Back to school worries and hopes | South Florida 100

August 8, 2018 | Sun Sentinel

South Florida’s most influential people weigh in on current events. Read their thoughts on the biggest stories of the week and see what they think will make headlines next week.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

Last week: There was anxiety about the return to school for South Florida’s kids this week and more than just new grade and school jitters. The shadow of school violence is overwhelming. Let’s not forget the single most powerful force in reducing school anxiety for our children; their amazing teachers. These teachers face many obstacles, an increasingly political environment, ever moving goalposts for student achievement and low salaries. We must support these professionals who continue to reassure and educate our youth. It’s a hard job and it’s not getting easier. Let’s get behind our teachers and support them by voting.

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

Last week: The normal excitement and anxiety around the first day of school was heightened this year due to the events of 2/14, especially for those of us who live in Parkland. It was good to see the day go smoothly. Many thanks to Mr. Runcie, the School Board, the staff and teachers for their efforts to make all of our children feel safe at school and for never losing sight of the fact that schools are places of learning. The many new academic and enrichment offerings across the district will surely enhance student achievement. Wishing all a successful year!

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

Last week: Thousands of eager students were greeted by their new teachers and teacher assistants this past week as they embarked on a new year of learning. Those educators deserve a special shout out for being there for their “kids” last year through some especially trying times. Despite those challenges, they still managed to help their students achieve incredible results that made the year a success. Graduation rates increased. School grades, which are a based on student performance, improved. The District grade improved, narrowly missing an “A” by two points. Broward is fortunate to have such competent, caring educators teaching our students.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Looking ahead: Reporting suspicious activity or perceived threats at our schools just got a lot easier. BSO, in partnership with SaferWatch, is rolling out an innovative new mobile app this week that allows users to report non-emergency incidents and tips in real time directly to BSO. The SaferWatch program will cover more than 440 public, charter and private schools in Broward, and give students, teachers and parents the ability to submit photos, videos, audio files or text messages anonymously. Learn more about the free app, including how to download it, at BrowardAlerts.com. With your help, we can keep our community safer.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: This past week I attended the Home Rule Rally by the Florida League of Cities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of local home rule and self-government. I am strongly in favor of home rule. We are a diverse state, and as such, it is important that our counties and cities have the ability to govern themselves. We should be able to make decisions to meet our own specific needs. Home Rule is constantly under threat so we must remain diligent in our stance to legislators. One size does not fit all, which is important to remember when needing local solutions.

Looking ahead: This is the first full week of school for our students. Of course, top of mind is school safety in addition to quality of education. More a process than a destination, failure to ensure school safety is not an option. The stakes are just too high. Metal detectors, armed guards, funding, accountability, mental health screenings, and security cameras are just some of the words bantered about in school safety discussions. We need to put aside the heated rhetoric to rationally take practical measures, and tackle the challenges before us. Parents shouldn’t have to ask ‘is my child safe?’

Lori Berman, Florida state senator

Last week: School has officially begun in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County. You may have noticed increased security measures at your children’s school. The Florida Legislature passed SB 7026 in response to the horrific Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shooting that occurred on February 14th of this year. Each school now is required to have a resource officer present during school hours and there are more mental health services that are now available to students. While this is a great start, it is only the beginning. We must continue to find innovative solutions to ensure our children’s safety on campus.

Looking ahead: According to the Centers for Disease Control, eight children a day are accidentally injured or killed by firearms. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence recently released a new ad campaign to emphasize the importance of the safekeeping of firearms, particularly in homes where children reside. Along with other measures, such as having knowledge about the proper handling and use of a firearm, parents and guardians should watch this video to better grasp a child’s mind. No firearm or bullet should ever be seen as a toy. Watch the Brady Campaign video on YouTube to learn more about how to prevent family fire.

Sandra Bernard-Bastien, chief communications officer, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

Last week: Nobel Laureate V.S. Naipaul died last week. From humble beginnings in Trinidad & Tobago he became the best known writer in the UK. He was one of four Nobel Laureates from the Caribbean: two from St. Lucia – Sir Derek Walcott (literature) and Sir Arthur Lewis (economics) taught at US Ivy League universities; and one from Guadeloupe, St John Perse (literature), became Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These remarkable achievements emphasize once more that geographic origin is never an impediment to international success, and proves that discrimination against immigrants can deny a country access to incredible talent.

Lauren Book, member, Florida Senate

Last week: Hallandale Beach Mayor Keith London needs to issue an immediate apology or give serious contemplation to resigning his public position and seek immediate counseling. His inappropriate sexist ad hominem attack on a fellow commissioner – in a public forum no less! – is simply inexcusable. And shame on those present, the other commissioners in particular, who sat silently by and let a fellow female commissioner withstand his jaw-dropping verbal assault. Civil and restrained discourse can, of course, never be lawfully mandated, but such outrageous demeaning and misogynistic remarks should never – ever – be uttered in public let alone in a public meeting.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9

Last week: Last, my family got some news that frankly, we knew was coming but didn’t want to hear. Our beloved friend and companion, “Buddy”, a 9 year old Westie, our dog and one of the greatest guys you’d ever meet was really sick. He’d been getting progressively worse ever since we got the word over 6 months ago. I’d never been a dog owner, but boy did we luck out. Long after my kids stopped running to the door to greet Dad at the end of the day, Buddy was always there. Yeah, we gave him a full life full of bird and squirrel chasing, lots of table scraps and tons of love, but this was way too soon. Well now, Buddy is gone. I’m crying while writing this. He’s chasing squirrels in the sky. Rescue a dog today through the Broward Humane Society, it will be the best thing you ever did, for you and your “Buddy”.

Looking ahead: I love the fact that the most notorious drug kingpin since Pablo Escobar, “El Chappo” goes on trial in Brooklyn of all places. I hope “the honorable Judge Scungilli -Carpaccio -Big Tony –Marinara” is presiding. Judge: “Who’s dis? Bailiff: “Yer Honor, it’s El Chappo, he dug outta da joint, whacked some guys and sells drugs”. Judge: “How You doing, Chappy… Here’s how it’s gonna go ”…El Chappo: “But your honor”Judge: “Yo, mustache… Zip it. You’re in my house, and by da looks of tings, the only way you’re getting’ out, is in a body bag. Welcome to Brooklyn.”

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

Last week: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste has the strongest impact fighting against cavities and tooth decay. Although brushing your teeth regularly with or without fluoride can both prevent cavities, fluoride products strengthen our teeth from tooth decay. A study conducted in 2009 among 60,000 people indicates that fluoride rinse prevents cavities just as much as fluoride toothpaste does. With this knowledge, it is strongly recommended from the ADA and dentists, that the key to good oral hygiene and dental health is by using products that contain fluoride.

Looking ahead: Last week it was announced that Florida was recognized as the worst performing state in implementing policies to fight and prevent against cancer for two main reasons under the 16th annual “How You Measure Up” report. The reasons included, failing to expand access to Medicaid and not taking strong enough efforts to discourage smoking. Although Florida received a low ranking for not meeting the American Cancer Society standards, Florida did score high in funding for the Mary Brogan Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program that provides screenings for underserved women between the ages of 50 and 64.

Michael Dennis, M.D., chairman, Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

Last week: This week the Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine administration and faculty proudly welcomed its superbly prepared class of 2022. They received their symbolic white coats and together pledged their commitment to improving the medical condition of all people. Their goals combine medical excellence, compassion, and business discipline. Never losing sight of quality, they are proponents of innovative strategies that better serve mankind with their finely honed skills. They are determined to serve as many as possible – letting no one fall between the cracks. Allstate can brag all they want, but you are definitely in good hands with them.

Looking ahead: There were 462 fully educated students, eager to pursue their life goals, who were denied a graduation ceremony recently at Florida Atlantic University because someone discovered a threatening note taped to a mirror in a campus bathroom an hour before the event. University police considered it credible. Whether it was a prank or serious statement remains unclear. We have enough natural disasters without creating our own. Huge wildfires destroying homes and many acres of forest, volcanic eruptions, massive earthquakes, and tsunamis crushing communities – to name a few. And then there’s human error almost daily producing infrastructure failure. We have enough on our plate.

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

Last week: A sad sign of the times, one of FAU’s graduation ceremonies was threatened with violence last week and in a positive show of resilience the situation was managed with quiet confidence and stoicism. FAU’s strength and leadership came through quickly, and two new ceremonies were planned and held with celebration and determination. It is important to carry on with the good in life and not let the negative determine our path. FAU did the right thing and the graduates were the story, not the evil-doer. Go Owls!

Looking ahead: Florida’s longest serving and much-admired Secretary of the Department of Children and Families announced his departure from the Governor Scott’s administration this week. DCF has a very difficult mission and is designed to serve the state’s most vulnerable citizens; Secretary Carroll has endured multiple high-profile crises and retained the respect of child welfare professionals. Recently I heard him speak about the Department and his role in it, and I was struck by his knowledge and deeply held passion for the welfare of our children. Florida was well-served by Secretary Carroll and is the poorer for his departure.

Howard Finkelstein, chief public defender, Broward County

Last week: Broward’s judiciary has more complaints filed with the Judicial Qualifications Commission than any other Florida judicial circuit. And that’s just counting the complaints made public. Eight judges have been removed or resigned. We are partly to blame. Most of us ignore judicial races. Unless we end up in court, we don’t seem to care much about who is sitting on the bench. But judges control our legal system. They dispense justice, or tolerate bigotry. They safeguard equality, or sanction discrimination. Our justice system is only as good as the people we elect. We need to do a better job.

Beam Furr, mayor, Broward County

Last week: The Broward County Commission passed an ordinance that added QUALITY to the Broward County Childcare and Licensing checklist. This law means we will be encouraging more employee training, lower teacher ratios and a targeted curriculum. It will provide incentives for those child care centers seeking accreditation. Currently only 22 percent of our centers are accredited. Receiving accreditation means these facilities provide high-quality education resources at this critical stage of development. We need the best possible preschools and early childhood education. They are among the most effective tools for economic development, and deliver significant social benefits for the community.

Steven Geller, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: I recently took the Brightline train to Downtown Miami from Downtown Lauderdale. It was a pleasure. The train was clean, quick, and efficient. Great service. I didn’t get frazzled with traffic or trying to find parking in Miami. I worked on the way down and visited with a friend on the way back. I don’t like riding backwards, but I guess that’s inescapable on the return. My problem is that the train was mostly empty both ways. I simply don’t see how this private train can make the economics work, and I’m still afraid it’s really a real-estate development play.

Tracey Grossman, chairperson, Florida Anti-Defamation League

Last week: Michael Drejka was charged by the Pinellas and Pasco County State Attorney’s Office with manslaughter in the July shooting death of Markeis McGlockton. This is an important step in the right direction towards justice. During a dispute that developed into an altercation, Drejka shot McGlockton, and invoked Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law as his defense. Like the homicide of Trayvon Martin, this fatal shooting requires us to answer a disturbing, broader question: does Florida’s stand-your ground law give cover to dire consequences of implicit bias?” In its next session, Florida’s legislature must revisit this expansive, subjective law.

Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel

Last week: With the new school year and primary elections in full swing, the safety and security of our students are at the center of School Board races on the ballot. Though parents and school employees should be keenly concerned about security protocol, we should also mindful that school security is nor the sole issue to ensure the successful education of our kids. Superintendent Runcie ought to be afforded a reasonable opportunity to not only make the necessary adjustments, but to also heal a school community still in mourning.

Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

Last week: The Broward Property Appraiser’s Office has begun mailing the 2018 TRIM (proposed tax) Notices to all Broward property owners. These notices are not tax bills, but are mailed so property owners can ensure that the November tax bill sent by the Broward Tax Collector’s Office will be accurate. The notices show your property assessment; your tax-saving exemptions; proposed tax rates as set by your local governments; the hearing dates/times for the taxing authorities’ budget hearings; and your proposed property taxes. The newsletter enclosed with the TRIM Notice explains it in detail and includes our office’s contact information.

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: This week, the County Commission took another step towards moving forward with a major goal of mine, the Broward County Convention Center Expansion and Headquarter Hotel project. We unanimously approved the updated design of the project that included three key components; exhibition space, expanded ballroom and meeting space. This update adds 150,000 SF of exhibit space, bringing the total exhibit space to 350,000 SF, a 67,000 SF ballroom and the addition of 50,000 SF of meeting space. Providing the perfect balance between exhibit, meeting and ballroom space, will be a tremendous asset in the Convention Center’s ability to attract more business.

Looking ahead: I was honored to present a proclamation to the County Commission designating August 31st as “International Drug Overdose Awareness Day” in Broward County. According to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission, there were 3,234 accidental deaths in the State of Florida during 2016, caused by a prescription drug poisoning (overdose), representing a 48-percent increase over the previous year. Nationwide, there were more poisoning deaths than the total number of lives lost in the Vietnam War! This is an epidemic in our community and Broward County remains committed to raising awareness to combat stigma and educate our community about preventing prescription drug poisoning.

Ina Lee, president Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: As most students returned to school this week, the horrific tragedy at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas still casts a dark shadow over our community. Will our children be safe? What significant protections and gun reform have truly been put in place? And, what planet are we bequeathing to them with the very real threat of climate change and pollution running amok? Their future is in our hands now, and our future is in their hands as they hopefully do a much better job then we are doing.

Looking ahead: The devastation that is happening in Florida’s from the red tide is not only killing wildlife but also is severely impacting tourism and other businesses. Of course, there is a lot of finger pointing going on and political rhetoric. What will it take to wake up and realize our environmental issues impact our way of life as we know it in Florida and can no longer be ignored.

Gerry Litrento, senior executive vice president, BankUnited

Last week: Back-to-school heralds the end of summer. One of the joys of summer is catching the latest blockbuster at the local movie theater. The company which offered a subscription to see unlimited movies posted huge losses this week yet the disruption it started is evident as one major movie theater chain has launched its own subscription service. Will the public that subscribes to streaming channels to view movies anywhere on their devices now buy into plans that get them back in the theater? Digital transformation is everywhere in our economy. There’s nothing like the big screen, some popcorn and a soda!

Tim Lonergan, president, Broward League of Cities; mayor, Oakland Park

Looking ahead: The importance of home rule is so very apparent in discussions regarding the regulation of vacation rentals. Local regulation enables municipal governments to balance the objectives of vacation rental owners with the concerns of neighbors. Local officials, who best understand the unique issues in their cities, are charged with the responsibility of deciding what works best within their city. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for vacation rentals. Municipal leaders must have the flexibility to do what is right for their residents.

Earl Maucker, commissioner, Lighthouse Point; former editor, Sun Sentinel

Last week: A free and open press is the cornerstone of democracy but it’s under serious attack. In the spirit of standing up against President Trump, who has declared the media the “enemy of the people,” newspapers throughout the country this week joined together to write compelling editorials critical of the president’s harmful rhetoric. Clearly the press deserves criticism for its obsession with negativity and lack of balance, but it has a critical role to play in our society with or without the president’s blessing. Trump’s attitude toward the media is dangerous – his behavior shameful.

Peter Moore, President, Chen Moore and Associates

Last week: On Tuesday, at least 39 people lost their lives when the Morandi Bridge collapsed in Genoa, Italy. This wasn’t because of terrorism or conventional warfare, it was because of a lack of maintenance. This bridge was cutting edge when constructed in 1967 – the prestressed design by Riccardo Morandi eschewed conventional steel construction, even in components that typically are made of steel. Numerous repairs were made over the last 50 years, but the government chose not to replace the structure, focusing on austerity. The bottom line is infrastructure protects lives, and there is no price greater than that.

Looking ahead: Only 79 Days remaining until Broward’s voters will consider the one cent sales surtax for transportation improvements. It’s a small price to pay for increased mobility for personal use, but also for the movement of services and goods necessary for our economy. Of Florida’s 67 counties, 62 have used the power afforded to them by the State Legislature to levy the surtax – but Broward has not. As a result, Broward ranks last (67 out of 67) in per capita road and street expenditures. Let’s #GoBroward! For more information about the surtax visit GoBroward.org.

George Moraitis, chairman, Broward Republican Executive Committee

Last week: This week students are returning to college to begin the academic year. Ensuring that each student in Florida has access to a world-class higher education is one of our state’s greatest responsibilities. As a result of the “Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018,” the Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars award expanded to cover 100% of the cost of tuition and fees at Florida colleges and universities. This commitment from our state will help more Floridians afford their dream of higher education and retain our high performing students in Florida to meet the demands of our growing economy.

Ghenete Wright Muir, attorney. Realtor. LGBTQ advocate

Last week: The Roman Catholic Church in Pennsylvania covered up child sexual abuse for over 70 years—a clear indication of how that institution harbors pedophiles. According to a grand jury report the church protected over 300 priests who molested over 1,000 children. It’s evil. Sickening. The most vulnerable congregants have been preyed upon by the most trusted. This church has also hypocritically propagated and perpetuated shame and judgment on the LGBTQ community. My friend and fellow LGBTQ advocate Maurice Tomlinson said it best with his Facebook post: “The church must police itself instead of the bedrooms of consenting adults!”

Looking ahead: What’s wrong with getting gray hair and wrinkles? Absolutely nothing! It’s actually the privilege of those who get to stay alive long enough and we should see graying hair and wrinkles as a continuation of our beauty, not a loss. When men age, they are often seen as distinguished, but there is a billion dollar industry centered on the concept that the elements of aging women are not beautiful. Women need to see themselves as beautiful in spite of what society says. But, as we age, we do need to focus on being healthy mentally and physically.

Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Last week: This past week, MDC put the final touches on its new state-of-the-art and one-of-kind Cyber security Center of the Americas which we will launch on Aug. 22, at the Wolfson Campus. A cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds and MDC has stepped up to the plate to meet the demand for professionals in the growing industry of cyber security. We are also rolling out new programs this fall in digital marketing, mechatronics, the Internet of things and others. Turn to your State Colleges for the hottest programs with the greatest educational value in the nation.

Looking ahead: Fall registration continues at MDC, Broward and the other state colleges. Classes start next week August 27. Register today. There is still time. A college credential is the only true passport to a successful, professional life.

Gary Resnick, mayor, Wilton Manors

Last week: Our local police and fire departments offer excellent careers. Yet we are facing an extreme shortage of qualified applicants for open positions. What could be more satisfying than public service that helps so many people? Yet in part because of coverage of abusive police actions, young people are not seeking careers in law enforcement. Perhaps if the coverage were a little balanced and showed the many ways our police support us, we could encourage young people to join the excellent men and women who serve our communities.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: At this week’s County Commission meeting, I sponsored a resolution urging the City of Ft. Lauderdale to allow HOPE South Florida to continue providing mobile showers to homeless individuals on private church property. The City abruptly informed HOPE South Florida officials that they would need to obtain a $200 special event permit every 90 days to continue providing mobile showers that have been operating since April, 2017. I’m proud that the resolution passed unanimously, as we all understand the public health and serious moral implications of denying individuals the dignity of a shower, especially in this grueling summer heat.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Last week: Municipalities across Broward County are celebrating chess and the power to transform minds. For the fifth year in row, municipal mayors and elected officials have joined the Mayors’ Chess Challenge. Nineteen municipal mayors, representing 1.5 million residents, will host a free invitation for Broward to come play, on different Saturday mornings generally, throughout the school year. For us, it is not about trophies, though competing and winning can be fun. It is about developing our next generation’s critical thinking skills to become more imaginative scientists, doctors, engineers, educators, and yes, elected officials, while crossing generational and cultural divides. Your Move!

Looking ahead: VOTING. In a non-Presidential election cycle, here is a depressing fact: too many fail to exercise their right to vote, a right for which blood and life have been sacrificed. In Broward, the percentage of eligible voters who actually cast a November ballot was abysmal: 2014 (45%), 2010 (41%) and 2006 (45%). More than half stayed home. Florida overall data is only incrementally better. Voting in primaries historically in Broward is even more depressing: 2014 (11%); 2010 (15%) 2006 (12%). There is no excuse. Early Voting. Mail-in Ballots. How much easier could it be? Educate. Dedicate. Celebrate. Vote.

Barbara M. Sharief, member, Broward County Commission

Looking ahead: Join Broward County and the City of Miramar in the “Give a Case for Their Case” initiative to provide relief for inhumane conditions that exist at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Help clients in need by donating cases of water, Gatorade, snacks, or by making a monetary contribution. Monetary donations can be made at the Cashier’s Office at Miramar Town Center and cases of water, Gatorade and snacks can be dropped off at: Miramar Town Center, Miramar Multi-Service Complex, Sunset Lakes Community Center, and Miramar Fire Stations 19, 70, 107, 84, and 100. More Info: 954 602-3117

Chuck Shaw, chairman, Palm Beach County School Board

Last week: Who can resist the (?)Amarosa story. From the day she entered the White House I cringed to think someone so totally absurd could be working for us. Her selection was more a reality show stunt than a real servant to the people. I do not even want to critique the reasoning the President considered her but he did. Like him or not, that was just dumb. Now, the media is playing into this when we have real issues. Who’s next in the show?

Looking ahead: School is open. I hope we hear what every school district has done to provide security, who is complete, who has not complied, and which approach each took. I also believe the story has to see just how our Legislators plan to continue (or ignore) their responsibility to support this issue from today on. They handed us a bandage with no replacement and no treatment. Anybody in Tallahassee listening, including candidates for governor?

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week: Will Congress and the courts finally begin to exercise their check and balance responsibilities now that the President’s vindictiveness could threaten our security? Revoking the security clearance of former officials – some of whom have devoted their lives to protecting our nation and whose expertise is needed by those now in charge – was solely in retaliation (if the President were honest) for criticism of his ineptitude and divisiveness. If the other branches of government allow the President to bring back a Nixon-like enemies list, it will be shameful — but it may also be dangerous to the safety of our country.

Looking ahead: This November Election will be the next battle to rescue our democratic process from the politicians. In 2010, voters put the Fair District amendments into the Florida Constitution to end the system by which politicians draw district boundaries so as to choose their voters – rather than voters choosing their representatives. In November, voters can approve Amendment 4 to end the system by which politicians decide who can vote for them. People who make mistakes deserve a second chance. But people should earn that second chance including eligibility to vote by paying their debt, not satisfying politicians who decide their worthiness.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Last week: I recently received a pamphlet from the Community Foundation of Broward, United Way, and Jewish Federation of Broward County about “The Silver Tsunami: Is Broward Ready?” This tsunami concerns a growing older adult population that must be planned for by Broward that has the fastest growing 85+ in Florida, which will grow by 31.9% in 12 years from 47,674 to 63,000. Before the “wave” hits we must close the current holes in our safety net-6500 Broward seniors are wait listed for elder services; identify those elders who are isolated, and increase community programming, support services, living options, and transportation services.

Looking ahead: The mudslinging in the Democratic primary for Governor is meant to take votes away from the candidate who is perceived by the polls to have more votes than the mudslinger. Jeff Greene’s campaign must be more careful in accusing Phillip Levine of not doing anything about the polluted waters surrounding Miami Beach by referencing a map of China! Polls are often a reflection of who is doing the poll. Many polls had President Trump losing but when the votes were counted, the outcome was different. By attacking each other, Democrats are giving fodder to the future Republican candidate for Governor!

Joshua Thifault, Advancement Director, Turning Point USA

Looking ahead: Why did Socialism win so many converts in 2016? The answer is simple. People were hurting. When the streets aren’t safe and companies aren’t hiring, it’s easy to blame “the system.” But is Capitalism to blame for these problems? If the Trump era has taught us anything, that answer is a strong “no.” After slashing regulation, cutting taxes, and empowering police, most Americans are living better. Blaming “Capitalism” for the Obama era’s failure is foolish. He moved us away from Capitalism, and closer to a state-run economy. When Government picks winners and losers, everyday people lose. Socialism never works.

Perry Thurston, member, Florida Senate

Last week: What’s the president’s problem with black women? Did they take his lunch money when he was a kid? This week, he called his one-time apprentice, Omarosa Manigault Newman, a “dog.” He used the “b-word” to describe the mothers of kneeling NFL players, most of whom were black. “Wacky” and “low IQ” are the terms he used on U.S. Reps. Frederica Wilson and Maxine Waters respectively. The insults only cheapen the presidency and sends a clear message about its occupant. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but if the president talks like a racist, tweets like a racist, then …

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Last week: This past week, the city of Fort Lauderdale stepped forward to ensure all schools in the city were safe for the first day of class. The state had mandated that school districts have security at all campuses beginning this fall. But the day before class began, Broward’s district informed us that they needed help securing half of the schools in Fort Lauderdale. Our police force worked overtime to ensure coverage. I commend our police chief and all involved for the effort they made to meet the challenge presented. After the Parkland shooting, it’s paramount that our children as safe at their places of education.

Michael Udine, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: The Broward County Commission voted to support the League of Women Voters non partisan “Lock it Up” campaign. Millions of Americans live in homes with unlocked, loaded guns. The “Lock It Up” campaign promotes gun safety and provides gun locks to firearm owners free of charge. Informational pamphlets on the “Lock It Up” campaign and how to obtain a free gun lock will be available at select County locations and libraries. Responsible gun owners should welcome this as they should take any action necessary to prevent a tragic accident. If we can help save even one life it’s worth it!

Looking ahead: Broward College recently announced that its student venture fund has exceeded its fundraising target. The fund is a partnership between Broward College, business leaders, students and graduates. The fund selects startup businesses from Student Entrepreneurs that have completed Broward College’s “Startup Accelerator Program”. Jump starting our future is a great idea that will encourage economic growth, jobs, and create a successful future for our young people. Either way the business skills picked up here will last a life time. Plus, I have a feeling we will be seeing some of these student start-ups on Shark Tank and as future disruptors.

Robert Weinroth, former deputy mayor, Boca Raton

Last week: Concerned South Florida residents came together to focus attention on the environmental damage being done to fish, wildlife, beaches and our communities as algae-laden water continues to be released from Lake Okeechobee. Hands Along the Water’s event focused on pollution from decades of neglect, impacting coastal communities through the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers. This is not an issue with an easy fix but one requiring collaboration between the state, county and municipalities as urban and agricultural runoff combine with leaking septic tanks to degrade water quality while demand for drinking water continues to increase with our ever increasing population.

Looking ahead: Election Day is no longer a single date on the calendar. Thanks to Vote by Mail and Early Voting, ballots are cast over extended periods of time. For the Florida Primary, that period began several weeks ago with the initial mailing of ballots followed, last week, by Early Voting, which will continue through August 26th. All polls will open on August 28th for traditionalists. With all of these opportunities to cast a ballot, it is truly amazing that turnout will likely fall below 30 percent. Voting is a right and civic responsibility. Take a few minutes and cast your vote!

Source: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/sfl-south-florida-100-aug-19-20180811-htmlstory.html