… group also supports approval of Vero Beach Charter Land Amendment

MARK SCHUMANN

The Indian River Neighborhood Association, a non-partisan volunteer community group formed a little more than a decade ago in response to Vero Beach and Indian River County’s growth management challenges, announced yesterday it is endorsing Jay Kramer, Randy Old and Jack Shupe for election to the Vero Beach City Council.

In a written announcement released Wednesday evening, IRNA Executive Director Dan Lamson explained the group’s seven-person interview committee met with all seven city council candidates: Brian Heady, Harry Howle III, Jay Kramer, Randy Old, Jack Shupe, Pilar Turner and Charlie Wilson.  “Each candidate was asked the same questions that covered matters of current and future importance to the City,” Lamson wrote.

The interview committee’s recommendation, Lamson said, was unanimously approved by the IRNA Board of Directors.

According to Lamson, the candidates are in agreement about the need for the council to lower electric rates and on the importance of protecting the Indian River Lagoon. Beyond those two areas of agreement, the candidates parted company on a range issues. Lamson explained the IRNA’s endorsement of Kramer, Old and Shupe was determined by answers the candidates gave to questions addressing concerns that “the city council conduct the city’s business in a rational, professional manner unhampered by personal agendas.”

“It was important to also identify those (candidates) who were committed to protect the city’s neighborhoods against short term rentals and to protect the assets found in the city’s parklands and historic cemetery,” Lamson added.

The IRNA is encouraging city voters to approve the Vero Beach Charter Land Amendment, and amendment that would protect Crestlawn Cemetery and other public lands from sale or lease without voter approval.  At least two city council candidates, Pilar Turner and Harry Howle III, advocate for as much privatization of city operations as possible and have openly supported selling Crestlawn Cemetery.