Issues - A Production of WPBT2

Wednesday Sneak Peak

We were off last week due to the holidays, so if you tuned in on Friday you had a chance to see Viewpoint, our monthly religion and ethics program.  But we are back on this Friday with a look ahead to 2009.

This Week on Issues - 12/19 & 12/21

Friday, December 19 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 21 @ 12:30 PM

 

ISSUE ONE: Changing Stance Towards the Cuban Embargo?
The results of this year’s FIU Cuba Poll show Cuban-Americans living in Florida support the elimination of the trade embargo.  With the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Revolution ahead, should the U.S. reconsider its current policies?

Guests:
Sylvia Iriondo, M.A.R. Por Cuba
Carlos Saladrigas, Cuba Study Group

ISSUE TWO: Top Political Stories of 2008
From superdelegates and the presidential campaign to the recent Wall Street bailout, political junkies had plenty to talk about in 2008.  We gathered a panel to discuss this year’s top political stories.

Guests:
Jim DeFede, WFOR CBS-4
Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University
Casey Klofstad, Ph.D., University of Miami
Charles Zelden, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University

Thursday Sneak Peek

On this week's program we'll discuss the Cuban embargo.  What can be said of this policy as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Revolution?  We'll also review the top stories of 2008.

Election Day - 12/16

Today, December 16th, voters in Miami-Dade County will head to the polls to vote for their first elected property appraiser.  Miami-Dade was the last county in Florida in which the appraiser was an appointed official, instead of an elected one.  (Political junkies will remember we voted on whether it should be appointed or elected back in the January 2008 primary.)

This special December run-off election is between candidates Gwen Margolis and Pedro J. Garcia.  Two weeks ago we invited both on Issues to help viewers decide which one is best for them.

Check out this link to hear from both candidates for Miami-Dade's property appraiser.

 

Update 12/17:

For those following this race, Pedro J. Garcia won the election.  To see the official numbers, visit the Miami-Dade Elections site.

This Week on Issues - 12/12 & 12/14

Friday, December 12 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 14 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Interview with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen joins us on the program to discuss her vote on the auto bailout, her thoughts on President-elect Barack Obama’s major public works plan, and aid to Haiti.

Guest:
U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, (R) District 18

ISSUE TWO: HOT Lanes Wrong for South Florida?
Miami-Dade's high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes northbound on I-95 began charging users last week after months of no tolls to get drivers accustomed to the new layout.  Attorney and former City of Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez join us to share his concerns over South Florida's traffic woes.

Guest:
Xavier Suarez, Esq., Law Office of Xavier Suarez

ISSUE THREE: Political Week in Review
This week brings us a handful of political stories, from the price tag of Governor Charlie Crist's European trip, the Lawton Chiles family accusing the state of reneging on children's issues, and corruption in the state of Illinois.

Guests:
Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University
Joy Reid, South Florida Times

Friday Sneak Peek

On this week's program, we'll talk to Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former City of Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez, and review the week in politics.

This Week on Issues - 12/05 & 12/07

Friday, December 5 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 7 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Run-off Election
Early voting for Miami-Dade County's property appraiser began this week.  The two candidates of this special election join us to discuss what it means to assess property values.

Guests:
Pedro J. Garcia, Candidate for Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser
Gwen Margolis, Candidate for Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser 

ISSUE TWO: Final Ruling on Marlins Stadium Lawsuit
The final count pending in the Florida Marlins lawsuit by philanthropist Norman Braman was cleared recently, allowing the baseball team to continue plans to build a new stadium.  Miami Today’s Michael Lewis shares his math as to why the investment might not add up.

Guest:
Michael Lewis, Miami Today

ISSUE THREE: Sen. Martinez Drops Out of Race
Senator Mel Martinez announced this week that he will not seek re-election, stirring up rumors from both parties as to who could run for his seat in 2010.  Will it be a Jeb Bush versus Alex Sink match-up?

Guest:
Anthony Man, SunSentinel

Thursday Sneak Peek

On this week's program we'll review Senator Mel Martinez's decision to not seek re-election, talk to the two candidates in the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser's race, and discuss the final ruling on the Florida Marlins stadium.