TOP STORIES FROM LAST WEEK

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County. In 2020, one in every five adults experienced a mental illness. Our country is facing a huge gap in accessible mental health services. This is why the new 988 number is critical. This quick and easy-to-remember number will connect people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional. These trained professionals will provide support and connect the callers to resources. I want you to know it’s OK to not be OK — call 988 and share the number with your loved ones who are struggling.

Dan Gropper, dean, College of Business, Florida Atlantic University. The latest data indicate that the American economy shrank at an annual rate of just under 1% in the second quarter; added to a decline in the first quarter, this fits the traditional definition of a recession — two consecutive quarters of declining national output, or GDP. However, the unemployment rate remained very low, which is highly unusual in a recession, even while the labor force participation rate also remained low. To get the economy growing and to get a return to prosperity, we need to get workforce participation rates back up to and above pre-pandemic levels, improve energy policy and cut the growing regulatory burden that is being put in place.

Marlon A. Hill, of counsel, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L. As an engaged citizen, let me say without any reservation that there is nothing wrong or negative with being “woke,” or in other words, “aware,” “informed,” “value-centered” or the like. The mere fact that we are legislating from the desk or the chamber that we are going to start penalizing or criminalizing citizens for living a value-centered life that promotes the greater good should be alarming to all who truly believe in freedom. There is nothing wrong with promoting freedom, but not at the cost of using a sword to eliminate any thought you dislike.

Wendy Sartory Link, supervisor of elections, Palm Beach County. It’s election time in Palm Beach County, and that means it’s important to be election ready. Those interested in voting by mail for the August primary may request a ballot online at VotePalmBeach.gov, by emailing votebymail@votepalmbeach.gov, or by phone at 561-656-6208. The deadline to request a ballot be mailed to you is Aug. 13. You will need your driver license, Florida ID or the last four digits of your SSN to request a ballot. Remember, postage is prepaid on all mail ballots and you can easily track your mail ballot on our website.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission. Over the past year, inflation has significantly impacted consumers. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates three times and enacted another major rate hike on Wednesday. The goal is to slow the economy enough to reduce demand without triggering a recession. Unfortunately, people are also hurt by higher interest rates that increase the cost of new mortgages, car loans, student loans and credit card charges. Hopefully, low unemployment numbers and employee wage gains soften the blow for consumers.

Joshua Simmons, vice mayor, Coral Springs. I was dismayed to see that Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to erode the public’s trust in our educators. We are facing a teacher shortage and low morale among the educators who continue to show up for our kids. As a former educator, I can say this plainly: Educators are not teaching children to “switch genders.” This is a false assertion. Educators wake up every day and think of creative ways to educate our kids without political or ideological motivations. Educators instruct our children based on the curriculum and what children need to know to be successful in school.

Gregory Tony, Broward Sheriff. Those sworn to protect our communities often do so at significant personal risk. Last weekend, those dangers were clear when a Broward Sheriff ’s Office deputy sustained a gunshot wound to the head while responding to a domestic disturbance incident in North Lauderdale. Fortunately, the bullet only grazed the 20-year BSO veteran, and he is now recovering from his injuries. Nevertheless, this incident serves as a reminder of how proudly our brave law enforcement officers serve this noble profession and put their lives on the line for the safety of others. Their courage and commitment to service deserve our gratitude.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale. In a proud moment for Fort Lauderdale, the USS Fort Lauderdale arrived in town to be commissioned for active duty. The 684-foot ship is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, which cost $1.8 billion. It will ultimately be in Norfolk, Va. It took the vision of Chuck Black (a community activist who passed away) and countless community leaders to bring this into fruition. It is only fitting to have a navy ship named after our city, which is known as the Venice of America.