The top stories last week

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week, the Florida Legislature offered Floridians another property tax exemption. It’s great politics, but bad public policy. The loss of more than $644 million in tax revenue statewide and $32.4 million from Broward County is extremely short-sighted and politically motivated. The Legislature needs to focus on a financially viable tax base that funds the essential needs of Floridians. It’s hard to explain to voters why a property tax break is not in their best interest, but it will become painfully selfevident when Broward County government is forced to cut human services, libraries, parks and public safety.

Tracey Grossman, chairperson-elect, Florida AntiDefamation League

Supporters around the world celebrated as Israel marked its 69th year. Why did I choose to do so? Israel’s legitimacy to exist is questioned on the world stage; yet simultaneously its Agency for International Development Cooperation (Mashav) trains professionals from more than 100 developing countries each year in order to share its expertise and technological advancements in water, food, and security. I celebrate Israel as part of the Jewish people, and also as a proud supporter of the advancement of humanity. Israel’s success is the world’s success — and that is a reason for us all to celebrate.

Earl Maucker, commissioner, Lighthouse Point; former editor, Sun Sentinel

Imagine it’s the end of a long week, and you come home seeking a moment of peace on your backyard patio. However, it turns out seven fraternity brothers have moved in next door for a weekend bachelor celebration and it’s party on! Welcome to the reality of vacation homes. The Florida Legislature took another step last week to undermine municipal officials’ authority to regulate these short-term rentals in their own communities. This misguided action has the potential to destroy the character of residential neighborhoods. Now is not the time to take “home” out of home rule.

Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Fourteen thousand newly minted college graduates received degrees during MDC’s commencement ceremonies. I saw so much talent and potential and know we’ll be seeing great things from them very soon. Shortly after our last ceremony, I learned of the upcoming retirement of MDC alumna, community treasure and exemplary public servant U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. I commend and thank her for her service to our nation, with so much class, compassion and courage. She’s set an incredibly high bar for all of those who follow her. She shines so brightly among the more than two million alumni MDC has served.

Walter G. “Skip” Campbell Jr., mayor, Coral Springs; former member, Florida Senate

When I graduated high school, I had to give my best advice to future classes. I said, “think before you speak.” The reason is obvious because we don’t want to say stupid things that might be wrong, idiotic, or simply off track. I wish Donald Trump would heed my sage guidance. It seems Andrew Jackson could have prevented the Civil War by dealmaking. Now, Kim Jong Un is a well-respected world leader. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte should receive praise for his judicious handling of drug dealers. President Trump really needs to think before he speaks.

Joshua Thifault, advancement director, Turning Point USA

Liberal? Conservative? These days it doesn’t matter. You could be the next victim. If someone feels offended, it’s always your fault. While conservatives are usually the victims of this phenomenon, last week was different. Stephen Colbert caught serious heat for his explicit, distasteful monologue about President Trump. Yes. Colbert said things that should never be on mainstream public broadcast, and I hated it. But it’s his right to speak his mind. “#FireColbert” began trending on Twitter. When did we become a nation that fires entertainers based on their opinions? It’s time to Make Free Speech Great Again.

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

Politics should never overshadow the wellbeing of our children. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s new interim rule affecting school meals — allowing 1 percent fat flavored milk instead of the non-fat requirement and delaying sodium reduction and wholegrain mandates — undermines the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and former first lady Michelle Obama’s work to combat childhood obesity. This is a significant problem for our children with lifelong consequences. Families and youth providers should voice their concerns about these changes and continue to teach healthy eating habits to our kids so they can thrive physically and mentally.

Michael Dennis, M.D., chairman, Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

The State University System consisting of 12 educational centers continues to exceed expectations. No wonder U.S. News and World Report ranks Florida first in the nation for higher education. A study showed the average cost of earning a bachelor’s degree is under $15,000. Florida continues to be a leader in online education making it easier for students to achieve their goals without disruptions in their non-academic responsibilities to employment and family. There’s also a focus on public safety on campuses, concentrating on crisis management and mental health. As a trustee in the system I encourage you to participate with enthusiasm.

Stephanie Toothaker, attorney, Tripp Scott

With the party line affirmative vote in the House of Representatives to replace Obamacare last week, Republicans took ownership of the national healthcare debate and resuscitated President Trump’s repeal/ replace pledge. They should be careful what they wish for, however, as the fight now moves to the Senate where arcane rules and strategy can derail even the most reasonable legislation. And this legislation? Not so reasonable by many measures.

Linda B. Carter, president, Community Foundation of Broward

Broward School Superintendent Robert Runcie is always up for a new challenge. This time it’s performing in “Little Shop of Horrors” at Plantation High. Why? Because a student contacted him to participate and Runcie said he “never says no to any student.” The Community Foundation has seen his commitment to students first hand. Together, we’ve been pushing the ABC’s of education in middle schools — attendance, behavior and course performance — that research says leads to increased high school graduation rates. Runcie has grown graduation rates to 79 percent, up from 76 percent in 2012. There’s no doubt he’ll reach even higher.