Originally Published: 17 September 2007
Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham's column (Commentary, Sept. 8) missed the mark on the Florida Hometown Democracy citizen's initiative, which I co-authored.
Floridians need to understand Pelham's main points: "growth management" in Florida is a disaster and the Florida Hometown Democracy initiative is the only thing that has finally brought that failure to center stage.
There is lots of "growth" but little "management" in Florida and the state's top land-use cop acknowledges it. In order to force the debate and bring about reform, it is imperative to get our initiative on the 2008 ballot. All Florida voters need to immediately sign the petition (available for download at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com or call (866) 779-5513 and get family and friends to sign, too. Florida Hometown Democracy's Feb.1, 2008 qualifying deadline is fast approaching. Unless we make the ballot, you can't give yourself a vote on growth.
Yet despite his honesty, Mr. Pelham opposes Florida Hometown Democracy. He asks hypothetical questions about the amendment designed to elicit a "no." For example, he asks, "Do we want the entire electorate of a county to decide in an election whether a gas station should be allowed on a quarter-acre plot of land at a particular intersection?" Maybe he doesn't, maybe voters do. (Ironically, when a gas station was proposed at an intersection near Wakulla Springs State Park, not only was there a lawsuit, but the governor and state Cabinet bought the land). Goes to show that proposed comprehensive plan changes are not a one size fits all deal.
As for Pelham's alleged "delay," "disruption" and "expense" of having referenda on plan amendments, what is the rush to cut off meaningful public debate about decades-long plans for our communities and who will pay the cost of sprawl? All local governments have plans on the books already.
Think about failure of the status quo when you are stuck in a traffic jam driving your child to an overcrowded school near a polluted holding pond. Why is Pelham so afraid of Floridians voting on issues that determine the fate of their community and their quality of life?
Ross Stafford Burnaman is a Tallahassee attorney.
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