Vote no on Amendment 4

Washington County residents need to learn more about Amendment 4 before they head to the polls on November 2 to vote. Although the amendment sounds very good when read, it actually is very detrimental to the growth of Florida and, in Washington County’s case, very limiting to our future.

Amendment 4, also known as Hometown Democracy, is really designed to limit and deter growth throughout Florida. If it is approved by the residents of the state, it will not only slow down growth but also be very costly to the counties who must implement it.

Simply put, every county will be forced to hold a referendum on every proposed comprehensive plan change -- not just major projects, but even minor technical details as well. The cost to the taxpayers will be high.

Not only will projects be delayed, but in some cases abandoned by the companies proposing them. In addition, the county will have to pay for every referendum, which will be costly, and may result in the county having to ask for more taxes to cover this burdensome requirement.

This is not a good amendment. It is written to sound as though voters are being given more choice and control over development, but it will actually strangle future development and create a costly burden for our county. It is hard enough to attract business to our county, if this goes forward it will be very near impossible. Residents should do the smart thing and vote NO on Amendment 4. More information is available at www.florida2010.org

Ted Everett

Executive Director

Washington County Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development