LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Anthony J. Abbate,

architect. The state of our aging urban infrastructure looms as the explosive growth of redevelopment continues. With so much public money on the table for road, bridge and seawall repairs, it’s worth noting that our approach to infrastructure is fragmented and not always well coordinated. Sometimes, we find a newly paved street torn up by private telecommunications or utility providers. It’s possible for us to do this better if we focus on projects that benefit everyone and are the result of good design and not the result of lowest-bidders.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. The Florida Department of Health in Broward County is offering lifesaving Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits to reduce substance abuse deaths. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed. Naloxone is available to people who use drugs, people with a history of drug use, others at risk of experiencing an overdose, friends, family members and others who may witness an overdose. Kits are available at Edgar Mills Health Center, Fort Lauderdale Health Center and Paul Hughes Health Center. Visit broward.floridahealth.gov/locations/index.html.

Bob Mayersohn, city commissioner, Parkland; president, Broward League of Cities .On Nov. 29, Giving Tuesday celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Born out of a humble grassroot concept of dedicating a day for everyone to do some good, Giving Tuesday has now become a global movement. Whether it’s donating to your favorite nonprofit, or volunteering for a cause that you embrace, there are many ways to provide support to those who need it most in our ONE Broward community. Your acts of kindness and giving are not measured by size but count as a reflection of your humanity and generosity as we continue to make our 31 cities places we are proud to call home.

Eric Poms, CEO, Orange Bowl Committee. The AvMed Orange Bowl 5K presented by Celebrity Cruises is taking place on Saturday, Dec. 10, at South Pointe Park in Miami Beach. Runners and walkers alike can register today at orangebowl.org for the scenic 3.1-mile course with views of South Beach as we get ready for the 2022 Capital One Orange Bowl. Participants are encouraged to sport their favorite college colors during the race, and people can also get into the holiday spirit of giving by bringing new, unwrapped toys to donate to kids of Camillus House. Last year, more than 1,000 toys were donated for the program’s youth and $10,000 was raised.

Nora Rupert, member, Broward School Board. School boards around our state will converge in Tampa next week for Florida School Boards Association training. Although they are supposed to be nonpartisan, after COVID and mask mandates, people could guess which way a board leaned politically by observing its policies. Reviewing the races, more than 51 board members did not seek re-election, a colossal number that I have not seen in 12 years. I can’t blame them; these races were some of the nastiest I have ever experienced. My hope is that many attend the training to be ready to focus on our students and not on politics.

John “Jack” Seiler, former mayor, Fort Lauderdale. John Herbst, the former Fort Lauderdale city auditor, convincingly won the District 1 commission race on Nov. 8. However, because of a questionable challenge initially filed by two unsuccessful candidates and subsequently withdrawn by one, Herbst has not yet been seated to represent the district that overwhelmingly elected him. The city commission should immediately recognize Herbst’s victory, have him sworn in, and let him get to work. If his opponent still wants to pursue his challenge based upon an alleged residency issue, he should pursue it through the court system. The city commission needs to move on and move forward.

Chad Van Horn, founding partner attorney, Van Horn Law Group, P. A. The Biden administration finally listened to me. I’ve been saying for years that the U.S. Bankruptcy Code should be amended to more easily allow distressed student loan borrowers to discharge their loans in bankruptcy. Last week, the administration released new guidelines easing the standard to discharge student loans in bankruptcy. Rather than broadly canceling student loan debt, a move stymied by the courts, these guidelines enable debtors in real trouble to get the relief they need. The government says this new process is better, fairer and more transparent. I agree, but I have to say it’s about time.

Sheryl Woods, CEO, YMCA of South Florida. The challenges of the past few years have everyone feeling just a little bit more thankful for the little things in life, with many searching for ways to make the holiday season more meaningful and joyful for others. As we gather with family and friends for the holidays, remember the importance of charitable giving by volunteering your time and donating money to help those less fortunate and to help those organizations that have a positive impact on our local communities. Even a small gift is appreciated. It’s a gift that will be treasured well into the future.