Issues - A Production of WPBT2

This Week on Issues - 03/06 & 03/08

Friday, March 6 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, March 8 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Crist’s State of the State Address
On Tuesday, Governor Charlie Crist gave his third State of the State address, calling for lawmakers to turn the current economic crisis into an opportunity.  Florida legislators began their session this week with an immediate $700 million shortfall.  What solutions does Crist propose and what lies ahead for the state’s legislative session?

Guests:
Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University
Michael Mayo, SunSentinel
Beth Reinhard, The Miami Herald
Justin Sayfie, Sayfie Review

ISSUE TWO: Changing Philanthropic Landscape
Ruth Shack, Dade Community Foundation’s president for more than twenty years, recently announced her plans to step down.  We discuss how the philanthropic landscape has changed during her tenure and what role government should play in the community.

Guest:
Ruth Shack, Dade Community Foundation

 

This Week on Issues 02/06 & 02/08

Friday, February 6 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 8 @ 12:30 PM

ISSUE ONE: Interview with Lawton “Bud” Chiles
In January, lawmakers tapped into the Lawton Chiles Endowment for Children and Elders in order to balance the state's troubled budget.  We talk to Governor Chiles’ son, Lawton “Bud” Chiles, on how to alleviate Florida’s fiscal crisis and whether he will run for governor in 2010.

Guest:
Lawton “Bud” Chiles III, Lawton Chiles Foundation

ISSUE TWO: Marlins Stadium in Final Stretch?
The plans for building the Florida Marlins baseball stadium are still underway, with a pivotal vote scheduled to be cast next Friday by county commissioners.  We discuss the pros and cons of the project.

Guests:
Michael Burnstine, Coalition Against Marlins Bailout
Eloy Cepero, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

ISSUE THREE: Florida House Speaker Saga
State Representative Ray Sansom temporarily resigned from his position as Florida’s House Sepaker amid an investigation of a possible ethics violation.  Joy Reid explains why we may have a Blagojevich-like scandal on our hands.

Guest:
Joy Reid, South Florida Times

This Week on Issues - 09/19 & 09/21

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

ISSUE ONE: Gas Price Gouging in the Wake of Hurricane Ike?
The Florida Attorney General's Office is investigating whether gasoline price gouging took place during a declared period of emergency.  Consumers have complained that gas prices spiked in the wake of Hurricane Ike.  How much is usual profit versus gouging?

Guest:
Cindy Guerra, Office of the Attorney General of Florida

ISSUE TWO: Is Florida Still a Swing State?
The use of the Electoral College to determine the presidency elevates swing states to prominence every election cycle. Which state will we watch this year?  Given our voting and recent polling data is Florida still a swing state?

Guests:
Casey Klofstad, Ph.D., University of Miami
Robert Watson, Ph.D., Lynn University

ISSUE THREE: Beacon Council’s Local Business Survey
The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s official economic development organization, released results from their annual business survey.  How do local businesses feel about the current economic climate?

Guest:
Jaap Donath, Ph.D., The Beacon Council

Thursday Sneak Peak

Here's what we are working on for tomorrow's program.

Did gas prices spike in your neighborhood in response to Hurricane Ike?  Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum suspects so, and has issued subpoenas to several gas companies to investigate possible gas price gouging. 

Recent voter polls indicate a close presidential race between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama.  But how are they polling in Florida?  What state on the electoral college map will make-it-or-break-it for the presidential hopefuls this time around?

Plus, we review the Beacon Council's annual survey, Local Business Local Jobs.  To look at the full results, visit here.