Looking ahead to this week

Beam Furr, Broward County mayor

We need to decide who we are as a country. There are competing visions in play. Most elections we are confirming our own individual world view. We have differences, but they are largely in approaches to government, not to the key essential underpinnings. But the rug has been pulled out from under us. Now we have to redefine who we are. Are we a country that is fearful, hateful of those who are different from ourselves? Or are we the country that welcomed people from all over the world and turned their strengths into ours? I vote for the latter.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County commission

The deadliest attack against the American Jewish community in U.S. history occurred last weekend at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. It occurred at a time when the Anti-Defamation League has reported a historic 57 percent increase in anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, the largest single-year increase on record. This is a time to come together: elected officials, faith leaders and community members need to speak out to change the polarized, toxic environment in America that emboldens people to commit these hateful, violent acts. We must create a community that values religious and political pluralism, civility, and respect for all.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Demagogues typically employ fear -- that they incite. Then they identify a scapegoat who the public should blame. Sadly, our President has done just that: first directing the public’s angst at Muslims, then Mexicans, the media, donors to liberal causes, and “the Left,” and now a supposedly invading horde, infiltrated with shadowy Middle-Easterners, who are a thousand miles from our borders. Facts however indicate that they are seeking refuge from gang violence and poverty and a better life in the United States – as generations before them have done. Will voters use Tuesday’s elections to point the country in a different direction?

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is honored to host “Colors of the Homeless,” a unique exhibit by artist Toby Gotesman Schneier that explores homelessness through artistic reflections of human suffering. The exhibit will be on display throughout November in the City Hall Lobby Art Gallery at 100 N. Andrews Ave. Through her artwork, Gotesman Schneier seeks to bring greater attention to the plight of the homeless and inspire more people to get involved in finding a compassionate solution. Please join us for an opening reception on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the City Hall lobby.

Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Please vote Tuesday if you didn’t vote early, and I kindly and humbly encourage everyone to vote Yes for Amendment 7, which would add MDC, Broward and the rest of our model state colleges to Florida’s Constitution alongside our K-12 and State University systems. This will safeguard state colleges that currently enroll 800,000 students and truly are the backbone of Florida’s workforce and economy. Amendment 7 also provides survivors of first responders and military personnel killed on duty free higher education tuition waivers. A win-win. And, don’t forget MDC’s Miami Book Fair starts this coming Sunday, running through Nov. 18. Visit miamibookfair.com.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

At the polls this week there are a number of amendments for which we must vote on that will affect our lives, either directly or indirectly. Amendment 4 won’t affect most of us, but it will directly change the lives of 1.6 million Floridians, former prisoners, who will have their voting rights restored after they finish their sentences. One of only three states, Florida does not automatically restore ex-felons’ voting rights. A judge in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled it unconstitutional. They have paid their debt to society. Now let them participate fully in the American process.

Peter Moore, president, Chen Moore and Associates

I’d be surprised if 99 out of the 100 SF100 submissions weren’t about election day. There are a lot of important choices. Most of them will have impacts for 2, 4 or even 6 years. The “Broward Penny” one cent sales surtax will have benefits for Broward County residents for 30 years. I encourage everyone to vote for its passage. We can’t afford to continue to stick our heads in the sand if we want this to be a place that our children, and their children, will be able to grow and prosper. #GoBroward

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

As the 59th annual Fort Lauderdale Boat Show comes to a close, the economic impact is staggering. The show generates $857 million for the state of Florida. More than 110,000 visitors from 52 countries were predicted to attend, utilizing 150,000 hotel room nights. The marine industry helps employ 110,000 people in Broward. The international media coverage portrays the best of our destination. All good news as we move into the winter tourist season.