South Florida 100

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

The top stories last week

Mitch Ceasar, former chairman, Broward Democratic Party

Perhaps we can all agree that we do not elect our governmental officials just to “keep us in their thoughts and prayers.” Las Vegas just experienced the worst mass killing in U.S. history. Yet we still have not any serious discussions about guns. This is not about outlawing, just common sense regulation. Americans favor background checks by a 92-7 margin. That includes 86 percent of Republicans. Do not tell me of your thoughts — show me some action. Maybe then tragedies like this and the Newtown children will not be lost in the smoke of bullets and political nonsense.

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

We were shocked Monday by horrific news that 59 people were killed and 500 injured in Las Vegas. We asked, “What can be done?” Columbine shocked us. Nothing was done. Virginia Tech shocked us. Nothing was done. Fort Hood shocked us. Nothing was done. An Aurora theater shooting shocked us. Nothing was done. Sandy Hook Elementary shocked us. Nothing was done. A Charleston church shooting shocked us. Nothing was done. San Bernardino shocked us. Nothing was done. A nightclub in Orlando shocked us. Nothing was done. A Fort Lauderdale airport shooting shocked us. Nothing was done. There were many more. What WILL be done?

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

The widespread devastation that Hurricane Maria deposited in the Caribbean left many of us wondering how we could help. United Way and Broward County worked with Royal Caribbean and welcomed almost 4,000 Hurricane Maria evacuees. We were able to provide aid by setting up a Relief Fair with 30 other agencies and help those who were in need of housing, disaster relief and other social services. These families have lost everything, but in a short amount of time we were able to provide them a glimmer of hope as they rebuild their lives.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas tragedy. But thoughts and prayers are just not enough. Thoughts and prayers won’t bring back the innocent victims killed in these increasingly common tragedies. Thoughts and prayers don’t ease the pain of families who are robbed of their loved ones. What we need today is action. Instead of sending thoughts and prayers, our elected officials in Washington and Tallahassee must finally gain the courage to take action and pass common-sense gun legislation. Well done is always better than well said. We need results. Now.

Michael Udine, Broward County commissioner

I learned early in life the saying, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” That’s why I recently reached out to Amazon.com to explain why Broward County would be an ideal location for their second worldwide headquarters. We have a world class airport and seaport, low tax rate, and amenities. Whether or not this opportunity works out we must continue to competitively position our area to attract businesses like this moving forward. That means focusing on building our affordable housing market, investing in infrastructure, supporting our growing workforce, and showcasing our unique cultural offerings to attract top businesses like Amazon to South Florida.

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

As Congress wasted time with repeated failed attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired Sept. 30, mostly unnoticed by lawmakers. Florida is among 11 states that are projected to run out of federal funds by January due to Congress failing to act before Sept 30. Nine million children around the nation — 428,000 in Florida — are now at risk of losing access to doctors, dentists and lifesaving prescription medicines due to lack of insurance. Congress, stop playing politics with children! Protect our next generation. Renew CHIP. The clock is ticking.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Broward residents who are out of work due to Hurricane Irma may be eligible for temporary jobs through a federal grant program administered by Careersource Broward. The available positions mainly involve debris removal and hurricane cleanup, along with humanitarian and restoration assistance, and pay between $10 and $20 per hour. To learn more, visit careersourcebroward.com or call 954-202-3830, extension 3119. Other assistance for people impacted by the storm are also available through Careersource, including disaster related unemployment compensation, and bridge loans for small businesses affected by Irma.

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

Everybody is for hearing protection. Right? That’s why the “Hearing Protection Act” had a good chance of passing out of the House of Representative. The problem is that this bill dealt with the regulation of gun suppressors also known as silencers. Congress has finally started to fear that Americans are fed up with the NRA controlling the congressional agenda on guns. Americans should know that politicians like to put fancy words to make something look and sound like it’s for some good cause. Beware, the “Hearing Protection Act” can really help the sick people who kill with guns.