Will ringing #metoo outcry shift sexual abuse culture? | South Florida 100

Lauren Book, Florida Senate member

Last week: The Palm Beach County School District blamed children for their roles in multiple sexual abuse cases. And they did so for the stated purpose of saving money! Apparently, it is a common legal tactic to blame the victim in lawsuits by invoking the notion of “comparative negligence,” but this makes no sense in cases involving young children. The school district’s job is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all children. It’s an outrageous practice and the district should move immediately to apologize to the families involved while enacting policies to make sure it never — EVER — happens again.

Looking ahead: If you’re on social media, you’ve probably been bombarded with messages of #MeToo from women in all walks of life — from your 15-year-old baby sitter to your 83-year-old neighbor. The social media viral explosion has shocked many — but — I would venture to say, not women. There’s probably not a female in your life who cannot say #MeToo when discussing sexual harassment and exploitation. Let’s hope this is the beginning of a more cognizant culture where those in positions of power no longer use that power for prurient sexual means. Sadly, #MeToo doesn’t stop with ME.

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

Last week: Who has not heard tales of starlets being subjected to the casting couch mentality of Hollywood as they attempted to secure promised roles in upcoming movies. The unfolding tale of Harvey Weinstein has laid bare the reality of what was only whispered previously as #MeToo has struck a nerve of disgust. Weinstein is only the most recent example of powerful men being accused of sexually abusing multiple women in recent years joining the late Roger Ailes, Bill O’Reilly and Bill Cosby in this non-exclusive club. Whether this current scandal is a watershed moment or quickly forgotten remains to be seen.

Looking ahead: There is a major transportation revolution underway. The AP reported that noise of car engines enveloping the streets of Paris may be a thing of the past in the not-too-distant future as the mayor of the French capital has unveiled a plan to ban all diesel vehicles from the city by 2024 (when Paris plays host to the Summer Olympics) followed by the elimination of gas powered vehicles six years later. While not without its controversy, this is clearly the coming trend as the United Kingdom has followed suit and all new Volvo models will be electric in 2019.

Ina Lee, president Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: The #MeToo hashtag that has been trending on social media, spurred by the sexual harassment charges against Harvey Weinstein, has been an overwhelming outcry from women and men who have be sexually harassed or assaulted. Whether just sharing the hashtag or their poignant stories, people are opening the door for us to face this problem. For too long, this issue has been swept behind closed doors or been silenced because of fear of reprisal or unwarranted shame. It is time for our voices to be heard loud and clear and effective action be taken. And yes, “Me too”!

Looking ahead: With the Broward County Commission about to finalize levying the extra penny of tourism bed tax (TDT), it is imperative the extra penny only be spent for expansion of the convention center and its common areas. Clearly, this is the intent of the current county commission and County Administrator Bertha Henry. However, too often, we have seen TDT funds diverted for uses not endorsed by the tourism industry which generates these dollars.

Claudette Bruck, Realtor; former commissioner, Coral Springs

Last week: We really cannot afford another housing crash and we must reverse the decline in first-time homebuyers. Homeowners must be treated fairly in tax reform. Homeowners already pay 83 percent of all federal income taxes, and, this would go even higher under proposed reforms.
Homeowners should not have to pay more taxes so corporations can pay less. Middle income homeowners could be worse off under proposals that limit tax incentives for homeownership. Reject proposals that weaken tax incentives to encourage homeownership. We need tax reform that does no harm.

Looking ahead: Hopefully we will continue to hear how communities are coming together to help those suffering from the damage by the California fires, Texas and the Keys hurricanes, Las Vegas shootings and damage being done in Washington.

Daniel Cane, President and CEO, Modernizing Medicine

Last week: Oct. 14 was a meaningful day in the City of Boca Raton, with events that celebrated the city’s past, present and future. Some of the area’s most brilliant technological minds gathered at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC) to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of IBM Boca Raton. IBM Chairman Thomas J. Watson Jr. dedicated the then-new facility in 1967 and the sleepy retirement town with the already prominent technological history changed forever. Later the Boca Raton’s Mayors Ball honored mayors past and present who have made our great city what it is today.

Looking ahead: Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday and each year Modernizing Medicine hosts a Halloween event for our team and their families. Parents bring their costumed little ones in to trick or treat, and seeing the children grow up each year is a highlight. Events like this really bring together our work family with our real families.

Dan Daley, Vice Mayor, Coral Springs; president, Broward League of Cities

Last week: Elected officials from Broward County’s cities joined Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief Saturday night and hundreds of supporters at United Way’s black-tie Mayors’ Gala. The message was clear: By working together as a team on common goals, elected officials make our communities even better places to live and work, and improve lives for all our residents. It is this spirit of collaboration and shared vision that help shape our future and make our cities places of which we can be proud. Proceeds of the gala, including auctioning artwork created by Broward County high school students, was donated to United Way.

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle International

Last week: I’m convinced that President Trump is a candid, less filtered expression of what much of many of our fellow white male citizens in his age group and socio-economic group are. The way he speaks reminds me of those copy room, water cooler conversations I had around some of my older white male co-workers. Had we elected a someone like that outspoken black uncle, that sharp tongued Italian grandmother or that unbridled Jamaican mother-in-law to office, with tons of money but no political expertise, we’d probably be in a very similar uproar. My resolve on this is that America is being led formally by what it tolerates informally.

Looking ahead: All this demand of allegiance to a flag from a number of people who’ve never called out the burning of the cross on some of my family’s front lawns. A country reveals what it thinks of its citizens based on the level of care given to them. Health, education and veterans care are essential to know the heart of a nation’s morale. Changes are inevitable and there is much civil unrest, but I believe there’s a remnant in the wings. Stay tuned.

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

Last week: We are just games away from finding out who will be participating in the 2017 World Series Championship. The American League has won a total of 64 series where the National League has won a total of 48. The New York Yankees have won the title championship 27 times and have a chance of making it into the World Series this year. Let’s see who will be taking home the Commissioner’s Trophy of the 84th World Series Championship.

Looking ahead: We are approaching that time of the year again when the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Market Plan has its open enrollment period. Open enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2017, for health coverage starting Jan. 1, 2018. The enrollment period has been reduced to only six weeks so it’s encouraged to start preparing now. BRHPC has certified Navigators who can assist you in finding the right health insurance plan that fits your needs. By meeting with a Navigator early, you will be ready to select a plan with no hassle or stress once the busy open enrollment period starts.

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

Last week: Last year 62,000 Americans died of drug overdoses — either from supposedly “controlled” opioids or street drugs like heroin and fentanyl. That’s greater than the fatalities in the Vietnam War. Every organization in our country needs to react. Fortunately this week the Congressman proposed to be drug czar withdrew when it was discovered he had tried to weaken the Drug Enforcement Administration’s ability to shut down drugmakers, distributors, or pharmacies which are damaging the public’s health. Physicians in the Palm Beach County Medical Society have been exploring ways to protect everyone through better education and management of these dangerous substances.

Looking ahead: So far Florida has avoided direct conflict with the federal government over the sanctuary cities issue as seen in Chicago, New York, LA, and San Francisco. One would hope that guidelines will protect public safety and comfort those fearing deportation. Yet California has now become essentially a sanctuary state by passing legislation that limits cooperation between local cops and federal immigration officers thereby discouraging police from actively pursuing those guilty of criminal activity which might endanger their neighborhoods. The important issue everywhere is that all law-abiding residents — whether fully documented or not — deserve a secure sense of protection.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: After Hurricane Irma, Florida activated an emergency food program to help Floridians from going hungry. Called the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), it offers food assistance to Floridians who normally don’t qualify for SNAP benefits. Unfortunately, needs are high in Broward County, and people have waited in long lines and warm weather to register for D-SNAP benefits. Together with my Broward and Miami-Dade colleagues, we urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to extend the deadline and allow more people to apply for these benefits. Recovery will take time, and Floridians needing help should have access to this vital support.

Looking ahead: It’s time for Congress to convert our thoughts and prayers into action on gun violence. I introduced the Keep Americans Safe Act which would ban high-capacity magazines. Limiting magazines to ten rounds would be a small step toward safety. It won’t fix everything and won’t end gun violence. But without 30-round magazines, mass killers would be forced to spend time reloading, precious time that could allow a victim to escape or law enforcement to intervene. If that time could help save at least one life, it will be worth it.

James Donnelly, chairman, Broward Workshop

Last week: As chair of the Broward Workshop, I meet with many members of the Broward County management team. I could not be more impressed. Smart, dedicated, hardworking experts in many different disciplines. I am tempted to name them but I have not received their permission to do so and would not want to offend anyone by omission. Suffice it to say we, as citizens of this county are in some great hands. The press has a field day with examples of bad government. his is not fair to the many incredible professionals that serve, many in our county government.

Gary Farmer, member, Florida Senate

Last week: This week I want to congratulate the City of Wilton Manors for achieving a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. It is no secret that the City of Wilton Manors has welcomed members of the LGBTQ community with open arms. Wilton Manors has long been a shining example of equality and acceptance, while the rest of the country has lagged behind. I commend Mayor Gary Resnick, Vice Mayor Justin Flippen, and the rest of the Wilton Manors City Commission for their tireless work to create a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQ community and allies.

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group

Last week: Baptist Health and Miami Cancer Institute invite you to #GetYourPinkOn in October to help raise awareness about breast cancer and honor those countless individuals and families touched by the disease. We’re offering appointments at BaptistHealth.net/BreastHealth (https://baptisthealth.net/en/lp/pages/embrace-tomorrow.aspx) for discounted mammograms to uninsured patients with a prescription. We’re also raising awareness about breast cancer with our pink trucks, which can be seen at events, including next Saturday’s ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Marlins Park, and others throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Help us save lives by encouraging regular mammograms. Early detection is key to breast cancer survival.

Sheldon Harr, founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

Last week: A man with no class and even less sensitivity. Weren’t we all taught that if you didn’t have anything nice and good about a person, don’t say anything? Mr. Trump never learned this lesson. To use the memory of soldiers who gave their lives for our country for, what he felt, was political gain is just plain disgusting. Using his chief of staffs son’s memory was deplorable. To note that that’s what soldiers know they are getting into when they join the Armed Forces is anything but comforting. This man does not deserve to continue as president of these great United States.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Last week: Many were focused this week on a vile voice of hate who visited Gainesville, Florida — a despicable person who I will not even glorify by naming. His evil movement thrives off the attention from demonstrations and media coverage. Hate dies in silent darkness. Yes, hate groups will always exist but, without attention, those groups will remain minuscule and irrelevant. Let us instead respond as citizens by reaffirming the enduring values of decency and equality that unite all good Americans as a proud, diverse and strong nation.

Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

Last week: I could not agree more with the recent editorial about the Palm Beach School Board’s handling of lawsuits stemming from sexual abuse cases. As part of their legal strategy, many times lawyers have attempted to place blame on the children who were sexually abused by school board employees. There is no acceptable reason for anyone to “blame the victim” in an abuse case. The courage it takes for an abuse survivor to speak out is immense. These children will forever carry the scars of this abuse and should not be victimized again in an attempt reduce damages paid.

Looking ahead: The Sun Sentinel reported an administrative law judge has issued an order recommending the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issue an oil drilling permit to a company that owns land in Broward’s Everglades. The company is proposing an exploratory well drilled to a depth of 11,800 feet. Even with the judge’s order, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is permitted to reject the drilling permit. The Everglades is an important natural resource. Drilling could destroy wildlife, threaten our water supply, and hinder Everglades’ restoration. Our natural resources must be protected. Simply put — oil and water do not mix.

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Our country has been at war around the world fighting terrorism and Islamic extremism. As Americans, we go about our busy lives. However, we are reminded of the sacrifice when we hear that one of our own has been lost. U.S. Army SGT La David Johnson of Miami Gardens was killed during a mission in Niger when his Special Forces group was attacked by 50 Islamic militants. He was also a young father of two. As his widow leaned over the American flag draped over her husband’s coffin, it was a sobering reminder that our flag symbolizes this young American hero. Maybe this will be the reason that we should all stand for our flag, to honor young men like this.

Looking ahead: As we experience King Tides in Fort Lauderdale and coastal Broward County, and the rising tides challenge our infrastructure that is already seeing signs of failure, we are reminded of how fragile our way of life actually is. In early 2018, the City of Fort Lauderdale will be holding elections for a new mayor and every commission seat. As voters and residents of our county seat, you should ask the candidates how they plan to deal with replacing the aging infrastructure and confronting sea level rise. Climate issues should be discussed and considered when you cast your vote.

Gerry Litrento, senior executive vice president, BankUnited

Last week: Despite the controversy surrounding NFL players, I can attest to the positive effect a player can have as a role model for our youth. I was present this week when Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Jarvis Landry played a surprise visit to the Plantation High School Colonels. As Part of the 4 Downs for Finance financial literacy contest sponsored by BankUnited, Jarvis shared his thoughts on financial literacy and its importance and you could see the impact it had on the awed varsity players. After a great game, Jarvis found time to inspire and score points with these students.

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

Last week: We read this week that a congressional candidate expected to run for the seat that will be vacated by U.S. Rep. Ileana Ross-Lehtinen claims she was abducted by aliens. While her comments may be alarming to some, her story makes as much sense as some of the nonsense we’re hearing from many politicians these days — including our president, who has turned deception into an art form. Communicating telepathically to alien creatures could explain a lot of what’s going on these days.

Clarence V. McKee, president, McKee Communications

Last week:The great contrast: the picture of the grieving wife of black Army Sgt. La David Johnson of Miami Gardens — killed in an ambush in Niger — sobbing over his flag covered casket; and, that of black NFL players of his same generation kneeling or raising their fists protesting and dishonoring the national anthem and the flag for which he died so that they could have the freedom to disrespect both. While they played football, Johnson was receiving the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and many other awards.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: Now the tap dancing has begun with more than 53 long-term care providers seeking variances with the state Agency for Health Care Administration for more time to comply with a state mandate to add generators to power their air-conditioning systems. Have they forgotten that eight residents died in a sweltering Broward nursing home, and later six others died after being evacuated, because there was no air conditioning after Hurricane Irma? Yes, the deadline for compliance is approaching, so they need to do something about it, not fight it.

Looking ahead: Early next year, the Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in a red-light camera case that could affect us all. I know that the red light cameras are controversial, and the Florida House is working on a bill for the 2018 legislative session to repeal state law that allows cities to use the cameras, however, our city has re-instituted the program and I am all for it. We are saving lives. This is not a revenue-making program for our city, it is a life-saving program. Under “home rule” each city also has a right to make decisions about such programs.

Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Last week:It was a busy and productive week at MDC with many important events exposing our students to thought leaders. On Oct. 19, MDC partnered with the IDB to host Demand Solutions, convening the world’s most imaginative minds to discuss the role of creative and cultural industries in helping Latin America. Part of the event featured a competition with nearly 20 start-ups from Latin America and Miami and most were owned by women entrepreneurs. I’m also very grateful to JPMorgan Chase for a special and impactful donation of $700,000 to MDC, helping hundreds of youth gain the skills needed to land jobs in IT, trade and logistics.

Looking ahead: Registration for MDC’s Spring semester starts this week. Classes begin January 9. It’s a great time to jump on important classes and a great schedule. We also have a slate of special events at MDC this coming week including a gathering of world leaders Oct. 25 at the Mezerhane Chair Forum at the Wolfson Campus and the Love, Grow, Learn Conference at the InterAmerican Campus on brain-based language disorders, a collaboration of MDC’s acclaimed School of Education and Fundación Querer.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, 276,000 Broward residents are eligible for the Florida Food Disaster Assistance Program, which helps those who lost food, income, or property during Hurricane Irma, but whose income is not low enough to qualify them for traditional food stamps. Last Sunday, three sites in Broward were shut down after thousands stood in line and people fainted from waiting hours in the sun. Rather than waiting until the next disaster strikes, we must address the root causes of why so many families are one crisis away from going hungry in the first place.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Last week: Vehicle burglaries in Broward County during 2016 resulted in 640 guns reported stolen and over 3,000 personal identification stolen. This far exceeds home burglaries. Criminals know gun owners are leaving guns in their vehicles and cars are a great source for tools to commit credit fraud and identify theft. Stolen guns supply the “Iron Pipeline” for more crimes and more violence. Broward Chiefs of Police and State Attorneys’ Office are deploying new strategies to attack these crimes and increase conviction rates. But, battling this starts with us. Don’t leave guns or wallets, purses and electronic devices in your vehicle.

Looking ahead: Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico need help. Too many are suffering. Kudos to all the organizations that have been ferrying supplies to Puerto Rico, working on distribution strategies to more remote areas and bringing people out. The need for generators, medical supplies, food, personal hygiene supplies, baby supplies, nursing home supplies is great. Thank you to all those who have been helping and who can’t ignore the suffering and need. More needs to be done and we need to be welcoming as many as possible since it will be a long time before power, jobs and stability return.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Sgt. La David Johnson, a South Florida native, was laid to rest after his death in service to our country in Niger earlier this month. Unfortunately, politics have distracted from our proper focus lately — honoring an outstanding young man from our community who sacrificed his life for our freedom and supporting his loved ones through their grief. Few of us will ever forget seeing Sgt. Johnson’s young widow, Myeshia, weeping over her husband’s flag-draped casket, their 6-year-old daughter at her side. We owe a debt of gratitude we can never repay to Sgt. Johnson and his family.

Looking ahead: Broward County commissioners will consider adding an additional penny to the sales tax that is charged on hotel rooms at its Nov. 7 meeting. Currently, visitors pay the regular sales tax of six percent, plus an additional five percent hotel room tax. Hotel taxes are used to promote tourism, fund beach renourishment projects and pay for the county-owned BB&T Center. If approved, the additional penny would generate about $12 million annually, and revenue would be used to expand the Broward County Convention Center. Investing in these types of infrastructure are essential to keeping our local tourism economy strong into the future.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: As Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands continue to face an enormous humanitarian crisis, President Trump has disturbingly threatened to take resources away from fellow citizens in desperate need. It is unacceptable and un-American. While much of South Florida has avoided devastation on the scale of Texas and the Caribbean, the debris lining our streets remains an immense public health hazard. Simply put, Gov. Scott has refused to take the necessary steps to quickly remove unsafe debris. Contracts he supported in Monroe County make clear his argument about protecting taxpayers is a farce. We deserve answers — and clean, safe communities.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Fort Lauderdale scored a huge economic win when Sixt North America announced our city as the home of its new U.S. headquarters. The global auto rental company will bring more than 300 high-wage jobs to our city, while pumping over $10.4 million into our community. Selecting Fort Lauderdale over locations in Georgia, Texas and California, speaks volumes about the strength of our economy and underscores our diverse, well-educated workforce. Our strategic location, robust business climate, and outstanding quality of life make Fort Lauderdale the perfect place for Sixt to grow and prosper. We look forward to their continued success.

Looking ahead: Volunteerism is the heart and soul of our community. On Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m.-noon, Fort Lauderdale and cities across the country will celebrate “Make A Difference Day,” the largest national day of community service. Neighbors can volunteer for dozens of projects throughout our community including beach cleanups, painting, landscaping, neighborhood enhancement, and Adopt-A-Street beautification efforts. Non-perishable food, toys, clothing, and books may be dropped off in the City Hall lobby now through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. So, please pick a project and kindly lend a hand! For details, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov; call 954-828-8658 or email NeighborVolunteerOffice@fortlauderdale.gov.

Barbara M. Sharief, mayor, Broward County

Looking ahead: Cancellation of the Food for Florida D-SNAP state program caused tremendous disappointment for people who waited in long lines for a long time and could not receive the help they needed. We are working with federal and state partners to deploy more resources to have everyone processed. This will include multiple dates at a centrally located site and much better organization as well as plans for rapidly processing those who pre-registered. For those who were turned away we apologize on behalf of DCF and FEMA. For more info: https://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/fff/

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Last week: News that Nova Southeastern University earned preliminary accreditation to launch its new medical school puts our region in a stronger position to meet pressing needs for enough physicians. The first Broward-based program for students seeking M.D. degrees, the College of Allopathic Medicine is NSU’s latest newsmaker, and it joins the university’s existing College of Osteopathic Medicine and its new $100 million Center for Collaborative Research in opening a future of incredible potential.

Looking ahead: Mixed-reality pioneer Magic Leap continues to amaze. Reports that the Plantation-based company has raised another $502 million in funding just add to the mystery of its so-far secret technology. With a team of more than 800 employees, CEO Rony Abovitz is helping build Broward’s economy while doing a phenomenal job of keeping the world in suspense. Here’s hoping Magic Leap’s first product debuts soon and also enhances South Florida’s tech brand.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Looking ahead: A woman’s right to abortion, and privacy in general, may be on the ballot next November. Our Constitutional Revision Commission has advanced a proposal to limit Floridians’ constitutional right to privacy. But worse – proponents are selling it as an expansion of privacy. By prohibiting government from “intrusion into a person’s private life with respect to privacy of information,” the proposal intentionally excludes protection for decisions people make about the most intimate private aspects of their life, especially medical decisions about end-of-life treatment and women’s access to reproductive health care, contraception and abortion. It’s time to pay attention to the CRC.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Last week: Disgraceful. Horrible. Shameful. Words cannot describe the “death-trap” at the Hollywood Hills Nursing Home where 14 seniors died from overheating and trauma as a result of hurricane Irma. Gov. Scott’s strong timely generator rule is being weakened and delayed by his administrative variance process. Looks like the deep pockets, Leading Age, FALA, and Florida Argentum are getting their way by stalling much needed reforms. Will the legislature come up with strong laws to help save our seniors or will we see the group home industry get its way again and again? When will Florida realistically make vulnerable seniors a priority?

Looking ahead: The Florida Constitution Revision Committee is stacked with Republicans. Six public proposals have been considered out of 2012. Previously in 1997-98, the CRC received 696 public proposals and advanced 128 for further consideration. Coalitions such as the American Civil Liberties Union, Florida Education Association, the League of Women Voters of Florida and thousands of Floridians view the CRC as a dog and pony show for the Republicans in power. John Stemberger, an anti-abortion crusader, led the charge for a proposal to narrow the “right to privacy” in our state constitution, which is often used as a legal standard by the Florida Supreme Court to stop erosion of reproductive health for women.

Michael Udine, Broward County commissioner

Last week: The opioid epidemic is devastating individuals, families, and communities in all corners of our society. Studies show the abuse often starts with the overuse of prescription painkillers. Drug manufacturers fail in their duty to properly regulate product as they pump out pills to boost profits and corporate bottom lines. Costs to society in lives, dollars, and resources are staggering and continue to escalate. Filing suit and hitting them in the pocketbook with damages is necessary to compensate society and correct corporate malfeasance. Broward must lead on this issue and hold these companies accountable to prevent the epidemic from intensifying further.

Randall Vitale, regional VP, Hoffman’s Chocolates

Last week: Congratulations to fellow South Florida 100 contributor, Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, for his lifetime achievement award on the BET Hip Hop Awards last week. In his speech for receiving the I Am Hip Hop Icon Award, Uncle Luke noted that in his 35 years he had never been honored for what he accomplished. From fighting to defend freedom of speech to many successful youth programs he created in Miami — he has been a difference maker. I salute you, Uncle Luke, and if you are reading this, I’d love to take you out to lunch to say thank you in person.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: The Trump administration’s decision to broaden exemption to the HHS mandate will allow the Little Sisters of the Poor and other religious entities to continue serving their constituencies without being obliged by the government to provide morally objectionable insurance coverage.
This decision made in early October is a “win” for religious freedom and the First Amendment and represents a return to common sense and long standing federal practice. Religious freedom is not merely freedom to worship but also freedom to serve, and to serve in a way consistent with and coherent to one’s conscience and religious beliefs.

Looking ahead: U.S. bishops have called for extension of TPS (temporary protective status) for Salvadorians, Hondurans and Haitians. In past weeks, bishops have visited each country and have found ample evidence to suggest that current TPS recipients cannot safely return to their countries at this time. None of these countries are in a position to adequately receive and integrate TPS returnees. At the same time, TPS recipients living in U.S. — some for as many as 20 years — are parents to over 270,000 US born children. These children are citizens and already are well
integrated into American life.