Lesley Blackner believes enough is enough.
Blackner is a Palm Beach County attorney who heads up Hometown Democracy, a group that gathered enough petition signatures to place a proposed state constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
If approved, Amendment 4 will give voters final say over comprehensive land-use plan changes.
Blackner said Amendment 4 would stop what she called unnecessary growth allowed by county commissions and city councils who bow to political pressure brought on by developers and business interests.
“We should not be granting willy-nilly plan changes,” she said. “This is the best system I can think of.”
Developers require comprehensive land-use plan changes to construct homes, restaurants and stores. Changes are only required when the current land use doesn’t allow the construction or development they want.
Plan changes require approval by the county commission or city council. They then are reviewed by a state agency for compliance to Florida’s Growth Management Act before getting final approval.
Amendment 4 would add a significant caveat. After final approval by the local governing board, the proposed land-use change would appear on the next general election ballot for voter approval. In essence, Blackner said, voters would be given the right to veto decisions by the county commission or city council.
Opponents, led by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and its group, Floridians for Smarter Growth, contend the amendment is a reckless attempt to stop growth that will cripple the state’s economy.
Blackner will hear none of that.
“I don’t care what they say,” Blackner said. “They’re desperate to preserve a completely corrupt status quo. They’re desperate to keep their little game going where they get three votes on the commission and there they go.
“I really don’t have any sympathy for these people,” she added.
The amendment does not require special elections. Though the Hometown Democracy Web site states, “Typically, there is an election every year,” in Citrus County general elections occur every even-numbered year.
Blackner said if developers want voter approval prior to the general election, they can pay for a special referendum.
Hometown Democracy is counting on grassroots support from citizens who are dissatisfied with local government.
Gail Jannarone, a member of the Kings Bay Association who attends Crystal River City Council meetings faithfully, said Amendment 4 gives citizens a chance to have their voices heard.
“Maybe the people need to take more control,” she said. “I don’t see how people having a voice can do any worse than those who are legislating.”
Homosassa resident Jim Bitter, who has fought county commission comprehensive plan decisions in court, said developers and politicians have forced the amendment.
“Whether it’s a good idea or a bad idea, it’s a last resort sort of thing,” Bitter said. “There’s really nothing else to do.” AMENDMENT 4
Here is the ballot summary for Amendment 4:
Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land-use plan, or amend a comprehensive land-use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice.
On the net: www.floridahometowndemocracy.com
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