupid quote. Sylvia said, “If you hire experienced people for your staff, then lobbyist issues will be fine.” Another former chief of staff inspired me with hope: “If new commissioners hire professional staff to give them objective, independent advice, this powerful local governing board could become the most respected legislative body in Florida.” Wow! If we start to respect commissioners, that would put most of us lunatic Miami-Dade writers out of business. Feedback: letters@biscaynetimes.com

Ron Book Charged with Finding Housing for the Men he Called Monsters. By Geniusofdespair

Lobbyist Ron Book called released sex offenders, being placed under the Julia Tuttle bridge to live for about a year, "Monsters" on camera. See :48 on the counter of this video. Also on this video he said onerous housing laws for offenders released from prison are his personal crusade and admits he has advocated for the adoption of the laws that put the sex offender under for the Bridge in the first place.

Under threat of an ACLU lawsuit, who do we now have looking for housing for these guys: You guessed it, Ron Book! It was reported today in the Miami Herald: In the first step, eight camp dwellers will be moved to a private apartment building in South Miami-Dade in coming days, and officials are looking for a bigger place for the remaining people to be housed, said Ronald Book, chairman of Miami-Dade's Homeless Trust, who is leading the effort.

So the very guy who harbors hate for them and helped enact the laws to "UNHOUSE" them, is now leading the charge to help? Well this makes a lot of sense...that is...it makes sense only in Miami!

Great Quote from Lobbyist/Lawyer Clifford Schulman of Greenberg Traurig and Miami Herald on Ron Book. By Geniusofdespair

“This is the first time in 33 years that any one has accused me of fraud.”

Let’s see, Clifford Schulman looks to be about 65 - at least. So, exactly what transpired when he was in his early 30’s?

The quote stemmed from Clifford lobbying/lawyering for Publix in Sunny Isles Beach and according to the Miami Herald Publix appeal gets a 2nd no from the city.

Apparently Clifford was miffed because Sunny Isles attorney said 2 different site plans were presented by Publix/Clifford: One to the city and a different one to the Shoreline Review Committee (which didn’t include the 140 slip commercial marina).

Sunny Isles Beach attorney Abadin said:
“The development review process says that land owners need to provide complete and truthful information in zoning applications. If they fail to do so, the city commission cannot review the site plans.”

This attorney Abadin is pretty brave. I wonder if he knows what he is up against.

Ron Book:
This is a bad week for Lobbyists. Integrity questioned of Clifford and also Lobbyist Ron Book. In addition to the fight with Assistant County Manager Roger Carlton who insisted Ron was told he was treading on thin ice, the Herald Editorial said today about Ron:

"...no lobbyist who works for a government should be able to petition that same government on behalf of another client, much less for his own financial interests."

What is Lobbyist Ron Book up to and why do lobbyists get under my skin? By Geniusofdespair

Trying to keep lobbyists out of County politics, and just about anything else, is a losing battle akin to Jesus trying to chase the money changers from the temple.

We can’t keep these people out of the fabric of Miami Dade County can we? The person who wrote this letter to "Miami Today" (hit it to enlarge) is on target with Ron Book leading this County Affordable Housing Agency. Ron is on too many boards, besides everything else he does, like pushing slots and representing two sides of the same issue with that billboard thing.

The best I can do is “out” lobbyists over and over because they like to snake around in the shadows when it comes to the public.

Activist Max Rameau said of Ron Book and his position with the Homeless Trust:

"...I don't know that a big-time millionaire lobbyist can tell us what is best for Liberty City and the black community.''

Ronald "Ron" Book: A picture is worth a thousand words. By Geniusofdespair

Knowing me, you might have figured this photo has been photo-shopped to make Ron Book look like a foolish despot. After 38 years of lobbying, I guess one might feel Kingly.

In fact, I didn't photoshop this, Lobbyist Ron Book actually posed for the photo and that is his own prop: An Olympic torch. I found the picture in "Cravings of Aventura." His 120 clients must be proud of their Ron, the lobbyist!