After contentious municipal elections concluded in March, there was celebration in our coastal cities and towns. One side won, one side lost. Now we’re watching as winning candidates are rushing to fulfill campaign promises and reward supporters.
Retribution no doubt feels good for those who perceived themselves as victims of laws, rules and legislation that didn’t support their beliefs or interests.
But once the champagne bottles are empty, what next? Maybe drop the grudges.
Difficult problems await.
Unprecedented new construction and downtown development are putting pressure on our streets, beaches and neighborhoods. Water treatment plants, sewage treatment centers and the associated infrastructure are aging and in need of repair and replacement. Police and fire-rescue departments continue to struggle with a rapidly increasing population and the proportional rise in crime.
And rain. The deluge in Fort Lauderdale and atmospheric rivers in California have been a wake-up call to what could happen anywhere at any time.
And sea level rise — king tides will be with us again in a matter of months and sea walls continue to crumble.
And hurricane season — we’re only about a month away.
Plus, general cost increases as the global supply chain plays catch-up from a deadly pandemic.
The role of a municipal government after all is to keep its community healthy and safe: with traffic and sewage flowing, trash picked up and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner, water safe to drink and a quick, appropriate response from public safety when an emergency arises. Everything else is icing on the cake.
So, let’s drop the grudges, put some salve on the wounded egos and bring the best interests of all the residents back into focus. The state requires annual budgets be prepared each summer. It’s time to get to work.
— Mary Kate
Leming, Editor
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