VoteWater, a South Florida clean-water advocacy group, has endorsed Sarah Heard for Martin County Commissioner, District 4.

“For more than 20 years, Sarah Heard has made clean water a top priority,” said VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart. “She’s been a steady, reliable champion for our natural environment and for Martin County’s unique way of life. Even when outvoted by growth-friendly commissioners, she’s held firm against reckless development and the sway of special interests.”

Heard, who first ran for county commissioner in 2002, said that if re-elected “I promise my continued, unwavering commitment to clean water, Martin County residents’ most revered resource.”

During her tenure on the board Heard has often been on the losing end of 4-1 votes, but she said this bolsters her commitment to slow development, cleaner water and low taxes. “I believe in conservation of all things,” she said.

“Sarah Heard has fought for wetlands, for ecosystem and waterway restoration,” said VoteWater’s Smart. “She understands how important clean water is to recreation, to our local economy and real estate market, and to the health of this community. We’re confident she’ll continue to be an independent, determined voice for conservation — and Martin County will be a better place for it.”

Headquartered in Stuart, VoteWater is a 501(c)(4) organization which works to inspire Floridians to demand leaders and policies that promote clean water. VoteWater’s sole criteria in issuing endorsements is a candidate’s position on water-related issues