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Cynthia 11/16/2007 6:47:00 AM
Just read in today's Riptide that George Burgess let Bennie walk away with a $234,959 payout in accrued sick and holiday leave time and no reprimand. How corrupt does that make Burgess? According to county rules, sick leave can only be paid out when an employee leaves in "good standing." Is blatant disregard of the ethics code to hire your lover and blatant nepotism hiring your niece leaving in "good standing?" And why was Bennie allowed to get her payout at her Asst. Director rate, rather than at the administrative officer rate that she was supposed to be at after termination from her exempt position?
If anyone doubts that George Burgess is corrupt, they can just look to the Bennie Marko case.
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spy vs. spy 11/09/2007 3:23:00 AM
What I find so funny is how Mr. Abel Lera seems to ignore all of this. Is it by happenstance? Or is he too busy sleeping in his office to notice? Yes, Abel, we hear you snore during working hours. Keep it down, will ya? Or just get to bed at a decent hour already. SOME of us are trying to work here.
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Marta is an idiot 10/30/2007 8:44:00 PM
Marta,
seriously...crying in the conference room? We're all laughing at your comment. It's so obvious what you're trying to do. If you want to come across as a credible source, try a little harder. Don't write completely ridiculous. If you're going to lie, make it a believable lie.
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Marta 10/29/2007 2:35:00 AM
Finally Ms. Benigna Marko has resigned from the County services effective Oct 26, 2007!!!! The best decision that you ever did in your life��
Maynel are you going to still crying in the conference room, because Amalia can take care of you if you want?
NOW, the next one is Abel Lera, hoping that the Director make another smart decision pretty soon�what are you waiting for? Abel is taking his power back�.when he was the one who kick Bennie out, watch out!
He still think that he has power�.still disappears during the County time, looking for make another life miserable� who knows! Remember that now you have to report to Subrata not to yourself�.
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Thomas Campbell 10/24/2007 7:34:00 PM
"The Patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree." This also includes the freedom to say whatever you want, whenever you want, to whoever you want! So, if reading what is written in this Comment Blog, so to speak, offends or irritates you, too bad! Isn't it time for all you whiners to get a diaper change anyway!
Remember, DADDY can only do so much for you. He has to take care of his own back yard! Sooner or later you'll have to get it on your own without daddy's help.
Wah, wah, wah!
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Department Director 10/24/2007 6:16:00 AM
Tarzan, cheetah and boy need food. No, he not monkey he chimpanzie. Go find witch doctor find out what me do. He say go to building and get help but building outside, no find help! check with chief, he know all. no, chief monkey's uncle. color of barn is blue, red for banana who thinks its apple. no problem sky has rain wash all sins away. make sense? nobody care anyway. pride wounded in battle can't handle truth!
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fraud 10/22/2007 1:13:00 AM
Improper Hiring is penalized. Mr. Lera should be fired since he was not qualified to do the job back in 2004 and he submitted a false resume in order to qualifie for the position with Mrs. Marko help.
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the law 10/22/2007 1:08:00 AM
She is under criminal investigation according to her lawyer so she should be in leave without pay until the investigation is finalized..by being in administrative leave with pay if she is found guilty then the tax payers will loose all that money.
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clara 10/22/2007 1:02:00 AM
Of course the Manager or Georgie as she prefers to call him knows about this.....they are best friends according to her....It is funny how they began to lay off employees because of the budget cuts and at the same time they mare making every effort to place these two idiots on the payroll........The New Times should keep on top of this mess and expose this corruption.......
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I've had enough 10/21/2007 11:25:00 PM
Frank,
Marko is still on the payroll and hasn't even worked for five weeks. Rumor has it that she will be going as assistant director to another department. This would mean that she would get the same pay as now. How can this be? The Manager is to blame, but does the Mayor know? How can such a corrupt and unethical employee be rewarded in such a way? Papi in the meantime is still holding on to his highly paid position. Staff cannot believe this. Many of us would have been ousted for a lot less than she has done! For those who believe that only the 11th floor folks are watching this case they would be surprised at how staff from all over the county is watching this fiasco. Kick this garbage out of the county! They are the reason why county hall has such a bad reputation.
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Ghost Writer 10/18/2007 8:21:00 PM
Ms. marko will do just fine! She has friends in high places. Surely it's probably a cousin in the bloodline there somewhere! Look for the coming attractions shortly. Remember, it's not who you ------ but who you ---- you're related to in some way! And you thought I was going to say know!
How Bizzare!
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I want a paid vacation too!!! 10/17/2007 2:08:00 AM
I come in from time to time to read the postings and have a good laugh. One thing that I don�t find very amusing is that Mrs. Marko is gone and is still getting paid???? What funds is the coming from???? Someone should seriously take some time and audit that department Instead of making fun of the way we spell or our grammar, or even trying to decipher who wrote what, why don�t we pay attention to that comment left by �need a paid Vacation� Hey� maybe we should all go and work for DP&Z and become as crooked as the rest of them, get fired or whatever Mrs. Marko was, and still cash those sweet checks� You gotta love the county!!!
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Just me! 10/14/2007 11:07:00 PM
The daily practice of gratitude is a powerful process for feeling more joy and enthusiasm for life. You can't be grateful and unhappy at the same time! Even when parts of your life experience are challenging, focusing on what IS right with your life and expressing gratitude will help you deal with the challenges more effectively AND assist the energy of the challenge to shift for the better�
We pray for DPZ department to make a huge step, making a enormous change for the better when all these dishonored people are gone�we need to start over with hope, happy with sense of peace and joy.
God bless DPZ!
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need a paid vacation 10/12/2007 4:35:00 PM
To the writer: Ms. Marko is not in the Department but she has been granted (up to now) 4 entire weeks of leave, not paid from her leave balances but from the Department's money, even though the finances are a mess thanks to her and the others that already left. How is this possible after all she has done? Maybe we should reconsider our justice system and after someone is found guilty we should send them to Europe on vacation (first class of course) for several weeks on taxpayers money. That is what is called justice!
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Gilligan 10/11/2007 8:29:00 AM
Professor? Maryann is looking for you.
Miss Crabtree? Your nom de guerre suggests you are uptight. Don't be crabby. This is a B-L-O-G. Didn't realize this was being graded! Shish!! No funny bone!
We should all make a promise to quit when we reach 120 comments. This is unraveling like a ball of yarn and making as much sense.
All writers on this venue are County employees or ex-employees masquerading as others -so we insult one another (except for the original purpose - what was it? Oh yeah - the Papi & Mami thing)and change the focus from shame, disgrace to just plain bad taste.
Professor & Ms. Crabtree? Save it. I don't feel like spell checking and I don't care what you think!!
Bye!
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The Professor 10/08/2007 4:38:00 AM
Dear Miss Crabtree: Please read the following sentences.
Even more disturbing than this expose of County office politics is the fact that illiteracy is alive and well in County Hall. Is a basic command of the English language and proper grammar too much to ask of County employees?
Expose'
(2.) to make known : bring to light (as something shameful)
"Apparent from reading many of these comments" is not necessary (This is redundant!) It is implied you have read the comments. You probably talk a lot of cow dung in your job because you use more words to make a point than are necessary.
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Miss Crabtree 10/06/2007 3:37:00 AM
Even more disturbing that this expose of County office politics is the fact, apparent from reading many of these comments, that illiteracy is alive and well in County Hall. Is a basic command of the English language and proper grammar too much to ask of County employees?
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just me 10/04/2007 5:04:00 AM
# 112 No even that, if you live in Broward County, or out of the Miami-Dade County you are out too! (And by the way, "Cry Baby" need to look very deep in your files who live in Broward? Right �S�?)
So, what are these people waiting for? To get him as a surprise like they did to Bennie? Tick tack, tick tack! Well, call the DPZ department to wait for him in the elevators... I want to see his face! Faces like one day he saw few years ago with 3 employees under him....you see, you want to play, you need to pay!
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Doc Holiday 10/03/2007 7:07:00 AM
Poor soul, the stress was just more than he could bear. Wyatt Earp says, Doc why the badge on Johnny Ringo's chest? "My hypocrisy will only go so far!"
C'mon Doc, let's finish it!
Please finish this!
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nilsa 10/03/2007 6:57:00 AM
Miami-Dade Code of Ordinances Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV Personnel, Section
2.53: No person shall make any false statement with regards to any test, certification or appoiment and any person who violates this provision shall forfeit his employment.
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American Idol 10/03/2007 6:32:00 AM
#112: Disciplinary action? ...NO, NO, NO, He will be automatic fired. Out of the County, baby! Yeaw!....FIRED!
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Lory 10/03/2007 4:31:00 AM
If one of us as regular county employee make a fraudulent resume, (false information), cheating with the questions (Bennie gave it to Mr. Lera), having the lover in the panel (like Bennie and Abel), abuse the county email policy, (like Bennie and Abel love letters) coming late and don�t dot any hour, using more than one hour to get lunch, or leave early in the afternoon or even worst, goes to the gym in county time�..what penalty, could the manager or the director can give us?.. a disciplinary accion?
He should be fired by Alvarez and Manager George Burgess, so what are you waiting for!!!
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thankful in 111 09/30/2007 8:22:00 PM
Frank,
On behalf of all the taxpayers of this County and of those who have seen and have suffered what Marko dished out, I would like to personally thank you for dethroning the witch. Make sure that the munchkin gets the same treatment and that you ask Communications why taxpayers are paying her 3 weeks of leave. This is a case of Power, Privilege and Injustice! Those in the Ivory Tower are held hostage by those in power. You, on the other hand, take the time to listen, investigate, and have the power of the pen and the ability to turn Injustice into Justice. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.
Thankful in 111
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Your shadow 09/29/2007 11:23:00 PM
Subrata you are cleaning the DPZ moral! You are doing your job very good!!! I like you. The closet is almost clean�
Oh Mr. Lera what happened with your �Administrative Privilege� �You don�t have it any more? AAHHHH!!! Benigna Marko is not in the Department to protect you now ah? She was the one to approve that privilege�by the way you do not deserve it to have it�your abuse of power and badly use of it, make you look ugly�..even you weren�t part of the computer section, now you are nothing! She is out, her wings have been cut off she is not with us anymore thank God. Do you think she is going to take you with her, she is alone, now, oh, I am going to recue you papi wait for me�
Oh! We remember when you and Mrs. Marko come every other Saturdays to look into DPZ employee�s computer deleting emails that compromises him a Mrs. Marko in certain way. Now what? What are you looking for? Remember � the County even you delete those emails, they have backups, and they know who and where you did it�.but you know what? All emails that you deleted has been repaired�.ah! Even you came from �computer technician� from Transit Department, Mr. Lera you don�t know nothing! What do you know? Expert making everybody life�s miserable�s? Look yourself, you don�t even have any eyes contact when you talk to people�you are looking to the roof�.you look sick by the way�what are you waiting for, you cannot find another job? That is why you are still in the Department, men! Shame on you!
Let us know when you want to go, so we can give you boxes to get your personal stuff like you did to your previous employees after 10-20 years in the County�you know, poor you! You are going to be one of them�but the differences of them, are that they have dignity, honestly and a good heart. Not like you that you do not considered them as human being, as father/mothers of families�.
The abuse of power is over Mr. Lera, no management skill that all, his low performance and bad management is well known and his staff morale is the lowest in the department...And everyone in the Department and in the County knows that!
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kpeste 09/29/2007 10:54:00 PM
I have never read a sadder story or sadder comments, but they have a ring of truth because only those who lived under that reign of terror truly know how coniving and bloodthirsty Bennie and Abel really are. She has no moral spine (this we all know). He's just a comemierda with power (thanks to her). Now is time to face the music, papi. Bennie is not there anymore for you to hide behind her skirts when you throw a rock. Subrata: clean house in a hurry! Getting rid of that rotten apple is a good step but you have to get rid of the worm!
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Wastebag 09/29/2007 6:18:00 AM
B.T Marko: I overheard you call me a wastebag once. I forgive you. I'm still a wastebag! Welcome to "friends" in low places! It's always nice to have friends at the bottom!
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Wastebag 09/29/2007 6:18:00 AM
B.T Marko: I overheard you call me a wastebag once. I forgive you. I'm still a wastebag! Welcome to "friends" in low places! It's always nice to have friends at the bottom!
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Seedy one 09/28/2007 1:41:00 AM
Good riddance Mrs. Marko!!! You are gone, but the sting is still there. NEW TIMES: Did you ask about Beni's leave hour balances? If you do, you will find irregularities galore. Who was minding the coop, anyway? Why it was the vixen herself! Cry Baby: shame on you, too. The PAR is your responsibility.
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Reptlies 09/27/2007 7:46:00 PM
Mr. Lera you are next� still cleaning your office little by little, do you need an empty boxes, I have a bunch, or do you want to use your gym bag? With what ethical and moral you are still in the Department? Loser! Why don�t you see yourself in a mirror?
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So glad I left. 09/27/2007 9:04:00 AM
Mr. Lera, corrupt, unethical AND incompetent, yet he keeps his job. Amazing! No wonder morale is at an all time low. Cheaters do get ahead!
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ERD 09/26/2007 8:54:00 AM
Has anyone checked Mr. Lera�s resume? Was he qualified for the position? Did he perform the jobs on his resume?
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Here�s a novel idea 09/26/2007 8:51:00 AM
Why does this have to be so complicated? Just retrieve their computers and e-mails from the servers and then do a little investigative work. Get the evidence needed so the administration can "take the appropriate action" to fire them and get the department�s credibility back before more dirt surfaces and the department is further embarrassed in future articles.
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The Cat 09/25/2007 9:34:00 PM
Is Bennie really gone for good?
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Goober 09/25/2007 4:37:00 AM
There once was a woman named Bennie
Who counted O.T.to the penney
Now her goose has been cooked
No more tax payers rooked
Had it all now she doesn't have any!
Good riddins!
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Bye Bye Bye 09/25/2007 2:25:00 AM
I can honestly say I never thought I�d see the day when Mrs. Benigna Marko�s reign would end!! Hurray!!!! How delightful is it to say �What goes around comes around� She has finally paid for all the injustices she committed during her time in DP&Z. How humiliating� From getting her name in the paper, publicizing her love life (as disgusting as it may be), to the humiliating demotion as she did to all those people who once worked for her not so long ago. She hurt so many people without any regard to those who matter the most� their children. There is a God who patiently waited until the time was right to make her pay for all she did. I thought I might feel bad for her but I don�t� Adios Mrs. Marko!!! :-D
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The Goodbye Girl 09/24/2007 1:55:00 AM
Dear Pat:
"Your Time Is Gonna Come"
Lyin', cheatin', hurtin, that's all you seem to do.
Messin' around with every guy in town,
Puttin' me down for thinkin' of someone new.
Always the same, playin' your game,
Drive me insane, trouble is gonna come to you,
One of these days and it won't be long,
You'll look for me but baby, I'll be gone.
This is all I gotta say to you woman:
[Chorus]
Your Time Is Gonna Come [X4]
Made up my mind to break you this time,
Won't be so fine, it's my turn to cry.
Do want you want, I won't take the brunt.
It's fadin' away, can't feel you anymore.
Don't care what you say 'cause I'm goin' away to stay,
Gonna make you pay for that great big hole in my heart.
People talkin' all around,
Watch out woman, no longer
Is the joke gonna be on my heart.
You been bad to me woman,
But it's coming back home to you.
[Chorus]
Led Zeppelin
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I Love to Collect Hard Rock Ca 09/24/2007 12:34:00 AM
Dear Nurse Ratchet, have you been hitting the drug cabinet in the hospital again?? Ummmmm!!! Sandalwood smells sooo sweet!!!! Come out, come out wherever you are!! Once again you think you know who I am. Wrong answer� Sweet cheeks, your bipolarism is once again reflected in your script. Sociopathic tendencies have a way of always coming out of you. Remember you�ve always played two different persons, one at work and one at home. Kind of like your earlier post referring to Glen Close. Freaky yet nutty�.Wonder what your hunny thinks of it??
If I was predictable then you would have figured me out by now. But I am not and so you continue to see what buttons you can push in order to guess who I am. It is okay, I don�t take your statements personal because I think you are confusing me with 1. Someone else or 2. You believe that I am a reflection of you. It is evident that you have insecurity issues based on your karma statement. Do you feel bigger now?? I thought you would. Let it all out, go ahead. This is the only place where people will ever hear you. Oh, that�s right, you buy your friends so technically you don�t have any. How can I forget� Silly me�.I got everything figured out you, before you had even figured it out. And you still don�t get it. Look what the cat dragged in. It was only a matter of time. I figured you wouldn�t be able to contain yourself. I will leave you with your dose of your zen amnesia, though I doubt it lasts 48 hours since it didn�t take you long to go to this post and respond. Perhaps you need a stronger sedative and a stray jacket� ha.ha. ha. Now, I thought that was freaking hilarious. Ta.. ta.. sweet dreams. Your royal hinny the floor is all yours���.
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I Collect Hard Rock Cafe Pins 09/23/2007 10:23:00 PM
Feeling a little hostile now? You're so predictable as in "strike up the band!" Karma is for weaklings that can't pave their own way! However, I do like the smell of sandalwod. You're also in denial as evidenced in your comment. There's a lot of "latent maniacle tendencies" in your response. Here's an idea, instead of the name "I Collect Hard Rock Cafe Pins", why don't you just change it to "I just Don't get It!" Do us all a favor and please take your medication. Sorry for getting personal, it's for your own good. Thank God I'm afflicted with "Zen Amnesia" in 48 hours I won't remember any of this. The time fluctuates. That's probably why I change my name. Now that's humorous, I think! There has to be an end to this in-house fighting between all of us idiots! What's good or bad about this statement will soon be forgotten too! I don't know who or what I am anymore.
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I Love to Collect Hard Rock Ca 09/23/2007 6:40:00 PM
Boy, are you way off on your analysis�. No, I don�t collect trains. No, I have never been to law school. Therefore, cannot practice law. I just had great English literature professors and paid attention in school, unlike you. You are obviously attempting to pay attention to detail, but you can�t. First, you must start by getting my name right and that is I LOVE TO COLLECT HARD ROCK CAF�PINS not HARD CAF�PINS. I expect more from you by now�.Your �colloquial English� defines who you are, a big egotistical character attempting to impress and throw people off. Don�t fool yourself silly rabbit, tricks are for kids�.. If you are as ballsy as you claim to be in your writings, post your real name. Nope, I am not a hypocrite. Nope, I am not a rat like you. I most definitely am not full of hatred, I just believe in karma and it�s a bitch when it comes back. Isn�t it????? You obviously think you are SMART!! But guess again, because you are not. If you were then you wouldn�t be where you are now. You can change your name on all of your posts but your grammar says who you are. Pretty soon you�ll be running out of pseudo names to go incognito�.Your name is written all over them. You will never guess who I am. Actually, it is great that it kills you too know because although you claim you have checked out of the site you keep coming back for more� It�s like candy to a little one; you just can�t get enough of it until you get sick. Keep using those acronyms. I know you love them.
And to those who come in read and think the posts are pitiful, obviously you are intrigued and feel the need to contribute to the pity pot. I just started having fun�����..
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give peace a chance 09/23/2007 8:02:00 AM
Really, this is just growing more and more pitiful by the minute. This isn't a "blog" and it's ridiculous to use it that way. Everyone is now sounding like losers trying to pull each other down by their necks. If your main goal was to get Benigna out the door, it has been done. Can't everyone just let it go and resume their lives at this point? I mean, we all have to work together in the end. The Nancy Rubin camp, the Maria Teresa Fojo camp and Benigna Marko's camp can just relax. When your "leaders" are acting this way, it sure makes it hard to have a good day for your employees. I should know.
So put your differences aside, work together and just get over it. It's about time...don't you agree?
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Chris Rea 09/23/2007 5:23:00 AM
To: I collect Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) Pins:
You are certainly interesting. How odd? Surprisingly, you have some complete sentences without grammatical errors. You are not as smart as you think you are! There are only a handful of people remaining in the county (or have moved on) that have the talent to compose a paragraph with "that" kind of HRC information. You must have some history in the county. Hmm? Let me tell you.... You don't collect trains, and you are not a lawyer, well at least one that currently practices law....Who can you be? Oh, you're a sheep....I'll leave you with this thought from Justin Timberlake's new album......"What Goes Around, Comes Around!"
Benigna, I'll use your proper name... There are people in the county that still care about you. I can assure you, many intelligent people that know what it is to "take a punch"! This is regardless of what has transpired since your nightmare began. This ain't no technological freeway for the cowards, oh no, for "them" (those that persecute you), This is the Road To Hell!
This should strike up the band! For all you ignorant folks that do not understand colloquial english it means.... used in or characteristic of familiar and informal conversation. I'm sure hypocrisy is considered an attribute for "you" among those that hate.
"If you want people with minds tha hate...you can count me out!" John Lennon, Revolution....Go home....Leave the woman alone! And for the record... I strongly dislike rats!
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Sad Commentary 09/23/2007 12:56:00 AM
90, you are right, everyone pays for what they do in someway. Karma, positive energy, charity, religious beliefs - whatever it is called - you must do to others as you would wish done to you. That is an important lesson in life.
Mrs. Marko is reaping what she planted, may God grant her some measure of peace, and hopefully she will learn something from this and create something better with the rest of her life. She won't be able to attone to the individuals she hurt but what has she gained from the misery she spread? Nothing.
To those that she hurt, go on with your lives, and don't do the same to others - that is how you pay her back - don't become her.
As to the warning by 90 about her cult, always remember that there are others that were not members of her group but are just as dangerous. Willing & able to take her place - sometimes what you fight so much - you become yourself.
I agree that there are others that have insinuated themselves in high places that are insidious in their traps.
All these comments show the pain, anger, hurt, and dysfunction in the County office. Not the actual operation (that is another article) but the personnel - the heart & soul of the County office - we need a "Strong Mayor" or "Manager" to step forward and do something. Managing staff well begins at the top and that isn't happening here. They distance themselves from the "workers" - mandate and disappear into their tower - we need leadership. Badly.
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Sad Commentary 09/23/2007 12:56:00 AM
90, you are right, everyone pays for what they do in someway. Karma, positive energy, charity, religious beliefs - whatever it is called - you must do to others as you would wish done to you. That is an important lesson in life.
Mrs. Marko is reaping what she planted, may God grant her some measure of peace, and hopefully she will learn something from this and create something better with the rest of her life. She won't be able to attone to the individuals she hurt but what has she gained from the misery she spread? Nothing.
To those that she hurt, go on with your lives, and don't do the same to others - that is how you pay her back - don't become her.
As to the warning by 90 about her cult, always remember that there are others that were not members of her group but are just as dangerous. Willing & able to take her place - sometimes what you fight so much - you become yourself.
I agree that there are others that have insinuated themselves in high places that are insidious in their traps.
All these comments show the pain, anger, hurt, and dysfunction in the County office. Not the actual operation (that is another article) but the personnel - the heart & soul of the County office - we need a "Strong Mayor" or "Manager" to step forward and do something. Managing staff well begins at the top and that isn't happening here. They distance themselves from the "workers" - mandate and disappear into their tower - we need leadership. Badly.
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I love to collect Hard Rock Ca 09/22/2007 8:51:00 PM
To #'s 63, 80, 82, and the one that checked out with her "y'all" slang which is probably reading this too, but most all to Mrs. Bennie Marko. It is a shame that it had to end like this for you Bennie, because I know that although you should probably be focusing on your legal battles that are going to be facing you in the near future, you are focusing your time on the public perception of you. Always remember you can't change the way you are perceived but you can change the way you carry yourself, come across and treat others. You obviously never cared and I should know I worked for you. You were never a good person. You were evil and in due time everyone pays for their actions. Your personal life and your love affair is your personal life and no one else�s business but the minute you imposed restrictions on others that you didn�t even abide by, you set the standard. You dedicated your years not to public service but to personal vendettas. You ensured that if someone had the slightest chance for a promotion that you sabotage it. The irony, always taking the position of snitching on others when they were caught and now someone did that to you. It is truly sad that after twenty something years you lose it all because you were caught doing what you have done best for the twenty something years. Yes, it was always at the taxpayer�s expense. Too bad you did not accept that demotion so that all those employees that you did harm too could look you in the eye and hopefully you would feel ashamed. Of course that is if this entire fiasco has brought you a NEW conscience, actually a CONSCIENCE because you never had one. You have reaped what you have sown. Everyone builds their future. The years you put in and the steps and actions you take will be reflected in the years to come and this is destiny and the future.
To those who remain in the dept. keep your eyes open because loyalist to her cult still remain and these loyalist will go back to her and inform her of that what you�ve said about her and for those of you who know her well, you know that she does not respond to rejection well. This is were Bennie will put to use her strongest asset, composing anonymous letter to the dept. director, county manager�s office and all of the parties that could take action against the employee. Bennie a.k.a Black Magic Woman, is out but her spirit will haunt you.
I love to collect Hard Rock Caf�ins
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curious 09/22/2007 2:32:00 PM
i am curious. what finally happened to these two? were they disciplined? were they fired? please restore my faith in government and tell me they were both given pink slips.
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NOT a Member of the 29th Flr M 09/22/2007 11:05:00 AM
Wow! To comments #82 & 83, the rabid spittle flying out your mouth was still dripping all over your comments. You must have had to wipe your computer screen several times in order to finish typing it! Have you tried medication? You guys should make an appointment with a therapist to discuss your anger management issues.
Oh and "Factfinder"? No knowledge of who wrote #63 but not the same author of #80.
The comment about the 29th Floor Mafia hit close to home, huh? or was it that you weren't as informed as you believed? Or are you in fact the Glenn Close character of the department? Been boiling bunnies lately? Or maybe you aren't located on the 29th
floor but afew floors down?
This whole sordid affair is a sad commentary on small-minded,evil spirited human beings. There are soldiers dying in Iraq, genocide in Darfur, global warming -no need to crowd the world with more ugly, nasty issues.
So to all you faithful readers of Dadeton Place, I sign off and won't be returning to this site. And no I am not Ms. Marko, the dreaded, hated ex-administrator. I am one among you, part of the crowd, enjoying lunch with you, working right next to you. Peace y'all!
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C. Bronson 09/22/2007 7:51:00 AM
Phil Collins - One More Night
Dedicated to the two love birds:
One more night, one more night
I've been trying ooh so long to let you know
Let you know how I feel
And if I stumble if I fall, just help me back
So I can make you see
Please give me one more night, give me one more night
One more night cos I can't wait forever
Give me just one more night, oh just one more night
Oh one more night cos I can't wait forever
I've been sitting here so long
Wasting time, just staring at the phone
And I was wondering should I call you
Then I thought maybe you're not alone
Please give me one more night, give me just one more night
Oh one more night, cos I can't wait forever
Please give me one more night, ooh just one more night
Oh one more night, cos I can't wait forever
Give me one more night, give me just one more night
Ooh one more night, cos I can't wait forever
Like a river to the sea
I will always be with you
And if you sail away
I will follow you
Give me one more night, give me just one more night
Oh one more night, cos I can't wait forever
I know there'll never be a time you'll ever feel the same
And I know it's only words
But if you change your mind you know that I'll be here
And maybe we both can learn
Give me just one more night, give me just one more night
Ooh one more night, cos I can't wait forever
Give me just one more night, give me just one more night
Ooh one more night, cos I can't wait forever
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bravo 09/21/2007 7:07:00 PM
I agree with #80. There is indeed an individual who has "single-handedly" changed this Department.
That individual is called THE STRONG MAYOR!
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Hank Williams 09/21/2007 4:01:00 PM
Your cheating heart
will make you weep
You'll cry and cry
and try to sleep
But sleep won't come
the whole night through
Your cheating heart
will tell on you.
-
Grumpy 09/21/2007 8:08:00 AM
We dig dig dig dig dig dig dig in a mine the whole day through
To dig dig dig dig dig dig dig is what we like to do
It ain't no trick
To get rich quick
If you dig dig dig
With a shovel or a pick
In a mine (In a mine)
In a mine (In a mine)
Where a million diamonds
Shine
We dig dig dig dig dig dig dig from early morn to night
We dig dig dig dig dig dig dig up everything in sight
We dig up diamonds
By the score
A thousand rubies
Sometimes more
We don't know what we dig them for
We dig dig digga dig dig
Fo jo, Fo jo, it's off to work we go...Whistle....
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happy camper 09/21/2007 4:53:00 AM
#80's comment has Beni's name all over it. Only a handful of people spell her name "Bennie" and those familiar with the way she writes know it.
You aren't as bright as you think you are honey or you wouldn't be in the position you are right now. Did you really think you were going to get away with all the evil you've done?.
What's the matter you little witch?....You can't accept the fact that you got "the boot"?
I hope you have a nice long life mommy dearest....in hell!
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Factfinder 09/21/2007 4:51:00 AM
#63 and #80 are written by the same hateful, mean-spirited bully, malicious, foul-mouthed individual who calls herself our legal counsel (N.R.). The ones you praise so much today were the ones that you constantly hated, called incompetent, stupid, crooked, unfair, unethical....ohhh...how the tide turned when you did not get what you wanted. Everyone knows how bitter you are and they are all talking about you....bitterness is slowly eating you alive, it shows in your face, what a shame! You will only get uglier! and please check your spelling of the word "integrity" in your dictionary...and while you are at it read the definition so that you can see what you totally lack.
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F. Caligua 09/20/2007 10:10:00 PM
Everybody's high on consolation
Everybody's trying to tell me what's right for me
My daddy tried to bore me with a sermon
but it's plain to see that they can't comfort me
Sorry Beni for the imposition
Do you think you've got it, got the strength to carry on
You need a drink and a quick decision
Now it's up to me, ooh what will be
Chorus:
She's Gone Oh I, Oh I'm
so very happy to face it
She's Gone Oh I, Oh I'd
pay the devil not to replace her
She's Gone - what went wrong
Up in the morning look in the mirror
Worn as her tooth brush hanging in the stand
Our faces ain't looking any younger
now I can see her wrath has taken her toll on me
She's Gone
Think I'll spend eternity in the city
let the carbon and monoxide choke my thoughts of her away
and pretty bodies help dissolve the memories
but they can never be what she was never was to me
She's Gone
-
NOT a Member of the 29th Flr M 09/20/2007 9:20:00 AM
Crying Shame - comments are only required once not three times. As you have stated you are privy to all sorts of secrets on the 29th floor - but either you're deaf, not very bright or not as important as you think because many of the "facts" you stated were incorrect and without merit. If you are part of the 29th floor, then YOU are a part of the problem Crying Shame.
As for wanting administrators in County Hall that are kind and sweet, I would prefer someone with intelligence, integrety, experience, and who is also decisive, determined and admirable. Unfortunately, many excellent executives have left the county that embodied these attributes.
As for the rest? If Bennie was terrible, there is a worse cancer spreading in County Hall. This wolf in sheep's clothing acts sweet, kind and bright but has all but destroyed DP&Z singlehandedly with innuendos, baseless facts, trumped up charges and endless tears and tantrums. Puts one in mind of Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction... save the bunnies!
PS - As for the Mayor and Manager? or should we call them Dumb and Dumber?
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Greg 09/19/2007 12:50:00 PM
What a joke.
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a little bird 09/19/2007 9:31:00 AM
Could it be true? Was Benigna Marko finally fired today? We'll soon see.......
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Percy 09/19/2007 12:21:00 AM
Ms. Marko I guess was READY! But, Abel he was just that, able! You can't blame a man when she is readly and he is Abel! It's just human nature!
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Relax 09/18/2007 7:40:00 PM
#75, Mr. Preceptor, take it easy there buddy. Learn before you teach. The Admin. Section's function is provide aide internally to DP&Z. The problem is not with the section, but the upper management. How is there redundancy in localized Human Resources, Computer Support, Budget, Procurement and Inventory. Perhaps Geomatics should move to zoning section, though. But who else is the county is performing these functions for DP&Z?
Remember from your last post, "Post real facts not opinions about the people." Perhaps you should do the same.
Look, everyone knows the majority of comments and views to this article is by DP&Z staff. The article is about Mrs. Marko and Mr. Lera, keep the comments focused on them, not their staff or any other staff in the Department.
Lets get all the facts out there about these two. Lets make sure the public and officials know the burden that "the duo" is a placing on County resources.
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Mr. Preceptor 09/18/2007 9:28:00 AM
C'mon Mayor, if you are reading all these comments and check'd out the facts then you will know it is all true. NOW, BEFORE OCTOBER 1st 2007 (NEW BUDGET) you can save close to a million bucks, just get rid of the debacle section. Sorry, I mean Mrs Marko's section. This section is redundant anyway, check it out, most of the jobs are being done, again, somewhere else in the county also the section has a lot of useless functions.
Thank You,
Mr. Preceptor
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Mr. Comeuppins 09/17/2007 9:34:00 PM
I had an old boss who used to say that "perception is reality!"
Unfortunately, Ms. Marko seems to be getting back some of the garbage she's been spewing out over the years. Forget about it! Her suffering is the idignation she has done to her family, her friends, and most of all her present and former co-workers. If she had any thoughts in her mind about feeling contrite, she would have already resigned! Ms. Marko's problem lies within herself, in her concience. The reason she is still at the Planning and Zoning Department is because she has NO PRIDE! And ironically, it is also her self pride and arrogance that drives her ambition to fight to retain her job, much less her position in the county. Let me tell you what her problem is, was, and always will be......she hired the WRONG PEOPLE. Ms. Marko would not be in this mess, including everything that's comming to light in trashing her husbands name all over the newspaper and in gossip fodder, if she had trusted and worked with people who realy give a damn about morals and ethics. It's a shame to say that these folks who have these strong senses of morals and ethics were people, who at one time, were very close to her...... Ms. marko should have payed attention in her Master's classes regarding the discussions centered on "Executive Power" which is juxtaposed to what is now her biggest threat.... What is the threat I'm talking about? It's called THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE AND THE POWER OF THE PEN! Others might refer to it as Comeuppins!
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public commentary 09/16/2007 11:20:00 PM
This is the latest that the New Times has written about this matter:
Duo's Dalliance Draws Disapproval
Benigna Marko's passionate correspondence with Abel Lera has gotten the pair into more trouble ("Dade Disclosure," August 23). To recap: Marko is an assistant director for Miami-Dade's planning and zoning department, earning an annual $141,704. In 2004 Marko was on a three-person panel that hired Lera as the department's $80,000-per-year graphics and drafting manager. Earlier this year the hiring was the subject of an ethics investigation. Lera and Marko were alleged to be having an extramartial affair; both are married to other people.
According to the ethics commission's August 30 report, Lera said he has been good friends with Marko for five years, but he did not confirm if they had a romantic relationship. He admitted that Marko notified him about the manager position, that she helped him prepare his resum�and that he knew beforehand she would be on the interview panel.
Marko was advised by her attorney, Ray Taseff, not to answer questions because she is the target of a separate ongoing criminal investigation. "Marko did everything within her power to orchestrate the hiring of her paramour, Lera," says the report, calling her actions "highly inappropriate." Taseff declined to comment.
But the ethics commission will not be sanctioning Marko or Lera: The statute of limitations apparently has expired. The report recommends that Mayor Carlos Alvarez or County Manager George Burgess, who have the authority to suspend or fire either employee, discipline them.
Lera's attorney, Terri Guttman-Valdes, disagrees with the report's conclusion. "He was informed, in writing, that he was only a witness," she says.
Mayoral spokeswoman Vicki Mallette says, "The administration is planning on taking appropriate action."
� Francisco Alvarado
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truthful 09/16/2007 8:51:00 PM
I agree with #63 who says that we have lost over 60 years of combined experience by the so-called retirement of Al and Diane. But did they really know how to interpret the code? the code was interpreted to benefit the outsiders who were involved with RV.
Everyone who worked with them knew this but were afraid to take a step because they would be axed with the help of Marko of course. She can hire and fire as she wishes that is why she should be axed. As to them having the so-called "respect" this was not so. The zoning folks did not respect them "at all" because of the unethical things that they were doing. The work is getting done and done right and the decisions are ethical now. 63 has NR written all over it.
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esmeralda 09/16/2007 7:16:00 AM
Seems like Abel may get away with his "just friends" statement.
Well, investigators only needed to ask employees in the department that had seen them come out of motels at lunch time, seen them in the same car heading for calle 8 or Key Biscayne, and "heard" them after hours and on weekends in her office having sex.
Sounds like more than just "friends" to me!
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curious 09/16/2007 7:09:00 AM
can we get a copy of the ethics' report? this is public record.
Do we know what other "criminal" investigation she is a part of?
I do not know this woman but it sounds like she has gotten away with a lot of wrongdoing.
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marylin 09/16/2007 7:02:00 AM
I am just like Marko: powerful, make a lot of money, married but had an affair with someone I met at a conference, used the blackberry and the office's computer to communicate with him, called him "papi", orchestrated the creation of a well-paying job just for him, interviewed him and finally hired him. I know that this was great office gossip. Yes, I am just like her but with just with one very small difference...........I am the OWNER of the corporation and did not use taxpayers' money to get this done!
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lawer alex 09/15/2007 7:45:00 PM
I agree, there is no secret in Miami-Dade County,the whole operation is being orquestrated from the 29 floor and while these two are colecting their salaries we the tax payers are paying for their legal defense......What a shame... Mr. Lera's lawyer Teri Gutttman-Valdes is the senior Legal Counsel at the United Correctional Officers Federation, a non-profit dedicated to serving the Law Enforcement community which supports and is committed to Carlos Alvarez and Is Mr. Taseff related in any shape or form to Lida Rodriguez-Taseff ACLU spokesperson and a frequent visitor to County Hall..
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Sam 09/15/2007 1:05:00 AM
Mr. Alvarado,
Please ask the ethics commission, the manager, the commissioners, and the mayor the following questions: Ok, so the statute of limitations has expired because it has been more than 3 years since Ms. Marko hired her paramour. However, after hiring him she proceeded to reclassify everyone under him and then reclassified him to a higher position with a new title and more $$ and this happened "less" than 3 years ago. What does the statute say about that?
Do they know that their affair was brought out 3 years ago but it was covered up by the manager and the unethical ex-director Diane Williams and written off as a "disgruntled employee" who was then fired?
Do they know that those who were the source of this information
Do they know that "her salary" also went up when his did also in the last 3 years?
Do they know that Ms. Marko helped Mr. Lera prepare his "fraudulent" resume?
Do they know that Ms. Marko is in charge of "ETHICS" in the Department?
Do they know that Ms. Marko has prepared the memos for all that say that employees are not to use their county computers for "PERSONAL" use? and...if they do....look out! you will be disciplined accordingly?
Shame, shame on the county for allowing them to still be here. Many have been let go for a lot less. But these were "black clerks" with little or no power.
Does this hurt morale?...sure it does!
The word is out that another of her "ex-paramours" also got promoted by her and is currently employed in the same department.
Mr. Alvarado, we cannot speak for ourselves because we will suffer the consequences...SHE and others will make sure of that!
We need you to speak for us! Don't give up please!
Ask management to get rid of this "UNETHICAL TRASH" that lives off of taxpayers $$$$!
If this case was before a jury the verdict would be "GUILTY"!!!!!!!!
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a crying shame 09/14/2007 6:09:00 PM
To #63, you have some of your facts all wrong. The former Director of the Department, Diane O'Quinn Williams, and the former Assistant Director for Zoning, Al Torres, were fired for doing unethicial and downright criminal things in the Planning and Zoning Department. Sure, they were said to "retire" or "resign" but that was only to keep the media dogs at bay by the County Manager. If Diane knew she was going to "retire" - why didn't she do DROP? Why would Al leave County service so abruptly after so many years of service and such a great paycheck? Come on, people. Someone found out about their shady practices in the department and blew the whistle. The rest is history. So regardless of how many combined years of service these two have, it was a corrupted reign, and a blessing that they are gone. And how do I know this? Because I work on the 29th Floor and there's no secrets in the County.
Furthermore, Bennie Marko began to focus all of her energy on Maria Teresa Fojo, trying to have her fired - and still to this day, she's strategizing. This is what she does best. Maria Teresa is the kindest, sweetest individual I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's bright and knows the difference between right and wrong (something that seems to fail most County Administrators). Everyone has their faults and everyone has their strengths...and that's the way it is. If someone came up with the meanest thing to say about me and it was just that I was indecisive, I would be jumping for joy. But Bennie has it out for this woman and if history is an indication, she will get her.
Finally, the witch is not dead and the house will not fall on her...or Abel for that matter. He may be transferred to another department but other than that, I don't see much happening. Gathering facts? Please. All they are doing is crossing their fingers, keeping a low profile and hoping it will blow over. Nothing will happen to either of them and it's a crying shame.
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a crying shame 09/14/2007 6:04:00 PM
To #63, you have some of your facts all wrong. The former Director of the Department, Diane O'Quinn Williams, and the former Assistant Director for Zoning, Al Torres, were fired for doing unethicial and downright criminal things in the Planning and Zoning Department. Sure, they were said to "retire" or "resign" but that was only to keep the media dogs at bay by the County Manager. If Diane knew she was going to "retire" - why didn't she do DROP? Why would Al leave County service so abruptly after so many years of service and such a great paycheck? Come on, people. Someone found out about their shady practices in the department and blew the whistle. The rest is history. So regardless of how many combined years of service these two have, it was a corrupted reign, and a blessing that they are gone. And how do I know this? Because I work on the 29th Floor and there's no secrets in the County.
Furthermore, Bennie Marko began to focus all of her energy on Maria Teresa Fojo, trying to have her fired - and still to this day, she's strategizing. This is what she does best. Maria Teresa is the kindest, sweetest individual I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's bright and knows the difference between right and wrong (something that seems to fail most County Administrators). Everyone has their faults and everyone has their strengths...and that's the way it is. If someone came up with the meanest thing to say about me and it was just that I was indecisive, I would be jumping for joy. But Bennie has it out for this woman and if history is an indication, she will get her.
Finally, the witch is not dead and the house will not fall on her...or Abel for that matter. He may be transferred to another department but other than that, I don't see much happening. Gathering facts? Please. All they are doing is crossing their fingers, keeping a low profile and hoping it will blow over. Nothing will happen to either of them and it's a crying shame.
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a crying shame 09/14/2007 6:01:00 PM
To #63, you have some of your facts all wrong. The former Director of the Department, Diane O'Quinn Williams, and the former Assistant Director for Zoning, Al Torres, were fired for doing unethicial and downright criminal things in the Planning and Zoning Department. Sure, they were said to "retire" or "resign" but that was only to keep the media dogs at bay by the County Manager. If Diane knew she was going to "retire" - why didn't she do DROP? Why would Al leave County service so abruptly after so many years of service and such a great paycheck? Come on, people. Someone found out about their shady practices in the department and blew the whistle. The rest is history. So regardless of how many combined years of service these two have, it was a corrupted reign, and a blessing that they are gone. And how do I know this? Because I work on the 29th Floor and there's no secrets in the County.
Furthermore, Bennie Marko began to focus all of her energy on Maria Teresa Fojo, trying to have her fired - and still to this day, she's strategizing. This is what she does best. Maria Teresa is the kindest, sweetest individual I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's bright and knows the difference between right and wrong (something that seems to fail most County Administrators). Everyone has their faults and everyone has their strengths...and that's the way it is. If someone came up with the meanest thing about me and it was just that I was indecisive, I would be jumping for joy. But Bennie has it out for this woman and if history is an indication, she will get her.
Finally, the witch is not dead and the house will not fall on her...or the muchkin, Abel, for that matter. He may be transferred to another department but other than that, I don't see much happening. Gathering facts? Please. All they are doing is crossing their fingers, keeping a low profile and hoping it will blow over. Nothing will happen to either of them and it's a crying shame.
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'Such a Shame' 09/13/2007 2:34:00 AM
This is a wonderful opportunity to VENT. Ok, here goes..."Ding Dong the witch is dead." Ok, maybe not dead but soon to have the house fall on her. Ok, about Abel, what an a-hole. He has to be the most incompetent, ignorant, unprofessional idiot in the County. What happened to the Drafting Section? Geo what? C'mon, bring back the colored pencils and hand color those maps again. This guy has no idea what he is doing and is rude as heck.
Ok, time to get serious... It's a shame that such a wonderful department is being tarnished by some bad apples. DPZ plays a major role in the development of our community. It is a key ingredient that assures that the future of our community is properly planned and developed. It is a shame that two of the brightest employees (DOQW) & (AJT) have left. But who cares right? I mean they are the ones that combined had a total of over 60 years experience, they are the ones that understood and adequately interpreted the Zoning Code, they are the ones respected by staff, they are the ones who knew how to operate a department both in regards of zoning knowledge and administration.
It is truly a shame that so much knowledge has left and what remains is simply a bag of sh... I mean dog poop. Oh, and this will hit a nerve, but there is another culprit in the department keeping a low profile (MJT), eyes should start shifting towards that direction and you will probably catch a draft flowing in betwen the ears. Talk about being unable to make a decision, she would approach senior staff to inquire whether she could fart. There are many knowledgable employees in that department capable of running its operation in the proper manner. However, it is sad that the Manager and the Mayor are looking away. C'mon Mr. Stong Mayor, show some muscle and stop picking on the little people, take care of the corruption, the ones who are truly causing the damage.
Whew!! That felt good.
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Mr. Preceptor 09/11/2007 12:08:00 PM
Dont turn this situation into a joke by posting your comments three times, writing in a foreign language and lam-basting the whole planning and zoning dept. This is a very serious situation, people have been fired from Miami-Dade County for much less. I am sure there is an investigation going on right now, it takes time to get all the true facts together to give the person a fair trial. Post real facts not opinions about the people. TO: La Negra Aug 28, 2007 and Mario Sep 8, 2007. PLEASE! if you have any respect for the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA you will post your comments in English then in any other language you prefer. Thank You.
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Mario 09/09/2007 9:16:00 AM
Ay Amalia, como se paga todo en esta vida no?
tu que siempre has tratado a todos en el departamento tan mal!
mira las sorpresas que tiene la vida. busca a dios y ya no andes fingiendo ser lo que no eres por la vida. recuerda que si no fuese por los favores de Benigna tu no estarias donde actualmente estas.
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digital 09/07/2007 6:22:00 AM
Nothing has happened. They are still there.
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public 09/05/2007 12:14:00 AM
Any updates on this story? Have the two parties been released from their duties yet? It appears that there is more to it than just a love affair. Can the departmental director take any action?
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general public 09/05/2007 12:04:00 AM
Any updates on this story? Have the two parties been released from their duties yet? It appears that there is more to it than just a love affair. Can the departmental director take any action?
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County Administrator 08/31/2007 8:10:00 AM
Poor Tom Marko, unlike his wife, he is a man of integrity, honest, hardworking, and a great asset to Miami-Dade County Government. He should dump the wifey and move on. He deserves much better. As for Bennie, she should be fired and prosecuted. We can only hope that the Mayor will take action. Also, all the emails are on the County's server.
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auch 08/31/2007 6:50:00 AM
The truth is finally out...The %$%#% hit the fan. The whole Ethics Commission investigation is a big cover-up orquestrated from the 29 floor and we should name this new scandal in Miami-Dade politics Bennigate or Abelgate since these two idiots will be always remember as the lovebirds that brought down the whole organitazion.Thanks Miami New Times.
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Karma 08/31/2007 5:36:00 AM
In reality, Benigna did the same thing for Abel that was done for her. The Department of Planning and Zoning never had an Assistant Director over Administration because its a relatively small Dept and that position was just not needed. Well, not needed until July 8, 2003 when her longtime friend and confidant, Manager George Burgess, created the position and appointed her to it. Now thats what I call having friends in high places.
The budget of this Department, of which Benigna is responsible for, is also a sham. The Dept has always had a surplus budget until she got her hands on it. Now the Dept is in the red because of her misuse, mismanagement, and unethical hirings. The state attnys offc needs to investigate the budget of that Dept over the past few years because whats gone on there is downright criminal.
Mayor Alvarez, the people gave you the strong mayoral powers to rid county hall of corruption practices like these and so far you have been right on target with your recent house cleanings. Before however we throw roses at your feet,lets see how you take care of this mess. Benigna should not be allowed to "resign" like the others and keep her pension and benefits paid for by the hardworking taxpayers of Miami Dade County. She should be fired like the unethical crook that she is.
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Lola 08/30/2007 4:15:00 PM
No, no, no� I am ashamed to see that things like this are still going on� Strong Mayor you need to take action on this!!! ASAP!
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The Big Man 08/30/2007 4:08:00 PM
Guys! This tale doesn�t end here! Everybody knows that Mrs. Marko is jealous of one of the pretty�s woman in the Department who works under Mr. Abel Lera! No wonder she moved her out of his sight�......what a shame!
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gio 08/30/2007 8:38:00 AM
I am a regular Miami New Times reader since I think it is a fascinating and independant, cutting-edge and a credible source of information. I am also a Surveyor and I have taken a couple of Geomatics courses at the University of Florida and familiar with the Planning and Zoning Dept. in Miami-Dade so I decided to take a look at the Geomatics Section in order to see what type of services were available to the residents of Miami-Dade. I was shocked by the fact that the only image available is wthat appears to be a scanned version of an old map that you are supposed to stare at with no other function or digital data available.I think it is an insult to one of the most recent and credited fields today to be exploided in this matter if the only reason was to award a salary increase.
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tarzan 08/30/2007 8:26:00 AM
He is so thick in the head that he asks the same questions over and over and over until he completely exausts people's patience. He just doesn't get it!. Yet he acts like he's above every body else to compensate for his total incompetence.
People hide when they see him coming their way....."there comes trouble", they say. He's rude, disrespectful and inconsiderate. He treats his employees like dirt.
He's been seen leaving the floor almost daily a 4 PM with a gym bag. Is he working out on county time?
He's also been seen at Church during working hours. Is he praying on county time?
What a joke!.....stop praying Abel.....your wife is not going to take you back and your hours at county hall are counted.
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Eyeswitness 08/30/2007 5:34:00 AM
Mr. Abel Lera A.K.A. �Mr. Mission in Action� who works 8-5 in his dreams! Come� on Abel you disappears all day, Oh!�maybe he is going to the Gym during county time, maybe looking for a family counseling or looking for the extra topping in a great therapy FIU group???? Bennie you need to ask him again for those appassionato hugs that Tom didn�t give it to you, what a � Poor Tom, this is the second strike for him!
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Budget Analyst 08/30/2007 2:14:00 AM
Let�s see $142,704 and $80,000 a year plus benefits�. Sounds like a cost savings plan to me.
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village anger 08/30/2007 1:36:00 AM
And "Bennie" and "Abel" are still at the Dept. of Planning and Zoning to this day...doing what they do best. Corrupting, stealing, plotting and generally running amuck against their dept. employees as well as the taxpayers of Miami-Dade County.
Strong mayor? Prove it on this one.
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corruption101 08/30/2007 1:22:00 AM
Now it is clear why there is a 8% surcharge fee in the Planning and Zoning Fee schedule since October 2003 that will last for five years!!!!It was created to bankroll and finance Mr. Lera"s career developmet plan by Mrs. Marko. SMART!!!!!!!
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yes 08/30/2007 1:08:00 AM
The Classification and Compensation program for Public Officers and employees is part of The Florida Statutes, Title X, Chapter 110. If Mrs. Marko manipulated them in order to award salary increases to family and "close" friends then she broke the law. It is theft, fraud, and it should be penalized. It seems this is the tip of an iceberg!!!!!!!
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David 08/30/2007 12:17:00 AM
How do you make Mr. Lera shine and increase his salary?
1. Reclassify the position to Manager to perform the same job done by Tony Atala, Claudio Fuentes and other respectful and professional individuals.
2. Give him the interview questions before the interview to make sure he is the top candidate.
3. Increase the number of his staff.
4. Change the name of the section to �Geomatics� (a name selected by Mr. Lera, but just do not ask him to describe it or relate it to his staff�s duties).
5. Move staff and projects under him (do not be fooled, he is not aware of what the projects are about).
6. Send him to all sorts of expensive training with Mrs. Marko (Management Skills, GIS, etc).
7. Give him sophisticated equipment (3 printers, 2 monitors etc).
8. Give him credit for helping during budget season even though he cannot
answer basic questions about his own section�s budget.
9. Write exaggerated job descriptions � Mrs. Marko�s career development strategy to reclassify him to Chief.
10. Give him an award at the swap meet.
Comment By: David L.
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beatrice 08/29/2007 8:54:00 PM
It is time for the OIG to pay another visit to the old gang at MDT's and take a look at Mr. Lera's hiring by the Dept. Mayra Bustamante, W. Foster, Rosie Perez..........here we go again!!!!
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Truth Hurts 08/29/2007 8:41:00 PM
Mr. Lera is very popular in the department. Not for his
professionalism or friendship but for his incompetence.
Knowing he was untouchable he made enemies around him and
never learned how to do his job.
Some of the comments are right on the dot. He does not
know the mechanics of his job, and needs staff, and a
secretary to do all work for him.
His low performance and bad management is well known and
his staff morale is the lowest in the department.
Comment By: Truth Hurts
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tax payer 08/29/2007 3:35:00 PM
this story is good. there is a bad employe cheating on husband and wife and paid with taxes money. every one shuld have a chance for jobs not just cheater.
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Clean house and fire them all 08/29/2007 6:49:00 AM
Mrs. Marko and Mr. Lera are both at will nonunion employees who can be fired by the director, the manager or the mayor at any time for any reason including no reason at all. Whoever has the balls among these three needs to fire this pig now, along with her boytoy, her old secretary, her new secretary, her niece, and cry baby too. They dont need to wait for the ethics commission or the IG for them to man up and do the right thing.
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bia 08/29/2007 5:45:00 AM
How about Mr. Roosevelt Bradley hiring Mr. Taseff to sue Miami-Dade County? The IG's investigation of MDT's improper hiring of Beatrice Fullerton brought down his administration and this situation could be potencially worst and we have not seen any reaction from the Mayor. The New Times is as credible as any other media and brave enough to disclose and publish the facts....The article merits some type of response since it hints at irregularities regarding policies and procedures in the hiring of Mr. Lera.
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Jane 08/29/2007 4:32:00 AM
Of course Mayor Alvarez and County Manager are looking the other side. Yes, is true that love affairs happen everywhere, but I think is a disgrace to have people in key position doing so much harm. And to Comment No.31, Concern, you must have information that we don�t have! I don�t put my hands in the fire for anyone. As for Hollis, I am happy he has moved on with his life, but he sure knew a lot of dirty things about Benny and her staff� no wonder she was so heartbroken when he was forced to resign! I don�t have a gripe with Benigna or with any of her staff, I am saying things that everyone in the Department knows. She is a witch, a very perverse one, so I am thrilled, yes thrilled this all has come out. And I am happy they are reading these comments so they know how repulsive they are to the rest of the staff. Benny, Abel, Amalia� you are the joke of the Department.
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xxx 08/29/2007 1:29:00 AM
CAN YOU GUYS GET A LIFE, HALF OF THE COUNTY ARE ALL HAVING AFFAIRS OR INVOLVED IN WORST THINGS.COME GUYS WE ALL KNOW THAT!
EMAIL ARE NO PROOF!
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loli 08/28/2007 10:25:00 PM
A comment to posted comment # 32 READ THE ARTICLE! Our tax dollars pay their salaries!!!!
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La negra 08/28/2007 9:35:00 PM
Lo Lindo es Que por chiquito que sea, o por lo grande que se vea a todo puerquito le llega su Navidad, y a todo Baca le llega su querido Barbeque. Con esto no condeno ni mucho menos apoyo su comportamiento, hemos sido muchisimos los desafortunados de caer garras como presas de un Leon y mas que nada aver sido victimas de sus maltratos, pero realmente el condado no es el unico empleador en Miami y mucho menos el departamento de DPZ. Pero mas que nada y aun mas haya Devemos recordar que en el cielo hay un Dios quien ve lo justo y quien en su determinado momento tomara en sus manos la justicia. No hay mal que por bien no venga ni cuerpo que lo resista y mas aun en la prueba esta el pudin nisiquiera todo el dinero que gana le brinda la alegria de tener un Hijo y aparentemente mucho menos la alegria de tener un matrimonio feliz. Si Benigna si lees esto analizate a ti misma y confia en dios busca de el y cambia en tu vida puesto que no tanta jente puede estar equivocada. Cuando los que te rodean lo hazen por interes y los que se rien de tus chistes lo hacen por miedo realmente hay algo mal. "La venganza nunca es buena mata el alma y la envenena." Y realmente todavia tienes tiempo de tratar de arreglar con las manos lo que con tu cuerpo y mente as estado destruyendo. Recuerda que ya eres una adulta y no una ni�alcriada que cuando no obtiene lo que quiere se echa a llorar y mas que nada a tirar sus malcriadezas y si en eso quedara no fuese pecado pero tu te sientas a crear un plan de como vengarte y ahi esta el pecado. Si con esto no digo que no soy pecador pero el que este libre de pecado que tire la primera piedra. Porfavor jente dejense de estar entrando en esto jente inosente y que no vienen al caso, bastande deve de ser lo que esta pagando que aun tratando de buscar en otros brazos lo que en su casa no encuentra para colmo sale al aire todas estas barbaridades...
Escusenme escrivo en espa�y talves con las mayores faltas ortograficas pero este mensage no es para hacer da�ino para que todos recapaciten y le den un chance o mas haya una oportunidad para que ella cambie.
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curious 08/28/2007 5:30:00 PM
I would love to see photos of these scammers who traded sex for jobs. Also could someone from the department tell us if these 2 have been fired or are Carlos Alvarez and George Burgess looking the other way.
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Miami Resident 08/28/2007 4:16:00 PM
This is one of the best stories I have ever seen. Thank you New Times for exposing these corrupt unqualified employees who exploit their positions. You perform a valuable service by bringing the actions of these disgusting public servants to light. As you have shown, Mrs. Marko and the rest of her repulsive gang have escaped punishment or scrutiny from the government until now.
As a result of your wonderful story, I hope Mrs. Marko and Mr. Lera have already been fired for their abuse of the system. I appreciate this comment section, too, for filling in the gaps and pointing us to even more corrupt practices in the government. Again, GREAT STORY! THANK YOU!
