Eye on Miami Saturday Editorial October 3rd: Rumors, Flooding, Hillary and Opa Locka... By Geniusofdespair

Start Getting Accustomed to the Miami Herald Saturday Editorial Page Lite. Mine is on its way out.

RUMORS AND TRUTH

WHAT?? Jorge Luis Lopez has City BFF's Too? That is Marc and Teresa Sarnoff

Jorge Luis Lopez was BFF of the two former Miami Dade County Mayors Alex Penelas and Carlos Alvarez, not just Carlos Gimenez. He is a latcher oner. Some call him a parasite who feeds at the public trough and is the BFF of anyone he can leach onto. Some call him a lobbyist (insulting to lobbyists). He will do anything to insure his current BFF stays in power. Lopez cloaks his political activity in ”charitable work” paid for by his work for his BFFS. He is the puppet master. As they said in the movie about the Watergate scandal, “All the presidents Men”, ”follow the money”.  Speaking of money, I didn't see him registered lobbying for Wayne Rosen for that Palmetto Bay thing in January. But then I didn't look in Palmetto Bay records...duh.

From Jorge Luis Lopez's website. What better way to butter up a Mayor: have a ball in his honor.

No way can Carlos Gimenez compete with this.

Former Steve Shiver came in as Opa Locka City Manager and Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi quit as Opa Locka  City Attorney.  Was it forced out, bad blood, not enough bucks? I guess I should have asked Pizzi. But those two surely are oil and water. Meanwhile Pizzi has more troubles, this time with the insurance company. According to Ben Kuehne:

Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi learned today that the Town’s insurance carrier is refusing to pay the legally required claim for litigation costs arising from Mayor Pizzi’s federal court exoneration and his successful fight to resume the Office of Mayor to which he was elected to serve until November 2016. “For many years, the insurance company charged the Town’s taxpayers premiums to cover claims just like this one, and the Town duly paid every premium for what it believed was the insurer’s contractual coverage,” remarked Mayor Pizzi. The insurer’s denial is absolutely unjustified under the terms of the policy and Florida law.

This is an all-too typical ploy by insurance companies. They charge high rates to be paid by the Taxpayers, and when obligated to pay claims, they defer, delay, and deny. Often, insurance companies will only pay claims – legitimate claims exactly like this one -- when courts order them to pay.

MIAMI BEACH FLOODING AT A GLANCE 

The City got in trouble this week with DERM (the County) for pumping into Biscayne Bay without permits. You can pretty much see the water in the Bay.

OTHER FLOODING AROUND TOWN DURING KING TIDE

Matheson Hammock

Matheson Hammock

Rickenbacker Causeway

QUOTE OF THE WEEK (MAYBE THE YEAR):

"I don't want to operate anything." Mayor Carlos Gimenez

FIU STUDENTS GET CLIMATE CHANGE

(Didn't Marco Rubio teach here?)

DON'T MISS

Trailblazers: The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail at the Coral Gables History Museum -October 2, 2015 - May 22, 2016

I went to the opening and I was very impressed with the exhibit. It was very cool to read a letter with an address of the Kampong on it signed by David Fairchild (his winter home). You will learn a lot about Florida's History in connection with the trail:

The Tamiami Trail's history, culture, its devastating impact on the Everglades and plans to mitigate that damage are all featured in this multi-media interactive exhibit featuring images, artifacts, historic documents and film. Curated by Jon Ullman.

LUNAR ECLIPSE SEPTEMBER 27TH

I don't know what happened in my best photo, but I like it.

BREWERIES, BREW PUBS, DISTILLERIES AND WINERIES ORDINANCE
This ordinance's prime sponsor is Miami Dade County Commissioner Pepe Diaz, accused of a DUI late last month. Hmmm.


THE REAL HILLARY CLINTON vs. THE OVER-REHEARSED HILLARY CLINTON

Yes the question in the first video is painfully long (I skipped a lot of it) but the answer by Hillary was actually given by a genuine Hillary for once. You can see how smart and likable this woman is if she would just be herself and not that rehearsed Hillary.


Part 1

Part 2

Welcome Back to Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi. By Geniusofdespair.

Back in his office again!

Michael Pizzi

The first day back in the Mayor's Chair after more than a 2 year legal ordeal. You should become a Democrat Michael. The Republicans treated you like shit and weren't your legal teammates all Dems? Italians should not be Republican anyway.

I think a meatball and spaghetti celebration gala is in order, don't you? I will bring a fork. I can just see all the spaghetti and meatball platters around the Town Fountain. It would be glorious!

The Third District Court of Appeal Decided on Michael Pizzi: Mayor or Not. By Geniusofdespair

Michael Pizzi When He Was Mayor - During the Natacha Seijas Recall

Michael Pizzi is the Mayor of Miami Lakes, according to a decision of the Third District Court of Appeal.  See Oral Arguments below.

Miami Lakes: Oral Arguments for Town Appeal Against Judge Cardonne Ely's Opinion that Michael Pizzi Should Be Mayor. By Geniusofdespair

Watch it on YouTube

It is long but you can move it back and forth. It is very interesting to see what the 3rd District Court of Appeal heard and their comments.

Michael Pizzi said:

My vindication in a court of law automatically requires my return to public service. I look forward to the court’s ruling declaring that the Town must follow the rule of law by allowing me to resume my responsibilities as the rightful Mayor of Miami Lakes.”

Circuit Court Judge Cardonne Ely ruled Michael Pizzi was the rightful mayor of Miami Lakes but gave the Town 30 days to appeal. That 30 days expires April 30th, this video is the oral argument of the appeal (there are also reams of supporting documents to accompany the oral arguments).

Michael Pizzi: He's Back At the Helm in Miami Lakes! By Geniusofdespair

Former and NOW Current Mayor of Miami Lakes: Michael Pizzi

MAYOR PIZZI DECLARED RIGHTFUL MAYOR OF MIAMI LAKES; PREPARING TO RESUME OFFICE OF MAYOR

Tuesday, Circuit Judge Cardonne Ely declared the Mayor Michael Pizzi is the rightful Mayor of the Town of Miami Lakes and is entitled to resume the Office of Mayor. through November 2016.  UNLESS...there is another appeal (judge left 30 days for that).

Validating Mayor Pizzi’s principled stance in favor of democracy and the rule of law, Circuit Judge Cardonne agreed with Mayor Pizzi’s legal team that he is entitled “to perform all official acts, duties or functions of the office of Mayor of Miami lakes immediately ...” Mayor Pizzi’s lawyers, Ben Kuehne, Ed Shohat, Ralf Rodriguez, David Reiner, Kent Harrison Robbins, Michael T Davis, and Josh Young, applaud Circuit Judge Cardonne Ely for her adherence to legal precedent and the will of the voters of Miami Lakes, who overwhelmingly elected Mayor Pizzi to lead the Town until the November 2016 election.

Mayor Pizzi Said:

“This is a time for Unity and Joy, at this special time of year when many members of our community are preparing to join with their friends and family to celebrate the joy of freedom and justice at Passover and Easter, we should embrace this decision that allows all of us to look forward.”

The town imof Miami Lakes/Mayor Wayne Slaton said they will appeal. What do they have to lose: Mega tax dollars.

Michael Pizzi - Colorful Mayor of Miami Lakes, X Mayor and now Mayor Wannabe. By Geniusofdespair

Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi, flanked by his attorneys Benedict Kuehne and Ed Shohat, reacts outside the Miami federal courthouse in August after being found not guilty of accepting payoffs. PATRICK FARRELL MIAMI HERALD STAFF Best photo ever in the Miami Herald

It has been 6 months since Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi has been trying to get his seat back. Spence Jones with a similar City charter got her seat back with back pay.

Ben Kuehne's STERN letter writing campaign did not work at all. They are going back to court. Kuehne (Bow Tie Ben) writes about that decision:

Having no option but returning to the Courts, Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi TODAY filed his lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court to obtain a RETURN to the Office of Mayor to which he was elected by an overwhelming majority of the Miami Lakes voters in November 2012. Immediately upon his successful exoneration on all federal criminal charges with the Jury’s Verdict of NOT GUILTY, Mayor Pizzi sought to have his temporary suspension revoked, but Governor Rick Scott stubbornly refused. Mayor Pizzi went to the Florida Supreme Court to compel the Governor to do what the Florida Constitution required: revoke the suspension.

Now, the Town is following the same ludicrous path by refusing to do what the Constitution commands: Reinstate mayor Pizzi to Office. Sadly, the temporary Mayor during Mayor Pizzi’s suspension, Wayne Slaton, has refused to relinquish the office, even though Mayor Pizzi trounced Slaton in the 2012 election, when Mayor Pizzi received nearly 70% of the votes cast in the highest turnout election in the History of Miami Lakes. Refusing to bow to the will of the people and allowing Mayor Pizzi to return to office, Wayne Slaton has now fomented a constitutional crisis by requiring Mayor Pizzi to ask the Court to enforce the Constitution.

 

This lawsuit seeks a Constitutional Writ of Quo Warranto and Mandamus, procedures that force someone from illegally holding a government office, as Wayne Slaton is doing. This litigation should be unnecessary, and the costs and fees will be borne by the Town solely because its officials are refusing to follow the law.

If Pizzi wins, that Town Manager is toast. On another front, As far as I can tell from reading the docket, Ben Kuehne lost his appeal in that $150 Million dollar jury trial award, where the judge overturned the jury (Katherine Murphy, PhD. suing Charter School and Aventura City Manager Erik Soroka). Unfair.

 

Former Homestead Mayor Steve Bateman Is All Tears as he Awaits Sentencing. By Geniusofdespair

Former Homestead mayor speaks about conviction on corruption charges If you don't see video try this link


Meanwhile, Attorney Ben Kuehne's other client, Michael Pizzi, is trying to get the Miami Lakes position of Mayor back...armed with a harshly worded opinion to Rick Scott from the Florida Supreme Court.

Michael Pizzi … acquitted … by gimleteye

Yesterday, Michael Pizzi walked from a federal courthouse, a free man. Pizzi was caught up in a sting operation and prosecuted for accepting bribes. One juror, after the acquittal, told the press that she hoped Pizzi would show a little more humility in the future, suggesting a character trait that some would call a flaw and others, entertaining.

Long before becoming an elected official, Michael Pizzi was a civic activist. It is hard to argue that once he became a successful politician, that insiders and deal-makers were skeptical they could do business with him. But according to published reports, Pizzi relished both the limelight and the opportunity to do good.

It doesn't take much imagination to understand that the last year -- with the real prospect of jail time in his future -- was brutal for Pizzi and his family. Now that the trial is over, Pizzi could make a new start and if he does, it should be with the sense of making the most of his second chance at political life.

So far as the US Department of Justice is concerned, mounting investigations and undercover operations against corruption in South Florida should be its number one priority. There is a good reason that pest control is a monthly service: if you don't do it regularly, your home can be overrun. The same is true of corruption in government.

Note from Michael Pizzi. By Geniusofdespair

This was just sent to me by Michael Pizzi:

I am still the Mayor of Miami Lakes, elected by 70% of the people, who I believe still support me.

I never betrayed the trust of the people of Miami Lakes and in the coming year the citizens will benefit from the opening of 87th avenue and the opening of new COmmunity and Youth Centers. Just a few weeks ago, we were an All America City finalist again, and our new Government Center is thriving and costing less than the rent we had been paying. The "allegation" against me is that a lobbyist who everyone said was honest, said we could apply for a grant from Americore to create jobs, and it wasn't going to cost the City anything. It passed unanimously and not a single tax payer dollar was spent or lost. The record is clear that I never asked for any benefit for myself and I will be fully exonerated.

Unlike other cases that drag on for years, where the targets get to provide evidence of their innocence, in my case I was arrested first and asked questions later. The first time I even knew I was being investigated for anything was after I was released the first day. I never asked for any money and took no money innappropriatley. There was no reason to target me. As you know, I rarely went to political events or traveled among the "in-crowd."

I said repeatedly that I all I ever cared about was helping the people get jobs if it was possible. I still drive my old Kia and live in the most inexpensive TOwn Home in the Lakes. I still eat at burger king.

Please remember that in America we are innocent until proven guilty. I want to thank all of my well wishers and supporters, and let them know that I never let them down and will keep fighting. I have fought big battles before, but its unfortunate that a Mayor elected and supported by the people has been removed without having his day in court and in a case when his "crime" was doing what he thought was in the public interest. God Bless.

Mayor Michael Pizzi
 ----------
It wasn't too long ago when I was calling into Michael's radio show.  He kept telling me to keep my dog quiet.  I assured him I didn't have a dog.  But he insisted I had one. Then he started talking about his Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn and reminiscing about his mother's cooking, that led to him asking a listener to bring him a hero or a pizza. Being Italian myself, that seemed logical when thinking about mom's cooking. This was all going on while we were actually having a conversation about some civic question.  Michael Pizzi is one of a kind. - Geniusofdespair

The Pizzi Criminal Complaint has a lot of conflicting statements. By Geniusofdespair

From the Criminal Complaint Against Mayor Michael Pizzi

Read the ENTIRE FBI complaint in the post below.

Two South Florida Mayors nailed by FBI in corruption sting ... by gimleteye

About the public corruption sting that netted Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and the Sweetwater Mayor yesterday ...

For years, I have been among the strong, public advocates for FBI involvement in targeting stings at South Florida politicians who trade pay-to-play with lobbyists and private businesses that dominate the political landscape, transforming democracy into a pale shadow.

Most political corruption in Miami-Dade involves zoning deals, and those are the hardest cases for the FBI to make because of the insular nature of transactions.

Pizzi isn't accused of a land deal/ zoning change fix. According to allegations in the federal criminal complaint, Pizzi fell for a sting operation around the administration of government grants. Compared to charges in the simultaneous bust of the mayor of Sweetwater, the mayor of Miami Lakes apparently went cheap.

The law doesn't differentiate: six thousand or a million, when you are caught, and if allegations stand the test of court, you pay the price.

I've known Michael Pizzi for many years. He has been a stalwart ally on issues like protecting the urban development boundary and neighbors of rock mines -- incurring the wrath of developers, rock miners and their elected proxies -- and he was a visible leader in the recall of the single county commissioner who dominated the political landscape governing environmental regulations and zoning related issues for years, Hialeah's discredited Natacha Seijas.

Make no mistake: I hope the FBI doubles-down in South Florida. Setting up stings is difficult work. Note the absence of the Miami Dade state attorney's office, over the years. The main corruption in Miami-Dade involves characters whose loyalty to the code of silence assures no daylight enters unless investigators are extraordinarily resourceful. The big dollars -- not the $6000 Pizzi is charged with taking from the sting -- involve land use decisions and wealthy investors who are protected by layers of allegiances and history.

It's a club, the kind that involves public transactions that create vast wealth from exploiting open space, farmland and wetlands. Who knows the cash that traded under the table between lobbyists and politicians in order to secure favorable zoning votes from corrupt politicians? Millions and millions over the years. It is relevant. Michael Pizzi was never part of that gang. According to the criminal complaint, he apparently was hooked at the marginal edge of government business.

Whether it is just a matter of character or of a perverse survival-of-the-fittest in public life, where fittest is defined as what is worst for the public interest, these arrests ought to draw attention to a deeply flawed campaign finance system where monied interests know, rules are easily broken. I am sure that today a hushed silence prevails in County Hall until a game plan is devised to declare appropriate outrage. Mostly I am saddened.

Criminal Complaint: Michael Pizzi Caught in a Sting. By Geniusofdespair

Richard Candia Becker & Poliakoff Lobbyist - First Bernadino now Candia, You know how to pick them Jose Fuentes

 Sounds like Richard Candia is a slime and it sure sounds like he set up Pizzi.

 Criminal+Complaint+Michael+Pizzi+and+Richard+Candia 2

LINK TO MANUEL ROMANO CRIMINAL COMPLAINT

Mayors Michael Pizzi and Manuel Marono arrested for Bribery by the FBI. By Geniusofdespair

Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Maroño and Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi

Both were arrested related to bribes on Government contracts in their towns.  Two Lobbyists were also arrested according to the Miami Herald.  I would give my right arm to know the names of the two lobbyists also arrested. Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Maroño is the President of the League of Cities...I guess that is over. Rick Scott is suspending the two Mayors.

The Thrilla From Mi-a-muh ... by gimleteye

Who hasn't cherished the fantasy that opposing political leaders would meet in the boxing ring instead of the TV talk show circuit where duking it out is clothed in niceties? Harry Reid v. Mitch McConnell. Debbie Wasserman Schultz v. Michele Bachmann.

According to the Herald, two Miami politicians are showing how: Miami Lakes Mayor and EOM favorite, Michael Pizzi v. Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez. These two are not political adversaries although the blood between the two communities is hot. According to the Herald, Pizzi and Hernandez are climbing into the ring for charity. I'm betting the 50-something "Thrilla from Mi-a-muh" will draw a cigar chomping crowd.

Just the image leads to other fantastical ring-side combats, although the fact that most Miami city and county commission are stacked with elected officials who share the same ideological purities somehow dilutes the impact. Lynda Bell v. Cindy Lerner, officiated by Katy Sorenson. Once we are bringing back former elected officials to spice up the mix, I'd pay to see martial arts student, former county commissioner Miguel Diaz de la Portilla v. weight-lifter and former Miami Dade mayor Carlos Alvarez.

The card could start, by the way, with contests of "lobbyists for charities". Ron Book v. Ron Bergeron. Maybe you have some dream match-ups to share.

Medley says NO to more Garbage Dumps. By Geniusofdespair

Scenic Town of  Medley Florida

I had wondered in a previous post, if Medley was going to become one big fat garbage dump for the rest of the County. In 2000 the population of the area was approximately 1,098 and it dropped to 838 people in the 2010 census (a drop of 23.7%). With more dumps, I was certain the population would take a further slide.

Well apparently not... on both accounts. At the Medley Town Council Meeting on March 27th, the Council passed an Ordinance that stated that there are currently no new applications for any type of landfill in Medley and that "it is the policy of Medley not to permit any new landfills" (Although it appears current dumps are grandfathered in).  This overlay district is part of their EAR report (don't care enough to figure that out).

When the council passed this -- at the recommendation of Town Attorney (Miami Lakes Mayor) Michael Pizzi -- it made it  clear that Medley is not permitting any new landfills as a matter of policy. The ordinance also prohibits composting, which can create a bad odor. The ordinance does, however, permit any landowner to come and request the right to do recycling, which is envrinomentally friendly and reduces dependence on landfills. 

The Ordinace that passed March 27th does the following:

1. Sets a policy of no new landfills;
2. Allows recycling in all of the industrial area, but the applicant must come before the Council and obtain a Development Agreement;
3. Grandfathers in existing usages;
4. Legalizes the existing Waste Management landfill (Hmmm on that one with White & Case as their lawyers- Genius)
5. Establishes a buffer zone around the Gateway property.

I asked Michael Pizzi about the Ordinance and he said:

 "As a former attorney for the Hold the Line movement and who has fought proliferation of landfills, I am proud that the Mayor and Council of Medley have established a policy of preventing the prolifieration of new landfills and promoting recycling." This is good news."

Don't know that I feel good about recycling if it is METAL recycling, Michael (did I read that right?).

Now maybe Medley can diversify and attract some people to live there instead of only industry and waste companies. I wouldn't want to live there, it already has too much industry for my taste.  I met one actual resident of Medley, Gerardo Silva, Jr., a councilperson, and he seemed to be a nice enough guy. Let's hope this gets him more neighbors! He was the only one on the Council against this Overlay District Ordinance. He said he didn't see the final Ordinance  until 4pm the day of the vote but Councilperson Digiacomo had issue with his statement, she said:

"She received an e-mail on March 21, 2012 with copies of the Ordinance and the Resolution and Mr. Silva’s name was on the e-mail therefore he should have received it too."

Heck, I knew all about this --- months ago. Where has Silva been?  I have included the draft minutes of the meeting, as you might have more interest in this Town's issues than I do. Apparently Natacha Seijas's former Chief of Staff Terry Murphy has an interest in Medley politics.  I say, if Lowell Dunn is not happy - as it says in the minutes - that could be a VERY GOOD sign:

Who is Paying Attorney Stephen Cody To Disrupt Meetings in Miami Lakes? By Geniusofdespair

Stephen Cody Represented Natacha Seijas during the Recall.

The big question always comes down to: Who is paying Stephen Cody? He doesn't appear to do work when he isn't paid. He charged Natacha Seijas and her PAC's a small fortune over the years. He has had a shadow client before like he has in Miami Lakes. He tried to get Eugene Flinn thrown out of the District 8 County Commission race. Who paid him for that? No one knows.

We have an example of the importance that Cody puts on getting paid in a recent (4/13/2011) Florida Bar "Admonishment" where he was fined about $2,000 for minor misconduct. In the complaint, even though he had a $5,000 retainer, he did not answer calls from his client so she stopped paying 2 installments due. In return, he says for NON-PAYMENT, Cody then failed to send his client correspondence advising his client of the status of the appeal. In Cody's signed admission he stated:

"Respondent (him)  failed  to  send  written  correspondence  to Vazquez advising her of the status of the appeal and/or his failure to file the appeal due to her nonpayment."

 So why is Stephen Cody in Miami Lakes snapping photos and passing out 15 pages of stuff, most of it dismissed ethics complaints (deemed frivolous), at a meeting in Miami Lakes?  Kevin Morejon, a 20 year resident said he wanted to know.

Kevin said he went to the meeting held by Mayor Pizzi with 75  to 100 of his neighbors.
Pizzi was having the Town Meeting at the Royal Oaks Park Community Center  on January 17th at 7:00 pm. The topics were public safety, park and lake issues for homeowners in Miami Lakes. The town of Miami Lakes is a very long way from Cody's Palmetto Bay office. When people arrived, they were confronted by Stephen Cody, and some workers he brought with him, according to Kevin Morejon. He said Cody and his crew confronted everyone going into the meeting and passed out a  bunch of pages with an unflattering photo of Mayor Pizzi stapled on the front.  According to Pizzi the content of the pages were an old ethics report of false allegations against him. He said the multiple page flyer cut off the portion of the report that said that these were allegations from years ago and that they were all dismissed.

Morejon said that he didn't know who the group were crashing the meeting, until he heard an employee call the man in the blue shirt Mr. Cody. He said they were disturbing the residents and they were unprofessional. Morejon said "I thought it was wrong that they gave under-age kids the stapled papers.  Mr. Cody was taking numerous photographs too. I thought he was a photographer at first. My guess is he took 25 to 30 snapshots. It was very disruptive." Apparently for a time he was blocking the view of  Mayor Pizzi as he was talking, filming or snapping photos.

Morejon said, after I revealed Cody was an attorney: "Now you tell me he is an attorney. If he is a lawyer, I am surprised he was doing that.  Some residents left because they were scared." Then I said to Kevin: "What would you think if I told you that he was Natacha Seijas' lawyer?"  He said: "I would freak out. Why would she stoop to his level if she sent him? She might as well have been there herself giving out the papers." He said a lot of people ripped up the papers in front of Cody.

I also spoke to Mary Collins, of Miami Lakes who, like Morejon, wanted to know why Cody was in Miami Lakes. She said, "Why is Cody so interested in Miami Lakes he doesn't even live here?" Good question. If I had, to guess, this is who I think is paying Cody.  I told Mary that he was once Natacha Seijas's attorney. She said: "I didn't realize he was her lawyer but I did not sign that recall petition."

 Kevin assured me his is not helping Pizzi's campaign for reelection but he said he will vote for him because of what he has done for the Town. He said "More police are out there, the mayor came through stepping up and doing his duty, protecting Miami Lakes Residents.  Mayor Pizzi made Miami Lakes better, he is accomplishing goals and he tells the truth."

Kevin Morejon had one final thought: "I think Mr. Cody's behavior should be reported to the Florida Bar."

Another Bar complaint Cody?? Wasn't one enough?

Dentist Dave Bennett: Nuisance in Miami Lakes. By Geniusofdespair

Dr. Dave Bennett Talking to Natacha Seijas' Lawyer Stephen Cody

I have to say without even knowing this dentist I don't like him. At the Natacha Seijas trial where she tried to stop the recall he was there -- in support of Seijas. I snapped his photo.

In February 2011 he tried to steal the name of  Vanessa Brito's Miami Voice. He is just a nuisance and a troublemaker in my book. With Michael Pizzi up for reelection he is banking on throwing a wrench into Town Politics. It was reported that he is hosting non-sunshine meetings attended by Miami Lakes council members at eating establishments. I was even told that Terry Murphy, Natacha Seijas's former Chief of Staff, was in attendance. Ick. Come on Bennett, Seijas's reign of terror is over she has been recalled, thanks to Vanessa Brito.

I do have a good never told Seijas' story. An environmentalist told me last week that she went to a meeting with Natacha. The whole time Seijas held a stuffed manatee to her chest petting it, like the James Bond's villain Blofeld.  Over the years Natacha bragged she ate manatees in Cuba to any environmentalist in earshot. The environmentalists at the meeting went on with their presentation totally ignoring her rude behavior. Could you picture her being that disrespectful to a rock miner?

Seriously Miami Lakes and your councilmen, can you really be listening to Bennett?

Miami Lakes Mayor Pizzi sets the record straight. By Geniusofdespair

Michael Pizzi is running for mayor again and there is a disinformation campaign afoot, trying to smear him and fabricate Miami Lakes issues. I got the message that Pizzi is referring to as a press release and there was a photo of a jumbo jet attached to it. This isn't the first silly message I have gotten out of Miami Lakes lately, put out by someone who should know better. Here is the message from Mayor Pizzi:

An individual sent out an extremely irresponsible and false email stating that Miami Dade County is holding a public hearing tomorrow, January 9th, where they intend to vote to make Opa Locka Airport a full fledge commercial hub that will soon be sending jumbo jets over Miami Lakes. The information on that email is not true.

The facts are as follows:
1. A county transportation committee has an information only item tomorrow on a report by auditors that question the county’s handling on certain lease to developers at Opa Locka Airport. The audit report, which I have read, has nothing to do with commercial aviation at Opa Locka Airport.
2. I have personally spoken with Aviation Director Jose Abreu, who will be making the presentation tomorrow. Consistent with my prior discussions with him, there are NO items under consideration to fly commercial aviation at Opa Locka Airport.
3. I have also spoken with our own County Commissioner Steve Bovo as well as county commissioners on the transportation committee who have advised me that tomorrow’s item is an information only item pertaining to an audit relating to existing leases, and no votes can be taken anyway.
4. To even consider commercial aviation at any airport would require application to the FAA. That would take many years before we even get to the public hearing stage, and over a decade for anything like that to happen. No such application is under consideration or contemplated.
5. I personally sponsored a resolution several months ago reaffirming our town’s uniform opposition to any discussion of commercial aviation at Opa Locka Airport.

Based on the foregoing, the suggestion that Miami Lakes residents can soon expect jumbo jets at Opa Locka Airport shows a complete ignorance of the facts and is NOT TRUE. If at any meeting anyone in the county mentions commercial aviation at Opa Locka Airport, I will personally be there with our District Commissioner and 30,000 people. Based on my ongoing discussion with all of our county officials no one has that intention. Our staff will be at all county meetings on Opa Locka Airport and if this topic comes up I will be the first to know.

God Bless,
Mayor Michael Pizzi - January 8, 2012

Medley - Garbage Capitol of Miami-Dade County? By Geniusofdespair

"The perfect place for industrial development" That is how the Town of Medley bills itself. But is it soon to be the Garbage Capitol of Miami-Dade County?

Medley actually has a solid waste overlay district in the works and the district boundaries appear to be in dispute depending on who you talk to (I asked for the map of the district). I cannot get a straight answer from anyone, everyone is referring me to the Town of Medley Attorney, Michael Pizzi (who I called), including the Building and Zoning Department. Is the 500 acres (mostly rock pit lakes that Lowell Dunn's family appears to own) all within the Solid Waste Overlay district?

How much of the city is devoted to solid waste 3/4?  Can't seem to get answers. One Councilman I called at home didn't know what I was talking about. When I told him he voted on a preliminary overlay district in March, he sort of remembered and referred me to the Town attorney. There are also warehouses in the Town and plenty of industrial use.

DERM said -- even though Medley is situated between two wellfield protection zones  and houses the East Medley back-up wellfield -- it would probably be okay to fill the rock-pit lakes with monitored solid-waste (crushed concrete, etc.). Like that will happen since the County is trying to stop DERM -- clipping its regulatory and enforcement wings. I see our drinking water at risk.

Some say that putting this overlay on Medley's land makes it infinitely more valuable - maybe up to $1 Million per acre. That is hard to believe. Dunn's 552 acreage is now valued at $4,016,317 ($7,275 an acre), according to the Property Appraiser, and was bought for $350,000 in 1993.  Apparently there is big money in solid waste.

So does anyone know how much of Medley is devoted to garbage? And will neighbor Doral be very happy about future developments in their city next to a Town famous for it's garbage?

Medley is not devoted to people, only 1,098 (651 people voted in the last election) people live in its 4.3 square miles according to the 2,000 census, in comparison North Miami beach is 5 square miles and has a population of 38,201 ('07). North Miami Beach has a density of 8,230 persons a square mile and rural Homestead's density is 2,231.  Medley's density is a meager 102 persons per square mile. The town of Medley's 4.3 square miles is .5 square miles of water (Lowell Dunn's water?). If all the water is in the solid waste overlay that would mean just about the entire city is a garbage facility because they already have plenty of garbage dumps on their 3.8 square miles of dry land.

Thank you Mayor Michael Pizzi and Vanessa Brito. By Geniusofdespair

There are many people to thank who helped rid us of Vile Natacha Seijas (VNS) but both Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and Miami Voice's Vanessa Brito were heroes in this effort. And, Michael Pizzi was part of the effort twice. We tried to recall Natacha Seijas before with a petition drive but the people voted her in. At least this time the people of Hialeah got smart on Natacha so I must thank them as well. The people of Miami Lakes wanted her recalled BOTH times so they are doubly thanked!

It was suggested last night that I bestow the "Vile" moniker on a different commissioner. Any suggestions?