Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, Inc.

(ORLANDO, FL - October 9, 2007) Floridians for Smarter Growth (FSG) today announced that Compass Bank President Robert White will lead the fight against the so-called Hometown Democracy amendment as the group’s General Chairperson for Jacksonville. The Duval County-wide appointment was the third announced by the campaign to defeat the proposed amendment to the Florida constitution.

“Jacksonville is a vital part of our strategy to defeat the Vote on Everything amendment,” said Mark Wilson, FSG Treasurer and executive vice president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “As a well-respected leader in the business and non-profit communities, Robert White will build and lead a strong local team devoted to protecting Florida’s unique quality-of-life.”

“Hometown Democracy will ruin Florida’s economy and seriously endanger non-profit organizations pursuing worthy community projects,” Mr. White said. “I’m eager to lead Jacksonville’s fight against this extreme amendment so we can continue to help those who can’t always help themselves.”

“I’ve spent many years working with charities and non-profits and I’m deeply concerned about how Hometown Democracy would impact their activities,” Mr. White explained. “Many of these groups would be forced to fund costly political campaigns simply to open a new hospital, community center or public park.”

Mr. White has been in the banking industry for over forty years and served as past-Chairman for the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Bankers Association and the Gator Bowl Association. Mr. White has also served on many Boards and committees for non-profit groups throughout the state. A member of the Downtown Jacksonville Rotary, he serves as the Chair-elect for Dreams Come True, a non-profit organization fulfilling dreams of terminally ill children in Florida and Georgia.

Mr. White is also a Board Member of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida and previously served as Director for the Alliance for World Class Education, where he was the recipient of the 1999 Champion of Champions Award.

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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