My Governing Philosophy

I could not adequately represent the voters and residents of Stuart without having a clear and understandable set of governing principles. By that, I don’t mean the kind of empty platitudes you see on campaign literature. Rhetoric such as “strong leader” or “good government” are nothing more than hackneyed phrases and mean nothing. When choosing a candidate is the voter ever looking for a weak leader or bad government?

When gauging a true philosophy, one could look to party affiliation. In today’s world, a political party is more tribal in nature than a set of principles to guide a decision. Gallup, in a recent poll conducted in early October of this year, shows that 24% of the electorate consider themselves Republican, 31% Democrat and 42% Independent. As we have seen there is a wide gap in philosophy between the Brannonites and the McConnell wing in the Republican Party and an equally large gap between Bernie Sanders followers and those of Hillary Clinton with the Democrats.

So here is my governing philosophy in representing the people of Stuart:

I will always be your advocate with the City’s staff in solving a problem. When voting on a matter, I will do what I perceive is best for all of Stuart over one individual or group of individuals. I will not vote in favor of something just to “get along.” I will not condone the frivolous use of tax dollars. That does not mean I will vote to cut or not raise taxes when doing so is appropriate. We need to pay for services that the City provides in a manner that does not spend down our reserves. That’s one of the reasons I voted against the current budget.

In representing you, the citizens of the City, I will fight for your interests. Even if by doing so I make enemies within our staff, at Martin County government, the state legislature, and my fellow board members. I don’t take campaign contributions, so I am not beholden to anyone. I am not running for a higher office, so I don’t need to subordinate your interest to achieve that goal. I do not work or operate a business within Martin County, so there is nothing to suggest I have an ulterior motive in any vote I cast.

I want to help our existing businesses, and any new businesses that come to town, succeed. We cannot have an economically healthy or vibrant city without a strong and diverse base. But every job created or business opened needs, in some way, to add to the overall good of the City. Presently we have more jobs based in Stuart than residents actually employed in those jobs. We need, through innovative policies, to make it possible for more residents to be able to work and live within our boundaries.

In short, my governing philosophy is you. The residents, voters, and citizens of the City of Stuart are my concern.  All the ethics codes enacted and sunshine laws passed do not amount to a hill of beans if the people we elect have no inner sense of right or wrong. The mark of responsibility is how you act consistently, whether the public is watching or not.