Five candidates seek two available seats on Indian Harbour Beach City Council
There are five candidates seeking the two available seats in the Indian Harbour Beach City Council. The incumbent City Council members in those seats are not seeking reelection.
Candidates for Seat 1 are Adam Dyer, David Nutt and Douglas Vincent Torpy. The incumbent is Robert Sharek, who has served on the City Council since 2019.
Candidates for Seat 2 are Hamilton Boone and Susan Cava Ruimy. The incumbent is Jim Nolan Sr., who has served on the City Council since 1993.
City Council seats have three-year terms. The position has a stipend of $3,000 a year.
The mayor has a stipend of $4,200 a year and the deputy mayor has a stipend of a $3,600 year.
The polling place is at the Indian Harbour Beach City Hall Council Chambers, 2055 South Patrick Drive. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 7.
Here are details about the 2023 candidates and what they said about the major issues:
CITY COUNCIL SEAT 1
Adam Dyer
Age: 39
Occupation: Brevard County Fire Rescue firefighter
How many years have you lived in Indian Harbour Beach: 13
Political/government/civic experience: New to politics. Coached flag and tackle football in Satellite Beach for six years.
Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links:
Website: adamdyerihb.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/adamdyerforihb/
Instagram: @adamdyerforIHB
New vote-by-mail rule: State law now requires voters to request vote-by-mail ballot every election cycle
In 100 words or less, what are the top two to three issues in Indian Harbour Beach, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
My primary focuses are preserving our community and enhancing revenue. I prioritize lagoon conservation and beach protection, crucial for Indian Harbour Beach's beauty.
Additionally, I propose a pay-to-park model for nonresidents to deter long-term beach campers.
I'd also expand golf cart access, while streamlining registration within IHB, instead of neighboring cities.
Lastly, I'd limit short-term rentals to community members, not outside corporations, ensuring closer property monitoring.
These initiatives aim to protect our community from external threats and boost our financial well-being.
David Nutt
Age: 54
Occupation: Corporate management/sales
Education: Bachelor's degree in human services and consulting
How many years have you lived in Indian Harbour Beach: My family returned home in 2007.
Campaign email: Nutt4IHB@gmail.com
Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links:
Website: Vote4DavidNutt.com
Facebook: Elect David Nutt for IHB City Council Seat 1
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In 100 words or less, what are the top two to three issues in Indian Harbour Beach, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
As a dedicated City Council candidate, I bring extensive experience to the table.
As both an Air Force and Army veteran, I've learned the values of discipline and community service.
With 25 years in management for a leading technical company, I've managed multimillion-dollar budgets, enhancing my financial acumen and strategic thinking.
My priorities align with community needs: preserving our natural heritage through lagoon conservation; addressing the unchecked rise of vacation rentals for neighborhood harmony; and prioritizing city safety.
With your support, I aim to leverage my diverse background for effective policies that enhance our city's sustainability, livability and security.
Douglas Vincent Torpy
Age: 38
Occupation: Small-business owner
Education: Associate in Arts from Brevard Community College
How many years have you lived in Indian Harbour Beach: Lifetime Brevard County resident; homeowner and resident of Indian Harbour Beach since 2016.
Political/government/civic experience: In terms of political, government and civic experience, my background includes working closely with both state and local governments to navigate the process of obtaining permits and licenses. This has given me valuable insights into the workings of government regulations and compliance.
Additionally, I've actively participated in multiple election campaigns, which has provided me with a deep understanding of the political landscape and the importance of engaging with the community to address their concerns and needs. This experience has further strengthened my commitment to serving our city effectively.
Campaign email: votetorpy@gmail.com
Campaign phone number: 321-626-4510
Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links:
Website: https://votetorpy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095323099888
In 100 words or less, what are the top two to three issues in Indian Harbour Beach, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
Firstly, fiscal responsibility is paramount. I am committed to keeping taxes down and avoiding wasteful spending on projects that don't directly benefit our community. Prudent financial management will be a priority, directing resources toward essential services and infrastructure.
Secondly, the safety of our community is of utmost importance. I will collaborate closely with law enforcement to enhance public safety measures. This includes focusing on crime prevention, implementing effective community policing strategies, and creating a secure environment where families can thrive without fear.
CITY COUNCIL SEAT 2
Hamilton Boone
Age: 76
Occupation: Physician assistant/small-business owner
Education:
Associate of Science in biology, Kennesaw Junior College, Kennesaw, Georgia, 1974
Bachelor of Science in biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta,1980
Bachelor of Science, physician assistant, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, 1980
How many years have you lived in Indian Harbour Beach: We have lived in Indian Harbour Beach for 22 years. My family moved to Eau Gallie in 1961.
Political/government/civic experience: My experience is limited to civic with multiple areas of volunteerism.
Campaign email: Hamilton@voteboone.org
Campaign phone number: 321-795-3210
In 100 words or less, what are the top two to three issues in Indian Harbour Beach, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
I'm a longtime resident, biologist, entrepreneur, small-business owner, physician assistant and U.S. Marine.
Crime will remain low by supporting our exceptional IHBPD and allying with the MPD to keep vagrants from camping in cars or under bridges.
Provide citizens real-time access to IHB public meetings, using CCTV, Zoom, etc., so citizens, especially families with children, are informed.
I will work to balance the budget with spending for projects and infrastructure that have the greatest benefit for citizens and our city.
Speaking as a biologist, growth must be balanced with minimal impact on our environment and our citizens.
Susan Cava Ruimy
Age: 49
Occupation: Small-business owner
Education: College graduate, Bachelor of Arts in literature, State University of New York at Purchase.
How many years have you lived in Indian Harbour Beach: Five
Political/government/civic experience: Other than volunteering, this is my first go in the political arena.
Campaign email: SusanRuimyIHB@gmail.com
Campaign phone number: 321-503-8094
Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links:
Website: www.SusanRuimyIHBCityCouncil.com
Facebook: VoteSusanRuimyforIndianHarbourBeachCityCouncilSeat2
In 100 words or less, what are the top two to three issues in Indian Harbour Beach, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
My approach to City Council is simple: listen to local residents, identify the problem and find a solution.
Whether it is regulating short-term rentals or addressing the homeless population at the beach with enforcement and services, there is always a middle-ground solution. Especially with the little things that make up the big picture, like expanding bike lanes to and from the school or rectifying golf cart issues or increasing recycling stations, these are issues we can solve that will improve our daily life.
This is our town and our future. I look forward to putting local residents first.
Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at dberman@floridatoday.com, on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Indian Harbour Beach City Council races have candidates for two seats
