“Give me liberty to know, to utter and to argue freely according to my conscience, above all other liberties.” Milton
This coming Monday, December 8th, 2014, at the City of Stuart commission chamber, located at 121 SW Flagler Avenue, from 9-12, it is our turn to speak up to our Legislative Delegation about the importance of the St Lucie River\Indian River Lagoon.
This is our designated time before the state legislative session formally begins to call attention to our legislators the importance of the SLR/IRL to our local economy and quality of life in Martin County. It is our time to tell them we appreciate what was done last year but we want more. We want to purchase lands in the EAA, Everglades Agricultural Area through the help of Amendment 1 in order for more water to flow south and to restore what we can of the northern and southern Everglades…we also want to complete the Indian River Lagoon South purchases and projects that are part of a greater plan. But before we speak…
What is our “legislative delegation” anyway?
Our legislative delegation is the group of state elected officials from our area. In fact, sometimes I have not been familiar with some of those who are part of the delegation, but I always know for sure that Senator Joe Negron, and representatives Galye Harrell and Mary Lynn Magar will be there, as they are our present Martin County representatives.
Comments were to have been made formally through the offices of the elected officials, but I would imagine if you show up and ask to share a short comment they would allow it; or hand them a written note at the beginning or end of the session.
The whole thing can be rather intimidating, but don’t be afraid, speak up! They are your elected officials and it is their job to listen to you.
The first time I ever went before them, I spoke on not allowing the state to preempt the Town of Sewall’s Points strong fertilizer ordinance. It was uncomfortable for me; I was nervous. Sometimes I felt like some of the delegates were not listening to me or taking me seriously. But I put a smile on my face and I spoke.
I felt better for doing so, and for being a part of the American democratic process, as messed up as it sometimes is…
If you can, go speak up for St Lucie River/ Indian River Lagoon on Monday. It’s easier sometimes not to speak, but how will we change our world if we don’t? 🙂