NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick. Adam Barringer is the new mayor and Judy Reiker is the new Zone 1 city commissioner.
As most of you know know, NSBNEWS.net endorsed both winning candidates. We made our endorsements for several reasons. First, because of the impressive credentials and business experience that both Adam Barringer and Judy Reiker bring to the table. Second, that like many of you, we are not entirely happy with the cost of city government or the lack of a business-friendly environment that New Smyrna Beach presents.
On the flip side, endorsing candidates in a small town is like choosing between your own children. It would have been much more easy and comfortable to sit back and not endorse anybody. This is especially true since we have enjoyed a good relationship with all of the candidates. Well, at least until we endorsed the challengers.
Regardless, we considered it our duty to make our recommendations and so we did. The job ahead in New Smyrna Beach is a tough one. Getting the city budget into balance will not be easy and we do not envy the city commission that has to tackle these problems.
Note that the cost problems developed over time as huge increases in tax revenue led to lax control of expenses with huge increases meted out to public employees and other lax practices dealing with projects and expenditures.
Cost reduction and efficiency were definitely not part of the culture at city hall. Needless to say there are few city halls where cost efficiency is part of the culture.
One problem which must be dealt with is the bad attitude at city hall toward business. This can be attacked from two sides. First, the rules and regulations and attitudes that make it hard to do business here can be “adjusted” and second, an ombudsman function can be added. The ombudsman is someone who takes a business project “by the hand” and leads it through the government minefield that is still left after the above “adjustments.”
Nsbnews.net congratulates everyone who took part in this year's elections. The big winner in the long run will be the city of New Smyrna Beach with its renewed vigor in the political process.