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r JAS 7X393 BOOK 88 PrF 465 benefit of a few residents on the barrier island. He stated that the requirement of a referendum in the City of Vero Beach was a protection for the public. If the County takes the project back, that takes the right to vote away from the people in Vero Beach and turns that right over to five people. He charged that three members of the Board were sponsored financially through the election process by proponents of Save Our Shores, and he felt that gave a favorable slant to their desire for a taxing district. He urged the Board to leave the project with the City of Vero Beach. He felt that the City's proposed project of placing sand on the beach is a good idea. Commissioner Tippin stated that he does not vote because of who kicked in for his campaign, and he felt Mr. Cook does not trust the good old American system. Commissioner Adams felt the City is doing a find job with the project but the County is willing to assist. Councilman Jordan recommended that no action be taken until the Beach Preservation & Restoration Committee has an opportunity to study the situation. Commissioner Macht felt sure that the Board has no intention of taking anything away from the City. The County wants to cooperate. William Friesell, 241 Live Oak Road, opposed adoption of an ordinance requiring a referendum. He felt it would weaken the Commission: -The voters elected the Commissioners and expect them to have good judgment. Dean Luethje, 6 Tarpon Drive, immediate past president of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber considers the beach problem a community problem because tourism is the second largest industry in Indian River County and the beach in the city limits of Vero Beach attracts tourists. Mr. Luethje cited numbers and percentages of funds brought into the County by tourism. He urged the Board to hire a consultant, proceed with the project design, work out the problems and present it to the public. Nancy offutt, government affairs coordinator for the Vero Beach -Indian River County Board of Realtors, recounted that when the City of Vero Beach considered a referendum on the beach issue, the Board of Realtors opposed it. They believe that the issues are scientific in nature and demand the opinion of experts in the field. Elected officials bear the responsibility to seek out those expert consultants and use those resources. Our beaches and coastal area are valuable resources that contribute to the quality of life, the quality of our economic life, and the tax base of our community. Ms. Offutt warned that we are losing Vero's beach, we 8