Martin County is just one of the reason's why we need Florida Hometown Democracy

Is this what you want? November 2010 the people will decide.

Richard Grosso, executive director of the Everglades Law Center Inc. said "Martin County is not alone in its rush to grease the way for growth. The reason is Florida Hometown Democracy, which would give residents a vote on growth plan amendments. "Landowners, builders and local governments are trying to get changes in."

Read more of Sally Swartz's ARTICLE here.

In today's editorial entitled Martin growth: Start over, although not overtly, it subtlely underlines the essence of Florida Hometown Democracy--elected officials changing their Comprehensive Plan and pushing through sprawl at the detriment of the citizens they represent all for the almighty buck. This is what Florida Hometown Democracy might prevent by allowing you, the citizen, to vote on major land use changes.

The Department of Community Affairs is in place to help the citizens from inept and/or greedy elected officials. They say that they "ensure that new growth complies with the state's vital growth management laws, while also helping established communities revitalize their older or traditional neighborhoods."

We all face significant challenges when we consider growth as we must provide adequate roads, schools, water, electric, parks and sewer facilities for residents. Water is becoming more scarce. Here in Lake Worth, there is very little land left and elected reps in the past have been obsessed in developing it all, even to the point of sacrificing an entire neighborhood by up-zoning a parcel in Lake Osborne Heights neighborhood for that purpose. At the time we spoke before the Planning and Zoning Board and then the City Commission, the 3 to 2 vote on the dais was all that was heard. Citizens' voices were discounted and stomped upon.

Once Florida Hometown Democracy is passed, it will be up to the residents to decide how their city should look. What motivated citizens to purchase in a certain area to begin with will always be challenged by bad growth plans as long as you have elected officials making those decisions. Now you will have a chance to vote on how you want your city to look. If you want to retain the character that made your city such a desirable place to live in the first place, you will be able to do so at the polls.

Remember to vote Yes next year on Amendment 4.