Looking Ahead to the Top Issues of 2020

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine.

Reports of gun violence are almost daily. In churches, synagogues, mosques, schools, shopping centers, even hospitals – you name it – it’s an epidemic. Guns have replaced polite, respectful discussion. The Second Amendment recognizes the people’s right to keep and bear arms but it’s ambiguous and unclear for what reason. And the U.S. is one of the very few countries that provide that right. Thomas Jefferson wrote that it is a last resort to protect against tyranny in government — no mention of settling a domestic dispute. 2020 will be a critical time to seriously address citizen safety and the issue of accessibility.

Anthony Abbate, associate provost, Florida Atlantic University, Broward.

There will be more and more news about disasters and catastrophic events in 2020 — all part of the background story that is unfolding at a rate faster than scientists have predicted: global warming. A chapter in my 1975 college textbook titled “Global Climatic Change” introduced me to the effects of CO2 and the risk of continued accumulation of greenhouse gases among the pollutants we generate. I never imagined at that time that we would achieve so little to address this issue, let alone actively buy into the denial schemes. This will dominate the news in 2020 and beyond.

The 2020 Census is gearing up during a critical time in U.S. history due to the polarizing political environment and a significant rise in immigration. The count is vital for states to get their fair share of federal funds for education, health care and infrastructure, and increase the number of seats they get in Congress. It is not surprising that states led by Democrats with large immigrant and underserved populations are focused heavily on achieving an accurate count as this will likely lead to a redistribution of House seats in their party’s favor.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group. Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives.

Looking to the new year, it is clear the climate change alarm will be ringing louder than ever. Decades of denial and inaction have brought us to a tipping point of no return for global warming. Following the lead of activist Greta Thunberg, millions around the world, are marching in the streets to demand action from their governments. In America, 76% believe climate change is a major problem that has become a crisis. Though we end this year without meaningful Congressional action, the ringing alarm demands we take action in the new year. We are running out of time.

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

While it is obvious that the forthcoming year will feature the national election, the truth is that those of us who make predictions about the future will invariably be incorrect. Life is simply unpredictable. Something surprising will occur, without a doubt. Let’s just affirm the famous Chinese blessing: “May you live in interesting times.” We do and we will. All that being noted, let’s hope that in the coming year the environment will take center stage. That issue speaks not only to us, but to all those others for generations to come. Let’s hope some of the rancor of the election is calmed. And most of all, let’s hope (not predict but certainly hope so) that we will have a year of health and peace.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate.

When elected as governor in 2018, Ron DeSantis declared an assault on Big Sugar to protect the Everglades. However, the self-proclaimed “Teddy Roosevelt conservationist” has left much to be desired. While promoting a picturesque Everglades, he continues to allow corporations to drain wetlands in northern Florida, mine for phosphates contaminating Peace River, and build toll roads through wildlife corridors. DeSantis has promised to continue to oppose hydraulic fracking and offshore oil and gas activities. 2020 is an opportunity for DeSantis to keep his promises, to challenge President Trump and to help communities prepare for the effects of sea-level rise.

Perry Thurston, member, Florida Senate.

Imagine leaders of the third-largest state snubbing their noses at hundreds of millions in federal funding. More than 20 states are already using their own money to prepare staff and volunteers to make an accurate U.S. Census count, which secures federal funding for key services and political representation. Unfortunately, Florida isn’t one of them. “The federal government does that,” Gov. Ron DeSantis recently told reporters. “We don’t have a role in it.” What’s shaping up to be the big story of 2020 is how much money Florida will send elsewhere because we didn’t do enough to prepare for the Census.

Dean Trantalis, mayor, Fort Lauderdale.

The most important goal for the city in 2020 will be to address our aging infrastructure and deal with climate change. We are living with the consequences of past decisions by city administrations to delay needed maintenance and raid utility funds. The Rio Vista sewer breaks before Christmas is a wake-up call that we must expedite upgrades. We will be rolling out plans at the start of the year of how we plan to get much more aggressive in upgrading old water and sewer systems and address flooding caused by stormwater and sea level rise.

Melissa McKinlay, member, Palm Beach County Commission.

We will drown in politics in 2020. The presidential election has dominated the airwaves since the 2016 elections, making the 2020 election the longest elections cycle we’ve ever seen. The political fringe in both parties will garner the most negative attention while those of us more pragmatic Americans will continue to grow more disgusted. Politics will continue to pull this country apart and will culminate in November 2020. My hope is we can heal once the election is over, come to terms quickly with the results, get things done for the good of America and pray the damage isn’t irreparable.

John “Jack” P. Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale.

Sea level rise in South Florida began accelerating about 30 years ago, and the rate increased again about 15 years ago. Now, numerous government and educational reports confirm that sea levels are rising by more than a third of an inch annually along certain parts of our coast. Experts opine that this rapid rate of sea-level rise could lead to 25 times more flooding capable of causing significant risks to property and life and further making natural events even more severe. Hopefully, our community and governments will continue to take necessary actions to adapt and respond to this challenge.

Maria Sachs, former member, Florida Senate.

As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, we face the challenges and benefits of artificial intelligence. Already, Florida’s universities and tech companies are beginning to prepare for the commercialization of A.I. The 2020 Legislature is busy drafting new laws regulating and proscribing its use in our daily lives. From ordering a “big Mac,” delivering packages or driverless cars, our lives are about to change. Whether it will be for the better will be up to human intelligence.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission.

Everything is on the line in Broward County in the 2020 election. Broward could single-handedly swing who becomes president of the United States. That’s how important we are as the most critical county in the most critical state in the most important election of our lifetimes. But Broward faces massive decisions on the local level, too. Every countywide office is up for election — including the first open races for State Attorney and Public Defender in years, as well as Sheriff and Supervisor of Election contests. If you live in Broward, there’s no overstating how important your vote is this election.

Richard Stark, member, Florida House of Representatives.

Climate change will become even more important as we move forward. Whether you are a believer or a denier in the science of it, almost everyone admits that there is sea level rise and that the State of Florida must take a serious effort at how it will deal with it. There will be tremendous economic impact with regard to loss of coastline and flooding, ecological damage and pollution. I also hope that the deniers will seriously study the reports of the overwhelming amount of scientists who have proven that so much of this is man-made and begin to come to terms with how to come up with viable solutions.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission.

Climate Change is the urgent environmental, economic and moral issue that will define this decade. With South Florida considered ground zero, local, state and federal governments must act boldly to protect us from the expected rise in ocean levels. Raising roads and flood pumps are not enough. Comprehensive resiliency planning using innovative, technology-based solutions are necessary to protect South Florida from the impending floods, storm surges and king tides threatening our way of life. Political leaders have both an opportunity and a moral obligation to preserve this land for generations to come.

Barbara Sharief, member, Broward County Commission.

It’s been seven years since Sandy Hook and almost three years since MSD, yet still there have been no major new laws passed on gun control. In 2019, 399 mass shootings were reported nationwide with 14 from Florida. With all the gun violence over the past years, why hasn’t the government declared a public health emergency? Stricter laws (such as requiring universal background checks, closing the gun show loopholes nationwide, banning the manufacturing, sale and possession of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines) must be passed. We as a nation need to do better or more lives will be lost.

Andrea Cristina Mercado, executive director, New Florida Majority.

Our eyes, minds and hearts are on the 2020 election. Next year, we will not only be able to elect a new president for our country but also a bold candidate for the Democratic Party and a long list of elected officials that will represent us at the local level, from our county school board to the state government in Tallahassee. We are confident that a new majority of Floridians composed of Black, Latinxs, immigrants, women and youth will unite and use their power in numbers to elect candidates that stand for tolerance, opportunity, and love for all people and our world. 2020 will be the year when our country is going to wake up from a horrible nightmare of hate, greed and bigotry.