COMMENTARY

Lux et Veritas

The following commentary perhaps, relates to the opening from A TALE OF TWO CITIES; “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”  Hyperbole, of course, but consider certain somber facts.

The local media has reported that the American Chamber of Commerce Association cost of living index for Indian River County is marginally lower in 2013 (98.8 from 99.4 a year earlier).  The average for the United States is 100.  This comparison is somewhat misleading since housing costs, which comprise 30 percent of the index, is shared by a preponderance of modest homes averaging $123,000.  The home values are lower on the mainland and average $500,000 on the barrier island.

According to the 2010 Census, there are 10,258 housing units in the City; 7,505 of which are occupied. Only 4,677 of these homes are owner occupied and 1,519 were designated seasonal/occasional use.  The population is aging and abnormally skewed. Eighteen percent are age 20 or younger; 43 percent are 55 and over.

There are over 40,000 zip codes in the US and data is available by annual household income.  The Vero Beach zip code 32963 is ranked 459^th nationwide, with average household income just over $90,000.  The other four zip codes in and around the city showed average household incomes of closer to $36,000.

In 2012 there were 45,000 homeless in Florida, 837 in Indian River County.  Per capita, Indian River County’s homelessness is more than twice the State average.  Since 2009, Florida’s homeless declined 21 percent, but in Indian River County is has gone up 26 percent.

One of every eleven City families had income greater than $100,000 per year and one family in seven under $25,000, based on IRS returns.  However, this number may be skewed by the fact that portion of the underclass and homeless most likely are not filing, and a number of the seasonal residents may file elsewhere.  The disparity in wealth (assets) is much greater than the income differential.

One should not be judgmental regarding the more affluent many who have made and continue to provide significant contributions, both financially and through their volunteer efforts,) to the culture, amenities, religious/secular charities, health care and the less fortunate.  Ours is a giving community, which is not monopolized by a single stratum of society.

What, at times, is dishearteningly remonstrated by a small minority which disparages those in need.  Meaningful, well paying jobs with benefits are scarce.  In Indian River County the largest single sector, at 15 percent of total employment, with highest average total compensation is the public sector.  Excluding professions, the preponderance of jobs, and many are seasonal, are in the service sector – health, hospitality, landscaping, restaurant, grocery and retail.

True, housing values are stabilizing; unemployment is slowly decreasing and tourism gaining.  Some cite John F. Kennedy’s s adage, “No American is ever made better off by pulling a fellow American down, and every American is made better off when anyone of us is made better off.  A rising tide raises all boats“, which applies but only if one owns a boat.

Editor’s Note:  Much like “Lexington,” an anonymous commentator for The Economist magazine, “Lux et Veritas” offers commentary for readers of Inside Vero, addressing local politics, lagoon contamination, quality of education, Libertarian and Liberal excesses, media reporting and agendas, wealth disparity and more.  The views and opinions expressed by Lux et Veritas represent the editorial philosophy of Inside Vero.