By Patrick S. Bange, Lecanto

Hometown Democracy... Very aptly named.

Finally, after much effort on the part of the authors of this amendment, we the people have an opportunity to have our say.

I don’t understand why everyone in authority doubts the intelligence of the public. Of course passage of the amendment means power would be taken from said governing bodies, something no elected official wants.

And along comes the Citrus County Chronicle lining up with the business interests and the county commissioners suggesting we, the voters, turn down this amendment.

As the op ed article in the Jan. 16 Citrus County Chronicle implies, we don’t have this intelligence, the where-with-all to make these decisions; they should be left entirely to elected officials.

Meanwhile, this same Chronicle’s “Window” commentary on Sunday, Jan. 17, stated, “...It is our belief that citizens know best...” Granted, on another matter, but the main idea is there: “...citizens. .. know... best...”

Those of us who have been in Citrus County for years have witnessed the leanings of government and business-related organizations that would allow companies to do virtually whatever they want in paving over the county or simply plowing ahead toward development. Always, the governments are looking out for more and more taxes, neglecting instead to put the same effort into looking how to save money for taxpayers.

(A sidebar question: How many commissioners have direct or indirect connections to developers?)

Then there are the not-so-subtle threats from those affected by the amendment: Great cries of costs to those who want to establish businesses in the county along with the oft-used cry about people who will be put out of work - always a good phrase to get voters excited, whether true or not.

How about giving the voters a chance to put their marks on what should and should not be done, development- wise? We can’t count on elected government to make wise decisions considering all the pressures placed upon these officials.

Yes, we can vote them into office and vote them out.

But that takes time - years! And by then the paving and construction are well under way.

 Patrick S. Bange, Lecanto