In Port St. Lucie, our residents have the right to transparency and accountability when it comes to the management of our city’s finances. I am deeply concerned about the financial reporting practices that have left many unanswered questions, especially regarding a confounding $2 million "miscellaneous" line item, which lacks clear explanation. It is imperative that the taxpayers who contribute to the backbone of this city are provided with honest and thorough financial reporting. This initiative is essential to me because I strongly believe our community deserves transparency and clarity about where our money is going and how critical decisions are being made.

For too long, closed-door negotiations on issues like the stadium deal have further clouded the public understanding of where our financial priorities lie. Such secrecy undermines trust and gives rise to suspicion and insecurity within the community. As we invest our hard-earned money into civic projects, it is vital that there be accountability and oversight. The City of Port St. Lucie must ensure their financial dealings are as open and comprehensible to the public as possible. We cannot allow "miscellaneous" entries or secretive agreements to define our fiscal policy.

Therefore, we demand a full independent audit of the city’s financial records, spearheaded by a third-party organization to guarantee unbiased scrutiny. This audit will dissect the details of the "miscellaneous" $2 million and evaluate the transparency of stadium negotiations, providing conclusive elucidation on how and why taxpayer funds are allocated.

Numerous cities across the United States have benefitted from independent audits, which in many cases have uncovered inefficiencies or oversights that were then corrected to improve fiscal health and transparency. This audit can provide similar benefits by enhancing financial clarity and restoring faith in the administration to responsibly manage public resources.

Join us in calling for a transparent auditing process of Port St. Lucie's finances. Only through collective action can we ensure our community's money is being utilized effectively and ethically. Please sign this petition to advocate for a responsible financial future for our city.