Dear Stakeholder,
C-PAC is an organization that helps the business community—and Martin County at large—by fighting for good governance and policies that reduce taxes, enhance the economic climate and protect the local environment.
C-PAC is supported exclusively by individual donors in compliance with elections regulations. It works to ensure that Martin County’s business community has a voice in local elections. Lately, C-PAC has come under fire for exercising that voice.
For some time, we chose not to engage when a sitting member of the Stuart City Commission continually leveled attacks and accusations over social media at the Martin County business community, oftentimes specifically mentioning individual businesses, stakeholders, and even the chamber directly.
Now, C-PAC is bringing to light the poor condition of the city under the leadership of that individual who is currently running for Martin County Commission District 2.
His actions at the City of Stuart included:
· Suspending the rights of Stuart property owners for more than nine months
· Violating the City’s comprehensive growth management plan by making changes to the City’s land development regulations without following proper procedure
· Revoking the existing property rights of East Stuart residents and subjecting them to costly public hearings and uncertain outcomes
· Pursuing costly litigation against a local businessowner, even after losing the initial hearings
· Presiding over the firing, without cause, of Mike Mortell, who served the city faithfully for over 20 years as commissioner, attorney and manager
· Presiding over the resignation of the award-winning, 30-year finance director, who publicly alleged that he was asked to do “illegal, immoral and unethical” things and refused.
Like many residents, we watched city meetings in shock as a commissioner regularly interrupted and argued with members of the community during their designated public comment.
Now that he’s a candidate for the county commission, he recently attacked one of the Chamber’s top staff members, attempting to damage her reputation. In signs of a coordinated attack, an anonymous social media page supporting him escalated matters, posting smears aimed at her perceived ethnicity and religion.
Let us clearly state, we denounce any attacks based on a person’s religion or ethnicity. Through C-PAC, we’re standing up against this despicable behavior.
Thanks to donors, C-PAC will fight to support honest leaders who care about local businesses, and defeat those meaning harm.
More About C-PAC
For decades, C-PAC has supported candidates, elected leaders, and public policies that protect and enhance the unique quality of life that makes Martin County one of Florida’s most desirable places to live, work, and do business.
Through thoughtful advocacy and community leadership, C-PAC and the Chamber have championed initiatives that strengthen our economy, preserve our environment, and invest in our future, including, among others:
· Supporting the construction of the Veterans Memorial Bridge
· Advocating for the approval and opening of the one-of-a-kind U.S. Customs Facility at Witham Field, expanding international business opportunities
· Fighting to stop harmful Lake Okeechobee discharges and protect our waterways
· Supporting the Martin County Forever referendum as a tool to preserve environmentally sensitive lands for future generations
· Advocating for the prioritization of critical Florida Department of Transportation infrastructure projects that improve mobility and support economic growth
· Supporting funding for youth programs, education initiatives, and workforce development efforts that build a stronger talent pipeline
· Promoting septic-to-sewer conversion solutions that improve water quality while minimizing financial impacts on homeowners
C-PAC is committed to supporting preserving the Martin County difference—a community where economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and exceptional quality of life work hand in hand. Together, we can continue to shape a future that reflects the values, priorities, and vision of the businesses and residents who call Martin County home.
To follow the efforts of C-PAC, please like the C-PAC Facebook page, follow along and share.
Thank you,
Joe Catrambone on behalf of C-PAC
