In Sunday's Sentinel, Jane Healy discussed proposed amendments on the ballot in November 2010 ("Lessons for Florida in Scott Brown's win"). She wrote:
Amendment 4, the Hometown Democracy initiative, "would allow voters to veto a development that local elected officials approve even though it conflicts with their own plan for growth. Voters aren't dumb."
Thanks to Healy for realizing we, the voters, are not dumb, and for realizing that Amendment 4 will be passed by a righteous wave of angry voters saying, "Enough, enough," and for knowing why:
"They [voters] realize that elected officials often approve these unplanned projects after the developers cozy up to them with generous campaign contributions."
Opponents of Amendment 4 hammer away that the public is dumb. Too dumb to understand what they say will be long, complicated referenda. But, it doesn't take many words to describe a housing development on farmland or a city lot being changed from 10 units per acre to 50 units per acre, or a golf course to be converted to condos. I resent being told I am too stupid to understand a land-use change or to make a decision that a change is right or wrong for my city.
I am eager for a chance to have the final vote on whatever land-use change is decided by my commission.
Amendment 4 will result in voters becoming more informed about the process by which a land-use change is granted. I want to vote because the hometown I save will be my own.
