Editor’s
Viewpoint By Mark Buckshon
Publisher, Chicago Construction News
Years ago, I learned there are usually more than one (or
even two) sides to each story, but that our perspectives are
framed by our own experiences, values, and the communi-
ties where we live and work.

This Florida Construction News issue’s main stories, re-
lating to the impact of possible steel tariffs on the state’s
construction industry, and the follow-up from the tragic
Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse,
relate to these multi-sided controversy challenges.

On the steel issue, if you talk with many of the lobbyists
and association leaders, they will say they will cause seri-
ous hardship for the industry. However, if you live in central
Florida near the new Nucor rebar steel mill, you might have
a very different perspective on the issue.

The FIU issue touches on responsibility. How did this ac-
cident occur and should anyone (or several people/organi-
zations) share responsibility for the tragedy?
How should we as journalists/publishers handle these
stories? Journalism has always had an element of advocacy and
bias, and there is nothing wrong with that, if you can com-
pare and review the alternative viewpoints. I think our role
as a community publication, however, should be to strive to
fairness – and where possible, convey the different view-
points with sensitivity and respect for the different per-
spectives. I welcome your observations, opinions and comments. You
can email me at buckshon@floridaconstructionnews.com.

IN THIS ISSUE
3 6
7 8
10 12
15 16
18 22
The FIU bridge collapse:
Peeking into the cone of silence about the disaster that killed six
Construction costs rising rapidly as
potential tariffs threaten scarcities: AGCA
PECO: Florida approves $487 million
for university construction projects
AEC marketing: 10 steps to success
Steel tariffs: Some good news for Florida’s construction industry
with plans for new $240 million Nucor rebar mill
Orange County: Contracting opportunities at one of the nation's
'largest and most aggressive' school building programs
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