Almost One Million Dollars Handed Out in Keeping the Governor's Good Image (Documents)
Although the budget allocated to the Governor's Office is $16,421,000, lower than last year's $18,621,00, the Ricardo Rosselló Nevares administration has opted to make a substantial investment in professional contracts for media advisory services at $880,200.
That amount not only exceeds the media advisory expenses of the past administration, which, as was illustrated by this year's budget, was $521,000; italso exceeds the amount of $475,000 that the current budget for the Governor's Office recommends forspending in that area in particular.
Thisinformationcomesfrom sources such as:the registry of contractsinthe Puerto RicoComptroller Office, contracts provided by sources to NotiCel, and the breakdown of budgets by agencies that the Office of Management and Budget (OGP by its Spanishinitials) keeps on record on its website.
The recommended budget document for 2017-2018 for the Governor's Office details a reductionof 239 total occupied posts to 185 occupiedatthe present; this number is evenprojected to decline to 165next year. Although the breakdown of this dependency for 2016-2017 indicates that there were 42 employees working directly on communication and citizen services matters, the current budget does not contain that particular detail.
Even so, the communications payroll expenses for 2016 reached $1,676,000 while this year that amount is placed at $2,862,000. It should be noted that in 2015 the payroll for that department was $3,061,000.
Despite this early cutback in the budget allocated to media advisory services, La Fortaleza continued with contractsonpublic relations, advertisers and event organizers to render services that could be delegated to their own communications employees.
Of all the contracts handed out by the Governor's Office since the beginning of this fiscal year in July, the highest paid oneshave been awarded mainly to a handful of people dedicated to media consulting.
The exception to these cases is Zaida Hernández Torres, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who renders public policy consulting services to the Chief Legal Advisor Office of the governor. However, her contract, which is valid for a year, is also among the highest in La Fortaleza.
Here is a list of the contracts:
KOI Americas - Brenda Nelson: Among her responsibilities is advice for integrated communications programs for markets inside and outside Puerto Rico as well as for special projects developed at the Central Communications Office (CCO). Her compensation is $162 an hour for up to a maximum of 120 hours per month and a totaling at $ 233,280 until June 30th, 2018.
Nelson also has another contract with the Governor's Office for collaboration services on social networks in La Fortaleza and coordinating the digital strategy with other agencies of the central government. For these services she has a compensation of $108 an hour for up to a maximum of 120 hours a month and a total of $155,520 until June 30th, 2018. If both are summed up, La Fortaleza pays $388,800 a year for Nelson's services.
RCD International - Rafael Cerame D'Acosta: His responsibilities include the design of the Strategic Communications Center for the Puerto Rican government, the analysis of news events in the media, defining the Governor's public communications strategy, and offering counseling in the drafting of speeches, messages and communications required by the Governor. His services are compensated at a rate of $150 an hour for up to a maximum of 100 hours per month and a total amount of $180,000 until June 30, 2018.
Zaida Hernández Torres: To date the only substantial contract that has nothing to do with media affairs. Hernández Torres offers consulting on public policy and legal issues for the Chief Legal Counsel Office of the governor and advice for matters related to the implementation of public policy of the administration. Her compensation is $200 an hour for up to a maximum of 50 hours a month and a maximum amount of $120,000 until June 30, 2018.
Boston Group Corp. - Magdiel Lugo Nieves: Hired to offer photo services, professional editing and documentation for both the Governor's Office and the First Lady's Office. His services are compensated at $85 an hour for up to a maximum of 100 hours per month and a total of $112,000 until June 30, 2018.
Ojo Creativo - Carlos Bermúdez Urbina:Provides advisory services in the organization of public events, management of information on special projects, coordination of the government communications team and crisis management in the Governor's Office. For his services he will earn $92 an hour for up to a maximum of 100 hours a month and a total sum of $110,400 until June 30, 2018.
Iris Eden Santiago :Public Relations consultant hired for general consultancy in communications and public policy for the Office of the First Lady. Her services include planning the strategy for the First Lady's projection, direct advice in image and protocol to guarantee the adequate projection, advice on interview techniques, media management, public speaking, managing different types of audiences and handling of contingencies. She is compensated at a rate of $100 an hour up to a maximum of 80 hours per month and a total amount of $96,000 until June 30, 2018.
JJ Investment Group - Gladiris R. López Guemárez:Hired to offer sound services to the CCO and planning the press conferences in which the Governor and the First Lady will participate in, including the acquisition and management of technical equipment. Her contract offers a compensation of $100 an hour up to a maximum of 60 hours a month. In case she provides services for an event she may charge up to a maximum of $17,000. Her total contract is $89,000 through June 30, 2018.
To see the contracts and documents click on the links below:
Budget for the Governor's Office_26687
Boston Group Corp contract_26688
Iris Edén Santiago contract_26689
J.J. Investment Group contract_26690
RCD International Advisory 2 contract_26694
Zaida Hernández Torres contract_26695