CURRENTS November 2018 | Page 11

Currents > continued from page 10 language less archaic would be welcomed, but this amendment represents too much messing with the state document. Sounds more like mischief, and we don’t know what problem is being solved. Give this the thumbs-down. AMENDMENT 12: VOTE YES Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public Officers: This amendment would bar public officials from lob- bying both during their terms and for six years follow- ing. It also would restrict current public officers from using their office for personal gain. It expands ethics rules for public officials — both elected officials and government employees, including judges. Six years is a long time. The current prohibition is two years. However, we’ve seen too many lawmak- ers skirt even that rule by acting as, say, paid con- sultants before the time is up. Many government- watchdog groups support this amendment. We do, too. AMENDMENT 13: VOTE YES Ends Dog Racing in Florida: Amendment 13 would ban greyhound racing by the end of 2020. This amendment represents a financial and ethical clash between the gambling industry and animal- rights advocates. But it also signals a cultural shift. The racing industry has fought legislative meas- ures to protect the dogs. Amendment 13 is a com- promise: Florida’s 11 dog tracks would be allowed to keep their gambling permits even if they halt racing by 2019, and they would be able to operate as card rooms and, in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, larger-scale venues that offer slot machines. Dog-racing has become a loss leader, a sideshow to slots and card rooms. Amendment 13 allows them a graceful exit from this anachronistic form of entertainment. Gene Suppell Editor & Publisher We reserve the right to edit all submissions. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Currents magazine. No articles can be reprinted without our permis- sion. November 2018 11 Dr. Daniel S. Brandwein, D.P.M. Diplomate American Board of Podiatric Surgery Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery We accept Cigna, United & Aetna Podiatrist The Treatment of: • Warts • Fungus Nails • Callouses • Corns • Orthotics • Bunions • Foot & Ankle Pain FREE EXAM & CONSULTATION A $150 Value X-rays not included Exp.11-30-2018 New Patients Only Medicare Provider • Most Insurances 159 S. Pompano Parkway, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 Palm-Aire Market Place 954-984-7500 MAID FOR TODAY 954-968-0063 HOME CLEANING! Licensed Bonded Insured NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL 25% OFF ! Houses Condos Offices Parties (3 hour minimum) Serving South Florida for Over 33 Yrs.