Looking ahead to this week

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Important legislation ending mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenses is progressing through the Florida Legislature. Its passage would be a victory for all Floridians. Mandatory minimums for nonviolent offenses have proven to be a massive failure. They fill our prisons with non-violent offenders — a disproportionate number of whom are minorities — and are a waste of taxpayer dollars. The legislation will save the state an estimated $131 million and put 1,001 fewer people in jail. If it passes, Florida would join dozens of states that have ended mandatory minimums and found better solutions in handling non-violent offenses. Michael Dennis, M.D., chairman, Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

What kind of pathologically twisted mind could possibly be proud of scaring the daylights out of children by threatening to bomb their Jewish school? Or desecrating a Jewish graveyard? At a time when the impact of Islamophobia is being debated, America needs thoughtful discourse and not another onslaught of hateful confrontations. What is even more alarming is the report by several news agencies that anti-Semitic outbursts have been under-reported during recent years. Apparently there were nearly four times the number of hateful actions than actually were reported to the public. Every citizen should delight in our differences, not harbor prejudice. Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Thursday marks the painful 10 year anniversary of the disappearance of our neighbor Bob Levinson of Coral Springs. Bob went missing in Iran and is now the longest held American hostage in history. Tragically, he’s now missed a full decade of birthdays, anniversaries, births, graduations, and other treasured moments with his wife Christine and their seven children. The Iranian government has repeatedly pledged to assist in this case, yet repeatedly failed to take any meaningful steps to send Bob home. This week, I’m reintroducing a Congressional resolution urging the Iranian government to return Bob to his family in South Florida.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

A proposed Florida Senate bill will finally set an age limit for boaters in our waters. The bill, filed by Sen. Gary Farmer (D-Fort Lauderdale), seeks to ban children younger than 16 from driving certain size boats in salt water without a sober adult aboard. Parents who don't follow the regulations could face fines or a possible jail stay. This law should have been on the books long ago. I know children raised around water feel comfortable in boats. However, they are not adults. It’s time to stop putting or allowing them to be in dangerous positions while boating.

Steven Geller, member, Broward County Commission

Too many liberals have wrongly called conservatives “fascists” for years. A poster in the U.S. Holocaust Museum lists 14 actual “early warning signs of fascism.” They are: Powerful and continuing Nationalism. Disdain for human rights. Identification of enemies as a unifying cause. Supremacy of the Military. Rampant sexism. Controlled mass media. Obsession with national security. Religion and government intertwined. Corporate power protected. Labor power suppressed. Disdain for intellectuals and the arts. Obsession with crime and punishment. Rampant cronyism and corruption. Fraudulent elections. The list should have included trying to intimidate the Judiciary. Does this sound disturbingly familiar to anyone? Irela Bague, president, Bague Group

The battle of science and economics continues around Senate Bill 10 which proposes to use $2.47 billion of taxpayer dollars to build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee. A study from Clemson University funded by environmentalists claims that the project will generate more than 39,000 jobs and provide economic benefits of up to $20 billion. If true, this would be historic. The environmental cost of buying more land far outweigh the budget used to create questionable reports and analyses. As the former vice-chair of the South Florida Water Management District, I am persuaded only by responsible and comprehensive restoration solutions.

J. David Armstrong Jr., president, Broward College

Broward College is proud to partner with Stiles, one of the oldest and most prestigious development groups in South Florida, to create a lynchpin project to connect the east and west sections of Las Olas Boulevard and position the downtown corridor as the destination for residents seeking an urban, pedestrian, and entertainment-filled lifestyle. New retail, restaurants, office space and residences will be the epicenter of convergence for residents, employers, and students as they share ideas and foster relationships. Congratulations to the entire team, from our college and from Stiles, for their creative use of space and innovative learning options. Walter G. "Skip" Campbell, Jr., mayor, Coral Springs; former member, Florida Senate

Broward College is planning on closing its facility in Coral Springs. Although our city has been trying to get a permanent structure in Coral Springs, the administration tells us that they have to fix what they have. I understand this, but also feel that the hundreds of students who use the facility now will be shortchanged. Broward College was able to make a deal in Miramar. Why not Coral Springs? Greg Ross, mayor, Cooper

City; president, Broward League of Cities

The Broward League of Cities strongly opposes HB 17/SB 1158. The proposed legislation would prohibit cities from passing regulations related to their own businesses, professions and occupations without receiving approval from the state Legislature. Local government would not be able to address health, safety, welfare and property rights concerns of its residents and businesses. Local citizens voted to exercise Home Rule Powers by the Florida Constitution to govern themselves, believing that local officials are the best ones to recognize and address the needs of their communities. Local government must be able to continue to do what it does best.