LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

M.D., president and CTO, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co. The CDC has expanded its definition of who is a “close contact” of an individual with COVID19. Previously, direct exposure was considered within six feet of a COVID positive patient for at least 15 minutes. The new definition defines a close contact as someone who was within six feet of an infected individual for a total of 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. This new update was prompted by a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison spurred by an infected correctional officer that had multiple brief encounters with six people who all later tested positive. This case once again highlights the importance of wearing a mask to prevent transmission. Wearing a mask is not only important, it is lifesaving and it is our public duty.

president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. In December, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will launch a pilot program to offer drivers a digital and hands-free driver license. If this method is approved, Florida will be the first state in the country to offer electronic licenses. This new process could help curb identity theft, card skimmers and the spread of COVID-19. A major priority for this pilot program is to reinforce ID verification by adding extra software security technologies. If this approach moves forward, drivers will be able to apply for both a physical and digital driver’s license that can be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet.

chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine. Brazen behavior, acting boldly confident without shame in embarrassing or difficult situations, isn’t encouraged in presidential campaigns. Yet today, it’s rampant. Trump called Republican Sen. Ben Sasse “stupid and obnoxious” for criticizing his advice on management of the pandemic and questioning his cozy relationships with some dictatorial national leaders. And he insists that ignoring science data on climate change is proper. His Democratic opponent has demonstrated this trait as well. Example: Biden’s totally ignoring references to his puzzling interaction with his son’s suspicious activities with foreign governments. American voters deserve an honest, forthright discussion of issues that define their leaders’ principles.

member, Broward County Commission. Next week, Broward County will be hosting a webinar for residents that are interested in learning about two upcoming projects on our beaches. The county will host two separate webinars on Oct. 30. The first is for the Segment II post-Hurricane Irma repair project in Pompano Beach, LauderdaleBy-The-Sea and Fort Lauderdale from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The second webinar is for the Segment III beach restoration project along the shorelines of Dr. Von D. MizellEula Johnson State Park, Dania, Hollywood and Hallandale Beaches, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. To register or learn more, visit www.broward.org/beachrenourishment.

founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El. At the end of this week, we’ll be marking Halloween. In my youth, my parents dressed me in whatever was the “costume of the year,” and they walked me around our neighborhood. As I grew older, I spent the evening hours walking around the same neighborhood, this time with my friends. We were, in theory, supposed to be scared or to scare our neighbors. Neither they nor we were really frightened. But think how frightened we now are! This year’s “trick or treat” provides each of us with making a meaningful choice between a very serious trick or a hopeful treat. This is not about how much candy we can accumulate. The choices we are to make are far more serious. Go vote!

property appraiser, Broward County. The Save Our Homes (SOH) value of homesteaded property cannot increase more than 3% each year. The market value may increase to a greater amount than this assessed value each year. Portability allows an owner to transfer the SOH benefit (difference between the market value and the SOH value) to a new property, thus lowering the taxable value and subsequent taxes on the new home. Amendment 5 on the ballot increases the timeframe for property owners to transfer this SOH savings from two tax years to three tax years. Please consider voting yes on this taxpayer friendly amendment.

president and CEO, Community Foundation of Broward. This week the Community Foundation of Broward announced our Hidden Heroes Award. Throughout the pandemic, nonprofit staff members have also been on the front lines of the local coronavirus response doing heroic, above-and-beyond work to tackle residents’ most pressing needs. They also have adapted and found innovative ways to continue care and services. And this at a time when nonprofits are struggling financially themselves. We are accepting nominations now. I look forward to recognizing these amazing individuals and sharing their examples of courage and conviction to serving others.

member, Palm Beach County Commission. With less than two weeks until the general election, over 4 million Floridians have cast their ballots, representing one third of the state’s registered voters. If this pace continues, turnout will exceed 80%, besting the record 79% turnout in the 1968 election between Nixon, Humphrey and Wallace. The path to the White House will likely require the victor to claim Florida’s 29 electoral votes. Early voting continues at over three dozen sites in Broward and Palm Beach counties through Nov. 1. There is no excuse for not voting. Make your voice heard this election cycle.