South Florida 100

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

The top stories last week

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

The Trump administration has announced it will end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians in January 2018. This humanitarian program was extended to Haiti after the nation was struck by a devastating earthquake, and since then, thousands of Haitian TPS recipients have been living and thriving in our South Florida community, while also contributing to Haiti’s rebuilding. Meanwhile, Haiti’s recovery has been undermined by drought, economic instability, public health crises, and natural disasters. It is cruel to send our neighbors back into harm’s way. I’m urging the president to reconsider his decision. The United States must help Haiti rebuild and recover.

Tracey Grossman, chairperson, Florida Anti-Defamation League

Last week, I led the Florida delegation to the Anti-Defamation League’s Never Is Now Summit. A main area of focus was online bigotry. The web amplifies the power of individuals who are able to reach the masses with a simple status update or click of a “share” link. So, if technology reflects the values of those who use it, each of us must renew our commitment to compassion by speaking up for others when we see or hear slander, whether in our Twitter feeds or at our dinner tables. To learn how to report online hate, go to https:// www.adl.org/adl-cyber-safety-action-guide.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

The Broward Sheriff ’s Office wants pedestrians and bicyclists to be alert today, so they can be alive tomorrow. Our roadways are dangerous enough for pedestrians and bicyclists even under the best of circumstances. They become downright deadly, however, when people aren’t alert or paying attention. That’s why BSO has teamed up again with the Florida Department of Transportation and the University of South Florida to educate people and enforce safe pedestrian, bicyclist and driver behaviors. Being alert means not paying attention to your cellphone, walking facing traffic or blocking the sounds of traffic with headphones and loud music.

Ghenete Wright Muir, attorney. Realtor. LGBTQ advocate

There was an outpouring of grief for the loss of Bishop S.F. Makalani-MaHee — a pillar in our community. Nadine Smith of Equality Florida said, “Florida has lost a peaceful warrior for LGBTQ justice.” Bishop advocated for the LGBTQ community for over 30 years initially as a lesbian and later as a transgender man. He founded Black Gay Pride South Florida. Numerous couples fondly recall how Bishop officiated their weddings. This prolific poet with an infectious smile and sincere hug touched countless lives. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on through his work.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

The Broward School Board is among nearly a dozen state school boards challenging the Supreme Court to block an education law passed during the Spring legislative session involving charter schools and teacher bonuses. They contend it will produce “irreversible damage” to our public education system, putting student education and teacher employment at risk. Shouldn’t we look at every possibility to ensure only the highest standards of education for our students, and reward the best teachers teaching them? Being territorial is not the answer. Encouraging high-performing charter schools to serve low-income area, consistently failing, traditional public schools just may be the answer.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Time and again, the president has sided with giant corporations over hardworking Americans. Last month, Trump signed a resolution preventing consumers from filing class-action lawsuits against Wall Street’s abuse. Last week, the administration announced its support of a tax plan that would give massive handouts to big oil companies, while raising taxes on 50 percent of American households within the decade. Now, the Trump administration has released its proposal to essentially end net neutrality. It’s a direct threat to a free and open internet and an assault on American innovation and entrepreneurship. I’ll continue to defend net neutrality — and American consumers.

Claudette Bruck, Realtor; former commissioner, Coral Springs

If you purchased your home this year or failed to file for a Homestead Exemption in the past and it is your full-time residence, be sure to file now for tax saving exemptions in 2018. When filing you must present your driver’s license or ID, Social Security number and voter registration card or declaration of domicile. You may be eligible for other exemptions, such as the senior’s additional exemption, a widow/widower exemption or a disability or veteran’s exemption. Occupying the home on or before the first of the year is also a requirement.

James Donnelly, chairman, Broward Workshop

The Fort Lauderdale Black Police Association, United Way, Castle Group, and other volunteers delivered over 600 turkeys to those who needed them most this week. Our police force has a tough job to do and they work very hard at community relations. No one wants a police officer knocking on their door, but when they look and see a smiling officer with a turkey in their hands the outlook changes. This is great for the volunteers to be able to contribute; great for the residents who receive them; and great for our police force to show how much they care.