Mayor Andrew Connors recently released a video addressing the “Right to Clean Water” amendment, which was overwhelmingly approved by 82% of voters in 2022.
The amendment, designed to safeguard local water resources, has become a source of contention as Connors raised concerns over its financial and legal implications for the city.
The amendment, introduced as the “Right to Clean Water Charter Amendment,” recognizes citizens’ rights to clean water and prohibits actions that interfere with those rights. It allows residents to take legal action to prevent pollution in the city’s waterways. Connors, who admitted to voting for the amendment, claimed he initially misunderstood its scope, believing it addressed drinking water quality.
“Unfortunately, this was all a sham,” Connors stated in his message, asserting that the amendment focuses solely on natural bodies of water, such as the Indian River Lagoon, rather than drinking water. He warned that the amendment could lead to costly lawsuits and potentially bankrupt the city, with financial liabilities exceeding Titusville’s budget.
Environmental organizations and activists have strongly refuted Connors’ claims, accusing the mayor of misrepresenting the amendment’s provisions. Stel Bailey, a citizen advocate, emphasized the amendment’s legitimacy and the democratic process behind its adoption.
“Mayor Connors appears to lack knowledge about the ecosystem, environmental history, and citizens’ constitutional rights,” Bailey said. “The community successfully collected signatures to place the issue on the 2022 ballot, which was approved by 82% of voters, and two judges have upheld it in court.”
Bailey called on Connors to respect the will of the voters and the legal decisions supporting the amendment. “It is the duty of Mayor Connors and other council members to represent the constituents who elected them, rather than to undermine their rights or dismiss their concerns,” Bailey added.
Speak Up Titusville, the organization that spearheaded the Right to Clean Water initiative, released a detailed response challenging Connors’ interpretation of the amendment.
“Happy to know the Mayor voted for the RTCW, as his initial understanding of what the measure was about was actually the correct one,” the statement read. “It does have to do with drinking water, and it is about improving Titusville’s quality of life. Not sure who he’s talked to since then, or what his motives are in flip-flopping on what he believes, but it sounds like he’s clearly misinformed on the facts.”
The group highlighted several inaccuracies in Connors’ claims:
- Drinking Water Coverage: Speak Up Titusville pointed out that the amendment explicitly includes “underground waters,” which supply most of Titusville’s drinking water through wells. “Don’t you want the right to protect these wells from toxic pollution?” the group asked. “Without a Right to Clean Water, you can’t.”
- Lawsuit Misconceptions: The group dismissed Connors’ concerns about frivolous lawsuits, noting that legal actions require substantial evidence and expert testimony. “Why shouldn’t polluters be held accountable?” they questioned.
- Financial Impact: Speak Up Titusville argued that the amendment prevents pollution at its source, potentially saving millions in future cleanup and restoration costs. “Connors throws out big, irrelevant numbers of what the County is doing to fund restoration projects, but fails to mention that the Right to Clean Water helps to stop pollution at its source,” the statement read.
- Injunctive Relief Misrepresentation: The group criticized Connors for presenting a “misleading scenario” regarding stormwater outflows and flooding, stating that courts consider fairness and all evidence when deciding such cases.
The statement also called on Mayor Connors to engage with the community and facilitate open discussions on the amendment.
“Instead of opening up this important community discussion during a City Council meeting, he keeps the lid on things and uses official platforms to unilaterally echo the (tired and disproven) talking points given to him,” the group said. “Let the experts and the voices of the people of Titusville in, Mayor, and stop letting the other voices we can’t see so well dictate your platform.”
Speak Up Titusville urged the mayor to prioritize the safety, health, and wellbeing of residents by supporting the amendment and holding polluters accountable.
Author: titusvillemedia
Raised on the Space Coast, I want to keep North Brevard informed of what's happening. Send Tips / Story Ideas to TitusvilleMedia@gmail.com
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