Amendment 4 forum highlights schisms between forces for, against
Source:
Citrus Daily
Date:
September 21, 2010
The question before voters in Citrus County and throughout Florida on Nov. 2 will be whether to let voters decide land-use issues, or to let local governments continue make those decisions.
The forum at the Crystal River on Monday night, sponsored by the Women's Political Network of Citrus County, did little to settle the issue, although it did give proponents and opponents a chance to air their arguments before local voters.
The forum was populated by views from both sides of the proposed amendment.
On the one side were representatives of business, embodied by the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce. Both groups have members that include builders and developers. The Florida AFL-CIO is also opposed to the amendment.
On the other side was the group that sponsored the amendment, and a former local government official.
Amendment 4 will hurt many businesses burdened with regulations
Source:
Florida Times-Union
Date:
September 20, 2010
We want a bright future, quality of life and good jobs.
Every elected official is going to tell you their No. 1 goal is to attract new businesses to our state in an effort to create new jobs and grow our economy.
Business costs, risk and uncertainty are major factors when companies look to expand or move.
Naturally, states with business friendly climates are usually where jobs land. Recently, Florida ranked in the bottom half of the stack in CNBC's list of best states to do business.
It's no surprise that Texas was ranked first. Unlike Texas, Florida is burdened with seemingly insurmountable regulatory barriers.
Schultz: Amendment 4 a (bad) sign of the times in Florida
Source:
Palm Beach Post
Date:
September 19, 2010
It's the biggest election story in Florida that you haven't seen.
This would be Amendment 4, usually known as Florida Hometown Democracy. If you think that Bill McCollum and Rick Scott ran some nasty ads, those may look like Saturday morning cartoons compared with the savaging that awaits Hometown Democracy, given the stakes for the groups determined to kill it.
Featured
Why the Facts Disprove Harry Metz's Claims That St. Pete Beach Violated Florida's Growth Management Laws
Date:
September 18, 2010
Many Amendment 4 supporters have relied on the commentary "What Really Happened in St. Pete Beach," by former St. Pete Beach Commissioner Harry Metz*, as a source of facts in support of their claims that the events in St. Pete Beach had nothing to do with Amendment 4.
Last week, I explained why I agree with Metz's claim that much of the legal expense incurred in St. Pete Beach resulted from ballot challenge litigation that arose when St. Pete Beach put its comprehensive plan amendment on the ballot in 2008 (though, unlike Metz, I think this is actually a good argument against Amendment 4).
Featured
Builders Fighting Florida Proposal
Source:
The Wall Street Journal
Date:
September 18, 2010
The real-estate industry and pro-growth advocates are rallying to defeat a Florida ballot initiative that they say would limit future development in one of the nation's largest housing markets.
Florida has been hit especially hard during the real-estate collapse. Not only does it lead the country in foreclosures—with tens of thousands of vacant homes scattered across the state—but average home prices have fallen in some major markets, including Miami and Tampa, by about 50% since 2006.
To control the construction and supply of new homes and other development, a group of environmental activists and attorneys have galvanized enough support from voters to put Amendment 4 on the November ballot, which would allow voters to decide on changes in local land-use plans.
The battle is heating up between the Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc Political Action Committee and Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, Inc. The issue is Amendment 4. You've probably seen the bumperstickers on cars touting the "Vote No on 4" logo.
In case you're new to the drama, Florida Hometown Democracy is behind the effort, after some hiccups along the way to get the initiative on the ballot and the Citizens for Lower Taxes are against the initiative which will be up to Florida voters to decide this November 2nd. Supporters feel the Amendment will support the state economy and those against feel it will devastate the state's economy, real estate prices and negatively affect the rights of property owners.
One thing should be made clear; both efforts, for and against, are spear-headed by very well-heeled Floridians. If anyone is under the delusion, Florida Hometown Democracy is fighting a David vs. Goliath scenario, they would be sorely mistaken.
Amendment 4 is a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment to the Florida Constitution.
It requires a taxpayer-funded referendum for all changes to local government comprehensive land-use plans.
My sentiment is with their supporters who argue against "gridlocked roads, dwindling water supplies and Florida's disappearing beauty ... the devastating consequences of Florida politicians' habit of rubber-stamping speculative plan changes."
I'm inclined to be a bit more caustic by suggesting that — given the opportunity — developers would pave over the entire state for a buck.
That being said, I would argue against this initiative or any form of "direct democracy" as a solution to perceived legislative failures. My view is that we have to learn how to elect the right people at all legislative levels — city, county, state and federal. (We don't do that well, so term limits would go a long way to protect ourselves from our consistently poor choices.)
Featured
Learn from St. Petersburg's experience; reject Amendment 4
Source:
TC Palm
Date:
September 12, 2010
Amendment 4, which will appear on the 2010 General Election ballot, proposes to amend Florida’s constitution to require a voter referendum on every city and county comprehensive plan amendment. The St. Petersburg area has tried this and found it to be a miserable failure.
Despite the time and expense of numerous elections, lawsuits have resulted costing the cities and delaying desirable growth. Businesses impacted by this law are unable to grow, or expand and are now avoiding the area by relocating elsewhere.
Ask yourself, why would a law that has been such a miserable failure be proposed as a constitutional amendment for the rest of Florida? The answer is simple. Special interests are those that would benefit and want this measure. Most cities throughout Florida already require some kind of citizen participation process in their land development codes.
Featured
Martin County Taxpayers Association: Beware unintended consequences if voters approve Amendment 4 in November
Source:
TC Palm
Date:
September 12, 2010
What exactly is Amendment 4? Who is sponsoring it? And, what do we have to gain by the passage of Amendment 4 or “Hometown Democracy” as it will appear on the November ballot?
The proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution requires a referendum on changes to the comprehensive plan of a city or county. This appears to be a good way to engage taxpayers, but, upon closer examination, based on the experience of other communities, a vote would be required on changes such as roadway improvements or expansions, changes in hospitals, schools, parkland, fire and police stations, additions to government buildings and expansion of public recreation facilities, traffic signals, and the purchase of municipal vehicles. This is a short list of changes requiring voter approval.
Featured
Avoid Amendment 4 with better planning, process
Source:
Palm Beach Post
Date:
September 10, 2010
On Nov. 2, Floridians will decide on a constitutional amendment that has potentially devastating implications for our communities.
If passed, Amendment 4 would subject all comprehensive land-use plans and plan amendments to an exhaustive, costly referendum process. Supporters of Amendment 4 want you to believe that these referenda would lead to stronger communities by putting decision-making power in the hands of the public. While a more informed and engaged public results in better planning, Amendment 4 would achieve none of that.
Helping to Stop Admendment 4
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