Jose Fuentes: You must do a better job on picking your partners. By Geniusofdespair

Jose Fuentes

Don't think Jose Fuentes is a good judge of character. Recently arrested Lobbyist Richard Candia (in the Pizzi probe) was in the Fuentes Lobbyist firm, acquired by Becker & Poliakoff.

One of Jose Fuentes previous partners was Frank Bernadino.  In 2005 the twosome opened the WREN Group, whose clients often had a stake in issues involving water or development.

Gimleteye had this to say about Frank Bernadino:

Frank Bernadino, the Fanjuls’ chief environmental lobbyist, is an unsavory character. In 1993, Bernadino was convicted of one count of sexual assault on a minor under 12 years of age, one count of sexual assault on a minor under 18 years of age, and one count of a lewd act on a victim under 16 years of age. He was held on $30,000 bond and was on parole from 1993-2000. In 2001, the court ordered his name removed from the sex offender list.

But in 2010, the federal government indicted Bernadino on 36 counts stemming from allegations of mail fraud, bribery and money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of 715 years in prison and $11.5 million in fines. The federal government intends to seek forfeiture of $143,500, an amount alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses.  (In 2011, U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan found that the government had not shown criminal intent on Bernardino's behalf and threw out the charges.)

As for Becker & Poliakoff, just to compound a string of shitty decisions 1.) their entire Government Relations Team is said to have quit in February 2.) Replaced GR team with Fuentes & Candia. Now, word is, Becker & Poliakoff just hired Matt Pinzur.

From the Becker & Poliakoff website, Jose Fuentes left. You know that middle guy I would hope.

Guest Blogger: Alex Fuentes on Bay of Pigs Museum & Library

The elected officials of the City of Hialeah should be negotiating with this organization and Hialeah Park's ownership to bring the BAY OF PIGS museum to Hialeah. South Florida cannot afford to loose any more precious waterfront. What better place than Hialeah Park for such a museum?

The proceeds from such a deal may be utilized to restore the aging structures that helped make the world renowned Hialeah Park “the most beautiful race course in the world.”

Bestowing such an honor upon the people of Hialeah will also make it much easier for racing to return.

The city of Hialeah is the most Cuban city outside of Havana. It is also the fifth largest population in the State. The park has the beauty, the land, direct metro rail access, and the prestigious history.

Hialeah needs this.

(County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro has proposed putting the museum/library on the waterfront side of the American Airlines Arena - Called Parcel B).