In less than two weeks, I will assume my seat on the Stuart City Commission. On that night, I will vote on the upcoming budget for the next fiscal year. During the last two months as an incoming commissioner, I have studied that budget and have had many questions concerning it. Every staff member that I contacted and spoke with including the City Manager, Budget Director, other Department Heads and individual employees has been gracious with his/her time in answering those questions. I want to thank them for being consummate professionals.

Just because my questions were answered does not mean that I agree with every aspect of the budget.  It should be remembered that during this budget process, I have had no input on any of the line items. I have brought up several of my concerns with the City Manager. I look forward to working with him, staff and my fellow commissioners to address those issues in the upcoming year.  Approving a budget does not mean that changes cannot be made at a later date. From my experience, I know there are ways that the city can improve on the delivery of services to our residents and other stakeholders while remaining within those approved budgetary lines.

Between now and the end of the year, there are other issues and projects that will be coming before the commission that may be considered controversial. With each, I promise that I will weigh the benefits and liabilities to determine whether it is good or bad for the city before casting my vote. I am neither anti- nor pro-development, but I am for smart development. For Stuart to be a viable city and political entity, it needs to have more residents, jobs and businesses. The ultimate responsibility for the city commission is to measure how any one project impacts that goal and the vitality of the entire city.

As I have written and said many times, I want to see Stuart maintain its quality of life and small town Florida ethos. That does not mean we stand still as I believe that change is inevitable, constant, and if carefully planned, beneficial. Without positive change, we become rigid and stale and ultimately wither and fade. When people think of Martin County, they think of Stuart. We need to market and encourage that. As a commissioner, I will seek to balance seemingly competing interests so that the best outcome can be achieved.