COMMENTARY
MARK SCHUMANN
Sebastian resident Damien Gilliams addressed the Vero Beach City Council this morning taking exception to a statement made yesterday by Mayor Craig Fletcher.
In explaining why he would support retaining higher levels of service in some areas that “make Vero Beach special,” Fletcher said, “I don’t want to look like Melbourne. I don’t want to look like Sebastian.”
“I was kind of taken aback by that,” Gilliams said. “Maybe there is something we can do to learn from Vero Beach, and maybe you can elaborate on what we can do to fix that issue.”
Gilliams added, “Please be careful in not offending the other municipalities in this community.”
Fletcher did not respond to Gilliams, either to explain his comment of yesterday, or to apologize.
Gilliams is right in observing that all the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Indian River County comprise one larger community, and he is justified in expecting the Mayor of Vero Beach to refrain from unnecessarily criticizing or belittling the other municipalities within Indian River County.
The Sebastian resident might have been expecting too much, though, if what he was hoping for an acknowledgement from Fletcher that his comment of yesterday was something short of well-considered. As the Vero Beach community learned all too well recently, apologies are not Fletcher’s strong suit.
Indian River Guardian 
Once again, the Mayor has shown his elitist, narrow minded ways. He really wants that recall to go through, doesn’t he?
Mark, I’ll be brief in my comments regarding today’s meeting. Correct me if I am wrong, but is Rock Tonkel not a resident of the county. What is he doing there? Is his opinion relevant. Is he speaking as a member of the Utility commision, or as a resident, which he isn’t.
I will reply to both of these comments. First to Ms. Spicer…the recall is going on and for reasons just as this one. Mr. Fletcher has allowed himself to become too self righteous and has once again put a mark on Vero Beach. Where does he get off criticizing other communities when he can not even maintain good relations within his own city? He needs to go. Please download a copy of my petition and mail it in to the address in the Inside Vero news release.
Mr. Thomas, the “HAND PICKED” utility commission is why this city is in the middle of a sale to FPL that should NOT have been signed until all the t’s were crossed and the i’s were dotted. We are all paying, you, me and every county resident that wanted this sale an enormous amount of money, $500.00 an hour, for attorneys who have been negligent in their duties from contract one, and we will continue to see our utilities rise because the people who know better than you and I had to sign on that dotted line “NOW”….good luck to us all.
Mayor Fletcher might want to reconsider his view of both Sebastian and Melbourne; both cities have their merit. And being the cities they are, they also have home rule with voters deciding the outcome of the quality of life there.
Melbourne does not have a ‘twin pair’ plowing through it. They chose to route their ‘double highway’ along the outskirts of their Historic Downtown.
Sebastian Main Street area has come a long way with their revitalization efforts. Sebastian recognizes who they are and so capitalize on their strengths. Their parks system is admirable.
Vero Beach has the right to be unique, as do other cities have the right to be who they are.
For the most part, we live where we like the ‘view’ or ‘lifestyle’. The fact that some are willing to live in one area and drive to another to work is evident of that.
What Mayor Fletcher apparently has not noticed is how the Indian River County section of Route 60 looks almost identical to the Melbourne equivalent, 192. Indian River County had a committee committed to making sure ‘we’ did not do what Melbourne did with their highways. The IRC committee failed. We do look like Melbourne along Route 60. Is this good or bad? – that’s up to the county residents who voted for those who allowed it. It is the Gateway to Vero Beach.
Also Mayor Fletcher has apparently forgotten he voted along with the beachside city council to OUT SOURCE the mowing and maintenance of the mainland parks, pocket parks and by ways including the 20th Ave. canal. The beachside remains in the city care and it is obvious who does a better job – the city employees – not the private company.
We said this day would come and there were those who would not believe – but the beachside is getting preferential treatment over the mainland – we are split by this city council.
Isn’t there a statute of limitations on the number of times that Craig Fletcher can embarrass the City of Vero Beach?
Two quick points (I am starting to talk like Mr. Winger). First, A city councilman from Sebastian would have had more effect, but, really, it was a budget hearing and Damien had to be the only person in Sebastian watching.
And second, all five of our council members missed a beautiful, well
organized, and respectful Vero Beach High School Graduation Ceremony on June 7. There were empty chairs on the Stage availiable
in case any of you decided at the last minute to show up. And I’m sure that next year there will be also. Mr. Solari, Our commissioner was conspicuous by his absence ,also.
I prefer to look at it like this. All the money that we are paying the attorneys comes out of the money we are overcharging the county ratepayers> It makes me feel better about it.