The top stories last week

Bradette Jepsen, president, League of Women Voters of Broward County

Apparently, recycling in Broward County has become more trouble than it’s worth. The market for recyclables has disappeared, recyclable materials are contaminated, and Waste Management proposes doubling the rates it charges Broward cities. Of course, we can look for other markets for recyclables and educate citizens about contamination, but let’s also explore why Waste Management has a monopoly on the recycling business in Broward County. Florida’s Attorney General’s office says it will take a “significant amount of fact-gathering” to find out if there is an anti-trust violation. Isn’t investigating potential law violations the Attorney General’s job?

Beam Furr, mayor, Broward County

This last week, two cities in Broward County suspended their recycling program because of the increased costs that were being passed on to them by local companies. It’s no secret that the market is down for recycling resources. China has reduced its demand in part because of the contamination level they are finding in our materials. Consequently, it’s hard to make a profit without charging more. This should be in the public sector’s hands, according to consultants that have been hired by Broward County, where the service is provided at the associated cost.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Month 1 of the 2018 hurricane season is over and about 5 months left to go! As cochair of the Congressional Consortium for Safe Seniors with U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, we realize many people do not know how their government can help them prepare beforehand and recover in the aftermath of natural disasters. Seniors should register with Broward County government, local hospitals and FPL as being part of either the vulnerable or special needs population registry to receive notification of shelter openings and transportation assistance. Those interested in volunteering in shelters can sign up through Broward County/United Way by calling 3-1-1.

Anthony Abbate, Florida Atlantic University, Associate Provost, Broward

Summer continues to heat up to unprecedented levels as heat domes around the northern hemisphere bring record breaking heat and humidity. According to climate scientist — and evangelical Christian — Katherine Hayhoe, the strange weather phenomena we are witnessing is perhaps best described as the result of “global weirding.” According to her, climate change is not simply an economic challenge but a grand opportunity to tackle issues of poverty, access to clean water and social justice as we seek solutions. The most harmful myth is not that it isn’t real, but that it’s a hopeless cause.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

The Jeff Sessions/Donald Trump Justice Department just rescinded Obama administration policies that encourage colleges and universities to use race as one factor in admissions to ensure a diverse student body. Universities generally understand the value of diversity to ensure a valued educational experience. But if Trump’s “race-neutral” guidelines are effective in encouraging universities to ignore diversity, it will mean that enrollment in colleges, and in the workplace in years to come, will become more racially segregated. Has Trump run out of Obama initiatives to repeal? The animus to anything Obama seems to be a unifying theme of the Trump administration.

Michael A. Barnett, chairman, Republican Party of Palm Beach County

President Trump promised to name his choice to replace the retiring justice Anthony Kennedy — most likely Amy Coney Barrett or Brett Kavanaugh. Will the Senate Democrats give Trump’s nominee a fair shake this time? Considering their 30-year history going back to Robert Bork, probably not. We can most likely expect them to take the low road and make religious beliefs an issue. We can also be sure the Democrats probably regret employing the “nuclear option” for confirming judges. But then they never imagined Trump would be doing the nominating.

Dwight Bullard, former member, Florida Senate, political director, the New Florida Majority

Florida could defy its own sullied history of racial politics and nominate a person of color in not one, but two different statewide seats. For some people the notion of that is scary. In reality it is past due. Floridians need to get over the idea of electing a person of color to a statewide seat as some sense of loss. These candidates, like most Floridians, want clean air, safe streets and good schools. They are as much a product of the American experience as you or I. Understanding and acceptance is something we all should be carrying in the voting booth in August and November.

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

We are now in the midst of the hottest month of the year in South Florida. Some tips to stay safe during this weather include, wearing sunscreen and bug repellent, choosing lightweight and light-colored clothing, staying hydrated, using designated crosswalks and being in the air conditioning. Additionally, when engaging in outdoor activities make sure to drink more water, have proper supervision while children are swimming and eliminate standing water around your homes to prevent Zika. With these simple safety tips kept in mind, this summer should be one of the best to remember.