In Stuart City Commission Group 4 race, incumbent Troy McDonald faces Sean Reed on Aug. 20

STUART — City Commissioner Troy McDonald for the fourth time in 12 years is facing a political opponent in the nonpartisan race that will be decided Aug. 20 during Florida’s Primary Election.

McDonald, 56, of Stuart, who also is a Realtor for Illustrated Properties, won his first commission race in 2011 and remained unopposed until 2018 when he was unseated by Merritt Matheson, who in 2022 was then ousted by political newcomer Christopher "Doc" Collins, election records show.

In 2020, McDonald returned to the commission dais by beating challenger Caryn Hall Yost-Rudge, of Stuart, who he trounced again in August 2021.

Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Ohio, McDonald has lived in Stuart since 1995, served as mayor in 2014 and 2017 and said he’s running a “positive” reelection campaign in part by defining the city’s achievements under his watch.

He’s also touting his vision for a prosperous Stuart and his commitment to budget oversight.

“I've been speaking a lot about our fiscal responsibility. We haven't raised taxes since 2019 … and we have a stable, low tax rate,” McDonald said. “We have access to the St. Lucie River; our businesses are thriving, and we have a (class) 1 rated fire department … which means our residents get cheaper insurance rates.”

Along with McDonald’s race, Stuart voters will also decide whether to keep Group 2 Commissioner Becky Bruner in the seat she’s held for seven years or back her first-time challenger Laura Giobbi, 74, of Stuart.

Who is challenging Troy McDonald?

His political rival 34-year-old Sean Reed, a preschool, small business owner and Stuart native, said he’s challenging McDonald to “prioritize the community's voice over developers' desires.”

“My opponent serves the interests of a small group of elite developers, bureaucrats, and the greedy who only want to profit from our beautiful city,” said Reed, who with his family operate three childcare centers.

Growth and development remain at the forefront of city issues, especially in the last few years as an influx of approved multifamily apartments and condominiums have completed construction.

In August 2022, both Collins and Campbell Rich were elected to the city commission, pledging to create a higher threshold for developers seeking land-use changes, media reports show.

Reed, too - who Collins appointed to the city’s Board of Adjustment in 2022 - said if elected, he wants a full review of the city’s land-use codes, and roll back development density levels.

“I keep hearing them talk about … what we have is considered smart growth. I don't consider it smart growth,” Reed said. “I think density needs rolled back. It’s not your job as an elected official to make the developers’ project profitable.”

McDonald’s reelection priorities

McDonald said while he and Bruner are not coordinating their reelection bids, as longtime city office holders, he expects they’ll be challenged on their record and commission decisions.

“We're the incumbents, so the attack is coming towards us. And there’s always a bit of throw-the-bums out theory that some people have,” he said. “But I think overall, people are very happy with the city of Stuart.”

While out canvassing neighborhoods, McDonald said residents repeatedly tell him “they love it here, and they love Stuart.”

He’s also standing by his “proven track record of leadership” and tangible results that have directly benefited city residents.

He pointed to expanded public access to the St. Lucie River and completing a Reverse Osmosis Plant, a $28 million project he called a “significant milestone” in the city’s efforts to provide clean, safe drinking water.

McDonald also touted serving as chairman of the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization and as vice chair of the Business Development Board.

“Reelecting me means continued stable governance, enhanced community amenities, and a steadfast commitment to environmental protection and public safety,” he wrote in a TCPalm candidate questionnaire. “Together, we can keep Stuart a vibrant, safe, and prosperous place for all.”

If reelected, he looks to complete the $4.5 million Fire Station #3 on Southeast Green River Parkway, and effectively utilize tens of millions of dollars expected from the 3M lawsuit settlement related to contamination of the city’s water.

Cash advantage

With $34,500 in his campaign account as of July 25, McDonald’s incumbency likely helped boost his fundraising edge over Reed, who collected $7,041 during the same period, election records show.

McDonald, who donated $1,000 to his race, said the cash he’s raised shows his strength of support from dozens of residents and others outside the city who care deeply about Stuart’s future.

“All of these things,” McDonald said, “add up as a show of community support.”

Reed, though, suggested the disparity in cash donations proves his grassroots race is beholding only to his constituents.

“When you follow the donor money, you see who represents certain elected officials … who is behind the scenes coordinating all of this?” he asked. “Then you go look at my campaign funds and it's going to be locals that are sick of what's happened … I'm going to raise probably $10,000 versus Troy McDonald’s $40,000 to $50,000.”

Reed’s campaign priorities

Reed is offering voters strong leadership to “prioritize the community's voice over developers' desires,” he said.

“Our leaders must stand firm in ensuring that the community's interests and welfare are at the forefront of decision-making processes,” Reed wrote in a TCPalm candidate questionnaire. “We can’t handle four more years of poor development decisions, unplanned traffic pressures, and continued strain on our St. Lucie River.  As your potential leader, I am committed to this cause.”

He said he’s watched every commission meeting dating to 2017 and has worked to educate himself on issues residents care about most.

And as a “big family person,” Reed said he hopes to see fewer apartments and more single-family homes built to accommodate future generations.

“If the next generation can't raise up a family in a one-bedroom, 700-square foot apartment, what benefit does it have?” he asked. “You don't build equity, and I believe in generational wealth - building it for the next generation, for your children passing that along.”

Added Reed: “How do you accomplish that when you can't buy something? Are we going to just have one-bedroom apartments and a bunch of storage units?”

City residents, he said, should ask themselves “if you’re happy with the direction the city is headed.”

“If you think your quality of life hasn't been affected, keep voting the same way and you're going to get the same stuff,” Reed said. “It's just going to get more and more intense over the next four years.”

STUART CITY COMMISSION, GROUP 4

Position: City commissioner

Term: Four years

Salary: $19,845

Who can vote: All Stuart residents can vote in this nonpartisan race

Next steps: The nonpartisan winner on Aug. 20 will be sworn into office Aug. 26 during a city commission meeting

Troy McDonald, incumbent

Age: 56

Profession: Current city commissioner and Realtor with Illustrated Properties

Time in office: 12 years as a Stuart City Commissioner, 2011-2018 and 2020 to present

Sean Reed

Age: 34

Profession:  Owns three childcare centers with family

Time in office: Would be his first term in elected office

Higher speed rail: Will the Stuart Brightline station save time, money for local travelers?

Stuart City Commission races: TCPalm Editorial Board recommendations 2024

Melissa E. Holsman is the legal affairs reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers and is writer and co-host of "Uncertain Terms," a true-crime podcast. Reach her at  melissa.holsman@tcpalm.com. If you are a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest local news on the Treasure Coast.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Incumbent Troy McDonald to defend Stuart City Commission seat Aug. 20