Author Archives: Michael Froomkin

Eye on Miami. Gables coverage is erratic, and usually in the context of larger Miami-Dade issues.

Political Cortadito. Slanted and right wing, but entertaining.

Watchdog Report. Have to search for it, but it’s there.

That push poll I wrote about the other day suggested that Coral Gables Commission Group 4 candidate Brad Rosenblatt had a history of various financial problems. Of course, just because it’s in a push poll doesn’t mean it’s true.

A couple of days ago I emailed Mr. Rosenblatt at the email address on his campaign web site, and asked him to respond to the push poll. There was no reply. Meanwhile various commentators on this blog have been writing in to say they found things, including court records, suggesting there was smoke if not fire. Now Channel 10’s Todd Tongen steps in with Questions Raised About Commission Candidate’s Past. Rosenblatt Says Former Problems Made Him Better Candidate.

First fact: the Brad E. Rosenblatt who got sued about Channels International magazine, and who later declared bankruptcy is the same Brad Rosenblatt who is running for Coral Gables Commission.

Second fact: He says he was the victim in the affair.

The magazine failed, money was unaccounted for, and eventually Rosenblatt was arrested.

“Actually, I was arrested based on those false accusations, correct,” Rosenblatt said.

…

“I was the victim in this. That is correct,” Rosenblatt said. “There was no wrongdoing.”

[Former investor Richard Olsen, whose son was Rosenblatt’s partner in the venture] said Rosenblatt stole more than $88,000 meant to pay vendors and make payroll, resulting in more than 100 bounced checks.

“My name may be on the checks, but I was young at the time and I didn’t fill out the checks. I didn’t send out the checks,” Rosenblatt said.

“You signed blank checks?” Local 10’s Todd Tongen asked.

“That’s what I was asked to do by my business partner’s father,” Rosenblatt said.

Rosenblatt provided plenty of paperwork that he said shows it was all a misunderstanding. Eventually, adjudication was withheld and the records were sealed.

Rosenblatt was 22 25 [Edit 3/11: I have spoken with Rosenblatt and he says 25] at the time and blames it on youthful ignorance. He says he’s learned from it, and become “fiscally responsible.”

Final fact: Both Maria Anderson and Dorothy Thompson have endorsed Rosenblatt.