Hometown Democracy Question to be on November 2010 Ballot

A proposed Florida constitutional amendment that would give voters a say on how their communities grow, including such decisions as where shopping centers, homes and roads are built, will be on the 2010 ballot.

A private organization, Florida Hometown Democracy, has collected enough signature to place the question on the ballot. To be designated as Amendment 4, the petition drive has been working for a public vote for 4 years. To pass, it will require a 60 percent approval by voters.

The constitutional amendment would require local referendums on changes to city and county comprehensive plans. While intending to give local voters a say in their city and county, the result, if passed, will be staggering on voters and the economy of Florida. Ballots could exceed 50 pages, and all development would come to a halt until a successful vote occurs. The costs of local referendums will have to be paid for by taxpayers, and it is unclear how often a voter referendum on a subject matter will occur.

An interesting alliance of business and development interests, along with government and public interest groups (including environmental groups and 1000 Friends of Florida) are opposing the amendment. If passed, the amendment would be a drag on Florida's already sagging economy, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce believes it may permanent cause Florida to remain in a recession, and hopelessly complicate the planning process.

Opponents also have begun their own petition drive for a competing amendment known as Smarter Growth with a provision saying it would prevail if voters approve both. Smarter Growth would require referendums on planning changes only if 10 percent of registered voters sign a petition within 60 days.