Support for Amendment 4

In response to the Alachua County Today article on Amendment 4 that ran last week, I’d like to explain why I support the measure. Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 will give taxpayers the right to vote on changes to already existing comprehensive land use plans. These are plans that have been determined years ago to guide the growth of our communities in a planned and thoughtful way to protect us from land speculators that make a profit on quick developments and increased sprawl.

The opposition will continue to use scare tactics to convince voters that they will be confused and burdened with hundreds of technicalities on their next ballot. That’s just not the case. The opposition is a campaign of politicians and big real estate executives that benefit from the easy passage of new projects- yet we’re the ones left to pay the price.

I’m voting yes on Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 on the Nov. 2 statewide ballot because I want a seat at the table – a chance to vote on how my home and my town are affected by growth. As a taxpayer, I deserve it.

For more information, you can visit www.floridahometowndemocracy.com.

Kathy Marsh

Gainesville, Fla.