Sierra Club Backs Ballot Box Planning Measure In Florida

Responding to concerns over the state's rapid growth, the environmental group has pledged to support a proposed measure that would allow voters to decide questions regarding planning and growth.

1 minute read

March 2, 2007, 9:00 AM PST

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Backers of a statewide proposal to give voters ultimate authority over new subdivisions, shopping centers and other future growth received a $35,000 contribution and vows of vigorous support from one of Florida's largest environmental groups Wednesday.

The Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club stepped firmly behind the Florida Hometown Democracy campaign, which aims to gather enough voter signatures to put a proposed constitutional amendment on next year's ballot. If passed, local politicians would have to win voter approval to change growth-planning guidelines.

'I think more and more people are becoming outraged by how we are growing,' said John Hedrick, Sierra chairman for growth issues, who announced his group's support in Tallahassee. 'I think people feel cut out of the planning process.'

Hedrick said the Sierra Club in Florida has 18 local groups with a combined membership of more than 30,000. Each group has pledged to secure thousands of voter signatures."

Thursday, March 1, 2007 in The Orlando Sentinel

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