Should Hobe Sound incorporate? That was the question asked in an article by Gil Smart in Saturday’s Stuart News. It is my contention that any time citizens can know their elected officials and participate intimately in governing, it is the correct decision. The closer that local government is to the people the better it reflects their will. The smaller the unit of government, the more likely it is that those elected will not be professional politicians always looking toward a higher office or an election contribution.
Incorporation would mean that the citizens of the “Town of Hobe Sound” would elect a municipal council to govern. The Sheriff and Martin County Fire/Rescue would still provide those services. From the consultant’s report, total taxes would remain the same. The key difference would be that instead of being part of the Martin County development wars, the citizens of the town would call their own shots. Who better to decide how to keep the character of Hobe Sound than local citizens? County Commissioners can’t possibly know better what residents of Hobe Sound want than their neighbors and friends.
I am a Stuart City Commissioner and, currently, the Mayor. So, it should come as no secret that I believe local government is the best government because it is closest to the people. Most people who get involved at this level certainly don’t do so for the money. We do become involved because we want to give back to the communities in which we live. We are not easily influenced by developers or others wanting to erect projects. In fact, because we don’t need to chase campaign dollars to be elected, we can honestly do what we believe best for our communities. I hear constantly from citizens sharing their thoughts every time I go to the store or eat in a restaurant.
It appears that Hobe Sound has met the standards needed for the legislature to allow for a vote on whether to incorporate or not. There are criteria for incorporation that the legislature should follow as outlined in Section 165.061(1) of the Florida Statutes. What the legislature should not do is substitute their judgment for that of the people of Hobe Sound. Tallahassee should also not be concerned with how Martin County feels regarding incorporation.
If the legislature votes to allow the referendum, then the people can decide whether the “Town of Hobe Sound” should exist or not. I trust the people will make the correct choice. It is my hope that I can welcome the birth of Martin County’s 5th municipality this year and Indiantown should be the 6th municipality. The legislature needs to return incorporation in both areas to the citizens to decide.