As I begin my second term, I want to say thank you to all those who supported and voted for me in the election. I am pleased to know that a vast majority of voters believed I had represented their interests for the past two years. I promise moving forward that I will continue to do so by looking how individual issues affect the entire City. Each project and ordinance must be scrutinized within that context.

Second, I want to commend my opponent, Patrick McGavock, for his campaign. He conducted himself as a gentleman. Similarly as I do, he wants what only is best for our City. I respect his efforts.

Throughout my first term, I have made myself available to meet individually, in groups, to speak by telephone or hear from you through e-mail and now through my new Facebook page, Commissioner Tom Campenni, City of Stuart. I will continue to have an open door.  I have tried to attend a wide variety of different events because I believe part of my job description is just that. By being at different civic and non-profit events, I not only represent myself but all of Stuart.

I will continue writing this blog. This gives everyone a chance to become acquainted with my views on issues that are important to Stuart and Martin County. Too many elected officials do not want you to know what their stance is on a subject; I am not one of those. After reading something I have written, let me know how you feel about it by sending an e-mail.

Another communication tool I used was my e-mail blasts before commission meetings to let the citizens know what is going on at the City. I am going to keep on doing so now that I am re-elected. Anyone who wants to receive the e-mails and currently does not, please send your e-mail address to me.

I have also made it a point to speak before various groups and organizations. Public officials have a responsibility to do so. The public should demand no less from us. So if you want me to speak at your organization, condo or homeowner association, church or club, let me know and I will be glad to do so.

I promise not to vote for projects that are environmentally unfriendly. I will not vote for projects that are not market oriented and privately driven. The private sector knows far more than government. It is their investment of cash and experience that will make the project successful. Government’s responsibility is to provide a framework through zoning and Land Development Codes and to insure a level playing field for all. I do believe in public-private partnerships, especially with non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity, to advance the well-being of the City.

I do not want to see us in a combined facility with the County or School Board. I am not in favor of moving the current City Hall unless an independent funding source is found to pay for it that does not increase your taxes. I am not in favor of moving City Hall unless there is a free market project that will bring substantial income to the City. I am not in favor of moving City Hall if we have to sacrifice one inch of Flagler Park to do so. For me to consider voting to move City Hall, all three of those conditions would have to be met.

I will not vote for an increase to our 4-story height limit. Nor will I vote for projects that turn our downtown and other areas of Stuart into Delray Beach. I believe that the quality of life for residents is paramount. I do believe we can continue to have our “Old Florida” feel and uniqueness.

I am in favor of having new people, jobs and businesses come to Stuart. We need to attract and keep businesses and institutions like Martin Memorial Health Systems and NUCO2. We need to strive to have the employees of businesses live within our borders by having many different forms of housing. The majority of tax distribution is apportioned by population. While we may be the business generator for Martin County, because we are now only a little more that 10% of Martin County’s population, we do not receive anywhere near the percentage of taxes we generate.

The key to a City’s survival is not only being a magnet for businesses and jobs but also for people. Millennials who want to start families need to live in Stuart and not flee to Palm City or Jensen Beach. As a City Commissioner, I have no say over our school system, but I will continue to support and help both J.D. Parker and Stuart Middle become better. Stuart needs to be considered home to all generations and be multi-cultural. A city with a varied population is a strength and not a weakness.

I promise to continue being a Commissioner that attends as many different advisory board meetings as possible. This allows me to understand issues that may or may not come before the Commission. As a board member of both the Treasure Coast League of Cities and the Florida League of Cities, I will work with my regional and statewide counterparts to solve problems such as the Indian River Lagoon. I will lobby and work with both state and federal officials to address environmental and other issues such as “All Aboard” and Sober Homes.

When I decided to become a Commissioner and then run for reelection, I did so because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to use my experience as a business person to tackle the problems that Stuart faces. I am going to do just that. I will continue to oppose projects that I believe are bad and support those that are good for the entire City of Stuart.