To The Editor:

Amendment 4, slated to appear on the 2010 ballot, states: “before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, such proposed plan or plan amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body as provided by general law, and notice thereof in a local newspaper of general circulation.

Notice and referendum will be as provided by general law. This amendment shall become effective immediately upon approval by the electors of Florida.”

The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce opposes Amendment 4. While at first glance this legislation may seem like a means for allowing the voters of Florida more control over land use planning, we believe this is not a good or efficient solution for Florida or the underlying issues driving this measure.

Government officials are elected by the people to carefully consider issues brought to their table, including changes to the local land use plan. It is the duty of local officials to weigh both sides of an issue and make a decision that is in the best interests of the greater good of the community as opposed to popular opinion. Removing this task from our government officials and placing it in the hands of popular opinion, or whichever special interest is best capable of mobilizing their base of support to the polls, is not responsible governance.

Requiringthat each and everychangeto thecounty-wide comprehensiveland use plan hasto be sent to referendum will undoubtedly force special elections to accommodate the numerous changes that are proposed to thecomprehensive plan each year. Costly elections will place an additional and unnecessary financial burden squarely on the shoulders of already money-strapped taxpayers.For example, voters in the City of Naples would be voting on land plan changesapplicable only toImmokalee or GoldenGate Estates.

Environmental leaders across the state have rejected this legislation. If passed, this amendment will not stop growth, but will make well-planned smart growth nearly impossible, creating a great potential for sprawl, uncoordinated planning and destruction of green space.

We will strongly encourage our membership to vote no on Amendment 4. While Amendment 4’s simple language seems benign in nature, it will prove to be destructive for a Floridian economy already in the throes of a recession.

Michael Reagen, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce

Marci Seamples

Vice president of Communications