January 19, 2010

Hometown Democracy: Yes!

By Harold Seckinger

Hometown democracy is the most successful and participatory democracy everywhere it exists.

Failure is generally exemplified by refusal to act. It requires and encourages a citizenry to actively participate in their government. According to the Florida League of Cities Web site, in the 1900s, cities began adopting Home Rule provisions with state acquiescence. The Home Rules Powers Act became law in 1973. Since then 19 counties have adopted a Home Rule Charter. “The most precious powers a city in Florida has are its Home Rule powers.”

That may also be stated for counties. It is successful in those counties and not “confusing, bureaucratic, expensive and unfair to those who lack the resources to get simple changes made.” It may be more bureaucratic; but it does escape bureaucracy of exclusion. Current government, purchased and chosen by public relations television, has failed to provide a vision for people, which encourages their belief in and attentive support of government. Neither electing a politician, nor threatening to vote against one, is assurance that their action will be in the public interest. After all, three years after, one can simply accept a job for the vote.

Many may say this is just getting old; but the country has changed and it will never be what it was. A vision was presented to this county commission, developed over a 10-year period by hundreds of devoted and knowledgeable citizens as a basis for a development plan for the future; the commission was unable to deal with it and it was essentially dismissed. The “problem” was assigned to the county administrator for study. The Stakeholders Advisory Group, formed subsequently, has no mandate for study of the county’s future. The comprehensive plan is the document which controls development in protection of economic and physical attributes of the county; but its function does nothing to promote a higher quality of life for its citizens.

Amendment 4 is the best opportunity, at this moment, that we have to change our county from a resource to plunder — and begin a resurrection for a land to cherish.

Harold Seckinger, Homosassa