THE TOP STORIES LAST WEEK

Chuck Shaw, chairman, Palm Beach County School Board

This week it seems that the best story was the absence of much coming out of Washington. It was nice that the President was in D.C. and his family in Palm Beach; that Nancy was on vacation in Hawaii; that other legislators were at home and that so many of them said they were donating their salaries to those on furlough or working without pay. Oh, by the way, we were still paying our income taxes while they continue to be so incapable from showing any leadership.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

While we were ringing in the new year, new laws went into effect in our state. Floridians need to be aware of a bill now in effect requiring homeowners’ insurance policies to clearly state they do not cover flood damage. I’m surprised this needed a legislative bill, however, if it makes people realize that hurricane coverage is not flood coverage, then so be it. We live with a hurricane season. I can’t stress enough that we must take responsibility and accountability for protecting ourselves and our property. Read your insurance coverage. Get flood insurance if needed. Be prepared all year.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show on Big 105.9

Dear Louie CK, why’d you have to go and do that? After getting caught with your pants down during the “MeToo” movement, you admitted what you did, and then disappeared; can you please go away again? Why would you choose the teenage victims of the Parkland shooting as your target? During a recent stand up set, he talked about the kids “You didn’t get shot. You pushed some fat kid in the way, and now I’ve got to listen to you talking?” To be clear, I’m NOT offended by the joke. I’m a fan, and I’m disappointed by you.

George Moraitis, chairman, Broward Republican Executive Committee

The current government shutdown shows that the Democrats in Washington are more interested in denying President Trump one of his top priorities to protect our nation than serving the American people. President Trump has made it clear he puts our national security first, including securing our border, and that a border wall will improve our security as it has in Israel and other parts of the world. Having supported funding for a border wall in the recent past, the Democrats are choosing to make a stand for political gamesmanship at a time when Americans demand improved border security and leadership.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate

Controversy about the popular holiday song “Baby It’s Cold Outside” has been blown out of proportion. Cleveland radio station WDOK and others announced a ban on the tune because of inappropriately suggestive themes; while opponents argue against airtime for the song, they conveniently ignore worse tracks released and played daily. From current hip-hop songs about drug and domestic abuse, to popular oldies disguised by catchy melodies (see Tonight’s the Night by Rod Stewart) to blatant homophobia and hate speech (see Money for Nothing by Dire Straights), the words and lyrics of our favorite works are often plagued by taboo topics.

Robert Weinroth, member, Palm Beach County Commission

The state commission charged with investigating the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting delivered its report listing a series of failures with recommendations on how to prevent future tragedies. A lack of training and an absence of detailed written policies for responding to a shooter on campus were identified as critical failures resulting in unlocked doors and staff not declaring a “Code Red” alarm quickly enough. No single factor or individual was blamed for the massacre. To forestall a future tragedy, our newly elected governor and legislative representatives must act proactively and decisively to address these deficiencies during the upcoming legislative session.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Com

mission

Broward County took a major step forward toward creating a comprehensive solid waste program this week. An interlocal agreement was passed by all the cities who have collective ownership in property that has been recommended as a site for a recycling center. Up next, recommendations on how to reach a 75 percent recycling rate and creation of an independent or dependent district are part of upcoming discussions. Where our garbage goes and what becomes of it is no longer an issue we can ignore. There are economic and environmental concerns at stake, and the collaboration between county/city is very promising.

Peter Moore, president, Chen Moore and

Associates

This week, the new one-cent sales surtax went into effect. Did you notice a change in the bill at your local retailer or restaurant? Unless you are an exact change for a cup of coffee kind of person, I bet you didn’t notice a thing. The power of this small change, though, is projected to bring nearly $16 billion in transportation and transit improvements to our county. Even better, those beaches that are still filled with tourists wrapping up their vacations are paying about a third of this cost for us. Great things lie ahead for Broward County.