October 12, 2024 Weekly Newsletter
Editor's Note: Due to Hurricane Milton, we prepared this newsletter on Monday and Tuesday. As a result, it's a bit shorter than usual. We hope to be fully back next week! Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you and your families stayed safe during the storms.
As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s shores, we are bracing for yet another devastating storm. By the time you read this, Milton will have already made landfall, primarily impacting the state’s West Coast. However, the ripple effects will be felt far and wide, and we, here on the East Coast, must be prepared to lend a hand to our neighbors in their time of need. Whether it’s through donations, volunteer efforts, or simply checking in on friends and family, every small act of kindness helps communities recover faster.
But there’s an even larger issue at play. We can’t continue to ignore the growing severity of these storms. Hurricane Milton is part of a troubling trend—stronger, more frequent, and more destructive hurricanes, fueled by the undeniable force of climate change. The science is clear: warmer oceans and rising sea levels are making storms like Milton more intense and damaging.
It’s not enough to rebuild after each disaster. We need to be proactive in addressing the root causes. Climate change is not some distant threat—it’s here, and it’s costing us billions in disaster recovery. There isn’t an endless supply of money to repair our homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods each time another storm strikes. If we continue on this path, the cost will be more than financial—it will be measured in even more lives, in our communities, and in the environment.
This calls for big, bold thinking. We need to approach climate change and storm preparedness with the same ambition as past national projects, like the moon landing or the Tennessee Valley Authority. We need a comprehensive plan that looks at long-term solutions: protecting our coastlines, investing in resilient infrastructure, and most importantly, tackling the emissions driving climate change.
Now is the time to push for a large-scale, nationwide effort that addresses climate change head-on. We cannot afford to be reactive any longer. We need proactive leadership, innovative solutions, and a willingness to think big. Let’s use this moment not just to recover from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, but to commit to ensuring the safety and sustainability of our future.
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Your Guide to Researching Local Candidates
and Judges for Informed Voting
Participating in local elections is a vital part of civic engagement, but researching candidates for lesser-known positions like the Indian River County Hospital District, Mosquito Control District, or judges up for retention can be challenging due to limited media coverage. However, taking the time to understand these candidates and their positions ensures that your vote contributes meaningfully to our community's future.
Researching candidates for smaller races, such as those for the Indian River County Hospital District or the Mosquito Control District, is an important part of being an informed voter. These local positions often have a significant impact on public services, yet candidates may not receive the same level of media attention as larger races.
To start your research, it's a good idea to visit local news outlets like TCPalm, which provides coverage of elections in Indian River County (keep scrolling, there's a lot of info on that page!) Their website often features profiles, interviews, and detailed analyses of local candidates. Additionally, searching for candidates on Google can give you more information about their background, public statements, and any relevant campaign websites or social media pages they maintain. You can find your sample ballot here.
It's crucial to dig a little deeper by checking for endorsements, past public service, or community involvement to understand where candidates stand on issues that matter to you. For roles like the Hospital District or Mosquito Control District, researching candidates’ qualifications and stances on public health, environmental safety, and fiscal responsibility can be especially useful in making an informed decision.
When it comes to researching judges up for retention, especially in races like those for the Supreme Court or District Court of Appeal, it’s equally important to do your homework. Judges don’t typically campaign, so finding information can be a bit more challenging, but there are effective strategies to make the process easier.
One approach is to find out who appointed them. Knowing which governor appointed a judge can give you insight into their judicial philosophy. You can usually find this information through a quick search of their name along with the word "appointment" or by checking resources like Ballotpedia, which often lists judges and their appointments.
Another strategy is to review their judicial record. Searching for notable cases they've been involved in can provide a window into their decision-making process. Pay attention to whether their decisions align with your values, particularly in cases related to the environment, or other key issues.
Ultimately, taking the time to research all candidates—from local officials to judges—ensures that you're making informed decisions that align with your values and the needs of your community. By investing a little effort into understanding your options, you're fulfilling your civic duty with care and thoughtfulness, contributing to the betterment of your local governance and judicial system. And you won't be stumped when you walk into the ballot box when you vote!
Five candidates are running for Vero Beach City Council in the upcoming election. Each candidate has shared their views on critical issues concerning the city's future, following a series of questions sent by the Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA) and Clean Water Coalition (CWC). These questions touched on topics such as development, housing, water quality, and city governance.
Here are the candidates, listed in alphabetical order:
Each candidate responded to the questions covering areas like the Three Corners development, affordable housing, water quality in the lagoon, and how Vero Beach can prepare for future climate challenges. The IRNA and CWC provided the platform for this important conversation, highlighting the importance of these issues for voters as they head to the polls. The full responses offer insight into how these candidates plan to address key concerns in Vero Beach.We extend our sincere thanks to all the candidates for their time and thoughtful responses, and we wish them the best of luck in their campaigns.
Note: Typically, we survey the Sebastian City Council candidates, but this year, the candidates running are those who participated in the 2022 election. You can view their responses from two years ago here. Kelly Dixon, Ed Dodd, and Damien Gilliams, Jr. are running for Sebastian City Council this year.
Want your voice to be heard? Use this link to easily contact elected officials—from your city council to the President. Your voice can make a real impact. While the IRNA may occasionally prompt you to contact specific officials about urgent issues, we keep this list handy for your convenience. Can't find who you're looking for? Just let us know; we're here to help connect you with the right people.
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