Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, Inc.

Floridians for Smarter Growth (FSG) today announced that John Wheeler, Vice President of The Wheeler Agency, Inc., will lead the fight against the so-called Hometown Democracy amendment as the group's General Chairperson for Columbia County. With the addition of Mr. Wheeler, FSG has completed its first phase of appointing key County Chairs throughout the state.

"Floridians for Smarter Growth is thrilled to have John as an addition to our team," said Mark Wilson, FSG Treasurer and Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. "His trusted work ethic and involvement with local environmental organizations will prove useful in defeating Hometown Democracy."

"My chief concern lies with the impact this amendment could have on all Florida residents as well as Columbia County's unique quality-of-life," Mr. Wheeler said. "I look forward to working with FSG and environmental groups across the state to stop this extreme amendment from becoming a part of Florida's Constitution."

"Unfortunately, the Vote on Everything plan would reduce green space and increase sprawl across Florida," Mr. Wheeler explained. "I strongly feel that voting on everything would be detrimental to getting areas set aside for preservation and state parks."

Mr. Wheeler is an independent insurance agent and is a member of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Lake City as well as the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, which awarded The Wheeler Agency the 2006 Small Business of the Year Award. In 2007, Mr. Wheeler received the Springs Protection Award from the Florida Wildlife Federation as well as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The same year he also earned the Community Steward Award from 1000 Friends of Florida.

Floridians for Smarter Growth was founded by Sunshine State community and business leaders to fight extreme special interests bound to destroy Florida's unique quality-of-life under the guise of the Hometown Democracy amendment. Please visit www.FLSmarterGrowth.org for more information and to download, sign, and submit the Smarter Growth petition.

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