Once you have filled in the bubbles on your ballot for everything from governor to Congress, dont start patting yourself on the back. Before you consider you civic duty accomplished, you have three proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution to consider. Amendments 1 and 2 were placed on the ballot through citizen initiatives, while Amendment 3 is an attempt by the Legislature to clear up a question on judicial appointments. The Tallahassee Democrat Editorial Board recommends yes votes on the first two proposed amendments and a no vote on the third. Amendment 1: Water and Land Conservation – Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands. Florida has a history of preserving the natural wonders that make our beautiful state unique. Through the Preservation 2000 program and its successor, Florida Forever, the state has set aside millions of acres for the enjoyment of its citizens as well as the protection of threatened and endangered species. The Legislature in 2008 reauthorized Florida Forever — which is supported by documentary stamps from real-estate sales — for 10 years, at $300 million per year. But a recession intervened and funding was slashed. Then, even as the economy rebounded, funding remained low. This year, even boosted by the sale of some state lands, Florida Forever received only about $50 million. Thus the proposed amendment. Amendment 1 would set aside 33 percent of income from the documentary stamps for the next 20 years and put that money toward acquiring and managing conservation lands. That could total more than $600 million in the first year. Its unfortunate that this has to be added to the state constitution, which has morphed from a template for government into a collection of directives on anything from marriage to pregnant pigs. But when the Legislature refuses to do the peoples will, citizens have a right to act. Supporters point out that this is not a new tax. That is disingenuous, because obviously the Legislature will have to find a way to replace the money that now would be spent on conservation. But it should be spent in the way it was intended. Preserving Floridas beauty is good for the people, good for business and good for our future. Vote yes.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 02:53:50 +0000
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