LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Posted on 28 January 2016 by LeslieM

RE: Open carry of firearms

Dear Editor:

The last thing that Florida needs now is looser restrictions on gun use. Over the last few decades, it has become abundantly clear that our state is dealing with significant problems in the areas of gun deaths, violence and safety. In 2000, the total [percentage] of murders that were caused by the use of a firearm was 56.1 percent; in 2010, this figure increased to 67.8 percent, and, in 2014, this figure had further increased to 70 percent. These numbers do not even factor in homicide where the shooter claimed self-defense.

Despite all this, Pro-Gun Legislators in Florida are now pushing for looser restrictions on gun use. One bill would allow the carrying of concealed weapons on college campuses, even though 73 percent of Floridians say that this is a bad idea. Another introduced piece of legislation would even allow individuals to bring guns to public meetings. Most menacingly of all, House Bill 163 and Senate Bill 300 would legalize “open carry” in Florida, which would allow citizens to openly carry guns almost anywhere concealed carry weapons are permitted. These pro-gun bills would have the dangerous effect of allowing more Floridians to have more guns in more places, a situation we should avoid.

Given the elevated gun violence levels in our state, this is not the kind of legislation that Florida needs.

We must implement stricter and safer gun control legislation that would counteract those issues, not enhance them. Florida deserves common-sense gun control and funding that would provide additional mental health programs.

These are precisely the kind of measures I will support during the upcoming session.

When our forefathers drafted the second amendment to the Constitution, they did not envision that someone who was found mentally incompetent would be guaranteed the right to carry a loaded firearm. There is much talk today about money running policy.

Check your legislator’s record and their NRA rating to see who they are representing in our state capitol: the People or the NRA lobbyist?

This is important as we start the second week of session in which we will be sure to see pro-gun legislation introduced.

Maria Sachs,

Florida State Senator,

District 34

Delray Beach

RE: SW 10 St. improvements

Dear Editor:

Last year, the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (Broward MPO) developed a consensus building initiative with the communities along the SW 10 Street corridor to discuss the future of the corridor between Florida’s Turnpike and I-95. The purpose of this initiative was designed to identify concerns on current and future conditions and to develop consensus on potential near and long-term transportation improvements.

Nine representatives were selected from Deerfield Beach to serve on the Community Oversight and Advisory Team (COAT). Over the past several months these volunteers have worked tirelessly to give input on this project and to address some of the many issues facing those who live and work along SW 10 Street. This team has worked very hard to try to limit the negative impact a project like this could have on our city. It has become evident that this project will be a significant one, with negative and positive effects on our city. While we are limited in what we can control on this project, our input will count towards limiting the negative impact on our community.

I implore you to let your voice be heard this Saturday, Jan. 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the North Regional Broward College Library Auditorium, located at 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL. This is the final meeting for public input before being presented to the Broward MPO board.

Please come out and participate in this very important meeting. The City of Deerfield Beach will be providing bus service to and from the community workshop.

Bus pick-up locations will include City Hall, Century Village Main Clubhouse, and Target on Hillsboro Boulevard and Powerline Road. Buses will be leaving each location promptly at 10 a.m. Buses will be returning from the library at 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

Please contact the City Manager’s Office at 954-480-4263 to reserve a seat. Reservations must be made by Friday, Jan. 29.

If unable to attend the meeting, all interested persons are encouraged to attend, send a representative or express their views by email to info@SW10thstreetvision.org.

For more information regarding the SW 10 Street corridor improvements, please visit www.SW10thStreetvision.org.

Vice Mayor Bill Ganz

Deerfield Beach

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