LBA8-001 Web Banner.jpg

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

E-mail

Password

Remember me

Governmental Affairs

The board of directors of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance has made the following endorsements / recommendations for the Nov. 2, 2010 election:

Click here to download former mayor of St. Pete Brach, Ward Friszolowski's PowerPoint presentation presented at our March Luncheon.

Amendment 4

It is the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s position that Amendment 4-a statewide "Vote on Everything" initiative-is a grave threat to Florida's economy.

Amendment 4-which would impose a referendum requirement on all local comprehensive plan changes-subverts a well-established, open, accessible, and democratic planning process. With the Vote on Everything amendment, many Florida voters-not the representatives they elected-will be expected to decide 200 to 300 intricate land-use planning amendments every year.

The interests promoting the amendment have failed three times to qualify for the ballot. However, they have now paid for all the signatures required to place their amendment on the November 2010 ballot. If they succeed in changing Florida’s constitution:

THE DISRUPTION of local communities and the daily lives of Floridians will be extraordinary. Cities and counties will be required to hold elections for each proposed comprehensive plan change-not just major projects, but even minor technical details. In the last four years alone, this amendment would have required an average of over 10,599 additional local votes per year in Florida.
THE DISORDER will further disenfranchise Florida's already-fatigued electorate. Voters will be deluged with highly technical background materials prepared by the local government planning staff. The legalese of proposed comprehensive plan changes, often puzzling for expert engineers and attorneys, will further dampen voter turnout. Lines at voting booths will grow as Floridians attempt the virtual impossibility of voting on hundreds of separate and often confusing ballot questions.
THE COST will be astronomical. Every city and county in Florida will be burdened with the time and cost of holding additional elections to vote on proposed changes to comprehensive land use plans. Each of these elections will be costly. And with smarter growth stalled, Florida's robust economy will taper off to a recession while property taxes skyrocket to pay the bills.
THE RESULT will be a system that is far worse, not better. That's why respected environmental leaders refuse to support the amendment. They know this amendment will not put a stop to all development, but will make well-planned, smarter growth impossibleundefinedthereby encouraging sprawl that reduces green space and makes effective growth management unachievable.

1. Amendment 4 will cost jobs, raise taxes and hurt Florida’s economy.

During these difficult economic times, the last thing we need is an amendment that will raise property taxes, hurt the economy, and make it more expensive to live in Florida. But that’s exactly what Amendment 4 will do. If passed, Amendment 4 will hurt every sector of Florida’s economy including healthcare, tourism, education, real estate, transportation and science and technology. New businesses will find it harder to bring jobs to Florida. Local businesses will find it tougher and more expensive to grow, and Florida’s working families will suffer the most.

2. Amendment 4 has already caused higher taxes, fewer jobs and more lawsuits in one Florida town.

A local version of Amendment 4 has been “thoroughly tested” in the small Florida town of St. Pete Beach, reports the St. Petersburg Times. According to the Times, the measure has been “divisive, expensive and an impediment to much needed redevelopment.” Since adopting a local version of Amendment 4, the citizens of St. Pete Beach have seen nearly a dozen lawsuits that have cost local taxpayers over half-a-million dollars in legal fees. When St. Pete Beach voters approved four pro-economy changes to their comprehensive plan in 2008, Amendment 4 lawyers sued to overturn the election. More than a year after voting to change their comprehensive plan, the people of St. Pete Beach are still defending their vote in court. The St. Petersburg Times concludes that Amendment 4 “invites short-term thinking and frequent referendums that are even more susceptible to well-financed campaigns by powerful interests.”

3. Amendment 4 will cost taxpayers millions and lead to chaos at the polls.

Under Amendment 4, the taxpayers will be forced to fund expensive referenda for every technical change to their local comprehensive plan. The editorial board of the Orlando Sentinel pointed out that these costs would “soar into the millions.” It would not be uncommon for voters to face 200 or 300 minor plan revisions on a single ballot.

4. This amendment is poorly written and doesn’t provide exceptions even for vital community needs such as hospitals, police stations and schools.

Amendment 4 advocates do not want to empower voters; they want to stop growth at any cost. Under this proposal, special interests on both sides of the development debate will gain influence at the expense of ordinary citizens. Important community projects from transit to schools will become the victim of politics and under Amendment 4, sound bites will have more influence than sound planning.

5. Amendment 4 is opposed by a broad and diverse coalition because it may kill jobs and encourage sprawl.

More than 200 organizations have opposed Amendment 4 because of its impacts on Florida’s economy, environment and quality of life. The Florida Chamber of Commerce has called the measure a “jobs killer” and 1000 Friends of Floridaundefinedour state’s top growth management watchdog groupundefinedhas expressed concern that Amendment 4 may “encourage sprawling patterns of development.”

For more information, visit www.florida2010.org.

For more information on this topic please click on the 2 links below

Sarasota County Government

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Endorsements made by LWRBA Governmental Affairs Committee

The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is pleased to announce the following political endorsements made by the Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC).

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners ~ District 2

Gwendolyn Brown

Dr. Gwendolyn Y. Brown was elected the first Black County Commissioner in 1994 to serve Manatee County District 2, and is currently serving as the first Black Chairman of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners. As a County Commissioner, she also serves on the Manatee County Port Authority and Manatee County Civic Center Authority. Commissioner Brown received her AA Degree in Liberal Arts from Manatee County College, her BS Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University and her Masters Degree from Nova University in Administration Supervision/Early Childhood. She received her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership/Early Childhood from Nova University, June 30, 2007.

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners ~ District 4

Robin DiSabatino

Robin worked at Dean Witter and subsequently at Provident Bank in Wilmington. She became a Vice President at Provident, working in a subsidiary of the trust department wherein she managed multi-million dollar money market funds and government funds. In 1982 Robin resigned this prestigious position to raise her daughter, Meredith Joy.

Returning to work in 1986, Robin secured her real estate license and obtained a paralegal degree. She was simultaneously licensed in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland and she soon became a top producer and Lifetime Member of distinguished real estate organizations. She is currently a Florida Broker-Associate with Michael Saunders & Company, and holds many distinctions and awards including Rookie of the Year and Rookie of Distinction.

Website: www.Vote4Robin.com

E-mail: robindisabatino@michaelsaunders.com

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners ~ District 6

Carol Whitmore

Carol Whitmore is originally from Dearborn Heights, Michigan and moved to Manatee County in 1969. Commissioner Whitmore grew up on Anna Maria Island.

Carol became a nurse in 1977 and was employed at Manatee Memorial Hostipal in Critical Care. In 1991, she worked at Woods of Manatee as Admissions Coordinator before becoming employed at her husband's office. Carol is married to Dr. Andre Renard and has a daughter, Janae. Janae and her husband Scott have just welcomed their first child, Cale Rudacille. Carol Whitmore’s experience in local politics have spanned over 19 years in Manatee County. She had demonstrated leadership as a Holmes Beach City Commissioner from 1991-1998. In 1998 Commissioner Carol Whitmore was elected Mayor of Holmes Beach where she served for 8 ½ years.

Website: www.Carolwhitmore.com

E-mail: carol.whitmore@mymanatee.org

Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners ~ District 2

Joe Barbetta

An Attorney, admitted to the NY and Florida Bar, and also admitted to practice before the US Supreme Court. Former member and Chair of the Sarasota County Planning Commission for 14 1/2 years. Also a member of the Sarasota County Bar Association, Urban Land Institute, Sarasota County Civic League, Sarasota Tiger Bay Club, Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Florida Planning and Zoning Association, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Friends of the Myakka River, Republicans for Environmental Protection, League of Women Voters, a Board member of Rebuild Sarasota, a division of Habitat for Humanity, also a founding Board member of the Sarasota Area Sports Authority, active in SCOPE (Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence) and other various civic organizations in the Sarasota County area.

Website: www.voteJoeBarbetta.com

E-mail: jbarbetta@scgov.net

Sarasota County Board of Commissioners ~ District 4

Nora Patterson

Nora has been a teacher, a successful business-person and Realtor, and is an ongoing investor in new enterprises. Nora has been involved in community service long before seeking public office. She has served as the president or director of numerous non-profit organizations such as United Way, and has been recognized for her work and leadership by Girls Incorporated, the Siesta Key Association, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, and Community Youth Development. Nora is known for being a fiscal conservative with an understanding of budgeting and finance. She first served on the Sarasota City Commission, including a term as Mayor, and spearheaded successful efforts to reduce city taxes while improving services and redeveloping downtown. Nora brought her convictions of fiscal conservatism, prudent spending and sensible decisions to the Sarasota County Commission, where she has served the public for the past 11 years. During her time of service the county has improved its libraries, park system, roads and other public services even while cutting county tax rates.

Website: www.NoraPatterson.com

E-mail: npatters@scgov.net

Manatee County School Board ~ District 1

Barbara Harvey

Born, raised and educated in Florida, Barbara A. Harvey has been involved in education in various areas. She began her career in 1961 as a teacher at Memorial Elementary School in Palmetto, and has since served the Manatee School District as a teacher at Palma Sola Elementary School, Assistant Principal at Palmetto Elementary School, Principal of Jessie P. Miller Elementary School, and Director of Elementary Education for the School Board of Manatee County. Barbara retired in June, 1995 when she began work with the Educational Consultants Consortium, Incorporated, and was elected to the School Board of Manatee County in November, 1998. Barbara sits on the board of several organizations. Her trademark is a compassion for pre-kindergarten and elementary children, and her tireless efforts as an advocate for all children has been recognized at the local, state, and national level.

Website: www.manatee.k12fl.us

E-mail: harveyb@manateeschools.net

Manatee County School Board ~ District 3

Julie Aranibar

A 12-year resident of Manatee County, Julie has twins in Manatee County Schools, volunteers and supports Public and Private Manatee County Schools. With a Degree in Science and Business and Professional Management, Julie has served since 2002 on the Sales Tax Committee, the Superintendent’s Budget Review Committee, and other ad hoc committees. Julie is proud of her community. She is Kiwanis Past Present and Leadership Clubs advisor, and involved in Key Clubs, Builders Clubs and K Kids, and on the Board of Directors for MTI and Take Stock in Children.

Website: www.julieforschoolboard.com

E-mail : Julie.anabibar@live.com

Manatee County School Board ~ District 5

Karen Carpenter

Executive Director – Women’s Resource Center of Manatee County, Manatee Bankers for Affordable Housing, Foundation for Dreams; Consultant – Homeless Coalition, New College; Board Member – Crosley Estate Foundation

Volunteer – Americorps VISTA; Mentor – Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program; Education Chair – League of Women Voters of Manatee County; Volunteer – Mothers Helping Mothers

BA, Wellesley College; MA, US International University, San Diego; and JD law degree, Mass. School of Law (at age 57)

Website: www.votekarencarpenter.com

E-mail: Kcarpenter218@verizon.net

Sarasota County School Board ~ District 1

Carol Todd

Dr. Todd has more than 25 years of experience in public education in Florida as a teacher, professor, charter school board chair and elected member of the Sarasota School Board, a Master Board identified by the Florida School Board Association. Serving her third term on the board Carol has extensive experience and knowledge of public school curriculum and instruction, governance and finance, and the relationship between charter school boards and their district sponsors.

Carol is a BoardSource trained governance consultant. Her work with clients includes governance training, strategic planning, organizational development and program evaluation for nonprofits and educational institutions to help them build and maintain strong governing boards; improve organizational effectiveness; and better effectively and efficiently meet their missions.

Website: www.caroltodd.com

E-mail: caroltodd@caroltodd.com

Sarasota County School Board ~ District 4

Shirley Brown

As the first woman elected to the Florida Legislature from Sarasota County in 1992, Shirley chaired the Women’s Legislative Caucus and championed bills in support of women, children and families. During her eight years in office, Shirley was influential in directing lottery dollars to fund college scholarships for hardworking students. Her work to strengthen our schools through innovation, accountability and higher standards, along with her strong support for providing high quality public education, earned her the Legislator of the Year Award from the Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association.

Website: www.electshirley.com

E-mail: ElectShirley@gmail.com

Sarasota County School Board ~ District 5

Jane Goodwin

My family has been in the Venice area for nearly four decades and I have been an active full-time resident for 12. Over the past 40 years, I have held leadership positions both professionally and in civic organizations. My passion and commitment for quality education is rooted in my first professional job as a high school teacher. My grandchildren are now in Sarasota public schools and I am just as adamant that their education is the best possible. Quality education isn’t lip service to me. In 2002 (and again in 2006), I took a stand and worked tirelessly to ensure that Sarasota public education funding would not be short-changed by funding losses by serving on the Citizens for Better Schools (CBS) Executive Committee. CBS’s goal was to work with the community for passage of the school referendum. It passed by healthy margins in 2002 and, 2006. I continued my leadership role in 2010 by chairing the campaign, which was approved by 66% of the voters. This was a huge commitment to put my life on hold and work for this committee for free for 6 months. A true labor of love! These efforts along with my experience mentoring students ( through the YMCA) as well as the active role I take in my grandchildren’s school has given me the opportunity to learn a great deal about the 55 schools in the district; the district finances and the school board. I am classically trained in community relations, marketing and management strategies and I possess a keen interpersonal skill set that, I believe, make me excellent candidate for school board. My passion is for helping children in need. Years ago, I developed a personal mission statement and I live by it every day: “living a purpose-filled life of service to others”.

Website: www.Goodwin4schoolboard.com

E-mail: jwin555@gmail.com

State Representative ~ District 67

Greg Steube

Born and raised in Bradenton, Steube graduated from Southeast High School in 1996, and went on to attend University of Florida, where he was involved in several campus activities including student government, university-wide committees, Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Florida Blue Key. He was recognized for his leadership by being inducted into the University of Florida’s Hall of Fame as an undergraduate, and interned for both the Florida Legislature and U.S. Congress.

After graduating from the University of Florida, he attended the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. It was while Steube was attending law school that he decided to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. In the army, he spent one year in the infantry and three years in the Army JAG Corps. A veteran of the Iraq War, Steube has first-hand knowledge of meeting challenges head-on and solving problems. Currently, Greg works as an associate with the law firm of Najmy Thompson, P.L. in the firm’s Lakewood Ranch office.

Website: www.electgregsteube.com

E-mail: greg@electgregsteube.com

State Representative ~ District 68

Jim Boyd

Boyd’s community commitments include the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, the Manatee Memorial Hospital Board of Governors, the firefighter/EMT and a fire commissioner for the North River Fire District. From 1989-1993 Jim served as Palmetto City Councilman, Vice-Mayor and Mayor. When elected to serve District 68 in Tallahassee, Jim will continue a family tradition; his uncle, Wilbur Boyd, served in the Florida House and Senate in the 1960s and 1970s, and his grandfather, Hugh E. Boyd, served in the House in the 1940s.

Website: http://www.jimboyd4house.com/

State Representative ~ District 69

Keith Fitzgerald

Keith’s leadership positions included service on the Advisory Council of Faculty Senates, the Board of Trustees of New College of Florida and the Sarasota City Charter Review Board.

Keith has the expertise to make decisions independent of special interests.

As a college professor and researcher, Keith became an expert in a field of his discipline that combines history, moral and political theory, and social science to study the way that political life in the United States has evolved over time. A trained expert on public policy in his own right, Keith is independent from the persuasion of paid lobbyists and politics as usual. He has taught courses on the philosophy and practice of American citizenship, which is not only a topic of scholarly study, but also a personal passion.

Keith has proven himself as a leader.

During his first year in office, Keith has fought for issues such as affordable housing, election reform, smart growth and environmental conservation. Keith serves on the Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council and the Environmental Protection Committee and is the Democratic Ranking Member on the Ethics and Elections Committee. Keith was also appointed Deputy Policy Chair for the House Democratic Caucus, giving him a central role in shaping the caucus’s policy agenda.

Keith Fitzgerald was first elected to represent State House District 69 in 2006. His district includes the northern half of Sarasota County and a small portion of Manatee County. Born in Springfield, OH and raised in Louisville, KY, Keith holds a B.A. from the University of Louisville, and a Ph.D. from Indiana University. Keith has lived in Sarasota and taught political science at New College of Florida since 1994. He and his wife, Angela Baker, have eight-year-old twins.

Website: www.gofitzgo.com

E-mail: Keith.fritzgerald@myfloridahouse.gov