On Aug. 26th, voters in the Republican primary election will select the nominee who in all likelihood will represent District 5 (which includes the southern half of the barrier island) on the Indian River County Commission.

We asked the three major candidates: “What is the most important issue facing the barrier island, and why should oceanside residents vote for you?”

One of the three candidates, incumbent Sandra L. Bowden, chose not to respond.

The response of Honey Minuse is published below:

“No Man is an Island” has never been demonstrated more clearly than with the recent unplanned residential growth and its effect on the barrier island and throughout the county. This single issue will rob us of our life style, increase our taxes and overburden our natural resources and infrastructure.

The economic downturn, which we now confirm was the result of this unsustainable growth, has impacted our local business community and the value of our homes.

The highest priority we have today is properly planning for the next generation of growth. It requires knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of the people who live here, work here, pay taxes here. And it requires government to be responsive to those needs, acknowledging that the people are the foundation of the community. Proper planning for growth will respect and value this foundation and the autonomy of the barrier island communities.

Economic vitality and stability must be the hallmark for the future. To that end tourism and eco-tourism have long been mainstays of the county’s economy and must be protected with policies that recognize the fragility of the beaches, the lagoon and the wetlands.

It is also paramount that the health, safety and welfare of barrier island residents must at all times be considered in this planning process most notably in access to medical care, public safety and evacuation routes.

I will work to insure that residential growth meets all concurrency requirements and the burden of new infrastructure will not fall upon the taxpayer. We will learn our lessons from the past and with this knowledge plan for our future.

A community that respects itself is a place where people want to live, families want to raise children, and where gainful employment is offered. The barrier island and our entire county can have a wonderful future. I have the vision and commitment to make that
happen. As your Commissioner in District 5, I will work diligently towards that end.

To read the response of Bob Solari, please click here.