Even though we’re more than seven months away from the November general election, it isn’t too early for opponents of Amendment 4—the initiative formerly known as Florida Hometown Democracy—to start what is likely to become a rough, expensive campaign. You might not see it amidst your favorite TV programs yet, but you can definitely look for it on your computer screen.
A group called Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy (which doesn’t really convert to a catchy acronym) has launched an online video showing how a similar initiative in St. Pete Beach wound up hurting the local economy more than helping. The vote-on-everything initiative wiped out the city’s legal budget, even though it was supposed to result in less courtroom conflict.
“St. Pete Beach is proof positive that Amendment 4 doesn’t work,” Ryan Houck, executive director of the Tampa-based group, stated in a release. “This idea has led to higher property tax rates, fewer jobs and endless litigation in St. Pete Beach. It’s the last thing Florida needs in the midst of a recession.”
More than 200 organizations so far have pledged opposition to Amendment 4. Those who support it call the measure a means of blocking development throughout the Sunshine State, though it seems the recession has already done that.
Florida Trend magazine has a pretty worthwhile breakdown of what Amendment 4 is all about and the key players in the upcoming fight. Whether you understand it or not, you’re going to hear a lot more about it, and this time it’s important to know what you will be voting on, not just who to vote against.
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