SB 2080, thanks to a last-minute amendment from Winter Haven Sen. J.D. Alexander (who is he listening to?) gives the power to issue state permits — for water use and for wetlands destruction — to just five people. According to environmental attorney John Thomas:
"They've essentially created a five-member statewide water board."
According to the St. Pete Times: Right now, if a bottling company wants to take millions of gallons of water from the aquifer, or a developer wants to wipe out hundreds of acres of swamps, the permit must be approved by one of five water management district boards. The vote takes place in a public meeting where residents can speak to the issue.
Public be damned with this bill. Crist might veto this one. This is another reason why you all should sign the redistricting petitions: The State Government sucks because the legislature is beholden to development interests that pull their strings.
1 comment:
SB-2080 is a travesty of the public trust.
In the early 1970's voters in a statewide referendum created the Water Management Districts and later gave the governing boards the power to levy property taxes - but, they only did this with the promise of having a strong voice, public hearings and a voting governing board to vote up or down the largest, most expensive, and controversial water withdrawal permit applications.
SB-2080, as amended by millionaire land baron, sod farmer and developer, Sen. J.D. Alexander (R) Lake Wales, will abolish public hearings, give all water permitting authority to one man in each District, thus creating a water Czar, while banning the governing boards from having any conversation or vote about the water withdrawal permit applications.
While Alexander angrily takes offense at the suggestion he had anything to do with the bill amendment or the appearance of personal conflict, the senate record clearly shows that he moved the amendment onto the bill, which he also sponsored.
This bill, as amended, is a bill by developers, for developers and of developer - and, Alexander should know - he is a developer - planning to build a 125,000 person city south of Lake Placid, and, he'll need lots of water - millions of gallons. Just coincidently, Rep. Denise Grimsley (R) Lake Placid, who represents the area where Alexander's city will be built, brought him the amendment and asked him to "tack" it onto his bill. And, the one man that will have the power to grant all water permits - his job is confirmed by the senate.
If this bill is not vetoed by Governor Crist it will create a loss of public trust, bias against the public interest, loss of accountability, and open the door to corrupt process, as the public is removed from any meaningful or effective communication, and
Senate Bill 2080 violates both the letter and spirit of the Florida Sunshine Law.
Gov. Crist has pledged to strongly support and promote open and transparent government with public access. He recently stated that "open government is vital to Florida citizens, who have a right to hold government accountable."
Floridian's are watching to see if Gov. Crist will honor his pledges and promises by vetoing Senate Bill 2080. He should do so immediately and without hesitation to stop this travesty of the public trust from becoming law.
Please call Governor Crist at 850-488-7146 and ask him to veto Senate Bill 2080
Post a Comment