Looking ahead to this week

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

As the Olympic Winter Games get underway, I am sure we will be overwhelmed by the skill and grit of the athletes who will perform feats of grace and strength that most of us can only dream of. They are deserving of our admiration for their sacrifice and determination to reach these levels. But the stories coming to light during the sentencing of Dr. Larry Nassar point out the need to ensure that the adults are not blinded by the possibility of future glory; that we are watching out for the damage that can be done to the physical and emotional well-being of our children.

Gary Farmer, member, Florida Senate

The Senate Committee on Community Affairs recently passed Senate Bill 224 to eliminate Confederate holidays in Florida. I want to thank my fellow state senator from Broward County, Lauren Book, for proposing this long overdue bill. As we fight for a world that is free of racial divides, it is incredibly important for us to recognize that Florida’s pro-slavery past is not something to be glorified. I have co-sponsored this bill in hopes that with its passage, we can recognize the injustices in our state’s history and eliminate the racist undertones that still pervade our political discourse today.

Steven Geller, member, Broward County Commission

The Florida Legislature passed the Sadowski Act in 1992, funding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which the Legislature has raided recently. This year the Florida Senate has recognized the crisis in affordable housing, and does not raid the trust fund, although the House continues to do so in their budget. Because of term limits, there is no one left in the Legislature that remembers that in 1992, the Realtors and home builders agreed that they’d support the legislation, provided that the money went into a trust fund, used only for affordable housing. The money would not exist without that promise.

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

The House just passed a bipartisan sexual harassment reform bill to ensure a more accountable culture in Congress. Looking forward, we must ensure it becomes law. I’m proud that U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel and I inserted a provision into that House bill requiring complaints be immediately referred to the Ethics Committee. Members have evaded scrutiny of unacceptable behavior for far too long, and concealed information from their Ethics Committee colleagues who hold our institution to the highest standard. Every American deserves a hostile-free workplace, whether it’s in an office, on a factory floor or in the halls of Congress.

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

In what has become an all too common occurrence, another accident occurred on our rails. This past week’s collision involved an Amtrak train, which collided with a freight train. Preliminary findings point to a switch left in the incorrect position. It is clear, human mistakes have the potential of causing catastrophic situations. Amtrak adopted technology for automatic braking in 2015 on its Northeast Corridor. Installation of this technology would likely have prevented the accident. Autonomous automobiles are just around the corner. It’s time to demand development and installation of available technology to make rail travel safer.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9

I was here when the Dolphins last won a Super Bowl, but I was only 14 and really don’t remember how “we” celebrated. I’m not even sure if the high-five was invented yet, but I do know this: We didn’t burn the city and nobody that I know ate horse poop (as one Eagle fan did). Did anyone bring a keg of beer into City Hall (Yeah, Philly did that too.)? How would we act? Will we ever get a chance to find out? Vegas has the Dolphins at 75 to 1 odds for next season. I’m thinking it may be a while.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Survivors of domestic violence will receive help accessing the court system thanks to action taken this past week by Broward County Commissioners. It can be difficult for someone suffering from domestic abuse to get to the courthouse if they are custodial parents of young children. That’s why Broward County Commissioners voted unanimously to appropriate funds for child care at the Main Courthouse while parents are participating in legal proceedings related to domestic violence. Broward County will contract for child care services with the YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade — which offers such services at four Dade County courthouses.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Our country spends nearly $20 billion for this week’s “Day of Love.” While Valentine’s Day has some people bursting into romantic moods, while others decry the commercialism of the holiday, candy, cards, flowers, jewelry and other gifts will be given to wives, husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends. For those not in a romantic relationship, however, it can be a trying day. Maybe the emphasis should be more toward a day of celebrating love and friendship toward all ages and relationships, including all family members and friends. And, let’s celebrate love every day, not just on one special day of the year.