EDITORIALS

Brian Mast has earned the chance to finish work he started in District 18 | Our view

Treasure Coast Newspapers Editorial Board
Brian Mast

RACE: U.S. House District 18

TERM: 2 years

CANDIDATES:

KEY ISSUES: Lake Okeechobee discharges, Indian River Lagoon protection, gun laws, Brightline passenger train 

RECOMMENDATION: Brian Mast 

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Voters living in this politically balanced congressional district will choose between two driven, competent candidates on Nov. 6.

Both would be strong representatives for St. Lucie, Martin and northern Palm Beach counties. But we ultimately give the edge to incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Mast because he has devoted his first term to demonstrable action on the environmental crisis facing District 18, where toxic blue-green algae tainted our waterways again this year.

During his first two years in office, Mast has:

  • Been an effective member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he worked to secure federal dollars for the state-approved Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir, a long-awaited project designed to curtail destructive discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.
  • Pushed the Army Corps of Engineers to change the way it manages Lake Okeechobee by holding less water during the dry season, which could result in a reduction of water sent to the estuaries during the wet season. 
  • Filed the Stop Harmful Discharges Act, which would require federal agencies to prioritize public health and safety — including prevention of toxic blue-green algae — in managing Lake Okeechobee.
  • Pushed against forces that have shaped Florida water policy for decades — notably, the large sugar companies that own much of the land south of Lake Okeechobee. In May, Mast supported the Sugar Policy Modernization Act, which would have rolled back price supports and other policies benefiting the sugar industry. The House ultimately failed to pass the bill, but Mast has continued to agitate, embracing policies pushed by the advocacy group Bullsugar. 

"Water is the No. 1 thing that I work on," Mast said during an interview with the Editorial Board of Treasure Coast Newspapers.

Mast's opponent, attorney and foreign policy expert Lauren Baer, has criticized him for being an "election-year environmentalist." And while it's true his efforts have become more visible during this election year, our editorial board recalls his early commitment to solving our water crisis. He has followed through and been aggressive on the issue. 

Lauren Baer

That said, Baer is no environmental lightweight. The League of Conservation Voters of Action Fund endorsed her in this race — pointing to her commitment to "smart, science-based policies" and growing Florida’s clean energy economy.

Baer pledges to do all Mast is doing for the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon, and more.

"My expectation is that I'm a leader on all of the issues that matter for this community. It is not an either-or, it is a both-and," Baer told our editorial board.

Baer entered the District 18 race in part because of Mast's vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Baer favors a plan called "universal access to medical care," backed by moderates including Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, that would allow people and businesses to buy into Medicare and Medicaid.  

Baer spent six years as a foreign policy expert in Barack Obama's administration. She's a strong choice for voters whose top issue is bolstering the balance of power against the administration of President Donald Trump. 

But when it comes to our most vital local issue, Mast has a head start.

This split district is best served by a moderate, and Mast is one. After the February shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, he proposed a 60-day pause on the sale of tactical rifles such as the AR-15, opening the door for a possible permanent ban on certain models. It was a surprising stance from a Republican in Congress, and we hope he works to find support for the proposal. 

Mast deserves another term to follow through on what he's started.

TCPalm’s candidate recommendations are decided collectively by its editorial board. Recommendations are based on nonpartisan criteria that prioritize the best candidates for our local community.

Editor's note: This is not a scientific poll. Having trouble viewing the poll? Refresh your internet browser or click here to vote.