Below is a Letter to the Editor published in the Orlando Sentinel. Although the writer is not quite on the mark himself about Amendment 4 as it only has to do with land-use changes, not big developments, we thought it important to print. As the Vote NO people are twisting the facts and the truth to a 180^ angle, here is the letter:
"Earlier this year, many of us in a rural community east of Orlando placed signs in our yards and attended Orange County meetings to protest a large development that was proposed for our area but that would require a change in the comprehensive land-use plan.
We were fortunate that the plan change was denied (for now), but I have been surprised to see that some of the same homeowners who had yard signs opposing that development now have signs saying "No on 4." Amendment 4, also known as the Hometown Democracy Amendment, is meant to give more rights to local citizens. It would mandate a vote on whether or not the plan could be changed to let in big developments that are currently prohibited.
As it stands, such decisions are up to the county commissioners. I stopped and spoke with a homeowner who had previously opposed the development threatening our rural area and who now had a "No" sign in her yard, and it seems she had been misinformed. She thought the amendment was proposing more governmental intrusion into our lives, when it is really intended to give the citizens more say and the government less.
There seems to be some kind of manipulation of the public by those who want to keep the status quo. I hope we can correct this state of ignorance before November."
Ronnie Hawkins
Chuluota
Orlando Sentinel
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