Amendment 4 foes name Manatee/Sarasota co-chairs

The statewide organization leading the campaign against the Amendment 4 growth-control measure on the November ballot has named its co-chairs for Manatee and Sarasota counties. They are:

•  Mike Burton, a natural resource regulatory policy and wildlife habitat restoration consultant. He also is chairman of the Palmetto Planning and Zoning Board.
• Rev. Don Roberts, president of Goodwill Manasota and a Methodist minister.
•  Jon Thaxton, an environmentalist and a member of the Sarasota County Commission.

As experts in their respective fields, our Sarasota/Manatee team brings fresh insights to the Amendment 4 debate," said the campaign's executive director Ryan Houck. "We are honored to have their full and active support."

Amendment 4, speared by the Florida Hometown Democracy organization, would require local governments to win voter approval before they can change their jurisdiction's comprehensive plans, which guide all growth and development related decisions.

In a related development, the Federation of Manatee County Community Associations on June 9 will host a debate on Amendment 4. It will be from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. at the Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton.

For more information, call (941) 746-2151.