South 1 Florida

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

The top stories last week Ava L. Parker, president, Palm Beach State College

This past week, the Constitution Revision Commission held public hearings at Nova Southeastern University. By 5 p.m. Tuesday, over 300 people had registered to voice their opinions on the proposed amendments. I was there to advocate for amendment No. 83, which adds the Florida College System to the Constitution. The FCS is the only public education system that is not mentioned in the Constitution and yet it serves over 800,000 students annually, and it provides crucial infrastructure for our communities. Many will be discussing the CRC and the opportunities that it provides for citizens to voice their opinions.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

The CRC came to Broward. One proposal that stirred controversy was Proposal 88, giving nursing home residents the right to a “trial by jury” and a “bill of rights.” Nursing home residents deserve to be treated equally and should not be blindsided and forced into mandatory arbitration. Some residents don’t even know they are waiving their rights. This is unacceptable. Opponents say this proposal is a relief act for the trial lawyers. Not so. This is restoration of a fundamental right. Often, merely the threat of litigation will be a warning to owners to change their nursing home practices.

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

South Florida is seeing an epidemic on our roadways as car collisions are occurring from texting and driving. With an 11 percent increase of car accidents from 2013 to 2016, there has been a noticeable trend of careless driving that is solely caused by distractions. Some examples include failing to stay in proper lanes, running a stop sign or sideswiping a vehicle driving in the same direction. These sober interferences are mostly related to texting and driving. If proper laws and regulations come into place, accidents can be preventable and many innocent lives could be saved.

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

Last year, American society experienced a moment of reckoning. No matter your politics or your business, sexual harassment is unacceptable. As ranking member of the Ethics Committee, we have taken action to ensure safe workplaces for House employees. The House of Representatives passed legislation I helped introduce that empowers survivors, guarantees legal protections and resources, and offers justice without fear of retribution. When members of Congress abuse their employees, they will be held accountable to survivors and the public. Every congressional employee, just like every American, deserves an equal chance at success in their careers free from sexual harassment.

Beam Furr, mayor, Broward County

This was a huge week and a big win for the coral reefs that live off our shore. The Florida Legislature passed legislation creating the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area. This legislation creates a “box” stretching from Martin County to Miami-Dade, where scientists can investigate the diseases affecting the corals and begin to address the symptoms. If the bill is signed by Gov. Rick Scott, it will take effect on July 1, helping preserve our reef for years to come. Thank you to Representative Kristin Jacobs and Senators Lauren Book and Gary Farmer for their leadership in introducing it.

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

At the president’s order, the Department of Defense is planning a military parade, all because Trump liked the parade France displayed when he was there on Bastille Day. This would be humorous if it were not true. We don’t need to spend tens of millions of dollars on a military parade. Here’s an alternate plan: Use that money for improving veterans hospitals; hire more doctors, nurses and support staff; utilize more resources for research and development. We need to show appreciation to our veterans by providing top-rated services and by engaging in meaningful acts of support. We don’t need to demonstrate how many weapons of destruction we own.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

During this week’s Broward Days in Tallahassee, I had the privilege of speaking to Broward County Public School students, all of whom had traveled to the Capitol to learn more about our government and witness the State Legislature in action. It’s critically important to involve our youth in the legislative process, as they are the next generation of leaders responsible for ensuring that America remains a vibrant democracy. I was thoroughly impressed with the insightful questions and ideas that the students put forth during our discussion, and I am confident that our future is bright.

George Hanbury, president, Nova Southeastern University

Black History Month reminds us that America’s strength lies in its multicultural heritage. NSU acknowledges this in its Core Values, two of which are Diversity and Community. This marks the 15th year that NSU has hosted a free public showing in NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, which is part of the County Library System. This year’s exhibition, “Back to Black: African Diaspora Influences in Art and Culture,” runs through March 12 and features representations of black cultural experiences by artists of African descent. I encourage the community to share this event with us now, and to celebrate black history all year.