All eyes on politics: CEOs watching national and local races

CEOs were asked: It’s election season. How closely are you following national races and developments?

We are following the races closely, as a number of the candidates’ policies could have significant impact on the economy.

Andy Ansin, vice president, Sunbeam Properties

It is nearly impossible to escape minute-by-minute coverage of the 2020 election, particularly at the national level. At the Jewish Federation of Broward County, we’re paying attention to how the candidates for president describe their vision for Israel’s security and well-being. The relationship between the United States and Israel should always remain wholly non-partisan, strong and unbreakable.

Michael Balaban, president, CEO, Jewish Federation of Broward County

I believe two of the foundations of great leadership are staying informed and remaining civically engaged. This starts well before election season and starts at the local level. This is particularly relevant as Lime’s success in the various cities we serve depends greatly on our partnership with its leaders. That said, national races are becoming more and more a reflection of the communities we serve. The issues that surface at the local level help us define how best we can provide solutions at a national level.

Uhriel Bedoya, Florida general manager, Lime

I believe it is important to be an active citizen in order to have a voice for our community and country. For me, it is crucial to understand what happens during the election season, specially this year, with important issues such as climate change, gun control, immigration and public education.

Claudia Busch, founding principal, Berenblum Busch Architects

I closely follow developments in national races, ensuring that legislators who are standing on the right side of key legislative initiatives impacting the financial sector — Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) reform, cannabis banking, government-sponsored enterprise (Fannie/Freddie) reform, anti-money laundering reform, flood insurance reform, data security enhancements, and the clawing back of current expected credit loss modeling — are returned to office. This is of great importance.

Carlos R. Fernandez-Guzman, president, CEO, Pacific National Bank (PNB)

It’s difficult to not follow politics as it seems to have become the national obsession. I follow some races and developments that are both closer to home and nationally. However, I try not to get too caught up in the rhetoric of either side as there is more than one way of viewing situations. I try to remain grounded in my principles and core values, participate at the level that resonates with me and keep moving on with my life, trying to do the best I can to fulfill my purpose here.

Christine Franklin, president, Cherokee Enterprises

Very closely. It’s actually the first time that I’ve taken such a keen interest so early in the race, as I typically don’t involve myself too much in politics. But this time, it’s quite fascinating especially with the recent entrance of Mike Bloomberg in the race, who clearly poses a very real threat to the incumbent. If nothing else, it will be very interesting to watch the interactive debates and see how everything plays out throughout the rest of the year.

Arnaud Karsenti, managing principal, 13th Floor Investments

I am a political junkie and always closely follow local and national elections. I enjoy the nuances in campaign strategy. This year is especially interesting because of the local county mayor’s race, a high-profile congressional contest and many wrinkles in the presidential race with lots of shifts among Democrats, and Mike Bloomberg has jumped into the race. Things will become much clearer in the coming weeks. Term limits at the county commission will most certainly change the dynamics and landscape of local politics. I truly hope this will encourage good people to run for office so we can finally get away from the same recycled names running for office. Although I am a firm believer in term limits, we must be vigilant that this does not create the unintended consequence of making the bureaucracy more powerful than it already is. In summary, I do hope everyone eligible has registered to vote and that voter turnout is high in all elections regardless of party and preferred candidates. I also hope everyone fills out the census so South Florida gets its fair share of representation when redistricting occurs.

Bernie Navarro, founder and president, Benworth Capital Partners

Close enough, yet at a distance that avoids an increase in therapy costs.

Sanket Parekh, founder and managing partner, Secocha Ventures

I am following the national races closely to better understand the differences regarding important key issues like the economy, defense spending, gun control, the rising deficit, climate change, etc. among the various Democratic candidates and not just paying attention to their comments that Trump has to go.

Julio Ramirez, president, CEO, JEM Global Consulting

Very closely, as this is one of the most important elections I can remember in charting the future course of our country, the type of leadership we will elect, and the type of democracy we will have.

Stuart Singer, administrative partner, Fort Lauderdale office, Boies Schiller & Flexner

In today’s political environment, it’s hard not to pay close attention to the candidates and their agendas. For me, it is particularly important to understand where candidates stand on pre-kindergarten-to-12 education funding and in supporting resources for high need communities so all children have an equal opportunity to succeed in school and in life.

Evelio C. Torres, president, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe

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THE MIAMI HERALD CEO ROUNDTABLE IS A WEEKLY FEATURE THAT APPEARS IN BUSINESS MONDAY OF THE MIAMI HERALD. Meet the current members of the roundtable.

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