There's been much debate about Amendment 4 and its negative impact on Florida's economy. This amendment, deceptively known as "Hometown Democracy," would be bad just for local business. It also would be bad for our local communities.
Palm Beach County's comprehensive plan and land-use designations are revised over time as the needs of our community and residents change. This amendment would force citizens to vote each time a development request or county comprehensive plan change is submitted, at a budget-busting cost to taxpayers.
Qualified and dedicated community leaders are elected by us to, among other duties, systematically review and vote on such changes. These efforts are made in compliance with Florida's Sunshine Laws and with considerable public input. That is how communities work and prosper. That is how we grow into communities in which people want to live and businesses want to locate.
The town of St. Pete Beach, a barrier island community in Pinellas County, implemented a local version of Amendment 4 in 2006, and for the past four years, the result has been economic stagnation, chaos at the polls and endless litigation at taxpayer expense. If you want the destiny of our community's future to be turned over to those special interests with the deepest pockets and the best political consultants, then this amendment is for you. But, if you want to retain control over how our community works and grows, please vote against Amendment 4.
ED CHASE
Jupiter
Editor's note: Ed Chase is president of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.
