TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller

& Birthisel

We are neglecting the real issue at hand during the impeachment inquiry. What ethics and morals are we going to ignore or sacrifice in the name of our democracy? Our constitutional leaders have a duty to protect us from any malfeasance use of power. If nothing else, the voters will have an opportunity to conduct their own electoral impeachment at the ballot box of those leaders who abdicate this responsibility. The long term integrity of our governance is way more important than the preservation of the love or ego of power. We are all the guardians and protectors.

Gary Resnick, commissioner, Wilton Man

ors

Many otherwise productive, qualified employees are fired or not hired simply because they’re lesbian, gay, bi or transgender. While some states and cities made this discrimination illegal, it remains legal in most of the country, including Florida, unless the Supreme Court decides it is covered by the Civil Rights Act or Congress passes legislation. Even where illegal, it still occurs. And employees don’t want to sue their employers. I didn’t discuss my personal life or what I did on weekends at work, so co-workers wouldn’t know I was gay. Wonder why some people don’t come out? This is a big reason.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida

Senate

Adolescent reproductive rights and healthcare are on the chopping block again in Florida. The House is revisiting parental notification (HB 265) which was decided several years ago. With this new expedited bill, pregnant girls under 18 would need to get consent from their parents before obtaining an abortion. Vulnerable adolescents with poor relationships with their parents may do irreparable harm to themselves. With three new conservative-leaning Florida Supreme Court justices, we need the Senate not to take up this bill (SB404).

Lamar Fisher, member, Broward County

Commission

This week, the Board of County Commissioners took the necessary steps to move forward with an ordinance pertaining to a second additional homestead exemption for persons 65 years of age and older. In order to qualify, a person aged 65 years or older must have legal or equitable title to real property with a just value of less than $250,000, have made it his or her permanent residence for at least 25 years, and have a household income that does not exceed the statutory income limitation. I’m proud of this step to assist seniors.

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

A federal government report depicts a disturbing trend: Rate of suicide among youth has spiked dramatically in the last few years, enough to affect overall life expectancy. Why? Depends who you ask: technology, social media, ease of access to unsecured firearms, a general sense of malaise. As adults, we must understand what drives youth and shape a world where suicide is not a viable option. A new community collaborative led by the United Way, BBHC, CSC, BCPS and BC Human Services is leading research on local drivers and creative prevention strategies.

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate

This week, Congressman Matt Gaetz, along with a group of House Republicans, busted into a classified, closed-door impeachment hearing. Interestingly enough, thirteen of these Republicans already had access to the hearings. The country now knows some of the facts surrounding President Trump’s phone call with the Ukrainian president: he very clearly illustrated his intent to trade military aid for Ukrainian intervention in our elections. Naturally so, the House is exercising its constitutional obligation to investigate this scandal, which makes Gaetz’s theatrics that much more distasteful: rather than protect the integrity of our elections, Gaetz is protecting the president’s impeachable conduct.

George Moraitis, chairman, Broward Republican Executive Committee

Nearly two years after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting, the Florida Senate voted to permanently remove suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, backing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to oust him for his department’s botched response to the 2018 massacre. Many view this as another step towards justice. All four Broward senators (Lauren Book, Perry Thurston, Jr., Oscar Braynon, and Gary Farmer) voted against his removal. Israel is calling his removal a political stunt and is running for office next November. Ultimately, voters will decide if he gets his job back, despite his leadership failures.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

The $1.5 billion Guitar Hotel expansion at the Seminole Hard Rock is a gamechanger for South Florida tourism. Thursday’s opening showcased a total resort environment, with an amazing pool and outdoor complex, as well as a world-class spa, awesome new restaurants, a fun retail row and of course, an expanded casino. The iconic Guitar Hotel is a landmark attraction. It is important for them to work closely with our Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau to enhance our brand.