I’ve been a fishing guide in Mosquito Lagoon for Twenty-Six years. For most of those, I met my guide parties at The Indian Mound Fish Camp. Back in the 90’s I met them at JB’s fish camp and currently meet them at the old Lefils Fish camp, here in Oak Hill.

Indian River water quality and more specifically that of Mosquito Lagoon, is a critical issue for the city of Oak Hill. The Lagoon system is perhaps our city’s greatest asset. Tidal water stewardship presents a level of complexity that at most can only yield partial control. Successful results are dependent on the actions and decisions of no less than a dozen governmental and non-governmental organizations. As a city commissioner I pledge to work closely with federal, state and county officials and with our local water quality board to protect this resource.

To protect the water quality of the Indian River to the best of its ability, Oak Hill should lead by example and eliminate the use of harmful chemical defoliants to maintain our city’s drainage system of ditches and canals. The city should consider the use of settling ponds in conjunction with the canal system as an alternative to direct stormwater discharge directly into the lagoon system.

Our city should present a formidable obstacle to those who would foul our waterways and seek compensation for those who are harmed. A comprehensive outreach program that encourages communication and reporting from all entities and agencies that are stakeholders should be examined. Sources of pollution, be it by design or accident, government or private, should be held responsible for the hardship their actions impose on our community. As a commissioner I will pursue practical, common-sense ways for our city to reflect the values of its citizens and protect our waterways.