Looking ahead to this week

Marty Kiar, Broward County property appraiser

A full ad valorem tax exemption on homesteaded property is now available to Florida first responders who became totally and permanently disabled due to an injury sustained in the line of duty. Our office has now begun providing the exemption to qualifying first responders. For example, a former Broward Sheriff ’s deputy, who became totally and permanently disabled while assisting other first responders at Ground Zero after the 9-11 attacks, received the exemption. Please contact me directly at martykiar@bcpa.net or our exemptions department at 954-357-6830 to sign up for this tax saving exemption

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

The 3rd Annual Hurricane Preparedness Open House will be held Saturday, July 15, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. This is a great opportunity for Broward County residents, families and business owners to learn how to become prepared for the unexpected and how to survive hazardous situations. The fun-filled event will provide presentations from emergency preparedness experts, giveaways including emergency preparedness supplies and tours of emergency vehicles and Mobile Command Units. This hurricane season, it is vital to be prepared before a disaster strikes.

Peter Moore, president, Chen Moore and Associates

I recently was made aware that the United States is the only developed country in the world where the rate of deaths among mothers during pregnancy is rising – from 9.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1979 to 18.5 deaths in 2013. Problems ranging from cardiomyopathy and other heart problems, massive hemorrhage, blood clots, infections and pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclampsia) as well as rarer causes often impact mothers well after they’ve left the hospital. The U.S. needs to put in place European style protocols that value the mothers’ lives as much as babies’ lives.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Burglaries of vehicles and homes are supplying the streets with guns and tools for ID theft crimes. Seemingly responsible gun owners leave guns in their vehicles and when guns are stolen, they become part of a criminal network. Car burglaries rarely are about juveniles seeking loose change in the center console. It is more about finding guns and identifications to support a larger criminal network. Prevention starts with education. Law enforcement says being responsible, to avoid unintentionally supplying a criminal network, includes securing guns. Being educated means locking your doors and not leaving purses, computers, and wallets in the car.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

On Tuesday, July 11 at 6 p.m., the City Commission will review the preliminary FY 2018 budget. The budget proposes no increase to the current operating millage rate of 4.1193 per $1,000 of taxable value (which is the lowest tax rate of the 25 largest cities in Florida) and no increase to the fire assessment fee. It addresses neighbor priorities including: enhancing public safety with 10 new firefighters and four new police officers; launching a new roadway maintenance and repair program; implementing traffic flow improvements; renovating seawalls and strengthening resiliency; upgrading water, sewer and drainage infrastructure; and establishing a nighttime economy team to protect quality of life. For more details, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/budget.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

As a powerful economic engine for the Southeastern states, Florida is contributing five percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. In addition to reporting that news, though, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta noted that our region’s limited pool of skilled talent is a prime concern, especially in IT and skilled crafts, and in entry-level positions for hospitality and food services. For Florida’s future, increasing access to career-focused education and training is a must.”

Stephanie Toothaker, attorney, Tripp Scott

While differences on policy, biography, political philosophy are always at the core of political contests, gender may prove to be a significant factor at both the top and bottom of the 2018 ballots. In the Florida gubernatorial race, Democratic front-runner Gwen Graham would be the Sunshine State’s first female governor, and, locally, female candidates are running for seats on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission — where no female has served since 2012. Following the loss of what might have been the first U.S. female presidency, maybe 2018 will be the year of the woman in Florida politics?

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

An interesting test of wills is about to play out between Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Supreme Court. The governor is being pressured to leave appointment of three justices, to fill vacancies that will occur on Jan. 8, 2019 (the same day as he leaves office), to his successor. The prospective appointment of the new (presumably conservative) justices would avoid a prolonged period with three of seven Florida Supreme Court seats empty. However, inasmuch as the governor’s term ends several hours before the terms of the three retiring justices it is clear neither side will stand down without a fight.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Venezuela continues its downward path to civil war which could make it the Syria of Latin America. Catholic Church leaders in Venezuela have denounced the Maduro’s attempt to consolidate his dictatorship by an attempt to rewrite the constitution — and need to be heeded inside and outside the country. The ChavezMaduro government should teach us something about the limits of populism. The belief in “caudillos” — strong men as national saviors is the original sin of Latin America. Caudillos — whether named Peron, Castro, Ortega, or Chavez — have brought misery to their peoples.

Sheldon Harr, founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami EmanuEl

Senators going home for recess either avoided their constituents or got a proverbial ear-full regarding health insurance. Because our representatives get wonderful coverage or come from families who can afford whatever their health costs may be,, they have to be regularly reminded how out of touch they are with most Americans. Obamacare may not have been perfect, but it sure didn’t purposely neglect those who most especially need preventative and continuing care. Wake up, senators and representatives to whom this may apply. Otherwise, you’ll be leaving Washington, not on recess but in an unintended retirement.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

We are saddened to see Miami Heat Player, Chris Bosh leave the team last Tuesday. During his brief time on the team, he had helped the Heat reach four NBA finals in a row and win two world championships. Bosh, we appreciate all you have done in improving and impacting the Miami Heat team and the city. Bosh’s blood clots have interfered with his career and are the reason for his early departure. We wish Bosh a lifetime of happiness and success with his wife and five children.