South Florida 100

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

Sheldon Harr,

founding rabbi emeritus, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

Israel’s elections are over. They reveal, as do American elections, a significant division in the Israeli body politic. While Prime Minister Netanyahu will be in process of forming a coalition government, the other half of Israeli citizens will no doubt feel somewhat disenfranchised. Hopefully the current and future Prime Minister (one in the same), will broaden his political horizons, open the gates of inclusion, and, as an ancient Rabbinic teacher noted: “...be of the disciples of Aaron, pursuing peace.” If only the other side would provide a viable peace partner.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

A 14-year-old boy is now facing charges for making a false 911 report about a student carrying a gun on the campus of Dillard High, and having to hide in a bathroom for safety. The call caused a three-hour lockdown of the High School and Middle School until SWAT determined no threat was found. To parents and students, all threats are taken seriously. We live in a time of See Something, Say Something, but there is no tolerance for false school violence threats/reports. There is no such thing as a gun joke. There is just too much at stake.

Michael De Lucca, president, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc.

According to a recent report issued by the CDC, approximately 25% of adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have never smoked and workplace exposures contribute to much of their disease. From 2013 to 2017 over 2.4 million working adults over 18 who never smoked had COPD. Highest incidents were in the information, mining industries and office and administrative support occupations. Women had higher prevalence rates than men. Efforts to reduce adverse workplace exposures and promote research to identify contributing risk factors are needed to prevent and reduce the risk for COPD among nonsmoking workers.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commis

sion

Broward County’s latest design proposal to create a by-pass road through Port Everglades from the 17th Street Causeway at the Convention Center to U.S. 1 at State Road 84 is a winwin for neighboring residents. It alleviates traffic on 17th Street, one of the busiest roadways in Broward County, and spares neighborhoods from additional through traffic. This project is part of a larger effort to expand the Broward County Convention Center and build a new Convention Center Hotel. Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorensen and residents’ input throughout the planning process had a positive impact on the by-pass road design.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week, U.S. Attorney General William Barr appeared before two Congressional committees. We may not have had an Attorney General like this since Nixon’s eventually-jailed John Mitchell. Normally, Presidents appoint Attorneys General as the nation’s chief law enforcement officer, working independently from the Administration – to protect the laws and Constitution. But by massaging the Mueller Report, spouting political rhetoric about “spying” and justifying changing the government’s legal posture on the Affordable Care Act by claiming that (somehow) the President will ensure that no one will lose their health insurance, the Attorney General was acting more like the President’s political advocate.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of

Broward County

A triple-double thank you and congratulations to Dwyane Wade for a white-hot finale to a legendary NBA career and for your many years of dedication to Miami Heat fans and the South Florida community in general. We extend our deepest appreciation to you for setting such a great example on and off the court for young men and women to follow and for giving us memories to treasure for many lifetimes. We love you!

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, member, U.S.

House of Representatives

On Monday, Reps. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Donna Shalala and I went to conduct oversight at the Homestead facility where unaccompanied migrant youth are being detained. We were denied access. This was not only a breach of transparency and confidence in the care there - it violated the law. HHS announced the facility is expanding again, and we have heard troubling reports about the inadequate staff, space, education, and translators, and that kids are being held too long. I announced the Families, Not Facilities Act Wednesday to ensure potential sponsors for kids at Homestead are not deterred by the threat of immigration consequences.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

South Florida is one of the least affordable large metro areas in the world. More than 1⁄

3 of households spend 30 percent of their income, and 1⁄ pay more than 50 percent on

5 housing. Florida ranked number two nationally in the number of adults (25-40) who still live with their parents. People can’t afford to buy homes despite all the new residential construction. The market has been great for sellers, but very tough for buyers. A recent FIU study shows we need at least 90,000 new affordable housing units over the next ten years just to meet the national median of affordability.