The top stories lastweek

Mary Riedel, president, Women in Distress of Broward County

South Florida’s Lauryn Williams made history at the Sochi Olympics winning a silver medal in the bobsled. She is only one of five athletes to win medals in both the Summer and Winter Games, having taken silver in the 2004 games as a track star and again in London in 2012 with a gold. Amazing to think that the bobsled duo missed gold by one- tenth of a second. Kudos to this 30- year- old athlete. A role model for not only youngwomen, but all of us— with determination, focus and incredibly hardwork.

Eleanor Sobel, member, Florida Senate

Can you believe that there is more than $ 1.2 trillion in student loan debt in theUnited States today? Approximately seven in ten graduating seniors have student debt, providing a further drag on an already weak economy. The founders of this country and people who lived through the Depression would never have stood for this. That is why I am sponsoring Senate Bill 738, whichwould create a pilot “Pay it Forward” program to replace student loans with a contract whereby students would pay a percentage of their future income. We must free young Americans from the shackles of debt.

Richard Barkett, CEO, Greater Fort Lauderdale REALTORS

With so many people owing a lot of money for their college education, a generation of potential buyers is being discouraged and even blocked from making their first home purchase. A recent Mortgage Bankers Association analysis determined that loan applications for first- home purchases have decreased almost 20 percent. My concern is that many young adults can no longer save for a downpayment or qualify for financing, which is going to impact the housing market and really, the economy at large.

Burnadette NorrisWeeks, attorney, Burnadette NorrisWeeks PA

Like so many others, I am perplexed as to howthe Jacksonville jury could have deadlocked on the charge of murder for young Jordan Davis, while finding Michael Dunn guilty of attempted second- degree murder for recklessly shooting into a vehicle occupied by unarmed teenagers. It was Dunn’s belief that the kids were playing music too loud in the parking lot of a convenience store while hewas pumping gas. My heart goes out to any person who is forced to experience the death of a loved one as a result of such an avoidable tragedy.

Ina Lee, president, Travel host Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

The Florida Panther’s bailout request, whichwas discussed at the county commission workshop this week, needs to be scrutinized thoroughly by county staff and the commission. The team is asking for $ 80 million from tourism bed- tax dollars. Politics aside, the long- term potential impact on our ability to competitively market the destination, beach renourishment, expansion of the convention center, and reserves to recover froman economic downturn or hurricane need to be carefully considered.

Dan Lindblade, president, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce

What to do when there is only so much tourist tax pie to pass out and more is requested? The Florida Panthers’ request for additional funding heated up and the financial autopsies are underway. Marketing the destination and beach renourishment remain paramount uses of TDT funds. Will commissioners engage an additional penny in light of growing need? Will the Panthers take the money and run? Stay tuned.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Tourism is more than hotel rooms booked, it is also drawing people to shop and eat. BB& T Center is more than just for hockey and concerts. BB& T has also been host for the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness 5K for two years, JAFCO 5K for special needs children, Gilda’s Club Office Olympics, Christmas in July for homeless children, time trials for cycling and more. The upcoming May 4th Red Bull Wings For LifeWorld Run has 39 locations worldwide starting simultaneously. BB& T is one of only three host locations in U. S. and will draw thousands, while spotlighting Broward County world wide.

Joy Cooper, mayor, Hallandale Beach

We all owe a big thank you to Sen. BillNelson. As part of the passing of the Farm Bill, he ensured therewas funding for research and development of a cure for citrus canker. Our scientific community is very close to treatment.

Kristin Jacobs, member, Broward County Commission

Governors, mayors and commissioners from across the country met in Los Angeles to continue our work as part of President Obama’s Climate Task Force. One of the most exciting concepts discussed was the idea to tie funding to projects that incorporate planning for climate change. The idea being to incentivize sustainability and reward programs already making wise decisions. Broward County and cities were recognized by experts across theU. S. as progressive leaders on climate resiliency and adaption issues. Our Complete Streets program, renewable energy goals and regional approach to sea- level rise continue to impress.

Chuck Shaw, chairman, Palm Beach County School Board

A bill filed in Tallahassee lastweek is being titled the “The Pop Tart Bill.” In a quick summary, the bill prohibits a student from being suspended for using a pastry as a weapon. Supposedly, a student from another state chewed his pop tart into the shape of a gun andwas suspended. Amazing, isn’t it? A legislator files a bill to protect such action from a school administrator. I really wonder who is most stupid here: the person who went that far with zero tolerance or a legislator who has no better idea for meaningful legislation.

Kathleen Cannon, president, UnitedWay of Broward County

I love sports and I love the Dolphins. They do, however, need a dose of good will and as Sun Sentinel sports columnist Dave Hyde says, bringing on hometown favorite Dan Marino might just be the trick. In addition, the Dolphins could join forces with UnitedWay of Broward County to help serve our local veterans through Mission United. What a win for our veterans.

Dr. Bernardo Fernandez, president, Cleveland Clinic Florida

As the obesity epidemic increases, so does the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. For decades, bariatric surgeons, including Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Raul Rosenthal, have performed weight loss surgeries achieving complete remission of co- morbidities such as diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and hypertension. A study published in the British Medical Journal confirms what Dr. Rosenthal and others have known— that bariatric surgery increases weight loss and diabetes remission more than non- surgical treatment. Insurance companies should consider coverage for the right patients. These results, plus the potential for cost savings, better health and improved quality of life, suggest it’s the right thing to do.

Ray Ferrero Jr., chancellor, Nova Southeastern University

TheU. S. has no credible foreign policy in the Middle East. Five months later, it is unlikely that Syrian President Bashar al- Assad, who used chemicalweapons against his own people, will be removed from power. At that time, world opinion was strongly in favor of regime change and the opposition— if given the support we had indicated— could have made a difference. Today, Syria poses a more serious threat in the region, Assad has been emboldened by our indecisiveness, Russia is taking a more active role andU. S. credibility is increasingly being questioned by our allies.

Mitch Ceasar, chairman, Broward County Democratic Party

The FBI is investigating the tying of a noose around the neck of a statue of James Meredith at theUniversity of Mississippi. Meredith was the first black student to enroll at that institution in 1962. This racial hate crime is more troubling as this is Black HistoryMonth— perhaps the impetus for this pathetic activity. Additionally, there has always been a constant stream of anti- semitic attacks. A spotlight must be intensified on these acts. Perhaps police, prosecutors, religious organizations and the media can increase public awareness. Certainly legislative bodies should make sure the penalties are sufficient.