(Robert Parrish is a Gainesville builder who is president of the Florida Home Builders Association.)
As a builder, we know all too well the dire consequences that the so-called Hometown Democracy amendment would have in Florida. It would virtually lead to a complete halt to smart growth in our state, eliminate jobs, and have a devastating impact upon Florida’s economy.
I’m confident that with your support, and the support of others in Florida, we can play a significant role in helping to organize the campaign to defeat this amendment.
In addition to FHBA, others in the business community who have been actively committed to defeating Hometown Democracy include the National Association of Home Builders, the Florida Land Council, and the Florida Chamber. Together, a unified campaign to spearhead efforts to try to keep the issue off of the ballot has been established.
Likewise, others have joined and have generously supported the cause. Those include the Florida Association of Realtors, NAIOP of Florida, the International Council of Shopping Centers, and a growing coalition of over 50 organizations across the state. And still others like suppliers and vendors are being asked to help.
Thankfully, significant headway has been made to impact Hometown’s pace of signature gathering and their polling numbers are down because of these efforts.
However, we’re not out of the woods yet. The more people learn about this amendment, the less likely they are to sign a petition. The more people learn that there are better, smarter alternatives to this amendment, the slower the petition-gathering pace becomes.
The history of ballot initiatives in Florida that passed, but should not have, is comprised of those amendments that were not actively opposed until it was too late. It would be irresponsible for us to allow Florida’s future to be put in jeopardy for lack of planning and executing.
That is why, in addition to trying to keep the issue off the ballot, we are building a professional and grassroots campaign effort that is up to the task that is before us.
But we must have your support.
Floridians for Smarter Growth, the organization that is leading the fight against Hometown Democracy, needs your contributions. FSG can accept personal, corporate or PAC contributions, and there is no limit to how much you can give.
It is my hope that you will join this important fight to defeat this amendment. Send your contributions to Floridians for Smarter Growth, Inc., Attention Nancy Watkins, 610 South Boulevard Suite 100, Tampa 33606. Or call 813-254-3369.