Looking ahead to this week

Beam Furr, Broward County mayor

This week, we received the Broward Climate and Coastal Resiliency Study from the US Army Corps of Engineers. The study projected sea level rise out to 2050, and found that residents should expect two feet of sea level rise over the next 30 years. This would mean serious tidal flooding in areas along the coast and quite far inland, with even higher rise during King Tide season. The study recommends that we raise our seawalls to four feet by 2035 and five feet by 2050 to mitigate tidal flooding. The Corps is considering updating the Central and Southern Flood Control Project for the first time since 1948, providing important recommendations.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

The South Florida Water Management District has launched a website tracking the federal authorization and funding of Everglades restoration projects. It clearly shows evidence of a one-sided partnership between the State of Florida and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. For over 18 years, Florida’s commitment has far surpassed that of the federal government and none of the 68 projects originally approved by Congress have been completed. Meanwhile, our natural systems continue to decline, causing devastating impacts to our wildlife, local economies and our quality of life. A successful business partnership is one that requires commitment from both parties.

Anne Gannon, tax collector, Palm Beach County

This November you will be asked to consider Amendment 10 which mandates the election of constitutional officers (sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector, clerk & comptroller and supervisor of elections). The constitution initially created these offices but over time three county commissions limited the public's ability to elect these offices. Amendment 10 would reinstate this right without eroding Home Rule. This amendment also insures the Department of Veterans Affairs becomes a permanent Agency in Florida, improves state budgeting and creates the Office of Domestic Security & Counterterrorism within Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Go to www.Amendment10.org for more information.

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

This Tuesday evening and Wednesday all day until sunset Jews around the world will be marking Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement. This is judaism's most important holy day. It allows us individually and communally a formal and specific opportunity to look inward and take a reckoning of our lives. Where we succeeded,we are grateful. Where we fell short we now have a chance to atone, repair, repent and therefore make of ourselves better in so many ways. This message seems ecumenical, applicable not only to Judaism but to those of all faiths. Marty Kiar, property appraiser, Broward County

Property owners have until Tuesday, September 18 to late file for 2018 property tax exemptions or to challenge their property’s 2018 just value. The absolute last deadline for filing for Homestead Exemption, Low-Income Senior Exemption and any other tax-saving exemption is this Tuesday. Petitions challenging any 2018 just value must be filed with the Value Adjustment Board by close of business on Tuesday. If you have any questions regarding exemption filing, please contact my office at 954-357-6830. Questions for the Value Adjustment Board should be directed to their office at 954-357-7205.

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

U.S. Health Officials recently announced teenage use of flavored e-cigarettes has reached “epidemic” levels. Last Wednesday, the five largest e-cigarette manufacture companies were notified they have 60 days to create plans to end this epidemic for teenagers while simultaneously helping adult smokers wean off of cigarettes. The FDA has sent over 1,000 warning letters to companies and issued 131 civil money penalties to all stores that sell ecigarettes to minors. The exposure of nicotine to our current youth and future generations, should be decreasing overtime to help young people live a healthier, nicotine-free life.

Michael Udine, member, Broward County Commission

The University of Florida is on the move in the U.S. News College Rankings. UF is the top ranked institution in Florida ranking at 35 nationally and is the 8th ranked Public University. Florida State University and the University of Miami are in the Top 100 nationally as well. Our Florida colleges and universities provide talent for a growing workforce. Broward County is proud to partner with all our educational institutions locally and statewide on many initiatives year in and year out. Generating opportunity for success via a great education makes Florida and Broward County a leader in economic development.

Ghenete "G" Wright Muir, attorney, Realtor, LGBTQ advocate

Are you registered to vote? Are all of your eligible friends and family members registered to vote? To vote in this general election you have to be registered by October 9, 2018. Once you’re registered, it’s best to order your absentee ballot and just vote by mail. If not, then plan to vote early—from October 22 to November 4. The final opportunity to vote will be on the actual election day—November 6. This is one of our most important elections and we should elect Democrat Andrew Gillum for governor, who would be the first Black governor of our state. #GillumforGovernor