LUX ET VERITAS

The zodiac sign of the Chinese lunar year in 2013 was the snake; for 2014 the horse.

The former signifies malevolence, cattiness, venom and cunning; the latter strength, financial improvement, charity, trustworthiness and logical discourse. Perhaps apropos for our City.

The year 2013 was replete with contentious dust ups on the Seven/50 proposal, beach parking meters, short term rentals, selling the cemetery, high speed rail, twin pairs all were issues, but overshadowed by the toxic atmosphere and confrontation between the City and County, especially regarding the Electric transaction specious comments from certain County Commission members dealing with the public and a bitter election. The media, as well, fueled animosity and discord. An overarching issue was concern for Vero Beach’s future.

Upbeat was the return of the Air Show, traditional Downtown Fridays, Art Stroll, a vibrant theater season, the Highwaymen exhibition at the Art Museum, celebrations and events at Riverside Park, the rejuvenation of Historic Dodgertown, ceremonies at Veterans Island, the Fourth of July and Christmas revelry and boat parade.

The Alma Lee Loy Bridge was dedicated but sadly many good men and women – from the humble to stalwarts of the community – passed away.

The economy is evidencing fledgling stirrings of improvement, the housing market firming; yet, while reducing unemployment remains high, homeless has crept up and 9% of the families are below the poverty level.

What then for 2014?

The City Council is comprised with three former mayors, and a refreshing addition of the next generation. Given the depth of experience and an added perspective our elected officials are well capable to resolve the issues confronting the City and craft a blueprint for a brighter future.

Politics is the art of the possible, with constructive compromise guided by rational discourse grounded in reality and fact based decisions.  It is neither a sporting event, zero sum or game theory venture, featuring exuberant winners and despondent losers.  Indeed, politicians, public advocates and the media are entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts.  Personalities, individual accomplishment and ambition should be subordinated to the will of the public they serve.

Our officials, volunteers on Committees and Commissions and the municipal employees are instrumental in managing and directing the present, yet are transitory torch bearers passing forward a legacy.

“There are no great men, merely decent ordinary men who are thrust into leadership by extraordinary events and achieve success” Tolstoy (War and Peace)

Hopefully, this year will feature a return to civility, completion of the Electric sale, a focus on our environment and invigorating the lagoon, maintaining the amenities, services, parks and beaches, further increase in the economy and a continued heritage as a welcoming, giving and compassionate City.

May all of us look forward to experience and enjoy a more decent and prosperous coming year, free from destructive storms neither natural nor personal.

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.