Tom is also a parent and an Islamorada resident and taxpayer.

The ICA - Islamorada Community Alliance: What is it about the ICA?

The Islamorada Community Alliance ( ICA) was formed a half dozen years ago.  Our mission statement has remained the same since day one.

“To provide the Islamorada residents with information about events occurring in our community that will impact our quality of life, preservation of our native ecosystems, land development, lawful and transparent governance.”

We think we are fulfilling our mission.  Over the last few years those opposed to our efforts have tried to portray the ICA as some type of destructive force, all based on a dislike of our policy criticisms, and/or current or prior ICA members.

This premise should be dismissed as childish and counterproductive. That is not the behavior of experienced managers.

Perhaps those critical of the ICA efforts should consult our thousands of readers who encourage us to do what they cannot.

Many folks in Islamorada will not publicly question existing power for fear of retribution. That is the real shame.

Reason given: We live in a small town and depend on local groups and government for our livelihood, permits and property rights.

The comment “Oh, they’re ICA” is used as a derogatory term, used to describe residents who openly share our goals for the future of our community, as well as some of our criticisms of our community leaders, such as they are.

“Oh they’re ICA. They do nothing but complain and never have solutions” is a standard excuse used by members of the council, the Village Manager, and others to reject and demean ideas they’d rather not acknowledge or pursue.

 

The Islamorada Community Alliance does not maintain a membership file.  We do have an extensive list of “subscribers” who receive our regular weekly newsletter.

Many of the people who are the most critical of the ICA are among the subscribers.

For the record, many of our suggestions have been adopted by village management.

We don’t point them out in the newsletter or publicly.

Our mission is not to accept credit but to improve our village. We smile and move on.

 

We acknowledge that we share loads of concerns, (complaints?), via public comment and in our newsletters.

We often give solutions that elected officials and village management just don’t want to hear. 

We will continue to publish and voice valid complaints.

We complain about exorbitant tax increases:  Solution – Say “No” to the proposed 10% increase this year.  Cut excessive spending.

Call in Florida DOGE to assist in an effective audit never conducted in our 27 year history, over a quarter of a century.

Think it’s time?  In the real world, municipalities need to be considering and implementing audits of personnel and services.

We are disappointed to see Public budget workshops held in the middle of the work day. Result: minimal public participation. Solution: Hold workshops after 5 PM.

 

We criticize the council for frequently waiving competitive bidding. The solution: Explain why it is necessary or don’t do it.  Competition is the law – intended to provide better costs and services.

 

Transparency instead of decisions via phone calls or “thumbs up or down” to avoid public comment.  Solution: Transparency is the law – the Sunshine Law.

We criticize lack of opportunities for public participation. Solution: more public workshops, more appropriate use of public comment during meetings. More effective use of citizen committees.

Unused Village-owned properties. We have owned some of these lemons for years with no plan. Solution: Make and execute a plan – the public can help – just ask us.

 

Long meeting agendas. The public should have more than a few days to digest 500-1000 page Village meeting agendas.  Solution: upload agendas sooner.  Give the public (and council) more time, every time.

Yes we have complaints, but they are based on ideas for improving our local government.

Many solutions often envoke use of common sense and a feel for our residents’ needs.

It is apparent that some in the village prefer to demonize what they cannot control. It is an old concept which always fails.

Our newsletter subscribers are at an all time high.

Make an effort to be the “consensus builders” you claim to be.

We are always available for consultation.

Incorporating diverse ideas into Village decision-making is essential for creating policies that are effective, equitable, and representative of the population of our community. 

Our residents matter. They deserve a louder voice. Listen to the ideas… and the complaints.

Tom