As we do during every election cycle, we will be seeking statements from every candidate for local office so that they can share their thoughts and plans with our readers.  Each statement will be presented as their column complete with their head shot and will run in at least two editions. We don’t change a thing…not content, grammar, spelling, or punctuation. How we receive the candidates’ statements is how you will see them.

However, I noticed that a few candidates have redacted addresses, emails, and phone numbers. Unless they are reading this, we have no way to contact them and let them know about the above opportunity. Yet don’t you find it troubling that people who want to represent you are afraid to provide contact information so you can speak to them.  

For some reason the state believes that this information for some should not be provided because they are or were police officer or some other protected class now or in the past. This is absurd. If you are running to represent citizens, then citizens need a way to speak to you. You cannot be a local elected official and be afraid of your constituents.

Email addresses, phone numbers and post office boxes are all available, would not betray your anonymity and still would hide where you live. I underline hide. Strange and interesting times.

The slate of candidates is now final. Our choice of candidates will come from this list on August 18th and if necessary, in November.

We thoroughly go into the P-3 project for the new county public works complex. We also take a commissioner to task with not providing public records in a timely fashion. There are the chickens of Stuart, the sports problem in Indiantown, a discussion in Sewall’s Point, and who the money people on Jupiter Island are backing for commission.

In its column, Martin County Taxpayers Association provides the latest on individual commissioners’ travel expenses for the first months of the year. Dr Libman explains cholesterol, we travel to Charleston for a quick visit, talk about real estate, and Suzy remembers a pillar of our community.

So, sit back, pour another cup of coffee, and dig into Friends & Neighbors.

Have a great Sunday Morning!