By ROSS BURNAMAN
Posted: 26 June 2007
Ocala Star Banner - Editorial

Regarding Leonard Gilroy's column, "Hometown Democracy threatens more than politicians" (June 17) on Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment:

I helped write the Hometown Democracy amendment and serve on the board of directors. I was disappointed by Mr. Gilroy's distortions.

Mr. Gilroy mischaracterized our citizen's initiative effort as a "radical" and "ballot box zoning." Neither charge is true.

First, when the Florida Supreme Court unanimously approved the amendment for placement on the 2008 ballot (if we collect 611,000 petitions) it observed that existing law already allows local governments to conduct referenda on proposed comprehensive land use plan amendments that affect five or fewer parcels. This amendment just wants to give that right of referenda to all Florida voters.

Radical? The U.S. Supreme Court views the referendum as a "basic instrument of democratic government."

Next, zoning changes are not covered by the amendment.

The Hometown Democracy amendment is simple. After the land planners suggest new land use plans, and elected officials have endorsed going forward with them, the final step in the local political process will be a vote of the people.

Gilroy's unsubstantiated "the sky is falling" claims of adverse impacts to affordable housing, property rights and Florida's economy lack merit. If existing land use planning is so great, how does Gilroy explain what he describes as a "severe shortage of affordable housing?" Gilroy doesn't seem to care about the property rights of existing residents, who are forced to fund the very growth that degrades their quality of life.

Given Florida's demise under the status quo, Gilroy's "voters are too stupid" argument doesn't wash. Maybe he should become part of the solution, rather than offering another tired voice for a failed status quo.