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Sun-Sentinel Editorial, January 26, 2008

Hometown Democracy a bad idea

ISSUE: "Hometown Democracy" touts amendment.

Its appeal is easy to understand, but the amendment peddled by the
group Hometown Democracy would be a mistake. It would be yet more
micromanagement via the state's Constitution, a document that is
difficult to change once unintended consequences are realized.

Floridians should turn down offers to sign the petition, and spare
everyone an unnecessary fight in November. Those that have signed
should rethink things, and have their name removed.

The proposed amendment would require municipal votes on changes to
comprehensive plans that act as blueprints for local planning, zoning
and development. To be sure, there is great angst across the state
because many residents feel their city halls are too willing to change
comprehensive plans at the whim of a developer.

That sentiment is justified to varying degrees. But the antidote
Hometown Democracy offers would further complicate matters.

Requiring a vote on comp changes would saddle the electorate with who
knows how many ballot items every election. Municipal elections draw
pathetic turnouts as it is. Does anyone really think putting perhaps
dozens of comprehensive plan changes on the ballot will lure voters to
the polls?

It's wishful thinking to believe that putting the comprehensive plan
changes on the ballot will slow or deter development. If developers
are as greedy and corrupt as the amendment's backers believe, won't
they simply steer dollars now spent on lobbyists to election campaign
machinery to insure that their plans get the required votes?

Growth and development are double-edged swords. They drive Florida's
economy, and quashing it as Hometown Democracy wants will cost
everyone. Yes, growth has to be better managed to safeguard limited
resources and uphold quality of life.

But the ballot box is not the place to determine comprehensive plan
changes. The ballot box is for picking leaders with vision and resolve
to make the tough decisions on growth and development.

BOTTOM LINE: It's a misguided effort. Don't sign the petition.