Hometown Democracy Initiative Work In Progress

Published: Jun 30, 2007

Growth Not Problem

Regarding "Hometown Democracy Threatens Economy, Property Rights" (Other Views, June 19):

Lenard Gilroy's characterization of Hometown Democracy as destructive ballot-box zoning and a threat to property rights is simply wrongheaded.

If the voters felt that they could count on their elected officials to stick to a well-thought-out comprehensive plan, there would be no need for subsequent public oversight until the next planning cycle. But what we have instead is a parade of developers each seeking "just one" rezoning or variance approval from city and county commissioners - and they are not seeking to build low-income housing.

Among the various "property rights" there is no such thing as the right to have your property rezoned. Nor is there any right to expect expensive public services to be provided when you choose to build a housing development in a remote rural area.

Property taxes and insurance costs are driving home affordability, not planned growth.

FRED JACOBSEN

Apollo Beach

Give Yourself A Vote

Regarding Gilroy's June 19 column:

As co-author of the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment, I want to correct his distortions. Florida's Supreme Court noted that existing law allows referenda for land use plan amendments that affect more than five parcels.

Radical? No, the U.S. Supreme Court calls the referendum a "basic instrument of democratic government." Next, zoning changes are not covered by the amendment. I challenge Gilroy to prove his "sky is falling" claims about housing, the economy and property rights. Gilroy doesn't seem to care about the property rights of existing residents who are forced to fund the very growth that degrades their quality of life.

Give yourself a vote on growth - www.floridahometowndemocracy.com.

ROSS BURNAMAN

Tallahassee

Wants To Have A Voice

Regarding "Businesses Fight Push For Land Use Overhaul" (front page, June 20):

There are some people who want to prevent Floridians from deciding their own future. The development industry and Florida Chamber of Commerce are acting in a very aggressive manner against the Florida Hometown Democracy organization.

FHD wants to give power to voters - in other words, you and me - to decide whether changes to comprehensive plans should be approved or not. Although some of this group's goals may require fine-tuning down the road, their desire to empower citizens is the right thing to do. Our county commissioners sure aren't looking after this county's future.

Look at what much of Florida is becoming. Look at how many formerly rural places are now strip malls and housing tracts. Look at the traffic! What a nightmare to drive through Orlando or Miami or just on Interstate 275.

Look at our coasts and all the condos and other developments blocking us from our beaches. The developers and commercial business groups want us to think there is something un-American in wanting to have a voice in deciding our state's future. Well, I say it's the most American thing we can do. I support Florida Hometown Democracy.

JANIDA THUEMLER

Tampa

A Better Solution

Growth in Florida is out of control, but Florida Hometown Democracy may not be the most efficient way to alleviate the problem. Every major land-use decision to be voted on by the public would be expensive and cumbersome.

Possibly a better solution would be to change financing laws to severely limit contributions to elected officials. Maybe then your elected representatives would vote for the best solution rather than the one that has been paid for.

BARRY MANN

Tampa