The top stories last week

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

There was anxiety about the return to school for South Florida’s kids this week and more than just new grade and school jitters. The shadow of school violence is overwhelming. Let’s not forget the single most powerful force in reducing school anxiety for our children; their amazing teachers. These teachers face many obstacles, an increasingly political environment, ever-moving goalposts for student achievement and low salaries. We must support these professionals who continue to reassure and educate our youth. It’s a hard job and it’s not getting easier. Let’s get behind our teachers and support them by voting.

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president, Children’s Services Council of Broward County

The normal excitement and anxiety around the first day of school was heightened this year due to the events of Feb. 14, especially for those of us who live in Parkland. It was good to see the day go smoothly. Many thanks to Mr. Runcie, the School Board, the staff and teachers for their efforts to make all of our children feel safe at school and for never losing sight of the fact that schools are places of learning. The many new academic and enrichment offerings across the district will surely enhance student achievement. Wishing all a successful year!

Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

Thousands of eager students were greeted by their new teachers and teacher assistants this past week as they embarked on a new year of learning. Those educators deserve a special shout out for being there for their “kids” last year through some especially trying times. Despite those challenges, they still managed to help their students achieve incredible results that made the year a success. Graduation rates increased. School grades, which are a based on student performance, improved. The district grade improved, narrowly missing an “A” by two points. Broward is fortunate to have such competent, caring educators teaching our students.

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

A free and open press is the cornerstone of democracy, but it’s under serious attack. In the spirit of standing up against President Trump, who has declared the media the “enemy of the people,” newspapers throughout the country this week joined together to write compelling editorials critical of the president’s harmful rhetoric. Clearly the press deserves criticism for its obsession with negativity and lack of balance, but it has a critical role to play in our society with or without the president’s blessing. Trump’s attitude toward the media is dangerous — his behavior shameful.

Howard Finkelstein, chief public defender, Broward County

Broward’s judiciary has more complaints filed with the Judicial Qualifications Commission than any other Florida judicial circuit. And that’s just counting the complaints made public. Eight judges have been removed or resigned. We are partly to blame. Most of us ignore judicial races. Unless we end up in court, we don’t seem to care much about who is sitting on the bench. But judges control our legal system. They dispense justice, or tolerate bigotry. They safeguard equality, or sanction discrimination. Our justice system is only as good as the people we elect. We need to do a better job.

Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser

The Broward Property Appraiser’s Office has begun mailing the 2018 TRIM (proposed tax) Notices to all Broward property owners. These notices are not tax bills, but are mailed so property owners can ensure that the November tax bill sent by the Broward Tax Collector’s Office will be accurate. The notices show your property assessment; your taxsaving exemptions; proposed tax rates as set by your local governments; the hearing dates/times for the taxing authorities’ budget hearings; and your proposed property taxes. The newsletter enclosed with the TRIM Notice explains it in detail and includes our office’s contact information.

Lauren Book, member, Florida Senate

Hallandale Beach Mayor Keith London needs to issue an immediate apology or give serious contemplation to resigning his public position and seek immediate counseling. His inappropriate, sexist, ad hominem attack on a fellow commissioner — in a public forum no less! — is simply inexcusable. And shame on those present, the other commissioners in particular, who sat silently by and let a fellow female commissioner withstand his jaw-dropping verbal assault. Civil and restrained discourse can, of course, never be lawfully mandated, but such outrageous demeaning and misogynistic remarks should never — ever — be uttered in public let alone in a public meeting.

Steven Geller, member, Broward County Commission

I recently took the Brightline train to downtown Miami from downtown Lauderdale. It was a pleasure. The train was clean, quick and efficient. Great service. I didn’t get frazzled with traffic or trying to find parking in Miami. I worked on the way down and visited with a friend on the way back. I don’t like riding backwards, but I guess that’s inescapable on the return. My problem is that the train was mostly empty both ways. I simply don’t see how this private train can make the economics work, and I’m still afraid it’s really a real-estate development play.