Volusia County resident and civic advocate Cindy Harris is sounding the alarm for New Smyrna Beach voters, urging them to show up, speak up, and vote with purpose as they head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In a widely shared message across local forums and social media, Harris delivers a passionate breakdown of the city’s proposed charter amendments, calling on residents to protect transparency, accountability, and historical integrity in their community.
Harris, known for her sharp insights and unwavering commitment to citizen-led governance, framed her commentary as an “unbiased opinion” rooted in her lived experience as a Volusia County resident. Her message, both informative and emotionally charged, reflects growing concern among locals about the direction of city leadership and the long-term consequences of unchecked policy changes.
At the top of her list is the proposed extension of the mayoral term. Harris opposes the measure, arguing that longer terms could insulate poor leadership from timely public accountability. “If someone is elected into the position who fails to represent the city,” she wrote, “residents should not be forced to suffer another two years or excessive costs to have that person removed.” Her stance reflects a broader sentiment among voters who believe frequent elections are essential to maintaining responsive and ethical governance.
Harris also criticized the proposal to elect candidates by a simple majority of 50% plus one vote, calling the threshold “too close for comfort.” She warned that such a narrow margin could lead to frequent recounts, increased taxpayer costs, and diminished public confidence in election outcomes.
Another item drawing Harris’s scrutiny is the proposed change to the City Clerk’s charter status. She raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting that if the Clerk reports directly to the City Manager while also serving the Commission, it could compromise the Commission’s ability to make impartial decisions. “She/he processes the city paperwork to and from the Commission, meeting notes and documents from the residents,” Harris explained. “Do you see the possibility of conflicts here?”
On the issue of commissioner salary increases, Harris reminded voters that elected officials are public servants funded entirely by taxpayer dollars. She challenged residents to evaluate whether their commissioners have earned a raise through performance and accountability. “You pay 100% for their benefits as well from your tax dollars,” she emphasized. “Do you think they have done a job good enough for you as their boss to give them that raise?”
Perhaps most impassioned was Harris’s opposition to the amendment prioritizing select areas of New Smyrna Beach as historic districts. She warned that the measure could erase the rich, diverse history of the city’s outer neighborhoods, many of which remain unincorporated but are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the region. “This amendment can wipe out the whole history of this entire area if it passes,” she wrote. “Just like we did to the natives that once lived along our shores. It’s our duty to preserve history, not just where we think we should.”
While Harris voiced strong opposition to several ballot items, she expressed support for measures 6 and 7, which pertain to charter review and long-term planning. She stressed that the city’s governing document must be reviewed regularly to ensure legal integrity and sustainable growth. “Anything more than a 10-year cycle would be inadequate for the sustainability of NSB,” she noted.
Her message concluded with a rallying cry that resonated across the county: “FIND YOUR POLLING LOCATION! SHOW UP! SPEAK UP! CAST YOUR VOTE & USE YOUR VOICE!”
As New Smyrna Beach prepares for a pivotal election day, Harris’s advocacy serves as a reminder of the power of informed civic engagement. Her call to action reflects a growing movement among residents determined to preserve the character, accountability, and historical legacy of their community—one vote at a time.
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