Perspectives

On a scale of one to 10, how dumb are you? Can you walk? Can you chew gum? Together? Can

you balance your checkbook? Do you feel entitled to park in handicapped parking because you are a Republican? I kid the Republicans. Can you read? Sentences? Do you believe the Earth is flat? Are there pedophiles in the priesthood? Is democracy good for you? For the community? Can there be too much democracy? Is that even possible? Too much democracy?

The moneyed interests in the state say you are too dumb to understand what is good for you. That is the crux of their argument. Really. It is. No getting around it. As a citizen of Florida, you are incapable of intelligently deciding what kind of community you want to experience for your family.

This coming Nov. 2, Floridians will vote on state Constitutional Amendment 4, which will require voter approval of any changes to local comprehensive land-use plans.

The amendment is an attempt to balance the disproportionate power of developers with the interests of local residents. Each municipality in Florida has a development plan that describes what land will be developed and how. Right now, on the books, already approved, are plans that would allow developments for nearly 100 million more Floridians.

Of course, that's a joke. Florida cannot sustain even 5 percent of that number. We already rank among the lowest nationally in health care, education and transportation. We rival Mississippi, our competitor to the bottom.

But the crux of the issue is twofold. Should citizens have the right to approve or disapprove of what elected officials approve (changes in the local land-use plan)? In other words, should citizens have a say in how their communities are developed, what they will look like, density levels and how much in additional services (taxes) will be required to sustain said development?

Oh, it is argued that our local elected officials are looking out for "our" interests. Besides, the issues are too complicated for you, a layperson, to genuinely grasp and understand. We've elected local councilmen and women as well as county commissioners to study these "complex" issues and make informed decisions that look out for the long-term interests of the "people."

Except for one example. Remember when Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty got a sweetheart deal with Orange County developer Daryl Carter. Yes, he was invited into a "deal" in South Florida, and he more than doubled his money in a year. This very same developer had projects that came before the Orange County Commission. You tell me whether or not making money (or campaign contributions, see: Mildred Fernandez) with a buddy could possibly impact how you vote.

The well-funded opponents of Amendment 4 claim the sky will fall (economic disaster) if it passes. They claim we already have elected officials to do the job (see above on Crotty). They imply that you are too dumb to vote intelligently on your interests. That remains to be seen.

The vote is still out on that question.