Orlando – In an Election Day characterized by nail-biters and close-calls, the battle over Amendment 4 stands out for being anything but. Voters handed no-growth interests a stunning, across-the-board defeat on Tuesday, decisively rejecting the draconian anti-growth measure that would have required taxpayer-funded referenda for all changes to local comprehensive land use plans. The amendment was soundly defeated in every region and rejected by a majority of voters in both major parties, as well as Independents.
“Voters overwhelmingly agree that one of Florida’s most important economic sectors should not be held hostage,” said Ryan Houck, executive director of Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy. “Floridians saw through the rhetoric and recognized Amendment 4 for what it was — a dangerous, costly and job-killing anti-growth measure that would have driven our state deeper into recession.”
Unlike most ballot initiatives, Floridians have been debating Amendment 4 for the better part of a decade — since it was first drafted in 2003. Since that time, an historic coalition has formed to oppose the anti-growth measure, including Florida’s top business, labor, civic and planning groups as well as every major newspaper and both leading candidates for Governor.
“In the beginning, opposition to Amendment 4 was controversial and by the end, it was consensus,” said Houck. “That’s because Floridians had years to learn about this amendment, study its details, and consider its consequences. The result was not just a resounding rejection of Amendment 4, but also a rejection of the anti-growth philosophy that underpins it.”
