Thank you for all the kind feedback you've provided as we approach election day on November 5th.

My family and I have truly enjoyed living in our wonderful peninsula community. You have generously allowed me to give back by serving you on your town commission.

That’s why I’m careful to think of my responsibility as in service to you. Your priorities. Your tax dollars in the balance. And you deserve openness and transparency in how things operate and how your funds are utilized.

Although there is some misinformation to the contrary, Sewall's Point is very efficiently and frugally run. We enjoy, enviably, the lowest property taxes in Martin County. As a fiscal conservative, I’m glad to have contributed to this dynamic by making thoughtful budget decisions over the past eight years. Shrewd management is also a feature of Sewall’s Point governance that traces back to our incorporation in 1957. Our town charter and government structure exist for that purpose.

However, lately I see claims that your taxes have somehow increased by double digits. That's a misleading fear tactic. Actually, our millage rate hasn't even kept pace with inflation at less than 1.7% per annum.

Let's take a closer look. Consider two real-world "average" Sewall's Point homes over the past nine years, beginning in 2015 when municipal garbage collection service was included in our annual property tax assessment.  

The first example, above, is a non-waterfront, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home, with a pool. As shown in the chart above, over the past nine years, this family has seen the value of their home appreciate, on average, 11.1% per year, from about $365K to $690K.

All the while, the SP portion of their property tax has only increased from $808 to $1112, basically $38.08 per year. Their overall property tax payment increased on average 2.3% per year.

The second example, below, is a waterfront home with a dock and a pool. Over that same nine-year period, this family's market value has increased to $2.1M, or 11.4% per year on average. Their property tax paid over nine years increased from about $15K to $17.4K, or $299 per year (2% on average).

Your home values increased by roughly 11 percent per year while property taxes have increased only 2 percent on average. Your investment in a home on the peninsula has proven to be wise and lucrative.

As your town commissioner, I view it as my responsibility to protect your investment and support initiatives that continue to meet that goal through smart financial stewardship. That includes protecting your family with a strong police force, emergency services, enhanced infrastructure, flood water maintenance, and a professional town staff focused on finding cost efficiencies and grants to enable these enhancements without impacting our low tax rate illustrated below.

The recent hurricane reminded us all of the importance of infrastructure improvements to harden the electric grid and resolve flooding issues. To deliver this peace of mind with minimal cost is an example of the good governance you deserve.

So when you encounter the fear tactics and misinformation, remember the facts. The chart below proves that you have been in good hands.

My vision and leadership for Sewall’s Point has remained steadfast and includes the following basic goals and principles:

• Cut wasteful spending and reduce taxes.
• Maintain a safe and protected community with a strong police force.
• Drive a fiscally responsible strategic capital improvement plan.
• Ensure transparency and understanding of Sewall’s Point government processes.
• Invest in projects that improve the beauty and value of your Sewall’s Point property.
• Support projects that resolve our flooding issues.
• Drive and support initiatives that work to resolve our river crisis.
• Support an efficient hurricane and disaster preparedness plan.
• Maintain strong partnerships with our local business and municipal neighbors.
• Support our community traditions and celebrations.
• Work as a cooperative, friendly, and firm problem solver.
• Maintain a transparent and open door for you and all our residents.

Thank you for all the feedback and please keep the questions coming. 

As your commissioner, I have been honored and humbled to serve you and our community. I am grateful and committed to preserving our special community by the sea. Let’s work together to make Sewall’s Point even better.

I am humbly asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 5th.

Kind Regards,

Frank Fender

Vice Mayor

Phone: 772-486-3946

email: frank@afender.com

web: electfender.com

Resident Feedback Card

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PS. I would love to have your endorsement in the way of a yard sign supporting my campaign. Please text 772-486-3946 with your name and address and I will drop one off for you.