TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

Sheldon Harr, founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El. For practicing Jews, the story of this past week and the story of this forthcoming week are the religious rituals and messaging of what are called the “High Holy Days.” These Holy Days are both a universalistic holiday lasting 10 days even as it is a particularistic holiday, unique to Judaism. We are reminded of our faults and encouraged through thoughts and deeds to do better in the year to come. With that in mind, we wish each other and all who will accept the greeting in Hebrew “Gmar Chatima Tova”: May you be sealed for a happy, sweet, good and healthy (especially this year!) New Year.

Tom Powers, chairman, Republican Party of Broward County. Gov. DeSantis has announced he is working to bring more police officers to the state of Florida to assist local leaders in providing safe communities for all Floridians. Safer communities allow for businesses to prosper, schools to remain safe and all aspects of society to flourish. These recruitment initiatives also demonstrate our appreciation and commitment to the men and women who choose to wear the badge. Both the governor and law enforcement have public safety as their top priority and that is one of the many reasons I am proud to live in the Sunshine State.

Larry Rein, CEO and President, ChildNet. Tuesday’s Sun Sentinel headlined Broward and Palm Beach schools’ “failing performance.” Official Florida Standards Assessment grades will not be issued for all schools this year, but were they, almost half of Broward and a third of Palm Beach schools would receive Ds or Fs. Distressing, but not unexpected. Virtual learning challenges during the pandemic have been well documented. More interesting, and instructive, is that 31 of the schools analyzed demonstrated schoolwide math and reading improvement. What were they doing right? What can we learn from them to improve virtual learning for those who need it now or may in the future?

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale. With seven miles of shoreline and 300 miles of canal coastline, Fort Lauderdale is vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea-level rise. Throughout the weekend, you may notice flooding in low-lying areas due to higher than average tides called king tides. Since higher tides are possible on both the new moon and the full moon, additional dates to watch for tidal impacts this month include Sept. 18-22. Fort Lauderdale residents are advised to be vigilant during king tides season. Take time to review important safety tips, evaluate your property’s readiness, and review your flood insurance policy. As always, please call the city of Fort Lauderdale at 954-828-8000 to report any observed flooding.

Michael Udine, vice mayor, Broward County. The 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 brings many emotions to the surface. Everyone remembers where they were that day, but many of our fellow Americans feel the effects daily. Some lost friends, spouses and children. First responders have been dealing with the health effects from the search and rescue clean-up and the trauma of losing members of their teams. The United States government must continue to support these heroes and fully fund their health care and related expenses. This Sept. 11, 20 years to the date, our country must renew our commitment and never forget those who were lost.

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P. A. Broward County and 15 Broward cities celebrate Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in September in recognition of the program’s profound positive influence on our community’s youth. Since inception, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward has created more than 50,000 one-on-one, professionally supported mentoring relationships for children in Broward County. Research has proven that the young people in the program achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships and educational success. I’m proud to have mentored my Little Brother Desmond since 2012 and to now serve as board chair of the organization. I encourage anyone interested in becoming a mentor to visit www.bbbsbroward.org or call 954-584-9990.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, member, U.S. House of Representatives. The Texas abortion law is a revolting assault on women’s rights and our cherished democratic principles. It violates the Constitution, repudiates decades of legal precedent, promotes legal bounties, empowers vigilantes and incentivizes frivolous lawsuits. It also favors rapists and incest predators over girls and women and derides medical science by outlawing abortions before women know they’re pregnant. That’s the same legal Lord of the Flies that Florida Republicans want to inflict on women here. Declaring a public war on women is not only immoral, the resulting backlash would strangle Florida tourism. Thankfully, the Biden Justice Department will intervene in this madness.

Tina Polsky, member, Florida Senate. The Palm Beach County School District began to roll out their mobile vaccine units this week and will visit all of our high schools. This is a convenient way to get the Pfizer shot, available free to all 12 and up. A parent must attend for a child to be vaccinated, and the parent may also get the shot. Please take advantage of this easy program for you and your family. The only way we can get out of this pandemic is if enough of us get vaccinated. Please visit palmbeachschools.org for the full schedule and more information.