Letter: 'No' vote on charter saves democracy
Jon Hunt
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 10/27/08
Editor: It was good that The Record printed the proposed starter charter on Sunday, Oct. 19, but readers should understand that doesn't give the total picture. Voters need to read the state Constitution and Florida Statutes to see the possible impact of a charter government.
There are many fine points to a charter government, assuming it is well-crafted and has wide community involvement.
Campaign finance reform is an idea almost all of us like, but the way the proposed charter reads it only benefits incumbents. Commissioners won't have a problem in raising money and a $250 limit won't hurt. Any smart contributor can have relatives and friends donate. Any challenger will have to work hard to raise money. It isn't reform if it only protects the incumbent.
The charter doesn't say anything about a utility tax. You have to read the Florida Statutes to find that only charter governments can impose a 10 percent utility tax. I asked each of the commissioners to make clear their position on a utility tax. The silence has been deafening. Remember, these are the people who tried to give us a fire tax.
In my opinion a vote for the charter is a vote against hometown democracy.
Jon Hunt
St. Augustine
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