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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Aimee Sheire 407-442-0837
10/4/07

SAM KILLEBREW TO LEAD POLK COUNTY AMENDMENT BATTLE

(ORLANDO, FL - October 4, 2007) Floridians for Smarter Growth (FSG) today announced Florida Strategic Group Partner Sam Killebrew will lead local efforts against the so-called “Hometown Democracy” amendment as the group’s General Chairperson for Polk County. The announcement was FSG’s second key regional leadership appointment in just two days.

"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."

“Hometown Democracy is bad for small businesses throughout Florida,” Mr. 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,” Mr. Killebrew explained. “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.”

Mr. Killebrew founded and currently operates several local businesses in Polk County, including a public affairs consulting firm and a contracting company that does site development, underground utilities and engineering services. A veteran of the United States Navy, he has held leadership roles on local and regional boards for the American Cancer Society, Goodwill Industries Heart of Florida, and Advisory Board for Platinum Bank of Polk County.

Mr. Killebrew was also an active Board Member for Myregion.org, a community visioning project seeking to integrate smart growth principles into public planning. Currently, Mr. Killebrew is the President of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and Director of East Polk County Committee of 100.

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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