Comment Up
Scott Maxwell (the other one) confirms: "So anyone who tries to tell you that the Sierra Club is some sort of unstoppable force that makes Florida politicians cower is a flat-out liar."
Read what Scott says at the Orlando Sentinel.
Showing posts with label Ryan Houck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ryan Houck. Show all posts
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Ryan Houck drop kicks the Sierra Club
Comment Up
Below is a powerful, lying message from a known fabricator who has sold himself to the devil for corporate greed at the expense of Florida and its environment. The difference in Ryan and Dustin is that Ryan is paid by the evil Chamber of Commerce and other groups that are ONLY interested in their personal wealth at the expense of Florida's health. In this particular video, he is pushing for fossil fuels and perhaps the Republican Party itself. Who knows and who knows about Dustin?
I can't be more clear than that even if it was reported that The Sierra Club joined the demonstration in Washington, D.C. with Socialists and its Union backers. They have a point in that it is many of the big wigs with the money that are ruining our planet, our country and the State of Florida. We can all be sucked in when we don't have all the facts regarding those behind Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Lake Worth or for that matter, any political message.
The Sierra Club was formed in 1892 and has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. They are the largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or sometimes USEPA) is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. During these difficult times, Republicans are now dissing its effectiveness and some believe that they are too regulatory. This is one area for which I disagree with Allen West.
This video is being posted so that you can see how effective a campaign can be when money is no object and the message is convincing. He did the exact same thing when he and his benefactors went after Amendment 4. It's just that he has now had years of practice to perfect the fabrication. This message is so well done that you come away actually believing that the Environmental Protection Agency and The Sierra Club are the groups that are evil, not the other way around.
Below is a powerful, lying message from a known fabricator who has sold himself to the devil for corporate greed at the expense of Florida and its environment. The difference in Ryan and Dustin is that Ryan is paid by the evil Chamber of Commerce and other groups that are ONLY interested in their personal wealth at the expense of Florida's health. In this particular video, he is pushing for fossil fuels and perhaps the Republican Party itself. Who knows and who knows about Dustin?
I can't be more clear than that even if it was reported that The Sierra Club joined the demonstration in Washington, D.C. with Socialists and its Union backers. They have a point in that it is many of the big wigs with the money that are ruining our planet, our country and the State of Florida. We can all be sucked in when we don't have all the facts regarding those behind Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Lake Worth or for that matter, any political message.
The Sierra Club was formed in 1892 and has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. They are the largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or sometimes USEPA) is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. During these difficult times, Republicans are now dissing its effectiveness and some believe that they are too regulatory. This is one area for which I disagree with Allen West.
This video is being posted so that you can see how effective a campaign can be when money is no object and the message is convincing. He did the exact same thing when he and his benefactors went after Amendment 4. It's just that he has now had years of practice to perfect the fabrication. This message is so well done that you come away actually believing that the Environmental Protection Agency and The Sierra Club are the groups that are evil, not the other way around.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Lyin Ryan has a New Job
Comment Up
Yeah, you guessed it, Ryan Houck has a 'new job' with another phony name...freemarketflorida aka The Chamber of Commerce...wouldn't it be nice if the rest of the unemployed could get a job as easily as he does just to promote 'baloney' ;), says Dori.
Ryan Houck, the nemesis for smart growth in Florida, who has always been in bed with big business and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and someone who wants to pave over our great State at any cost says, "Florida’s Legislature made the right choice in scaling back our state’s cumbersome growth bureaucracy." To Ryan and Rick Scott, everything is about jobs--forget about The Everglades--forget about our scarce resources--forget about our State animal, the Florida Panther--they just want a Florida that looks like concrete.
Read more about Ryan and his new job
Remember on election day the candidate for Lake Worth mayor, Tom Ramiccio, who worked for the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce and who believes in all the same politics as does Ryan. When you go into that voting booth, also remember Lisa Maxwell, a lobbyist for developers and her down right misinformation at The Playhouse, YouTubes and last night's debate--a gal who just can't make meeting commitments.
On Sunday Morning, Tom Hanks said that "80% of the people are honest and want to do the right thing. 20% are crooks and liars. Find out who the crooks and liars are." Some of us already know.
Get to the core of our problem here in Lake Worth. All you have to do is read some of the mailers and listen to some of the videos...if they sound too good to be true, you can bet that they are. These people still won't change their minds even when confronted with the facts. Also, follow the money.
We can't afford to elect any more people who just don't "get it"--you know, the ones who make up answers as they go along and come up with phony solutions for high energy costs like sell the Utility or want to bring down our city. NO more bullies on the pulpit.
Yeah, you guessed it, Ryan Houck has a 'new job' with another phony name...freemarketflorida aka The Chamber of Commerce...wouldn't it be nice if the rest of the unemployed could get a job as easily as he does just to promote 'baloney' ;), says Dori.
Ryan Houck, the nemesis for smart growth in Florida, who has always been in bed with big business and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and someone who wants to pave over our great State at any cost says, "Florida’s Legislature made the right choice in scaling back our state’s cumbersome growth bureaucracy." To Ryan and Rick Scott, everything is about jobs--forget about The Everglades--forget about our scarce resources--forget about our State animal, the Florida Panther--they just want a Florida that looks like concrete.
Read more about Ryan and his new job
Remember on election day the candidate for Lake Worth mayor, Tom Ramiccio, who worked for the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce and who believes in all the same politics as does Ryan. When you go into that voting booth, also remember Lisa Maxwell, a lobbyist for developers and her down right misinformation at The Playhouse, YouTubes and last night's debate--a gal who just can't make meeting commitments.
On Sunday Morning, Tom Hanks said that "80% of the people are honest and want to do the right thing. 20% are crooks and liars. Find out who the crooks and liars are." Some of us already know.
Get to the core of our problem here in Lake Worth. All you have to do is read some of the mailers and listen to some of the videos...if they sound too good to be true, you can bet that they are. These people still won't change their minds even when confronted with the facts. Also, follow the money.
We can't afford to elect any more people who just don't "get it"--you know, the ones who make up answers as they go along and come up with phony solutions for high energy costs like sell the Utility or want to bring down our city. NO more bullies on the pulpit.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Central Florida Coalition for Growth and Prosperity
Another feel good name for a group hellbent on identifying economic and regulatory barriers to its objectives--making tons of money and paving over Florida. This organization is even using the same colors as it did in the Vote NO on Amendment 4 campaign, the ominous red and black. It says that it will also use the exact same tactics to get its way.
It sure does not want any Florida government agencies giving them a hard time and they are happy that Scott has dismantled the DCA. The word "democracy" is not in its vocabulary if it interferes in the right of its members to make BIG $$$ at the expense of our great State. It pretends to support jobs but all along it is about labor bringing more money to line their pockets.
This is how you take over an entire State: CLICK HERE.
Remove Barriers to Growth
First a designated region in Florida-- next the entire State, then the Country. Fat Cats, The Chamber and Ryan Houck--a deadly cancer that is out to ruin the health of Florida.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Message and Look of Evil
Comment Up
Ryan speaks with same forked tongue.
Can you imagine what will be written as Ryan Houck's epitaph?
"I and my big mouth, with millions of dollars from special interests, single handedly ruined the entire State of Florida."
"I and my big mouth, with millions of dollars from special interests, single handedly ruined the entire State of Florida."
Environmental groups don't have that much money but it will be up to them this time to change the course of Florida and really do something now to protect her as Big Mouth is putting back on his battle gear to screw the State. Since residents of the State of Florida were persuaded by big money advertising in this last election and followed the Chamber, etc., they better get active now and understand the facts. The only way that will happen is to raise the money.
The only thing for which Allen West and I disagree is the EPA when he said he wanted to cut its budget. He did not give specifics but I believe he was objecting to Obama wanting to give anyone who bought an electric car a tax credit of $7500. I agree with him there. Read about the EPA's Seven Priorities.
The only thing for which Allen West and I disagree is the EPA when he said he wanted to cut its budget. He did not give specifics but I believe he was objecting to Obama wanting to give anyone who bought an electric car a tax credit of $7500. I agree with him there. Read about the EPA's Seven Priorities.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Realtor Association gives Award to Houck
The Realtors Association is a group with a lot of members and a lot of influence. The members join this "union" because they think it prestigious and it might help their career some how. In the case of Amendment 4, it was sheep to slaughter. All those members who voted against Amendment 4 live in Florida too but they sold out the State just like Rick Scott is doing with the Department of Community Affairs.
The Realtors Association, a group that once even had me as a member, is a lobbying arm for all those in real estate. Everyone in residential sales usually joins. It costs you. Membership dues for all three REALTOR® associations in Orlando will total $590 for sales agents (including a voluntary $99 donation to RPAC) and $741 for brokers (including a voluntary $250 donation to RPAC).
If you go to their web site the first thing that grabs you on the left side of the page is a reminder of DUES.
REALTOR® dues breakdown:
ORRA dues - $225.00
ORRA media campaign assessment - $25.00
Florida REALTORS® dues - $116.00
Florida REALTORS® advocacy assessment - $10.00
NAR dues - $80.00
NAR media campaign assessment - $35.00
RPAC voluntary donation - $99.00 (sales agent); $250.00 (broker)
Why did the Realtors Group oppose Amendment 4? Anything that they perceive might lessen its ability of its members to make real estate commissions and of course, pay them all those hefty dues. Building anywhere in this State is the goal. The more houses, the more commissions, the happier real estate agents are and all those who feed off of them. It doesn't matter that we have enough growth for 100 million people already on the books.
The Realtors' Association has a big lobby in government--they have representation before local municipalities and governmental agencies, and lobbying for decisions that would benefit REALTORS® in issues such as sign ordinances, taxes, and environmental regulations. They don't give a squat about the environment for if they did, they would have voted YES on Amendment 4 and freed up Ryan Houck to screw someone else, somewhere else, rather than the entire State of Florida.
This is one of the most destructive, money grabbing "unions" in the State.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Winning Strategy for Advocacy - The Vote "No" on Amendment 4
Comment Up
Sometimes, not all of the time, money is a key factor in winning a campaign. We have seen it right here in Lake Worth where the guy with the most money went down in flames. The message must be convincing and when the message hits on "jobs" and the "economy," voters take notice especially when you have a group such as the Chamber of Commerce behind your iniatiative.
As a lot of you know, Ryan Houck was a paid shill of the Florida Chamber of Commerce in its campaign against Amendment 4. In this November 2010 ballot initiative, money and strategy was everything. Now we are experiencing the total gutting of the DCA, our State's overseer on Comprehensive Plan changes, as well as the desire of the new governor to build over Florida as jobs was his campaign promise.
Also, Yes on Amendment 4 was polling ahead one month before the election but with no professional strategist on Board from the get-go, had literally run out of money. There was no way to go but down in flames. Television and other media were the keys and that took obscene amounts of cash. We lost too because of our naive faith that everyone would rally around smart growth, saving our environment, our resources, and developers whoring our State for the almighty buck. We should have known better.
The following remarks were noted by Joyce Tarnow at a recent presentation by Ryan Houck to a public relations professional networking group. The name of the presentation is “Winning Strategy for Advocacy.”
- He stated that the marketplace is evolving from “consumer" to "stakeholder." (I think this has a lot of implications because stakeholder may mean "special interest" in our terminology.)
- The campaign was structured, systematic, and disciplined
- He mentioned that he did not like the logo for the yard signs but since that was the decision to use that logo and liberal use of yard signs, they went with it (I personally thought their Vote No Sign was extremely effective from the ominous colors of red and black to the finger pointing "no.")
- They formed their committee in 2007, and in 2007 & 2008, started forming their network of groups (nearly 4 years before the election)
- He mentioned the name change but explained the rationale
- Their campaign funding was 11.2 million. I believe this was considerably less than they were expecting to have, mentioning $50 to $60,000,000 as the number they thought might be needed. But that money was leveraged by the fact that they follow a disciplined campaign strategy. This number was a lot less than was spent on the sugar tax which at that time was $25,000,000. Another person by the name of Roy mentioned that in today's dollars $25,000,000 would have equated to $50,000,000. So the point is that the campaign was very efficiently run.
- The first poll in April of 2007 showed a 3 to 1 ratio of yes votes to no
- The campaign was comprised of the following components: paid media, coalition efforts, grassroots, legal, research and fund raising
- 24 of 25 editorial boards "no" on A4 with only the Keynoter in the Keys opposing
- Web videos were important because they got a lot of hits
- They established "regional partnerships" to reach 90% of the electorate focusing on Jacksonville, the I-4 corridor in central Florida, and Miami
- They had a staff of six people in order to focus money on media
- Their Facebook page 6,000 fans
- The 45 to 54 year age range was the strongest support demographic. (How queer is that?-- they should know)
- Online advertising was strong, and they provided 250,000 exposures
- Strong use of voice mail, e-mails and Facebook photos of the logo
- Paid media
- The media airtime purchases were made early so they could get the most advantageous time slots that they needed. (So if we had gotten some last-minute money it would have been fairly ineffectual.)
- They utilized research on when Democrats versus Republicans watch TV and bought TV time coordinated to evening time-slots when Republicans most frequently watch TV
- They were on three stations in Jacksonville in central Florida and one station in Miami
- Regarding Hispanics, he felt that they were more likely to vote yes on 4 so they were targeted for additional exposures
- Key messages
- Jobs, taxes, workability of A4
- According to their research A-4’s messages had higher impact and were simpler. The anti-A4 statements were more complex but picked up in intensity as the media campaign progressed
- All ads were research tested
- A powerful statement was "expenditures cannot be estimated precisely." This is powerful because it was taken from the cost assessment of A4
- They strongly steered away from mention FloridaHometownDemocracy in favor of A4
- St. Pete Beach was only viewed as a prism for making points about jobs and the economy. It sounds like it was only a secondary message as an aid to making their jobs and economy points.
- Endorsements: they felt this was important with voters, so they pushed the various endorsements including even the Chamber of Commerce endorsement and this is the controversial organization
- A4 was beaten by the most decisive margin since 1986
It takes 1200 points in an ad to get opinion to move. But they saw an eight point shift after only 700 points. Apparently this is a measure of the effectiveness of paid media.
Sometimes, not all of the time, money is a key factor in winning a campaign. We have seen it right here in Lake Worth where the guy with the most money went down in flames. The message must be convincing and when the message hits on "jobs" and the "economy," voters take notice especially when you have a group such as the Chamber of Commerce behind your iniatiative.
As a lot of you know, Ryan Houck was a paid shill of the Florida Chamber of Commerce in its campaign against Amendment 4. In this November 2010 ballot initiative, money and strategy was everything. Now we are experiencing the total gutting of the DCA, our State's overseer on Comprehensive Plan changes, as well as the desire of the new governor to build over Florida as jobs was his campaign promise.
Also, Yes on Amendment 4 was polling ahead one month before the election but with no professional strategist on Board from the get-go, had literally run out of money. There was no way to go but down in flames. Television and other media were the keys and that took obscene amounts of cash. We lost too because of our naive faith that everyone would rally around smart growth, saving our environment, our resources, and developers whoring our State for the almighty buck. We should have known better.
The following remarks were noted by Joyce Tarnow at a recent presentation by Ryan Houck to a public relations professional networking group. The name of the presentation is “Winning Strategy for Advocacy.”
- He stated that the marketplace is evolving from “consumer" to "stakeholder." (I think this has a lot of implications because stakeholder may mean "special interest" in our terminology.)
- The campaign was structured, systematic, and disciplined
- He mentioned that he did not like the logo for the yard signs but since that was the decision to use that logo and liberal use of yard signs, they went with it (I personally thought their Vote No Sign was extremely effective from the ominous colors of red and black to the finger pointing "no.")
- They formed their committee in 2007, and in 2007 & 2008, started forming their network of groups (nearly 4 years before the election)
- He mentioned the name change but explained the rationale
- Their campaign funding was 11.2 million. I believe this was considerably less than they were expecting to have, mentioning $50 to $60,000,000 as the number they thought might be needed. But that money was leveraged by the fact that they follow a disciplined campaign strategy. This number was a lot less than was spent on the sugar tax which at that time was $25,000,000. Another person by the name of Roy mentioned that in today's dollars $25,000,000 would have equated to $50,000,000. So the point is that the campaign was very efficiently run.
- The first poll in April of 2007 showed a 3 to 1 ratio of yes votes to no
- The campaign was comprised of the following components: paid media, coalition efforts, grassroots, legal, research and fund raising
- 24 of 25 editorial boards "no" on A4 with only the Keynoter in the Keys opposing
- Web videos were important because they got a lot of hits
- They established "regional partnerships" to reach 90% of the electorate focusing on Jacksonville, the I-4 corridor in central Florida, and Miami
- They had a staff of six people in order to focus money on media
- Their Facebook page 6,000 fans
- The 45 to 54 year age range was the strongest support demographic. (How queer is that?-- they should know)
- Online advertising was strong, and they provided 250,000 exposures
- Strong use of voice mail, e-mails and Facebook photos of the logo
- Paid media
- The media airtime purchases were made early so they could get the most advantageous time slots that they needed. (So if we had gotten some last-minute money it would have been fairly ineffectual.)
- They utilized research on when Democrats versus Republicans watch TV and bought TV time coordinated to evening time-slots when Republicans most frequently watch TV
- They were on three stations in Jacksonville in central Florida and one station in Miami
- Regarding Hispanics, he felt that they were more likely to vote yes on 4 so they were targeted for additional exposures
- Key messages
- Jobs, taxes, workability of A4
- According to their research A-4’s messages had higher impact and were simpler. The anti-A4 statements were more complex but picked up in intensity as the media campaign progressed
- All ads were research tested
- A powerful statement was "expenditures cannot be estimated precisely." This is powerful because it was taken from the cost assessment of A4
- They strongly steered away from mention FloridaHometownDemocracy in favor of A4
- St. Pete Beach was only viewed as a prism for making points about jobs and the economy. It sounds like it was only a secondary message as an aid to making their jobs and economy points.
- Endorsements: they felt this was important with voters, so they pushed the various endorsements including even the Chamber of Commerce endorsement and this is the controversial organization
- A4 was beaten by the most decisive margin since 1986
It takes 1200 points in an ad to get opinion to move. But they saw an eight point shift after only 700 points. Apparently this is a measure of the effectiveness of paid media.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Greedy Groups are against FL Amendment 4
Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy (the "Vote No on 4" campaign) is the umbrella organization that leads opposition to Amendment 4 and headed by "Lyin" Ryan Houck. Everything about this Group is a lie, even its name.
Some of those directly responsible for Florida's economic predicament are:
National League of Cities former President, Clarence Anthony
Florida Chamber of Commerce President, Mark Wilson
AFL-CIO Executive Committee member, Frank Ortis.
Florida Tax Payer
Everyone must follow the money to understand why groups such as the Florida League of Cities, Associated Industries and the Florida Association of Realtors tell the lies and are spending $15 million to fool the general public. Some of these people are the ones to blame for the crash of Florida's economy. Look to see how long their pockets are. Taxpayers across the State are experiencing empty pockets and higher taxes because of land-use changes that have gone against common sense.
Hometown Democracy president Lesley Blackner issued this statement after recent media coverage about an “Industry Mobilization Plan” being undertaken by the powerful opponents to Amendment 4, or Hometown Democracy:
“It is bad enough that major Florida employers are squandering millions of dollars to oppose giving voters a seat at the table, money that could instead go into growing their businesses and hiring new employees. Now, they have devised a plan to have those same employers lean on their workers to join their pro-overbuilding campaign and even provide lists of employees names to the anti-Amendment 4 campaign team."
The Vote No group had a Regional Rally in Orlando on September 14 and the ONLY people who attended were members of the various above mentioned groups...speaking to their own greedy choir for the photo op.
In case you missed it the first time-
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Bubble Bailedout Builders--Why we need Amendment 4
Comment Up
Nearly $2 million of the $5 million raised by the opponents of Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 since April comes from Wall Street’s biggest construction corporations --- corporations that recently received billions in federal bailout money. Another $2.5 million funneled to the Political Committee opposing Amendment 4 during the past four months came from a who’s who of lobbying groups that represent the over-builders/speculators.
These publicly traded construction companies engaged in reckless speculation, over-built many communities, and crashed Florida’s economy. Yet they received huge taxpayer bailouts this year and are now using them to try to deny Floridians the right to vote by funding the opposition to Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4.
Here’s a breakdown of recent contributions from the Bailed-Out “Bubble Builders” to Amendment 4's opponent: (Source: Citizens for Lower Taxes & A Stronger Economy PAC, Fla. Division of Elections - Searched by “Contributions” and “Amount” 4/1/2010-7/16/2010):
2010 Contribution --Recent contribution-- 2010 Bailout
Lennar Homes FL-- $367,000-- $251.1 million
Meritage Homes-- $ 34,000-- $93 million
M.D.C. Holdings-- $ 39,000 --$142.6 million
Standard Pacific of Tampa-- $132,00--0 $103 million
Pulte Homes-- $567,000-- $800 million
Ryland Homes-- $135,000-- $97.6 million
KB Homes-- $255,000-- $191.7 million
K. Hovnanian Companies-- $ 96,000-- $250 to $275 million
Beazer Homes-- $ 75,000-- $101 million
M/I Homes-- $ 73,000-- $31 million
Toll Brothers-- $ 43,000-- $78.8 million
MDC Holdings-- $ 39,000-- $142.6 million Recent media reports reveal numerous consumer complaints throughout Florida associated with poor construction practices by the “bubble bailout builders” -- broken promises to homeowners, aggressive use of sub-prime mortgages, encouragement of “flipping” and reckless over-building during the recent bubble. What was the result? The “bubble builders” got a $33 billion bailout tucked inside the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.
Alan Farago, a longtime Miami activist, led an effort to stop a new Lennar built city planned for Everglades’s wetlands. He remarked, "The housing bubble that burst has Lennar's name all over it. In Florida City, the company employed the sister of a county commissioner as lobbyist whose other sibling was Florida City mayor. Only the housing crash stopped Lennar from moving the Urban Development Boundary into Everglades’s wetlands. They needed exactly the land use change that Amendment 4 would give to voters to decide and not the rubber stampers, who stamped our state straight into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Lisa Maxwell, candidate for Commissioner District 4 in Lake Worth, is the former Director of Re-development for the Lennar Corporation-South Florida. Ms. Maxwell worked for a company that directly helped crash Florida's economy. Lisa announces candidacy
Privately held real estate companies are not required to publicly disclose their bailouts, and a number of these builders also donated to the opposition to Amendment 4. For example, GL Homes, a huge but private Florida developer, donated $50,000 this year to try to defeat Hometown Democracy.
"Florida voters need to know that the very companies that drove Florida over the cliff and wrecked our economy with crazy over-building got immense bail outs,” said Lesley Blackner, president of Florida Hometown Democracy, the sponsor of Amendment 4 on the statewide ballot Nov. 2. “Amendment 4 will give Florida voters the right to decide whether their local comprehensive land use plan should be changed. These corporations want to deprive Florida voters of having accountability over their dealings.
Florida voters are stuck with higher taxes and declining quality of life because of the crazy, ill-planned, reckless overbuilding endlessly rubber stamped by politicians for these over-developers. We deserve a vote before we must pay for the services and infrastructure for even more development. Amendment 4 recognizes that major changes to our comprehensive master plans are just too important to leave solely to the developers and their lobbyists. The bubble builders lobbying groups that kicked in $2.5 million include The Broward Workshop ($260,000), Floridians for Smarter Growth ($488,000), the Florida Chamber of Commerce ($240,000) and the Florida Association of Realtors ($1 million.)
Since 2007, the over-builders/speculators have raised over $10 million to defeat Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4. Here’s the breakdown:
Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy $5.9 million total (Daniel Cunningham's and Aimee Carlson's employer...and can't forget Ryan Houck)
Floridians for Smarter Growth $4.6 m total (donated $488,000 to Lower Taxes PAC)
Save Our Constitution $421,000
TOTAL $10.4 m
“Our opposition is comprised of those who crashed Florida’s economy with speculation and over-building and the politicians who serve them. The group fronting for the bailed out bubble-builders will say anything to preserve a broken, corrupt status quo. They are running a campaign based on fear tactics and outright lies. I urge my fellow voters to consider the source of the opposition’s huge media campaign war chest this fall when the barrage of lies hits the air waves.”
(Video presentation by L. Blackner http://floridahometowndemocracy.com/media-center)
Nearly $2 million of the $5 million raised by the opponents of Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 since April comes from Wall Street’s biggest construction corporations --- corporations that recently received billions in federal bailout money. Another $2.5 million funneled to the Political Committee opposing Amendment 4 during the past four months came from a who’s who of lobbying groups that represent the over-builders/speculators.
These publicly traded construction companies engaged in reckless speculation, over-built many communities, and crashed Florida’s economy. Yet they received huge taxpayer bailouts this year and are now using them to try to deny Floridians the right to vote by funding the opposition to Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4.
Here’s a breakdown of recent contributions from the Bailed-Out “Bubble Builders” to Amendment 4's opponent: (Source: Citizens for Lower Taxes & A Stronger Economy PAC, Fla. Division of Elections - Searched by “Contributions” and “Amount” 4/1/2010-7/16/2010):
2010 Contribution --Recent contribution-- 2010 Bailout
Lennar Homes FL-- $367,000-- $251.1 million
Meritage Homes-- $ 34,000-- $93 million
M.D.C. Holdings-- $ 39,000 --$142.6 million
Standard Pacific of Tampa-- $132,00--0 $103 million
Pulte Homes-- $567,000-- $800 million
Ryland Homes-- $135,000-- $97.6 million
KB Homes-- $255,000-- $191.7 million
K. Hovnanian Companies-- $ 96,000-- $250 to $275 million
Beazer Homes-- $ 75,000-- $101 million
M/I Homes-- $ 73,000-- $31 million
Toll Brothers-- $ 43,000-- $78.8 million
MDC Holdings-- $ 39,000-- $142.6 million Recent media reports reveal numerous consumer complaints throughout Florida associated with poor construction practices by the “bubble bailout builders” -- broken promises to homeowners, aggressive use of sub-prime mortgages, encouragement of “flipping” and reckless over-building during the recent bubble. What was the result? The “bubble builders” got a $33 billion bailout tucked inside the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.
Alan Farago, a longtime Miami activist, led an effort to stop a new Lennar built city planned for Everglades’s wetlands. He remarked, "The housing bubble that burst has Lennar's name all over it. In Florida City, the company employed the sister of a county commissioner as lobbyist whose other sibling was Florida City mayor. Only the housing crash stopped Lennar from moving the Urban Development Boundary into Everglades’s wetlands. They needed exactly the land use change that Amendment 4 would give to voters to decide and not the rubber stampers, who stamped our state straight into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Lisa Maxwell, candidate for Commissioner District 4 in Lake Worth, is the former Director of Re-development for the Lennar Corporation-South Florida. Ms. Maxwell worked for a company that directly helped crash Florida's economy. Lisa announces candidacy
Privately held real estate companies are not required to publicly disclose their bailouts, and a number of these builders also donated to the opposition to Amendment 4. For example, GL Homes, a huge but private Florida developer, donated $50,000 this year to try to defeat Hometown Democracy.
"Florida voters need to know that the very companies that drove Florida over the cliff and wrecked our economy with crazy over-building got immense bail outs,” said Lesley Blackner, president of Florida Hometown Democracy, the sponsor of Amendment 4 on the statewide ballot Nov. 2. “Amendment 4 will give Florida voters the right to decide whether their local comprehensive land use plan should be changed. These corporations want to deprive Florida voters of having accountability over their dealings.
Florida voters are stuck with higher taxes and declining quality of life because of the crazy, ill-planned, reckless overbuilding endlessly rubber stamped by politicians for these over-developers. We deserve a vote before we must pay for the services and infrastructure for even more development. Amendment 4 recognizes that major changes to our comprehensive master plans are just too important to leave solely to the developers and their lobbyists. The bubble builders lobbying groups that kicked in $2.5 million include The Broward Workshop ($260,000), Floridians for Smarter Growth ($488,000), the Florida Chamber of Commerce ($240,000) and the Florida Association of Realtors ($1 million.)
Since 2007, the over-builders/speculators have raised over $10 million to defeat Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4. Here’s the breakdown:
Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy $5.9 million total (Daniel Cunningham's and Aimee Carlson's employer...and can't forget Ryan Houck)
Floridians for Smarter Growth $4.6 m total (donated $488,000 to Lower Taxes PAC)
Save Our Constitution $421,000
TOTAL $10.4 m
“Our opposition is comprised of those who crashed Florida’s economy with speculation and over-building and the politicians who serve them. The group fronting for the bailed out bubble-builders will say anything to preserve a broken, corrupt status quo. They are running a campaign based on fear tactics and outright lies. I urge my fellow voters to consider the source of the opposition’s huge media campaign war chest this fall when the barrage of lies hits the air waves.”
(Video presentation by L. Blackner http://floridahometowndemocracy.com/media-center)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Dori and the Florida Farm Bureau
Comment Up
What happens when we no longer have farmland?
Any company that feels its ability to make money might be diminished to some degree if Amendment 4 passes does not know the facts. They do not realize that there is so much land already available under Comprehensive Plans right now for builders to build, for buyers to come, and for businesses to make tons of money. They have all been under the spell of the Ryan Houcks and Chamber of Commerces across the State. They continue to fight any legislation that protects our State from uncontrolled growth.
John Hoblick, leader of the Florida Farm Bureau just said that he was pleased with Marco Rubio’s decision to put an emphasis on a strong agriculture. “We applaud what Rubio’s done and we are hopeful that fellow candidates in this race and other statewide races will follow his lead,” said Hoblick. Then why, Mr. Hoblick, are you for developers to come in and pave over farm land? You speak on two sides of your mouth. Florida Hometown Democracy, along with Marco Rubio, believes in a strong agriculture as well.
Dori Sutter just wrote to the Florida Farm Bureau and I have printed her letter below.
Subject: Disappointed to hear about Florida Farm Bureau's 'stand' against Amendment 4...
Dear Mr. Hoblick:
Your recent public stand, as the President of Florida Farm Bureau, against Florida Hometown Democracy's Amendment 4 and the large number of contributions made to the Opposition is very disheartening.
As a new member, I chose Farm Bureau Insurance due to it's high rating and long reputation with the Florida farming industry going back to when my Dad subscribed to Farm Bureau Insurance when I was growing up in the farming community of Seminole County surrounding Sanford, FL.
As a tenth generation Floridian I've seen our agricultural areas dwindle away year after year to sprouting housing subdivisions and town centers. Sanford was once the Celery Capitol of the World, now the only celery you will find is at the supermarkets. The once busy State Farmers Market in Sanford, where trucks would pickup fresh produce from local farms to transport to train depots and other areas of the State, is still there...not sure what it is used for today because there are no more farms left in Sanford. The small truck farms that surrounded Sanford have all gone. Most of the family farmers who I grew up with were pushed out or soldout to developers, moving to Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia to find roots in new earth to till.
I find it unconscionable that Florida Farm Bureau would 'side' with the Development Industry and it's land-use politics of the Chamber of Commerce to further destroy Florida's agricultural lands. Lands today that are not owned by heart n soul true Farmers and Ranchers, but by Big Agricultural Land Owners/Developers that 'use' the agricultural tax exemption to hold on to land paying low taxes until they're ready to convert it (changing its land use) to make big $$$ in developing rural land that pushes into needed water sheds, wildlife habitats and environmentally sensitive areas of rivers and wetlands...the natural landscape that maintains Florida.
Today, we have unprecedented over-development with more approved growth in local comprehensive plans throughout Florida to attract 100 million residents....100 million residents we do not have the water resources, services or infrastructure to accommodate. There is enough approved growth in all aspects of industries to create jobs, revenue and take a new direction for Florida in growing 'better'; but, currently there is no demand, no market after hitting bottom 'again', only this time it was nationwide. To continue the same historical 10 year construction cycle is insane, with Farm Bureau approving of this 'insanity'.
Florida will be the last to recover, due to over-development and greed on the part of the Development, Mortgage and Real Estate Industries. It also ranks #1 in the Nation for Political Corruption and #2 for Mortgage Fraud... NOT something to be proud of. Yet, the same Industries that aided and abetted this catastrophe, are the same ones Opposing Florida Hometown Democracy 's Amendment 4. You will find few individual citizens listed as contributors to the Opposition's campaign named "Citizens for Lower Taxes and Better Economy" aka "Citizens for Smarter Growth", among other misnomers.
The only true 'grassroots' campaign of citizens is Florida Hometown Democracy's campaign for Amendment 4. I am proud to be among the 1,000,000 Floridians that put this Amendment on the Ballot in November. Those 1,000,000 supporters have grown immensely with thousands of small contributions toward fighting for citizens' right to veto future bad growth decisions. The Mason Dixon poll held earlier this year reflected that 61% of voters would pass this Amendment on Nov. 2nd...and it will pass by a greater percentage....no matter how much the opposition spends on misinformation and lies. Perhaps, Mr. Hoblick, you should check out the real facts on Amendment 4 because it IS really very simple, it's only as complicated as politics and the opposition want to make it out to be.
Now, I have to research for a New Insurance Carrier because I will not stay with such a hypocritical firm as Farm Bureau...a company that is supposed to 'protect the agricultural and farming industry' to insure it's future. Your very public stand 'against' Amendment 4 reflects that you care only about the 'politics' of the game and the large land-owners you insure, not about true 'agriculture and farming' members. You've lost a good customer (previously I was with Nationwide for over 20 yrs), looks like they're getting me back.
I invite you to Get the real facts, Mr. Hoblick, and visit our new website at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com
We're In It to WIN it on Nov. 2nd!...by numbers of citizens...not numbers of $$$.
--
Dori Sutter
Winter Springs, FL
Seminole-Orange County Coordinator
AMENDMENT 4 CAMPAIGN 2010
Paid Political advertisement paid for and approved by Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc. PAC
What happens when we no longer have farmland?John Hoblick, leader of the Florida Farm Bureau just said that he was pleased with Marco Rubio’s decision to put an emphasis on a strong agriculture. “We applaud what Rubio’s done and we are hopeful that fellow candidates in this race and other statewide races will follow his lead,” said Hoblick. Then why, Mr. Hoblick, are you for developers to come in and pave over farm land? You speak on two sides of your mouth. Florida Hometown Democracy, along with Marco Rubio, believes in a strong agriculture as well.
Dori Sutter just wrote to the Florida Farm Bureau and I have printed her letter below.
Subject: Disappointed to hear about Florida Farm Bureau's 'stand' against Amendment 4...
Dear Mr. Hoblick:
Your recent public stand, as the President of Florida Farm Bureau, against Florida Hometown Democracy's Amendment 4 and the large number of contributions made to the Opposition is very disheartening.
As a new member, I chose Farm Bureau Insurance due to it's high rating and long reputation with the Florida farming industry going back to when my Dad subscribed to Farm Bureau Insurance when I was growing up in the farming community of Seminole County surrounding Sanford, FL.
As a tenth generation Floridian I've seen our agricultural areas dwindle away year after year to sprouting housing subdivisions and town centers. Sanford was once the Celery Capitol of the World, now the only celery you will find is at the supermarkets. The once busy State Farmers Market in Sanford, where trucks would pickup fresh produce from local farms to transport to train depots and other areas of the State, is still there...not sure what it is used for today because there are no more farms left in Sanford. The small truck farms that surrounded Sanford have all gone. Most of the family farmers who I grew up with were pushed out or soldout to developers, moving to Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia to find roots in new earth to till.
I find it unconscionable that Florida Farm Bureau would 'side' with the Development Industry and it's land-use politics of the Chamber of Commerce to further destroy Florida's agricultural lands. Lands today that are not owned by heart n soul true Farmers and Ranchers, but by Big Agricultural Land Owners/Developers that 'use' the agricultural tax exemption to hold on to land paying low taxes until they're ready to convert it (changing its land use) to make big $$$ in developing rural land that pushes into needed water sheds, wildlife habitats and environmentally sensitive areas of rivers and wetlands...the natural landscape that maintains Florida.
Today, we have unprecedented over-development with more approved growth in local comprehensive plans throughout Florida to attract 100 million residents....100 million residents we do not have the water resources, services or infrastructure to accommodate. There is enough approved growth in all aspects of industries to create jobs, revenue and take a new direction for Florida in growing 'better'; but, currently there is no demand, no market after hitting bottom 'again', only this time it was nationwide. To continue the same historical 10 year construction cycle is insane, with Farm Bureau approving of this 'insanity'.
Florida will be the last to recover, due to over-development and greed on the part of the Development, Mortgage and Real Estate Industries. It also ranks #1 in the Nation for Political Corruption and #2 for Mortgage Fraud... NOT something to be proud of. Yet, the same Industries that aided and abetted this catastrophe, are the same ones Opposing Florida Hometown Democracy 's Amendment 4. You will find few individual citizens listed as contributors to the Opposition's campaign named "Citizens for Lower Taxes and Better Economy" aka "Citizens for Smarter Growth", among other misnomers.
The only true 'grassroots' campaign of citizens is Florida Hometown Democracy's campaign for Amendment 4. I am proud to be among the 1,000,000 Floridians that put this Amendment on the Ballot in November. Those 1,000,000 supporters have grown immensely with thousands of small contributions toward fighting for citizens' right to veto future bad growth decisions. The Mason Dixon poll held earlier this year reflected that 61% of voters would pass this Amendment on Nov. 2nd...and it will pass by a greater percentage....no matter how much the opposition spends on misinformation and lies. Perhaps, Mr. Hoblick, you should check out the real facts on Amendment 4 because it IS really very simple, it's only as complicated as politics and the opposition want to make it out to be.
Now, I have to research for a New Insurance Carrier because I will not stay with such a hypocritical firm as Farm Bureau...a company that is supposed to 'protect the agricultural and farming industry' to insure it's future. Your very public stand 'against' Amendment 4 reflects that you care only about the 'politics' of the game and the large land-owners you insure, not about true 'agriculture and farming' members. You've lost a good customer (previously I was with Nationwide for over 20 yrs), looks like they're getting me back.
I invite you to Get the real facts, Mr. Hoblick, and visit our new website at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com
We're In It to WIN it on Nov. 2nd!...by numbers of citizens...not numbers of $$$.
--
Dori Sutter
Winter Springs, FL
Seminole-Orange County Coordinator
AMENDMENT 4 CAMPAIGN 2010
Paid Political advertisement paid for and approved by Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc. PAC
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Amendment 4--Ryan Houck--Mayor David Levy, are you listening?
"Your statement, and that of others who repeatedly make similar arguments about the right of our voters to control changes to the city Comprehensive Plan that blame the lawsuits on Hometown Democracy type policy are either total stupidity on the parts of you and others who say that, or are a result of your intent to lie and mislead the voters of St. Pete Beach and the entire state of Florida. Is that clear. You are either too stupid to understand that of which you are talking, or you are intentionally defrauding those to whom you spread these lies. There you have it. Polite didn't work, so it should now be clear what your comprehension or intentions are," so said former vice mayor of St. Pete Beach, Ed Ruttencutter.
Read more at St. Pete Beach - the truth.
Read more at St. Pete Beach - the truth.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce Opposes Amendment 4 - So what's new?
Beth Johnston, Director of LW Chamber of CommerceHired June 1, 2010
With $650,000 to defeat Amendment 4 from the Florida Chamber of Commerce since May 2010 alone, Tuesday night during public participation the new Director of the Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce asked the Commission to oppose Amendment 4. Beth Johnston does not believe that the people should have a vote on land-use changes. She believes that elected officials who can be compromised by the Chamber, its members, along with development groups, should have the sole decision.
Not one member of our Commission went to bat FOR the Amendment during their commentary.
Katie McGiveron, spokesperson for Florida Hometown Democracy in Palm Beach County said, "We have never been able to count on politicians to do the right thing by the people, whether it is here in Lake Worth or elsewhere. Maurice Ferre, running for U.S. Senate, is one of the few candidates with the guts to come out in strong support of Amendment 4, someone who puts the people over campaign contributions from development groups. We just need to spread the word. I support downtown business but downtown business does not support me and my right to vote."
Dennis Dorsey, former Mayor and Commissioner said, "It's too bad that the Chamber of Commerce, that is supposed to promote business, is continuing Ramiccio's program to give the City away to developers. They should stay out of politics."
Julie Hauserman, with the Florida Hometown Democracy campaign said, "The high volume of plan amendments sent to DCA underscores the bond between city and county officials and developers -- who often are the largest contributors to local political campaigns. You’ve got to wonder why our local politicians are approving comp-plan changes for future development when there’s a recession and empty strip malls across Florida."
Groups such as the Chamber of Commerce continue to promote their scare tactic that Amendment 4 will hurt Florida when in fact Amendment 4 will do just the opposite. It will give all the residents a voice on development in their communities that affect their taxes and how their community looks. You have to consider also that it is the residents, who in most cases, pay for all the infrastructure. Look at all the foreclosures and all the empty units? Hammon Park on N. Dixie Highway even got through its first hurdle last night when the P&Z allowed them to build more on their property when most of the units that have been built are in foreclosure. Politicians never are able to say "no" to developers. And that is the problem.
Even here in Lake Worth, the CRA gave $500,000 to Publix for infrastructure for its new store being built on Dixie Highway. The former Mayor, Jeff Clemens, still believes that we, because it was for infrastructure, didn't give Publix anything; his thinking is that the infrastructure belongs to Lake Worth. New development is also a drain on our natural resources, schools, roads and utilities.
Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy's Ryan Houck, a shill for the Chamber of Commerce, complains that construction jobs are down and membership in builders' associations as well as the Chamber is off. He loves to tell you that it will get worse with Amendment 4 when in reality, jobs are off all over the country. He fails to mention that people are not buying and those who have, can't afford them and are abandoning them in droves. He fails to mention that over-development has ruined the State of Florida and that hundreds of thousands of units are empty. He fails to mention that South Florida is ranked No. 1 in the number of foreclosures and No. 10 in the rate of foreclosures, with 3.9 percent of homes in default. It is predicted that all of this will get worse before it gets better.
His group, with 30 times the amount of money than the grassroots initiative, Florida Hometown Democracy, has raised $6 million to defeat Amendment 4. It is all about greed. Developers want to build until there is no land left in Florida--asphalt everywhere, not green. The only green they want to see is what's in their pocket.
Lesley Blackner of FHD says, "Together we can stop rubber-stamping approvals that clog roads, crowd schools and wreck natural areas. If we all vote YES on Amendment 4, we can take the power back for the people."
"Without one more land use change, Florida's population can grow from 18 million to 100 million people. Every local comprehensive plan, our state-mandated road map for future growth, should address community needs for 20 years," says FHD.
If we have to pay for it, we should get to vote on it. Let us all tell Ms. Johnston that she just doesn't get it.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Yankeetown, Florida has the right priorities
Comment Up
Spoonbills in Yankeetown
Photo by Marsha Drew
(I have never seen a Spoonbill in the wild)
Spoonbills in YankeetownPhoto by Marsha Drew
(I have never seen a Spoonbill in the wild)
Marsha Drew of Yankeetown says, "Yankeetown is a rare jewel in Florida
70% of the community is on board with us but the other 30% has been very vocal against everything. Such is the case everywhere I suppose. Everything we've done, which has included being sued over 20 times by a developer wanting to build something they couldn't (they lost every one), could be changed one day by a more pro-development group of town reps, but we hope not.
Come and visit...I'll show you around. We need strong voices and people who care to live here and help us keep the status quo. Have a great day...I'm going kayaking...the Roseate Spoonbills are here right now and I love to go and sit in the middle of the flock."
Editors' note: Yankeetown does not have FHD but what they have is similar to what they have in St. Pete Beach--the comparison that Ryan Houck, David Levy and all the rest of his lying buddies love to use as the SAME as Florida Hometown Democracy.
I have reported on this before but essentially the litigation that resulted in St. Pete Beach dealt with the developers attempt to submit their own comprehensive land-use plan to the voters without complying with the Florida Growth Management Act. It had nothing to do with Hometown Democracy.
This is just another reason why we need Amendment 4--to stop the land grabs and the dirty politics. As Marsha says, their quality of life in Yankeetown could be changed by the flick of a Bic from the Dais.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
David Levy, Mayor of Palm Beach Gardens, does not believe that the people have the right to vote
We ask, why is Mayor David Levy of Palm Beach Gardens "fighting" the people's right to vote on land-use changes? Is this what an elected official should be advocating? Does being elected all of a sudden make you God?
Two months ago Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy (the "Vote No on 4" campaign) announced its co-Chairs for PB County: David Levy-- Mayor, Democrat, and environmental leader--and Brian Seymour-- attorney, Republican, and business advocate. The two are working together to defeat Amendment 4 in Palm Beach County.
Now, don't you think that Mayor Levy of Palm Beach Gardens should have better things to do with his time like controlling bad growth in his own town instead of spreading the lies about Amendment 4? Mr. Seymour probably represents developers so we can understand where he is coming from.
David Levy and Brian Seymour say that Amendment 4 would cost jobs, raise taxes, and encourage sprawl. Ryan Houck, the campaign's executive director said, "We're honored to have them leading the campaign in Palm Beach." Well, of course you do, Ryan. Your entire campaign is a bunch of lies.
David Levy is the Mayor of Palm Beach Gardens, a member of his local Sierra Club, and a former Environmental Specialist for the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation. "This ill-advised amendment has the potential to wreak havoc on Florida's natural resources by encouraging sprawl, which will disrupt our unique quality of life," said Levy.
Mr. Levy, you just don't understand. What has disrupted our quality of life and what has cost us high taxes and jobs is YOU, the Chamber of Commerce, developers, and your friends. And now you want to stay in power for life in Palm Beach Gardens. The people here can't afford any more politicians such as yourself.
Brian Seymour Chair of the Environment and Land Use practice with the law firm of Gunster, Yoakley, & Stewart, P.A. added, "Amendment 4 would further decimate Florida's struggling economy by contributing to high unemployment and preventing the creation of much-needed jobs." Brian, you know this is hogwash but then that's what attorney's do.
Do we want jobs created at the expense of our wetlands, the environment, our agriculture land and the Everglades in order to create a concrete jungle?
Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy (the "Vote No on 4" campaign) is an umbrella organization that leads opposition to Amendment 4. The campaign's statewide Board of Directors includes former National League of Cities President, Clarence Anthony, Florida Chamber of Commerce President, Mark Wilson, and Florida AFL-CIO Executive Committee member, Frank Ortis.
You have to wonder how these supposedly educated fellows can believe the garbage they spew. Is power really that important? Are cutting deals under the table just normal politics they don't want to lose? Is it just almighty greed that they just can't envision losing? Take your pick but it's probably all of those things.
Two months ago Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy (the "Vote No on 4" campaign) announced its co-Chairs for PB County: David Levy-- Mayor, Democrat, and environmental leader--and Brian Seymour-- attorney, Republican, and business advocate. The two are working together to defeat Amendment 4 in Palm Beach County.
Now, don't you think that Mayor Levy of Palm Beach Gardens should have better things to do with his time like controlling bad growth in his own town instead of spreading the lies about Amendment 4? Mr. Seymour probably represents developers so we can understand where he is coming from.
David Levy and Brian Seymour say that Amendment 4 would cost jobs, raise taxes, and encourage sprawl. Ryan Houck, the campaign's executive director said, "We're honored to have them leading the campaign in Palm Beach." Well, of course you do, Ryan. Your entire campaign is a bunch of lies.
David Levy is the Mayor of Palm Beach Gardens, a member of his local Sierra Club, and a former Environmental Specialist for the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation. "This ill-advised amendment has the potential to wreak havoc on Florida's natural resources by encouraging sprawl, which will disrupt our unique quality of life," said Levy.
Mr. Levy, you just don't understand. What has disrupted our quality of life and what has cost us high taxes and jobs is YOU, the Chamber of Commerce, developers, and your friends. And now you want to stay in power for life in Palm Beach Gardens. The people here can't afford any more politicians such as yourself.
Brian Seymour Chair of the Environment and Land Use practice with the law firm of Gunster, Yoakley, & Stewart, P.A. added, "Amendment 4 would further decimate Florida's struggling economy by contributing to high unemployment and preventing the creation of much-needed jobs." Brian, you know this is hogwash but then that's what attorney's do.
Do we want jobs created at the expense of our wetlands, the environment, our agriculture land and the Everglades in order to create a concrete jungle?
Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy (the "Vote No on 4" campaign) is an umbrella organization that leads opposition to Amendment 4. The campaign's statewide Board of Directors includes former National League of Cities President, Clarence Anthony, Florida Chamber of Commerce President, Mark Wilson, and Florida AFL-CIO Executive Committee member, Frank Ortis.
You have to wonder how these supposedly educated fellows can believe the garbage they spew. Is power really that important? Are cutting deals under the table just normal politics they don't want to lose? Is it just almighty greed that they just can't envision losing? Take your pick but it's probably all of those things.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
For those who are confused on Amendment 4
Some info from FHD:
Election Day 2010 is fast approaching on November 2, and it is time to get geared up to pass Florida Hometown Democracy’s Amendment 4. We need to do everything we can to get people to Vote FOR 4! Our first task is to build awareness.
Amendment 4 does not require voter approval of every new hotel and grocery store, but it would require voters to approve changes to the community’s master plan, called a local comprehensive land use plan. For example, voters would be asked to decide if the use of a parcel of land should be changed from farming to housing.
There is one vocal person in Lake Worth who has stated, before the City Commission, that we should not change our Comprehensive Plan. But we know that she is very confused. She just does not understand that Amendment 4 will end political majority votes from the dais that change Comp Plans. She has even said on her Facebook page that she wants to get a Vote No sign and wants to campaign to oust two sitting commissioners who do believe that land use changes should be put to a vote of the people...democracy in action. She has been listening to all the wrong people and wants to stay ignorant on the facts.
Perhaps we can't change her mind or her parrot friend just like we can't change Ryan Houck, the paid shill of the Chamber of Commerce, or a certain Planner who lives in Lake Worth, but here are the facts.
If a speculator chooses to build in the many areas already set aside for development in the local comprehensive land use plan, no change – and no vote – is required.
When a speculator insists on building outside your plan’s development area, your local commissioners will review and vote on that local comprehensive land use plan change just like they do now. Amendment 4 adds one new step at the end: You will get the opportunity to veto or approve the commission’s decision on the next regularly scheduled Election Day. It’s that simple. No special elections required.
Look around
We have to pass this on a super-majority vote and that will be the challenge as we face millions of dollars that have been raised by The Florida Chamber and builder's associations to defeat this grassroots (people's) initiative. Here are three actions you can take now to ensure that Amendment 4 gets the required 60 percent vote needed for victory:
- Pass out the small “palm cards” we have printed at community festivals or other gatherings. These cards explain the amendment, show the ballot language, and provide an address for donating and volunteering. To get cards, you can print some out from the “Campaign Materials” page on our website, or for quantities, contact us at flhometown@yahoo.com.
- Send Letters to the Editor to your local media. We can help draft those for you. Contact us: Janet Stanko janestan@bellsouth.net
- Donate or help raise money for Florida Hometown Democracy. The Florida Chamber of Commerce has a $15-million fund-raising campaign against us. We need all the help we can get! Make checks payable to: Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc.,
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Opponents of Florida Hometown Democracy are Falling down
Comment Up
Yesterday, at a League of Women Voters Forum in Lake Mary, Florida, Lesley Blackner debated Ryan Houck, the overpaid lobbyist for the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the PAC with the warm and fuzzy name, Floridians for Smarter Growth.
Don't let the name fool you. Houck is running around the State to represent developer interests, those very people who are directly responsible for the bad developments and over-growth with their devastating results. He is there looking out for the size of the Chamber's wallet at the expense of our great State.
The fact of the matter is "amendment 4 wouldn't require voter approval of every new hotel and grocery store, but it would require voters to approve changes that weren't already allowed in development plans. For example, voters would be asked to decide if the use of a parcel of land should be changed from farming to housing."
All Mr. Houck's arguments are falling down. Read about it HERE.
Read the latest Florida Trend Magazine article.
Yesterday, at a League of Women Voters Forum in Lake Mary, Florida, Lesley Blackner debated Ryan Houck, the overpaid lobbyist for the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the PAC with the warm and fuzzy name, Floridians for Smarter Growth.
Don't let the name fool you. Houck is running around the State to represent developer interests, those very people who are directly responsible for the bad developments and over-growth with their devastating results. He is there looking out for the size of the Chamber's wallet at the expense of our great State.
The fact of the matter is "amendment 4 wouldn't require voter approval of every new hotel and grocery store, but it would require voters to approve changes that weren't already allowed in development plans. For example, voters would be asked to decide if the use of a parcel of land should be changed from farming to housing."
All Mr. Houck's arguments are falling down. Read about it HERE.
Read the latest Florida Trend Magazine article.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Amendment 4
Join Orlando Business Journal and the Citrus Club as they discuss the proposed Amendment 4 ballot initiative.
Hear local executives viewpoints on what Amendment 4 involves and possible implications to Central Florida businesses and land use. Orlando Business Journal’s award-winning Editor Cindy Barth will moderate the breakfast panel discussion.
Ross Burnaman, attorney, Florida Hometown Democracy
Ryan Houck, executive director, Floridians for Smarter Growth
Ed Timberlake, chairman of the board, Seaside Bank; chairman, Floridians for Smarter Growth
Friday, Feb 26 @ 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Citrus Club, 255 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
To register, please go to http://events.bizjournals.com/11411 or contact Kelly DiCristina at kdicristina@bizjournals.com or at 407.649.8470
Hear local executives viewpoints on what Amendment 4 involves and possible implications to Central Florida businesses and land use. Orlando Business Journal’s award-winning Editor Cindy Barth will moderate the breakfast panel discussion.
Ross Burnaman, attorney, Florida Hometown Democracy
Ryan Houck, executive director, Floridians for Smarter Growth
Ed Timberlake, chairman of the board, Seaside Bank; chairman, Floridians for Smarter Growth
Friday, Feb 26 @ 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Citrus Club, 255 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
To register, please go to http://events.bizjournals.com/11411 or contact Kelly DiCristina at kdicristina@bizjournals.com or at 407.649.8470
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Dr. Steve Rosen - Florida Hometown Democracy Part IV - Conclusion
Comment Up
Dr. Rosen's Story Part II
A Payback on Politicians--
By Dr. Steve Rosen
As I attempted to work with the Florida Fish and Widlife and the system in general in what began as a serious effort to protect the gopher tortoise with no results, I one day happened to read an article in the
After mulling it over, I determined that there was still hope. I could effectively bypass the Florida Legislature, the Fla Fish and Wildlife “Con’servation Commission stacked to the hilt with development interests, the courts and the developers and go directly to the public. When I finally met Lesley Blackner, Chair of Florida Hometown Democracy, she had already reached this conclusion about bypassing the courts and politicians who could care less about the rest of us.
I told Lesley I wanted to contribute enough money to assure this issue makes the ballot and sure enough, thanks to a great team effort, it happened.
Meanwhile, none of the detractors will attack me. No newspapers want to interview me. I wonder why. I am the second largest donor to FHD. Even Ryan Houck and company refuse to acknowledge me. Maybe I should buy some strip clubs? They won’t touch me because there is no ammunition in their box with which to attack me.
What started as an animal rights action became a payback on politicians and judges when I joined FHD. Given the current political climate, consider that FHD is the ONLY avenue available in the
So now I ask you, why won’t the newspaper’s talk to me? Why won’t the opposition attack me? Well, I did file a few other lawsuits against politicians for killing animals which they really seem to enjoy. Go search
Florida Hometown Democracy has morphed in my mind into more than its face value of public control of comp plan changes. It can be the focal point of a new wave of efforts that show the public how they too can take back their power!!
Go Amendment 4 in 2010!!!!
Steve Rosen
Dr. Rosen's Story Part II
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Lyin Ryan Houck
Ryan Houck, whose paid job it is to diss Florida Hometown Democracy every chance he gets, says, "I look forward to debating Blackner every chance I get, because the more people learn about Amendment 4, the more likely it is that they'll oppose it." He adds: "I do appreciate her willingness to engage in all of these forums around the state."Well, what a disingenuous guy Ryan is. Read all about our Palm Beach County resident who started Florida Hometown Democracy and her ideals. Unlike Ryan, she is NOT being paid to speak on the environment and to protect our great State. That is the difference between her and Ryan Houck, a Florida Chamber of Commerce shill. How many people are willing to put their own money and time where their mouth is?
Read all about Lesley HERE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)