Derek Catron's balanced and well-written article, "Debate intensifies over Amendment 4," appeared on the front page of the June 9 News-Journal, just hours following the forum at Stetson University. There, five knowledgeable panelists covered the pros and cons of proposed Hometown Democracy Amendment 4, which will be on the general election ballot in November.
It may be helpful to know that implementation of the measure, if approved, will not be confusing or expensive. Special elections will not be necessary. A proposed change to a community's comprehensive land-use plan, if approved by its elected commission, will be presented on the next regularly scheduled election ballot for an up-or-down vote by the citizens who will suffer or prosper from the effects of the proposed change.
Comp plan changes for major developments which may affect property values and quality of Florida life will need to be justified to the public by developers, planners and elected officials. If so justified, the voters will approve; if not so justified, huge costs and irreversible mistakes can be avoided.
The interest and attention drawn to controversial proposed land-use changes should also increase voter turnout, an unintended but desirable consequence.
Editor's note: Flanagan is a former member of the Ormond Beach Planning Board.
