Category: Politics

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Saima Farooqui seeks Florida State House seat

Last month, we profiled our local Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky, who is now running for State House Representative for District 96. In the upcoming primary election to select the Democratic nominee. We got feedback post-print from Saima Farooqui, from Coconut Creek, who is also running for the nomination.

Saima first ran for the Democratic nomination in 2018, and lost to late State Representative Kristin Jacobs. I had a chance to talk to her about her motivations for running, and what she is passionate about.

It was a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) dispute that first got Saima started in community service. After winning a court dispute with her HOA on the implementation of rule enforcement, she served on the HOA’s grievance committee to ensure disputes between her HOA and the residents were properly managed.

After her initial experience engaging with the HOA, Saima started to get involved with the local ACLU. She is currently the president of the ACLU Broward chapter, and state board member. She also joined the Democratic Club, where she is currently serving as the VP of the Coconut Creek chapter.

She is passionate about helping those who are less fortunate, and lists healthcare, the environment and unemployment as the top priorities for the state. On school safety, she believes additional mental health services in the budget are key, and feels current gun laws need to be implemented not changed. She also believes more needs to be done by the state on environmental concerns.

You can find out more about on her website: saimafarooqui.com.

By Li Pan

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Podcast Episode #11 – Parkland City Commissioner Candidate Bill Reicherter

Bill Reicherter, is a candidate for Parkland city commissioner, from District 1.  He is a local businessman, who is always looking to hear from the local residents.  Reach out to him via email: bill4parkland@gmail.com

 

Check out previous episodes in: https://theparklander.com/podcasts.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

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Alyssa’s Law comes home

In the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, and in an attempt to make schools safer, Florida is now the second state in the country, after New Jersey, to adopt Alyssa’s Law, named after one of the shooting victims.

The state committed to allocate $8 million to implement the statewide mobile alert system for schools, despite a pandemic and budget cuts.

Thanks to Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) and State Representatives Michael Gottlieb and Dan Daley, Alyssa’s Law unanimously passed the Florida House of Representatives and was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 30.

“We’re so excited to get this bill passed,” says Book, a mother of two-year-old twins and an advocate for students and educational issues.

The bill is named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, an honor student, then 14, who was murdered on Valentine’s Day 2018 while in her classroom at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, along with 13 of her schoolmates, and 3 staff members. The bill mandates that all public schools in the state of Florida install silent alarms that will be directly connected to local law enforcement in a state of emergency.

According to her parents, Ilan and Lori Alhadeff, Alyssa was “bright, energetic, happy, athletic – a pure ray of sunshine who lit up every room with her warm smile. She was an honor student, a good friend who was known to stay up later than she should have in order to support others, a winning debater, and a star soccer player, the captain of her traveling team.”

Alyssa’s parents founded the non-profit Make Our Schools Safe, with a mission of empowering students and staff to create and maintain a culture of safety and vigilance in a secure school environment. Part of those efforts was lobbying for the passage of the Alyssa’s Law bill.

“In the massacre at MSD, milliseconds mattered – and the lack of real-time coordination between first responders likely cost precious lives,” Book said in a statement after the bill was signed.

The Parkland Commission, set up after the tragedy to determine what went wrong, found that chaos and delayed response time contributed to unnecessary loss of life.

Beginning with the 2021 school year, Alyssa’s Law will require all public elementary and secondary schools to install either silent panic alarms, a cellphone app, or alternative emergency mechanisms approved by The Department of Education from which to silently alert the police.

In an interview with local Tallahassee TV station WTXL, Lori Alhadeff, now a member of the Broward School Board said “We didn’t have panic buttons. If we had an Alyssa’s Alert, teachers would have seen it on their phones and would have known how to respond properly. They could have locked and barricaded their rooms and got[ten] out of the line of fire.”

Alhadeff’s goal is to get all 50 states to pass Alyssa’s Law.

Visit: makeourschoolssafe.org

To help bring Alyssa’s Law to the national level, visit: change.org/p/u-s-house-of-representatives-pass-the- alyssa-law-at-the-national-level?recruiter=985442548&utm_ source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&recruited_by_ id=c6ac5260-a9a9-11e9-aa54-e9ab6b748c2a

 

By Jan Engoren

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Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL, 22nd District)

Dear Friends!

Public health experts have raised concerns over renewed outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus throughout the country. While we have seen some progress, the evidence is clear that we are not completely out of the woods yet. We have seen the heartbreaking losses of the pandemic across the country and in our own community. Many Floridians are still experiencing the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. We must continue to listen to health experts so that we can move past this public health crisis safely.

As a unified community, we all have a duty to care for one another’s safety, especially during these unprecedented times. I encourage everyone to continue social distancing whenever possible. When we follow these rules, we are showing the love that we have for our neighbors and the respect we have for their safety. If we are to successfully get through this crisis and avoid its prolonged effects, we must be able to do it together.

While we continue to face new challenges, I will continue to represent the interests of our district both locally and in Washington. To keep up with recent COVID-19 developments, please visit Deutch.House.Gov. If you would like to express an opinion or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to call my office.

Alyssa Alhadeff was 14 years old when she was killed in the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy. Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law “Alyssa’s Law,” which will require teachers and school staff to have panic buttons that directly alert law enforcement in case of emergencies.

“I will never forget hearing Lori Alhadeff passionately call for action after her beautiful daughter, Alyssa, was killed at Stoneman Douglas High School. I have seen the love she has for Alyssa through her tireless work to get Alyssa’s Law passed and signed, not only in Florida but in states around the country. I will continue to work with Lori and the Parkland families to prevent school violence and to make Alyssa’s Law a part of a comprehensive strategy to save lives in school emergencies in every state.”

Rep. Roger Williams’ and my bipartisan School Violence Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2019 would expand Alyssa’s Law across the country.

Representatives Max Rose (NY-11), Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and myself, recently introduced the Countering Global White Supremacist Terrorism Act, a bicameral legislation to strengthen the U.S. government’s counter-terrorism efforts against transnational white supremacy and identity groups.

As white identity and other far-right violent groups continue growing around the world, this new bicameral legislation is a recognition that the Trump Administration must align its countering violent extremism programming to address this form of radicalization. Despite the increasingly transnational nature of white identity terrorism, U.S. efforts to address this global threat lag well behind our counter- terrorism efforts against ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other Islamist violent extremist organizations. The bill directs the U.S. Department of State to develop a strategy with other government agencies to respond to the interconnected global white identity terrorist movement. The bill also requires that the State Department report on these groups and determine whether they should be subject to sanctions under existing U.S. law.

“White identity groups pose a severe and deadly threat to societies around the world. The world has seen how a white supremacist attack in one country can inspire people in other countries to use violence and the role of the dark web in spreading their hateful ideology

and terrorist tactics. The United States must develop a whole-of-government strategy to confront these terrorist groups as seriously as any other transnational extremist group.”

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if we can be of assistance. Warm Regards.

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Commissioner Michael Udine (3rd District, Broward County)

Congratulations to the Broward County Library Division for being recognized by the Florida Library Association as the Library of the Year, and by the American Library Association as the 2020 Library of the Future, among several other achievements. Over the last few years, they have launched innovative initiatives to enhance library services and programs. In response to the pandemic, Libraries developed a curbside pick-up service for patrons to check out books and materials, and expanded their online offerings with even more eBooks, music, movies, and classes. Hats off and thank you for all you do for the residents of Broward County!

I was proud to see so many residents and District 3 cities getting in the Fourth of July spirit. Although we were not able to gather for traditional parades and parties, our community reimagined Independence Day celebrations. The City of Tamarac organized a yard decorating contest, with participants sharing their patriotic decorations on social media. In North Lauderdale, the Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Drive-In Fireworks Show, where residents enjoyed a beautiful firework display while staying safe and socially distant. As our holiday traditions continue to adapt from years past, it is great to know the spirit and celebration remains the same.

As Floridians, we know that August is when hurricane season really kicks into gear. Staying prepared and vigilant is key. Make sure you and your family (including pets) have all the necessary food, supplies, and medications needed if a storm comes our way. If you are a resident at-risk, now is the time to make sure you are registered for Broward County’s Vulnerable Population Registry or special needs shelters. All residents should sign up for Broward’s emergency notification system, AlertBroward, in addition to your city’s community alert system. Visit Broward.org/Hurricane to register and find all the info you need to be Storm Ready.

Soon we will be transitioning out of summer and into fall. I applaud all teachers, students, parents, and staff for their resilience and innovation. I would like to wish everyone a successful start to the school year. The Florida “Back-to- School” Sales Tax holiday will take place this year from August 7th to 9th. Take advantage of savings on school supplies, clothing, backpacks, personal computers, and more so you can be prepared before classes begin. I have no doubt that this will be a year full of learning, growing, and making memories for our students.

 

  • Email: mudine@broward.org

  • Phone: (954)357-7003

  • Facebook: @CommissionerMichaelUdine

  • Twitter and Instagram: @MichaelUdine

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CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

During the last several months, so much has taken place in our nation, state, and here locally in Coral Springs. We never imagined we would approach our “Back to School” season and still face COVID-19 as a global health issue; yet, here we are.

We are stepping into August with an unfortunate rise in positive cases in the State of Florida; these numbers showcase how critical it is for residents and businesses to comply with Emergency Orders in order to mitigate the spread of this virus. We remind the community to follow CDC guidelines, stay informed with all Broward County Emergency Orders, and be vigilant when leaving your homes.

Mark your calendars because the primary election in Florida is on August 18th! As citizens of the land of the free, it is our duty to safeguard our democracy and express our right to vote. If you are not a registered voter, you may still register to vote for the general election and can do so online at www. RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. For more information visit www. browardsoe.org.

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season is expected to be busier than in previous years. It is important for our community to be prepared beforehand to stay safe. Here are tips to ensure you and your family are prepared for this year’s hurricane season:

  • Make an emergency plan that includes your evacuation zone and make sure all members of your household know and understand the hurricane plan.
  • Gather supplies ahead of time including medication, disinfectant supplies, cloth face coverings, pet supplies, and anything else you consider to be essential.
  • Strengthen your home by decluttering drains and gutters, bring the outside furniture inside, and consider investing in hurricane shutters.

For more details on how to properly prepare for hurricanes, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Stay tuned and up to date by visiting www.coralsprings.org and following our social media accounts, also make sure to text the keyword CORALSPRINGS to 888-777 for important updates.

Our August Commission Meeting will take place virtually on August 5 at 9 a.m., and August 19 at 6:30 p.m.; residents are invited to watch and offer public comment. Meetings are aired on CityTV, Blue Stream Channels 25, 25.2, 725 and on AT&T U-Verse channel 99. Meetings are also live streamed.

As always, if you would like to schedule an appointment with any of your City Officials, please call 954- 344- 5911.

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Twin protests in Parkland

On a cloudy Saturday afternoon, two peaceful protests were held at the corners of Holmberg and Pine Island road.  

On the MSD side of the street, Black Lives Matter/Change the Ref protesters were calling for justice, with chants including “Breonna Taylor, say her name”, “George Floyd say his name”, along with “Black Lives Matter”. 

On the other side of the street, a “Back the Blue” Rally was being held.  With many waving US flags, along with many “thin blue line” flags, and chants of “All lives matter”.  A golf cart drove up, blasting the COPS theme song.

The two sides faced each other for a while, until the planned march for the Black Lives Matter event started up Pine Island Road.

Both sides were very enthusiastic, with many residents driving by honking to show support, though it was tough to tell if they were supporting one or the other rally.  

One mom and her toddler were holding a sign saying – “I can back the blue and want equal justice for ALL.”

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Message from Parkland Mayor : Christine Hunschofsky – July 2020

At the time of this writing, Broward County just allowed summer camps and sports activities to take place. Graduation parades and virtual ceremonies were taking place and most families were adjusting their summer

plans. The City has been working to adopt the Broward County orders safely, while also preparing for the summer budget season.

This month, the City Commission will meet on July 8 at 6pm for
a workshop and at 7pm for a meeting. At our meeting we will be voting on a millage (tax) rate that will appear on the TRIM (Truth In Millage Notices) that are sent to every homeowner in August. This millage rate is only a placeholder, but when the Commission votes on the final millage rate at the two budget hearings in September, we cannot vote for a millage rate higher than the one we approve in July. At the July commission meeting, our city manager will
give the Commission her proposed budget. During July, August, and September, the proposed budget is available online to the public. Additionally, there is a link online to ask questions about the budget, and city staff are available to answer any questions any resident has on the budget. The Commission reviews the budget in July and has workshops on the budget in August and September. The final votes on the millage rate and the budget take place during two meetings in September. To view the current proposed budget (which will be available online after July 8, 2020) and previous budgets, please visit cityofparkland.org/budget.

The only ad valorem part of your tax bill that the Parkland City Commission votes on is the City of Parkland millage rate. Your tax bill is made up of many other governmental entities, not just the City of Parkland ad valorem. By making a quick online search at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s website at bcpa.net you can find your property and then click on the “Click here to display your tax bill” link at the top. This will take you to your property’s tax history and give you the ability to review the full details of your tax bill. In 2019, the ad valorem charges on your tax bill included (percentages are rounded to the nearest .01%):

Broward County (29.89%), Broward Schools (37.26%), South Florida Water Management (1.4%), North Broward Hospital District (5.44%), Children’s Services Council (2.57%), City of Parkland (23.30%) and Fl. Inland Navigation (.17%).

In addition to the ad valorem charges, you will also find a City of Parkland Fire Assessment Fee, a direct charge from your drainage district and a direct charge from Waste Management. I highly recommend going online, reviewing your 2019 tax bill and then reviewing your proposed 2020 taxes that are in the TRIM notice you should receive by mail in August.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy July 4th! Enjoy these summer weeks with your family and friends. I hope you will all have time to relax and recharge. As always, feel free to reach out to me at any time at chunschofsky@cityofparkland.org with your questions or comments. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Still pursuing a ‘perfect union’

The formation of the United States of America began with an idea. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed. The problem with implementing ideas is that humans are flawed. Even the best among us are not perfect, and therefore we can only hope to work towards perfection. The founders knew this. They knew they had written a document that contradicted the owning of slaves. Fourteen prominent founding fathers owned slaves, seven did not. As a group, however, they believed that the liberty and independence of the United States was the larger goal at the time.

The Constitution was signed September 17, 1787. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, to ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” In Order to form a more perfect Union, the Founders were admitting that they, and this country, were not perfect. A great deal of work still needed to be done.

The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 freed many slaves, but it wasn’t until the Thirteenth Amendment, adopted December 18, 1865, that slavery and involuntary servitude were abolished (except as a punishment for a crime). Ever so slowly, steps continued to be taken towards the idea that is the foundation of this country, equality. Initially introduced to Congress in 1878, a (white) women’s suffrage amendment was officially adopted on August 26, 1920. This was the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

In August 1892, one of the original Pledges of Allegiance was composed by Francis Bellamy: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” “…He had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity, but decided against it, knowing that the state superintendents of education on his committee were against equality for women and African Americans.” Per Dr. John Baer in his book, The Pledge of Allegiance: A Short History.

June 22, 1942 saw the Pledge changed to “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” “Under God” was added on June 14, 1954.

The Civil Rights Act was enacted on July 2, 1964. As Americans we must work together to continue to bring the founders’ idea to fruition. All are created equal, with liberty and justice for all. As human beings we may never achieve perfection, but as Americans our ambition is to always keep working to “create a more perfect Union”.

On this Independence Day, let us truly reflect on the history of this country we love. Let us think about the things we are able to do, no matter how small, to make things better, and to continue working towards the original foundational idea of equality. Let us listen and open our hearts with love to our fellow Americans who don’t look like us, love like us, or worship like us.

We MUST do these things “not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because the challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win…” President John F. Kennedy, Sept. 12, 1962.

By Sheryl Dunn, Publisher

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Parkland mayor seeks Florida State House seat

In April, Parkland Mayor, Christine Hunschofsky, announced her run for the Florida State House of Representatives District 96. She would be replacing former representative and friend, Kristin Jacobs. Jacobs passed away earlier this year following a three- year battle with colon cancer.

A 20-year Parkland resident before becoming Mayor in 2016, Hunschofsky served nearly four years as a Parkland City Commissioner, seven years on the city’s Education Advisory Board, and is currently a member of the Broward League of Cities School and Community Public Safety Task Force.

“I could never have imagined when I entered public office that I would see our community brutalized by a mass shooting and confronted by the devastating effects of an international health emergency,” Hunschofsky said in a press release announcing her candidacy.

“Both of these events have revealed urgent issues which must be addressed by the legislature now including gun safety, emergency preparedness, economic recovery, and fixing a broken unemployment system,” said Hunschofsky.

“I cannot think of a time when my friend Kristin Jacobs’ leadership has been more needed than during this current crisis,” she said. “Losing her is a true blow to our district and I intend to use my experience in government to do all I can to continue her work of fighting for our community in Tallahassee.”

The 96th District includes Parkland, Coconut Creek, parts of Margate, and the northeast section of Coral Springs in northeastern Broward County.

Parkland City Commissioner, Stacy Kagan, who served seven years with Hunschofsky and was vice mayor for two of the years, says, “Parkland has been fortunate to have had Christine’s leadership.”

A Parkland resident for the past 16 years, Kagan is now running to succeed Hunschofsky as Mayor.

“I endorsed Christine immediately,” she says, “and I think that she will
do an excellent job in the position.” said Kagan. “This town has a proud tradition of producing stellar leaders and it benefits our community to have leadership that understands the unique character and interests of this amazing place we call home. We have a resilient and united community and care about each other.”

A Boston native, Hunschofsky graduated with her bachelor’s degree in business administration and philosophy from Boston University, in 1996 she went on to earn her MBA from Babson College before relocating to Parkland with her husband, Hannes, and two sons.

Staying occupied with Zoom meetings during COVID-19 stay at home orders, Hunschofsky says when she received a text from Jacobs two weeks before her death saying she was not doing well and asking Hunschofsky to run in her stead, Hunschofsky knew she had to take the next step.

“I believe my experience allows me to bring a local perspective to Tallahassee,” Hunschofsky says. “I’ve worked on the local level and with leaders on a state level. This allows me to make a positive contribution and elevate local issues to Tallahassee.”

Following Jacobs’ commitment to environmental issues, specifically water quality issues, Hunschofsky plans to make this a priority in her agenda along with a focus on access and funding for mental health services, expanding Medicaid, school safety and common sense gun laws, and support for grief counselors and social workers in schools. (Hunschofsky was the Mayor during the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in 2018.)

For the Aug. 18 primary, Hunschofsky will run against fellow Democrat, Saima Farooqui, who ran and lost to Jacobs with 20.7 percent of the votes, two years ago. A write-in candidate, Coral Springs resident, Muhammad Amin, (also a Democrat) will not appear on the ballot in the primary but will appear on the ballot for the general election, Nov. 3.

Attempts to contact these two candidates were unsuccessful.

Check out our podcasts with Commissioner Kagan, and Commissioner Walker on www. theparklander.com/podcast to hear more on why they are running for Parkland Mayor.

 

By Jan Engoren

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CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

When we started the year, no one knew what 2020 would bring to our nation, our state, or our city. One thing is for certain – this has been an unprecedented year, and the challenges we face are not over yet.

This year, we struggled with the global impacts COVID-19 has had on our health and economy, we have experienced the disappointment of missed milestone celebrations and the grief of losing so many lives as a result of the Coronavirus. We then saw a nation in turmoil, with anger and frustration turning to protest against police brutality as a result of the death of George Floyd, while being placed under arrest in Minnesota.

While this year has been challenging, we also saw our community come together to assist others. Through weekly food distribution events, we provided groceries to nearly 6,000 families. We launched a Give Where You Live Campaign in partnership with the Coral Springs Community Chest to assist struggling families. And, our Economic Development Office launched a grant program, connecting businesses to grants and loans totaling more than $1 million.

When faced with adversity, as citizens we need to remember the very foundation our nation was built upon, freedom. Freedom of speech and the freedom to exercise your right to vote! We urge our residents, especially our young adults, to register to vote and cast their ballots in the upcoming elections in August and November. Also, we remind residents that much of the federal funding we receive for hospitals and schools are a result of the numbers provided by the census. So remember, Coral Springs Counts, please complete your 2020 Census.

All of us who work for the City of Coral Springs are public servants who strive to find solutions to our problems. One of those is the reimagining of events during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Memorial Day, we proudly hosted a virtual ceremony to honor the men and women who lost their lives in service to our nation. As we approach July 4th, one of our greatest traditions is the fireworks display at Mullins Park. Due to social distancing, that event is not possible, so we came up with a new way to honor our nation’s independence, while promoting community spirit.

We invite our residents and businesses to join our Wave & Drive By Parade on July 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festively decorated city vehicles representing each department will visit all of our Coral Springs communities. We will be providing a timeline of arrival so residents can enjoy the parade from their driveways and front lawns. Remember to wave your flags as we pass by. Visit our website for more details and route information, www.coralsprings.org/events.

Stay tuned and up to date by visiting www.coralsprings.org, following our social media accounts and make sure to text the keyword CORALSPRINGS to 888-777 for important updates.

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