"Why Make It More Difficult to Place a Citizens’ Initiative on the Ballot?
JB ballot question 15 does make it more difficult for the community to place a measure on the ballot. JB mayor in a reply 10/27 stated that Q15 “ADDS the opportunity” implying that currently citizens don’t have an opportunity to place an initiative on the ballot–that is false and deceptive. There IS a process. Florida Statute 166.031 outlines a SIMPLE procedure stipulating the 10% of registered electors’ [voters] signature requirement. The addition to the JB City Charter if #15 passes is complicated, does require 15% of voters’ signatures (increasing from the State standard of 10%) adds multiple steps, gives the city council review and approval rights, severely limits what issues can be placed on the ballot, and adds months and months to the process.
Why is the city making the process more complicated? Let’s keep the SIMPLE initiative process given to voters in the Florida Statutes. Vote NO on 15. Other proposed JB charter amendments do not indicate the financial impact if approved, some are unclear as to why they are needed. Yes, there is a 32-page pdf posted that takes hours to decipher covering all 16 questions–it’s overwhelming to have 16 amendments on the ballot at the same time. My thought for all 16 amendments is if you don’t KNOW, vote NO. Definitely, NO on 15."