LOOKING AHEAD THIS WEEK
RECYCLING GETS RESPONSE
Lee Constantine,
In 2010, I passed legislation implementing a goal of 75 percent recycling throughout Florida by 2020. At the time, Florida had dropped from a high of 52 percent in 1996 to 28 percent and lagged behind most states. Many thought 75 percent was unobtainable, but we needed an inspirational kick in the backside. The results have been phenomenal. Even with negative international recycling market conditions, Floridians responded to the challenge and are now recycling at 54 percent. However, with 2020 looming, naysayers are convinced we cannot meet our goal. What they fail to understand is that it's the ingenuity needed to achieve the 75 percent that's important. We need to change the strategy, not the goal.
POLITICAL CHANGES
Khalid Muneer,
After the midterm election results are finalized, we can look forward to some major changes in the GOP and the Democratic party in Washington, as they prepare for 2020 elections. We look forward to some of our local elected congressional leaders being promoted to House Chairs.Good luck to Congressman Soto and Congresswomen Demings and Murphy
HOLD LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE
Muhammad Musri,
The elections and the recounts in Florida have brought out accusations and name calling by our elected leaders in Florida and in Washington. It is disheartening and discouraging to hear leaders use words that lead to division, hatred and even violence by misguided individuals. As Americans, we have to hold our leaders accountable, especially those in political, religious, business, and academic leadership positions for what they say and the words they use. A group of local faith leaders are organizing a grass-roots campaign titled “Words Matter 2 US” to pressure leaders to adhere to a respectable, honest and civil discourse.
HAPPY ABOUT ‘HAMILTON’
Pamela Nabors,
Tickets went on sale Friday. Try as I might ( just so you know, I won't be trying all that hard) to hide it, I am thrilled that "Hamilton" is coming to Orlando in January. Of course, I couldn't wait and saw it in Chicago last year. As a season ticket holder supporting our hometown arts, I already have my tickets and will be in the room where it happens at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in January – it's that good a show, and that good a venue.
CONSTITUTION AND LAWMAKERS
Kathleen Oropeza,
Is the Florida Constitution a law or a menu? After nearly a decade, the Citizens for Strong Schools suit stood before the state Supreme Court last week. The question? Is Article IX, section 1 of the state constitution, which states that the “paramount duty” of the Legislature is to fund a high-quality system of public education, enforceable? The suit asserts that lawmakers choose to ignore parts of Article IX. This isn't new, the class-size amendment was denounced by politicians and never funded. With the passage of all but one amendment on the midterm ballot, it will be interesting to see which of these are embraced by lawmakers and which are put on permanent political delay.
SMALL BUSINESS A BIG DEAL
Gail Rayos,
Small Business Saturday is getting bigger every year in Orlando — and that's a good thing. After Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday, more and more people will be shopping to support neighborhood boutiques, cafes and coffee shops on Saturday, Nov. 24, doing their part to keep mom and pop in business (and the local — and state — economies strong). Did you know that about four out of every five jobs created in the state are generated by small businesses? You can shop, sip and stroll (that's happening in Audubon Park) or shop hop (in historic downtown Sanford) or simply shop local (as they say in Winter Garden). See you on Main Street.
THEME PARKS MAKE PLANS
Rick Singh,
Almost all of Central Florida's theme parks have been in the news recently as the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention was held at the Convention Center. SeaWorld touted a new roller coaster, a new water slide and a Sesame Street show; Walt Disney World gave details on next-generation animatronics that will be even more lifelike, and new attractions like the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster and the EPCOT gondolas; and even Legoland, in neighboring Polk County, unveiled plans for three new attractions and a hotel. Keeping the region fresh means last year's 72 million visitors will be repeat customers.
INVEST IN CHANGING LIVES
Carol Wick,
Thanksgiving is coming and that means it's a great time to give away turkeys. But don't forget, for the price of that meal that might get donated, $50 or $100 can go even further on #GivingTuesday just a few days later. Those funds can help an abandoned pet find a home, pay for a therapy session for a child who has lost a parent or help a child with cancer celebrate a milestone. Make your dollars go further than just a holiday meal. Invest in changing lives every day of the year.