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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Aimee Sheire - 407.442.0837
10/23/07

CHARLIE WELLS TO LEAD MANATEE AMMENDMENT BATTLE

(ORLANDO, FL – October 23, 2007) Floridians for Smarter Growth (FSG) today announced Former Manatee County Sheriff Charlie Wells will lead local efforts against the so-called "Hometown Democracy" amendment as the group’s General Chairperson for Manatee County. This countywide appointment by FSG comes as the sixth in just three weeks.

“Sheriff Charlie Wells has dedicated his career to protecting Floridians,” said Mark Wilson, FSG Treasurer and Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Sheriff Wells is a deeply respected leader in law enforcement and the natural choice to lead our campaign in Manatee County.”

“I am seriously concerned that Hometown Democracy will cripple local law enforcement,” Sheriff Wells said. “Voting on everything is a costly proposition funded instead of vital services like emergency response teams, fire prevention units and police.”

“I have dedicated my career to keeping the residents of Manatee County safe,” explained Sheriff Wells. “And I see this amendment as a threat to the continued safety and prosperity of all Floridians.”

Before being elected to six terms as Sheriff, Charlie Wells dedicated fifteen years of service to the Florida Highway patrol. He also served as an investigator for the State Attorney’s Office and later as Police Chief for the City of Bradenton.

As Sheriff, Wells led efforts to develop and implement many innovative practices in law enforcement and corrections. He had a leadership role in opening the Police Athletic League Charter School and implementing programs such as Leading Inmates to Future Employment (LIFE) and Stop Turning Out Prisoners (STOP).

For two consecutive terms, Sheriff Wells was appointed to serve on Former Governor Jeb Bush’s transition team and also served on the Governor’s Drug Policy Council as well as the Florida Domestic Security Advisory Panel.

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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