Hometown Democracy: Sounds sweet as it rolls off the tongue. Rest assured the sweetness ends there. One of the constitutional amendments being proposed to the voters of Florida is known as Amendment 4. While on the surface this amendment sounds like it may have merit; however, the reality is that the passage of Amendment 4 will be devastating to an already weakened Florida economy. Florida and Marion County Farm Bureau has taken a strong stand against this amendment to our state constitution. This amendment will place undue burdens on local municipalities and governments as they will be held responsible for individual referendums for any land use change. Amendment 4 will likely require additional taxes from each of us to fund these referendums. In addition, the construction industry along with the ancillary jobs such as plumbing, electrical, roofing and landscaping contractors will be devastated more than ever. Each county currently has comprehensive land use plans in place. While most would agree that these plans are not perfect, they are effective in giving our citizens ample opportunities to voice opinions regarding decisions to be made. These comprehensive use plans, which are required by the state, are still the most efficient way of dealing with land use. Passage of Amendment 4 will be the equivalent of placing a skull and crossbones over our great state. Businesses and industry will turn its back on this additional bureaucracy and will instead find other states in which to do business. Badly needed jobs will become even more scarce. Our votes do have a consequence! Vote No on Amendment 4.

Russ Randall

Application Deadline - November 19, 2010

The Marion County Youth Speech contest runs in conjunction with the Southeastern Youth Fair.   Deadline to apply for this year's contest is November 19, 2010.   

Click here to download a current application