Page 6 - The Islander - October '24

Page 6, The Islander

Commissioner’s Update

Advocacy And Civic Engagement In Government

By Vice Mayor Maria G. Marino

Advocacy and A recent example of effective advocacy and civic amendment was directly detrimental to environmentally
civic engagement are engagement occurred in Palm Beach County when the sensitive lands and water quality to the Loxahatchee
fundamental to a healthy Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) River. Along with my colleagues, I penned a letter to the
democracy. These practices unveiled its 2024/25 Great Outdoors Initiative. This secretary of the FDEP, expressing our opposition to the
allow citizens to influence initiative is aimed to increase public access, recreation and proposal and requesting its withdrawal. A d v o c a c y
government policies, hold lodging at Florida state parks. However, the proposal to empowers individuals to take action on issues they care
officials accountable, amend the Unit Management Plan of Jonathan Dickinson about, fostering a sense of ownership over the direction
and actively shape the State Park (JDSP) to develop environmentally sensitive of government policy. As an elected official, I often have
decisions that impact their lands into a golf course sparked wide concern. the opportunity to hear from constituents daily through
communities. When citizens Local residents, outraged by the potential environmental letter writing, phone calls, public comment on agenda
and organizations engage, damage, quickly mobilized. They reached out to elected items, and additionally once a month during Matters by
they can drive government officials at the local, state, and federal levels, voiced the Public. When individuals realize that their voices
responsiveness, transparency, and effectiveness. their concerns, and organized protests. In a matter of can have an impact, they become more involved in the
Advocacy refers to the efforts of individuals, groups, or days, thousands of residents had signed petitions and political process. Advocacy and civic engagement are
organizations to influence public policy and government coordinated protests. As a result, the outcry attracted crucial to the health of a democracy.
decisions. These efforts can take various forms, such as attention from officials across the state, including As demonstrated in Palm Beach County, when citizens
lobbying, public campaigns, and grassroots mobilization. Florida Cabinet members, U.S. Congress representatives, come together to advocate for change, they can profoundly
It often involves educating decision-makers and the public and state senators. These leaders called for increased impact their government and community for the better.
on specific issues, persuading them to adopt certain transparency and urged FDEP to withdraw the proposal. Thank you for staying engaged and making your voices
policies or actions. As Vice Mayor of Palm Beach County and a member heard. If you’re interested in learning more about the Palm
Civic engagement is a broader concept that encompasses of the Loxahatchee River Management Coordinating Beach County boards and committees that citizens may
any activity that allows citizens to be involved in public Council, I was acutely aware of the proposed plan’s participate in, please visit https://secure.co.palm-beach.
life. This ranges from voting and participating in town potential impact on the Loxahatchee River, a designated fl.us/ABC/Pub_ABCReports.aspx. As always, please
halls to volunteering and joining community boards. National Wild and Scenic River. Protection of water quality contact me if I can be of assistance at (561) 355-2201 or
Civic engagement emphasizes collective action to address and lands has been a hallmark of our success as a county, by email at MMarino@pbc.gov.
societal issues and fosters a shared responsibility between much of which is a direct result of various partnerships
citizens and their government. between the county and FDEP. However, the plan

Singer Profile from page 1

race circuit. The triathlon course included a 3/8-mile swim
in the Atlantic Ocean off Carlin Park, a 13-mile bike ride
down A1A into Juno Beach, Fla., a 3.1-mile (5K) run to the
Jupiter Inlet, and back to the finish line at Carlin Park. The
event also featured a duathlon for those who opted to skip
the swim, and the option to participate in a relay.
Photos courtesy of Tracey Benson Photography

Linda Robb, Barbara Shafer Jenn Shapiro, Tracy Baynham AnnMarie Foss, Edward Bill Picciano, Claudia Garrell,
Foss, Yolanda Debalo Matt Young

Bernardo Neto, Lauren Neto, Jon Colclasure, Charlotte Emilia

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