CEOs: With few exceptions, governments have mostly handled crisis well

Members from the Florida Army National Guard (Headquarters, 50th RSG in Homestead) direct cars to the COVID-19 drive-thru testing center at Marlins Park on March 24. Drive-through testing is for people 65 and over with coronavirus symptoms. Appointments are required through a Miami-Dade hotline. .... South Florida CEOs were asked: Do you think Miami-Dade, the state of Florida, and the federal government have adequately responded to the challenge at hand? DAVID SANTIAGO dsantiago@miamiherald.com

CEOs were asked: Do you think Miami-Dade, the state of Florida, and the federal government have adequately responded to the challenge at hand?

Policymakers at all levels of government are facing extraordinary challenges. They’re being asked to balance the economic viability of our community with public health concerns. Regardless of what might seem to some as a Hobson’s choice, it’s actually very simple. The health and well-being of people must be our highest priority. The economy will bounce back, the most vulnerable among us won’t.

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

This is a very challenging medical crisis, and due to the population of our country and our personal freedoms, wisdom is hard to come by ‘out of the gate.’ Regardless, I have absolutely nothing but praise for the front line decision makers, albeit strategies will be modified and more targeted as we track the virus and learn more about its transmission. While I may question the wisdom of some actions, and believe there may be better alternatives, there are many brilliant minds that are dealing with a very difficult and fluid situation.

Anita Byer, CEO, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk

We should all avoid playing Monday morning quarterback when superficially critiquing the measures taken by the various governing bodies. These are unprecedented times, and therefore required unprecedented actions. In order to critique decisions, one would need to be presented with the same facts as those making them at the time. Best to take a forward looking approach with robust and comprehensive post-op evaluations that will allow us to better prepare and not repeat mistakes going forward.

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

Government is always an easy target for criticism and frustration. This pandemic has presented impacts never before seen. I believe all levels have done an admirable job, especially at the federal and local levels. There has never been a more important time than now for a unified front in government and for the citizenry to truly follow the mandates from our leaders. I applaud Senator Rubio for his admirable work on behalf of Florida and the country. As chairman of the Small Business Committee, he has worked in a bipartisan fashion to protect small businesses from this economic calamity that we are facing. When this is all over, we will owe him a debt of gratitude for his courage and leadership. I also commend Miami Dade College, where I serve as chair, and all schools for so quickly adapting to remote learning. It is so important that our students continue their studies uninterrupted, even if for the sake of a little normalcy and routine.

Bernie Navarro, founder and president, Benworth Capital Partners

While Bill Gates warned the entire world, in a TED talk he gave in 2015, of the need to prepare for a global pandemic as the biggest threat to humanity, I do think the federal, state of Florida and Miami-Dade County governments have responded quickly and fairly in addressing the safety of our citizens with this crisis — the one exception being the delay of mandatory closing and evacuation of our beaches. I also think that what we are doing now as a nation will help us for future threats similar to coronavirus as well.

Julio Ramirez, president, CEO, JEM Global Consulting

I think the governor should have shut down beaches statewide — if government isn’t there to close down public places like beaches in the midst of an epidemic, what role does government serve? The federal government should move more aggressively to cut through delays in testing potential antiviral drugs for approval, and should use the Defense Production Act to speed their production, as well as that of ventilators. It is misleading to compare the current total of deaths to the flu (estimates of 50,000 deaths) or automobile accidents (with similar fatalities). The best models, such as that of the Imperial College of London, show that if we do not continue social distancing, we could be looking at upwards of 1 million deaths in the U.S. There is no cost-benefit justification for trying to get business back to normal that could justify such an outcome.

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

Let us keep in mind that our government is run by people just like us — our friends, neighbors and colleagues. When you are in a position of power and have to make decisions that impact thousands or millions of people, it not easy because you know there are always unintended consequences. If we believe that human beings are inherently good, then we must trust that “the government” is acting in good faith. Every major decision in this unprecedented situation will, at a minimum, impact health and safety, the economy, and people’s livelihood. Looking back, we will identify plenty of opportunities for improvement, but right now we should stand united so we have the best opportunity possible to work ourselves out of this situation.

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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