South Florida 100 Forum August 28

Howard Finkelstein, chief public defender, Broward County

Last week: Last week, the federal government stopped contracting with private prisons. The Attorney General found that privatization does not provide sufficient supervision, programs and medical care because those things cut into profits. Florida also contracts with private prisons and health care providers. Broward County Jail has been under federal oversight for decades in part because of the failure of private health care providers. Many inmates have become ill and even died because care has been compromised for profits. We need federal oversight to continue until we take the profit out of prisons and jails.

Sean Guerin, CEO, Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Last week: Unfortunately, Ryan Lochte continued to make headlines for his bonehead ruse about being robbed in Rio at gun point. As a parent to three daughters, I used his story as a great opportunity to reiterate the value of honesty and integrity with them. Being intoxicated and stupid is a separate lesson, but owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions will build character and shape your legacy. Some of our politicians should use this as an opportunity to look in the mirror as well.

Looking ahead: Hopefully as this goes to print, we will have avoided another storm and keeping our 11 year run without a hurricane in South Florida in tact. On the heels of Hurricane Andrews’ anniversary, we must not get complacent. As a community we must remain prepared for this hurricane season. Take the time to review your plan and your supplies. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Adriana Fazzano Ficano, Chief of Staff, Broward College

Last week: As an alumna of Saint Andrew’s School, the recent Sun Sentinel article shedding light on a dorm parent’s “overly-friendly relationships” with students deeply saddens me. Although police found no evidence of a crime, the school is clearly undergoing a sensitive and critical time — and trust needs to be regained. School administrators will need to take a close look at their policies and procedures to ensure that student welfare and safety are always of paramount importance. My memories of Saint Andrew’s will not be clouded by this dark time. I am confident the entire community will emerge from this stronger than before.

Looking ahead: As a newlywed of child bearing age, the Zika virus poses a threat to both my husband and me. However, we are committed to living our lives as safely as possible. The best way to combat this virus is to take personal precautions. We have started making small changes to our daily routine to begin to protect ourselves in the event of a local outbreak. Our workouts now take place indoors, our balcony door remains closed at all times, and bug spray is a part of our daily hygiene routine. We urge all Broward residents to exercise these basic precautions and prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

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

Looking ahead: This week, we hold the power of local elected leadership in our hands. In past primary elections, we have abdicated our civic duty with paltry voter turnout numbers. This is unacceptable for such a dynamic and increasingly multicultural regional metropolis with important issues to be addressed such as transportation, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, access to healthcare, and education. Though the presidential elections drama may be on your TV’s speed remote control, it is critical that we demonstrate equal attention to our local and state elections this Tuesday, August 30. Be sure to check your designated precinct and carry photo identification. Engaged citizens are impactful.

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

Last week: The City of Fort Lauderdale, our police and fire-rescue departments and our entire community suffered a tremendous loss with the tragic vehicle collision that took the life of Detective Christopher Sheehan. Detective Sheehan served Fort Lauderdale with distinction for seven years as a patrol officer, field training officer, SWAT team member and as part of the rapid offender control unit. He carried out his duties with integrity, respect, and professionalism; established strong bonds with our neighbors; and worked selflessly to fight crime, protect property, and save lives. Our thoughts, prayers, and support remain with the Sheehan family during this difficult time.

Looking ahead: The South Florida community should be thanking philanthropists like Phil Smith and his wife, Susan Smith, who just donated $5 million to Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business. It is one of the largest single gifts in the history of the College of Business; it will establish The Phil Smith Center for Free Enterprise at the College of Business; and, the main tower will be named Phil Smith Hall. This generous gift from humble, hardworking, kind, and loyal community builders will transform FAU, elevate the College of Business, and greatly benefit future generations of students.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week: The federal courts are again the battleground for efforts to resist cultural change by denying civil rights protection for a distinct minority group — this time transgender children in the nation’s public schools. Last week, a number of states secured a preliminary injunction against the anti-discrimination guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education. Once again local politicians exploited the same anti-gay fear that Anita Bryant originated in the 1970s. School Districts don’t need to wait for the outcome of this desperate legal challenge. All schools should to do the right thing now by adopting measures to treat all students humanely.

Looking ahead: One presidential candidate is generating fear of voter fraud and voting manipulation as the likely explanation of his possible defeat. That candidate is supported by Florida’s Governor and Attorney General. What could be more ironic? Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi are responsible for the greatest manipulation of voting anywhere in the country. By changing the Rules of Executive Clemency he made it almost impossible for hundreds of thousands of Florida citizens who committed a felony but who completed all the terms of their sentence to regain the most fundamental right of citizenship, the right to vote.

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

Last week: As reported this week, body cameras are all the rage now with a significant number of municipal police departments opting to outfit their officers with the devices. While there are definite benefits to the video, there are consequences. All that content is public record. Attorneys, news outlets, activists and others will be lined up for copies. It could be a real distraction for officers who could make better use of their time. And, really, how hard is it to override a camera? Those with something to hide will figure out a way to beat the system.

J. David Armstrong, Jr., president, Broward College

Looking ahead: With more than 80 million millennials, their collective voice can move legislature and the future of America. That’s why it’s imperative that each one performs their civic duty by voting in the upcoming presidential election. I am actively encouraging Broward College students and employees to make sure their voices are heard by researching the issues and candidates, then registering to vote. I urge everyone, regardless of generation, background, or political views to do the research that will make them informed voters on November 8. Voter registration deadline is October 11 and with today’s technology, it’s easy to research and register from your computer, laptop or smartphone.

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

Last week: As if the relentlessly expanding threat of the Zika virus is not enough to worry about there’s now strong evidence that within South Florida’s many fresh water lakes and ponds lurks a brain-eating amoeba. It finds a passage from the nose into the brain which then swells in an immune response to the attack. Clinicians need to be aware of this entity especially among those who have been swimming and then present with headache, vomiting, and rapid coma. A spinal tap is often diagnostic as it shows the organism among the white cells in the fluid. Unlike Zika, there’s an antibiotic cure, but it requires improved availability.

Looking ahead: His name must be misspelled. It’s “Lyan” Rochte, not Ryan Lochte. There’s video evidence that he and his fellow temporary skimmers — not swimmers — were inebriated and vandalized a public building. He admitted fabricating and was robbed $400. Granted it must be unnerving when armed security guards confront you demanding damage repair, but this is a tragic reflection on the Olympics environment which was surprisingly tranquil given dire predictions of violence. Brazil deserves compliments for the safety it offered and the international athletes for their many demonstrations of passionate camaraderie. Hubris has no place in these competitions and should not detract from splendid examples of sportsmanship and skill.

Charles Caulkins, managing partner, Fisher & Phillips

Looking ahead: Early voting for the August 30 primary has started. Thousands in Broward and over a million in the State have already voted by mail. The average voter turnout for primaries has been under 24 percent. That means one out of 7 voters are making important decisions for all of us. Maybe this year more voters will participate? Otherwise, bad people will be elected because good people do not vote.

Richard Clark, CEO, Clark Leadership Consulting

Last week: During this election season, we hear rhetoric about serving the needs of our veterans. As a nation we should be ashamed of our service to veterans. In 2014, Army veteran Willie James Span, 70, was killed trying to cross Commercial Boulevard from a bus stop to get to the William Bill Kling VA Clinic in Sunrise. While many jumped to find a solution, the response was eliminating the bus stop. Our veterans deserved better than bureaucratic excuses. We build a clinic and create barriers to access it. The family of Mr. Span deserves answers, not excuses.

Looking ahead: A recent blog on LinkedIn, later going viral, suggested that women should ditch their engagement rings when interviewing for a position. The New York based recruiter suggested that engagement rings signify that the woman is high maintenance. This mentality is totally insulting to women and clearly should send a signal that any company who shares that opinion is not one for which they would ever want to work.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Last week:Wage growth is finally showing strength after long stagnation, with July paychecks up 2.6 percent year over year nationwide. As the war for talent intensifies in Florida, expect to see competition gradually push wages higher in the fastest growing sectors – from professional and business services to education, healthcare, hospitality and construction. With housing costs rising faster than wages, attracting and keeping skilled talent in South Florida remains a tough challenge.

Looking ahead:JetBlue and Fort Lauderdale International Airport will make history on Wednesday, launching the first regularly scheduled flight from the U.S. to Cuba in 50 years. As the pace of change accelerates, we hope the entrepreneurial spirit of the island nation’s incredibly resourceful people will help prepare them for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

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

Last week: As the new school year has started and students are walking and biking to and from school, we encourage residents of the community to drive responsibly. Please be cautious of all school zones, speed limits and avoid any distractions such as texting and driving. It is important that our children feel safe and are safe during their commute to school. Parents, please make sure to hold your children’s hands when crossing the street. Broward County Police will be ticketing anyone disobeying the speed limits in the school zones to ensure all safety protocols are met./p>

Looking ahead: Safe Routes Broward, a new pilot online and mobile app launched by Broward County in Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD), is a non-emergency reporting system. The goal of the app is to help direct reported safety concerns to the appropriate partner agency to resolve issues for a safer and healthier County. Non-emergency issues can be on street and sidewalk safety, signage and signal issues, vandalism, graffiti and much more. The app helps citizens to be actively involved in their community by receiving real-time updates on the items reported helps them connect with local agencies for a safer community.

Katie Edwards, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: Broward students and teachers returned for another school year while the courts continue to hear challenges to Florida’s education policies and programs. Parents took to social media to gripe about — you guessed it — drop off and pick up lines in the school parking lots.

Looking ahead: The start of the new school year reinforces the dire need for school facilities construction, maintenance and repairs as some schools have been neglected for far too long and are in need of help now to replace aging, dilapidated buildings.

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

Last week: The presence of politicians and elected officials in Baton Rouge is ethical and demonstrates a sense of humanitarianism and compassion. But it doesn’t repair or restore the belongings and lives of the people effected. I believe that there is a distraction from what’s most essential (community and personal restoration) by what seems to be most entertaining (which candidate or elected official arrived soonest).

Anthony Abbate, Florida Atlantic University, Associate Provost, Broward

Last week: Obrigado! A big thank you to Brazil for hosting the Olympics! Despite political scandals, domestic strife, and economic challenges they pulled it off and set a spectacular stage where the world largely put aside differences and came together in sport. Brazil was pummeled with criticism by the northern press up to the start of the games, then Mr Lochte’s fabricated tale about an armed robbery fit nicely into the narrative we seem to continue to spin about the tropics. Brazilian tourism chef Vinicius Lummer said it best: “Human beings, even champions, are fallible.” Thanks for the lessons learned here.

Looking ahead: A delegation of Broward leaders is heading to Medellin, hosted by its mayor and economic development authority. A “Sister City” of Fort Lauderdale, it has come a long way since the days of Pablo Escobar, emerging as a global leader in building infrastructure to strengthen democratic institutions, social equity and economic development. That includes a novel multi-modal transportation system, with bus-rapid-transit (BRT), metro-rail, and even cable cars to hillside slums. Medellin is part of the 100 Resilient Cities network pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation. No municipality in Florida, except Greater Miami, made that list.

Ina Lee, president Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Greater Fort Lauderdale hotels had their best July on record as occupancy rose from 78.1 to 79.4 percent. Also, the average daily rate rose from $108.85 to $114.27. This means more jobs in our No. 1 industry. The numbers indicate that we have truly become a year-round destination. Billions are being spent on upgrading existing hotels and new hotels that coming on board. Tourists, you gotta love them!

Looking ahead: The 24th anniversary of the devastation of Hurricane Andrew is a potent reminder as we enter the peak of hurricane season. Since we have not had a major storm in several years, the tendency is to be complacent. Unfortunately, the over-sensationalism by certain news channels enforces the “cried wolf” phenomenon. Bottom line–get prepared.

Mark Bogen, commissioner, Broward County

Last week: During the past year, there has been a great deal of discussion about asking Broward County voters to add a penny to the sales tax. During our recent county commission budget meeting, I am proud to say that my fellow commissioners have started to take action to lower your millage rate. If it is passed, you will see a decrease in your property taxes on your next property tax bill. I believe elected officials should look for opportunities to lower taxes which will benefit all Broward County residents and businesses.

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

Last week: The new school year started last week with great excitement in Broward County. Thanks to the generosity of many community partners and CSC seed funding, almost 6,000 children in need joined their peers sporting new backpacks filled with supplies, brand new uniforms and new shoes. Our Back to School Extravaganzas in Plantation, Miramar and Pompano Beach, confirmed that these efforts are vital to families struggling with financial insecurities and that these events barely scratch the surface of need. All children deserve a chance to access the tools necessary to succeed in school, and we encourage more businesses to get involved next year so we can have more impact.

Looking ahead: The Olympics are over, but some aspects of what we saw still deserve discussion. Simone Manuel and Ashleigh Johnson broke racial barriers and brought home gold for swimming and water polo respectively. I hope that their accomplishments will help motivate black and brown families to overcome what in some cases is multi-generation fear of water — a fear which may stem from years of being banned from pools and beaches. For local families, I hope they will take advantage of CSC-funded water safety lessons through Swim Central to not only keep them safe around water but perhaps bring home a gold medal someday.

Linda B. Carter, president, Community Foundation of Broward

Looking ahead: September is National Awareness month for six types of cancer, many of which will account for the 28,000 cases projected to be diagnosed in Broward this year alone. The good news is South Florida is a leader in efforts to overcome the nation’s second leading cause of death. With support from Community Foundation of Broward, researchers at FIU, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Nova Southeastern University, Holy Cross Hospital, and UM Sylvester are building on revolutionary discoveries in genetics, pharmacology and immunotherapy. Their work will help cancel cancer and its terrible toll on our communities.

Richard Berkowitz, CEO, Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants

Looking ahead: For many years we heard that the world would run out of fossil fuels. Now the combination of cheap natural gas and lower-cost renewable energy is creating a shift in the way we get electricity. Massive investment in renewables such as solar, wind and hydropower are creating cheaper alternatives. Electric cars, affordable battery storage, solar panel farms and increased usage of these technologies have the added benefit of reducing carbon emissions. The rapid shift to renewables will not reverse global warming but it will have a dramatic effect on the world economy and the way we live our lives.

Joshua Thifault, Advancement Director, Turning Point USA

Last week: As millions of students returned to college, activists on the University of Texas campus held a “Cocks Not Glocks” march. Dozens of millennials brandished dildos in protest of UT’s new campus-carry laws. There are better ways to make a point, kids. As a friend of someone who was raped on a “gun free” campus, after being denied permission to carry a gun for personal safety, I’m disappointed to see so many UT students oppose the new law. As Americans, we should fight for any measure that keeps women safe.

Looking ahead: How will Stanford students react to “prohibition”? In a story that has not been widely reported, the school has banned all liquor on campus, even for students above the legal drinking age. It didn’t work out so well in 1920, and I’m interested to see how it works out in 2016 amidst an alcohol-obsessed culture. What do you think about the ban? I want to hear your opinion. Tweet at me (@JoshuaThifault) and tag (@SoFlaOpinion) #StanfordProhibition.

Robert Weinroth, Deputy Mayor, Boca Raton

Last week:At last week’s Florida League of Cities annual conference, municipal leaders from around the state listened to Mayor Buddy Dyer review how Orlando responded to the mass shooting at the Pulse night club. All eyes were on Mayor Dyer as he detailed the process of working with law enforcement while reassuring city residents with factual reports from their elected leaders. Boca Raton mayor, Susan Haynie, has dedicated her term as League president to an initiative entitled, Safe Cities – Safe Florida, to focus on providing incident management tools to municipal governments to ensure the safety and confidence of residents.

Looking ahead: Boca Raton’s redevelopment is transforming its downtown. Just outside the 344-acre redevelopment area sits a 2-acre parcel over which the city council and a vocal group of residents have wrestled for several years. The city has received a plan from the Hillstone Group to provide waterfront dining. Critics of this plan argue the city should preserve the parcel as green space and create a small park. The city council unanimously agreed to place the issue of waterside development on the November ballot. It will now be left to our residents to provide direction on the course the city should follow.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: Economic and political forces have led to increasingly lowered economic prospects for Americans without access to higher education, which is having a direct impact on family health and stability. For example, over half of parents between the ages of 26 and 31 now have children outside of a marriage. Divorce rates and the rate of single-parent households break down along similar educational and economic lines. The Rust Belt region where economic prospects are dimmest now appears to have the highest concentration in the nation of drug-related deaths, including from overdoses of heroin and prescription drugs.

Looking ahead: Labor Day honors especially those who earn their living the sweat of their brow. Jesus, himself, devoted most of the years of his life on earth to manual work at the carpenter’s bench. The value of human work is not primarily the kind of work being done but the fact that the one who is doing it is a person. Saint John Paul II reminded us that human labor is an essential key to understanding our social relationships, vital to family formation and the building up of community according to our God-given dignity.

Kristin Jacobs, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week:Less than 24 hours after submitting last week’s South Florida 100 addressing the need to protect wetlands and integrate the impacts of climate change into floodplain management, FEMA announced they will be amending their FFRMS regulations to implement Obama’s Executive Order 13690. This will be the first major update in nearly 40 years, and a huge step to mitigate the effects of tragedies like the flooding we saw in Louisiana two weeks ago. I applaud our President’s foresight in updating the federal standards for flood risk so the country can deal with natural disasters and other effects of climate change.

Looking ahead: Are we still living in the prohibition era? In response to a grizzly, high-profile rape, Stanford University has banned hard alcohol on campus. Administrators claim it’s high-risk behavior they are attempting to limit, and not drinking itself. This explanation only distracts from the real problem: a campus culture that tacitly condones sexual assault. Sexual violence is a pervasive problem that will find no solution until the real issues behind it are exposed and explored. Extinguishing a patriarchal culture that values athletic feats over the law would be a good first step.

Rabbi Sheldon Harr, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

Last week: Because of the newspaper’s deadline for these remarks, this week we’ll either be speaking of the storm that hit us (the first really bad one of the season) or the storm that never was, at least for us. Nonetheless, as a former Eagle Scout, I will forever remember the Boy Scout motto: “Be Prepared.” The possibilities of severe tropical storms or even a hurricane are great. Dont panic. Be Prepared.

Looking ahead: Having traveled to Europe as well as within the U.S.A., I can equivocally state that we are so very fortunate to live in America. As wonderful as are the historical and cultural sites of the “old country,” the beauty of which admittedly is worthy of high praise, America’s values and ideals cannot be equaled by any of those other countries. Further, the natural and variegated beauty of America is second to none. I’ll deliver my ballot during this election season as a positive vote, giving thanks to be an American.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul & Young Ron Show

Last week: Looking back on Rio, I was proud watching Americans compete at some of our favorite pastimes: all night clubbing, urinating on bathroom walls, vandalism and getting robbed. Wait, did I just describe a weekend on Miami Beach? No, Ryan Lochte will never be accused of being an astrophysicist, but getting dumped by sponsors because he “misspoke?” Well, there’s your robbery. In hindsight, he should’ve used the term “shakedown” instead of robbery, because if a security guard holds you at gunpoint, demanding cash, that’s what it is. If Brazil wants to shed its third world image, stopping this crap would be a good jumping off point.”

Looking ahead: Congratulations fellow parents — the kids are back in school and somebody else’s problem! One school in Arkansas made headlines this week when they put up a sign basically saying, “If little Johnny forgets his lunch or homework, tough luck parents, go back home. Johnny will figure it out”. You know, a life lesson. Yeah, I think we sometimes coddle our kids too much, but because he left his lunch on the kitchen table, he gets penalized? I left my wallet home last week and I’d invited some friends to lunch. You know what my life lesson was? That my friends will buy every now and then! Wanna teach your kids a lesson? Make ’em listen to their teachers.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Looking ahead: It’s hurricane season. The tropics are heating up and South Floridians need to be ready. Proper planning makes everyone safer in the event of a damaging storm. I always say: pray for the best but prepare for the worst. Create a disaster supply kit and have an emergency plan in place for you and your family. Assume you will need supplies for a minimum of three days, but stock enough for seven if possible. For food preparation, remember you may not have electricity. By preparing ahead, we can better weather any storm and enjoy sunnier days ahead.

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

Last week:This week we had discussions to finalize Broward County’s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget. Along with the need to cut taxes, there are two very important organizations in our community that provide valuable services to the citizens of Broward County. We should continue to support The Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County as they provide tremendous services for our young people. Broward County should also continue support for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance as they continue to help companies create and expand in Broward County. These two organizations have helped develop our community as a vibrant place with an excellent quality of life.

Looking ahead: As we look forward we should also take a step back and encourage others to experience Broward County’s history. A special part of this history is the Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Lauderdale Museum. This is the only building remaining from Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale during World War II. NASFL provided the training for such veterans as former President George H.W. Bush and it became an important part of the growth and economic expansion of South Florida. It is important that we preserve our community’s history for generations to come as it reminds us where we were and how we became the remarkable community that we are today.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

Last week: While we celebrate, it is important to note a study by the U.S Forest Service that showed 95 percent of visitors to forests and wilderness sites are white. It is estimated that by 2040, people of color will comprise over 50 percent of the U.S. population. Our nation’s land management agencies must commit to do more in the next century to reach out and reflect the ethnic diversity of our country and to respect the variety of cultures and historic contributions of all Americans.

Looking ahead: The City of Miami Beach was recently targeted with climate change guerrilla marketing. An unusual graffiti statement was written on the top floor of an abandoned building on South Beach: Your Million Dollar Houses Will Soon Be Underwater. Although the city is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to mitigate flooding from its streets and public areas, the likelihood that this statement could prove true for some should serve as a reminder to property owners that they are ultimately responsible for protecting and preparing their properties for sea level rise.

Daniel Cane, President and CEO, Modernizing Medicine

Last week: School started here in Palm Beach County recently, and as the father of three school-age children I’m intrigued by the conversations surrounding gender in schools. It’s a complicated issue that has become quite politicized, and it’s not going to be solved anytime soon. I hope that the stakeholders involved always keep the well-being of the children first and foremost in their minds.

Looking ahead:In my corner of the healthcare world, I feel the evolving story that people should be talking about is around the changes in reimbursement for healthcare providers. This is an issue that will not only affect hospitals, physicians and their staff, but every patient as well. Why? Because all of the changes are making it more difficult for physicians to practice. Some would rather retire than deal with the changes, so that means fewer doctors. And those that continue to practice will have to see more patients, so it may be harder to see a doctor.

Greg Ross, mayor, Cooper City; president, Broward League of Cities

Looking ahead: American Dream Miami will present an opportunity for elected officials in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to work together to manage the impact of traffic and the quality of life for residents nearby resulting from more than 40 million annual visitors. The mall is planned to be built in northwest Miami-Dade County just south of Miramar in Broward County. Our local leaders look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration as we bring the largest mall in North America and the newest attraction to South Florida.

Gary Resnick, mayor, Wilton Manors

Last week:

Looking ahead: The World — post Pulse and Nice — requires cities to provide greatly enhanced public safety for events. How we pay for it is going to be a challenge. Wilton Manors and others host significant events attracting thousands throughout the year. Budgets for public safety are 3-4 times what they were last year. Without generous donors, we will be struggling to find creative solutions to continue to offer great events and to pay in our new reality for public safety.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: Legal challenges are mounting against the new state water quality standards recently put in place. Our city also is taking a closer look at this issue to see how best to affirm our opposition of the Department of Environmental Protection’s weakening of water restrictions which will allow for an increase in the release of toxic chemicals into our waterways. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, the City of Miami and now a paper industry group are among the challengers to these controversial standards which really can affect the health of us all. We’ll closely watch the upcoming hearing, hoping commonsense reigns.

Looking ahead: As we continue to watch what transpires in the tropics, I’ve noticed that the local media and weather channels seemed to have taken a more cautious approach in reporting during this hurricane season. Instead of immediately showing various cones and spaghetti models when a disturbance is seen weeks out, more explanations are being made, there is less speculation and more facts are being calmly presented. I commend our weather forecasters for all their hard work. It’s a difficult task to present information so people listen and prepare properly, and not become complacent when a storm doesn’t hit or changes course.

Dr. Eduardo J. Padron, president, Miami Dade College

Last week: There are two big stories for me this past week and they are that early voting is underway for the Florida Primary and it’s the first week of school for K-12 and college students. It is my favorite week of the year. It is a new day, renewal, where everyone with a desire to learn and succeed gets the opportunity. From my perspective, voting and education are the pillars of a productive society. Best of luck to all students and faculty for a productive and successful academic year. And please vote.

Looking ahead:The August 30 Florida primary is the big story in the coming days as is the growing concern with Zika. I hope everyone votes and that everyone plays a role in preventing the spread of Zika. Seems like the tropics are also heating up. Let’s remain vigilant and prepared.

Alex Price, Director of Government Affairs & Community Investment, Comcast

Last week: Last week: At the Florida League of Cities Conference, hosted at Hollywood’s Diplomat hotel, one of our own South Florida mayors and South FL 100 contributor Susan Hayne of Boca Raton was installed as the League’s new president. Upon swearing in, Hayne unveiled her signature policy initiative for her term, entitled “Safe Cities, Safe Florida.” In addition to increased public safety, the initiative emphasizes partnerships, where city agencies collaborate with community organizations sharing key priorities, and creating networks of local experts to support our city officials. I congratulate Mayor Hayne and wish her well pursuing these critical objectives for Florida’s cities.

Susan Haynie, mayor, Boca Raton

Last week: Last weekend, I was honored to have been sworn-in as the 94th President of the Florida League of Cities. Over 800 attendees representing Florida’s 412 cities were present as I launched my Presidential Initiative, Safe Cities, Safe Florida. This initiative will provide city governments and stake holders with enhanced training, resources and partnerships to better serve their residents in times of crisis. The single most important function of government is providing safe communities — safe from gun violence, Zika virus, natural disasters, traffic fatalities and any threats that may occur. As municipal elected officials, we owe our constituents a safe community.

Jonathan Schwartz, Associate Vice President, Operations Planning and Real Estate, Broward College

Last week:This week, the City of Fort Lauderdale Commission approved the construction of a new parking garage on the intracoastal lot north of Las Olas Boulevard. The garage will replace two surface parking lots which will be converted into recreational space with shaded seating areas, public restrooms, B-Cycle stations, and an interactive water feature. I applaud our city commission on supporting pedestrian friendly development. Expect to see more street-level design emphasis in future projects along Las Olas. Our population growth will soon exceed our road capacity and residents will need to accept alternative forms of transportation.

Eleanor Sobel, member, Florida Senate

Last week: This week, I hosted the first ever Children and Youth Cabinet meeting in Hollywood. Our city played host to state government big-shots like Secretary of the Department of Children & Families Mike Carroll and Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente. I was humbled to be honored by the Cabinet for my long-standing and passionate advocacy for children. I’m most proud of getting Senate Bill 1666 signed into law. This bill was a monumental overhaul of the policies, practices and statutes (Chapter 409) related to child protection and welfare. SB1666 is widely credited with saving the lives of thousands of children.

Looking ahead: The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced it will no longer use private prisons, describing them as unsafe, expensive, and ineffective in reducing recidivism. This comes on the heels of a harsh, 86-page inspector-general’s report finding that the private prison industry often sacrifices safety and security in the pursuit of profit, holds prisoners in solitary confinement when normal cells are unavailable and sometimes fails to provide inmates with proper medical care. Let’s hope that the Florida Department of Corrections is paying attention. Privatization is not always the answer and humans aren’t commodities to be warehoused and profited from.

Marty Kiar, commissioner, Broward County

Last week:

Looking ahead: Recently, weather activity in the tropics has been heating up, making it the right time to review your hurricane preparedness plan. Keep plenty of water, a three-five day supply of food, a two week supply of medicines and prescription drugs, basic tools, such as a hammer and screw driver, full tank of gas for your automobile(s) and among other important items, a first aid kit. For more information and a more detailed supply list please visit the county’s website at http://www.broward.org/Hurricane/HurricanePreparednessGuide/

Peter Moore, President, Chen Moore and Associates

Last week: At the Resilient Utilities Coalition meeting last week, we learned about the Federal efforts to view conservation of water and energy together — known as the Water Energy Nexus. It’s pretty simple, saving energy saves water and saving water saves energy. The use of water and the use of energy are intricately intertwined. The extraction, treatment, distribution, and use of water followed by the collection and treatment of wastewater require a lot of energy; likewise, the production of energy—particularly hydroelectric and thermometric power generation— requires a lot of water.

Looking ahead: Next week, I’ll be celebrating 17 years with my firm. Though it has limited impact, 17 years at one company isn’t insignificant, so I decided to see what else was 17 years in length. One of the period cicadas goes dormant for 17 years, but that wasn’t very impactful. The average period of displacement for a refugee is 17 years, tragic, but not defining to me. Then I read about John Francis, PhD, also known as the planetwalker. He was an environmental activist that took a 17-year vow of silence. Be sure to look up his TED talk!

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Last week: With the new school year beginning, the Mayors’ Chess Challenge for 2016-2017 is back. This season, fifteen different mayors are hosting events between September and May to celebrate the power scholastic and community chess. These events are free and are truly countywide. Last year, some students actually attended every single event held and many attended most — a credit to the families and organizations that made that happen. It is unlikely that this type of collective celebration of the power of chess in scholastic lives and our community has occurred anywhere in the United States. Well done Broward County municipalities!

Looking ahead: For years, the County has complained about the lack of return on investment from the Arena site yet there was no meaningful progress in developing the site to take advantage of synergistic possibilities. The county now holds the development rights. The county administrator’s office retained a consulting team, ULI, to analyze the development possibilities. On June 10th, ULI’s emphatic theme was “Let’s Start Today” with development efforts because it is such an attractive site. Two months later no apparent movement has occurred; the County says they’re still waiting for the final report. Guess “Let’s Start Today” didn’t mean really “today”.

Eric L. Poms, CEO, Orange Bowl Committee

Last week:</b Hard Rock Stadium is the new name of the Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes and the Capital One Orange Bowl. Phase two of the venue modernization is nearly complete and the Dolphins will play their first pre-season game on September 1st, with the Hurricanes opening against FAMU on September 3rd. The Capital One Orange Bowl will take place Friday, December 30 at 8 p.m. and feature the highest ranked non-playoff team from the Atlantic Coast Conference against a highly-ranked team from either the Big Ten Conference, Southeastern Conference or Notre Dame.