Published 7 August 2007
Treasure Coast Palm
As if the 2008 election season wasn't going to be contentious enough, along comes the growing likelihood of the Florida Hometown Democracy initiative making the statewide ballot.
The proposed amendment to the state constitution would require a referendum on any change to a local comprehensive land use plan.
"We are forcing a debate, a showdown about the merits of growth in Florida," says Palm Beach attorney Lesley Blackner.
Her focus for the next five months is getting enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. She says the petition drive is about two-thirds of the way there -- with about 450,000 collected.
Then would come the tough part: a knock-down, drag-out fight against Floridians for Smarter Growth, which has indicated it will spend whatever it takes to defeat the initiative. (Groups typically associated with development, such as the Florida Home Builders Association and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, are the main supporters of Floridians for Smarter Growth.)
Of course, an emotionally charged debate about growth is nothing new to Indian River County residents.
Therefore, Blackner has a seasoned ally in the 7,000-member Indian River Neighborhood Association.
Honey Minuse, president of the IRNA, says the group will step up efforts to inform the public about Florida Hometown Democracy.
"We're going to help her. I carry petitions with me all the time," Minuse said. "People want a voice -- and this gives them a voice."
Blackner and FHD's co-founder, Tallahassee attorney Ross Burnaman, could use all the help they can get. Indian River County is part of District 15, from where 27,402 of the 611,009 signatures statewide must originate. The district includes parts of Brevard, Osceola and Polk counties.
Blackner, who was in Vero Beach on Thursday, senses a "low" energy level in the county about the Hometown Democracy movement.
"We need action, not just talk," she said, noting FHD's message seems to resonate in southwest Florida.
The 2008 ballot "showdown," as she calls it, promises to be as polarizing as the presidential race — well, unless it's Hillary v. Rudy — and the local campaigns for the County Commission, the School Board and Sheriff.
Blackner says it's time to stop what she calls "the growth machine," because leaving growth management in the hands of government officials has not worked.
"We have government of the developer, by the developer and for the developer," she said.
Between that line and the IRNA's effective rallying cry ("We don't want to become another South Florida!"), the other side is likely to be at a disadvantage locally in the battle of sound bites. However, in terms of the almighty dollar, which translates into advertising, the other side is expected to have a huge edge statewide.
"There's a lot of responsibility and pressure," Blackner said of her all-consuming mission. "People have high expectations."
Indian River County columnist Russ Lemmon can be reached at (772) 978-2205 or russ.lemmon@scripps.com.
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