Video: Proposition 4 debate between Joe McClash and Jon Thaxton

The Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment that will be on the Nov. 4 ballot is either a great advance in citizens' rights and a marvelous tool for taking our government back from corrupt politicians or an evil, job-destroying measure that will put millions of tax dollars into lawyers' pockets, an outcome nobody wants -- except the lawyers, of course.

It was a spirited but courteous debate. Sarasota County commissioner Jon Thaxton, who is firmly against Prop. 4, and Manatee County commissioner Joe McClash, who supports it, are both Republicans, both more environmentally sensitive than most local government officials around here, and have worked together on many issues that affect both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The video is a little over one hour long. You can watch all of it or skip around. Either way, these two gentlemen will give you an excellent look at both the positives and the negatives of this contentious ballot initiative.