Flyer's voting guides misstate chamber's amendment stands

At least 9,000 residents received guides that give misinformation.

By CURTIS KRUEGER, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 31, 2002

As if the 10 proposed amendments to Florida's Constitution weren't confusing enough, thousands of Tampa Bay residents have received voting guides filled with incorrect information.

Some 850,000 Pinellas and Hillsborough County residents have have received copies of the "Florida Chamber Voting Guide for the Constitutional Amendments" contained in the Flyer, a mailed advertising circular.

But at least 4,900 Pinellas County residents and 4,100 Hillsborough County residents received error-riddled copies of the guide that misstate two of the chamber's positions and give incorrect information about six of the amendments.

"It's a very regrettable error because this was a public service-type announcement," said Dick Mandt, the Flyer's chief executive. He said the company was not paid to send out the Chamber's recommendations.

The details of how the errors occurred were not clear. Mandt said an incorrect version of the guide was "prematurely saved" before anyone proofread it.

"They did apologize for the error," said Jessica Cary, spokeswoman for the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

She said the chamber is concerned that some people may not learn that they have received incorrect copies.

"People might take this with them to the polls and then vote," she said.

Mandt said the error was corrected in the middle of publication, so some Tampa Bay residents have received correct copies of the chamber's guide.

Mandt said the Flyer's next edition also will alert people that some versions of the guide were incorrect and will refer them to the company Web site. But the next edition hits most mailboxes Tuesday, so many won't see it until after they vote.

Mandt said the company couldn't send a special mailing to all 850,000 potential recipients before the election.

"Since it was pro bono, it's unlikely (we would) spend another million to put it out," he said.

The incorrect guide erroneously summarizes many of the 10 amendments. For Amendment 9, it says, "If you support the constitutionally mandated classroom size, vote 'no.' " Actually, someone who supports the constitutional amendment limiting classroom sizes would want to vote yes.

The guide also says the chamber supports Amendment 1, concerning the death penalty. Actually, the chamber has remained neutral on that issue.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright