100 Central Florida
Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.
To read responses from more Central Florida 100 participants, go to OrlandoSentinel.com/cf100
TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK
BETTER USE OF TAX MONEY, Mary Lee Downey, CEO, Hope Partnership: I’ve been reading that Floridians are spending $1.6 million so that the governor can get media attention for sending our law-enforcement officers to the Texas border. While that may be an effective political strategy, it’s a terrible use of Florida’s tax dollars. But since we have all this extra money lying around, how about we spend it to provide health care to individuals and families here in Central Florida, create a public-transit system that actually meets the needs of our tourism workforce, and ensure everyone has a safe place to call home that they can actually afford?
HANUKKAH PARTISANSHIP, Ben Friedman, attorney and community advocate: Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a Hanukkah event at the Governor’s Mansion celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights. The event had a large menorah, elected officials, Jewish leaders, and plenty of GOP donors and political allies of the governor. What was missing? Democrats. Breaking with tradition, DeSantis did not invite any elected Jewish Democrats to the taxpayer-funded event at the taxpayer-funded Governor’s Mansion. I appreciate any governor hosting a Hanukkah event, but what I don’t appreciate is Ron DeSantis continually using the Jewish community as a pawn in his petty and partisan games. Do better, governor.
’TIS THE SEASON FOR BOOSTER, Viviana Janer, vice chairwoman, Osceola County Commission: As we near Christmas (and all the close gatherings with friends and family that entails), it’s the perfect time to get your COVID19 booster and prevent the spread of the virus — and its variants. The CDC recommends booster shots for all adults ages 18 years and older who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, at least six months after their second vaccination. Doses are available now at the Florida Department of Health and at your local pharmacies as well as Publix. If you haven’t, please consider getting the booster to ensure a safe holiday and a happy New Year for all.
GABRIEL’S FOLLY, Ric Keller, lawyer, former member of Congress:
”How about a nice Hawaiian punch?” That’s the tag line of an iconic TV commercial — as well as the feeling of many UCF football fans after Dillon Gabriel, a junior quarterback, announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. We wish him good luck, but this is a puzzling decision. He was the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the nation in passing yards last year and team captain. There was also no need to leave UCF to “grow” into an NFL prospect. Blake Bortles and Dante Culpepper already proved that a UCF quarterback can be a first-round NFL draft pick.
KEEP POLITICS FROM SCHOOL BOARDS,
Muhammad Musri, president, Islamic Society of Central Florida: GOP state chairman Joe Gruters wants to undo a 1998 constitutional amendment that made local school-board races nonpartisan. As a state senator, he is backing a Senate proposal for a constitutional amendment that return those school board elections to partisan races. As local school boards are facing intensepublicbacklash,meetingshavebecomebattlegrounds for partisans over mask mandates, critical race theory, and many other issues. While Gruters thinks that would bring transparency to school boards, it is just going to add fuel to the fire and keep out no-party voters unable to cast ballots in partisan primaries.
FENTANYL DEATHS UP, Jim Philips, retired longtime radio talk-show host: Why does it always seem that those closest to a problem are the ones who are the most surprised when new data questions their expertise? Law enforcement, drug counselors, the medical community et al were shocked at the proliferation of “pill mills” several years ago. Now they’re surprised that a new study by Project Opioid shows overdose deaths from fentanyl-laced drugs have skyrocketed in Central Florida over the past year. “The volume is staggering,” according to the report’s author. What will be the response? Look for the usual suspects to call for a task force to study the issue further. Conclusion? Same old story, same old song and dance.
OMICRON PTSD, Larry Pino, attorney and entrepreneur: News that a new variant was headed this way from South Africa hit the country this past week like a ton of bricks. Markets collapsed on two separate trading days and again after it was announced that omicron landed in California through a vaccinated passenger flying in from South Africa. While President Biden’s words were soothing, it is also worth noting that we have learned a lot since this time last year. We know that masks work. We know social distancing works. And we also know that three separate vaccines have 90%+ efficacy and even breakthroughs tend to be mild. Let’s rely on science, take a deep breath and stop hyperventilating.
WORLD AIDS DAY, Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising executive: At Central Florida’s World AIDS Day event, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings read a proclamation and the Orlando Gay Chorus sang “Rise Up.” World AIDS Day was first observed on Dec. 1, 1988, to bring greater awareness to HIV as well as to commemorate those affected by the disease. Let us not forget this other pandemic. Over 40 years later and still no vaccine. I honor the work and contribution of these Central Floridians in the fight to end AIDS: Chuck Hummer, John Serra, Debbie Tucci, Tracy Richardson, Bob Adams, Darcel Stevens, Dr. Edwin DeJesus and Lisa Barr.