Why Vote Yes on Amendment 4?
Reckless real estate speculation has crashed our economy and our home values, and diminished our quality of life. Irresponsible local officials have let much of this happen by approving harmful changes to local comprehensive land-use plans. We taxpayers pay for the roads, schools, and water and sewer services for new development. We should get a vote. Even when developments sit empty, we pay. Amendment 4 will make politicians more accountable.
How Would It Work?
YOU will get a vote on growth and development in your community. Today, politicians exclusively control future development: they have the exclusive power to approve or deny development-related changes to local comprehensive land-use plans. Amendment 4 adds one new step to this process: YOU.
Under Amendment 4, your city or county commission will study, hold public hearings, and vote on proposed changes to the local comprehensive land-use plan, just like they do now. You will veto or approve their decision on the next regularly scheduled Election Day. It’s that simple. Amendment 4 doesn’t require special elections.
What Would I Vote On?
Amendment 4 requires voter approval only of local comprehensive land-use plan changes. Amendment 4 does not apply to the more frequently-decided individual development approvals, re-zonings, or variances.
Under Amendment 4, you’ll decide if a proposed plan change serves the public interest and makes your community a better place to live. If the majority votes yes, the change will happen. If the majority votes no, the change doesn't happen.
Why Bother?
Our homes and our communities are too important to leave in the hands of politicians and lobbyists. We-the-people keep getting stuck with the costs of clogged roads, crowded schools, and needless pollution. Speculators and politicians get rich at our expense. Just look around Florida today: Real estate speculators got so many rubber-stamped approvals from politicians that they overbuilt, crashed our economy, and wrecked our home values. Now we are stuck with the bill.
Sometimes, when things get so out-of-whack, the people need to rise up and provide balance. It is time to try a new approach. Hometown Democracy is a nonpartisan, common-sense reform movement of Floridians from all walks of life. We lost our voice to the big moneyed interests– let’s win it back with our votes.
To learn more, visit www.FloridaHometownDemocracy.com
To volunteer, call us at (866) 779-5513, or email us at FloridaHometown@yahoo.com. Send a donation to Florida Hometown Democracy, P.O. Box 636, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170-0636 Pd.Pol. Adv. By Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc. PAC
Tea Parties for Amendment 4
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
SOME TEA PARTY PRINCIPLES SUPPORTED BY FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY AMENDMENT 4
"Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves, therefore, are its only safe depositories."
Thomas Jefferson
"The people who own the country ought to govern it."
John Jay
"All political power is inherent in the people."
Florida Constitution, Article 1, Section 1
SOME TEA PARTY PRINCIPLES SUPPORTED BY FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY AMENDMENT 4
• REPUBLIC. It is important to understand that "democracy" and "republic" are not opposite ends of a continuum. They work together to form the government we enjoy today, a constitutional republic based on democratic principles, starting with the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights guarantees members of tea parties and Amendment 4 the right to protest and redress their government. This is an important tool that manifests itself through rallies, town hall meetings and a direct vote on some issues, such as special taxes, amendments, and, if Amendment 4 passes, issues involving comprehensive plans. The right to vote is another tool guaranteed by our federal and state constitutions. Some tea party members have questioned citizens' right to vote on comprehensive plans, using the argument that we are a republic composed of representatives who make our decisions for us. If they believe that, why are they comfortable with powerful lobbyists' attempts to influence lawmakers? Shouldn't the special interests, who pay these lobbyists big bucks to peddle their influence, be satisfied with whatever decisions are made under our republic? One of the purposes of our government is to promote the general welfare. Are our elected officials doing a good job promoting the general welfare?
• CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. Even though Amendment 4 is a state constitutional amendment, if passed, it will be manifested at the local level, where the rubber meets the road. Citizens will vote on comprehensive plans in their own communities, not in other communities or counties in Florida, thus encompassing the spirit of the town hall meetings and rallies utilized by tea parties. Citizen participation is an effective tool used by Amendment 4 and tea parties to ensure accountability and effect positive reform.
• LIMITED GOVERNMENT. Tea parties are all about limited government. So is Amendment 4, which seeks to limit government by controlling growth. There is a strong relationship between population growth and the expansion of government. We encourage you to research your county's population growth rate for the last decade. Compare this rate with the growth of your county's budget during the same time period. Chances are, you will find that your county's budget has grown at a much greater rate than its population. Government uses population growth as an excuse to expand in both cost and size, thus causing our taxes to increase. Amendment 4 supporters believe that giving citizens veto power over our comprehensive plans or plan changes will further limit the power of local governments.
• INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS. The right to vote, which Amendment 4 embraces, is an integral part of our constitution and promotes individual rights. Many of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution address the right to vote. Amendment 4 uses this basic, inalienable right to balance the rights of all citizens.
• PROPERTY RIGHTS. Opponents of Amendment 4 try to equate it with the loss of property rights, claiming that it denies property owners the right to use their property as they wish. Of course, this argument assumes that we have 100 per cent freedom with our property now, disregarding the power of homeowners' associations, code enforcement laws, zoning laws, taxes, and regulations, to limit your use of your property. Adding one more step to the land use process will not take away property rights. Even if a property owner is denied a change request, his status as a property owner remains the same. He never loses his current standing as a property owner. He cannot lose his property or his right to own property. Remember, the only land use changes to be voted on under Amendment 4 are those outside the comp plan. This protects, not destroys, property rights. People who own property inside the comp plan lose when developers are allowed to continually build on cheaper land outside the plan. This leads to sprawl and the increased costs of government and infrastructure. Costs go up; taxpayers pay more. Overdevelopment lowers the value of property and raises taxes, threatening the right to own or profit from property.
• FISCAL CONSERVATISM. We have a glut of houses in Florida, not to mention empty strip malls. Florida has suffered more than most states in the United States and all states of the Southeast in this recession. Why? Because Florida relies too much on growth as its major industry. What happens when there is an oversupply of homes? Values go down. The values of many Florida properties have declined, yet property tax rates have increased to help government make up for lost revenue. So, our home values go down, taxes and fees go up. And, as population increases, government grows in power, size, and cost. What is the answer proposed by developers and government officials? More of the same. Studies have shown that residential housing does not pay for itself. Taxpayers pay. Offering tax breaks, incentives and fair share deals to developers, and suspending impact fees, are local examples of government bail-outs that increase our taxes and lower our quality of life. Amendment 4 believes that before we are asked to pay more for overdevelopment, we should be able to vote on land use plans. If you impact it, pay for it.
Thomas Jefferson
"The people who own the country ought to govern it."
John Jay
"All political power is inherent in the people."
Florida Constitution, Article 1, Section 1
SOME TEA PARTY PRINCIPLES SUPPORTED BY FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY AMENDMENT 4
• REPUBLIC. It is important to understand that "democracy" and "republic" are not opposite ends of a continuum. They work together to form the government we enjoy today, a constitutional republic based on democratic principles, starting with the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights guarantees members of tea parties and Amendment 4 the right to protest and redress their government. This is an important tool that manifests itself through rallies, town hall meetings and a direct vote on some issues, such as special taxes, amendments, and, if Amendment 4 passes, issues involving comprehensive plans. The right to vote is another tool guaranteed by our federal and state constitutions. Some tea party members have questioned citizens' right to vote on comprehensive plans, using the argument that we are a republic composed of representatives who make our decisions for us. If they believe that, why are they comfortable with powerful lobbyists' attempts to influence lawmakers? Shouldn't the special interests, who pay these lobbyists big bucks to peddle their influence, be satisfied with whatever decisions are made under our republic? One of the purposes of our government is to promote the general welfare. Are our elected officials doing a good job promoting the general welfare?
• CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. Even though Amendment 4 is a state constitutional amendment, if passed, it will be manifested at the local level, where the rubber meets the road. Citizens will vote on comprehensive plans in their own communities, not in other communities or counties in Florida, thus encompassing the spirit of the town hall meetings and rallies utilized by tea parties. Citizen participation is an effective tool used by Amendment 4 and tea parties to ensure accountability and effect positive reform.
• LIMITED GOVERNMENT. Tea parties are all about limited government. So is Amendment 4, which seeks to limit government by controlling growth. There is a strong relationship between population growth and the expansion of government. We encourage you to research your county's population growth rate for the last decade. Compare this rate with the growth of your county's budget during the same time period. Chances are, you will find that your county's budget has grown at a much greater rate than its population. Government uses population growth as an excuse to expand in both cost and size, thus causing our taxes to increase. Amendment 4 supporters believe that giving citizens veto power over our comprehensive plans or plan changes will further limit the power of local governments.
• INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS. The right to vote, which Amendment 4 embraces, is an integral part of our constitution and promotes individual rights. Many of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution address the right to vote. Amendment 4 uses this basic, inalienable right to balance the rights of all citizens.
• PROPERTY RIGHTS. Opponents of Amendment 4 try to equate it with the loss of property rights, claiming that it denies property owners the right to use their property as they wish. Of course, this argument assumes that we have 100 per cent freedom with our property now, disregarding the power of homeowners' associations, code enforcement laws, zoning laws, taxes, and regulations, to limit your use of your property. Adding one more step to the land use process will not take away property rights. Even if a property owner is denied a change request, his status as a property owner remains the same. He never loses his current standing as a property owner. He cannot lose his property or his right to own property. Remember, the only land use changes to be voted on under Amendment 4 are those outside the comp plan. This protects, not destroys, property rights. People who own property inside the comp plan lose when developers are allowed to continually build on cheaper land outside the plan. This leads to sprawl and the increased costs of government and infrastructure. Costs go up; taxpayers pay more. Overdevelopment lowers the value of property and raises taxes, threatening the right to own or profit from property.
• FISCAL CONSERVATISM. We have a glut of houses in Florida, not to mention empty strip malls. Florida has suffered more than most states in the United States and all states of the Southeast in this recession. Why? Because Florida relies too much on growth as its major industry. What happens when there is an oversupply of homes? Values go down. The values of many Florida properties have declined, yet property tax rates have increased to help government make up for lost revenue. So, our home values go down, taxes and fees go up. And, as population increases, government grows in power, size, and cost. What is the answer proposed by developers and government officials? More of the same. Studies have shown that residential housing does not pay for itself. Taxpayers pay. Offering tax breaks, incentives and fair share deals to developers, and suspending impact fees, are local examples of government bail-outs that increase our taxes and lower our quality of life. Amendment 4 believes that before we are asked to pay more for overdevelopment, we should be able to vote on land use plans. If you impact it, pay for it.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Amendment 4 should be a rally cry for tea party folks
http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2010/jul/18/ha-debate-heats-up-on-amendment-4/
Debate heats up on Amendment 4
By RON RAE
The Rae Way
Hot topic: Referenda required for adoption and amendment of local government comprehensive land use plans.
Better known as Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4, local debate on this referendum has, as yet, been relatively mild. On Aug. 6, 2009, George Niemann, regional coordinator of Florida Hometown Democracy, wrote a guest column, "The truth about Florida Hometown Democracy." The most notable passage:
"Rezoning, as well as the ability to develop land within existing land use criteria, will remain unaffected and will not require voter approval. The vast majority of land use would remain unaffected because changes to the growth plan are not needed to develop land. If no further changes were made to local comprehensive plans across Florida, the current planned land use provisions could still accommodate the addition of 70 million people.
"Changes to the growth plan would still be processed, reviewed and decided on by the local governing bodies (an elected county commission, as an example), as they are today. FHD adds just one more step to the current process - voters must concur before the change can be officially adopted."
Jumping forward to a June 30 article by Michael D. Bates, "Amendment would empower people on land use issues stated "Supporters of Amendment 4 say they are only asking for a 'seat at the table' when it comes to planning their community."
Both Mr. Niemann's column and Mr. Bates' article drew backfire from Planning and Zoning Commissioner Bob Widmar whose guest column on Aug. 8, 2009, "Amendment 4: A vision by special interests to stop planned growth" and letter to the editor on July 7, "We do have a seat at the table," advised readers there are processes already in place for concerned residents to "have input into the comprehensive plan and changes to the plan."
In both instances, Mr. Widmar explained that citizen input begins with every seven-year Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) meeting. Subsequent opportunities for citizens to express their views are through attendance at monthly hearings held by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
Thereafter, judgment lays with the Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee with "a report containing Objections, Recommendations and Comments (the ORC report) on the proposed change. Until these three items have been reviewed and addressed to the satisfaction of the DCA, the proposed change is not accepted. The public does again have an opportunity to address the DCA," after which "... the BOCC can finally put the stamp of approval on the plan change, again at a public meeting."
Mr. Bates' June 30 article included many disconcerting comments on the possible passage of Amendment 4, all voiced by governmental/political pitchmen.
County Commissioner David Russell: "I'm afraid that the public will be swayed one way or another by advertising campaigns on either side of the issue rather than based on pertinent data relating to the amendment." It will be interesting to see to what extent either side resorts to "the nasties." And which side doles out the most dough.
The Hernando County Republican Executive Committee: "Hometown Democracy will prevent and negate responsible planning decisions by county engineers and county planners and turn the process over to a political campaign." Out of necessity, in-government politicking demands that voters be aware, especially during periods of time between Election Days.
HCREC Chairman Blaise Ingoglia: "The electorate is not going to have access to all the records that county engineers and planners will have. Plus, we've elected commissioners for a reason." Voters are not dumb. Resident voices often fall on deaf ears.
Hernando County Planning Director Ron Pianta: "It could also encourage aggressive public relations and media campaigns by special interests who either support or pose proposed changes to the comprehensive plan."
Speaking of "special interests," there are many to be found among the influences of government officials and the many facets of the construction and land development business communities. These power brokers relish their dominions of prestige. Amendment 4 would lessen their omnipotence.
According to data from the Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research, there are more than 7,000 vacant housing units in Hernando County. According to RealtyTrac, in the seven-county Tampa Bay metro area, Hernando County ranks No. 1 in foreclosure property statistics; in May of this year, one in every 157 housing units received a foreclosure filing.
Still, a number of approved housing developments have yet to begin groundbreaking. Hickory Hill - 1,750 single-family dwelling units by 2021. Lake Hideaway - 2,400 single-family dwelling units and 1,300 multifamily units by 2013. Sunrise - 4,200 single-family dwelling units and 600 multifamily dwelling units by 2013. Each of these subdivisions was approved in 2007 and 2008, most surely in anticipation that the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment might have appeared on the 2008 General Election Ballot.
Although the total sum of more than 10,000 approved "dwelling units" have yet to be built and even though there are hundreds of vacant homes from foreclosure and hundreds more vacant lots in blighted housing developments (such as Southern Hills Plantation), another development group, Powell Road Partners LLC is seeking approval of building 252 apartment units and 12 five-acre estate homes.
On July 12, P&Z gave the project a stamp of approval for rezoning the 80-acre tract from agriculture to a planned development project. (Although not yet named, "Hernando Hometown Estates" would be suggestive of community mindfulness.) On Aug. 10, the BOCC will give further consideration to the planned development.
What might be expected? Perhaps a 3-2 decision from the BOCC, the same marginal vote on the approval of Quarry Preserve which would add 2,000 single-family dwellings, 200 resort lodging units, 444 townhome and 756 apartments? Quarry Preserve is doubtful to come to fruition considering the DCA deemed it "urban sprawl," an evaluation not easily overcome. I doubt the issue is closed.
The Powell Road Partners project would be small potatoes in comparison, so the go-ahead is extremely likely. The three yes vote would come from the commissioners not up for re-election in the upcoming November elections; a fourth "yes" might easily be Russell-ed up since there is no opposing candidate, thus not a concern about voter opinion on Amendment 4.
For these many reasons - 10,000 homes yet to be built, including 7,000 by 2013, a completion date of no consequence - Amendment 4 should be a rally cry for tea party folks. American citizens are solidly disgruntled and distrustful of government conduct at all levels. Poor planning, poor decisions and poor representation of "We the People" has proven that government has indeed gone wild; and continues to do so, in supporting superfluous demagogues that helped bring this country to near economic ruin with lost jobs, lost investments, lost home values, home foreclosures, etc. New housing developments will not resolve these issues; they will worsen existing homeowners' property values.
As to the lack of public "involvement" at attending government hearings on comprehensive land use changes on developments of regional impact, the perception is misplaced. Few resident citizens are aware of what goes on outside their immediate area; word of mouth travels a short distance. Time and again, when I mention Hickory Hill, Sunrise and/or Like Hideaway, people are unaware of, and aghast at, how elected government officials continue to play patsy to the interests of developers. These people are homeowners who flare with disgust as they look at vacant homes up and down the streets in their neighborhoods.
Amendment 4 will allow all residents of any given community the wherewithal to become aware of what impact future growth decisions will have on water supplies, the environment, existing home values and infrastructure, while being mindful of the increased dangers of sinkholes.
The Florida Hometown Democracy Land Use Amendment 4 will give Florida residents a much needed means to rein in uncontrolled growth in their communities. Take a front row seat and enjoy the view.
Debate heats up on Amendment 4
By RON RAE
The Rae Way
Hot topic: Referenda required for adoption and amendment of local government comprehensive land use plans.
Better known as Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4, local debate on this referendum has, as yet, been relatively mild. On Aug. 6, 2009, George Niemann, regional coordinator of Florida Hometown Democracy, wrote a guest column, "The truth about Florida Hometown Democracy." The most notable passage:
"Rezoning, as well as the ability to develop land within existing land use criteria, will remain unaffected and will not require voter approval. The vast majority of land use would remain unaffected because changes to the growth plan are not needed to develop land. If no further changes were made to local comprehensive plans across Florida, the current planned land use provisions could still accommodate the addition of 70 million people.
"Changes to the growth plan would still be processed, reviewed and decided on by the local governing bodies (an elected county commission, as an example), as they are today. FHD adds just one more step to the current process - voters must concur before the change can be officially adopted."
Jumping forward to a June 30 article by Michael D. Bates, "Amendment would empower people on land use issues stated "Supporters of Amendment 4 say they are only asking for a 'seat at the table' when it comes to planning their community."
Both Mr. Niemann's column and Mr. Bates' article drew backfire from Planning and Zoning Commissioner Bob Widmar whose guest column on Aug. 8, 2009, "Amendment 4: A vision by special interests to stop planned growth" and letter to the editor on July 7, "We do have a seat at the table," advised readers there are processes already in place for concerned residents to "have input into the comprehensive plan and changes to the plan."
In both instances, Mr. Widmar explained that citizen input begins with every seven-year Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) meeting. Subsequent opportunities for citizens to express their views are through attendance at monthly hearings held by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
Thereafter, judgment lays with the Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee with "a report containing Objections, Recommendations and Comments (the ORC report) on the proposed change. Until these three items have been reviewed and addressed to the satisfaction of the DCA, the proposed change is not accepted. The public does again have an opportunity to address the DCA," after which "... the BOCC can finally put the stamp of approval on the plan change, again at a public meeting."
Mr. Bates' June 30 article included many disconcerting comments on the possible passage of Amendment 4, all voiced by governmental/political pitchmen.
County Commissioner David Russell: "I'm afraid that the public will be swayed one way or another by advertising campaigns on either side of the issue rather than based on pertinent data relating to the amendment." It will be interesting to see to what extent either side resorts to "the nasties." And which side doles out the most dough.
The Hernando County Republican Executive Committee: "Hometown Democracy will prevent and negate responsible planning decisions by county engineers and county planners and turn the process over to a political campaign." Out of necessity, in-government politicking demands that voters be aware, especially during periods of time between Election Days.
HCREC Chairman Blaise Ingoglia: "The electorate is not going to have access to all the records that county engineers and planners will have. Plus, we've elected commissioners for a reason." Voters are not dumb. Resident voices often fall on deaf ears.
Hernando County Planning Director Ron Pianta: "It could also encourage aggressive public relations and media campaigns by special interests who either support or pose proposed changes to the comprehensive plan."
Speaking of "special interests," there are many to be found among the influences of government officials and the many facets of the construction and land development business communities. These power brokers relish their dominions of prestige. Amendment 4 would lessen their omnipotence.
According to data from the Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research, there are more than 7,000 vacant housing units in Hernando County. According to RealtyTrac, in the seven-county Tampa Bay metro area, Hernando County ranks No. 1 in foreclosure property statistics; in May of this year, one in every 157 housing units received a foreclosure filing.
Still, a number of approved housing developments have yet to begin groundbreaking. Hickory Hill - 1,750 single-family dwelling units by 2021. Lake Hideaway - 2,400 single-family dwelling units and 1,300 multifamily units by 2013. Sunrise - 4,200 single-family dwelling units and 600 multifamily dwelling units by 2013. Each of these subdivisions was approved in 2007 and 2008, most surely in anticipation that the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment might have appeared on the 2008 General Election Ballot.
Although the total sum of more than 10,000 approved "dwelling units" have yet to be built and even though there are hundreds of vacant homes from foreclosure and hundreds more vacant lots in blighted housing developments (such as Southern Hills Plantation), another development group, Powell Road Partners LLC is seeking approval of building 252 apartment units and 12 five-acre estate homes.
On July 12, P&Z gave the project a stamp of approval for rezoning the 80-acre tract from agriculture to a planned development project. (Although not yet named, "Hernando Hometown Estates" would be suggestive of community mindfulness.) On Aug. 10, the BOCC will give further consideration to the planned development.
What might be expected? Perhaps a 3-2 decision from the BOCC, the same marginal vote on the approval of Quarry Preserve which would add 2,000 single-family dwellings, 200 resort lodging units, 444 townhome and 756 apartments? Quarry Preserve is doubtful to come to fruition considering the DCA deemed it "urban sprawl," an evaluation not easily overcome. I doubt the issue is closed.
The Powell Road Partners project would be small potatoes in comparison, so the go-ahead is extremely likely. The three yes vote would come from the commissioners not up for re-election in the upcoming November elections; a fourth "yes" might easily be Russell-ed up since there is no opposing candidate, thus not a concern about voter opinion on Amendment 4.
For these many reasons - 10,000 homes yet to be built, including 7,000 by 2013, a completion date of no consequence - Amendment 4 should be a rally cry for tea party folks. American citizens are solidly disgruntled and distrustful of government conduct at all levels. Poor planning, poor decisions and poor representation of "We the People" has proven that government has indeed gone wild; and continues to do so, in supporting superfluous demagogues that helped bring this country to near economic ruin with lost jobs, lost investments, lost home values, home foreclosures, etc. New housing developments will not resolve these issues; they will worsen existing homeowners' property values.
As to the lack of public "involvement" at attending government hearings on comprehensive land use changes on developments of regional impact, the perception is misplaced. Few resident citizens are aware of what goes on outside their immediate area; word of mouth travels a short distance. Time and again, when I mention Hickory Hill, Sunrise and/or Like Hideaway, people are unaware of, and aghast at, how elected government officials continue to play patsy to the interests of developers. These people are homeowners who flare with disgust as they look at vacant homes up and down the streets in their neighborhoods.
Amendment 4 will allow all residents of any given community the wherewithal to become aware of what impact future growth decisions will have on water supplies, the environment, existing home values and infrastructure, while being mindful of the increased dangers of sinkholes.
The Florida Hometown Democracy Land Use Amendment 4 will give Florida residents a much needed means to rein in uncontrolled growth in their communities. Take a front row seat and enjoy the view.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
WHY I, A TEA PARTIER, SUPPORT AMENDMENT 4
Why are tea partiers organizing and protesting all over the country? Because we believe our elected officials are not listening to us. This makes the tea party movement a natural ally with Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4. Supporters of Amendment 4, as well as tea partiers, are non-partisan, grassroots folks dedicated to fostering citizen participation in a government that derives its power from the people.
I have spent many years as part of a citizens group working to ensure accountability of local government. Our activities revolve around one common theme--to give citizens more control over the government they must pay for. That is why it was easy for me to become an enthusiastic supporter of the Amendment 4 movement. Amendment 4 seeks to make Florida's land use planning system more accountable by giving citizens veto power over changes to their local comprehensive plans. Why should we leave it to government to decide what is best for our own community? Before we are forced to pay for new development and projects, we deserve a role in the decision-making process.
With Amendment 4, we're simply saying: give us citizens a seat at the table. We're the ones who pay tax dollars to extend the schools, police, fire, water, sewer and roads to all these new developments that politicians keep approving. Even when developments sit empty and the real estate speculators are long gone, we still pay sales and property taxes for the infrastructure.
Is a new development affordable to our community? We should get a vote before we're forced to pay. Big business has raised $6 million so far to try to defeat Amendment 4 and deny us our right to vote. Ask yourself, why are they so scared of common-sense taxpayer oversight?
Amendment 4 will be on the statewide ballot on November 2. The goals of Amendment 4 encourage lower taxes, citizen participation, and better quality of life. This is, after all, what most Americans, including tea partiers, want for themselves and their children.
HERE'S WHAT OTHER TEA PARTY SUPPORTERS OF FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY AMENDMENT 4 SAY:
George: "I am aligned with the tea party because too many elected officials continue to cater to special interests over those of us that end up paying the bill. The average citizen is an afterthought when they should be at the forefront. We have a right to expect that the people we entrust to manage things are putting the taxpayers' interests first, but that's not happening in many aspects of government--growth management, healthcare, education, immigration, tax reform. The tea parties and proponents of Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 should be joined at the hip because, as taxpayers, we are seeking to make government more accountable and responsive to its constituents. As the tea party movement says, it's time to clean house. And part of the needed house-cleaning is giving citizens a vote on the future of their communities."
Linda: "I look at the relationship of these two movements from a different angle. We wouldn't need Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 if politicians were capable of making prudent decisions about development. We wouldn't need the tea parties if politicians had made prudent decisions about other issues. We wouldn't be looking at drawing drinking water from the St. John's River water basin to give to the greater Orlando area if not for overdevelopment. We wouldn't be looking at traffic problems and the drain on our resources. If we could have the confidence we should have in our elected officials, we would not need Amendment 4 or tea parties. The problem is not developers. Our elected officials are the problem. I see overdevelopment not as a developer issue, but a planning issue. Government should be held accountable and that is what tea parties and Amendment 4 are trying to do."
Jane: "Our government is becoming too large, at all levels, and government is the problem at all levels. Both the tea party and Florida hometown Democracy Amendment 4 are attempting to put controls over a rogue system. I understand the old fashioned greed of developers and special interests. What I do not understand is why government continues to ignore the will and the welfare of average citizens. The tea parties and Amendment 4 are not about Republicans or Democrats; they're about bad government. As both a tea partier and Amendment 4 supporter, I can truthfully say I love my state, I love my constitution and its principles, and I love my country. I ask everyone to consider whether they prefer to trust their children's futures to themselves or to politicians."
Junior: "I have always had a good, honest skepticism about elected officials. That is why I support the activities of both the tea parties and Amendment 4. What I do not understand is why some tea party people don't get it in regards to Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4. The special interests who have made lots of money off this current system are very critical of Amendment 4, and some tea parties seem to believe them. They just do not understand the strong link between government and people who profit from government."
I have spent many years as part of a citizens group working to ensure accountability of local government. Our activities revolve around one common theme--to give citizens more control over the government they must pay for. That is why it was easy for me to become an enthusiastic supporter of the Amendment 4 movement. Amendment 4 seeks to make Florida's land use planning system more accountable by giving citizens veto power over changes to their local comprehensive plans. Why should we leave it to government to decide what is best for our own community? Before we are forced to pay for new development and projects, we deserve a role in the decision-making process.
With Amendment 4, we're simply saying: give us citizens a seat at the table. We're the ones who pay tax dollars to extend the schools, police, fire, water, sewer and roads to all these new developments that politicians keep approving. Even when developments sit empty and the real estate speculators are long gone, we still pay sales and property taxes for the infrastructure.
Is a new development affordable to our community? We should get a vote before we're forced to pay. Big business has raised $6 million so far to try to defeat Amendment 4 and deny us our right to vote. Ask yourself, why are they so scared of common-sense taxpayer oversight?
Amendment 4 will be on the statewide ballot on November 2. The goals of Amendment 4 encourage lower taxes, citizen participation, and better quality of life. This is, after all, what most Americans, including tea partiers, want for themselves and their children.
HERE'S WHAT OTHER TEA PARTY SUPPORTERS OF FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY AMENDMENT 4 SAY:
George: "I am aligned with the tea party because too many elected officials continue to cater to special interests over those of us that end up paying the bill. The average citizen is an afterthought when they should be at the forefront. We have a right to expect that the people we entrust to manage things are putting the taxpayers' interests first, but that's not happening in many aspects of government--growth management, healthcare, education, immigration, tax reform. The tea parties and proponents of Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 should be joined at the hip because, as taxpayers, we are seeking to make government more accountable and responsive to its constituents. As the tea party movement says, it's time to clean house. And part of the needed house-cleaning is giving citizens a vote on the future of their communities."
Linda: "I look at the relationship of these two movements from a different angle. We wouldn't need Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 if politicians were capable of making prudent decisions about development. We wouldn't need the tea parties if politicians had made prudent decisions about other issues. We wouldn't be looking at drawing drinking water from the St. John's River water basin to give to the greater Orlando area if not for overdevelopment. We wouldn't be looking at traffic problems and the drain on our resources. If we could have the confidence we should have in our elected officials, we would not need Amendment 4 or tea parties. The problem is not developers. Our elected officials are the problem. I see overdevelopment not as a developer issue, but a planning issue. Government should be held accountable and that is what tea parties and Amendment 4 are trying to do."
Jane: "Our government is becoming too large, at all levels, and government is the problem at all levels. Both the tea party and Florida hometown Democracy Amendment 4 are attempting to put controls over a rogue system. I understand the old fashioned greed of developers and special interests. What I do not understand is why government continues to ignore the will and the welfare of average citizens. The tea parties and Amendment 4 are not about Republicans or Democrats; they're about bad government. As both a tea partier and Amendment 4 supporter, I can truthfully say I love my state, I love my constitution and its principles, and I love my country. I ask everyone to consider whether they prefer to trust their children's futures to themselves or to politicians."
Junior: "I have always had a good, honest skepticism about elected officials. That is why I support the activities of both the tea parties and Amendment 4. What I do not understand is why some tea party people don't get it in regards to Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4. The special interests who have made lots of money off this current system are very critical of Amendment 4, and some tea parties seem to believe them. They just do not understand the strong link between government and people who profit from government."
Yankeetown Process Sets Example for Rest of State to Follow
Hometown Democracy Success in Yankeetown Earns “Citizen Planning Initiative” Award
Yankeetown Process Sets Example for Rest of State to Follow
Yankeetown - A community that is successfully using a local version of Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 has received top statewide honors from the state’s land-planning agency.
The Florida Department of Community Affairs recognized several local governments for their initiative, innovation and focus on planning. Yankeetown, in Levy County, received the “Citizen Planning Initiative” award for its initiative to protect the community’s unique character. The full text of the award announcement can be found here.
In Yankeetown, taxpayers now have a right to vote on whether certain developments are worthwhile and affordable for their community. Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 will give all of Florida that same opportunity.
“In our community, developers wanted to build out Yankeetown in a way that did not fit with our community’s vision. Passing our local version of Hometown Democracy has given voters the opportunity to approve or veto proposed changes. On issues that are directly affecting our homes and the future of our cities, people ought to have that vote,” said Larry Feldhusen, a Yankeetown City Councilmember.
Yankeetown is a localized example of what Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 would help accomplish on a statewide scale if the measure passes on the statewide ballot in November. In Yankeetown, when certain proposed changes to the comprehensive land use plan are made, voters get the final say to approve or veto the plan.
“I started the Charter Amendment Campaign in Yankeetown because I was talking with voters who felt strongly about the development of their communities and who were being ignored by elected officials,” Former City Council member Ed Candela said. “Voters should have a say in matters that greatly affect them - which is why we organized to pass the Charter Amendment in Yankeetown in 2007.”
It is interesting to note that all of the proposed changes have been approved by voters since the Charter Amendment passed.
“Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 will help put an end to the corruption and misuse of government authority that has taken over in Florida,” said Hometown Democracy president Lesley Blackner. “Yankeetown is an exceptional example of how it works when voters have a seat at the table to help make decisions that affect their communities. For issues that directly impact the livelihood and future of taxpayers- its time that we all had a vote. It’s too important to leave in the hands of politicians and developers.”
For more information about the specifics of the Yankeetown Charter Amendment, please contact Council member Larry Feldhusen at larryf9@bellsouth.net or former Council member Ed Candela at candele@yahoo.com.
GET THE FACTS: Under Amendment 4, local city or county commissions will study, hold public hearings, and vote on proposed changes to the overall master plan (local comprehensive land-use plan) just like they do now. Here’s the new Amendment 4 step: voters will veto or approve their decision on the next regularly scheduled Election Day. No special elections are required. It’s that simple. Learn more at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact: Julie Hauserman 850-656-2498
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Big Ideas that Changed History:
1492: The earth is round.
1543: The earth revolves around the sun.
1776: All men are created equal.
1860: Slaves must be emancipated.
1920: Women have the right to vote.
2010: Hometown Democracy.
Let’s make it happen! Only 110 days until Election Day! If you haven’t donated lately, please donate today. This is a once in a lifetime reform.
Amendment 4: Give Citizens Vote
July 13, 2010
Clarence Anthony's June 19 op-ed column "Amendment 4 Would Create Chaos" about Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 shows how scared big business and their politician friends are by the possibility that regular citizens might finally get some oversight on their cozy dealings. They will spend anything ($6 million so far) and say anything to try to deny us our right to vote.
With Amendment 4, we're simply saying: Give us citizens a seat at the table - a vote. If I have to pay taxes to extend the schools, police, fire, water, sewer and roads to all these new developments that politicians keep approving, I want to vote on it. Is a new development affordable to our community? We should get a vote before we're forced to pay.
Amendment 4 is just an add-on to the existing process. Here's how it would work: Local city or county commissions would study, hold public hearings and vote on proposed changes to the overall land-use plan (local comprehensive land-use plan) just like they do now. The new step is that once a commission approves a plan change, voters would get to approve or veto it at the next regularly scheduled election day. That's it. No special elections required.
Amendment 4 only applies to changes to the overall master growth plan. It doesn't require votes on minor changes like rezonings, variances or individual development approvals. In other words, you won't vote on every little thing.
This is a nonpartisan citizen's reform movement, and it will be on the statewide ballot this November. You can learn the facts by going to our website, www.floridahometowndemocracy.com.
ANDREW B. QUINN
1543: The earth revolves around the sun.
1776: All men are created equal.
1860: Slaves must be emancipated.
1920: Women have the right to vote.
2010: Hometown Democracy.
Let’s make it happen! Only 110 days until Election Day! If you haven’t donated lately, please donate today. This is a once in a lifetime reform.
Amendment 4: Give Citizens Vote
July 13, 2010
Clarence Anthony's June 19 op-ed column "Amendment 4 Would Create Chaos" about Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 shows how scared big business and their politician friends are by the possibility that regular citizens might finally get some oversight on their cozy dealings. They will spend anything ($6 million so far) and say anything to try to deny us our right to vote.
With Amendment 4, we're simply saying: Give us citizens a seat at the table - a vote. If I have to pay taxes to extend the schools, police, fire, water, sewer and roads to all these new developments that politicians keep approving, I want to vote on it. Is a new development affordable to our community? We should get a vote before we're forced to pay.
Amendment 4 is just an add-on to the existing process. Here's how it would work: Local city or county commissions would study, hold public hearings and vote on proposed changes to the overall land-use plan (local comprehensive land-use plan) just like they do now. The new step is that once a commission approves a plan change, voters would get to approve or veto it at the next regularly scheduled election day. That's it. No special elections required.
Amendment 4 only applies to changes to the overall master growth plan. It doesn't require votes on minor changes like rezonings, variances or individual development approvals. In other words, you won't vote on every little thing.
This is a nonpartisan citizen's reform movement, and it will be on the statewide ballot this November. You can learn the facts by going to our website, www.floridahometowndemocracy.com.
ANDREW B. QUINN
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