Looking ahead to this week

Beam Furr, mayor, Broward County

The mayors of Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties will gather together this week in Fort Lauderdale for the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Summit, where they will sign Compact 2.0. This will be the Second Regional Climate Change Action Plan. This is a regional commitment to not only reduce greenhouse gases, but also to offer solutions toward sustainability. This year’s theme is the “Business of Resilience.” The discussion has shifted from debating the reality of climate change to dealing with the ramifications of how it impacts issues such as future economic development, infrastructure, property values and insurance.

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

Trump has formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. While this decision has been derided by seemingly every nation on this globe, his declaration was simply one of reality: countries choose their own capital, and Israel chose Jerusalem, some 3,500-plus years ago! Recognizing the political fallout of America’s decision to affirm that reality, it certainly would be in everyone’s interest if Israel and the Palestinians could again try to negotiate their differences. If only there were credible Palestinian leaders. If only any of the Arab countries would even recognize Israel’s right to exist and be aware of her daily existential threats.

Ghenete Wright Muir, attorney. Realtor. LGBTQ advocate

The Caribbean community will continue to grapple with the suicide of Lowell Hawthorne, the Jamaican businessman whose Golden Krust patty shop grew into a thriving franchise. This tragedy has forced us to address mental health and suicide awareness. While some on social media expressed condolences, others judged Hawthorne harshly. We shouldn’t judge a person who was clearly suffering. No one knows the anguish a person feels when they take their lives. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide please get help. There are many resources available, including The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline with a live person 24/7. Call 1-800-273-8255.

J. David Armstrong Jr., president, Broward College

Moody’s has downgraded its financial outlook for higher education from stable to negative, citing uncertainty in federal policy, low tuition revenue, decreased state funding, and mounting operational costs. Coupled with cuts in state funding, federal financial aid programs and unknown impacts from the proposed GOP tax bill, higher education institutions are at the same time facing rising costs of health care insurance, utilities and other expenses. While we keep our costs under control by pursuing alternative sources of revenue, public-private partnerships, and cost savings initiatives, we need our political leaders to support higher education as an investment in our workforce, economic development, and providing a pathway to prosperity for our significant percentage of working poor and underemployed through training and education.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

The final countdown to Dec. 15, the last day that residents can sign up for a health plan under the Affordable Health Care Act, has officially begun. Over 626,000 Floridians have enrolled for health insurance in the enrollment period. There are still thousands of people who have not yet signed up. You can call Broward Regional Health Planning Council today to sign up for health insurance 954-561-9681 or visit www.brhpc.org for additional information. There are only a few days left to enroll in a health insurance plan to have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2018. Don’t miss the deadline.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Broward Charter Review Commission will consider whether you get to vote on creation of an elected mayor of Broward County. Now, the Broward mayor changes every year. You don’t vote for the mayor; five members of Broward County Commission decide. Because the mayor changes every year, continuity of policies and priorities is undermined year to year. The chosen mayor is not accountable countywide for policies or even required to be engaged countywide. This week, 10 appointed people will decide if you and I can decide for ourselves if we want an elected mayor. The Sun Sentinel got it right supporting an elected mayor.

Stephanie Toothaker, attorney, Tripp Scott

Government shutdown talk is back in Washington. While President Trump warned Democratic leadership was looking at something “very dangerous — shutting down,” Nancy Pelosi took to Twitter herself to downplay the situation, saying she was “hopeful.” This president is clearly not afraid the take brinksmanship to a new level. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail during the holiday season.

Tracey Grossman, chairperson, Florida Anti-Defamation League

Every December, public school students, parents, teachers and administrators face the difficult task of acknowledging various religious and secular holiday traditions. There is a line between teaching about religious holidays (which is permitted), and celebrating religious holidays or engaging students in activities that are akin to religious observance (which is not permitted). By observing the First Amendment, students’ appreciation of different traditions can be enriched. A message of inclusivity can bring students together in focusing on similarities and distinctions (not differences) — and the benefits of that message can carry far beyond December.