Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, Inc.

HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY IS NEARING THE SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT. THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW.

Hometown Democracy is a proposal to amend Florida's constitution. If passed by the voters, it would require that hundreds of local land use changes be decided by referendum. Local test cases prove that this proposal will cost taxpayers untold millions in legal fees and election costs. Designed to permanently freeze economic growth, Hometown Democracy would slow Florida's economic recovery and permanently damage our state's business climate.

After falling short in 2004, 2006 and 2008, Hometown Democracy backers are once again bankrolling paid petition-gathering efforts, which should enable them to reach the ballot in the near future. This development has been expected. Since February, 2008, Floridians for Smarter Growth has been operating under the assumption that Hometown Democracy will appear on the 2010 ballot.

What does this mean?

It means that this proposed constitutional amendment appears headed for the General Election ballot in November, 2010. Contrary to common fears, the misleading words "Hometown Democracy" will not actually appear on the ballot. Instead, Floridians will be asked to vote on an amendment entitled: REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS.

What happens next?

After verifying each petition that is submitted, local Supervisors of Elections will send their petition counts to the state Division of Elections. Upon determining that the submitted signatures meet all constitutional requirements, Florida's Secretary of State will certify the amendment for ballot placement and assign it a ballot number.
What are the impacts of Hometown Democracy?

Hometown Democracy is opposed by a diverse coalition of over 130 environmental, business, labor, education, government and planning groups. Here's what they have to say about it:

1000 Friends of Florida--our state's top growth management watchdog--has said that Hometown Democracy may "limit efforts to pass plan amendments intended to lessen sprawling patterns of development" and could result in "legal gridlock" as well as "piecemeal planning."

The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association has said that Hometown Democracy will "increase the influence of special interests through the encouragement of aggressive public relations and media campaigns," adding that this will ultimately "reduce the accountability of elected officials."

The Florida Health Care Association's resolution opposing Hometown Democracy contends that it will "burden many healthcare providers, nonprofits and key community groups with the expense of waging costly political campaigns before expanding much needed services."

Finally, the Florida Chamber of Commerce has argued that Hometown Democracy will "imperil Florida's prosperity and quality-of-life," calling the amendment a "jobs-killer."

Thousands of Floridians and hundreds of community organizations have voiced their concern over Hometown Democracy. They cite different reasons for opposing the would-be amendment, but all agree that Hometown Democracy simply has too many dangerous side-effects.

What is the plan?

Since 2007, Florida's business community has come together under the banner of Floridians for Smarter Growth--an ongoing campaign designed to educate Floridians on the dangerous consequences of Hometown Democracy. Thanks to the support of numerous partners, our message is beginning to resonate with voters.

FSG will continue to build up and build out its grassroots team while maintaining a dialogue with Florida's top media outlets.
What can you do?

If you haven't already, now is the time to get engaged with Floridians for Smarter Growth. The next few months will be critical to defeating Hometown Democracy at the ballot box. Specific things you can do include:

1. Attend the next meeting of your local Floridians for Smarter Growth stakeholder group.
2. If a meeting has not yet been scheduled, please contact me at [email protected] and we will organize one.
3. If you are not aware of a local Floridians for Smarter Growth stakeholder group in your area, please contact me and we will connect you with one.

Our message is motivated by the firm belief that Hometown Democracy is bad for Florida. As a result, the key to our strategy is education. History proves that the more voters learn about Hometown Democracy, the more likely they are to reject it. With your help, we will spread our message to every community in Florida and win a decisive victory for our economy and quality-of-life.