THE TOP STORIES LAST WEEK
WASTEWATER SPILL,
Frustration is the only word I can use to express my concerns about Utilities Inc. Recently, they received a huge rate increase from the Public Service Commission, which Seminole County unsuccessfully sued to stop. Now they are responsible for a 1.2 million-gallon raw wastewater spill at Sweetwater Cove which flows into our precious Wekiva River. This outrage, exacerbated by the company not informing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or the surrounding citizens for more than 24 hours following the spill, is utterly shameful. Utilities Inc. must immediately get their act together and make reparations, as their 45,000 customers, our citizens and the environment deserve no less.
ANIMAL CRUELTY,
Two Florida members of Congress sponsored a House bill, which just passed unanimously, to make most acts of animal cruelty a federal crime. The Senate is set to pass a companion bill to the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT), which outlaws purposeful crushing, burning, drowning, suffocation, impalement or other violence causing “serious bodily injury” to animals. Sadly, this is important because at present many acts of such cruelty cross state jurisdictions and are thus complicated to convict. Protecting our helpless animals is important and what voters want. Now, let’s see if lawmakers can work some more bipartisan magic and begin fixing our national crumbling infrastructure.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT,
Many think we’ve separated into tribes, more intent on reinforcing beliefs than finding commonality and solutions with our neighbors. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ranks Orlando near the bottom for civic engagement, so it’s encouraging to see locals challenge this notion head-on. On Oct. 24, the Central Florida Foundation enlisted more than 300 citizens to host “Table Talks” where small groups discussed ways to improve our community. Results will be surveyed. And, in Winter Park, two retired attorneys have created the “No-Name Civility Posse” — monthly gatherings at Rollins College to foster fellowship among those with opposing political beliefs.
OPPORTUNITY ZONES,
The Central Florida Urban League was thrilled to welcome the Honorable Ashley D. Bell, the White House Policy Adviser for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to Orlando. Bell opened up the eyes of entrepreneurs and investors to Opportunity Zones, a new federal program established with the sole purpose of rebuilding our hardest-hit communities. Furthermore, I am proud that my organization will be partnering with multiple regional Chambers of Commerce and local governments to empower communities and changing lives through Opportunity Zones. A publicprivate partnership like this is critical if we are to achieve the goal of empowering members of the affected communities with the resources and tools to better themselves and those around them.
GUN CONTROL,
If the Florida Democratic Party wants to engage the black community in a conversation about comprehensive gun control, they should do so without falling into the trap of perpetuating racial stereotypes and myths about black-on-black crime. Operation Ceasefire, led by Glen Gilzean and the Central Florida Urban League last year, misfired on promises to reduce gun violence, but drew community outrage over the name and false imagery of Pine Hills being a war zone. Revamping Republican-led initiatives with an AR-15 logo to fit a narrative shows a lack of a strategic plan for African-American outreach by the Florida Democratic Party, which doesn’t bode well for election victories in 2020.
EX-FELONS’ VOTING RIGHTS,
In November 2018, Florida voters passed Amendment 4 restoring the voting rights of convicted felons. What many voters didn’t realize when voting “for” the amendment was the provision in SB7066 that all felons must pay all “restitution, fines and fees” before getting their right to vote restored. Should felons pay fines, fees and restitution as dictated by the courts? I believe yes. Should this restriction have been more clearly outlined not only to Florida voters but also felons? Definitely. Hopefully this can be sorted out and the amendment implemented appropriately.
OPIOID PARTNERSHIP,
Like the rest of the country, Central Florida is facing an opioid epidemic. Here in our region, AdventHealth clinicians see about 17 opioid-abuse patients each day, up from 14 per day as recently as 2018. For too long, people dealing with opioid addiction have been caught in a cycle of “catch, treat and release” — once they’re out of the ER or jail, they are on their own. To break this cycle, we’re partnering with the Seminole County Sheriff ’s Office, Emergency Medical Services and the Board of County Commissioners to establish a one-stop recovery center, opening in early 2020. This is the first time in Florida that a health-care system and law enforcement are coming together to open such a facility. Together, we will connect those suffering from addiction with resources to support their recovery.
TEACHER PAY,
I was quite heartened to see the Orange County School Board’s latest offer to their overworked and perennially underpaid teachers. An average 6% salary increase vs. the less-than-desired one-time bonuses, some mitigation of increased health care costs, a retroactive clause and more. This is clearly a big step in the right direction … and waiting for that “perfect offer” that likely never comes would be ill-advised. I have a close family member who is an Orange County teacher, so I am all too aware of the love and devotion most teachers bring to the classroom each and every day … along with the accompanying personal financial struggles. I hope the teachers approve this proposal.