AMENDMENT 4
A jobs killer
An Amelia Island resident recently wrote in support of Amendment 4, arguing that as part of some collective effort to improve decision making by government, we should take one small part of what government does (regulate land use) and vote on each comprehensive land use change.
Never mind that there are other issues decided by local governments, like how much fire protection and police service is adequate, or how much to collect in taxes.
This is part of a belief that it is simply too easy and cheap to find a job, have a family and afford a home in Florida.
By making the system for land use amendments difficult or impossible, fewer people will be able to enjoy the Florida life.
Businesses with the flexibility to locate here will decide it is not worth the pain.
Our state's brightest young people will send their resumes north and west.
If we are to tell prospective businesses looking to locate in Florida to go through a two-year amendment process before they can break ground, how many will stick through that process rather than enjoy the sand beaches of Charleston, the red hills of Atlanta, the high Piedmont of Charlotte or the Appalachian foothills of Greenville?
Amendment 4 would leave Florida in a permanent recession, and affect those of us who have to work the most. Please vote "No."
LARRY R. ATWELL,
REALTOR, PROPERTY MANAGER
JACKSONVILLE
