Some Positive Signs for Amendment 4 But Keep Talking It Up

Poll indicates good chance for passage of Amendment 4

Statement by Lesley Blackner, president of Florida Hometown Democracy:

" Mason-Dixon polling results show that a strong 2-1 majority support Amendment 4 Hometown Democracy, which would give voters the seat at the table they deserve when it comes to making important development decisions.

"We are especially heartened by the analysis of pollster Brad Coker, who said the majority shown bodes well for our measure's passage (according to a St. Petersburg Times article) and that late-deciding voters (21 percent of the population in the poll) could put Amendment 4 over the 60 percent threshold (according to an Orlando Sentinel article).

"I must point out just how far our opponents, fueled by their millions of dollars in campaign contributions from industry and special interests (some of whom got millions in federal tax bailout dollars), have gone to skew this election and attempt to thwart the will of the voters. By ramming through a change years ago to require a 60 percent margin of victory in citizen referenda, our opponents show their total contempt for the majority of Floridians who want more control over development and want a vote on land-use plan changes that would raise their property taxes.

"These good numbers for us were from polling done even before we launched our first TV commercial of the campaign, bringing a powerful image in "Dozer" to Florida voters. We are very excited about the campaign as we enter the final few weeks in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break the choke hold that special interests and land speculators have on Florida's economy."

Attorney says false ballot violates law

In DEFENDER No. 185, we reported on the 48-page false ballot for Orange City, Volusia County. The ballot was created by the anti-Amendment 4 campaign. It was devised to scare voters that Amendment 4 would require a gigantic, complicated ballot. This lie is also being spread in Manatee County by the Vote No on 4 promoters. We hope Martin will be spared such dirty politics.

Sarasota attorney Dan Lobeck points to a false ballot put out by Manatee County that lists 57 referendum amendments, when in fact there were only 10. In the town of Carrabelle in Franklin County, the false ballot broke up two amendments – only one of which covered land use - into 617 parts in an attempt to mislead voters into believing they would have to vote on 617 amendments. Lobeck reported that the false ballot violates Florida Statute 106.113.

It seems that as voters learn that Amendment 4 justifiably empowers them to decide which Comp Plan changes are worth approving, the more desperate the developer-business gang becomes. The false ballots are just one demonstration of their fear that their days of exploiting communities could come to an end.