Job creation comes from companies expanding in or locating to our area. The passage of Amendment 4 will push businesses and new jobs to other states that will welcome their development.
The loss of jobs is just the start. Amendment 4 will increase taxes.
As companies go elsewhere, revenue to local governments will be lost.
Without tax support from business, we all lose.
Local real estate executives are urging the rejection of Amendment 4 during the Nov. 2 election, describing the amendment a “grave threat to Florida’s future.”
The amendment, dubbed the “vote-on-everything” amendment, would require referenda for the adoption of any and all local government comprehensive land-use plans.
“It’s been threatening for a while,” said Shirley English, executive director of the Marco Island Area Association of Realtors, “but now it’s on the 2010 ballot.”
Featured
Amendment 4 destructive; just ask small towns that had their own versions of it
Source:
TC Palm
Date:
August 1, 2010
The debate over Amendment 4 — a controversial proposal to alter Florida’s constitution — rages on. With an unprecedented coalition of business, environmental, labor and civic groups working to defeat it, the proponents of Amendment 4 are struggling to convince voters that their measure is anything but extreme, costly and unworkable. Floridians recently heard their latest claim.
Featured
Amendment 4 would hamstring Florida's local government
Source:
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Date:
July 26, 2010
When voters go to the polls in November, they will find the ballot festooned with Florida constitutional measures -- including Amendment 4, euphemistically labeled by its sponsors as "Hometown Democracy." If it were to pass, the amendment would require a referendum election on any change to a city or county comprehensive land-use plan.
Such a byzantine constraint would hamstring the capacity of local government to timely react to the community's ever-changing health, safety and welfare needs and would potentially cripple Florida's efforts to resuscitate its sputtering economy.
Featured
Amendment 4 Poses Threat to Florida's Economic Growth
Source:
The Bradenton Times
Date:
July 25, 2010
A proposed amendment to Florida’s Constitution, Amendment 4, would require that all changes to Comprehensive Plans approved by local governments must also be approved by voters. Amendment 4’s unintended consequences pose a serious threat to Florida’s ability to secure high-paying jobs and achieve sustainable economic growth and will add layers of unnecessary, costly, and litigious bureaucracy to the planning process
The debate over Amendment 4 seems to intensify daily. With an unprecedented coalition of business, environmental, labor and civic groups working to defeat it, the proponents of Amendment 4 are turning to fanciful rhetoric and imaginative half-truths to distract voters from the facts.
Let's get this debate back on track by focusing on those facts before voters make the final decision this November.
The Florida AFL-CIO announced its opposition to Amendment 4 today, joining a coalition of business, builder and community groups seeking to defeat the proposed constitutional amendment that would require a public referendum on changes to a community’s comprehensive growth plan.
The union group says it’s one of more than 280 “leading business, civic and labor groups that are working to defeat the measure in November.”
While Amendment 4 would be a boon to campaign consults and PR firms - cranking up campaigns to support or oppose comp plan changes would be a growth industry - that doesn't mean it will bring anything resembling rationality or vision to growth management in Florida.
In summary, Amendment 4 reads as follows:
“Before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum.”
In essence, this amendment requires local governments to consult the electorate before making changes to, or replacing, existing planning and zoning laws. So what could possibly be wrong with that? On the surface, this amendment puts a wedge between politicians and developers, making it more difficult to broker backroom deals and peddle influence for campaign contributions. “The electors” will have the final say on how land is parceled out or earmarked. Instead of power accumulating to government, it would rest with the people, for a refreshing change.
Featured
Amendment 4: Real estate would be devastated
Source:
The Jacksonville Observer
Date:
July 22, 2010
Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton recently presented his 2010-2011 budget, noting that like state and local governments across the country, Jacksonville is facing financial challenges.
Contributing to those challenges - overall property values in the county are declining again this year.
Helping to Stop Admendment 4
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