I appreciate the Chamber of Commerce’s position on this, but I also see the other side. Having all the information always leads to a better decision.

Apathy on the part of the electorate doesn’t mean we should abandon democracy. But I agree, this amendment could become giant burden and prove no better in protecting our community.

I encourage you to visit florida2010.org to learn why we and dozens of other organizations across the state are opposed to Amendment 4.

In my experience it always helps when someone brings it home and tells me how it will impact me right here in Lakeland.

If 4 had passed in 2004 Lakeland residents would have been asked to vote on 108 comprehensive land changes over the last five years. These comp changes would most likely have been voted on in special elections. Every election held in the City of Lakeland cost taxpayers $45,000 and every county-wide election costs County $250,000. Who pays for that? Taxpayers.

Voter turnout in the past two Lakeland municipal elections was dismal. Only 8.1% of Lakeland voters turned out for the January special election, and only 16.6% voted in the December 2009 run-off election. The general municipal election resulted in a 19.5% turnout. Lakeland residents were choosing their next mayor in the November and December elections and at best only 19.5% showed up to participate. Can you imagine how little interest there will be when Lakeland voters are asked to vote on all comprehensive land-use changes?

If voters don’t presently go to the polls to vote for the elected officials that are currently responsible for making land-use changes to our comprehensive plans, why do we think they would go to the polls to vote for the comp changes themselves?

We will continue to post updates and further information regarding the devastating impacts Amendment 4 will cause. Stay tuned…