Are you paying more attention to politics these days? Maybe politics isn’t the right word. This is a tremendously pivotal time for positive and negative change that transcends political parties. The role of government, liberty, truth, honor, credibility, history and accountability hang in the balance.
Florida is taking center stage with the major races for governor and the U.S. Senate. And then there are the local U.S. House of Representative and Senate races that cannot demand too much of our attention. By the time November closes in, who knows what the affect of the oil spill will be on the Southeast and Florida? In the midst of the chaos that we know about, there will be issues that may not steal the national stage but are nonetheless important.
Hometown Democracy (Amendment 4) comes to mind. This amendment is said to be controversial, giving voters the power to decide the growth and preservation of communities. Those against it say that it will cost jobs and increase costs, adding uncertainty to the land-use approval process.
To me, HDA is a great example of an amendment I wish didn’t have to exist, meaning that in a perfect world those in a position to make land-use decisions would listen to all sides and not the clink of the gold jingling in the hands of special interests and developers. Look at our state. Every corner reeks with examples of out-of-control development and exceptions made to perfectly crafted plans.
It’s a great example of politicians and government agencies saying one thing and doing another, especially when money is at stake. Sound familiar?
Rural residents have always paid attention to land-use plans in an effort to preserve individual rights and historical integrity. They may not always win but they show up with honest arguments and a commitment to soil the earth as it was meant to be, not paved over in concrete. Like many current issues, facts about this amendment have been distorted. If you haven’t formed an opinion, I urge you to visit the Web sites to read the amendment and the frequently asked questions on www.floridahometowndemocracy.com.
It does not apply to re-zonings, annexes, variances or permits. More than a million people signed the petition to get this amendment on the ballot. If you have a chance to attend forums on the issue to listen to both sides, please make the time to do so.
"Few initiatives have the possibility to have such a profound effect on the future of our state as Amendment 4," said League of Women Voters Seminole President Jane Lane. "Voters deserve to have as much information about it as possible, which is why we’re co-sponsoring this forum." The LWV held a forum in March.
In a time when we seem to be quietly losing liberties and freedoms at every turn, this seems to be a gift to the residents of Florida to take control of one piece of our lives. Get involved, find out the facts and make your decision now while you still have time to digest it.
There are many issues and races that will and must demand your attention. Do your homework. Don’t just listen to your friends and family, the national networks and the talking heads. Do some research, put things in context and prepare to make informed choices at the ballot box while you still can.
