TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Robin Bartleman, member, Florida House. This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the Commissioner of Education’s decision to allow parents to continue to choose virtual education. Gov. DeSantis’ executive order, expiring on Dec. 31, fully funds each student as if they attend in person, but only 20% of students are. Broward County stands to lose $172 million dollars if students do not continue to be funded traditionally. The Department of Education’s budget has resources to continue this funding. I ask that the governor and commissioner work together to ensure funding remains intact. As a newly elected state legislator, I will use my voice to make this case.

Joseph Cox, president and CEO, Museum of Discovery and Science. The world — or at least science fiction fans — had its curiosity piqued this week when a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter crew discovered a 12-foot tall steel monolith installed in a remote area of Red Rock County. While the monolith drew immediate comparisons to the iconic scene from “2001: A Space Odyssey” and suggested an imminent alien invasion, it seems more likely that an artist somewhere is thrilled at the impact of their work. To that artist, thank you for the brief distraction from the world around us, and to artists everywhere, keep inspiring us!

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. Due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout our community, one of the biggest growing concerns for families has been being able to put food on the table. Broward and Palm Beach County public schools, churches, restaurants, parks, community centers and other organizations have partnered up to make sure families are provided with free meals. If your organization would like to participate to provide free meals in South Florida during the pandemic, email Brett Shweky at bshweky@sunsentinel.com.

Sheldon Harr, founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El. I have been deluged with requests for support of any and all causes. You name the cause, I received the solicitation! You as well? Truthfully, most of the appeals we could and should support. They each tug on one’s proverbial heartstrings. Not all meet the standards of appropriate fiscal responsibility (check them out before you contribute), but many do. At this holiday season, strange a season as it may be, those of us fortunate enough to be of some assistance ought to be forthcoming. After all, this is the message of all faiths.

Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel. Broward County is preparing to be a national example of showing the impact and dynamics of having Black leadership in countywide constitutional roles in a populous, multicultural metropolis. With Black leaders assuming the strategic direction of the offices of sheriff, state attorney, public defender, supervisor of elections and clerk of courts, the balance of political power and responsibility is shifting daily. This should be a warning sign for the Black community, with growth from persons of Caribbean descent, to elevate its own internal synergy in communication and collaboration for the greater good. Like other segments of South Florida, the Black community is not a monolith. Note to self.

Sarah Leonardi, member, Broward County School Board. Broward County Public Schools is setting the gold standard in computer science education. We were awarded three grants by the National Science Foundation and will serve as the national model for expanding computer science in schools. This is a notable and timely accomplishment as the integral role of technology in education, and in our lives, has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida. Florida politicians and their consulting firms excel in the cynical manipulation of elections. They recruit phony write-in candidates to close a primary election and block voting by all voters. They sign up phony candidates as “No Party Affiliated,” so their name can be used to siphon votes from a disfavored candidate. And the “pay-to-vote” system has been designed to discourage voting by poor people with a prior felony conviction. These anti-democratic practices aren’t illegal – only because they haven’t been declared illegal. That’s because they serve the interests of those benefitting by a status quo secured by manipulated elections.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, member, U.S. House of Representatives. President-elect Biden faces a global pandemic, a historic economic slump and a worsening climate crisis. The team he’s assembled, so far, is up to those monumental tasks. This Cabinet will work with, not against, our allies abroad. They will unravel and repair the damage done at home these last four years. These nominees are experienced, qualified and send a clear message: America is back. There is no time to lose. This diverse team of experienced, crisis-tested leaders not only looks like America, they are truly dedicated to making it the more perfect union we all want it to be.