DeSantis’ quest for relevance is proving costly to Florida taxpayers | Opinion

Costly quest

The Herald’s April 28 story, “Florida doesn’t want to pay $180k for court-ordered phones at Alligator Alcatraz,” shows that in refusing to install court-ordered phones at the site, Gov. Ron DeSantis was willing to pay a private law firm more than three times their cost to argue against expanded phone access. Meanwhile, Florida taxpayers are on the hook for $608 million spent to construct and operate the facility.

If the feds follow through on a promise to reimburse Florida for this expense, the site ironically becomes subject to federal Environmental Protection Agency jurisdiction. This, in turn, would revitalize a well-grounded lawsuit to shut down Alligator Alcatraz for its adverse environmental impacts.

Our lame duck governor’s quest for continued political relevance is proving to be quite costly for us.

Bob Ross,

Pinecrest

Taste of tyranny

The Florida constitution, in so many words, states that gerrymandering for political gain and voter suppression is not allowed. Our governor, however, has gone ahead with redistricting.

I know of another person in high office who is also ignoring the Constitution because he doesn’t like it.

I used to pity people living in countries we often referred to as dictatorships. This must be what it’s like.

I don’t like it. How can so many people like it?

George Lipp,

Cooper City

Fighting back

The U.S. Supreme Court has reversed hard-won progress under the Voting Rights Act. This means less representation for millions of Black Americans and other voters, as lawmakers gain ability to manipulate their districts. There will be more extreme partisan gerrymandering, lopsided elections, less accountable government and policies that hurt rather than help daily life.

However, this is not a time to feel demoralized. We know it does not have to be this way. We can mobilize around reform, new laws and, where necessary, constitutional amendments for fairer government. Only then can we feel the benefits of a balanced Court, a truly representative Congress and an election system free from the distorting power of extreme corporate and partisan manipulation.

Paul Bacon,

Hallandale Beach

Big city, no trees

Tree lovers across Miami are convinced the city is favoring developers far ahead of preserving trees.

In a more enlightened city, trees would be valued and not seen as an inconvenience. But, then, for many years, Miami has had a government of developers, for developers and by developers. Anyone who doubts that is invited to look at the list of campaign contributions to our elected officials.

Elvis Cruz,

Miami

Cheers for Dotres

The Miami Herald editorial board’s highly thoughtful and encouraging appeal to the School Board April 28, “The last Miami-Dade superintendent search was a mess. Do better this time,” missed one important observation. Even though the last recruitment effort may have been a bit hasty, it could not have turned out better for our public school system.

Dr. Jose Dotres has proved to be an extraordinarily effective leader — and he has done so with an overflowing of grace, humility and kindness toward others that has often obscured his accomplishments in maintaining, even sometimes accelerating, the extraordinary momentum he inherited from his highly gifted predecessor. Importantly, he has done this without major controversy and without drawing attention to himself. He also successfully has made an extraordinary effort to embrace a number of highly effective nonprofits in our community who also serve our public school students, such as Chapman Partnership and Branches, to help develop areas of synergy between their efforts and those of the school system. No matter how much time or money the school board spends in the next recruitment effort, it will be fortunate if it can hire a public servant as kind and as effective as Superintendent Dotres. Trish and Dan Bell,

Coral Gables

Shell game

Unless Todd Blanche, acting United States Attorney General, has a hell of a lot more evidence that former FBI Director James Comey intended to threaten President Trump when he posted a picture of seashells on a beach, Blanche should have his license to practice law revoked.

Leon Botkin,

Miami

On solid ground?

Re: Arnie Gellman’s excellent April 26 letter, “‘Supertall’ worries.” Miami-Dade County’s “leaders” seldom consider our infrastructural shortcomings. They’re dazzled by dreamy skyscrapers and visions of being a “NYC South” (not to mention additional tax revenues).

The Big Apple supports its super-tall skyscrapers with its granite base, whereas Miami-Dade’s base is porous oolitic limestone.

Less than thoughtful continued approval of these sky-high towers will also contribute to our area’s reputation as “Gridlock City.” When I arrived in Miami long ago, anywhere in Dade could be reached by car in 20 minutes. That’s only a distant memory now.

Highlighting the impact of new super-tall buildings on our substandard infrastructure is a welcoming necessity. Hopefully, county and city fathers and mothers are listening.

H. Allen Benowitz,

Miami

Consumption rate

Practically the only food advertised on all the TV channels are hamburgers, sandwiches and pizzas. No mention of legumes, no cereals, no fish, no fruit.

No wonder the USA has such a monstrous percentage of obese people.

Valeria Mastelli,

Key Biscayne

Mentally young

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an important time to talk about well-being. We often overlook, however, the most critical period: the earliest years of life.

Mental health begins before birth and is shaped by our early relationships with parents and caregivers. When babies and young children have nurturing, responsive caregivers, they build a foundation for lifelong health and resilience. When babies are treated harshly, hurt, or don’t receive basic needs for consistent care and comfort, they become more vulnerable to lifelong health challenges and mental illness.

Across Miami-Dade’s vibrant communities, families navigate many systems as they raise young children. The Florida Association for Infant Mental Health supports professionals across pediatrics, early intervention, child care and other systems serving these families daily. Strengthening these workforces ensure families can access specialized help early, when it matters most.

On May 7, in recognition of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, we invite the community to learn about the best strategies to address the mental health crisis at our online event, “More Good Moments, Together.” Register at https://givebutter.com/MoreGoodMomentsTogether.

If we want a brighter future for Florida, we must start at the beginning.

Christine Hughes,

executive director,

Florida Association for Infant Mental Health

Miami

Bravo, Bal Harbour

Once again, the Village of Bal Harbour spoke truth to the power of the purse. In a unanimous decision, the tiny municipality in the northeast corner of Miami-Dade County rejected the updated attempt by Bal Harbour Shops and Whitman Family Development to expand wider and higher on Collins Avenue.

As a 62-year resident of Bay Harbor Islands (one of the four small “shtetls” in this 33154 zip code), I’ve seen our charming MIMO neighborhood morph into Miami Beach-lite.

Besides the proverbial “one road in and out” via the Shepard Broad Causeway during a hurricane emergency, how many more students can be accommodated at the Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center, Nautilus Middle, and Miami Beach Senior High schools?

My neighborly message to Bal Harbour Mayor Seth Salver and the village council: keep on keeping on! Norma A. Orovitz,

Bay Harbor Islands