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