Resolution Opposing Amendment 4 October 25, 2010
Posted by grchair in advertising, Amendment 4, Ballot, economy, Election 2010, Government Relations, Legislative.comments closed
RESOLUTION OF THE AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION, FOURTH DISTRICT, OPPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION THAT WOULD FORCE VOTERS TO DECIDE ALL CHANGES TO A CITY OR COUNTY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN [AND URGING VOTERS TO VOTE “NO ON 4” IN NOVEMBER]
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is experiencing an unprecedented recession; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida’s unemployment rate continues to climb and is among the highest in our nation; and
WHEREAS, attracting new jobs and new businesses to the State of Florida is essential to the future recovery and prosperity of the state and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 4 seeks to place a constitutional amendment before Florida’s voters to amend Article II, Section 7, of the Florida Constitution, (Title: REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS); and
WHEREAS, Amendment 4 creates a time-consuming and costly process for businesses locating or expanding in Florida; and
WHEREAS, Amendment 4 will impede efforts to grow and diversify Florida’s economy ultimately leading to a decline in activity for Florida’s advertising community; and
WHEREAS, a major economic study indicates that Amendment 4 is likely to lead to over 260,000 lost jobs in Florida; and
WHEREAS, this amendment will result in added costs to our local governments, weakened public services and heavier burdens on Florida taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, the small Pinellas county town of St. Pete Beach adopted a local version of Amendment 4 in 2006; and
WHEREAS, this local version of Amendment 4 resulted in higher taxes, fewer jobs and endless litigation at taxpayer expense; and
WHEREAS, due to sustained job loss, stifled job creation and a loss of economic vitality, Amendment 4 will cause the standard of living of all Florida residents to decline, and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION, FOURTH DISTRICT, THAT:
Section 1. The American Advertising Federation, Fourth District, hereby strongly opposes the proposed Constitutional Amendment 4, which poses a grave threat to Florida’s unique quality of life, the stability of its communities, and the prosperity of its economy.
Section 2. The American Advertising Federation, Fourth District, recommends defeat of Constitutional Amendment 4.
Section 3. The The American Advertising Federation, Fourth District, urges citizens to vote “NO” on Amendment 4 when it appears on the ballot and will communicate the same message to its 2,000 members across Florida.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of October, 2010.
SIGNED:
Ric Banciella, GOVERNOR
Nairn’ B. Gillet, GOVERNOR-ELECT
Marla Lucas, TREASURER
Susan Waldeck, SECRETARY
And the survey says!: 4AAF members DO care about Government Relations October 14, 2010
Posted by grchair in advertising, Candidates, economy, Election 2010, Government Relations, Survey.comments closed
Methodology
In June and July of this year, the 4th District AAF Government Relations Committee conducted a 10-minute online survey of members via SurveyMonkey.com.
•333 respondents participated
•Drawing for a free iPad provided incentive
Purpose
Gauge current attitudes, perceptions and familiarity of government relations issues related to the advertising industry among 4th District membership in order to provide an effective and engaging legislative initiative for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
TOP-LINE FINDINGS: general impressions about government relations:
Government relations and politics are important to our membership.
•86% indicated that they are interested in politics.
•75% believe that government relations activities plays an important role in their daily business.
•95% are registered to vote, and a full 60% say they try to always vote in all primary and general elections.
•70% have contributed to a political campaign within the past two years.
Our impression of the people we elect into office? They are popularity contest winners, who start with good intentions to serve the public good. . . but often end up just looking out for their own interests.
•“I believe most start out wanting to serve their country, then get caught up in the guck of old time politics.”
•“Well intentioned overall initially but subject to corruption – weak.”
Most important issue for our membership: JOBS AND THE ECONOMY.
TOP-LINE FINDINGS: member preferences and behaviors related to government relations
•Members use online news sources to political news coverage more than any other media channel.
•47% spend at least an hour each week engaged in some kind of political activity.
•Overwhelming majority of members ranked periodic email updates that are relevant to the ad industry as the most beneficial AAF Government Relations initiative.
•44% would like to hear a keynote address from a state legislator at a conference or program.
•40-50% of our membership have NO IMPRESSION of any key 4th district initiatives, including Florida AdPac, Rally In Tally, Lobbying or communications efforts.
For a full summary, download the pdf: 4AAF GR Survey Summary
