Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, Inc.

Clergyman, businessman, and environmentalist to lead opposition to Amendment 4 in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

(Orlando, FL – May 20, 2010) Demonstrating the diversity of opposition to Amendment 4, Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy (the "Vote No on 4" campaign) today announced the names of its Co-Chairs for Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The group includes the Reverend Don Roberts, a United Methodist Clergyman active in social and business circles; Jon Thaxton, a respected environmentalist and Sarasota County Commissioner; and Mike Burton, an environmental scientist and Managing Principal for Natural Resources and Rural Lands at WilsonMiller. Today's announcement comes two weeks after the campaign released the names of its Southwest Florida Co-Chairs.

“As experts in their respective fields, our Sarasota/Manatee team brings fresh insight to the Amendment 4 debate,” said the campaign’s executive director Ryan Houck. “We are honored to have their full and active support.”

Don Roberts (click here for bio) is a United Methodist Clergyman of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and an active volunteer in his community. “Amendment 4 would prove devastating to Florida’s working families and small businesses alike,” said Roberts. “It is imperative that we defeat this misguided measure and protect Florida’s economy for future generations.”

Jon Thaxton (click here for bio) is a Sarasota County Commissioner, noted environmental preservationist, and recipient of the 1,000 Friends of Florida State Growth Management Award as well as the Nature Conservancy’s Grassroots Activist of the Year Award. “Amendment 4 will compound Florida’s economic and environmental problems,” emphasized Thaxton. “The sort of short-term thinking exemplified by this proposal would be ruinous to our states’ efforts to build a balanced, sustainable, and diversified economy.”

Mike Burton (click here for bio) is a consultant in the fields of natural resource regulatory policy and wildlife habitat restoration and is the Managing Principal for Natural Resources and Rural Lands at WilsonMiller, Inc. “Amendment 4 will clog the system with layers of costly, bureaucratic red-tape, making well-coordinated, responsible growth impossible and promoting sprawl and a reduced quality of life for all Floridians,” stated Burton.

Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy (the "Vote No on 4" campaign) is an umbrella organization that leads opposition to Amendment 4. The campaign's statewide Board of Directors includes former National League of Cities President, Clarence Anthony, Florida Chamber of Commerce President, Mark Wilson, and Florida AFL-CIO Executive Committee member, Frank Ortis. To date, more than 270 organizations throughout Florida have opposed Amendment 4; more join the fight every day. Please visit www.florida2010.org for more information.