The top stories last week

Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

As we commemorate Veterans Day this weekend, I would like all of us to reflect on the invaluable contributions our veterans have made on behalf of our country. These men and women currently serve or served our country selflessly and courageously, and it is because of their sacrifice that we enjoy the unparalleled freedoms our great nation affords. At MDC, we currently are honored to have among us nearly 1,500 student veterans — five of them Purple Heart recipients — as well as numerous faculty and staff members who’ve served. To them and to all veterans, we thank you.

Steven Ronik, CEO, Henderson Behavioral Health

Another catastrophic mass shooting. By the way, prayers are not working — this was in a church. The United States continues to have more guns per capita and more gun deaths per capita than any other nation. Massachusetts, with common-sense gun laws, has fewer gun deaths per capita than all other states. See the connection? The rest of the world has figured this out. Yes, we need more mental health services and access, but that's not the direct problem. The link between domestic violence and gun-related deaths is overwhelming as well. But we know what needs to be done. Will we do it?

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

Sadly, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) saga continues. While legislation passed the House last week and is awaiting action in the Senate, it was the first time since CHIP’s inception that it was not passed on a bipartisan basis and its fate in the Senate isn’t clear. While the parents of 9 million children live in fear of losing health insurance for their children, Congress continues to play games. This is bad for families and bad for society. Congress must stop playing politics and come together to protect our children’s health care.

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

The long lines of South Florida residents patiently corralled at BB&T Center and Hard Rock Stadium reveal the underbelly of income disparities in our community. This is a clear sign that we need a more robust civic endowment to bolster any recovery efforts from governmental resources after a hurricane. We barely got the outer bands of the storm. We are clearly not fully prepared for a direct hit. More importantly, these endless lines also indicate that there are more chronic needs than the naked eye may reveal. I hope our business and political leadership are taking a keen note.

Linda B. Carter, president, Community Foundation of Broward

By renewing Superintendent Bob Runcie’s contract, our school board members took effective action to ensure the upward trajectory of Broward students continues. Under Bob’s leadership graduation rates have gone up, school innovation has gone up, school performance has gone up, operational efficiencies has gone up, teachers’ salaries have gone up and public confidence of the district has gone up. At last week’s meeting there was an unprecedented endorsement of Runcie’s contract renewal during the public comments by students, parents, teachers, principals and both business and faith-based leaders. Kudos to school board members who ensured we retained a great leader.

Sheldon Harr, founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

It is amazing (a miracle?) what Israel has accomplished in her 70 years of modern existence. Having just returned from Israel, on a mission with special experiences and concentration on the Negev Desert and its development, I see Israel has indeed made the desert bloom. High-tech, medicine and agriculture are just three of Israel’s significant achievements, enriching the entire world. At the same time, we recognize that Israel is situated in a hostile neighborhood. Nonetheless, while militarily mighty, Israel seeks peace. If only partners would present themselves, peace should and could blossom, to the benefit of Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Kristin Jacobs, member, Florida House of Representatives

By now, all of Florida has heard about the lack of respect too many women are facing in our state’s Capitol. Constant rumblings and dozens of news reports of harassment, sexual coercion and sexual improprieties dominate public and private conversations. It’s real. It’s sad. And it tarnishes our state. This is not what the public sent us here to do, but unfortunately, it is what we must deal with, and we must do so swiftly and justly so we can get back to addressing the myriad challenges facing the entire state.

Philip Purcell, CEO/president, Marine Industries Association of South Florida

Last week the 58th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was held at seven locations along the Intracoastal Waterway, and the city graciously welcomed approximately 105,000 visitors from more than 50 countries. As owners of the show, MIASF extends heartfelt thanks to the residents, elected officials, and guests of Fort Lauderdale for helping to host the largest in-water boat show in the world. FLIBS, which is produced by Informa Global Exhibitions, supports the $11.5 billion marine industry throughout the year and is the single largest economic event in the state of Florida, contributing $857 million to the overall economy.