By: Newsmax Editorial

Florida voters should say “no” to three constitutional amendments on the ballot today that would harm taxpayers, undermine the state’s economy, and hurt democratic values.

Amendment 4 would require voter approval of all changes to local comprehensive land-use plans. Opponents argue that it will cost jobs and hurt Florida’s economy by stifling growth, thereby costing taxpayers millions of dollars.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush declared in a recent Op-Ed piece that the amendment “has the potential to completely stall our economy, making it harder to create and grow jobs and to responsibly manage growth in our state.”

One Florida city that enacted a similar law found it caused years of costly litigation that burdened taxpayers and drove jobs elsewhere.

Supporters of the amendment say voters deserve a “seat at the table” on growth decisions in their cities and counties. But voters are already in control of comprehensive plans by electing city and county officials who best represent their views on development.

It is crucial to Florida’s future that this amendment goes down to defeat.