Looking ahead to this week

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show

Aside from the occasional hurricane and overwhelming heat, we have some pretty nice weather down here, so I like to be outside — a lot. So when I read that a developer wants to knock down Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca and build condos, it got to me. Concerts at Mizner are a unique animal. You can grab a beer, Asian or Mexican food, even some sushi and then head to a show. Everyone from Don Henley to the Black Crowes have played there. We don’t have a lot of live music in Boca. Do you know what we do have? Condos.

Dan Daley, vice mayor, Coral Springs; president, Broward League of Cities

November is Military Family Appreciation month. Military families are important as the strength of our soldiers comes from the strength of their families. They are a vital connection between soldiers and the military’s ability to remain strong. All military families — active, guard, reserve, survivors, veterans and retirees — are giving back in this time of need. With thousands of soldiers deployed, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by military families has never been more important. Take time to help a military family and be a part of honoring all our veterans on Nov. 11, 2017.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Add this to the list of injustices — but this one can be corrected by the voters. Thousands of military veterans — men and woman who served their country, some in conflict where they risked their lives to defend our country and our constitution — are denied the most fundamental right of being an American citizen, the right to vote. These veterans join more than a million other Floridians who have a felony conviction but who have paid their debt to society by completing their sentence. They defended the rights of all of us and they should not be denied theirs.

Andrew Duffell, president, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

As the vicennial review of the Florida Constitution begins to wind down, and potential amendments are put forward for consideration, the Constitutional Review Commission should adhere to a simple maxim: First, do no harm. Our state is known for its stable political and institutional environment, and that is something businesses look for when deciding where to startup or locate. If we start altering the state constitution with amendments that could be achieved legislatively, we run the risk of the framework document being weakened. For the sake of our continued economic development we should preserve the constitution as a framework document.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

I am happy to see that legislators are considering making texting and driving a primary offense in Florida. This means drivers can be ticketed and fined if the bill is approved during the next legislative session. Motorist can now only be cited for texting while driving if they have been pulled over for another traffic offence. This is not an invasion of privacy as opponents have stated in the past. It’s a critical safety issue. This bill would also double fines for texting and driving in designated school zones or crossings. Let’s finally get this bill passed.

Kathy Koch, president, Ambit Advertising and Public Relations

Whether or not you like the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare,” it’s the only reasonably priced health insurance available for many people. All plans cover emergency services, hospitalization, ambulatory services, prescription drugs, pregnancy, and other benefits. This year, open enrollment is limited to 45 days from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. Plans and premiums are posted on HealthCare.gov for preview. Regardless of politics, the plan will be in effect for the next year. Encourage anyone who does not have insurance to enroll. Local organizations like Broward Regional Health Planning Council provide free certified navigators to help select the best plan.

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

The winds and ensuing damages created by Hurricane Irma seem like ancient history (especially as we are beginning to enjoy the cool autumn breezes). Cleanup is near completed in most areas and tree stumps are being replaced by newly planted vegetation. However, it is important not to forget the fast approaching deadline for making a claim to FEMA for the damages sustained in the storm. Unless a claim is filed by Nov. 9, it will not be considered for payment. Residents are urged to go to: www.DisasterAssistance.gov to review the procedures for submitting claims before they are time barred.

Lauren Book, member, Florida Senate

It may be overstated or too often stated, but we should be reminded that over 70 percent of Floridians voted to allow medical marijuana for very sick Floridians. It is unacceptable that many patients are having to wait 30, 40 or 50 days just to receive authorization to purchase the help they need and that their doctors recommend. We need to resolve this backlog and understand that for too many of those patients, a month may be all or most of the time they have left. Compassion requires that we find a way to speed up this process without compromising public safety.