Why Amendment 4 is critical. Read this memo from Joe Kane

In follow up to recent Amendment 4 posts HERE and HERE, this from Joe Kane of Cortez:

"The date was 10-12-10 ( date of the Robinson Farm Land Use Change meeting )

Item #28 Robinson Farm presentation was heard from approximately 2:00PM to 5:00PM .

The BOCC vote was 4-3 to deny Robinson Farm PA 10-02.

During a break, Approx. 15 minutes later.............................

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Video begins at: 17:16:45 ( 5:16PM ) 10-12-10

The only persons visible in the North Lobby are:

John Neal

Edward Vogler

Betsy Menac ( MillerWilson Stantec)

at 17:17:02

Gwen Brown walks out of the BOCC Chambers directly to the center of the lobby

and is surrounded by all three - it is obvious a conversation is taking place.

at 17:20:46

Gwen Brown leaves the other three and walks back into the BOCC Chambers !

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At approx. 6:10 PM Gwen Brown rescinds her vote ! Robinson Farm is approved 4-3 !

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LETS MAKE A DEAL

The naked power of developers over the Manatee County commission was again exposed a few days ago when a commissioner reversed her vote,

minutes after speaking to developers seeking a tripling of density of Hawthorne Park.

Amendment 4 was given another gift when commissioner Gwen Brown changed her vote from supporting the residents in the Northwest Bradenton neighborhood,

to denying the homeowners’ request in favor of developer Pat Neal. This brazen disregard towards residents is just another example why we need Amendment 4,

giving voters the final say on all changes to their comprehensive plan.

Opponents to Hometown Democracy are using fear, the oldest trick in the books. From outlandish predictions that passage of Amendment 4 will be the end of

Western Civilization, as we know it, to ominous prophesies of further economic implosion and voters being overwhelmed with voting on hundred of proposed changes.

Not so. In Manatee County there is a yearly average of nine changes to the comprehensive plans.

Even a college government professor, who is also a state representative seeking reelection is playing fast and loose with the facts, claiming there would have to be expensive

special elections to determine comprehensive plan changes. Sorry professor, that aint true, for proposed comprehensive plan changes would be voted on at the next scheduled election.

When you’re desperate though, you don’t let facts get in your way, and developers are sweating bullets, knowing their control over Florida government may be upturned by voters,

demanding their final say on all changes to their comprehensive plan. Vote yes on Amendment 4, November 2."