Resolution Opposing Amendment 4

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