CF 100: Ryan Lochte, Lou Pearlman and Title IX.
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 THE TOP STORIES LAST WEEK LOCHTE LESSONS
Diana Bolivar, president, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of
Metro Orlando: Ryan Lochte’s time at the 2016 Olympics, both in and out of the pool, has made headlines. The public perception is that he was dishonest, costing him $1 million in endorsements. Our brand stands on the pillars of trust and integrity. When those values are compromised, our brand is shaken. It takes years to build your brand, but seconds to lose it. What you do, say, and how you act is critical for your brand. We must always act with honesty and integrity regardless of the circumstances; the cost of doing otherwise is steep.
BUDGET-BUSTING HOMES
Robert H. “Bob” Brown, president/CEO, Heart of Florida
United Way: According to HSH.com, the average home in Orlando costs $223,000 and would require a salary of $49,382. From United Way’s research and our ALICE report, we know that the majority of jobs in Central Florida pay less than $20 an hour, or less than $40,000 a year. That means a significant portion of our work force is pushed out of the housing market due to affordability issues. The high cost of rent in our community is a huge drain on families, causing more households to compete for small and low-cost housing.
GOLDEN RULE
James Coffin, executive director, Interfaith Council of Central
Florida: The Golden Rule still rules — in Flagler County, at least. When construction worker Ken Miller spotted a wallet lying in a Palm Coast parking lot, he picked it up. It bulged with credit cards and cash, so he phoned the sheriff ’s office to report it lost. While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, he counted the money — all $3,400 of it! “I could have really used that money,” Miller said. “But I believe in honesty and respecting other people's belongings.” In other words, the Golden Rule — a beautiful example of what humanity is capable.
EASY PICKIN’S
Lee Constantine, commissioner, Seminole County: Well, as predicted, it did not take the bears of Wekiva long to find a new food source. As Seminole County approved the first Urban Bear Management Ordinance in Florida, the bears moved back into the forest. They did not go east into the urban areas as one Seminole commissioner suggested, they went west and found Orange County garbage cans easy pickin’s. Now Orange County is considering a similar ordinance. Good for them. We should be protecting people, property and wildlife. But, as the state has found, only universal use of bear-resistant containers will completely solve the problem. It would behoove both counties to work ultimately toward that solution in the Wekiva area.
FLAGSHIP HOSPITALS
Richard Crotty, former mayor,
Orange County: The community effort to ensure the Level 1 Trauma Center remained open at Orlando Regional Medical Center several years ago proved to be a worthwhile fight. News that both Orlando Health and Florida Hospital are not billing Pulse victims for treatment continues the legacy of commitment both hospitals have to our region. In addition to treating victims, Florida Hospital donated $250,000 to the OneOrlando Fund. Both hospitals have been outstanding community partners in projects like creating the UCF College of Medicine. Florida Hospital continues to collaborate on research with Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, and has supported UCF since its inception. Our flagship hospitals exemplify the spirit of collaboration.
PUBLIC TRANSIT PAYS OFF
Viviana Janer, vice chair, Board of Osceola County Commissioners: SunRail began construction on the Tupperware station, and there are now transit-oriented developments planned at all three future stations in Osceola County. There is $85 million in development for residential, commercial and retail opportunities at the Tupperware Station. At the Downtown Kissimmee station, there is $65 million in development; residential, commercial, hotel and public parking were announced Wednesday. Finally, zoning is sought for $12 million in development of townhomes and single-family homes near College Station in Poinciana. As some question the value of investment in public transit, we see that it is clearly paying off before it even begins in Osceola.
‘EDUCATION ECOSYSTEM’
Pamela Nabors, president/ CEO, CareerSource Central
Florida: UCF, Valencia College and Orange County Public Schools are collaborating to change the education experience in the heart of Parramore by creating an “education ecosystem,” and it’s more than a buzz phrase. This unique partnership, showcased by The Urban Land Institute, blends true innovation among three key institutions, nonprofits, governments and businesses to craft a Creative Village that will transform life downtown. The community school, for kindergarteners through eighth-graders, is now under construction, alongside the soon-to-be home of UCF-Valencia downtown.
A MEDAL FOR TITLE IX
Beverly Paulk, founding member, Central Florida Foundation and The Orlando Philharmonic
blog: American athletes dazzled us at Rio’s Summer Olympics. We saw amazing physical feats by men and women, but the women seemed to be more than equal partners. They won 27 of the 46 gold metals, and 61 of the 121 total medals. The 1972 Title IX Amendment to the Education Act of 1965 launched the serious development of female athletes. These women will use the Rio accomplishments, similar to the men: increased confidence, leadership, related careers, political careers, increased income, etc. Title IX also has earned a gold medal.
PEARLMAN REDEEMED?
Larry Pino, attorney and founder, private equity firm: Lou Pearlman had a heart attack and died at the age of 62 incarcerated for 25 years on a Ponzi scheme conviction. It brought back memories of sitting at the Church Street Station some years ago watching an Orlando Business Journal Top 100 Event as Lou proffered his young boy band talent to the Central Florida community, as he traversed the country in his personal Gulf Stream, having bilked countless investors of millions of dollars. No one knows whether Lou sought or obtained spiritual redemption in prison, but I can’t help but feel somewhat personally saddened he is now unable to seek societal redemption for the massive wrongs he clearly committed.
HOW STUPID ARE WE?
Joanie Holzer Schirm, author: Unlike other countries, the U.S. government isn’t allowed to regulate drug prices because Congress stands in our way. Many shameful stories; here’s one: Auto-injector technology developed by our military years ago. Mylan Pharmaceuticals amends design, names “EpiPen,” patents injector (until 2025) and adds a drug that costs them $2. As a virtual monopoly, Mylan increases bill to lifethreatened patients from $100 (2008) to today $600-plus. To avoid paying fair share U.S. taxes, Mylan registers company in Netherlands. American CEO gives herself 671 percent raise while 40 million severe allergenic Americans need to drive to Canada or elect a willing president and Congress to solve this epidemic greed. Vote!
PLAZA THEATER PRAYERS
David D. Swanson, senior pastor, First Presbyterian Church: A rather miraculous thing happened: It didn’t draw attention. It was simple and reverent, honest and good. The board of the Philharmonic organized a time to rededicate the Plaza Theater in the wake of the evil that took place there only weeks ago. We prayed for peace, strength and healing for all involved, but even more, we prayed that the arts would once more be on full display within it, creating aweinspiring moments for many that bring them into the presence of beauty that will always point to what is for the life of the world.
WHO’S SORRY NOW?
Tara Tedrow, attorney, Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor &
Reed, P. A.: Hillary Clinton has dismissed, dodged or denigrated those with the audacity to question why she authorized the establishment of a private email server as secretary of state. Her apologies, always trailing a poorly worded string of excuses, were insincere by even my most liberal of friends’ standards. Finally, Clinton did what any worthwhile PR team should’ve demanded she do months ago: Apologize and accept accountability (though that’s never been a natural tendency for the Clintons). Perhaps the last 260-plus press-conferencefree days were necessary for her to come up with the right phrasing of “I am sorry.”
HOSPITAL CHARITIES
Daryl Tol, president/CEO, Florida Hospital & Central Florida Region,
Adventist Health System: Our annual Community Benefit Report details the financial contributions Florida Hospital makes in Central Florida through charity care, educational funding and support of local organizations and initiatives. When faith-based care, capital investments and other benefits are tallied, Florida Hospital’s total community benefit in Central Florida topped $919 million in 2015. We’re proud to extend the healing ministry of Christ beyond the walls of our hospital, working to make Central Florida the healthiest place it can be.
LOOKING AHEAD THIS WEEK STAY KIND DURING ELECTION SEASON
Greg O. Brewer, bishop, Diocese of Central
Florida: On the eve Tuesday’s primary election, isn’t it tempting to get caught up in the frenzy? Yes, the election is important, but losing our kindness and generosity can be worse than voting for any particular candidate. I urge everyone to join me in praying for the candidates, learning about those running for local office, making the effort to listen to and learn from political commentators from all backgrounds, remaining friends with those who support differing candidates, and expecting criticism when sharing a position. Let us continue to love our neighbors, especially in this season of political turmoil.
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH TUESDAY?
Chris Carmody, attorney and lobbyist, GrayRobinson: Tuesday's primary election is the scaleddown lunch menu to November's dinner. But make no mistake, there are plenty of meaty items to order. For Republicans and Democrats, they can order their respective nominees for U.S. Senate and Congress. For everyone else, you'll start with a serving of county commissioners (or at least narrow the list for your November dinner). Then, you'll get your judicial races — the salad of the primary menu. They aren't as exciting, but everyone knows they are very important. Don't forget there is the constitutional amendment for renewable energy tax exemptions — the hamburger at a seafood restaurant. Most aren't ordering it, but you feel better knowing it is there. So, be sure to place your order ... errr ... vote this Tuesday, because if you aren't at the table, you're probably on the menu. READY FOR FOOTBALL — GO BUCKEYES
Eric Jackson, president/CEO, Total Roof Services
Corp.: Can I openly say that I missed my old love football this summer without offending my new friend fùtbol (soccer)? Summer is usually a barren desert for sports fans with golf, tennis and baseball. Baseball is great in person, but good luck staying awake while watching games on TV. The Orlando City Lions and the Rio Olympics helped this summer, but I must admit I am so happy the football season will be fully underway this week. Go OSU Buckeyes, Ohio U Bobcats and Pittsburgh Steelers.
SENTINEL ENDORSEMENTS: 3 FOR 3
Ric Keller, lawyer, former member of Congress: The big story next week will be Tuesday's primary election results. As for the three key federal races to watch, I'd expect to see Marco Rubio beat Carlos Beruff for the Republican Senate nomination, Patrick Murphy over Alan Grayson for the Democrat nomination, and Val Demings over Geraldine Thompson and Bob Poe for the Democrat nomination in the newly drawn District 10 covering most of Orange County. The Sentinel Editorial Board will go 3 for 3 on these endorsements, and rightly so. Wow, that almost hurt to say. Just kidding ... P.S., not really.
TERM LIMITS FOR ORANGE COUNTY
David Leavitt, Libertarian Party leader, businessman: The Orange County Charter Review Commission has concluded its recommended changes to the county charter. A very positive change, if voters agree, will be term limits for many of the elected offices in Orange County. Career politicians turn government stale. They also make it too easy for the outside influence of private businesses and individuals determined to get their way. People should run for office to make a difference — not for the sake of being re-elected. Career politicians almost always allow outside influence to enter their races to stay in office.
MULLING LIBERTARIAN GARY JOHNSON
A.J. Marsden, assistant professor, Beacon College: With 24 percent of voters still desiring someone besides the Republican and Democratic nominees for president, Libertarian Gary Johnson has a pretty good chance of gaining the approval needed for the televised debates. He is polling near 40 percent with military voters. and more than 16 percent in Colorado. In addition, in Ohio, Johnson is receiving substantial support, with 10 percent saying they'll vote for him. He is polling higher than Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton with millennial voters. Nationally, Johnson polls from 9 percent to 12 percent. With so much at stake in this election, it is more important than ever to consider every candidate seriously.
ZOO VIEW FOR KIDS IN HOSPITALS
David Odahowski, president/CEO, Edyth Bush
Charitable Foundation: When your children and grandchildren reminisce about their recovery in one of our children’s hospitals or Ronald McDonald Houses, what will they remember? Great medical care? State-of-the-art facilities or something else? The something else they will remember is the newly installed internet broadcasts of animal programming from the world renown San Diego Zoo. Denny Sanford, one of America’s most thoughtful philanthropists, is taking this project nationwide, just like Carnegie and public libraries. Central Florida stepped up with the largest number of installations to date. Thank you Denny, local funders and medical facilities for caring for kids.
ALL THIS AND A FREE STICKER, TOO
Michael Slaymaker, professional fundraising
executive: It took less than five minutes. I walked in and showed my driver’s license. A ballot was handed to me, and I voted. Only about 60 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot. Sad. Should be mandatory like Australia. Come on, people. They give you a free sticker. Oh, and you get to determine the fate of our country.