Looking ahead to this week

Anna Fusco,

president, Broward Teachers Union

Workplace bullying is nearly out of control. Many workers, out of fear that their livelihood will be jeopardized, are forced to endure verbal abuse and sometimes far worse. This is happening in Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and, sadly, even in our schools. Those being bullied need advocates by their side. The strength of protection from a movement like #MeToo, the Women’s March, and unions helps the victims feel supported. This needs to happen with bullying. Those being bullied need to also shout “enough” and share their story, so that other victims will be emboldened to say “Me too!”

Gerry Litrento,

senior executive vice president, BankUnited

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and it is estimated that in the near future average human knowledge will double every 12 hours thanks to nanotechnology and the internet. After being unnerved that soon what you know one day will be obsolete the next, let’s not focus on the Silicon Valley geniuses that made this happen but the true wizards — teachers who are using innovative techniques to help students learn to integrate a constantly evolving knowledge base and maintain the fresh perspectives needed to thrive in the information age.

John "Jack" P. Seiler,

former mayor, Fort Lauderdale

The Florida Supreme Court unanimously ruled that cameras are a legal way to catch red-light runners, so it is likely that many cities will institute or reinstitute red-light camera programs around the state of Florida. Advocates argue that these red-light cameras save lives, reduce intersectional accidents, and change the driving behavior of motorists. Critics contend that they are simply revenue generators for governments and may not make roads safer. It will be interesting to track this issue through the Florida Legislature next session, since a bill to abolish the cameras passed earlier this year in the Florida House of Representatives but failed to pass in the Florida Senate.

Richard Stark,

member, Florida House of Representatives

Homeowners insurance rates continue to rise, often over 20 percent for people without claims. Part of this is due to the cost of reinsurance after the numerous catastrophic events last year; Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and the California wildfires. Much is also due to bogus or inflated claims from water damage filed by contractors under the Assignment of Benefits clause in insurance policies. The Florida Legislature has been unable to pass legislation to address this issue, and the trial attorneys and the insurance companies must finally come to an agreement, or consumers will continue to foot the bill.

Tracey Grossman,

chairperson, Florida Anti-Defamation League

In the Snapchat app, a Sarasota-area high school student posted a picture of himself asking his intended prom date: “If I was black I’d be picking cotton…but I’m white, so I’m picking you for prom?” This may seem shocking, but racism and anti-Semitism are awash throughout social media apps, video games, and the like. We work with internet and social media companies, but parents must be active participants in our children’s social media use. If we stay on the sidelines — bigotry will be their virtual reality.

Paul Castronovo,

host, Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9

Last week Kanye West, rapper/Kardashian, lost his mind (It may have happened a long time ago, but I just noticed, along with millions of others). According to Kanye, or “Ye” as he calls himself, “slavery was a choice.” Is that right? Do you really think anyone chose to be taken from their families, shackled and put on a boat, brought to a strange land and sold into a life of hard labor? Of course after the expected backlash, he added, “Once again I’m being attacked for presenting new ideas.” Going forward, I have an idea, Kanye: Shut up, you’re not helping.

Michael De Lucca,

president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

As summer is approaching, it’s time to ensure our children are receiving appropriate swim safety education through swimming lessons so they can enjoy their summer by cooling down in the water. Unfortunately last week, police found a 3-year-old child unresponsive floating in a community swimming pool. While drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 4 and under, it is preventable. In Broward County, SWIM Central is the coordinating agency for water-safety education and awareness that offers 10, free 30-minute water-safety classes over a two-week time frame. Contact SWIM Central by calling 954-357-SWIM or emailing SWIMCentral@Broward.org.

Eduardo J. Padron,

president, Miami Dade College

Mother’s Day is coming up. Moms are always the most significant driving forces behind every success. I always fondly remember my late mother who was truly the boss in my family. I’ll never forget her final charge to me as I left Cuba for America as a teen; alone with my younger brother in tow and with an uncertain future. Without knowing if she’d ever see me again, she made me promise that I’d go to college even if it meant going hungry or working three jobs. She wouldn’t let go of my hands until I agreed. Please give your mothers lots of love every day, not just on their special day. If you don’t have plans yet, you can treat mom to an amazing brunch at MDC’s Tuyo Restaurant.