TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

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

Anthony J. Abbate, architect. The 1.5˚C/2.7˚F target was set to keep global warming — and the reversal of the planets natural cooling cycle — within manageable conditions. For South Florida, that means planning for 21 to 40 inches of rise over the next 50 years. According to Ed Mazria, founder and CEO of Architecture 2030, the built environment sector is already “walking the talk” and working together “we can easily keep that target alive.” If we do not limit carbon emissions, then all bets are off and rising water levels over the next 50 years could reach 64 inches, and 175 inches by 2120.

Joseph Goldstein, managing partner, Shutts & Bowen Fort Lauderdale. The rule of law distinguishes America from other countries. I am concerned about our recent abandonment. President Trump and others refuse to recognize the legitimacy of the election and the rejection of legal challenges. School districts fail to comply with the Department of Health’s emergency rule on masks and quarantines. Emergency rules are effective immediately, which is why a challenge is accelerated.

Advocates for disobedience contend that these laws or results violate fundamental rights, and non-compliance is excusable. But such positions slide down a slippery slope, and for our democracy to thrive the rule of law must be observed.

Dan Gropper, dean, College of Business, Florida Atlantic University. The economic policies coming out of Washington, D.C., have brought back high inflation and a growing sense of economic malaise and confusion not seen since the Jimmy Carter years. The administration wants higher corporate taxes here and globally, which will lead to further price increases. Stopping the Keystone pipeline, threatening other pipelines now and making it harder to produce oil and gas in America are pushing energy prices higher, which increases costs and prices. Increased regulatory burdens and government spending also push prices higher. None of this is surprising — all is readily predictable and understood through sound economic reasoning!

Wayne Messam, mayor, Miramar. Last week, I had the honor of delivering my seventh State of the City address. During my address, I shared the many accomplishments of our city and how we responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I also challenged all of us to continue to push the envelope to remain one of Florida’s most progressive cities. A 2021 Smart Asset National Survey found that Miramar ranks No. 1 for economic well-being for Hispanic Americans and ranks No. 5 nationally for African Americans. We have come a long way and won’t stop now.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission. This week, we observed Veterans Day, honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women who fought to preserve our freedoms. More than 1.5 million veterans call Florida home, including 127,000 veterans in Broward. Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services Division provides invaluable resources to over 12,000 veterans and their families each year. Eight Veterans Services Officers provide assistance, including help with applications for Federal VA benefits. Last year, they submitted over 1,500 claims, resulting in $13,505,429 in benefits! We can truly be proud of Broward’s commitment to our veterans. Call 954-357-6622 to request an appointment with a Veterans Services Officer.

Laurie Sallarulo, CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida. Automakers could be required to equip cars with technology that could prevent drunken or impaired driving as soon as 2026, if a key provision of the trillion-dollar infrastructure package is signed by President Biden. This car safety feature, while the exact technology is not yet established, would be standard and would detect if a driver consumed too much alcohol.

Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers, and each year approximately 10,000 people are killed. This safety mandate is supported by organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and could save thousands of lives. It’s a no-brainer!

Alissa Jean Schafer, member, Broward Soil and Water Conservation District. Dropping temperatures are a great reminder to check out how energy efficient your home is. You can take a few moments to inspect windows, doors and any other potential openings, feeling for a cool breeze — cool by Florida standards, anyway! Whether you are heating or cooling, don’t waste power or money with cracks, gaps and leaks.

After you look for leaks, take a few minutes to replace any air filters, and clear out dust and lint from places like underneath your refrigerator. Simple steps like these help appliances run more efficiently, equaling a lower power bill.

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P. A. Colee Hammock, one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest neighborhoods — complete with historic homes shaded by oak trees and overlooking the New River — truly is a lovely throwback to the charm of Old Florida.

While I’m not anti-development, I do think this gem should be protected and is no place for a sleek 77-unit condo. Throughout Fort Lauderdale, developers should rethink their focus on building high rises and consider developing affordable housing. What Fort Lauderdale needs is reasonably priced homes for lower-income residents, not another towering high-rise.