05/05/2026
Today’s “Untouchable Topic”: Traffic 🚗
(Untouchable Topics are the ones we’re so passionate about they’re difficult to consider from a fresh perspective. Political candidates often use them to leverage outrage and direct it at others. Facts and context make the Untouchables less ripe for political exploitation.)
We all loath traffic. It’s easy to point to growth as the culprit. It’s even easier for political candidates to leverage our frustration, blame others and pledge to fix it. But facts and context make the Untouchables less ripe for political exploitation.
Did you know:
• Martin County’s population jumps by 35,000 during season
• School zones slow traffic significantly daily during peak commute times
• 35,000 locals leave for out-of-county work every weekday
• 18,000 workers commute into Martin from St. Lucie County
So yes, development plays a role. As do commuting patterns, seasonal residents, and school schedules.
But if you’re a cynical political candidate, these realities aren’t as easy to shame and blame, so you hope voters never hear them.
