Continuing with the importance of public participation...

Yesterday, we reflected on the absence of public participation in SB 6. We also said that public participation in government was important to the UEL. Today Daniel Shoer Roth said in the Miami Herald:

It's one of those lessons that does not involve mathematical formulas or grammar rules. It's about standing up for what you believe is right.

The moral of the teachers' crusade lies in the importance of defending our rights against all odds and, above all, raising our voices in order to be heard should we feel oppressed by a political decision with which we disagree.

You do not have to be a teacher to organize and protest in front of a park or anywhere else against what you believe is an injustice. It's a habit that unfortunately we have been losing to the indifference and individualism that corrode South Florida.

Any group that rebels for a just and honest cause is worthy of admiration because it teaches us to not bow our heads before the most powerful nor to accept their dictates. And if it bears fruit, the lesson is twofold, because it's evidence that the effort -- no matter how painful it may be -- is worth it.

And:

Supporters of these laws in the Florida Legislature have already disclosed that they will again propose the reform. Such is life, no victory is permanent. What remains forever, however, is the memory of that triumph, which is an inspiration to raise one's voice again. It is among life's most important lessons.

Thank you Mr. Shoer-Roth. You said what some of us were thinking...

Is the public process gone in Tallahassee?

Senate Bill 6, 'The Teachers Bill', was rammed through the legislature with little input from the public even though it would create massive changes in our State.

The Urban Environment League supports the public's participation in their government. Had the public been a part of the process, the bill could have been amended to work for all. Instead it has become a divisive issue.

The sunset of the Department of Community Affairs is an issue in the legislature that the UEL is watching. We believe the DCA performs an important function to protect and revitalize neighborhoods, prevent sprawl and foster sound planning practices. Our members have long supported the State Agency in charge of smart growth and Comprehensive Master Plan Development and we would not be in favor the 'sunset' of the DCA. We have been impressed with the current Secretary, Tom Pelham, who says:

The Department ensures that new growth complies with the state's vital growth management laws, while also helping established communities revitalize their older or traditional neighborhoods.

Hear an NPR radio broadcast/interview with Tom Pelham as guest, from 2008.