Northwest Florida leaders weigh in on Navarre incorporation ahead of straw poll

NAVARRE, Fla. ( WKRG ) — Navarre residents gathered today for a Q&A session to discuss a straw poll on incorporation set for Saturday.

The meeting featured insights from Wes Siler, director of Preserve Navarre; Bobby Wagner, mayor of Destin; and Joel Rudman, state representative .

‘It’s the concept of home rule’

Siler emphasized the importance of local governance, stating, “It’s local self-government. It’s the concept of home rule. It’s having the decisions made in your community, done by locals.”

He noted that the county makes current decisions affecting Navarre, which dilutes local representation.

“We want something better,” he added.

Siler discussed how incorporation could empower residents and improve infrastructure.

“One of the things we want the city to do is to start working with the county, the state, and the federal government to get more money spent in Navarre,” he explained.

He pointed to persistent flooding issues and the need for better drainage systems and traffic planning.

“We see cities across this county taking steps to build infrastructure to help with that,” he said.

Addressing potential concerns, Siler acknowledged risks associated with incorporation.

“Any time there’s government, there’s the potential for waste and taxes. So we have to mitigate that,” he cautioned.

He urged community involvement to ensure effective governance.

‘You’re looking a lot like Destin’

Wagner provided a regional perspective on the incorporation debate. He stated that Navarre’s incorporation would enhance collaboration, saying, “They will now have a seat at the table since we are so similar in terms of the main thoroughfares.”

He highlighted the need for a unified approach to tackle shared challenges like traffic congestion.

“At the end of the day, government is just lanes and sands and policies… We’re all in the same geographical economics,” he said.

Wagner addressed skeptics of the incorporation, saying, “For those who think, ‘We don’t want to be like Destin,’ good, I think you guys should have your own identity.”

However, he noted that Navarre faces challenges similar to those in Destin.

“No offense, but the traffic, the overdevelopment… you’re looking a lot like Destin,” he said.

He encouraged Navarre residents to stay connected, regardless of the outcome of incorporation.

“The city is just the glue, it’s a vehicle to get you those local solutions,” he said.

‘Local voices matter’

Rudman also spoke on the significance of incorporation.

He stated, “This is an opportunity for Navarre to have a local government that can focus on the specific needs of our community.”

He stressed the importance of local governance in addressing issues like infrastructure and public safety.

“Local voices matter, and having a seat at the decision-making table means we can prioritize what truly matters for our residents,” he said.

Rudman expressed optimism about the potential for positive change, saying, “Incorporation could be the catalyst for greater investment in Navarre’s future.”

He encouraged residents to engage in the process, stating, “It’s vital for residents to be involved and informed about how this change can benefit our community.”

As the discussion unfolds, all three leaders stress the importance of local engagement and the potential benefits of incorporation for Navarre’s future.

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