Letters to the Editor

Give citizens a seat at the table

In the June 10 column ["Realtors oppose Amendment 4", by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association], the author makes a lot of false claims about Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4, which will be on the statewide ballot Nov. 2.

Florida Hometown Democracy is a nonpartisan Florida citizen's movement, and the real estate speculators and their politician friends don't like that one bit! They are afraid of the voters having oversight on their dealings.

With Amendment 4, we're simply saying: give us citizens a "seat at the table" — a chance to vote. We're the ones who pay tax dollars to extend the schools, police, fire, water, sewer and roads to all these new developments that politicians keep approving. Is a new development affordable to our community? We should get a vote before we're forced to pay.

Big Business has raised $6 million so far to try to defeat Amendment 4 and deny us our right to vote. Ask yourself: Why are they so scared of common-sense taxpayer oversight?

The truth is, our homes and our communities are too important to leave in the hands of speculators and politicians. When it affects my taxes, I want to vote on it.

Amendment 4 simply adds one important step to the existing planning process. Here's how it will work: After consideration by local planning agencies, city or county commissions will study, hold public hearings, and vote on proposed changes to the overall land-use plan (local comprehensive land-use plan) just like they do now. The new step is that once a commission approves a plan change, voters will get to approve or veto it at the next regularly scheduled Election Day. That's it.

Amendment 4 only applies to land-use changes to the long-term comprehensive land-use plan. It doesn't apply to rezonings, variances, site plan approvals, plats, building permits or other types of development approvals. Every local government already has a land-use plan, most developed over decades of planning effort. Politicians should be able to explain to voters why it is in the public interest to change the status quo long-term plan for the locality.

I am working to pass this important reform in November, and I hope you will, too. Look around Florida at the overbuilt, empty storefronts and foreclosures, and you can see we need a change. Florida Hometown Democracy's Amendment 4 is that change, and if we all vote for it we will get a voice. You can learn the facts by going to our website, www.floridahometowndemocracy.com. Volunteer, donate and get involved.

—Ross Burnaman

Co-founder of Florida Hometown Democracy

How to storm-proof your home

With the arrival of June came hot temperatures and the start of the 2010 Hurricane Season. While we certainly do not face the exact same threats that coastal residents face, it is still a good idea to make sound decisions about making your home hurricane and storm ready. The old saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" rings all too true with weather disasters, as once the storm hits, it is often too late to do anything to mitigate any damage.

That being said, I'd like to take this opportunity to share some tips and ideas about how to "storm-proof" your residence this season.

For a major incident such as a hurricane, prior home preparation is key. It is important to remove patio/porch furniture prior to the arrival of the storm, since strong winds can easily stir up objects and turn them into dangerous projectiles. Another interesting idea for patio furniture — if you have a pool, submerge the furniture in the pool (if it's waterproof!) to protect your home and your belongings.

If your gutters are cluttered, now is the time to attend to them. Gutters should be clean and functioning properly prior to a storm. Water from the downspouts shouldn't collect near the house, or you may face water damage. A major part of the house, the roof, requires special attention and preparation. If you plan on replacing your shingles in the near future, it is a sound idea to install additional braces in the trusses, or if you install galvanized metal straps, and put in secondary water barriers. Doors can be reinforced by "beefing" up hinges. Garage doors can be reinforced by bracing each panel. Windows, often a headache for the homeowner after the storm, can be protected by installing hurricane shutters or plywood covers. Shutters are the more expensive option, whereas plywood can be a DIY summer project. In a pinch, clear plastic window film can prevent shattering, but are not necessarily the best option. These mitigation measures may also provide the added bonus of reducing your homeowner's insurance premiums. Contact your local certified builder for additional information and installation estimates. Remember to remove screens and screen doors and items that can tear through the screen once the wind picks up.

Foliage can be a true nightmare during and after the storm. Check your trees for rotten trunks and/or deadwood or limbs, and if needed, remove them. The last thing you need is a tree through your roof or limbs tearing through your home. Smart investments in the form of time and sweat in your yard now can save your home in the event of the major storm in the future.

Other things to consider include securing valuables such as jewelry and family photos in a waterproof compartment. Make sure to back up your computer as well. If you should choose to ever evacuate, you can store items in an empty dishwasher, but make sure to take important items with you. Finally, it is never too early to stock up on gallons of water, flashlights and batteries, and other necessities for the storm. You can also stock up on water by filling your tub. Power may go out, so if you choose to buy a generator, now is always better than later to avoid the rush.

These are just some of the tips available to you regarding preparing for the storm and hurricane season. For more tips and advice, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org — the Florida Division of Emergency Management site. If you would like more information on this or any other state agency or issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 407-884-2023. As always, it is an honor to serve you.

— State Rep. Bryan Nelson