The top stories last week

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

Broward County Sheriff ’s officials this week released a draft report commenting on the aftermath of the January shooting at Fort Lauderdale International Airport. While the results sparked outrage among some county commissioners for finger pointing, the analysis confirmed what the Sun Sentinel already reported — that a lack of leadership by law enforcement created unnecessary chaos after the shooting. Regrettably, the newspaper had to file an open records request to get a copy of the report. The sheriff needs to be transparent in addressing concerns and assure the community that steps have been taken to prevent similar problems in the future.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Last week BSO complied with a public records request to release a draft, incomplete copy of our after action report (AAR) on the January airport attack. The law enforcement response was exceptional. BSO confronted and arrested the suspect within 85 seconds of the first shot. County aviation also performed admirably. The purpose of an AAR is to constantly seek improvement, to never settle for what was — no matter how well it was handled. Like any agency after a major incident, the final AAR will provide our roadmap for continual improvement. At BSO, we will always strive for excellence.

Howard Finkelstein, chief public defender, Broward County

Fort Lauderdale bulldozed the homeless out of Stranahan Park, blaming a Health Department citation for rats. But Mayor Jack Seiler and City Manager Lee Feldman forgot to mention that City Hall filed the complaint with the health department and that department inspectors never found rats. City officials sank to a new low in their brutal and hostile treatment of the homeless. They ratted themselves out and faked concern to justify destroying the meager possessions of the homeless. Seems like the bigger rats are in City Hall.

Mitchell W. Berger, founder and co-chairman, Berger Singerman

Donald Trump correctly criticized the behavior of President Bill Clinton and Attorney General Loretta Lynch when they met in the Attorney General’s plane while Secretary Hillary Clinton was under investigation. The appearance of bending the Rule of Law was evident. The same standard applies to President Donald Trump, when as a sitting president he met alone, in the Oval Office, with FBI Director James Comey — except here we know that the president expressed his “hope” the pending investigation would go away. There are consequences to allowing presidents former and current to behave as if the law does not apply to them.

Clarence V. McKee, president, McKee Communications

Many are asking why the political, religious and media leadership in our country won’t condemn the new-found tolerance of shameful, vulgar, obscene, racist and tasteless comments of journalists and entertainers flooding the airwaves and social media mostly directed at the president of the United States and political enemies. Given the silence and failure to condemn such actions by most local and national political leaders and the media — implying that such language and actions are acceptable — there is no wonder why Bill Maher felt so comfortable uttering the “N” word last week. Great message for South Florida youth.

Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel

Throughout South Florida, urban neighborhoods are undergoing a transformation. We must ensure that these neighborhoods are not simply viewed as valuable land development opportunities, but also ways in which to invest in the people who have lived in these communities for generations. This week, Miami-Dade County sold blighted land in Overtown to David Beckham to realize vision of a professional soccer stadium. Kudos to Commissioner Audrey Edmonson for securing a litany of community benefits for local residents and companies. The real renaissance will take place when residents of varied socio-economic levels can coexist in proximity and quality of life is elevated for all near to the stadium.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week I sponsored a resolution, along with Mayor Barbara Sharief and Commissioner Michael Udine, opposing withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The resolution, co-sponsored by all the commissioners, reaffirms that the Broward County Commission has a history of leadership on climate change initiatives, and has long acknowledged that greenhouse gas emissions greatly affect climate change and the sustainability of our environment and economy. Despite withdrawal by the U.S., Broward County will continue to lead, joining states, local governments, private sector entities and non-profits in pursuing goals consistent with the Paris Agreement.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Kudos to the Florida Legislature for insisting medical marijuana was included in special session 2017A — 95 percent was the same as the previous bills that passed during regular session. But a new wrinkle was added: up to two new licenses will be given to “facilities that are or were used for canning, concentrating, or otherwise processing of citrus fruit or citrus molasses and will use the facilities for the processing of marijuana.” Why? Is this a bailout? Where are the preferences for veteran-owned businesses that will hire vets or businesses run by women?

Robert Weinroth, deputy mayor, Boca Raton

In the game of chicken that characterized the Florida legislative session, it appears that Gov. Rick Scott has won. Notwithstanding the cries of corporate welfare when rejecting the governor’s request for Enterprise Florida funding, Senate President Joe Negron and House Leader Robert Corcoran have agreed to restore funding during a hastily called special session. The cost of this session, paid by the taxpayers, could have been avoided with negotiations undertaken two months ago. It is a shame that one victim of this compromise was FAU Tech Runway which saw its $1.2 million job creation funding line item vetoed.