1000 Friends' board no real friend to Amendment 4

Two developments on the Amendment 4 front. First, recent filings show that 75% of the money funding passage from Amendment 4 comes from just four people and their related entities. Palm Beach attorney Leslie Blackner, the instigator of it all, and her law firm have spent $849,000 — nearly a third of the total.

Second, the ballyhooed change by the board of directors of 1000 Friends of Florida — the state's “growth management watchdog” — from opposition to neutral is a bit more hollow than Amend 4 backers suggest.

The change was exciting news for Amendment 4 advocates given that every Florida daily newspaper opposes the amendment. If the citizens' initiative passes, voters would have to approve all amendments to city and county comprehensive plans.

The board's position shift suggests the majority of the board now has mixed feelings about the so-called “Hometown Democracy” or “Vote on Everything” amendment. Board member Jim Nicholas, an economist, says the neutral stance was a compromise between opposing viewpoints.

But if money talks about how 1000 Friend's board members really feel about Amendment 4, it doesn't say much. Same for its staff.

Only two board members have contributed money to the Florida Hometown Democracy PAC fund, which as of Oct. 8 has raised more than $2.7 million since the spring of 2003. No staff names appear on the list.

One 1000 Friends' board member contributor is from the Gulf Coast: Sarasota City Commissioner Terry Turner. He has ties to the Sierra Club, a major backer of Amendment 4. The Florida Sierra Club and its various chapters across the state have put in nearly $250,000.

Turner gave all of $200 nearly three years ago, before running for election. He won't say how he's voting, but acknowledges, “It's a badly written amendment.”

The other contribution from a 1000 Friends' board member, of $500, comes from long-time board member and former chairman, Nathaniel Reed of Hobe Sound.