2019 election roundup: Candidates in Sebastian, Vero Beach face off on Nov. 5

While 2019 isn't a huge election year for the Treasure Coast, there are municipal races set for Nov. 5.

In late September we asked candidates to fill out questionnaires to help you understand your choices on the ballot. 

The following candidate responses were not edited.

Our editorial board will interview candidates in October, with the goal of making recommendations to voters ahead of the election. 

Candidates for Sebastian City Council

Candidates listed in order they are listed on city's website

Three top vote-getters win a seat on five-member board.

City of Sebastian election page

Damien Gilliams (1623 U.S. Highway 1, Suite A-5 Sebastian, FL 32958)

Age: 59

Educational background: Some College and Broadcasting Tech School

Current occupation and work history: Real Estate

Volunteer and civic engagement: See Votegilliams.com

Why are you running for office? I could do a better job in all areas.

See votegilliams. Im

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: Revisit all Annexations

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? I will not give away 400k in city assets to political friends who then in turn sell it back to the city See all documents at sebastianpropertyowners.com

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Link to campaign website or social media page: www.votegilliams.com

Albert Iovino (Exempt Per F.S.119.071, Sebastian, FL 32958)

Age: 48

Educational background: A.A.S. Nursing, A.A.S. Criminal Justice

Current occupation and work history: Lt. of Law Enforcement Operations with Indian River Shores Department of Public safety, Registered nurse who has worked in both Indian River and Sebastian's emergency rooms, Firefighter, and paramedic.

Volunteer and civic engagement: Various throughout my career to include, Glendora rescue squad, Leroy Volunteer ambulance squad, Annandale Hose Company No. 1, Sebastian Disabilities Advisory Committee (Chair), Halo, Special Olympics, and the Red Cross.

Why are you running for office? I have enjoyed living in Sebastian for a number of years. While much has been done already we need to continue to improve the waterfront, sustainability and maintain our quality of life, there is much more work to be done and I feel that I have and will continue to make Sebastian a great place to live and play.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: Although all issues are as equally important, and my campaign is based on the issues listed below: Maintaining the culture, heritage, history, sustainability and quality of life in the city of Sebastian by further promoting the working waterfront and downtown areas. Health of the Indian River Lagoon — We should continue to work with the county on tying septic into the main sewer system for the county. To continue to keep taxes low to benefit homeowners and businesses. This will result in more money for business to grow and thrive, and benefits our working families and retirees.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? I have worked on helping the city save money by working closely with the police departments budget which is directly related to my work experience. We have hired a great city manager who doing an amazing job, hired a very knowledgeable city attorney, kept taxes low and as a result we are at rollback for the second time since I took office. I continue to work with city officials to keep the lagoon safe. In general I feel I bring a unique perspective to the council that I feel has only benefited the city.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.

Link to campaign website or social media page: www.albertiovino.com

Linda Kinchen (190 Delmar Street, Sebastian, FL 32958)

Age: 71

Educational background: some college

Current occupation and work history: Retired currently. Worked for the City of Sebastian for over thirty years.

Volunteer and civic engagement: United Way of Indian River County Board Member

Why are you running for office? I am currently an incumbent wishing to continue to work for the City and maintain its charm and keep allowing it to go in the right direction with managed growth, low taxes and infrastructure improvements.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: This would not be my first year but I would continue to push for the grant procedures for the septic to sewer program along the cities riverfront district. I would continue to work for keeping taxes low. Infrastructure improvements as needed must be proactive and not reactive. Besides the grants for the septic to sewer I would continue to work with representatives to clean up the Indian River Lagoon.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? I have over 30 years of government experience in the City of Sebastian from working here and then working as a city council member. Knowledge and experience are extremely helpful in making the right decisions for the city.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: yes, in the year 2000. My husband was totally disabled and we had limited income and lots of medical debt.

Charles Mauti (438 Georgia Blvd., Sebastian, FL 32958)

Age: 73

Education: High school /college Non matriculating courses /1996-2004 C.E.U  building code administration Planning and Zoning .

Current Occupation and work History:  Retired . 30 + years in the construction / land development industry. Certified structural /general building inspector,Certified Building and Zoning Official .13 years. Independent construction consultant to law firms/insurance companies ,litigation related to construction deficit,failures,and construction fraud,Interpretation of zoning ordinances, special use variances .Wrongfully applied building codes and zoning ordinances

Volunteer and civic engagements: Member of the Sebastian Planning and zoning commission.

Why are you running for office? I have not been satisfied with # 1 The lack of decorum /ability of the city council to listen to the public, environment organizations ,county administrators and professional individuals to take their comments under advisement and deliberate what was said to come to a reasonable conclusion which would satisfy a majority .

# 2 The lack  of transparency with the city staff  to present pertinent information to the planning and zoning commissioners .

# 3 The acceptance of a rushed and biased voluntary annexation.

What would be your top priority your first year in office? # 1 To be available to the citizens of Sebastian to all organizations,county officials and adjoining communities.To hear what they have to say ,be open to new ideas, concepts and thoughts that will support common goals and positively promote our city.To implement these suggestions thru ordinances and agreements when possible.

# 2 Do more to protect the environment from storm water runoff into our water ways, seek out ways to improve septic and sewer issues,by finding grants that can help the city obtain these goals ,working with new industrial  technology companies related to sewer and septic to partner with our community to make improvements

# 3 To control our growth by working with large land owners to consider high tech industrial development instead of mass residential development reduce urban sprawl. Use incentives to attract high tech industries with the reduction of taxes and fees based on a time line of their development .

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? My years of experience working in the construction/land development industry and a second career as a building and zoning official,combining both careers i am well versed in city government management procedures planning and zoning requirements.The the understanding and the necessity to have professional staff both in private enterprise as well as city government to achieve the goals set forth.

Have you ever filed bankruptcy? No

Link to website or social media: choosecharlesmmauti.com 

Bob McPartlan (Exempt Per F.S.119.071), Sebastian, FL 32958)

Age: 53

Educational background: BA Political Science/English, SUNY@Albany

Current occupation and work history: DCF Community Development Administrator for Circuit 19.

Have worked for DCF since 2001 beginning as a Child Protective Investigator and rose through the ranks to current position starting in 2013.

Volunteer and civic engagement: Current volunteer with VNA Hospice program serving veterans.

U.S. Army veteran.

Current member of the following: IRC Executive Roundtable, IRC Children Services Advisory Committee, IRC Metropolitan Planning Organization, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, IRC Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Circuit 19 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, Central Florida Medical Disaster Committee, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Executive Roundtables, Treasure Coast League of Local Governments, Treasure Coast Florida League of Cities.

Participated in numerous Poverty Forums, several Community Health Improvement Programs for multiple counties and many other community initiatives.

Speak at the Sebastian PD and Indian River County Sheriff Office Citizen's Academies.

Why are you running for office? I continue to enjoy serving the City and its' residents. There are numerous challenges as an elected official and I believe my critical thinking and calm demeanor provide the ability to navigate any issue for what is best for the City. I'm proud of my record over the last 8 years, believe the Council has done a tremendous job over that period of time and look forward to keeping Sebastian headed in the right direction for our citizens.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: Running as an incumbent my priorities have always been stormwater/roads, the health of the Indian River Lagoon, public safety and keeping taxes as low as possible.

Looking forward there will be decisions made on a comprehensive plan involving the spraying of our canals; collaborating with the County on our recent annexation and working with Virgin trains to ensure we have the safest railroad crossings for our residents.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? I have been involved in our community ever since moving to Sebastian in 2000 on a host of numerous initiatives and challenges which have affected our City, County and Region. The knowledge I have gained over the years and the relationships that have been built are vital to solving any issue facing Sebastian. I believe the strong relationships I have built over the years with community stakeholders, local and State elected officials enables me to effectively leverage these relationships to find common ground and the ability to attack any crisis.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: Never

Pamela Rapp Parris (516 Gerald Street, Sebastian, FL 32958)

Age: 59

Educational background: AA. Business Mngt.

Current occupation and work history: Curent:

Realtor. Realtors Association of Indian River County.

Power Net Realty

Director of Business Development at Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce/ Media Arts Group

Co-Publisher Key Business connections

Construction Date Corp.

Hometown News

Volunteer and civic engagement: VP Sebastian Property Owners Assoc.

Sebastian City Construction Board member

Past ambassador of the year at Sebastian Chamber of Commerce

School advisory committee at SRHS

Participated in many Sebastian Police safety programs

Professional Physicians network of IRC fundraiser event coordinator

Outreach programs for those of the community in need at Coastal Community Church

Java business network

Why are you running for office?  I am running in  this Sebastian City Council election against the odds because I believe the Sebastian citizens should be better informed and have a greater voice in City decisions.

I encourage more public involvement, workshops, and publishing of activity in all media venues.

There are outstanding issues that impact the community that are dragging.

And my intention is to seek out results and action.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? The city of Sebastian has been spraying glyphosate on our waterway and golf courses since the 1970's.

Glyphosate is the carcinogenic main ingredient in Round Up.

There are over 17000 nationwide lawsuits filed against Monsanto , the manufacturer of Round Up. Hundreds of cities around the nation have banned the use. I believe we have better alternatives .

And of course the over development annexation plan in appeal needs to be reassessed completely and given momentous import.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? I have been an active citizen and concerned resident in our fair city of Sebastian since entering the city of 6 old grouches in 1988.

My professional advertising background, blended with community involvement gives me hands on understanding of the growing climate of Sebastian.

As a realtor, I understand green building, codes and enforcement of regulations .

And I am constantly one to one with the residents who live, work, and move here.

Again, sensitive to the peoples input.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: Yes. In 2000. The millennium year was perhaps the worst year I can remember with hurricanes to follow.

My mother and best friend died the same week, my husband lost his job, and I was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Together, we stayed strong and recovered.

Link to campaign website or social media page: pamelaparris.com

Candidates for Vero Beach City Council

Candidates listed in order they are listed on city's website

Two top vote-getters win a seat on five-member board.

City of Vero Beach election page

Brian Heady (406 19th St., Vero Beach, Florida 32960)

Age: 72

Educational background: Dr. Of Survival taught at university of life.

Current occupation and work history: Full time dad, grandfather, and crazy Uncle HoHo. Also political whistle blower.

Volunteer and civic engagement: Over 10,000 volunteer hours with DAV, several trips to Haiti after the earthquake, recovery volunteer after Charlie an Katrina. Creative Playground and other local projects including home building for disadvantaged.

Why are you running for office?: To bring public business openly before the public.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: Bring city buildings up to adequate maintenance standards, fully fund services including recreation.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? Willingness to state my public position on public business clearly in the public eye.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No but what difference could that possibly have have with abilities to do the work?

Link to campaign website or social media page: Facebook page

Bob McCabe (4049 Ocean Drive #506 Vero Beach, Florida 32963)

Age: 76

Educational background: BS and MBA Cornell University

Current occupation and work history:

President, Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce - Volunteer

Treasurer, Sunrise Rotary Foundation - Volunteer

Co- Chair, Treasure Coast SCORE Chapter - Volunteer

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Vero Beach Utilities Commission

Vero Beach Centennial Committee

Why are you running for office? To bring my independence and experience to the deliberations of the City Council

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: To represent City Residents and not special interests while restoring civility at council meetings

- Under the current leadership much of the time at council's meetings seems to involve personal issues and philosophies and have very little to do with addressing the many important issues facing the city.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? My Vero Beach community involvement, my extensive business and community experience and my independence as well as my demonstrated demeanor

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Link to campaign website or social media page: bobmccabecampaign.com

Nick Thomas (2616 15th St., Vero Beach, Florida 32960)

John E. Cotugno (640 Fiddlewood Road Vero Beach, Florida 32963)

Age: 71

Educational background: BA, Social Science, Rhode Island College

Current occupation and work history:

Consultant

Self Employed

2018 – Present

Currently working with customer centric organizations, primarily in the semiconductor industry, seeking innovative approaches to more effectively and efficiently deploy their Marketing, Business Development and Sales organizations’ resources.

Vice President Sales and Marketing Operations

Shinko Electric America Inc, a Fujitsu Affiliated Company

Dec 2000 – Jul 2018

Responsible for Marketing, Business Development, Sales as well as related Engineering activities with the goal of providing value added product solutions that take advantage of SHINKO's unique core competencies.

Responsible for $900 million in revenue and the related budget for the USA subsidiary of this Japanese Company based in Nagano Japan. Company traded on Section 1 of Tokyo Exchange.

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Advisory Committee Member

Florida Department of Health

May 2019 – Present

Governor DeSantis’s has implemented several initiatives to support Floridians with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). He has directed the Department of Health (DOH) to add ADRD as a Priority in the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). I was invited to participate and humbly accepted to serve on a SHIP ADRD Priority 3 subcommittee.

Ambassador/ Advocate

Alzheimer’s Association

2018 – Present

I continue to have the honor of serving as an Alzheimer’s State Advocate for Florida Senate District 17, Senator Debbie Mayfield, and Representative District 54, Representative Erin Grall, as well as the Alzheimer's Ambassador to Congressman Bill Posey representing Florida's 8th Congressional District. This advocacy takes place through the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) which is the advocacy arm of the Alzheimer’s Association. As a 501(c)(4), AIM informs our elected officials and creates plans to address the growing crisis Alzheimer’s disease presents to our families and the economy.

Why are you running for office? Moving to Vero Beach was the best decision my wife and I could have made. I’m running to make sure our community stays exceptional for future generations. A lot of what makes Vero Beach a special place has nothing to do with government. Our beautiful coastline, lagoon, and cultural opportunities are invaluable assets that we need to preserve for years to come.

My goal is to make municipal government as responsive and efficient as possible, and I think those go together. By embracing best practices for each part of our government, I’m confident we can improve the quality of municipal services without spending a single penny more than we already do.

Additionally, Vero Beach has major decisions to be made regarding, the Three Corners Property, Marina Project, and the Wastewater Treatment Plan relocation. Regarding the Three Corners Property, this decision is too important to be made by politicians. Our city charter wisely requires any decision about the property to be made through a citywide vote. As a city councilor, I will make sure voters have everything they need to make an informed decision and that the process is free from outside agendas and interference. Voters deserve an honest broker for this important choice. This same thought process will also pertain to the Marina Project, Wastewater Treatment plant relocation as well as the drinking Water Quality issues.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: My top priority is to initiate the development of a city-wide template that evaluates costs and savings measures before announcing major changes to municipal services. This will help redefine and streamline outreach and interactions with community while empowering staff and commissions to find viable cost-effective solutions to community concerns and projects. Previous administrations have struggled with this, making residents frustrated by the lack of communication. Transparent analysis and communication of this type needs to become “a way of doing business” to assure that the City remains fiscally sound.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? I am eager to serve the community I love! I want to use my proven leadership skills and passion to help our council make successful policy decisions that will resolve many of the challenges we are facing as we move forward together. Undoubtedly, some will say that I am too new to the area to fully embrace the issues that face the City. In fact, that is the exact reason that I am the right candidate for the job. I will come into office without preconceived notions or vested interests. Instead, my only obligation will be to do what is best for the City of Vero Beach and its citizens

I am distinguished by my extensive business background and my commitment to run a neutral, politics-free process dealing with the Three Corners Property, the City Marina Project, Wastewater Treatment plant relocation and drinking water quality issues as well as other concerns facing our City. I am ready to serve Vero Beach from my first day in office because of my years of experience managing culturally diverse, dynamic businesses, most recently in the Semiconductor arena. During this time, I managed a $900 million budget with over 40 employees. I fully understand how to motivate individuals to provide a high level of performance so we can find a more cost-effective way to provide government services.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: Na

Link to campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/John-Cotugno-for-City-Council-113804716686691/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Jeff Nall (1565 30th Ave., Vero Beach, Florida 32960)

Age: 39

Educational background: BA in Humanities and Master of Liberal Studies, Rollins College; Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies and Ph.D. in Comparative Studies: Public Intellectuals tract, Florida Atlantic University

Current occupation and work history: Since 2010 I have taught college level courses for Florida Atlantic University, Indian River State College, and University of Central Florida. (My candidacy—including related statements and policy proposals— is a private endeavor and does not represent the educational institutions that employ me.) Between 2001 and around 2008 I wrote covered music, art and cultural events for Florida Today, the major daily newspaper in Brevard County.

Volunteer and civic engagement: On July 12 TC Palm ran a headline that is now inaccurate: “Vero Beach closing Leisure Square swimming pool Jan 1.” This headline is not inaccurate due to a reporter’s error, but rather is due to an organized effort, which I helped lead, to reverse a decision backed by four out of five council members. After hearing of the de-funding from William Bolton of Bolt Aquatics, I created a call to action online, calling for concerned residents to attend the next city council meeting. The result was an overflow turn-out that put the council on its heals. I also created the “Save Leisure Square Pool” petition which was signed by nearly 800 people, and communicated with print and TV media. My efforts were combined with those of others in the community including water aerobics instructor, John Sammartano, and countless residents. The subsequent 5 to 0 decision to re-fund the pool was not a result of “change of heart,” it was a result of organized public pressure. If such pressure is necessary to ensure chartered lands or other vital public services are protected from misuse or mismanagement, then I am ready to deploy them once more.

I give a range of public lectures and conduct workshops, locally and around the state, on a range of topics relevant to my interdisciplinary expertise including Critical Thinking, Gender Equality, Ethics, Sexual Consent, and Nonviolence.

I presently manage two Facebook pages: Treasure Coast Nature Preserves and Save Leisure Square Pool. I have volunteered as a soccer coach with I9 sports (2017-2018), presently volunteer at my children’s school, The Willow School, and look forward to partaking once more in the United Way of Indian River County’s Day of Caring event, this October 5.

Why are you running for office? I’m not running because I have all the answers. I’m running to make sure our city government hears and heeds the insight and wisdom of our community—the people who foot the bill and are impacted by those choices. The initial decision by four of the five city councilors to support defunding the pool reflects a problem many residents in Vero Beach have noted: elected officials do not genuinely represent the public’s interests. If elected my priority will be to listen to and then truly represent the informed will of Vero Beach residents of all zip codes. Many pay lip-service to this idea, but, as a student of the humanities and the innovators of representative democracy, I am serious about it. My education, character, and success as an educator facilitating rational dialogue on the most challenging of questions, equips me to provide sound leadership and authentic representation of my constituents.

Political polarization and dysfunctionality in our government is the result of at least three influences including special interests’ interference in the political process. Instead of elected officials genuinely representing the informed will of their constituents, too many “representatives” merely reflect the concerns and preferences of financially privileged influence-peddlers behind the scenes. A second contributor is the failure of many elected officials to prioritize fundamental human values—including not only individual liberty but also concern and responsibility for one’s neighbors and environment—over short-term, means-oriented concerns such as profit. We saw this in the City Council’s flippant decision to try and save money by cutting funding for a pool that served senior citizens, a local high school swim team, Special Olympics swimmers, area families, and those without access to a pool of their own. Such narrow materialistic concerns are frequently combined with a lack of intellectual courage, discipline and commitment to follow the facts and rational arguments to their logical and ethical conclusions. (The Mayor, for example, claimed that the city should not be involved in activities that do not turn a profit or generate revenues equal to the expenditure, yet did not call for cutting the city’s planned $28,000 expenditure for the 2020 Fourth of July celebration nor the $25,000 set aside for holiday decorations. Neither of these costs immediately or directly pay for themselves. As I’ve stated before, to presume a government should be run like a business indicates one simply does not understand the role of government, namely it’s task to facilitate “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”)

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: If elected, I will work to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently, but will staunchly oppose any attempts to reduce funding to our recreation department. As a father of children between ages 6 and 16, I know how important public facilities like playgrounds and pools are. I also know how vital these resources are in attracting folks from out of town to visit our community, too. Whatever money we can shake loose from inefficiencies should be put to work in enhancing our existing facilities if not constructing ones.

If elected I will bring the same energy I devoted to the Leisure Square pool to the Three Corners. The Three Corners provides us with a special opportunity for genuine community collaboration to develop dozens of acres, including water-front land, in a manner that will enhance the quality of life of people who live in our city. I am not running for the council because I presume to know what is best for the Three Corners. Instead, I am seeking office to ensure that the public is given a sincere opportunity to contribute to open-ended, bottom-up decision making. This means everyone must be offered a seat of the table: folks who are beachside and mainlanders like me; individuals and those with young families like mine; professionals and everyday working people. If elected I will make sure that people of all zip codes have a seat at the table, and I will demand long-term benefits, for the public, are prioritized.

Finally, if elected I will vigorously support efforts to combat beach erosion and rehabilitate and protect the Indian River Lagoon. My aim is to consult with and empower knowledgeable experts in our community, such as those participating in the newly formed Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County, and give them the resources necessary to take action to protect and preserve Vero Beach’s precious natural resources.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? As a father presently raising children I would bring a unique perspective on city affairs to the council. With a son who is 6-years-old I understand how importance of public facilities like playgrounds, green spaces, and fountains. As someone whose 10-year-old daughter who has danced in the annual Vero Classical Ballet Nutcracker I also understand the importance of public facilities like Leisure Square since the facility hosts the ballet classes and tryouts. I know how costly and challenging it is to arrange child-care, during summers for instance. In short, I bring a potentially unique awareness of the impacts of city decision making on families with children.

I may be the only candidate in the race to have been endorsed by one of my fellow candidates. During the September 9 City Council meeting Brian Heady used part of his public comment time to inform the public I was running for city council and that they should vote for me, giving him their second vote. Mr. Heady’s remarks came after I summarized Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s August 27, 1967 sermon, “Why Jesus Called a Man a Fool” during my public comments on the pool. The reason Jesus called the man in question a “fool” is, as Rev. King explained, “because he allowed the means by which he lived to outdistance the ends for which he lived.” I told the council, trying to save money by defunding a pool that serves senior citizens, a high school swim team, the Special Olympics, small businesses (swim instructors), residents without the privilege of owning a pool, and children learning to swim in a state with one of the highest drowning rates in the country was precisely the kind of behavior that Jesus and Rev. King would call “foolish.”

I am an effective communicator who combines passion and reason. I also have a background in journalism and media outreach. And if elected I will put these skills to use on behalf of my constituents as I did in the campaign to save the pool. Specifically, if I believe that city business is being conducted in a manner that undermines the public’s interest I will not shy away from doing as I did to save the pool: I will actively engage the public, through direct communication, social media and news media, to ensure they are aware of what is at stake and bring their voices to City Hall.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.

Link to campaign website or social media page: www.facebook.com/VoteJeffNall/

Rey Neville (450 Date Palm Road Vero Beach, Florida 32963)

Age: 78

Educational background: BS in Business; MS in Telecommunications; MS in Human Resource Management; USAF certified program acquisition manager (6 month resident course)

Current occupation and work history: Retired.

26 years in USAF. Retired as colonel.

Executive VP for plastics manufacturing firm (St. Louis, MO)

Adjunct instructor at Southwestern Illinois College (graphics design and implementation)

Volunteer and civic engagement: I have been active in the Vero Beach Yacht Club and held many position over several years. I served as the commodore this past year. I initiated the club's effort to implement a Vero Beach Centennial Blessing of the Fleet to complement the city-wide celebration. it was the largest held in Vero with over 55 vessels participating. I was active for many years in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in St. Louis. We implemented a major regatta yearly to raise funds - part of a national program called the Leukemia Cup Regatta. Over $700,000 was collected locally for this important cause.

Why are you running for office? I want to get our citizens more involved in the process of our city government. A major component of that is to introduce ideas and projects at the committee/commission level where debate and discussion can be freer and more dynamic. I am concerned about the general condition or our capital assets, parks and other city resources that have been deteriorating for a considerable time. Of great concert is our natural environment — the lagoon and the ocean as well as the wetlands to the west. Upgrading/moving the sewer system away from the river is an important objective along with evaluating and repairing our water and sewer lines that are aging. The Bethel Creek spill was a bellwether. Stormwater management is also vital to a healthy lagoon and must be managed as such.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: My top goal is to implement an infrastructure evaluation and repair/replacement program in conjunction with taking on deferred maintenance and implementing needed lagoon protections (all part of the same major goal). Of course, there are fiscal constraints, but we must have a plan and get started. Our lagoon is a linchpin in our economy and the lifeblood of our community. Its death would initiate a slow decay of our town and surrounding communities.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? It would be arrogant of me to say I can distinguish myself from the others running since I really do not know them well. I can say this. I was raised in this town. I lived through the citrus freezes, the economic downturns as well as the general issues of the day; and I have seen a lot of growth. This, I believe, gives me perspective on our town. I think my executive and procurement experience over many years will serve me well in the capacity of city councilman. NOTE: I was the Program Manager of a $500 million+ Air Force international telecommunications purchasing and implementation program. I was also commander of two different organizations while on active duty.

PLUS I was a lifeguard at all four of our protected beaches in the 60's — yes four — Conn beach had a lifeguard position in that era.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.

Link to campaign website or social media page: http://facebook.com/reyVBcitycouncil

Joe Graves (4701 Sunset Drive Vero Beach, Florida 32963)

Age: 56

Educational background: B.S. Marketing University of South Florida and Juris Doctor Stetson University College of Law

Current occupation and work history: I started my career as a Prosecutor in Pinellas County. Soon thereafter I went to work for a law firm in Tarpon Springs. I worked for Nationwide Insurance Company for several years before joining a well-known firm in West Palm Beach. After commuting to West Palm every day for years, I decided to open my own firm in Vero Beach. Currently, I am an attorney at Graves Thomas Injury Law Group. I founded the firm in 2005 and it has grown to 4 attorneys and 15 staff members.

Volunteer and civic engagement: Our law firm is very engaged with the community. We have sponsored various organizations in the community such as Healthy Start, Hibiscus Children's Center, GYAC, Treasure Coast 4 Kids, Jimmy Graves Foundation and various schools. We supply all the under pad shirts for the football teams for VBHS, SRHS and Master's Academy. This year we supplied Ft. Pierce Central and Ft. Pierce Westwood football teams with under pad shirts as well. Our firm has supplied beds, a wheelchair trailer, backpacks with school supplies, books to children and other equipment or supplies to needy children. We host movie nights twice a year to honor our law enforcement, veterans and first responders. Recently, we hosted the first ever awards banquet for the Ft. Pierce Police Department. They had never had the funds to have one previously so we stepped in to help. Our firm is presently providing a full 4 year scholarship to a young lady to attend college.

Why are you running for office? I love Vero Beach. I want to do my part and give back to the community to preserve what makes Vero Beach unique and special while exercising good judgment for the future. Change and growth is inevitable but we need leaders who can manage this change while respecting the past. I became alarmed when it was proposed that a referendum be passed to allow City Council to determine the future of the "three corners" properties. The three corners properties are a tremendous asset of the community. What happens on the property should involve all Vero Beach residents and not just a few. It truly presents an opportunity to create a legacy property for future generations to come.

I am also concerned about the sale of Vero Beach assets. While I supported the sale of Vero Beach electric to FPL, I did not agree with selling the post office. City land and City assets need to be retained because once they are sold they are gone forever. We need to be very careful when approached by outside developers and money coming into the City. If we are not, then this special and unique city will be forever changed.

The other major issues I see are the moving of the water treatment plant, marina, beach side parking and facility maintenance. As explained to me, the water treatment plant needs $30 million plus dollars in repairs/maintenance. The cost to move the water treatment plant is $50 million plus dollars. I agree it makes sense to move the plant but we need to start planning on how to obtain the funds necessary for this expense which is on the horizon.

I support upgrading the marina to a first class facility. I think it's premature to vote on a plan to expand the marina without full understanding of the environmental impact. I think more dry storage is a great idea and so is upgrading the docks and pump out service but increasing the number of slips and the mooring field needs to be studied further.

As for beach side parking. I do not favor spending city money on a parking garage. In my view, a parking app and designated spots for 30 minute parking is a possible solution. The parking app revenues could be utilized to operate a trolley from Riverside to the beach area.

There are other maintenance issues such as Leisure Square. I fully support keeping Leisure Square open and appreciate the importance of keeping the facility open. However, it is need of repair. If the City is going to operate facilities such as Leisure Square, it needs to be done with excellence and deserves financial support to make it run efficiently.

These are my views on the issues but in the end, it is the voters that make these decisions. I do not have a personal agenda but want to represent the citizens and make sure their voices are heard.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: I want to explore ways that the City of Vero Beach can partner with the County, School District and Sheriff's Office. Duplication of services in my view is a waste of taxpayer money. If there are better ways for us to provide first class services to our citizens, then they are worthy of being explored. Saving taxpayer money that could be utilized towards upcoming projects is something we need to study.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? I am not going to comment on the others in the race. I think ultimately it is for the voters to decide what distinguishes me from the other candidates. However, I will bring a voice of reason to the City Council and will do everything in my power to listen and understand what the citizens want and to represent them the best I possibly can.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.

Link to campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/joegraves4citycouncil/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Estelle Panagakos (556 Dahlia Lane Vero Beach, Florida 32963) 

Age: 70

Educational background: Master’’s Degree in Elementary Education,The George Washington University (1989)

Current occupation and work history: retired

HILTEXB Teacher during summer at Wakefield High School in Arlington VA

2009-2015

Third Grade Teacher at Tuckahoe Elementary School in Arlington VA 2006-2009

Kindergarten Teacher at Barcroft Elementary in Arlington VA 2004-2006

Fourth Grade HILT Teacher at Barcroft Elementary School in Arlington VA 2003-2004

Fourth Grade Teacher at Fellsmere Elementary School in Vero Beach Florida 2001-2003

Adult ESOL Teacher evenings at Indian River State College in Vero Beach Florida 2001-2002

Fifth Grade Teacher at Barcroft Elementary School in Arlington VA 1997-2000

English As A Second Language Teacher at Janet Elementary School in Washington DC 1989-1997

ESL Teacher at the Carlos Rosario Adult Education Center in Washington DC Evenings 1992-1997

Sixth Grade Teacher at Janey Elementary School 1989

Resource Teacher at the National Child Research Center in Washington DC 1987-1988

Substitute Teacher in the Indian River County School District in Vero Beach Florida

Probation Officer for the State Corrections Department 1978-1982

Volunteer and civic engagement: Decades of volunteering at my local church

Offered free ESL (English as a Second Language) services

Beach and river cleanup

Participated in Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience Project

Volunteered for a variety of charitable work throughout my life

Board member at condominium association

Why are you running for office? Our great city is a wonderful place to live but it is facing several crossroads in the upcoming years that demand our immediate attention. Vero Beach exudes small town charm but the reality is that we need limited but critical growth to continue to improve our community. The development of Centennial Place presents several challenges, including pollution free removal of the utility sights. Indian River is an attraction for tourist and residents that is seriously polluted. The county, the city, and individual citizens all have a role in cleaning up the River, and especially the lagoon. We must insist on full remediation of hazardous and toxic waste when the utility structures are removed. We must improve parking situation on beachside. If we treat Vero Beach right, it will give us pleasure for years to come.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain: The development of Centennial Place

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race? A city needs members like me who know how to relate to people. I have 30 years of experience working with school parents and their children, and a parole officer.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: I did avail myself of bankruptcy twenty years ago due to overwhelming education costs.

Link to campaign website or social media page: www.Estelle4vero.com