TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

Angelo Castillo, commissioner, Pembroke Pines: When Miami pediatrician Dr. Lisa Gwynn spoke out in favor of COVID vaccine access for poor young kids she was abruptly removed from a state-appointed board for publicly criticizing Florida’s decision to delay access to the COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5. The physician was informed that her removal from the Florida Healthy Kids Board, a committee placed curiously under the jurisdiction of the Chief Financial Officer, was because she made “some very political statements that do not reflect the CFO’s point of view.” If a doctor practicing medicine is discouraged by public servants, in this case an accountant type, from saying what her training and conscience dictates, there will be few intellectually honest sources for residents to turn to when seeking medical advice. How utterly appalling what’s going on up there.

Sarah Emmons, regional director, Anti-Defamation League Florida: Just a few days ago, we marked Independence Day. Our patriotism is not just allegiance to the flag or to the Republic for which it stands. We are patriotic to our democratic ideals and to each other as fellow citizens. President George Washington wrote to the Jewish community of Newport: “For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.” We owe it to each other to demonstrate compassion and not sow division through bigotry.

Debbi Hixon, member, Broward County School Board: Plastic Free July, an initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, is a global movement to help people be part of the solution to the plastic problem. It encourages people to commit to reducing single-use plastic for the month of July with the hope that they will stop using it altogether once they learn how to do without it. It may be difficult to stop using all single-use plastic, but if everyone will commit to not using at least one type; straws, bags, or bottles, together we can make a difference and reduce the plastic pollution in our environment.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines: Miya’s Law was signed by the governor. Apartment landlords now must conduct criminal and sexual-offender background checks on apartment complex employees, and notify tenants 24 hours in advance before workers can enter an apartment. And, while this law may save many lives in the future, it is sadly in response to the tragic loss of a bright, loving, talented 19-year-old young woman of our city who was murdered by her apartment complex’s maintenance worker in Orlando. This new law won’t bring Miya Marcano back, but it will make living in an apartment safer and more secure for many.

Tom Powers, chairman, Republican Party of Broward County: Governor Ron DeSantis made the right choice appointing Peter Antonacci, Broward’s former county elections supervisor, to head up the state’s new Office of Election Crimes and Security. The new office is charged with investigating all election crimes in Florida and overseeing the implementation of measures that will ensure Florida’s elections remain secure. Antonacci cleaned up a corrupt Broward Supervisor of Elections office during his tenure and will be sure to do the same across the state in his new role. He will ensure that every legal vote counts.

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission: Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried appointed Broward teacher Tracy Merlin, to Florida’s Commission on the Status of Women. At the press conference, Tracy spoke about teaching in the era of near-constant mass shootings. “Being a second grader isn’t the same anymore. We’re seeing a generation traumatized by the knowledge that they’re not safe in the classroom.” There were 10 mass shootings July Fourth weekend; these tragedies are so commonplace that we only heard about two. After the Parkland shooting, Tracy became an outspoken activist dedicated to passing common-sense gun laws. She will be a strong voice on the Commission during this gun violence epidemic.

Eleanor Sobel, former member, Florida Senate: After overturning Roe v. Wade and granting states concurrent jurisdiction on Native American reservations, the Supreme Court limited the EPA’s ability to regulate the energy sector. The latest in a long trend of aligning with conservative states, the new decision essentially eliminates the EPA’s authority to manage the greenhouse gas emissions stemming from power plants. Due to drastic increases in such emissions, global sea levels rose to a new high in 2021, and oceans experienced increased warming and acidification. The Supreme Court’s decision will likely compromise President Biden’s plan to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P. A.: The numbers tell the story. If only 8% can afford a single-family home in Broward County, 92% can’t afford one. That’s almost everyone. Plus, rent prices are soaring — up 57% year over year from March to March — the highest increase in the nation. Together, these stats amount to immeasurable pressure on South Floridians, especially those with moderate to low incomes, who are just trying to live as successfully as possible. I’ll repeat it; it’s time for us to focus on building affordable housing. None of our residents should be denied access to safe, affordable housing.