Public Forum: Amendment 4 @ Coastal Branch Library. Oct 21, 7-8:30pm.

[Teresa]

Hometown Democracy Forum Coastal Branch Library

Thursday October 21 2010
07:00 PM

PUBLIC FORUM on AMENDMENT #4

On Thursday, Oct. 21, the South Walton Community Council will sponsor a public forum on Amendment #4. The forum will be held at the Coastal Branch Library from 7:00-8:30pm and is free and open to the public. Amnendment 4 is on the statewide Nov. 2 ballot and will require a 60% yes vote to be added to the Florida Constitution.

Essentially, the amendment establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to the vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body, and notice.

Speaking in favor of the amendment will be Mr. John Hedrick, a representative of Florida Hometown Democracy.

Speaking in opposition will be Mr. Cliff Long, Government Affairs Director of the Emerald Coast Associaion of Realtors.

Following their presentations, written questions will be responded to.

 

[Kurt]

Here is what Amendment 4 will look like on your ballot on Nov. 2:

TITLE: Referenda required for adoption and amendment of local government comprehensive land use plans.

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BALLOT SUMMARY: Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Provides definitions.

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FULL TEXT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF FLORIDA THAT:
Article II, Section 7. Natural resources and scenic beauty of the Florida Constitution is amended to add the following subsection:

Public participation in local government comprehensive land use planning benefits the conservation and protection of Florida?s natural resources and scenic beauty, and the long-term quality of life of Floridians. Therefore, before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, such proposed plan or plan amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body as provided by general law, and notice thereof in a local newspaper of general circulation. Notice and referendum will be as provided by general law. This amendment shall become effective immediately upon approval by the electors of Florida.

For purposes of this subsection:

1. ?Local government? means a county or municipality.
2. ?Local government comprehensive land use plan? means a plan to guide and control future land development in an area under the jurisdiction of a local government.
3. ?Local planning agency? means the agency of a local government that is responsible for the preparation of a comprehensive land use plan and plan amendments after public notice and hearings and for making recommendations to the governing body of the local government regarding the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive land use plan.
4. ?Governing body? means the board of county commissioners of a county, the commission or council of a municipality, or the chief elected governing body of a county or municipality, however designated.
Serial Number 05-18 Date Approved June 21, 2005

 

[Andy A]

Why written questions? It seems to be the thing by those sponsoring forums this year and it severly limits what one might ask.
Here is why I say this. On many occasions one does not have a question formed or anotheer is brought to mind when one of the speakers makes his/her presentation. The question is then not only relevant, but is immediately discernable by those in attendance because it concerns what has just been said.
In short, I feel some questions should be allowed from the floor or the forum loses some of its usefulness.

 

[Matt J]

Why written questions? It seems to be the thing by those sponsoring forums this year and it severly limits what one might ask.
Here is why I say this. On many occasions one does not have a question formed or anotheer is brought to mind when one of the speakers makes his/her presentation. The question is then not only relevant, but is immediately discernable by those in attendance because it concerns what has just been said.
In short, I feel some questions should be allowed from the floor or the forum loses some of its usefulness.

Andy I prefer the written form, it's much better than either a) people rambling endlessly trying to find a point or b) the same person asking a question previously asked.

 

[Andy A]

Andy I prefer the written form, it's much better than either a) people rambling endlessly trying to find a point or b) the same person asking a question previously asked.

And, on this we will definitely disagree. I can forego the rare rambling and, if the moderator is worth his/her salt, they can readily say, "that question has already been asked and answered".
If I wanted to ask a written question, I'd just send it to the forum. Why bother going?

 

[scooterbug44]

We didn't have pre-approved written questions at the oil drilling forum and I thought that went quite well.

That one guy rambled and was clueless, but aside from him, I learned a lot and people asked good questions.

 

[Andy A]

The forum is a little late. Early voting started on the 18th and I have already voted. Attending the forum for our family would be moot.

 

[Elephant Child]

The forum is a little late. Early voting started on the 18th and I have already voted. Attending the forum for our family would be moot.

Likely it was planned that way... 4 days after Early Voting Started.