Looking ahead to this week

Robert Weinroth, council member, Boca Raton

This week’s much-anticipated announcement by Gov. Rick Scott that he is running for the U.S. Senate ensures a very expensive campaign will unfold over the next seven months for a seat with national implications. However, perhaps more impactful to Florida’s election process will be the numerous questions placed on November’s ballot by the Constitutional Revision Commission. Convened every 20 years, it is more than likely that voters will be confronted by two dozen potential changes to Florida’s Constitution. Voters should give consideration to requesting Vote by Mail ballots to avoid what promises to be a complicated ballot creating long lines.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9

A Pennsylvania school district has figured out how to protect their children in the wake of the Parkland shooting, and it ain’t what ya’ think. No, they haven’t put in metal detectors. No posted armed guards, or even clear book bags (a real hit at Stoneman Douglas). No, they have armed each classroom with a 16-inch mini baseball bat, and I am not joking. The superintendent of schools says the bats are primarily “symbolic,” but are now an option for teachers to use should they need to fight back in a school shooting. And how exactly would you do that?

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Habitat for Humanity and Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence (HOPE, Inc.) recently marked the 50th anniversaries of Dr. Martin Luther King’s tragic death and passage of the Fair Housing Act. These organizations work to further King’s dream of a world where everyone can find a decent place to live without facing discrimination, which is still far too prevalent. Unfortunately, it sometimes seems as if King’s dream is less a dream realized than a dream deferred. Much work remains, especially regarding access to fair and affordable housing, but through organizations like Habitat and HOPE, Inc., the dream will be realized.

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

In 2015 Kalashnikov USA relocated their weapons assembly production to Pompano Beach, lured by Gov. Rick Scott, possibly with offers of tax incentives. As if having the producer of Kalashnikov assault rifles in our backyard isn’t troubling enough, the company may have violated U.S. law by importing gun parts from and sharing profits with the Russian Kalashnikov company, which was sanctioned in 2014. I have asked the Treasury Department to investigate this case and determine whether federal laws were broken in order to protect Kalashnikov’s profits in Russia. This story may have serious implications for our national security and the safety of our community.

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group

Research shows that friendships boost our immune system, increase lifespan, decrease the risks for chronic diseases, and improve pain tolerance. Yet the AARP estimates that 42.6 million Americans over 45 suffer from loneliness, boosting their chance of premature death. While friendships can seem like a luxury in today’s culture of busyness, they contribute to our overall health. Simple acts of kindness and acknowledging kind gestures can lead to friendships. Those friendships, if cultivated, stave off loneliness. Instead of binge watching TV or aimlessly searching social media, show someone you care. This prescription cures loneliness and adds years to your life.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

A new ad campaign targeting motorists between 18 and 34 and 54 to 74 years old is hitting local televisions. The 30-second spot called “Drive Baked, Get Busted” is the result of Florida’s recent legalization of medical marijuana. The campaign, costing approximately $5 million, is supposed to educate Floridians about being impaired while driving and promote awareness of impaired driving laws. The question remains, however, how is law enforcement supposed to determine whether a driver is high while driving? I’m all for educating, but we must have the means to dish out the consequences.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Like many residents, I’ve been disturbed by the number of shuttered storefronts in recent years on Las Olas Boulevard. Change seems to be in the air with a dynamic mix of new restaurants. Recent activity includes the reopening of Mangos, the launch of El Camino and the grand opening of Boathouse at the Riverside. Some six other new restaurants are in the works, including Del Frisco’s Grille with award-winning American fare and Vapiano’s with an innovative continental cuisine. My hope is that this wave of new restaurants is followed by a spate of new retail offerings. A vibrant Las Olas is part of what makes Fort Lauderdale wonderful.

Michael Udine, member, Broward County Commission

Modernization of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is key to Broward’s growth. FLL is in the process of a multibillion-dollar development program. If you’ve flown recently you’ve noticed that the terminals have received a makeover. From concessions, to spacious customs and security areas, Broward County’s goal is to make the FLL experience enjoyable. These enhancements over the past four years increased our reach at home and abroad. This has shown in the diversification of passenger traffic. International passenger traffic has climbed from 15.7 percent of passengers to 22.1 percent of the overall volume. Wherever you go FLL will try to make it happen.