Category: Politics

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

Dear Friends!

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a tremendous impact on our daily lives. The public health and economic toll of the virus has been devastating to many residents of South Florida – some even more than others. As we move toward a sense of normalcy, we must remember to look out for one another.

This unprecedented moment in history has renewed our focus on helping one another and solidified our sense of community. Throughout this crisis, I have seen many members of our community answer the call to help others. These heroes, including frontline workers, non-profits, local businesses, and everyday citizens, have displayed tremendous amounts of selflessness and devotion to our community during difficult times. While we must continue to be cautious of renewed outbreaks and be prepared for future challenges, we must continue to stand united as a community to protect the safety and livelihood of our neighbors and friends.

During challenging times, we have shown the potential to unite for a greater cause. As we celebrate the 244th anniversary of our country, let us reflect on the promise of a united nation that strives for freedom and equality.

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)

It has been a long winter/ spring due to the pandemic, and now Broward is getting

used to its new normal. Businesses are taking the appropriate measures to

welcome customers back. Summer camps are opening, sports leagues are restarting, and pro sports are resuming under strict protocols. All our efforts are being made to get everyone back to our daily routines. Get out and experience all that our community has to offer this summer.

This year’s Teen Political Forum, hosted by the City of Coral Springs, utilized Zoom to connect Northwest Broward’s young people with community leaders. Participation in the event was exceptional, and the questions asked ranged from updates on county projects to questions about the direction of the country. This event provides students with a way to apply the civics lessons learned in school with their real-world application. I value hearing the opinions of these young leaders and look forward to seeing them as they grow and bring new ideas forward for our community.

I am proud to support the Broward Arts Relief Supplemental Grant Program to distribute bridge funds to non-profit arts programs. These funds allow the community to continue
to enjoy the arts and protects the great people that work at the various venues. Funds come from license plate fees on vanity plates that support the arts. Whether a museum, a local theater, or a musical ensemble, we are aiding these important organizations of our community during this critical time. Grants are awarded to those partners who have applied under strict parameters based on need for these one-time funds.

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is ready for takeoff, but with a new look and safety precautions to protect travelers. Since the pandemic FLL has instituted its “FLLy Safer, FLLy Smarter, FLLy Better” campaign. When
you visit you will notice new acrylic shields protecting both passengers and gate agents, space markers to promote social distancing, and continuous deep cleaning of high traffic areas throughout the day. All these precautions are meant to help get the public back in the air safely. As flights continue to be added and people feel more comfortable flying, we look forward to seeing you at FLL!

As we return to a new normal this summer please join me by utilizing our wonderful parks and beaches throughout Broward County. Go fishing, sit on the beach, or have a cookout with family. Enjoy life! Have a great 4th of July as we celebrate our nation’s independence.

  • Email: mudine@broward.org
  • Phone: (954)357-7003
  • Facebook: @CommissionerMichaelUdine
  • Twitter and Instagram: @MichaelUdine
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Podcast Episode 8 – Mothers Demand Action

We discuss with local Mothers Demand Action activists on their efforts.  Angela and Heather came to share what their  all volunteer organization is doing.  And the results they have achieved and initiatives they are championing.

Go check out their national webpage: https://momsdemandaction.org

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Podcast episode #4 – City Talk – Parkland Commissioner Kagan

Commissioner Stacy Kagan, who is running for Parkland City Mayor this fall, joins our podcast series.  She has served as one of the city’s commissioners for 7 years, and has been a local resident for 16.  Go check out Stacy’s website, www.stacykaganforparkland.com.  All our podcasts are available now on our website, www.theparklander.com/podcast .

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Jordan Isrow Declares Run for Parkland City Commission, District 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 13, 2020

Jordan Isrow Files to Run for
Parkland City Commission Seat, District 2

Parkland, FL – Jordan Isrow has filed to run for City Commissioner in Parkland, District 2.

Jordan and his wife Jessica live in Watercrest and share their time with their 3-year old son, Parker, a 5-month old daughter, Maya, a French Bulldog named Bentley and a rescue cat named Loki

Jordan currently is General Counsel for a successful international cosmetics company headquartered in South Florida.

He always had a strong interest in public service and giving back to his community. He has volunteered to help many local public officials and political campaigns in various roles. He has also been actively involved in a number of charities such as SOS Children’s Village, N.I.C.K.’s Camp, Parkland Cares, Jewish Federation of Broward County, Fashion Funds the Cure and Experience Camps.

Jordan is running for City Commissioner to continue to make a positive impact for his community. His top priority is to preserve Parkland’s special character and family friendly environment, while best preparing the City for the future.

Isrow stated, “there is a long list of things that interest me in the City Commissioner role. However, the primary draw is the privilege and the formidable challenge of planning for the future, while managing the growth, without sacrificing the essence of what makes Parkland so uniquely special.

Parkland is unrivaled in terms of its strong sense of community. We will always support one another and rally together both in good times and in bad. This is so very rare these days and is truly what I believe makes Parkland one of the best places to live in the country. I intend to do everything in my power to protect this lifestyle for all Parkland residents.”

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POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY
Jordan Isrow for Parkland City Commissioner District 2, Nonpartisan

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The National Women in History Month: Truths untold

With this year marking the 32nd anniversary of the making of Women in History month and with all the excitement going around, it’s hard to believe women’s history was once considered an insignificant topic. However, in the present era, it is a momentous celebration for both women and girls.

How did Women’s History Month originate and who was responsible for it? To make a long story short, Women’s History Month happened due to the efforts of pioneers who, with their confidence, passion, and humility, brought to light the contributions of women throughout our history.

Women’s rights have been associated with the month of March for more than a 150 years, starting on March 8, 1857, when female garment workers in New York City protested against their poor working conditions and low wage.

Later, on March 8, 1908, women needle workers in New York held a similar protest, with guidance from Mary Harris Jones (aka Mother Jones), Lucy Parsons, Clara Lemlich, and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn. It is in honor of the efforts of these four women that March 8 is observed as International Women’s Day.

Nevertheless, this isn’t how Women in History Month started.

In 1972, history teacher Molly Murphy MacGregor fielded a question from a male pupil about the definition of the Women’s Movement. MacGregor didn’t have an answer for him then, so she said, “What a good question. Let’s discuss it.”

As the question kept ringing in her ears, she rushed home, determined to find answers. Paging through countless college history textbooks, she found the information in only one, with a single chapter describing the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848.

The realization came to MacGregor that women had been omitted from media, books, and classrooms. She began questioning herself about the reality of the situation and the real story that women wanted to tell. MacGregor decided to change the course of her life and joined the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on The Status of Women as a volunteer.

MacGregor helped establish a local women’s history week, which was celebrated in schools and organizations based on a specific curriculum. The urge to have women’s contributions to America listed in history expanded from here.

MacGregor, along with activists Paula Hammett, Mary Ruthsdotter, Better Morgan, and Maria Cuevas, founded the National Women’s History Project in 1980. By 1986, the group had helped persuade 14 states across the U.S. to celebrate March as Women’s History Month. One year later, the month was set aside nationally as a time to honor women’s accomplishments and contributions. From labor protests of the past to local activism in the here and now, women’s journey from the grassroots to National Women’s History Month has been inspiring. So, this March, let’s celebrate the countless women who have earned our recognition.

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The Loss of a Leader

Walter “Skip” Campbell
Coral Springs Mayor
1948 – 2018

We at theParklander were profoundly saddened when we received the news that Coral Springs mayor,Walter “Skip” Campbell, passed away recently at age 69.

Mayor Campbell had been a friend and long-time contributor to our magazine since his election in 2014. His monthly column reminded us of the ‘goings on’ in our community, keeping us abreast and raising public awareness for the issues he felt so compassionate about. Under his leadership, the City of Coral Springs achieved gold-level certification for its commitment to protect and conserve natural resources. Coral Springs is one of only three cities in Broward County to accomplish such a feat.

Campbell spoke about his vow to providing a safe environment for students and educators, and how this issue rose to the top of his agenda after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. “I want you to know from those of us who serve you from the City of Coral Springs, that the safety of our children is our number one priority,” he said. Campbell worked diligently with the police department to increase the number of school resource officers assigned to each public school.

Throughout his time in office, he remained fervent on important issues, everything from recycling to hurricane preparedness to business development. He prided himself on running a cost-effective government that was connected to its residents. When the new Municipal Complex opened its doors early this year, Mayor Campbell described it as a “one-stop shop,” housing the Chamber of Commerce, local elected officials’ offices, and all city services under one roof… perfect timing as the City of Coral Springs celebrated its 55th anniversary.

Prior to becoming mayor, Skip was a distinguished trial attorney who brought respect and integrity to each case he worked on. Additionally, he spent ten years in the Florida Senate helping to pass more than 100 bills benefitting children, families, and other worthy causes. Moreover, you could find him on the weekends coaching youth soccer or little league. Even his spare time was used to help others.  

Michael Goodrum, Coral Springs city manager, said of Skip, “He was a dedicated public servant, a man of the people, and a pillar of our community. While his professional accomplishments should be applauded, it is the family that he raised in Coral Springs that he treasured most. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children.”

Mayor Walter “Skip” Campbell is survived by his wife, two children, three grandchildren, two sisters, and a brother, as well as many extended family and friends.

Skip’s monthly column will be missed by all of us here at the Parklander. His impact has truly touched our community and brought about positive and much-needed change. Mayor Campbell created a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

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MSD Mom Wins Election to Broward County School Board

Next month, the Parkland community will have one of its own representing them on the Broward County School Board when the mother of a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting victim takes her oath of office and her place on the dais.

Lori Alhadeff, a former classroom teacher whose daughter Alyssa was one of 14 students killed last Feb. 14, avoided a runoff when she was elected with an overwhelming 64 percent of the vote in August, beating Tennille Decoste and Michael Kottler for the District 4 seat, which includes Parkland, Coral Springs, and Tamarac. She replaces Abby Freedman, who did not run.

“While this journey has been long, this is only the beginning. I will now use the mandate that the voters have given me to go and ensure that all kids and teachers are safe in all schools,” Alhadeff said in a statement after her victory.

“I will fight for our amazing teachers to ensure that they have a larger role in the major decisions that the School Board makes, and to make sure that they have the resources they need to do their job. I will provide the transparency and accountability that this district has been lacking for far too long,” said Alhadeff, who has master’s degree in education.

“The forces to maintain the status quo organized to defeat me, but they themselves were defeated. I look forward to working with every stakeholder who has the best interest of our kids, our teachers, and the district in mind. This community deserves nothing less.”

Her addition to the nine-member school board weakens the solid support that Superintendent Robert Runcie has enjoyed in recent years. She has criticized his response to the shooting and the slow progress of an $800 million bond that voters approved four years ago to improve crumbling schools. Freedman, the school board member Alhadeff replaces, typically supported Runcie.

Alhadeff told the Sun-Sentinel after she was elected that she ran to honor her daughter, Alyssa, a 14-year-old freshman who played soccer.

“Her death empowered me to want to run,” Alhadeff said. “I know Alyssa would be so proud, and I want to make sure what happens to my daughter doesn’t happen to another family.

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The Journey of a Thousand Miles

While this title may seem incongruous to the subject matter, I feel it fits perfectly into the goals and objectives of FAMSVARPAC and other organizations of similar ilk. What is FAMSVARPAC? The acronym stands for Families Versus Assault Rifles Political Action Committee. This organization was founded after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) to fight for better and stronger gun control from our legislators at all levels of government; local, state, and federal. Their ultimate goal is the elimination of semi-automatic rifle sales to the general populace, stronger background checks focusing on mental health, and the elimination of the NRA as a major force in the political arena as well as in our American way of life. How do they propose to move forward with their ideas?

I met with and interviewed three of the men on the board of this organization: Jeffrey A. Kasky, president; Sergio Rozenblat, national financial chairman; and Steve Wind, treasurer. All three come from diverse backgrounds and occupations. Despite their differences, they have something in common – all three men had children who not only attended MSD at the time of the mass shooting, but who also survived the horror. Their fathers’ united belief that there must be a stop to this type of violence led them, along with many others, to form this group. To say they are passionate and determined in their goals would be an understatement. While I sat there listening (and interacting) with these men, I found it interesting that even though they have the same common goals, they have different opinions on how to achieve them. As an apolitical organization, they hold no set stance against either party, and they do not advocate against any one politician or group of politicians. What they want to achieve is to elect politicians who have the same objectives toward gun safety as they do, and replace those who don’t. What they also believe is that weapons, such as the AR-15 and similar weapons of military grade, should not be sold to and do not belong in the hands of the American public; they simply serve no purpose. Yet, in most of the mass shootings we have seen in recent years, these are the weapons of choice; and sadly, purchasing one of these “weapons of mass destruction” is easier than buying a car.

Let me be even clearer about their feelings: None of the three are against the Second Amendment. None of them want to take guns out of the hands of gun owners. In fact, there are gun owners in this group, along with those who have proudly served in military and law enforcement agencies, and they believe in the right to defend self and property, if necessary. The revocation of the Second Amendment is not their calling. What they are doing is putting their money where their mouths are… they are tired of hearing “sound bytes,” empty words, promises, condolences, and seeing very little being done by our leaders and politicians. They are tired of hearing all the rhetoric after every shooting… until the next shooting. They want politicians who listen for a change… to listen and then effect change. “Never Again” should be more than a slogan.

Will their goals be met? They aren’t sure, but they are determined to keep on trying, now and into the foreseeable future. While the reality of the difficulties they face isn’t lost on them, it is also not deterring them. I think that is what ultimately counts. Nothing great, or of major importance, has ever been accomplished without strife and struggle.

If you feel the same way and want to help this organization, visit www.Donate17.org. You can also go to www.FAMSVARPAC.ORG and see how you can offer your support.

Remember, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

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The Youth Vote

It was March and we were in Minnesota. My son played on the Stoneman Douglas hockey team and they earned a spot in the High School National Championships. Plymouth, a suburb of the Twin Cities, was the host city. That weekend the March For Our Lives rallies were taking place around the country with the big one happening in D.C. The youth of our society responding vigorously to unimaginable tragedy, banding together, organizing, and very much being heard. Our group of players, students, and parents were invited to the rally in St. Paul, a march of a couple miles, which was to finish on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol.

We were out there early on that Saturday morning and the air was frigid. But the great crowd of Minnesotans was warm. They invited the Douglas students to begin the march, and so our group from Parkland – and the students in particular – walked with purpose at the forefront of what we quickly came to see was a magnificent demonstration of solidarity. A spirited parade of young inspired citizens moving down streets lined with energetic supporters. It was the most authentic and concrete display of democracy in action I’d personally ever witnessed. When 18,000 or so people gather in one place to pull together for something, the power is undeniable.

I kept noticing the signs. Signs held up everywhere, clever ones, simple ones, some fancy, some plain, large and small, some with messages as biting as the cold. After we arrived onto the steps of the Capitol and were facing back towards the crowd, with the speeches getting underway, I noticed a woman among the spectators standing below who was holding a sign we have all seen many times. A sign bearing one of the common slogans connected with political events, a phrase so mundane it’s easy to not notice it at all. But on that wintry spring morning, standing amid those many thousands, hearing the speakers talk of the changes sure to come, and the youthful crowd chanting and enthused, it occurred to me that this woman’s familiar sign was most important one of all. It wasn’t witty or clever. All it said was “Register to Vote.”

Getting the word out with marches, protests, signs, and speeches is important. But for all the energy spent on rallies and gatherings, debates on TV, articles in the news, the real impact depends on votes being cast on Election Day.

In recent history, youth voter turnout has been well below the average, especially during midterm elections. Data reported by Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement shows that while voter turnout in recent presidential elections for citizens aged 18 to 29 has been in the 50 percent range, in the past several midterms, the turnout for the same group has fallen into the low to mid 20 percent range. The same data shows that turnout for citizens 30 years and older is typically 20 percentage points higher than those rates. And isolating the guys’ numbers, CIRCLE figures demonstrating recent historical turnout by gender through 2010 show that since about the 1990s, young men consistently show up to the voting booth in lower percentages than young women.

According to the Florida Department of State website, the last day to register to vote in Florida for the November 6, 2018 general election is October 9, 2018. It will be interesting to see if the turnout of young voters in this election falls in line with historical patterns. Maybe this time something changes. Maybe this is the election that sets a new standard. Maybe this is a moment in time when the younger generation of the day demonstrates the full scope of its force. Not only the walking and the talking, but also the casting of the ballot. Maybe this is the day when the young lead us – like they led the nation on that Saturday in March – and we advance toward the fundamental goal of never again.

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Richard Walker, Candidate District 2 Commission Seat

In a nonpartisan race, Richard Walker faces Diego Pfeiffer for the Parkland District 2 commission seat. It will become vacant once commissioner Grace Solomon’s term expires in November. Election day falls on Nov. 6.

Each candidate was asked questions pertaining to issues facing Parkland, the candidate’s reasons for running, and how he would address top issues facing the city.

Walker said his experience as a family man and businessman qualifies him for the seat. He decided to run because he and his family are “fully invested in the city. I want to do my part to ensure the city that my wife and I chose for our children continues to be a special place.” He added: “I believe my experience and family make-up, having five children at each level of our school system and their various activities throughout the city give me a unique perspective on the commission.”

Walker added, “My extensive experience in the business world gives me a big picture understanding to ensure every decision is made in a fiscally responsible manner. Having been involved as a board member in soccer and Little League and as involved in the school system as we are, I believe I have a sound understanding of the needs and desires of residents.”

Walker hasn’t held a position in government. However, “I have been involved in many levels as a coach and recreational league board member.” As he sees them, the top issues are parks and recreation, growth and infrastructure, as well as safety and security.

“As our city grows, we need to ensure we can keep our city and all of our residents safe,” Parker said. “We need to improve communication with our Parks and Recreation department to ensure our Recreational programs and residents have the best access and as we grow all their needs are met to have successful program and events,” Walker said.

Regarding growth and infrastructure Walker said, “we need to ensure we have the plans in place to have the infrastructure to facilitate our incoming growth. We need to be mindful of the exceptional services our residents expect and that we can continue them at the highest levels.”

The candidate said he is looking forward to working with city officials to “ensure our residents have the best of everything.”

What attracted Walker to Parkland was the small town feel. “I can go anywhere in the city and see people I know and when I meet someone new I am greeted with a warm reception.”

Walker has owned Bergen Sign Company for 22 years and is originally from New Jersey. After the company opened its second office in Pompano Beach, Walker commuted back and forth. That is, until he and his family moved to Parkland four years ago. “I could not think of a better place to raise our children,” he said.

Editor’s note: Despite repeated attempts to reach Diego Pfeiffer by phone and emails he did not respond. Pfeiffer, 18, is a recent graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

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