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Lakeland Ledger, October 4, 2007

Pro-Growth Group Picks Local Chairman



By Tom Palmer

LAKELAND - Organized opposition to the Florida Hometown Democracy
Amendment has come to our hometown.

Floridians for Smarter Growth, the anti-amendment group funded by the
Florida Chamber of Commerce and major corporations, announced
Wednesday that local businessman Sam Killebrew will become the group's
Polk County chairman.

"Polk County represents an emerging battleground in our campaign to
defeat the Vote on Everything amendment," said FSG Treasurer Mark
Wilson, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber. "Sam
Killebrew is a tremendous leader in his community and we will rely
heavily upon his experience and leadership to carry our message to the
voters."

The Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment, which could be on the 2008
general election ballot if backers obtain enough signatures, would
require voter approval of all amendments to local growth plans.

Supporters, who consist of a coalition of environmentalists and
neighborhood activists, claim the amendment is necessary to rein in
frequent changes that make local growth plans meaningless.

Opponents, such as the chamber group, argue the amendment's passage
could be a blow to Florida's economy.

"Hometown Democracy is bad for small businesses throughout Florida,"
Killebrew said. "I look forward to leading FSG's Polk County efforts
against this radical proposal and will be working hard to organize a
strong local leadership team to educate our community.

"I'm concerned about the amendment's severe consequences for Florida's
business and jobs economy," Killebrew said. "Florida will lose its
competitive edge in attracting new and higher-paying jobs if companies
are forced to wage expensive political campaigns anytime they want to
relocate to our state."

Killebrew founded and currently operates several local businesses in
Polk County, including a public affairs consulting firm and three
contracting companies managing underground utility service. He also
was an active board member for myregion.org, an Orlando-based
community visioning project seeking to integrate smart growth
principles into public planning in Central Florida. He also chairs the
Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Committee and serves as
a director of East Polk County Committee of 100.

For more information on Floridians for Smarter Growth, go to
www.FLSmarterGrowth.org.