Trump’s push for police aggression won’t stand | South Florida 100

Dave Kerner, member, Palm Beach County Commission

Last week:In policing, the constitutional duty to protect the safety and dignity of those we arrest can quickly become a dispensable value. It is human nature to try to justify the mistreatment of someone who just broke the law, or worse, attempted to injure a police officer. It is the respect for the profession and for constitutional rights that compels us to do the right thing. Respect for these core values is what defines American law enforcement. When the president demeans this duty, it strikes at the very core of the policing profession, and our system of justice.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Last week:President Trump’s statement encouraging police to be physically aggressive during arrests sends the worst possible message to the communities we serve. At BSO, deputies receive extensive training to ensure that any use of force is appropriate and meets constitutional principles. For law enforcement to be physically aggressive when not necessary is unacceptable and would violate the trust that is so important and vital to our strong and positive relationships with our communities. As we all recognize, we are stronger when we treat each other with dignity and respect, and work together to keep our communities safe.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

Last week: Many of us experienced another “Are you kidding me?” moment this week when we read that another ranking national official was removed from office, in this case after only 10 days. If this was the first time it happened, it wouldn’t be alarming, but the Washington employment “revolving door” creates unease about the direction and safety of our country. When a school has a significant turnover of teachers, both the District and the Union take long hard looks at school leadership as the potential root of the problem. Perhaps it’s time that we, as a nation, take that same look.

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

Last week:Thanks to the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board for the call to action in the opinion piece “DREAMers belong here, should be protected” on July 19. We cannot afford to ignore the potential threat to those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the majority of whom grew up here in the U.S. Many are law-abiding and having been trained in our education system offer a wealth of talent and a passion for serving this country. “If the DREAMers are in danger of losing their protected status, the United States could wind up being a big loser, too.”

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

Last week: President Maduro has led Venezuela into a major economic and humanitarian crisis, has used deadly force against civilians, and has censored the free press and media. Last week, his regime consolidated power through a sham election, imprisoned opposition leaders, and escalated violence. The international community cannot turn a blind eye to this political and humanitarian crisis. I’m continuing to urge for implementation of sanctions against regime officials involved in perpetrating violence, and for the delivery of aid to those in need.

Looking ahead: With hotter temperatures and rising seas, the threat of climate change is too great for South Florida to accept President Trump’s failure to take action. That’s why I’m so proud that the Climate Solutions Caucus, which I co-founded, now boasts over 50 bipartisan members engaging in thoughtful climate discussions in Washington. This week, back home, I’m joining local activists to screen Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Sequel” and discuss how Congress, cities, businesses, and individuals can make meaningful progress toward the goals of the Paris agreement and tackle the real challenges caused by climate change.

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

Last week:We have now embarked on a chapter of rewriting the common values of how America has evolved through immigration. This contemplated merit system of the Raise ACT is founded through the lens of persons who wish to see more people like themselves. Where is the America that we know transcending to? A monolithic canvas of singular syllable monochromatic people. This is not exceptional. This is not what makes us great. Our immigration system is grounded in bringing our families together as a unit and welcoming those who contribute to our economic growth, academic bandwidth, and are committed to our global security. I hope Congress relegates these legislative values back into the era where they belong. Period. Full Stop. Punto Final.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

Last week:The impacts of Tropical Storm Emily remind us that resilience planning should be top of mind. The City of Miami Beach received approximately seven inches of rain within a few hours bringing significant flooding to many neighborhoods. Although the city is in the process of upgrading its stormwater system with larger pumps and pipes it becomes clear that government alone will not provide all the solutions. There is a need for individual actions as well. Miami Beach is at the forefront of this challenge and we all can learn as they lead the world in adapting to sea level rise.

Looking ahead:The White House should stop using a discredited Mariel boatlift study to prop up its latest attack on legal immigration. The flawed study states that the exodus by Cubans in the 1980s hurt wages in Miami. However, research shows that the arrival of Cuban migrants increased wages in the city over time. According to the Census Bureau, Latinos, particularly Cubans, have thrived in Miami in comparison to other cities and over 60 percent of Miami businesses are minority-owned. Let’s face it, immigration has made Miami the global city that it is and I call that proof of merit.

Daniel Cane, President and CEO, Modernizing Medicine

Last week:On July 27th I announced with Gov. Rick Scott and other leaders from around the state that Modernizing Medicine plans to add over 800 jobs in Boca Raton over the next few years. This is newsworthy because it shows that South Florida is in growth mode and we want the rest of the country to know it. As business leaders it’s our responsibility and privilege to do what we can to help shake the perception that businesses can’t be built and scaled here. And we’re fortunate to enjoy the South Florida lifestyle when we’re not working.

Looking ahead:For the first time in 99 years, we will see a partial or full solar eclipse, right here in South Florida on Aug. 21. That’s so cool! Now you see my inner geekiness come out. I’ve always loved science and staring at the sky. I’m on the Board of Trustees of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, and the planetarium there is my happy place. I dragged my family to Iceland for a vacation to view the Northern Lights, but trekking to Charleston, S.C., to see the Great American eclipse will be a lot easier. And warmer.

Richard Clark, CEO, Clark Leadership Consulting

Looking ahead: The aggressive actions of North Korea should alarm all Americans. While some might dismiss the dire consequences at hand, the United States cannot risk a lack of clarity on our position. While unable to reach consensus on domestic issues, the consequences of a misstep on this ticking time bomb that threatens world peace demands one voice. President Trump must work with members of Congress to reach an agreed upon authorization to address this unpredictable, irresponsible, and reckless North Korean regime. A decision of this magnitude should not be decided exclusively in the Oval Office.

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

Looking ahead: School will be starting in a few short weeks and drivers will be sharing the roads will school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists. As busy as we all are, this is the time to remember to slow down and pay attention, especially during drop-off and pick-up times on school days. Sixty-one children are hit by cars every day in the United States, peaking in September. More and more, kids are distracted as they walk and text. Be extra aware and anticipate that they will not be paying attention to traffic. It may be up to you to keep them safe.

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

Last week: Today is the last day of the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday. Take advantage of amazing deals and stock up on your school supplies, clothing and personal computers. As summer is coming to an end, it is important to begin preparing for the upcoming school year. I wish all students a healthy, successful and safe school year. To view a list of tax-free items, please visit: floridarevenue.com. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Looking ahead:Last Monday, on Jose Fernandez’s 25th birthday, his mother and infant daughter, Penelope donated $25,000 through the JDF16 Foundation, to the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana for youth programs and initiatives. This was the first time his 5-month-old daughter Penelope was brought to the stadium. Jose Fernandez’s family, friends and the Miami Marlins spent this special day remembering and honoring Jose. His memories will always be cherished and passed on as being an exceptional athlete and person.

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

Last week:Genetic scientists recently reported a successful manipulation of the DNA in an embryo that has eliminated the possibility of an inheritable disability in the newborn. While this is a major step forward, it is critical that such work should be reserved for the exclusive prevention of serious diseases and disabilities. There has been a long-standing taboo on making genetic changes in sperm, eggs, and embryos because mistakes could inadvertently create new diseases. Another concern is that genetic engineering could be used to produce designer babies for parents who desire superior offspring attributes. This could dramatically change the course of evolution.

Looking ahead:One would prefer that the American public could access their favorite source of news and read extensively about progress by the new administration and legislators. Repairing our failing infrastructure, providing comprehensive health care insurance affordable to everyone and covering those with preexisting conditions, increasing the productivity of our industries and improving trade agreements – that would be a good start. However, the fascination seems to be with the idiosyncrasies of our president. Whether it’s how neighboring golf courses react negatively to his tactics in Scotland or the impact of “selfies” with Trump that led to the divorce of Florida’s state attorney.

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

Last week:Modernizing Medicine’s announcement of 800+ new jobs is testament to its success at revolutionizing the practice of medicine, leveraging the proximity of students and academic researchers, and is precisely what research parks were conceived to achieve. The Research Park at FAU is very pleased to have played a part in bringing the entrepreneurial talent at Modernizing Medicine together with researchers and students at FAU to make this company a sustainable success in South Florida. The Research Park exists to promote R&D and to foster economic development for our community, and in this case we can all mark a win.

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

Last week:During World Breastfeeding Week, which ends on August 7, new research released by the American Heart Association gives us another reason to encourage breast-feeding. Researchers found that among 289,573 Chinese women, those who had breast-fed had a 9 percent lower risk of heart disease and an 8 percent lower risk of stroke over eight years than those women who had never breast-fed. Further, breast-feeding for two years or longer showed an 18 percent drop in risk of developing heart disease and a 17 percent decrease in having a stroke. While we’ve known babies benefit, we have more evidence that moms do too.

Howard Finkelstein, chief public defender, Broward County

Looking ahead:Broward County taxpayers spend over 5 million dollars each year to incarcerate poor people charged with misdemeanors and non-violent felonies who can’t afford minimal bonds. Judges set standard bonds that ignore ties to the community and dangerousness. That means a drifter with an extensive record for violent crime can post a bond, but a poor person arrested for the first time for a minor crime who has lived here his whole life sits in the county jail. It’s not fair or smart. That’s why I have asked the county commissioners to help end the pretrial incarceration of the poor.

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

Last week:It is astounding that a soccer club seems to be ready to pay a soccer star a quarter of a billion dollars. You and I must have been born without the ability to be so proficient in a sport. On the other hand, I hope that whatever our choice of profession has been, we are satisfied in finding meaning in our life choices. And just think what lives could be saved by a contribution of $250 million dollars to an appropriate charity.

Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

Last week: On Sunday Jason Taylor will be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Having played for the Miami Dolphins from 1997-2007 and then again in 2009 and 2011, his career statistics are impressive. You can even say finishing as runner-up on “Dancing with the Stars” was an accomplishment for a NFL defensive player. But what makes Jason stand-out is his drive and determination. Simple hard work and a passion for the game have landed him in the Football Hall of Fame among so many other great players. Congratulations, Jason. South Florida is proud of you!

Ron Klein, former member, U.S. House of Representatives

Looking ahead:With the failure of the Republican “we’ll do it alone” effort to repeal Obamacare, it’s time for a majority of members of both parties in Congress to get it right. That means fix what needs to be fixing and leave the rest alone. Priorities need to include reducing the costs of premiums, incentivizing people to take better care of themselves, negotiating lower costs of pharmaceuticals, and creating a national back up insurance pool if no other plans are available in a local market. It’s not rocket science. It just requires the will and common sense that most Americans would support.

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

Last week:Recently, the Broward Sheriff’s Office carried out “Operation Bad Dose” with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), the U.S. Marshals, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, State Probation and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Eighty-two drug dealers and traffickers were arrested during a three-day crackdown to help curb opioid abuse and the rise in related deaths. This is great news for Broward County as the opioid epidemic continues to be a great concern in our community. Kudos to the Broward Sheriff’s Office and those that assisted.

Looking ahead:Next week, I look forward to participating in the Opioid Crisis Roundtable in Palm Beach County with the chairman of the Florida Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Jack Latvala, along with Sen. Kevin Rader and Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay. In Broward County alone, 582 people lost their lives to drugs in 2016, which is up by 260 deaths from 2015. Continued advocacy is critical as Florida received a total of $54 million federal grant money to address the opioid crisis. The grant money is managed through the budget which is administered in the Senate by the Appropriations Committee.

Ina Lee, president Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week:Despite the last minute legislative full funding of $76 million for Visit Florida, 11 Convention & Visitors Bureaus have opted out of Visit Florida. They include key markets such as the Greater Miami CVB, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa and the Florida Keys. The requirements put in place by the legislators regarding disclosure of all public and private financial data is the reason. The long term effect on tourism won’t be available for quite a while. But this is not good news. Tourism is the life blood of the economics of this state.

Looking ahead:The unexpected flooding caused by Tropical Storm Emily again brings to the forefront the impact of sea level rise and storms to the very economic viability of our region. Resiliency is everyone’s business. We will need billions of dollars for what is needed to protect our way of life. Since the federal government and state can’t be relied on, we must work together to be the epicenter of solutions.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week:After years of opposition, we were told the Broward County School Board will share with our Pembroke Pines Charter School System some of the approximately $300 million in county property tax money that’s collected. I’m very pleased, as I was with the new state law requiring school districts to share these dollars. The Board is challenging the law. Our parents pay school taxes like other homeowners. Our schools are city-owned, built to the same standards of other schools and are highly rated. Treating them differently is wrong. We have over 5,800 students with a waiting list of over 5,000.

Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Last week:At democracy’s college, we work tirelessly every day to ensure our campuses and classrooms are places that welcome the peaceful exchange of ideas and value the rights and liberties of our students, faculty and the community. Unfortunately, we are living times of violence and political turmoil around the world, especially in Venezuela. This hits close to home for us at MDC, because so many of our students have fled their homelands with their families due to political chaos and the violation of human rights. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we stand with the people of Venezuela and countries all over the world, as they fight to ensure democracy prevails.

Looking ahead:In today’s challenging economy, obtaining a college degree is the pathway to achieving the American Dream. That is why MDC is offering new college credit certificates to prepare students for emerging and in-demand careers, including data analytics, virtual/augmented reality, computer crime investigations, engineering technology support, mechatronics, fire fighter/emergency medical technician, digital forensics, and much more. With more than 300 degree pathways, there’s a journey to success for anyone wanting to lead a more prosperous life. Register today, start making a difference, and #BeMDC.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week:I recently attended the opening of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s new “Baby Oasis” Lactation Suites. While women are welcome to nurse anywhere without hesitation, these six suites, installed throughout the airport, provide mothers with a quiet, private place to breastfeed their infants. Broward joins 25 other airports that are equipped with these pod-like nursing suites, continuing Broward’s goal of expanding services for travelers coming through our airport. Thank you to Director Mark Gale and the Aviation Department for unveiling these suites in time for National Breastfeeding Month, and for their commitment to providing a family-friendly travel experience for nursing mothers!

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Last week:A proposed state constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights for many Floridians with felony convictions got a big boost this week. The American Civil Liberties Union will contribute up to $5 million to help put the proposed amendment on the 2018 ballot. Florida is one of only three states where felony convictions permanently bar voting without enduring difficult and time-consuming clemency proceedings. The law was adopted during Reconstruction to prevent African-Americans from voting, and currently disenfranchises an estimated 1.68 million Floridians. Funding from a major national organization will help ensure voters have the opportunity to consider this important proposal.

Looking ahead:Residents south of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will get some welcome relief from construction traffic, thanks to improvements recently completed at Griffin Road and NW 10th Street in Dania Beach. Before the county-funded upgrades, construction trucks created noise and congestion for residents of the Melaleuca Gardens neighborhood as they traveled to and from a construction staging site southwest of the intersection of US 1 and Griffin Road. With cooperation between state and local agencies, construction traffic can now travel between the airport and staging site without disrupting residential traffic.

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

Last week:On Tuesday, the National Weather Service reported that Miami Beach received over 7 inches of rain. The flooding was caused by heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Emily combined with high-tide at 5:18PM. The storm water drainage infrastructure was overwhelmed and resulted in severe flooding in Miami Beach and Brickell. Flooding is far from unusual these days and we are seeing more extreme weather patterns more frequently. Don’t believe me? Just check out noaa.gov which reports the globe experienced the 2nd warmest year ever! Al Gore’s “Inconvenient Truth” sequel is in theaters now. Perfect date night movie with my wife.

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

Last week:Congratulations to Fort Lauderdale Dive Team diver/coach Steve LoBue, who won a world title in 27 meter high diving at the recent FINA World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. In fourth place after two rounds, LoBue moved up to second after his third dive. In the finale, he performed the second most difficult dive in the competition and posted a total score of 397.15, beating out Michal Navratil of the Czech Republic (390.90) and Alessandro Da Rose of Italy (379.65). With his victory, LoBue became the first American in history to capture the gold medal in this event!

Looking ahead: Big news for our Riverwalk! On Tuesday at 5 p.m., the city will join with Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and local leaders at Laura Ward Park, 420 SE Sixth Avenue, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially mark the completion of the new Riverwalk north side connection. The highly anticipated project will provide a long-awaited and much-needed link connecting our signature promenade to the Las Olas Boulevard shopping, dining, arts and entertainment district. The new addition will enhance mobility and walkability, while strengthening Riverwalk’s position as an active, vibrant, and engaging destination for neighbors and visitors. Please join us for this celebration.

Barbara M. Sharief, mayor, Broward County

Looking ahead:I have a great passion for the arts and have a personal collection of African American art that I cherish. This year, I’m hosting the Mayor’s Art Challenge for high school students grades 9 through 12. The competition runs from Aug. 1-28. A winner from each of the nine commission districts will be selected. I’ll be honoring the winning artists and their creations will be auctioned at the Mayor’s Gala on Oct. 28. Any high schooler who can paint, draw or do mixed media, computer art, photographs, printing and making collages can join. Visit Broward.org/Arts or call 954-357-7532.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Last week:By talking trash and using swearwords, “The Mooch” – Anthony Scaramucci – was likely fired as communications director. Gone are Reince Priebus, Sean Spicer, Mike Flynn, and James Comey. A reasonable amount of shuffling and repositioning is expected in any new administration, but current rearranging of senior staff appears more than the usual. Could it be that President Trump lacks the savvy to form a workable “Oval Office” team? Does the job of president require experience in government and not someone who thrives on conflict and chaos? Does presidential “tweeting” affect consistent staff messages? Leadership of the West Wing begins at the top.

Looking ahead:Finally Congress is beginning to work on the most obvious approach to fixing the problems with the Affordable Care Act. “What do we have to lose by trying to work together? We are not getting much done apart,” said Sen. John McCain. Bipartisanship can work. The House bipartisan “Problem Solvers Caucus” supports using no labels. Solutions are not Democrat or Republican. Keep the fundamentals of Obamacare working. Stabilize the insurance market. Fix the low number of insurance providers in several states. Create a ”stability fund” or reinsurance pools-limiting insurers’ losses especially for pre-existing conditions. Will they succeed? Let’s hope.

Joshua Thifault, Advancement Director, Turning Point USA

Last week: It’s time to fix immigration. The Statue of Liberty welcomed millions of new Americans who risked everything. They risked everything to join the American experiment. These men and women came to get jobs, not hand-outs. They came to create a bright future. This ambition is rarely the case today. Millions of new residents, legal and illegal, come to today’s America for free stuff. Free food. Free education. Free health insurance. It’s time to bring back a system that rewards the “creators” with citizenship, and keeps the “takers” out. The plan put forward by Sens. Cotton and Perdue does exactly that.

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

Last week:Getting ready for of school is, for most South Florida families, an opportunity to buy fresh supplies for another year. However, for many within our community, it is difficult to afford the expenses of new supplies and shoes to start the year off on the right foot. Thanks to the Spirit of Giving, in partnership with the Boca Chamber of Commerce, over 5,300 children participated in the Back to School Bash where free medical screenings, school supplies and shoes were distributed to help make the first day of school less stressful as students prepare for another school year of learning.

Looking ahead:Only time will tell if the United States Senate can finally begin to work as a single body rather than two unyielding camps. With the collapse of attempts by the Republican majority to pass an outright repeal of ObamaCare, given the philosophical differences within their party, Senate Health Committee chair Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and ranking Democrat Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) appear committed to work in a bipartisan manner to stabilize the 2010 health care law. With the collapse of the repeal effort, perhaps both sides can weigh the law’s benefits and deficiencies and agree to work together for its improvement.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week:The recent announcement of successful “gene” editing on human embryos should give us all pause. Presented as an “advance” in fighting disease, genetic engineering raises many ethical questions. Fertilized eggs – human embryos in their earliest stages – are in fact human beings. To procreate embryos in laboratories for experiments which are later destroyed or discarded is ethically suspect, to say the least. Also, such genetic engineering suggests “designer babies” – eugenics for the affluent. Those who hail this morally neutral are usually quick to condemn genetically modified foods. GMO’s such as Corn are commodities; a human embryo should never been treated as a commodity.

Looking ahead: Only countries growing economically are countries that welcome immigrants. Prosperity of all Americans linked to the success of America’s economy. In spite of considerable cultural and economic anxiety about immigration, immigrants are crucial to growth of economy. This includes not only immigrant doctors, scientists and investment bankers but also those immigrants that take up what are called “entry level” jobs in agriculture, service and hospitality industries. With record low unemployment, jobs are left unfilled. With illegal entry down by 75 percent, now is time to address comprehensive immigration reform. Without immigrant labor, our farms will also be “outsourced” to Mexico.