http://florida2010.org No on Florida Amendment 4, i.e. Hometown Democracy) http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=229&t=2 David Damron Orlando Sentinel 11:34 PM EST, February 5, 2010 Orange County's major mayoral candidates — even those now in office — cast themselves as outsiders and reformers. Yet all but one line up with the business and development interests opposing Amendment 4, which would require voter approval of proposed major changes in the c ... February 07 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=231&t=2 LARGO – City commissioners railed Feb. 2 against a proposed state constitutional amendment that would require referendums for changes in local governments’ growth plans. Largo officials contend that to require a referendum on comprehensive or growth plan amendments will effectively halt development in the city while property owners, develope ... February 07 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=232&t=2 OUR POSITION: A proposed constitutional amendment for public votes on all comprehensive land use plan changes is an over-reaction. Months before voters get the chance to decide the matter, the debate over a proposed change to the state Constitution, Amendment 4, is gathering steam. County and city commissions across Florida are weighing in. J ... February 06 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=230&t=2 In November, Florida voters will decide the fate of Amendment 4, a controversial plan to change our state Constitution. Leading business, labor, planning, health care and good-government groups have opposed Amendment 4 because it will lead to higher taxes and fewer jobs. While the backers of Amendment 4 say that their proposal is good for the envir ... February 05 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=233&t=2 Fortunately, a sham constitutional amendment designed to undercut Florida Hometown Democracy won't be on the November ballot, so it will be easier to focus on why Hometown Democracy is such a bad idea. Hometown Democracy would require a public referendum on even minor, technical land-use changes. Its backers argue that only the people can stop b ... February 05 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=226&t=2 By JACKIE BUENO SOUSA When it comes to naming constitutional amendments, you could do worse than Hometown Democracy. The name conjures up images of our founding fathers eating apple pie while the flag waves in the background. And with its offer to empower voters upset about run-away growth in Florida, Amendment 4 promises to weigh in on ... February 03 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=227&t=2 Months before voters get the chance to decide the matter, the debate over a proposed change to the state Constitution, Amendment 4, is gathering steam. County and city commissions across Florida are weighing in. Just this week, Saint Petersburg voted to oppose it, then sent out e-mails to let everyone know they did. The amendment, if approved ... February 03 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=225&t=2 Amendment 4 will severely harm our ability to attract and retain good jobs in Jacksonville. If Amendment 4 passes, it will be easier to change the city charter to have an appointed police chief than it will be to change the local comprehensive plan. Comprehensive plans are regularly amended to deal with changing conditions due to better knowled ... February 02 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=221&t=2 ST. PETE BEACH — There was no doubt Tuesday that the City Commission dislikes a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would require voter approval to change land use regulations. The city has operated under a local voter-approved version of that restriction since 2006 and has incurred about $300,000 in legal bills defending itsel ... January 31 2010 00:00:00 http://florida2010.org/media2.php?id=222&t=2 By JON THAXTON Guest Columnist A proposed change to Florida's constitution, Amendment 4, would require that amendments to comprehensive growth-management plans approved by local governments also be approved by voters. The amendment's unintended consequences pose a serious threat to Florida's ability to secure high-paying jobs and achieve sustain ... January 31 2010 00:00:00