I wrote last December on how Gov. Charlie Crist loves the growth monster and has no interest in seriously reforming Florida's tax system. Crist sign SB 360. The bill is a giveaway to developers and makes growth management harder.
Crist knew the bill was a stinker and held no public signing ceremony. Sponsor Sen. Mike Bennett wrote SB 360 for the purpose of gutting the Growth Management Act of 1985. New houses will be built (in a state with a foreclosure crisis) in any area deemed economic development projects.
Developers are a huge lobbying industry in Florida. County commissions will stumble over each other designating lands fit for "economic development. Nevermind if local communities can handle to increased traffic and water needs. Politicians will leave that for others to worry about as they seek higher office.
Florida News Capital has a video story on SB 360. Howard Troxler pens a superb op-ed that asked Crist to veto the bill. (Too bad Troxler failed to convince the Governor.)
A dark day for the Sunshine State, to be sure. To see just how ridiculous this bill is, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01EhpYxih_o
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope voters will have long enough memories to recall this in the 2010 election. Gov. Crist and the legislators who gave Florida (and Floridians' tax dollars) away to developers should be held accountable.
I can't believe what Crist just did. What a coward. He has no concern for the state, the residents, the wildlife and environment. Things are just downhill from here.
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