Carl Hiaasen Must Read: Running Scared Over Amendment 4

[flpoljunkie]

Running scared over Amendment 4

BY CARL HIAASEN

[e-mail]

Major home builders are uncorking a bombastic media blitz to scare Floridians away from voting yes to Amendment 4.

The same people who helped ignite the housing crash and mortgage meltdown are absolutely terrified of giving citizens actual control over growth in their own communities.

The so-called Hometown Democracy Amendment would require local voters to approve any significant changes to a county or city "comprehensive land-use plan,'' the map by which municipalities evolve.

If the measure passes -- and it needs the support of 60 percent of voters -- no massive housing subdivision or commercial development could be built without the project first appearing on a ballot.

It's not exactly a radical concept, but the opposing special interests will do just about anything to kill it.

more...

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/09/1865470/running-scared-over-amendment.html

[seafan]

1. Big Developers are trying to kill Amendment 4, "Hometown Democracy".

... because it will give power back to the people to decide how their local Florida communities' lands are used.


It's just amazing to see the blankets of NO signs everywhere.



This has been a LONG fight.


Developers try to mislead signers of 2008 "Florida Hometown Democracy" ballot petition, September 21, 2007

(Note the presence of John Thrasher and Speakership era of Marco Rubio.)

Jeb Bush pal, state ethics violator John Thrasher, gunning to head Florida GOP, February 19, 2010

[onethatcares]

2. come on guys, lighten up.

we only have 350,000 vacant houses sitting around the state at this time and any moment now we're gonna need another 130,000 for all the folks moving here.:sarcasm: