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The Times invited community organizations to submit questions for candidates. The questions and candidates' answers will run in the Neighborhood Times beaches edition throughout February.
By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 19, 2003
Today, the Indian Rocks Beach Homeowners Association asks:
Do you favor or disapprove of the referendum to be presented to voters? It states: "No real property shall be purchased or leased outside of the city limits without first obtaining approval by referendum of the electors of the city."
I believe that the referendum is appealing at first glance. However, several points regarding this initiative should be noted:
a. Over time, our city officials have not been irresponsible in regard to purchasing or leasing land outside of the city.
b. The land currently available within our city is extremely limited and expensive.
c. A determination must be made as to whether facilities are located appropriately. (i.e. Is it appropriate land usage for the city solid waste facility to be located on precious waterfront property?)
d. If passed, the city would have to present a referendum to the voters before such lands could be purchased or leased. From a business perspective, forcing a vote before securing a contract may severely limit the city's ability to negotiate in a timely and cost-effective manner.
I do not favor the initiative. I believe the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
I support the citizen initiative requiring voter approval before property outside the city may be purchased or leased. A referendum requirement will demand that the commission consider "all" costs and benefits of such a proposal before making a decision of such magnitude to our small town's $3-million budget. The purchase of property and relocation of a city function outside the city should not be made quickly, without all the facts. Such a decision could result in higher maintenance and operating costs, increased taxes and fees or service reductions in succeeding years. High cost spending programs that could lead to higher taxes or service reductions should be very thoroughly evaluated. The city's residents want and deserve to know all the facts and have a say regarding the costs and benefits of large expenditures with potential multiyear impacts. Gaining broad public support assures well thought-out expenditures.
I strongly favor and support the passage of this referendum. I was elected to represent the citizens' concerns and not my personal views. The referendum question was initiated by a petition drive of Indian Rocks Beach citizens who collected several hundred signatures in order to have the question put on the ballot. This action, which I strongly supported, was provoked by an attempt to move the city's solid waste facilities out of the business triangle to a location far outside the city limits. The city wanted to move a debt-free, problem-free, income-producing, superior service that taxpayers support through user fees and take on a $500,000 debt in the process! The referendum language is straight and simple. If passed, the amendment will require voter approval for the "purchase or lease of real property outside of the city limits," thus giving voters a greater role and voice in local government.
On support of a referendum to require that purchase or rental of real property outside of the city limits be submitted to the electorate for approval.
In the last election, Indian Rocks Beach residents overwhelmingly rejected the question of the relocation and sale of the solid waste facility (more than 82 percent against). Many have argued that the question was poorly written in that it combined the actions of relocating the solid waste facility and selling the current property. In the coming election, March 11, voters will have an opportunity to vote on a charter amendment which will require the City Commission to submit any proposed purchase or lease of real property outside of Indian Rocks Beach to a vote of the electorate.
I believe that the question as presented for approval could give rise to ambiguous referenda similar to that described above. Furthermore, such a requirement does little to protect Indian Rocks Beach residents from unwise expenditures. Indeed, the cost of such an election might in some cases exceed the expense being considered.
For these and other reasons, I do not support this referendum.
Election date: March 11
Seats up for election: Two City Commission seats. Four candidates are running.
Referendum: Voters will decide whether to add a provision to the city charter that calls for the city to get voters' permission before buying or leasing property outside city limits.
To learn more: A candidates forum sponsored by the Indian Rocks Beach Homeowners Association and the Florida League of Women Voters will take place at 7 p.m. March 3 at City Hall Auditorium, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd.