Florida Hometown Democracy on 2010 Ballot

Florida Hometown Democracy has pushed for a state amendment to allow voters to have greater say over land use issues. Gov. Charlie Crist signing SB 360 effectively repealed the Growth Management Act of 1985. Smart growth management is needed more than ever in Florida. Fortunately, the FHD amendment will be on the ballot in 2010.

Here is the press release.

WE’VE MADE IT!!
On Monday, June 22, 2009, the Florida Division of Elections certified Florida Hometown Democracy's proposed constitutional amendment for the November 2010 ballot as Amendment 4! This certification follows the Florida Supreme Court’s recent emergency order striking down the petition revocation scheme created by the Florida Legislature.

Florida Hometown Democracy submitted 711,168 valid petitions throughout the state to qualify for the ballot.

Blackner also wants to thank the many, many Floridians who have gotten this important reform to this threshold. “We all collected petitions, donated money, talked to our friends and family to make this happen. Now we have to make sure Hometown Democracy gets to where it needs to be: in the Florida Constitution.”

Blackner reminded Floridians to beware of the deceitful proposed amendment hiding under the name “Floridians for Smarter Growth.” "This ridiculous proposal pretends to give a vote on growth but the devil is in the details: voters get a referendum on a comprehensive plan change only if 10% of the voters go in person to the supervisor of elections office to sign a petition within 60 days of passage. It discriminates against many, many Floridians, including the home-bound and military deployed abroad, who are excluded by design from participating in any such petition process," she added.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FHD vice president Ross Burnaman told the Tallahassee Democrat Amendment 4 would only apply to long term growth plans.

"It does not apply to zoning, rezoning, variances, subdivision plats or building permits," Burnaman said. He said business interests opposed to the amendment were distorting its purpose and effect, by warning that it would destroy jobs and halt virtually all growth.

"They said that about the minimum-wage amendment, too," said Burnaman. "That’s a red herring."

Opponents of FHD attempted to smear the group by using fake strippers. The target was FHD supporter Joe Redner.