June 22, 2006

It is with great pleasure that Florida Hometown Democracy announces that the Florida Supreme Court has today unanimously approved our citizen's initiative to amend the Florida Constitution for placement on the 2008 ballot. The Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment will "put the voters back in charge of the places where they live" by requiring that certain land use changes must be submitted to the local electorate for approval. Land use changes affect a community more than just about any other type of local decision. Because citizens are stuck with the consequences of these land use changes, it makes sense that they should have the final say to accept or reject such changes.

"We are committed to getting this citizen's initiative on the 2008 ballot." said FHD chair Lesley Blackner. "We love this state and hate the failure of local government to protect Floridians from bad growth. The best way to fix the broken machine is to change who approves comprehensive plan changes. We have greater faith in the electorate than we do in elected politicos." Blackner urges all Floridian voters to go immediately to the FHD website, www.floridahometowndemocracy.com, download the petition, sign it and mail it in and get involved in this grassroots effort. "We need the people of Florida to get behind this historic opportunity to change the politics of growth once and for all. Let's get together and make this happen. The future of Florida will thank us."