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Home My WebLink AboutapplicationCIp CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL To: Priscilla A.Thompson City Clerk LC' ei From: "7'Iey ichardson, Executive Director Date: Subject: Jan. 26, 2006 Commission Agenda Item References: Enclosures: (2) December 27, 2005 Attached please find an application and biography for Ms. Bess L. McElroy, the Civilian Investigative Panel's nominee to fill a membership position vacated by Mr. Donald Bierman. Request is hereby made for this item to be considered at the January 26, 2006 Commission meeting. Kindly forward same to the Mayor and Commissioners for their review. Should you require additional information please advise. I may be reached at (305) 579-2444. SER/caa OF MIAMI PANEL (CIP) no later than 5:00 p.m., October28, 2005. CITY CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE APPLICATION Application must be received or postmarked NA vL DOB: M F CON ACT DAY: '• NUMBERS: O �� ! - / Y l j�6 ? EVENING: �� t' FAX: ;0 s - iI S q- &3 7 / HOME ADDRESS: 3 0 i 1V E 5 /9b1& ,1J ti;J ,CCIITTY: , l STATE: F= L ZIP: 8 3/ 37 MAILING ADDRESS (if different): iAlnE CI . STATE: ZIP: E-MAIL (Optional): hscg a tt, 4,0-6 1. Do you reside, own real property, work, or maintain a business in the City of Miami? K_Yes No. If yes, Address: 6-1 h i NE- 6 vL ,IIU _ Telephone Number: � 0 S - 7 S 7' - /6/6'7 member Yes Yes in n (children, x No parents, a sworn against NQI 2. Are you, your spouse or any immediate siblings) currently employed by the 3. Have you, your spouse, or any immediate employee of the City of Miami Police 4. Are you currently a party or a party's the City of Miami? Yes )( No family City of Miami? family Department? legal representative member ever X been No Yes any litigation No 5. Do you have a record of a felony conviction? lalgig2277),T71;.; NOV 0 9 2005 CIVIL . IAi i�.� .. 9 65 10s35R11 6. What aspect of your life and/or work experience has prepared you for membership on the CIP? (You may attach up to a one -page response.) k C 6 70(`Im &-fv% 7. Why do you wish to serve on the CIP? (You may attach up to a one -page response.) FC J T ( ( tq'Cr tt%Y1 e-A%j' 8. List any organizations with which you are affiliated and position(s)/office(s) held. (You may attach a separate sheet or resume, if necessary.) ORGANIZATION: POSITION: 5172 frrIP.kmOur 1 CERTIFICATE OF APPLICATION (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING) I hereby certify that all the statements made in this application are true and correct. By signing this application, I authorize verification of my background record solely for use by the CIP Nominating Committee to conduct reviews and provide final recommendati ns to the City of Miami Commission. Signature: /)(�. 6t Date: l.,,c1, S/LJ 6. What aspect of your life and/or work experience has prepared you for membership on the CIP? Through -out my life, in general, and work career, in particularly, as well as my civic participation, I've gained valuable experience that would be an assets for me to serve as a member of the CIP. It was through my leadership as president of People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality (PULSE), a local grassroots civil rights organization that lead to the creation of the CIP. As President of PULSE, I dealt with many police related situations and complaints that involved seeking resolutions by working closely with police officials, the State Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, citizens, etc. Why so you wish to serve on the CIP? I wish to serve on the CIP because of my concerns and interest as a citizen of Miami to insure that all individuals are treated in a fair an appropriate manner by uniformed police personnel who are employed to serve and protect its citizens. Also, to serve as a liaison between the police and citizens. List any organizations with which you are affiliated and position(s)/office(s) held. See attached resume. Bess L. McElroy 305-757-4467 Email: qbess@att.net EDUCATION M.S. - Human Resource Administration B.A. - Psychology A.A. - Social Work PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Real Estate Investor/Mortgage Broker Sr. Personnel Officer, City of Miami (Retired) Administrative Secretary, Miami -Dade County CIVIC /POLITICAL A CTIT 7TIES 1s` Vice Chair, Miami -Dade County DEC 2004-2008 Precinct Captain, Miami -Dade County DEC 2004-2008 Served as facilitator for GOTV workshop training 2003-2004 2nd Vice President, Miami -Dade NAACP 2005-2007 President, Miami District XI Business & Professional Woman's Club Member Business and Professional Women Clubs FL and USA Member City of Miami Community Relations Board Member Miami -Dade County Commission For Women Member Miami -Dade County Racial Profile Panel Member Miami -Dade Election Reform Coalition Member Democratic POWER Club Member Mt. Sinai M.B. Church Member of several civic, religious and professional organizations President, Miami Shores Business & Professional Woman's Club 2003 - 2004 Co -Chair Campaign Committee, Miami -Dade County DEC 2003-2004 Member CIP's First Nominating Committee 2002 Chaired Coalition of Community Organizations for the creation of the Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP), an oversight board for the City of Miami uniform police officers 2001 - 2002 President People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality 2000-2002 Hosted/Produced monthly radio civic programs 2000-2002 1st Vice President People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality 1999 Participated in several news conferences regarding community issues Participated in the March On Tallahassee Participated in Dade Days in Tallahassee Community Activist that seeks to eradicate disparity treatment for any group of people and promote justice and fairness for all people 01/13/2006 17:24 3055792436 CIVILIAN INVESTIGATE PAGE 02 Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk a . Executive ey ;-Ric r son, . cutive Director CIp CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL To: From: Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP) January 12, 2006 Subject: February 9, 2006 Commission Agenda Item References: Enclosures: (2) Attached, please find an application and biography for Mr. Andrew K. Fishman, the Civilian Investigative Panel's nominee to fill a membership position vacated by Mr. John. Ruiz. Mr. Ruiz, whose term of office expires on January 23, 2006, does not wish to be considered for a new term. Additionally, the CIP at its January 10, 2006 regular meeting voted to nominate the following Panel members to serve a new term of office: Ms. Tanya Brinkley Mr. Danny Couch Mr. Tom Rebull Kindly therefore forward the names of all four nominees for review and ratification by the City Commission at its February 9, 2006 meeting. Should you require additional information please advise. I may be reached at (305) 579-2444. SER/caa 01/13/2006 07:24 3055792435 CIVILIAN INVESTIGATE PAGE 03 OF MIAMI PANEL (CIP) no later than 5:00 p.m., October 28, 2005. CITY CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE APPLICATION Application must be received or postmarked NA E: A i }� j DOS:` M F CONTACT JJ�� DAY: NUMBERS: l �V D 13,1// i" iw EVENING: l C;I!'r�_) 'V) "':i0C FAX: C� ( OS) -h`\ ^ 1071 HOME ADDRESS: 1'\O3 fr:c,Kel‘ Q,c 0(;ve t-1La CITY: M;(�.,; STATE: L. ZIP: V7i3‘ MAILING ADDRESS (if cif?Wont): CITY: STATE: ZIP: E-MAIL (OptlonaP): ' (`ukts1�� MGk,10 1. Do you reside, own real property, work, or maintain a business in the City of Miami? /Yes No. If yes, Address: S2Q �On) Gki- /055" a;SaGL Telephone Number: ROC) n a,-: O g OQ member Yes Yes in irtove_ (children, '�No parents, a sworn against 2. Are you, your spouse or any immediate siblings) currently employed by the 3. Have you, your spouse, or any immediate employee of the City of Miami Police 4, Are you currently a party or a parity's the City of Miami? Yes ✓ No family City of Miami? family Department? legal representative member ever io been _ Yes any litigation if No 5. Do you have a record of a felony conviction? GCT31 I1@I OCT 3 1 2005 CIVILIAN l`1/ESfGATiti r 3 • 01/13/2009 07:24 3055792436 CIVILIAN INVESTIGATE PAGE 04 6. What aspect of your life and/or work experience has prepared you for membership on the CP? (You may attach up to a one -page response.) ?le USe. cQ_Q GAPruc,�,'l Cet,p n()_e 7. Why do you wish to serve on the CIP? (You may attach up to a one -page response.) 8. List any organizations with which you are affiliated and position(s)/office(s) held. (You may attach a separate sheet or resume, if necessary.) ORGANIZATION: POSITION: g E. o Se 5ee, u\-loct (e iur- �I? M yY4t �7q I hereby certify that all the statements made In this application are true and correct. By signing this application, I authorize verification of my background record solely for use by the CIP Nominating Committee to conduct reviews and provide final recommend i s to the Ci of iami Commission. _ Signature: `L) g Date: / 01 J 01/13/200S 07:24 305579243E CIVILIAN INVESTIGATE PAGE 05 CITY OF MIAMI CIVILIAN INVESTILGATIVE PANEL (CIP) Applicant: Andrew K. Fishman Question Six (6): What aspect of your life and(or work experience has prepared you. for membership on the CIP? RESPONSE My educational training, professional career, and community involvement make me an ideal candidate for the CIP. First, I earned my undergraduate degree at Vassar College. Subsequently, 1 earned a law degree and Master's Degree in Public Health from Emory University. This rigorous educational training has given me a unique skill -set. I can review, analyze, critique and evaluate everything from, witness testimony in depositions, to complex court decisions, to scholarly works on law and social policy, In addition, I am a published author, and have been taught to reach decisions and determinations based on an. objective assessment of the facts as they are presented. Second, my professional,/post-graduate career as an attorney reflects a breadth and scope of experiences that provides me with a unique perspective on a variety of issues impacting South Florida: health care, law and access to legal services, and community outreach. Moreover, I have worked with and developed relationships with a variety of leaders, including but not limited to those in the Afro-American, .Hi.spanic, Caribbean, and Jewish communities in Miami. Additionally, I have worked in both state and local government, and have gained an understanding of the issues and challenges facing our evolving and rapidly growing city. My legal work and community pursuits have given me a valuable insight into the face and character of Miami, and the necessity of building bridges of true community for all. Finally, I have always sought to set an example as a community leader. I served for two years on the Board of Directors of Greater Miarni Legal Services, and founded an outreach group (The Black -Jewish Alliance) that fostered social and political involvement in federal, state, and local government. I have been guided by a simple yet daunting task: to weave my professionaland personal pursuits and goals in a manner that honors the opportunities and advantages that I have received, Serving on the CEP represents another opportunity to honor that ideal. 5 C1/13/2006 07:24 3055792436 CIVILIAN INVESTIGATE PAGE C5 CITY OF MIAMI CIVILIAN INVESTIGATIVE PANEL fCIPf Applicant: Andrew K. Fishman Question Seven (7): Why do you wish to serve on the OP? RESPONSE I was born and raised in Miami, and love the diversity and unique character of the "magic city." I was raised by parents and family who taught me that to those whom much has been given, much is expected. I have been given every opportunity one could hope, and am reminded of, the most crucial of ideals —to serve. I remember th.e sadness and despair that gripped this community during the McDuffie riots, the Elian Gonzalez saga, and other splintering, fracturing events that have occurred here over the years. There is a Hebrew expression: we must always seek "tikun olarn" (a healing of the world). Clearly, the very existence of the CTP is to provide the community both a voice and role in policing and law enforcement, and to remove the stigma that the police and community leaders are unresponsive or disinterested in issues and conflicts that affect us all. The CEP is a living, vibrant committee that can engender change and create a new paradigm for police/community relations, In order to reach its true potential, Miami must embrace, with openness and willingness, the go& of removing the a.dversaria.l, distrustful perceptions that some have of the police, and that the police may have about the individuals and/or communities they serve. In my view, serving on the CIP will help, in some small way, remove that divide. Finally, on a personal note, I am reminded of the old adage that one should draft his obituary —working backward, When I look back on my life, I want to be able to say that I seized the opportunity to contribute to this community, and that I did not shy away from the most serious and significant issues facing it. To be a man of substance and character, I must seek opportunities to exhibit those qualities. I have something to offer this community and the CEP: intelligence, a multitude of skills, and a genuine desire to serve. That is why I wish to be selected as a m,enlber of th.e C1P. 01/13/2005 07:24 3055792435 CIVILIAN INVESTIGATE PAGE 07 EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE J.D., 1999 M.P.H., 1999 Honors. Activities: ANDREW K. FISNMAN 1408 Brickell Bay Drive :702 Miami, FL 33131 (305) 372-OS00 akfishman@eart,hlink.net Emory University School of Law, Atlanta, GA Emory University School of Public Realth, Atlanta, GA 1999 Dean's Public Service Award Dean's List, Spring 1999 Dean's Fellow (assist with legal writing instruction for first -year students) Semi -Finalist, First Year Oral Argument Competition. Emory International Law Review, Associate Editor President, Emory Public Interest Committee (EPIC) Chairman; EPIC Annual Inspiration Awards Reception. Chairman, Emory Public interest Career Fair Georgetown University School of Law, Program in Florence, Italy, May - June 1993. B.A., 1994.Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY Political Science and Urban Studies Andrew K. Fishman. Between Iraq and a Lard Place: The Use of Economic Sanctions and Threats to International Peace and Security, 13 Emory Int'1 L. Rev, 637 (1999). Ma[tzman Foreman, P.A., Miami, FL July 2005 - Present Associate, Litigation: represent various commercial and maritime clients in state and federal court proceedings; developing mediation practice group to represent clients in arbitration and bankruptcy proceedings. Moskowitz, .Mandell, Salim & Simowitz, P.A., Fort Lauderdale, FL March, 2003 — July 2005 Associate, Litigation; research anddraft circuit court pleadings and appellate court briefs on commercial litigation, real property, and banking law; attend court hearings for the same, represent clients in state and federal courts. Ruden McC[osky Smith Schuster & Russell, P.A., Miami, FL March 2002 - March 2003 Associate, Litigation; conduct and defend depositions, attend court hearings, draft motions and memoranda of law on health care and H1'PPA matters, commercial litigation matters, labor and employment, insurance defense, banking, domestication of foreign judgments, landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, immigration; significant client contact. Wamplcr Buchanan Walker Chahrow and Banciella, P.A., Miami, FL May 2000 — February 2002 Associate, Litigation; represented clients, drafted motions and memoranda of law, and made court appearances on cases ranging from sexual harassment, products liability, labor and employment, elder care, and aviation disputes; performed extensive research and 01/13/2005 07:24 3055792435 CIVILIAN INVESTIGATE PAGE 09 drafted memoranda on issues pertaining to health care fraud in OW Tart False Claims cases; served as secondary associate on health care transactional assignments. U.S. Department of Labor Office of Government Reinvention, Washington, DC July 1994 - June 1996 Assistant to Director of Reinvention; served on group of Department of Labor reinvention specialists to Vice President Gore's National Performance Review; part of the team working to reduce inefficiency and identify ineffective work methods; functioned as an "internal consultant," working with divisions to clarify key work goals, and find better ways of achieving them; worked with organizations served by the Labor Department to find out what "cu.stomers" considered the department's most important services, an.d how they could be better delivered, OTHER Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA EXPERIENCE Summer 1999 Assistant, Office of the General Counsel; researched and wrote legal and policy analysis on current health issues; assisted in preparation of CDC policy statement on bioter.rorism; interviewed witnesses, conducted direct and cross examination, and assisted in preparation of opening and closing arguments in two Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) cases filed against the CDC. ORGANIZATIONS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA Summer 1998 ProjecrAssisraltt, Office on Smoking and Health, Once of the Director; tracked and analyzed legal and legislative issues on state tobacco settlements and pending federal legislation; assisted with development of /minus brief filed on behalf of plaintiffs in Minnesota tobacco suit; researched an.d reported on constitutional issues of restricting tobacco advertising; assisted in development of comprehensive computer database of all state tobacco prevention programs. Multi -County Public Defender, Atlanta, GA Fall 1998 Project Assistant; prepared section of appeal to U.S. Supreme Court in. Davis v. Alabama, a capital murder case, detailing inconsistencies in presentation of mitigating evidence during scnten.cin.g of capital offenders in Alabama state courts; interviewed witnesses and researched case Jaw for state habeas proceeding in capital murder case, Giles v. Alabama. Dekalb County Juvenile Court, Atlanta, GA Summer 1997 Emory School of Law Child Advocacy Project intern; designed tracking system to assist Child Advocate's office and Dekalb .District Attorney in monitoring cases involving physical and/or sexual assault; represented Child Advocate's Office at Egleston Hospital community review sessions; assisted Child Advocate attorneys with preparation for trial. Founder and Chair, Black -Jewish Alliance; Member, American Bar Association; Member, Dade County Bar Association; Board Member, Greater Miami Jewish Federation (Young Lea.dcrship Division); Committee Member, Dade County Bar Association Horizons Program