Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, Inc.

Proposed Florida Constitutional Amendment 4, also known as “Hometown Democracy,” will be on the ballot in the fall.

There has already been a lot of buzz being generated. But what is it all about?

Proponents summarize Amendment 4 as the opportunity to provide “public participation in local government comprehensive land use planning to benefit the conservation and protection of Florida’s natural resources and scenic beauty, and the long-term quality of life of Floridians.” Meantime, opponents say the amendment will impede development, growth and jobs, costing the state economy billions of dollars in lost revenues.

Make up your own mind during a public forum from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 8, at the Beverly Hills Lions Club, 72 Civic Circle. The event is hosted by the Citrus County Council. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and the forum will begin at 10:30.

The panelists are two of the top spokesmen for each side: Ross Burnaman, speaking in favor of Hometown Democracy, is co-author of the amendment. In opposition is Patrick Slevin, Sr. VP and General Manager of the Tallahassee office of Hill & Knowlton, Inc., a leading international communications consultancy providing services to local, multinational and global clients.

The Citrus County Council is a not-for-profit consortium of homeowner associations, civic and environmental groups established in 1980. Go to www.citruscountycouncil.org for more information about the group.