Looking ahead to this week

Ghenete Wright Muir, attorney. Realtor. LGBTQ advocate

With U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy retirement looming, there is great concern for the future. The Humans Rights Campaign Legal Director Sarah Warbelow said it best: “His vacancy leaves a critical open seat on the Court in the irresponsible hands of Donald Trump and Mike Pence … and raises the already-intense stakes for LGBTQ people, women, communities of color, and the nation as a whole …” Kennedy has been the swing vote and authored many rulings that positively changed America. Obergefell v. Hodges, the case that gave us marriage equality, is perhaps his most historical ruling.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

The significance of Supreme Court Justice Kennedy’s retirement cannot be overstated: women’s constitutionally protected right to reproductive freedom is in grave peril. Women’s access to abortion and other forms of critical reproductive healthcare we take for granted have been whittled away for years, but a reshaped Court may overturn Roe v. Wade entirely. Sen. McConnell will surely fail to adhere to the precedent he set in 2016 of delaying a nomination vote during an election year; so we’ve got to fight, and it must be women who lead the way. We cannot stand idly by while our rights are eviscerated.

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

Summer — a time to relax, enjoy time with family and the beautiful South Florida pools and beaches. But as we have once again seen, these bodies of water can prove deadly for our children, especially babies and toddlers. It is imperative that a “Water Watcher” or “Child (ren) Watcher” is designated at any gathering near water. That adult must keep eyes on the children at all times. No cellphones or other distractions until they pass the responsibility to someone else. That minor inconvenience can save lives.

Richard Stark, member, Florida House of Representatives

The effects of the Trump administration rolling back the protections of the Affordable Care Act are beginning to be felt in the marketing of new health plans that not only have limited coverage, but that can decline an applicant or not cover pre-existing conditions. The bold steps to bring the United States in line with other Western nations to have health insurance for all of its citizens is being scaled back, and the measures that Congress has imposed continue to destabilize the individual health insurance marketplace.

Robert Weinroth, former deputy mayor, Boca Raton

With the announced retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Supreme Court of the United States, already leaning right as evidenced by several legal opinions handed down over the past week, is on the verge of becoming, arguably, the most conservative Court since the establishment of the union. Conservatives have viewed Kennedy as an obstacle to reshaping the social agenda, encompassing a full range of issues. During his election campaign, President Trump promised he would endeavor to overturn Roe v. Wade, nominating only pro-life judges to the Supreme Court. He has already honored that commitment when he nominated Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami

The separation of children and parents on the border have outraged many; their plight tugs at our consciences. Locally, Catholic Legal Services, as well as Americans for Immigrant Justice, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and others are working to respond to this crisis. DAILY in the immigration courts of Miami and the detention facilities of South Florida, parents of U.S. citizens, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, receive removal orders from Immigration judges and face imminent deportation. This situation worsens as the mechanisms of deportation ramp up. It will worsen as the humanitarian protections of TPS and DACA expire.

Randall Vitale, president, Hoffman’s Chocolates

There is an effort underway to review mobility on Las Olas boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale which requires proper attention. When the previous city of Fort Lauderdale commissioners unanimously adopted the 2035 Vision Plan, we envisioned a community where “we move seamlessly and easily through a safe transportation system where the pedestrian is first.” I hope the newly elected City Commission honors this Vision Plan and continues the work of figuring out how we move people, not just how we move cars. #FastForwardFortLauderdale

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

This summer many boat operators will enjoy Broward County’s beautiful waterways. Broward County is rightfully known as the “Yachting Capital of the World.” As a boat operator, you are expected to make sure that your vessel carries the required safety equipment and is in compliance with federal and state regulations. A great way to learn about these federal and state regulations is by taking a boating safety class, which are taught throughout the year. For more information please visit, https://www.broward.org/Parks/ThingsToDo/Documents/SafeBoatingGuide.pdf Tim Lonergan,

president, Broward League of Cities; mayor, Oakland Park

The Fourth of July holiday is upon us and many cities are planning parades, concerts, children’s activities and firework displays. These are great events to share with your family and neighbors so check your city’s website to see what festivities are happening. We encourage you to be safe during these celebrations. Make sure that fireworks are properly used and keep a water supply near, supervise the barbecue grill, watch the children at the beach or pool, use lots of sun protection and drink plenty of water. Enjoy celebrating the birth of this great nation 242 years ago!