Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Real people saying Real things about Amendment 4

Stuart News
September 13, 2010

Eric Haenni’s letter Sept. 3 displayed the typical skewed understanding of law and practical politics that is common among anti-Amendment 4 advocates trying to thwart the will of the people.

It also provided an unintended laugh with a ludicrous proposition. His observation that such amendments were not contemplated when the original Growth Management Law was passed is irrelevant. The overriding Florida constitution contemplates such changes, and provides the legal path for doing so.

On a practical rather than legalistic basis, the law unfortunately does not contemplate commissioners voting to approve over-development favorable to their campaign contributors.

It’s hard to choke back a laugh when you read Haenni’s concern that Amendment 4 might obstruct proposals to “reduce the intensity of use, protect natural resources.” Aside from the fact that residents would enthusiastically embrace such proposals, when was the last time some developer actually proposed an amendment requiring less intense use? Probably never.

Amendment 4 allows ordinary people, not the Growth Machine, to have the final say on how their communities grow. And ordinary people are smart enough to understand the issues and cast intelligent votes.

Jackie Trancynger
Jensen Beach

No comments: