The Three Legged Stool
Today’s political climate is volatile. Frustrations and anger abound. Politicians look to ride this emotional wave by over simplifying complex issues with rhetoric and hyperbole. In this environment, the voting public is being asked to court the extremes of politics and ignore the basic, central issues that make our community desirable and viable. Angry, divisive politics can only yield angry divisive politicians and bad government. Slogans and bumper stickers are a poor substitute for good governance. What is missing is balance!
Our quality of life rests on the metaphor of the Three Legged Stool. Imagine a stool based on three legs of equal length and substance. Were any of the legs out of proportion, whatever rests atop is no longer stable.
The three legs supporting our Quality of Life are:
A Robust and Diverse Economy One that is capable of providing good jobs and stable employment. Such an economy can survive the ever changing ebb and flow of business activity. A sound educational facility such as IRSC coupled with a business friendly environment can lead to a more sustainable economy. There are no shortcuts, no pixie dust to sprinkle on the problem. There is no substitute for planning and hard work. If we allow fringe politicians to gut our land use plans and not insist that population growth pay for itself, our economic leg will be out of proportion, unbalancing the stool. Remember, it is now a proven fact that uncontrolled residential building can never be the basis for a sustainable economy. It has failed us, just as we predicted.
An Open, Transparent and Responsive Government The good old boy network has allowed unmanaged growth to unbalance our economy in the past. Backroom deals designed to grant favors to political campaign donors in exchange for favorable legislation threatens the things we love about our community. Public hearings, proper notice to the community and accountability are needed in local government. Without this, we are out of balance, and our Quality of Life is, once again, unstable.
Respect for Our Environment We live in a beautiful part of the world. The Indian River Lagoon and our beaches provide habitat and enjoyment for plants, animals and the people of Indian River County and our many tourists who add to our economy. Responsible stewardship of this environment is vital to our Quality of Life. It cannot and must not be allowed to be exploited by an uncaring and greedy power structure.
The Indian River Neighborhood Association is the only non-partisan organization in the county that speaks to and supports balance in today's angry political environment.
