St. Petersburg Times: Don't let Florida revert to abuses of past, driven by GOP destruction

[seafan]

The grievous actions of the GOP-controlled State House will be a catastrophe for the future of Florida.


Nathaniel Pryor Reed writes, in a special to the St. Petersburg Times:

April 29, 2011

It is with an incredible sense of dismay that I watch what is unfolding in Florida this legislative session. The governor and Legislature seem bent on destroying our state's landmark process to manage growth and development, essential considering that Florida soon will pass New York as the third-largest state in the nation.

In recent conversations with three former distinguished governors, I found all appalled by the disastrous course the state leadership is setting for us. The looming agenda is unapologetically probusiness and antiregulation. Florida's new leadership is in complete denial that this state's natural areas are both the foundation and economic engine that drive our beautiful state.

To avoid the problems of overcrowded schools, congested roadways and environmental damage that occurred unchecked after World War II, Florida must maintain a workable system to direct growth into suitable places and away from those lands too sensitive for development. This was, and remains, the mission I shared with several other prominent Floridians when in 1986 we founded 1,000 Friends of Florida, the second organization of its kind in the nation. Over the past quarter-century, 1,000 Friends has worked with leaders from both sides of the aisle to shape one of the most successful growth management systems in the nation.

Current efforts will do nothing less than open Florida back up to the ravages of unchecked development experienced in our state in the 1960s and 1970s. The resulting damage to the Everglades, drinking water supplies and public infrastructure is still being felt to this day. Floridians simply cannot afford to make these mistakes again.

.....

And in late news from the Legislative session tonight:


Controversial Florida growth management bill wedged into budget to force passage

April 30, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — A major overhaul of the state's growth management laws was tacked onto a budget bill by House and Senate leaders Friday, giving legislators a take-it-or-leave-it option of either rejecting the $67-plus billion budget or accepting the controversial growth management legislation.

The unusual coupling of the budget bill with a broad policy change was accepted by the Senate, even though the issue had never been heard there.

.....

The measure guts the state's development oversight process, which was strengthened 26 years ago in an effort to control the rampant sprawl of strip malls and suburbs that left roads and schools overcrowded, plowed under wetlands and strained water supplies.

The bill shifts growth management oversight to local government, shrinks the state's role and makes it more difficult for citizens and advocacy groups to challenge development plans. Critics say developers will no longer have to pay for adequate roads, schools and parks, leading to the deterioration of quality of life.

The repeal of state growth oversight rules, and the dismantling of the Department of Community Affairs, has long been a priority of House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park.

.....

Nathaniel Pryor Reed issues the call to all Floridians:

This is a call to all of those who treasure Florida. The worst thing any of us can do is to go quietly into the night. Our great state is worth fighting for. Stand up and speak out against the outrageous proposals now steamrolling through the Legislature. We implore you to join the fight before it is too late.

It is up to all of us to stop this from happening.


If we are not successful, Florida will be changed forever, in ways that will be heartbreaking.

[pacalo]

1. I can't help feeling elections across the country have been manipulated to upend the

structure of the country. There's too much a ring of convenience to the widespread legislative chaos. I know many of these politicians, including those without political experience like Florida's governor, lied to get elected then pulled a bait & switch, but what really strikes me is their arrogance in having the laws changed in the face of a majority of non-support of the people. It's as though they know they can do whatever they wish because they know that elections can be manipulated.

[cliffordu]

2. I completely agree.

[pacalo]

5. Thanks, clifford. Hope your elbow's getting better!

[freshwest]

3. They've been working on this for years and they're rushing to the finish line. Of the USA.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

4. Uh, isn't it too late (for the moment)????

Where are hard-hitting pieces like this BEFORE an election? Why always AFTER?
:banghead: