GUEST COMMENTARY

RANDY OLD

Editor’s note: Randy Old is a member of the Vero Beach City Council.  

Absentee ballots have been sent. It is almost November 3rd, so it is time to decide who you are going to vote for in the upcoming City Council election. There are two open seats.

Dick Winger and Amelia Graves are my suggestions. Strong suggestions.

Dick has done a great job as Mayor over the past year, spending countless hours on the electricity issues, the lagoon, short term rentals, the step system to connect septics, city finances, zoning and finding time to lecture at Arbor Day, or walk in the many parades that dot Vero’s calendar. He puts 100% into the position, and with his many years of executive business experience, that results in a major boost to the City. We are all glad he wants to run again, as he is committed to finishing issues important to him and the city. This will be Dick’s third term. His experience with the system and our issues is important to have on the Council. Please reelect Dick.

Amelia Graves is completing her first term, and is another incumbent I feel strongly about reelecting for several reasons. First, she knows the city, its history and its inhabitants better than the rest of the Council, as she is a fifth generation native, which counts a great deal when you are focused on trying to maintain the City’s best qualities. Second, she is smart, conscientious, and available to Vero’s citizens as she is known to them. Third, she knows many of the City employees, and understands the effect of our policies on their lives, adding a personal awareness that not all of us have. Fourth, she represents the younger citizens, their view of the city, their ideas of its future and how it might be improved. Fifth and last, she lives in the city on the mainland, and the rest of the council lives on the beach. It is very important that the mainland is represented, especially by someone who knows it well, so that emphasis is balanced in attention paid and money spent.

Some voters say Amelia is young and therefore inexperienced. She has proven herself to me and those who work with her, and rather than being wary of her youth, I am envious. Please reelect Amelia.Coun