Florida Hometown Democracy News

Florida Hometown Democracy has placed Amendment 4 on the Florida ballot. The amendment summary is below.

Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Provides definitions.

Voters will have a say by vote on how local governments decide land use issues. Developers have successfully use their lobbying power to influence local elected officials to ignore environmental and smart-growth management.

Florida Hometown Democracy has hired Mitch Kates to be the campaign manager. FHD needs 60 percent of the voters to approve Amendment 4 to place it on the state constitution. Kates has represented progressive candidates and helped Kevin Beckner get elected to the Hillsborough County Commission.

FHD has also hired Wayne Garcia new communications director. That translates into Garcia will be communicated with traditional media and bloggers to help raise awareness on FHD. Garcia has also worked as a campaign consultant. Garcia has been all over the place politically. I am rather surprised he is working with FHD.

From the press release:

"Mitch and Wayne will help us bring our campaign to a higher level, adding new energy and expertise as they work alongside scores of volunteers to counter Big Development's lies and tell the truth about how Floridians can have their say," Lesley Blackner, president of Florida Hometown Democracy, the sponsor of Amendment 4 on the statewide ballot Nov. 2.

The horrible SB 360 is a prime example of how developers can write legislation and get politicians to support a bill that is against the interest of the people. SB 360 getting the Growth Management Act of 1985. The Republican legislators who cry about big government took power away from local governments to decide land use issues. The state can overrule local government by developing land they deem economoic development projects. SB 360 sponsor Sen. Mike Bennett said more houses needed to be built in Florida to turn the economy around. The problem was Florida was in a crushing mortgage crisis. Houses were not selling. Bennett and other members of the Florida legislature were looking for excuses to repay developers for their campaign contributions. Bennett and Rep. Ron Reagan run the PAC Citizens For Housing & Urban Growth. Construction and home builders have contributed over $33,000 to Bennett's campaigns.

The citizens of Florida need Amendment 4 to pass. The current Republican legislature attempted to approve offshore drilling before the Deep Horizon spill. They cannot be trusted to make sound decisions on growth management and environmental issues. Voters need to support Amendment 4 for the sake of Florida's future.

Bill Clinton Coming to Orlando

I have a great deal of respect for Mitch Kates. That said, the lineup for the Florida Democratic Convention in Orlando leaves much to be desired. Color me unimpressed about Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich coming to speak. Can someone tells these two they are not serious presidential candidates.

Florida has become the Black Sheep state for Democrats. No major presidential candidate will appear at the convention. Hell, no one with name recognition will appear. We will get the live entertainment of the 70s pop band Orleans. That should sell 1 or 2 tickets.

Bill Clinton turned down his invitation to the convention. He will be speaking in Orlando on Oct. 21. VIP tickets are $2,300. No one should be surprised if his appearance is a sellout.

Update: Kenneth Quinnell has a much more positive outlook about the convention.

Personally, I'm more excited that Orleans will be playing at the convention. Not because I'm super-excited about the one Orleans song I know -- "Still the One," which I only have a mild appreciation for (I'm not really that much of a classic rock guy) -- but because John Hall was great on The Colbert Report.

We're in trouble when Orleans and John Hall are the sales pitch.

Update: Here is the schedule for the FDC.

Mitch Kates Interview

Democratic campaign manager Mitch Kates is interviewed on the Daily 30. He talks about the Florida Netroots, the upcoming Orlando convention and Hillsborough County Commission candidate Kevin Beckner.

Mary Mulhern Victory Party

Campaign manager Mitch Kates speaks at Mary Mulhern victory party. He is a raising star. He guided Mulhern and Justice to victory while being vastly outspent.