COMMENTARY
MARK SCHUMANN
In an election in which five candidates are vying for two seats, the Scripps Treasure Coast Newspaper editorial board today endorsed only Richard Winger.
Endorsing only one candidate out of five, when voters are tasked with electing two candidates, amounts to advising people to not vote. “We recommend only Richard Winger,” the Press Journal’s editorial board wrote.
If every voter acted on their advice, who would fill the fifth seat on the Vero Beach City Council? Or, are they suggesting voters cast their first vote for Richard Winger, and then make their second choice by drawing a name out of a hat?
Of the remaining four candidates, (Tracy Carroll, Amelia Graves, Joseph Guffanti and Brian Heady), there is a stark contrast, and thus a clear choice. For the Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers editorial board to not make a choice and an endorsement out of these four candidates suggest ignorance of the issues, indifference or apathy on their part.
As former mayor Warren Winchester said this past week, “Richard Winger is one of the best councilmen to ever serve the city, bar none.”
Guffanti is uninformed.
Heady is addicted to controversy and is forever spoiling for a fight. When there is nothing else to argue about, he will waste 20 minutes or more fighting over the agenda.
Carroll is passionate about her beliefs, but passion without wisdom is like lightning without a lightning rod. It can blow fuses and burn the house down.
Of the remaining candidates, Amelia Graves is clearly the best choice. Graves offers what has been described as “a breath of fresh air.” A fifth-generation Vero Beach resident, she has shown herself to be poised, knowledgeable, articulate and a quick study. She clearly has a heart for the City and its residents.
If the Press Journal editorial board cannot make a recommendation between Tracy Carroll and Amelia Graves, then it would seem they have adopted the less-than-courageous editorial philosophy of Harold Starr, editor of the Herald Star in Lake Wobegon, Minnesota. Starr’s editorial philosophy is, “Hey, I’ve got to live here, too.”
If the Scripps editorial board cannot bring itself to declare a choice between Carroll, Graves, Guffanti and Heady, then why do they even bother making endorsements?
Indian River Guardian 
Am just grateful the PJ endorsed Richard Winger. The fact they washed their hands of the rest of the candidates, suggesting it’s up to us if we want to select one among them or pass–is nothing new. Pontius Pilate is reported to have done something similar so no one could blame him for the outcome.
Given the PJ’s obvious connections to FP&L, I was surprised that they did not regurgiate the false premise that Tracy Carroll is the key to finalizing of the COVB utilities sale.
Too many people are being dismissive of Amelia Graves citing her youth and sparse resume. However, those who are more experienced seem to have not done a particularly outstanding job of late. Thus, it is clear that it is time for new blood.
The real key to the election though is not going to be newspaper endorsements. It will be voter turnout.
The Press Journal refusing to endorse Tracy Carroll speaks volumes.
A non endorsement is a stinging blow to Tracy Carroll. Remember she is on the FPL, Bob and AMY team, yet the Press Journal has failed to provide her with its editorial clout. Face it ,if the Press Journal had endorsed her they would have lost all credibility with their readers. They know she has been a negative , pugnacious , bully who has used her office for her own benefit, not Vero’s. I suspect Amelia Graves has been handed a “back door” endorsement by the Press Journal and that is good for Vero.