Sanjay Patel spoke at the Musicians Making Waves concert in Sebastian, Florida.

SEBASTIAN – Sanjay Patel and Nicole Haagenson spoke at the ‘Musicians Making Waves’ concert Saturday about the importance of voting.

Several local musicians participated in Saturday’s concert, including Dave Scott, April ‘Deja’ French, Mike O’Brien, Nightfly, The Mixers, The Friends & Neighbors Band and Tumbleweed.

Sanjay Patel is a Democrat running against U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, a Republican, for the U.S. House District 8 which covers all of Indian River County, Brevard County, and a portion of Orange County.

Patel spoke about the economy and the Indian River Lagoon.

“When we think about the people in power, they’re not listening or representing us. They’re taking in big money from businesses and corporations, and those are the folks they’re listening to,” Patel told a crowd at Pareidolia Brewing Co. in Sebastian.

Patel said that it’s an injustice to any family working full-time and still struggling to make ends meet.

Nicole Haagenson, 37, is taking on incumbent Erin Grall, 41, for the Florida House of Representatives District 54 seat, which encompasses Indian River County and parts of northern St. Lucie County. Haagenson is an Air Force veteran.

She spoke about our local economy, education system, and the environment. She said the environment isn’t getting any better for the past two decades under a one-party rule.

“I’m going to hold big sugar accountable, and we’re going to clean up the Lagoon, we’re going to clean up Lake Okeechobee, and we’re going to protect our environment,” Haagenson said.

The ‘Musicians Making Waves’ concert was the first event of its kind in Sebastian. The turnout was larger than expected.

Sebastian Daily and the Pareidolia Brewing Co. does not endorse any candidate or political party.

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