The top stories last week

Claudette Bruck, Realtor; former commissioner, Coral Springs

Wait a minute, we agreed to reunite these children with their families. What is the hold up? This should be done immediately, just the way they were taken away from their parents; as, every day is critical. If we doubt that, just imagine the impact on our own children as a result of any such separation. We must demand that reunification take place immediately.

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

This past Fourth of July evoked conflicting emotions. On the one hand, many of us have abiding concerns regarding the wellbeing of our country. The welcoming words of Emma Lazarus’ poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty seems significantly tarnished. On the other hand, the Fourth continues to be a special time when fireworks explode around us, even as the national celebrations are broadcast for all Americans to share. We are reminded that there is a reason that families want to work here, raise families here and be proud American citizens. Emotionally, Irving Berlin captured it with his enduring song, “God Bless America.”

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

This week we celebrated our Independence, commemorating our rising up against ruthless leaders who robbed us of basic rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is not without irony that the biggest issue dividing us today is our treatment of thousands who also came here seeking to escape oppressive, life-threatening living conditions. In the week we celebrate freedom, how many children are imprisoned in jail-like conditions after being separated from their parents? We all need to remember why our forefathers sought liberty and justice and help these fellow human beings bravely seeking the same things we sought.

Earl Maucker, commissioner, Lighthouse Point; former editor, Sun Sentinel

It is unimaginable that the Broward County School Board could be considering asking residents to approve another tax hike after blowing any pretense of credibility on the $800 million bond passed in 2014. Board members claim they are not getting clear answers on delays and escalating costs to repair schools. Who’s fault is that!? Pay raises for teachers is a worthy cause, but there is zero confidence that the board can properly administer the funds. They have a lot to prove before they go back to the taxpayers for more money.

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle International

A 3-year-old was beginning to drown in a hotel pool in Daytona Beach. Had it not been for two visitors from New York nearby, she’d be dead today. Florida ranks as the state with the most reported drownings among children. The issue is that adults aren’t closely supervising children around bodies of water. Quite often, adults think another adult is watching the children. I hope this heightens awareness for families to be more diligent about monitoring their children this summer.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

Too many lives are lost each year due to the tragic opioid epidemic that has swept across the country. While many are doing their part to end this epidemic, several pharmacists, nurses and doctors are selfishly capitalizing on this tragic addiction. The lucrative industry recently had a wakeup call when federal authorities charged 601 people across the country including 124 right here in South Florida. Hopefully this crackdown will be one of many to end this illegal activity and reduce the number of lives lost each day.

Robert Runcie, superintendent, Broward County Public Schools

We are grateful to George LeMieux, former U.S. Senator and Chairman of Gunster law firm, for accepting the tough assignment of chairing and creating a steering committee for the Stoneman Douglas Victims Fund (managed by the Broward Education Foundation). The committee, comprised of 17 of South Florida’s most prominent business leaders and professionals, worked diligently to maximize contributions, hold public hearings, meet with Parkland families and develop the allocation formula for the $10.5 million raised. The payments will start going out in mid-July. Again, many thanks to the steering committee for your support of the community we love.

Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

Rhoda Mae Kerr was sworn in as Fort Lauderdale’s fire chief. Her journey has come full circle as she began her career as a firefighter in Fort Lauderdale in 1983 and now serves as the city’s first female fire chief. With her focus being “Zero Fire Deaths,” it is obvious the city is in good hands. Congratulations to Chief Kerr and the city of Fort Lauderdale on this historic appointment.