Would Amendment 4 help protect Florida’s natural resources and residents’ quality of life, as proponents say, or will it slow the state economy and discourage job growth, as opponents claim?

If approved, the amendment to the Florida Constitution would give voters the power to veto or approve changes local governments make to local comprehensive land use plans. Residents would vote on the changes on the next regularly scheduled election day.

The amendment is sponsored by Florida Hometown Democracy.

Two men -- Ross Burnaman, a former staff attorney for the state Department of Community Affairs, who co-wrote the amendment and Patrick Slevin, CEO of the The Slevin Group Inc., a Tallahasee-based corporate consulting practice -- participated in a panel discussion on the amendment Saturday in Beverly Hills.

“This is in essence a citizen referendum, which would be a citizen veto on changes to the status quo” by city or county commissioners, said Burnaman, who spoke in favor of the amendment. “It’s not a radical proposal as some have characterized it.”

Burnaman said land use decisions by elected officials are political decisions, not planning decisions and that the current method of residents appealing to elected officials on land-use issues isn’t working.

“I firmly believe that better outcomes result …if the people who actually live in the community have a better opportunity to participate. What is the ultimate form of participation in the United States? Voting.”

He said opponents argue that the amendment would hurt job growth.

“This doesn’t have anything to do with jobs, per se, this has to do with getting people involved in the political process.”

Slevin called the amendment “anti-development” and said it would have a negative impact on the state economy by discouraging developers from coming to Florida.

“Anything that has anything to do with development …  it’s going to have an impact,” Slevin said.

“Uncertainty is not going to help bring jobs. It’s not going to help regain our property values. It’s not going to improve our quality of life. If anything, it’s going to drive the development industry further into a hole.”

Slevin is encouraging voters to say “no” to the amendment and “work through the current system.

“Think about whether or not you’re dumping the baby out with the bathwater by voting yes.”

Slevin said voters should allow elected officials to represent citizens’ interests.

“That’s where your vote will count,” he said. “I believe our vote counts.”

The 90-minute discussion included the speakers’ answers to written questions submitted by audience members.

The Citrus County Council hosted the event, which took place at the Beverly Hills Lions Club.