Monday, December 5, 2011

Political payback: rewards & revenge

Some have been promoted. Others have been punished. But make no mistake about the changes going on at Hialeah City Hall and in the city police department: The political payback and retaliation has begun with employees who were involved in the city's mayoral and council elections last month.
Those who supported and helped su alcaldito Carlos Hernandez are getting rewarded. Those who supported and helped former mayor Raul Martinez, who lost in a runoff Nov. 15, are the butt of the retribution. In Spanish, this is called un pasado de cuentas. In English, it's a settling of accounts.

Among those who have been spanked are three veteran police officers who have dedicated their lives to this community:

Commander Urbano Dieppa was busted down to sergeant after Hernandez saw he gave $100 to both his campaign and the Martinez campaign. He had been solicited for a contribution by Hernandez but expressed fear of retaliation if Martinez won. So another officer suggested he make the same donation to both candidates. That drew su alcaldito's ire. Rather than take the obvious political demotion in stride, Dieppa chose to take early retirement after Hernandez allegedly told him "You are either with me or you are against me.

Detective Sgt. Barbara Ricano, who is months from retirement and was a regular staple at the Martinez campaign office, was transferred to patrol as soon as the elections were over. Ricano, photographed here as she worked the first round of early voting at JFK Library, has not been on the road for more than a decade and has never been a patrol sergeant, which could be a safety issue to her and to other officers on that shift. And while the city may try to justify the move by saying that they are trying to crack down on patrol overtime, other officers beneath her rank have kept their desk jobs and juicy task force assignments.

Det. Ricky Garcia, whose organized fraud investigations have netted dozens, if not hundreds, of insurance scam artists and made headlines -- as well as secured a bunch of borrowed unmarked cars for the department from insurance companies only too happy with his work -- was transferred to patrol this week. There was no other reason to demote this 2009-2010 Investigator of the Year except that he was vocal about his support of Martinez. Here he is photographed with other Martinez supporters, some of whom may still feel su alcaldito's wrath.  Garcia, who is currently working several cases and had gone in on his day off to write some arrest reports because he loves his job, was not given a reason or even a head's up. He simply found the tranfer paperwork in his mailbox. His commanding officers didn't even know about the decision -- which shows it was made from the top.

It is obvious political retaliation against those who dared to be independent and exercise their constitutional rights. And there may be a class action lawsuit here.

But let's take a moment to juxtapose those against the rewards to others for their political choices.

Let's start with the case of Arnie Alonso, the completely unqualified lackey who drives su alcaldito around and does his bidding and served as his spokesman during the campaign (wonder if he was still getting his city paycheck to do that). Even though Alonso (photographed here during the first round of early voting, in white, standing next to his boss, and below on Nov. 1, standing next to his boss guarding him from Ladra) started his career at the city in parks department, where there were issues about some missing money from one of the sports leagues, he has now been promoted to chief of staff. Ladra wonders what kind of salary raise (read: payoff) came with that. I've asked. But who knows when we will learn. Acting City Clerk David Concepcion told me today that he would "submit the request to the appropriate department and provide you with the information once it becomes available." It should be as easy as a phone call.

And then there is Hialeah Police Commander Sergio Velasquez, known inside the city as Hernandez's chief enforcer and Godfather in the santeria religion, who was promoted to deputy chief despite holding the rank of sergeant. Forget about the fact that he is hardly qualified for that position, or that his history at the department has been full of questionable actions that have been investigated or covered up. Forget the fact that he made retaliatory investigations to further his career. Forget about the fact that he registered for college classes last week so he could qualify for the job. Those things don't matter because he is su alcaldito's friend and mentor. Police Chief Abuser Mark Overton, who Ladra heard has already one foot out the door to a position in Miami Beach (more on that later), told a reporter that the promotion was directly ordered by Hernandez.

Read that again: Directly ordered. Now why does the mayor of the city direct the police department's personnel moves? I understand he may have to approve them, but that would only happen if the changes came via the normal, administrative process for these types of transfers. But they don't. They come the other way. Which means they are political payback.

And the ones who will end up paying the ultimate price are the residents and business owners in the City of Retrogress.

31 comments:

  1. How about Eric Johnson ? Has he been transferred to sereatary work? Has he bought his new skirts for work? Nice high heel shoes?

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  2. Barbara Ricano should go back to patrol, she has never seen the street, she is a paper pusher and deserves to pay her dues. she just might learn something before she retires.

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  3. Eric doesn't need heels to do his job, but you need knee pads to do yours.

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  4. Anonymous… you are an asshole…..what you are mad because he called out the mayor & his lackeys…….or are you more mad that they didn't know how to respond to those questions?????? I don't know him personally, but he is an awesome union representative who takes care of business…..Go )+ck yourself anonymous….

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  5. Hey Ladra why don't you get all your stories straight. I am sure you won't talk about the Raul hit list cause its just not good for biz. ;) People are getting tired of your crap and actually I hear your having money problems, car problems....etc. maybe you should get your life in order and not worry about others! Oh hear is a little bit of news you may not know, more for your plate: The people you have been defaming and slandering on your little blog for months have retained a very prominent attorney. So besides car troubles, and cash flow troubles add legal troubles! LMAO!!!!!

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  6. At the last anonymous comment, a prominent lawyer? Hahaha please , name one thing on this blog that's a lie, the truth hurts . Why do you think the crooks that are currently in power over at Hialeah haven't disputed any of ladra's claims. They haven't disputed any of the claims cause there true. Btw posting anonymous on a blog shows how much of a coward you are, go on and continue to support the garbage that's in city hall. Lastly, name one good thing this current or previous administration have done to benefit Hialeah......good luck with that.

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  7. send a picture to the Alcaldito (del award)

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  8. Hey, coward! Yeah, you know I mean you! And obviously you are not so sick of my wonderful prose since you have me on google alert or something and find out immediately when I post.

    First, the Martinez hit list, moot as it is now, was carefully comprised of people who were inept and/or corrupt, not people who disagreed with his politics. I should know. Because Ladra and her friends wrote it, not Martinez.

    Second, it doesn't take a genius to realize I have been driving a car other than my own for days... oh, wait... wasn't I getting PAID to do this? First by Martinez, then by Danny and/or the fire union. Money problems my perfectly proportioned you-know-what! I should be rolling in the dough if the accusations were true. Hahahaha... but, alas, they are not. And so what? I am not ashamed of not being paid for this. I am not ashamed of not putting my pocketbook first.

    Last, but not least, bring on the litigation! It would be a wonderful way to get even MORE documentation of what I write about. Because, in case you didn't know, you need to prove three things to prove slander. One, that what I publish is false, and it most certainly is not. In fact, it is almost always documented or documentable. And the burden of that proof is on you, not on me. Two, that it is done with malicious intent. Everyone knows my only intent is to lift the veil on the dark, corrupt crap going on there and everywhere. Nothing malicious about that. And three, that it actually, ahem, damaged said people's reputations. Um, not even this Emmy Award-winning journalist is THAT good. Those reputations are warped already as it is. So, as I said, bring it on. This blog is replete with comments from anonymous wusses like you threatening legal action -- because they are empty threats.

    Everybody knows I am protected by the first amendment. And, yes, even in Hialeah. But only because I can't be fired, transferred or demoted.

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  9. Oh, and Eric Johnson doesn't have to buy nice high heels. He can borrow mine! Not that he would ever need to. But he'd look good in them, too. And your envy is showing.

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    1. This is to funny Ladra ur Awsome!

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    2. Eric is a friend of mine and I can say all the effort he has put into opening the eyes of people due to the corruption going on in the City of Hialeah came from his Passion to what he loves to do. He is part of a community that he wishes will prosper. He has not received raises nor special promotions. Despite the stress it has caused him his family he has stood by the side of the people that want the city to prosper without corruption. Also the death threats to him have come from all the crooked people that are afraid of the truth coming out. He is a good hearted individual. Which the city had more like him. So anonymous stop talking trash and go do some soul searching because the grim reaper is coming for u sooner or later and u will have to answer to a higher power that sees through the bullshit.

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  10. The truth I am so sorry I insulted Ms Erica Johnson, I promise not to look up her skirt when she sits behind a desk for the rest of her career!!! Finally she will have to work for her paycheck!!!
    The truth you sound like a tough firefighter!!! You fustrated? Sad? Lonely? Or just a Martinez kiss ass?

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  11. Ladra maybe you should apply for a job with the city of Hialeah !! They are hiring. You can be Bill Grenick personal assistance, or maybe Mayor Hernandez driver , or even better , you can work with Erica Johnson and share your skirts and high heels and talk all the bull shit you want and grow old together .
    Maybe the truth should apply to work with both of you.

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  12. Ladra, keep hearing about a lawsuit that they are preparing against you. Some of the accusations are pretty bad!! Do you have anyone to represent you?

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  13. This is way tooooooo funny... Remember this.. Eric Johnson has balls of steel and a heart to back it up.. No matter where you put him he will be the best in that position. Regardless if you like him or hate him he puts his heart and soul into everything he does from construction to politics. In heels you say?? Just make sure there are boots on the front end and he will be fine.. YOU NEVER PUT A FOX IN THE HEN HOUSE... Go ahead put him on days.. Transfer him, do what you think you have to do, but men like that dont come around everyday.. He will spend every waking hour and each day making your life a living hell if so you much as breathe the words that you are screwing with him or his family.. I know.. Out the politics on the back burner and use him to for the city's potential. PUT HIM TO WORK to rebuild this place. He can do it. I work with him.. Its balls to the wall from 7am to 7am.

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  14. If you don't like what's written, DON'T READ IT. Why would you come to a blog that you know is representative of the truth and has shown the try meaning of caring about the Citizens of what use to be a GREAT City. I lived and worked for the City and care about what is happening. I'm glad that there is someone that will keep me informed. Ladra, keep up the good work and don't pay any attention, or waste your time responding to an anonymous response. Your time is way to valuable to waste on turds that won't even identify themselves.

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  15. Like the comments about Eric Johnson. His heart is in the right place and you can't fault anyone for speaking their mind and caring about the people they work for and protect.

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  16. I am SIMPLY BLUE in Hialeah

    Interesting that the post election fall out is hitting these police officers who have served the city for so many years in light of the current mayor's status as a retired police officer. Sadly, Hialeah politics is taking the low road for a while more, and the people who live in Hialeah and the employees will be worse off for it. I hope and pray that sometime before HELL FREEZES OVER that these seven elected officials will get it together and understand that they are to represent ALL of the residents of Hialeah, whether they voted for them or not. The people working in government must understand that as well. In the meantime, good luck to the fire and paramedics in Hialeah. I hope you get a decent contract. I'm not counting on it, just hoping for it.

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  17. Veritas vos liberabit. Not only is truth the best defense against suits of libel and defamation; it is also the best defense against rumors.

    To paraphrase another liar, who took us to war based on lies, Incurious George Bush, "There are some who, uh, feel like that, you know, the conditions are such that they can attack us there. My answer is: bring 'em on. We got the force necessary to deal with the security situation." - George W. Bush, July 2, 2003

    "Bring 'em on", Anonymous. The truth will set us free. With the Feds and a Federal Grand Jury already scrutinizing the financial affairs of Robaina and his cohorts; a more indepth review of the issues won't harm Ladra as much as it would harm the Robaina and friends crime syndicate. They would be wise to sweep what they can under their carpet; but if they really want to open that can of worms, be sure one of those worms isn't a serpent. The serpent has historically,biblically, been maligned as the purveyor of lies; just as you assert of Ladra. But a more careful scrutiny of Genesis reveals that the serpent told the truth, and God lied, for Adam and Even did not die upon eating of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil; just as you have lied.

    I suggest, anonymous, that you taste of the fruit that Ladra offers you, taste of the truth, for you already have sufficient knowledge of evil. Veritas vos liberabit.

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  18. I'm sure the last thing the fire chief wants is to deal with Mr Johnson on a daily basis. Second, contrary to what you or the hit squad may believe, he can't be transferred to another department. Oh, well....nice try.

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  19. @ Licker
    "the Feds and a Federal Grand Jury already scrutinizing the financial affairs of Robaina" ooohhhhh he is shaking his boots. You may be a very knowledgable individual but your hatred is getting the better of you. You have to admit that if anything was being investigated it would have been leaked by now what with all the sources (er Bolanos) poking around and nothing!! Deal with it they have NOTHING and as much as you wish, hope and pray for someone to come arrest him, if it hasn't happen by now it probably won't. And as for your statement of "Not only is truth the best defense against suits of libel and defamation; it is also the best defense against rumors." You are right Alex Morales filed suit against Robaina for slander and liable and MORALES LOST.

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  20. Well well, anonymous, it is obvious you are a coward who enjoys spreading ridiculous rumors and untruths but can't take it, otherwise why would you write under such a cowardly name?
    And Ladra's money troubles only go to prove she is not and was never on anybody's payroll. The truth shall set you free but it never guaranteed you any cash.

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  21. Eric does not need heels to do his job. But you might need To bend over on some knee pads to do your job.NEXT TIME WATCH YOUR MOUTH AND I WILL NOT HARRAS YOU ASS WHOLE. ERIC IS A MAN OF HIS WORD IF HE TELLS YOU SOMETHING HE WILL DO IT.

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  22. I posted a comment a few days ago but from what I see you've chosen not to have the puiblic read the truth because YOU feel it's "off-subject and offensive in nature". My comment was neither. It would appear YOU personally do not agree with it so you've taken it upon yourself not to post it. So much for the truth being told.......

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  23. To the last anonymous comment writer: I obviously publish comments that have nothing to do with the truth, or are a warped perception of truth, as well as comments that are untrue and in disagreement with my observations. Usually, they are on subject. Sometimes they are not, but if they are funny enough, I might post them anyway.

    There are maybe five or six comments in total I have not published since I started to monitor the commentary, and those have been baseless attacks, mostly on others, that have nothing to do with the post. This one has nothing to do with anything, but I posted it anyway to show that Ladra is a good sport. I have nothing against a good debate. But I said a GOOD debate. Sometimes I allow the peanut gallery to just say stupid things, like telling Eric Johnson to go buy some high heels. Even if it seems that they are using this space to vent their own envy and jealous frustrations. But I have drawn the line a few times when the comments are out of line.

    Maybe you didn't get the words right to confirm your comment. Maybe it was lost somewhere. I once deleted a GREAT comment by mistake because the "publish" and "delete" buttons on my phone are small and close together and my fingers are fat and, sometimes, clumsy. I was unable to retrieve that comment, which, by the way, was in my favor. Alas... Ladra is equal opportunity, even in denying a comment from being posted.

    That said, and this goes for everyone: If you don't see your comment posted and you think it met the criteria, please resend it. There may always be technical glitches and I will make every effort to allow all reasonable voices to be heard.

    And sometimes the unreasonable, ridiculous voices, too. For entertainment.

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  24. HEY 'THE TRUTH'...

    Heard the news??? No FD personnel cuts......

    So I was right. It was a bluff all along.

    Hernandez won and STILL NO FF are getting laid off. amazing...

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  25. That's because the FF are voting on a contract that will give the mayor the concessions he wants, otherwise he would layoff personnel. Stay informed pal.

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  26. Hey anonymous……That's not because the mayor helped them….they have now given up approximately 33% of their pay this year alone. So they gave up 18% earlier this year & now another 15% w/o pay raises for another 2 years….Yea way to go mayor you didi it & your staff still hasn't taken a pay cut! Again the blue collar workers getting F**k^d for doing their jobs while the over spending politicians continue to misspend the money…..Fu**ing awesome! (sarcasm obviously)

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  27. court ordered concessions get it right then opinions are like ******* everyone has one...

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  28. Ladra:

    Have to wonder about the Honerable Mayor ("El Alcalde"). His "business" dealings with Felipito raise serious questions about him and his judgement or discretion. Funny thing about El Alcalde, I used to see him regularly at an Itallian Restaurant on 49th Street, with a couple of local characters, wonder what that was all about. Have not seen him there since his Viagra rise to office. Whatch for the deal making with Ex-Mayor Robaina and former councilmen Herman Echevarria. The $$$$$ deals are in the works.

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I have decided to moderate comments for a while as there are some that are simply off-subject and have become personal and offensive in nature, attacking not just me but others through this venue.

Comments that add substance and context to the news and issues in the blog will be posted. Comments that use profanity and abuse this open space to attack others will be saved and, when called for, sent to the appropriate authorities.