The top stories last week

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

America is experiencing a cultural earthquake shift of the tectonic voices of women. Women will no longer, we hope, be silenced to any unwanted advances or harassment in and outside of the workplace. For those with or without power, the simply mantra is “NO means NO.” The shift in our culture also lies squarely in the responsibility of men to help create a world where all men and boys are loving and respectful and all women and girls are valued and safe. Visit the nonprofit organization acalltomen.org to learn more on how we could do better.

Ina Lee, president Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

After many years, the redevelopment of Bahia Mar was passed by the Fort Lauderdale City Commission with a 4 to 1 vote. The development team has created an exciting new destination for the south end of Fort Lauderdale Beach which includes a permanent home for the Boat Show; pubic access to the marina and views of the Intracoastal; new restaurants and retail; an upscale food market; upgraded infrastructure including raised seawalls; a brand new hotel; and a residential component. Yes, there are many detractors, but this will be a good addition to our beach.

Gary Farmer, member, Florida Senate

This past week my colleagues in the State Senate Judiciary Committee rejected three bills that among other things would have allowed individuals to bring guns on to school property and into our courthouses. These pieces of legislation were horribly out of touch with the current crisis that our nation is facing regarding gun violence. In today’s day and age, we need to be strengthening safeguards to stop the proliferation of guns in public places, and I commend my fellow state senators on both sides of the aisle who recognized that earlier this week.

Michael Dennis, M.D., chairman, Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

Conversations are bubbling over this week within the health care industry about CVS Health’s bid to acquire Aetna insurance for $69 billion. Having already banned cigarette sales and added healthier foods in its 9700 locations, CVS is on a mission to increase its prescription drug business and offer clinical assistance for routine ailments. Offering blood work and nutrition advice are being considered. Encouraging the action is the threat from Amazon.com of entering the competition for sales of prescription drugs. By combining its resources with Aetna’s 22 million insurance members, ideally patients should receive quality care at reasonable medical care costs.

Barbara M. Sharief, member, Broward County Commission

On Dec. 5, Broward County commissioners unanimously voted in favor of protecting veterans, victims of domestic violence and stalking as well as government aid recipients from housing discrimination by amending our Human Rights Act. The vote will better ensure our residents have full access to housing. Federal and state laws prohibit housing discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and other factors. Broward County adds additional protections including marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, pregnancy and gender identity or expression. We need to protect those who are in need of affordable housing. For detailed information, please visit broward.org/commission.

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

Taylor Force, a 28-year-old West Point graduate and veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, was tragically killed by a Palestinian terrorist during a visit to Israel last year. But rather than condemning this terrorist attack, the Palestinian Authority continued its practice of rewarding terrorists and sending payments to their families. Under this “pay for slay” program, the PA has distributed over $1 billion to terrorists’ families. I am proud that the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Taylor Force Act to pressure the PA to stop these indefensible payments.

Howard Finkelstein, chief public defender, Broward County

The Broward Outreach Center is the county’s link to services for the homeless. It recently changed its procedures and required all homeless people to apply for services by phone. Think about that for a second. People with no homes and no money can’t get help without a phone. Commissioner Mark Bogen met privately with Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren and fixed the problem for the defendants appearing in her Mental Health Court. Homeless and mentally ill defendants who are assigned other courtrooms were not considered. BOC must serve all homeless people, and its services should not divvied out behind closed doors.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

Regarding the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. the Colorado Civil Rights Commission: The Supreme Court should preserve the ability of people to live out their faith in daily life, regardless of their occupation. Artists deserve to have the freedom to express ideas — or to decline to create certain messages. Justice Anthony Kennedy acknowledged in the Obergefell decision in 2015 that people who oppose same-sex marriage “reach that conclusion based on decent and honorable religious or philosophical premises.” Creative professionals should be allowed to use their artistic talents in line with these decent and honorable convictions.