An Interesting Take on Hometown Democracy

The following is from St. Petersburg Times columnist, Howard Troxler.

A bunch of Greek guys started a political debate 2,500 years ago that we're still fighting about.

Can people govern themselves wisely by a direct vote?

Or should they put their trust in leaders to make wise decisions?

Here in Florida, we're smack in the middle of that age-old fight. This November we'll vote on the idea called "Hometown Democracy."

Hometown Democracy

On 2/16 @ 1:30 there will be a meeting on Hometown Democracy, Janet Stanko will be the speaker.

The meeting will be held in Cortez at the schoolhouse.

This is being held in an effort to explain more about Amendment 4: Florida Hometown Democracy

Regardless of your opinion this would be a helpful forum for blog members to determine if this Amendment will help in our efforts to preserve our city.

Should voters decide what's best for their community?

I wanted to make the bloggers aware of an issue which will come before all Florida citizens and would result, if passed , in a change to our constitution. It is called Hometown Democracy and it would result in any changes to Comprehensive Plans being brought before the voters.

Quote from the site: "Each of us has a huge stake in growth decisions that can drastically alter our community's future for generations to come. Each community has adopted its own comprehensive plan: a long-term master plan for sensible growth. Currently, elected city and county commissioners have exclusive power to make changes to the plan. Rising taxes, falling home values, gridlocked roads, dwindling water supplies and Florida's disappearing beauty are just some of the devastating consequences of Florida politicians' habit of rubberstamping speculative plan changes.

With Amendment 4, your power to vote on growth will enable you to preserve your neighborhood and your community and protect the value of your home."

Please check out the Hometown Democracy Site at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com form your own opinions but to me this strikes right at the heart of what we have been faced with in Anna Maria. A few making lucrative pro-development decisions to line their and their friend's pockets at the expense of all of citizens who pay the majority of the taxes.