We haven’t seen much analysis of why the incorporation of Hobe Sound was so strongly defeated.

Perhaps much of it has to do with the proponents not making their case adequately. If you are proposing a new government, you need to tell the people why. The answer cannot be, “We want to keep everything the same.” The plan was to keep the Sherriff, keep Martin County Fire/Rescue, and have the County provide most of the services as they do now. What was the purpose then of incorporation? Why ask the citizens to pay more in taxes if you are not giving a definitive benefit?

As Indiantown is finding out, all government has a cost. I believe in government being as local as possible. Government should function as a government providing, at the minimum, all municipal services except perhaps public safety. And, in a town of Hobe Sound’s size, even public safety should be in the mix in the future.

With the ascension of Harold Jenkins to the BOCC, people felt that their interest was being represented. Jenkins did support incorporation. This would have been a done deal anywhere else but in Martin County. Unfortunately for the proponents of incorporation, Hobe Sound is in Martin County.