MARK SCHUMANN

Vero Beach City Councilman Randy Old, first elected in 2014, announced this week he will seek a second term on the Council.

As a Councilman, Old, a former banker, has urged his fellow City leaders to give more attention to strategic planning and to the development of five-year, ten-year and even fifteen-year goals and plans.

“Two years is a short time to fully understand what the issues are and what the best solutions might be,” Old said, adding that he has spent “a lot of time” meeting with department heads to better understand the City’s assets and resources.

If re-elected, Old said he will use a second term coordinating efforts to develop strategic plans for, not only the General Fund departments, but also for its enterprise departments, including the airport, marina, electric utility, water and sewer utility and solid waste utility.

Old said he believes the major challenges facing Vero Beach are the electric issue, the lagoon, All Aboard Florida and planning for the best possible re-development of the riverfront immediately north and south of the Alma Lee Loy Bridge.

Until proven otherwise, Old said he will continue to believe it is worth the investment to build a new wastewater treatment plant, presumably near the airport.

While continuing to seek a possible solution for selling Vero Electric, Old said he also wants to see the City manage the utility as effectively as possible. Old has advocated hiring an outside firm to either manage or advise City leadership in managing the $100-million business. With or without outside assistance, Old said he sees opportunities for lowering rates, as debt is retired and as current power supply contracts expire.

To properly fund maintenances of and improvements to the City’s storm water system, Old said he is prepared to support the formation of a stormwater utility. Along with other proponents of the move, Old contend the utility will not require the formation of a new department and will not necessitate the hiring of additional employees. The new utility, they say, will simply be a means of raising the funds necessary for Vero Beach to do its part in helping to safe the lagoon.

Regarding All Aboard Florida’s plans to develop high-speed passenger service between Orlando and Miami, Old said, “The leverage is not on our side.” He said the City should push for abatement of safety and railroad crossing issues. 

Old released the following statement announcing his candidacy for a second term.

I am pleased and honored to announce my campaign for reelection to the City Council.

Since I first ran for office two years ago, I have learned much about the issues confronting the City of Vero Beach: its management, finances, functions, statistics and assets. And I have come to know and appreciate many informed and talented people to rely on for guidance. The goal of my immersion in local government has been to envision a “model” Vero Beach.

Much of Vero Beach already fits an ideal: The Atlantic Ocean and its beautiful beaches, the diversity of our lagoon, a low-rise skyline, 30 public parks, an airport, a sewer and water plant, an electric utility and a marina.

So where do our needs and their solutions lie? The key word is “planning.” I propose a ten-year plan for each department with agreed-upon goals, an execution schedule and proposed budget.

We have already reduced government waste by reducing the City staff from 550 to 400, enabling us to implement a reasonable budget and internal control system that have resulted in a low debt, strong credit rating and efficient management structure. We have converted our Defined Benefit Plan for employees to a Defined Contribution Plan allowing much of our current employment expenses to be borne by current tax payers.

However, the challenges ahead are daunting. They include setting up a fund to reduce our Other Post-Employment Benefits obligation, upgrading a long-ignored City infrastructure and consolidating the City buildings to appropriately fit the needs of a built-out city and then gaining income from the excess. The all-important relocation of our sewer and water plant and the dismantling of our power plant require much thoughtful consideration to minimize the cost but maximize the potential of a focal City property. And the dual threats of the health of the lagoon and the arrival of the fast train do not go away. Lastly, economic development always needs to be persistently pursued.

Two obstructions exist. The first is, of course, that dreaded M-word, money. With my banking experience and the potential for the electorate to choose forward-thinking council members, I am convinced that the City can creatively re-order priorities, through careful and deliberate planning. The second is the toxic atmosphere that exists, discouraging participation. But if our talented and enthusiastic community members get involved and become a part of the solutions, we can become the successful, well-run city we all want.

I would like to be part of that exciting leadership, and would like your support.

Sincerely,

Randolph Old