Miami Dade County Community Forum

Monday, August 3, 2009

Is Amendment 4 the Right Answer?

There is an article in the Miami Herald today about Amendment 4. The author says:

In the complex world of comprehensive land-use plans, the public cannot vote.

However, this uneven balance of power could change in the 2010 elections. A proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution would give the public the final say on changes to a comprehensive land-use plan that have been approved by commissioners.

Given that changes to a development plan determine the fate of a community for future generations, it is vital that those changes reflect voters' interests, maintains Florida Hometown Democracy, which is promoting Amendment 4.

Contrary to the arguments of the amendment's foes, the objective would not be to ask voters to approve all changes, no matter how minor, like putting an addition onto a house. Instead, it would be limited to significant changes in development policies.


What is your opinion readers? Do you want to leave the last word with voters or politicians?

2 comments:

  1. I think it is the right answer in Miami. The developers are making the decision now (through the commissioners who they bankroll). I think I would be better suited and less beholden to make a fair decision. We only have to look around us to see what their decisions have done.

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  2. I am all for amendment 4. When the county adopted the Community Council system years ago, we were hopeful that there would be some greater control over rampant and inappropriate development. Unfortunately, that was not to be. I think the Hometown Democracy folks have hit upon what just may be the only workable solution. We will have to work very hard to convince others . . .

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