The Hometown News sent the same list of questions to each qualified candidate in the Aug. 18 Republican Primary Election for the District 2 Indian River County Commission seat. The only qualified Democratic candidate in the race also agreed to participate, although he will not face the winner of the primary until November. Candidates answered questions about the most serious issue facing Indian River County, a referendum on raising the Homestead Exemption and potentially cutting ad valorem property tax income, affordable housing, rezoning of agricultural lands, and improving quality of life.
Republican candidate Bob McPartlan, who served 15 years on the Sebastian City Council, said the most serious issue is managing growth in a way that protects quality of life, infrastructure and the Indian River Lagoon. He does not support the property tax amendment as written, saying it was developed quickly without a full analysis of its impact. Republican candidate Jennifer Pippin said if the amendment passes, she would begin by evaluating discretionary spending, including $3.7 million in funding provided to non-profit organizations and the $1.4 million budget for school resource officers currently paid by the county. Republican candidate Daniel Brooks Robinson said the greatest challenge is managing growth responsibly and ensuring roads, utilities, public safety and infrastructure keep pace.
Democratic candidate Robert (Robbie) D. Hardingham said the Indian River Lagoon is one of the most serious issues facing the county. He said the stormwater runoff and pollution from nitrates, phosphorus and algae blooms are causing an ecological disaster.
He said the septic-to-sewer initiative will help but solutions are needed to speed up the cleaning of the Lagoon. Hardingham said he hopes the property tax referendum will not pass because it will be bad for schools, businesses and renters.