A Statement from Merritt Matheson

I generally don’t respond to online accusations or campaign-related drama, but I believe voters deserve clarity and factual context.

As many residents know, one of the candidates running against me in the City of Stuart Commission race recently withdrew from the election. Prior to that withdrawal, official records showed that his residency didn’t meet the City of Stuart’s residency requirements for candidates.

Under the City of Stuart Code of Ordinances, candidates for City Commission are required to maintain continuous residency within the city for more than 12 months immediately preceding the election. Publicly available voter registration and address records indicated those requirements had not been met, which means he did not qualify to run and that is why he withdrew.

The withdrawn candidate is also my next-door neighbor, and prior to the campaign we maintained a cordial relationship. We have even gone fishing together in the past.

Following the withdrawal, statements were circulated online regarding an interaction involving me and my wife. Those statements do not accurately reflect what occurred.

After he announced his candidacy, my wife briefly spoke with him when they happened to see each other in the driveway while leaving for work. During that brief and neighborly interaction, he suggested that he and I speak directly.

Later, I stopped by his home to speak with him about the race and his decision to run. He chose not to meet with me, and I left.

Connecting directly with residents through door-to-door conversations is an important part of my campaign and something I believe reflects the accessibility and small-town character that make Stuart special.

At no point did either of us threaten, intimidate, or harass anyone. Any suggestion otherwise is simply untrue.

I am disappointed by some of the vitriol and personal attacks residents are increasingly seeing online, as I do not believe that kind of discourse reflects the values of our community or serves Stuart well.

Campaigns can sometimes create tension and emotion, but I believe Stuart residents deserve campaigns grounded in honesty, civility, and respectful dialogue. My focus remains on the issues facing our city and on continuing to engage with residents in a positive and constructive way.

— Merritt Matheson