County Commission says, ‘No’ to Amendment 4

By John M. Ayers

The Gilchrist County Commission took action in the September 20 meeting to adopt Resolution 2010-59 in opposition to Constitutional Amendment 4 that will appear on the November 2, 2010 General Election ballot in Florida. A motion was made by Commissioner Randy Durden and a second by Commissioner Tommy Langford as the Gilchrist County Commission took action against Amendment 4. Chairman D. Ray Harrison, Jr. called for a vote, and the five members voted in favor of the resolution opposing the action, which identifies the adoption and amendment for local government comprehensive land use plans. The board in this action sent a copy of the Resolution to the Gilchrist County Farm Bureau and the Gilchrist County Cattlemen’s Association.
Gilchrist County Farm Bureau President Roy Wilson let the Gilchrist County Commission know that the Gilchrist County Farm Bureau was also opposing Amendment 4 and urged the voters in Gilchrist County to do the same.
Gilchrist County Cattlemen’s Association President Jim Jones also reported that the Cattlemen’s Association was in opposition to the proposed amendment, and he too urged Gilchrist County residents to vote no on Amendment 4.
A ballot summary of Amendment 4 from the League of Women Voters of Florida establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote by the registered voters of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing board and notice.
If the proposal were approved, it would amend Florida Constitution to require voter approval of development proposals that conflict with already established comprehensive land use plans. Comprehensive plans are blueprints that local government use to define how the lands in the governed areas may be developed. The amendment is sponsored by Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc. PAC.