Martin County and the City of Stuart are two governmental entities that should be working together to further the interests of every citizen. The needs of both are intertwined in so many ways that it demands they develop policies in concert that are beneficial to both. From economic development to ecological conservation to land use, a coordinated effort would increase results.

Working in concert doesn’t just mean the occasional joint meeting. There should be task forces headed by a commissioner from each commission that meets to determine coordinated policy. The task forces should also include staff and citizen representatives. The commissioners would then report back to their respective bodies for feedback and eventual enactment of policies.

This would require both entities not to just preach coordination but to actually practice it. Staff alone, even under the best of circumstances, can only advise those elected by the voters. The commissioners themselves need to be involved to make this work. Reliance on staff for technical or administrative tasks is necessary. But the business of governing is more than just issuing proclamations and passing staff recommendations.

For what happens in Stuart does affect all residents of the county to some degree as does what happens in the county affect Stuart residents. No one lives in isolation and is impervious to consequences across governmental boundary lines. We, as citizens, have chosen to live in different parts of Martin County for various reasons. I live close to downtown Stuart because I like the amenities that affords. Someone else lives in rural Hobe Sound or Palm City or Jensen Beach because of their particular preferences. That doesn’t mean we do not have an interest for the well-being of all of Martin County.