The top stories last week

Anthony Abbate, Florida Atlantic University, associate provost, Broward

Does anyone know what “representation” means anymore? Or has the noise of paid lobbyists in Tallahassee drowned out the voices of far away constituents? It just seems the Legislature has chosen to listen to those narrow paid interests rather than execute their charge accordingly in the spirit of the constitutional amendments passed by voters regarding access to solar energy, medical marijuana and the Florida Forever conservation plan. On top of that, K-12 and state college students will find it more difficult to access quality public education. Time will tell who will be the true beneficiaries of this legislative session.

Howard Finkelstein, chief public defender, Broward County

Ours is a time of ugly partisanship. It’s not often that 72 percent of Floridians agree on something. But we came together last November and overwhelmingly voted to legalize medical marijuana. However, our Legislature decided we were wrong — all 72 percent of us. They refused to pass a law implementing the will of the people and instead put their personal opinions, beliefs and deal-making before their duty as our representatives. Not only did they ignore our decision, they ignored the people whose suffering can be relieved by medical marijuana. Legislators have created a new party division — voters versus politicians.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

The president’s abrupt firing of FBI Director Comey was a disgraceful abuse of power and strikes at the core of our American democracy. The ongoing investigation into any possible collusion between Russia and Trump’s campaign and Russian efforts to influence the election is vital and must continue. But with this move, the president and his attorney general — who pledged to recuse himself from this case — inappropriately intervened in the non-partisan FBI director’s investigation. We need an independent counsel who cannot be fired by the president to follow the investigation to the truth wherever it lies.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul Castronovo Show

What’s going on at the Fort Lauderdale Airport? The latest: a riot in the Spirit terminal! What the heck happened? Was there a terrorist running loose? Did they run out of coffee? No, some flights were cancelled and a few people, who ended up in jail, forgot how to act like adults. We have all been in that unfortunate situation — you walk up to your gate for a long weekend in Shreveport, and you see the “cancelled” sign next to your flight. It’s frustrating, it’s annoying and what else? It happens. Do you threaten the employees with violence? Adults sure don’t.

Scott J. Israel, sheriff, Broward County

Temperatures boiled over this week at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport when Spirit Airlines left hundreds of passengers stranded for hours on end. Fortunately, the tense scene was deescalated and bigger problems averted due to the professional response of BSO personnel. Despite heightened emotions of travelers, deputies relied on their training. They did an excellent job of calming the crowd, helping people, and immediately taking control of the situation. They showed restraint and used only the minimum force necessary. The response last week is proof our Critical Incident Training is having a positive impact.

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

Trump signed another of his infamous presidential decrees, which advised the IRS to look the other way when churches, synagogues and mosques become significantly involved in partisan politics. Watch fundamentalist churches become exclusive havens for Republicans. Watch liberal synagogues become exclusive havens for Democrats. Watch when mosques soon become politically involved in the mainstream of American political life. There is a meaningful historical value in the concept of separation of church and state for the long-term benefit of our country. On so many levels, the White House just doesn't get it.

Clarence V. McKee, president, McKee Communications

Just how morally sick and corrupt political discourse has become is clearly evident in the glee and applause which much of the mainstream media and Trump haters are giving to Stephen Colbert and Bill Maher’s obscene homophonic and incestuous jokes regarding the president. Such political guttural humor is not acceptable. Those who quietly laugh should ask what they would think if the same obscene comments were made about Barack Obama or Bill Clinton’s relationship with their daughters — or their own. Is that what they want their children to emulate? Does anyone care?

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group

The Veterans Health Administration has launched accesstocare.va.gov to share the average wait times for appointments at VA facilities nationwide. The website also gives data about quality of care from VA facilities, comparing them to private-sector hospitals. It’s a positive step for the VA, which has been riddled with criticism over seemingly longer-than-average wait times. This shows the VA’s commitment to providing transparent, timely care. In areas where access to care remains an issue, though, we should make additional concessions to allow veterans access to non-VA physicians so these patients’ health is not at risk.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

In 2012, two guards locked black inmate Darren Rainey in a scalding prison shower — he was boiled to death. The Miami-Dade State Attorney announced there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone with a crime. Her decision was based on the medical examiner’s report declaring the death an accident. If there ever was a case demanding a second opinion, this is it. While it may be too late to get justice for Rainey, his case demonstrates the urgent need to reform our criminal justice system. Why was a mentally ill man with a drug addiction in prison in the first place?

Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, VP/community relations, Nova Southeastern

“That noise you hear is the sound of freedom.” This is my favorite quote from the gates of a military base near Beaufort, South Carolina. Last weekend’s air show reminded us of those powerful sounds. In addition, it reinforced how fortunate we are to enjoy the protection of the men and women in our armed forces. Thank you to the organizers for another exceptional experience.

Eric Eikenberg, CEO, Everglades Foundation

Gov. Rick Scott signed legislation establishing a path toward the long-overdue EAA reservoir. In doing so, he adds to an environmental record that already includes bridging the Tamiami Trail and expanding filtration marshes to clean water entering the Everglades. Next, the South Florida Water Management District will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design a reservoir that holds at least 240,000 acre-feet of water and meets water quality standards. Tens of thousands of Floridians made their voices heard in support of the bill. They will need to stay engaged as the project moves forward.

James Donnelly, chairman, Broward Workshop

Last week I attended Kip Hunter's 211 event at the Signature Grand. 211 Broward is the live, 24-hour comprehensive helpline, providing all people with crisis, health and human services support and connecting them to resources in our community. It may be the least recognized service to the public in Broward County. The stories we heard of how 211 served our citizens was unbelievable. Please tell everyone you know and if you are an employer, tell your employees. If you are in need in Broward County, call 211.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

News that South Florida was one of the nation’s fastestgrowing markets for employee compensation in the 12 months ending in March reflects crucial progress. In technology and other industries that can fuel our economy, competing for top talent demands we change the region’s low-wage image, especially in light of the relatively high cost of living. We’re making some strides, with the new Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report that ranked Miami’s rate of private industry wage growth fifth among 15 major U.S. metro markets.