Guest Editorial: The Truth About Yankeetown and Amendment 4

Mr. John Thaxton’s guest editorial demonized Amendment 4 with many unsubstantiated claims.  He said that Yankeetown’s implementation of a similar amendment is ”unmanageable.“ Nothing could be further from the truth.
 
Yankeetown did tweak its amendment after the fact. The capital improvement element amendments he derided are primarily budgetary items, not planning items. Capital improvement items that had to do with land use would have already been reflected and approved in the comprehensive plan. The Legislature could place a similar tweak in the next election if needed. 
 
Here’s why Yankeetown adopted its own Hometown Democracy:
 
In 2005, secret meetings were held between Yankeetown officials and real estate speculators. An election took place as the voters were kept in the dark.  One of the officials even had a land sale contract with the speculators. The proposal was so massive it would have completely destroyed the character of our beautiful Gulf Coast community.
 
When those same officials proposed to ”negotiate“ with the speculators (again in secret), the town imploded. Irate citizens packed town meetings demanding open and honest discussion. But the council was listening to the real estate speculators – not to us. Some officials couldn’t take the heat and resigned, resulting in the inability of the town to muster a quorum. The town was finally saved when then Governor Jeb Bush issued an Executive Order that provided for a special election. Once voters knew the truth, the speculator-friendly candidates were soundly defeated by candidates favoring only development that conformed to the Town’s existing land-use laws.
 
To protect the town’s future, I introduced amendments to the town charter that gave voters the right to approve land-use changes that greatly affect them. The voters approved the amendments two to one. Yankeetown citizens now can vote to protect our community – regardless of who is running our local government at the time. Voters can veto or approve their commission’s decision on the next regularly scheduled Election Day. No special elections are required.
 
What led to Amendment 4 and why should readers vote for it? It’s simple – a lack of trust in public officials – local, state and federalÉ period. A New York Times analysis found Florida to be the number-one state for public corruption. Officials from our own Levy County were recently convicted for taking bribes from a ”developer“ who was really an undercover FBI agent.
 
I would caution readers not to buy the scare tactics that Big Money is throwing at Amendment 4. Do you believe, as Mr. Thaxton postulates, that voters would actually reject ”smart, green and high-tech industries?“ Is merely building more subdivisions and big box stores really ”economic growth“? Look around at all the vacant homes, high-rise condos and malls. There are already enough approved plans in Florida to accommodate decades of future growth.  
 
It’s really all about trust. Whom do you trust more, you and your fellow citizens or special-interest loving politicians, lobbyists and real estate speculators? If Amendment 4 isn't the solution, then what is? If we don't get our foot in the door NOW, we will NEVER have another chance. 
 
I urge everyone to vote yes on Amendment 4. You will be glad you took a stand. The Hometown Democracy amendments were well-received and have functioned smoothly in Yankeetown. You can learn more at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com.

Ed Candela is a former Yankeetown City Council member.