Saturday, August 22, 2015

Florida's Conservationist Referendum - Will the administration listen?


         It is true that sometimes legislators do not want to follow the views of majorities upon important issues. That is clearly an undemocratic reaction, which must be strongly objected to by the citizens involved.  
         Even recently in a supposedly democratic state such as Florida is that reaction apparent. On Nov. 4, 2014, Florida voters passed at a properly initiated referendum by a 75% margin an edict requiring specific action.  The action was intended to reimpose a long-standing conservation programme within that Everglades state.  A fulsome story about it was within the prestigious magazine, Living Bird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in its spring 2015 edition.
         Florida had for many years been in the forefront in protecting large areas for conservation. Water management districts etc. had managed the areas carefully. However, this changed drastically in 2010 apparently, when the administration altered its focus to more economic development. Some environmental budgets saw decreases by up to 90%. As one conservationist put it, “In one year they undid twenty years of environmental progress.”
         Now there has been a citizen backlash – with a clearly presented referendum.  One is still waiting to see just what changes will occur. If little transpires, it will be a clear defeat of the process and importance of democracy. One must hope that a modern state such as Florida does recognize the significance of this recent, clear position of its majority of citizens.
         The unique geography of Florida, with its wildlife habitats spread throughout so much of that state, and its need to protect the water supply so important for its very existence, for a long time  has been carefully controlled.
         The referendum should reinstitute that importance and need among those who administer its resources. But – will it? Thus far it seems there has been little positive response.  Has Florida become a tyranny of the elite few, or will democracy prevail?  We are waiting.