MEDIA RELEASE

COALITION FOR PROPERTY RIGHTS CALLS SUPERMAJORITY
AMENDMENT "A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING"

Organization outlines concerns for county's fate under super-majority requirement

SARASOTA, FL: Today, the Coalition for Property Rights (CPR), a Florida-based property rights education and advocacy organization, expressed strong concerns with the supermajority amendment proposed on the upcoming Sarasota County special election ballot.

"This measure is like a wolf-in-sheep's clothing," said Carol Saviak, executive director of the Coalition for Property Rights. "It might look sound good at first glance, but it is aimed at stripping all Sarasota citizens of their private property rights."

On November 6, Sarasota County voters will have the opportunity to vote against the supermajority amendment, which would change the County Charter and require 4 of 5 commissioners (80%) to agree on any ordinances amending the County Comprehensive Plan which increase either land use density or intensity, no matter how small the increase.

"Voters should realize this measure isn't about growth or development," said Saviak, "It is designed to give the County Commission even more power over residents' rights."

"The unintended impacts of the supermajority proposal would be far-reaching," stated Saviak. "Voters should consider this would not only impact owners of properties intended for residential development, but all properties, including land intended for small businesses, hospitals, and churches who may need a change in their land use label. Today, even church expansions can be controversial and the super-majority requirement would severely impede the ability of land owners to make perfectly reasonable changes in their land use designations."

The Coalition for Property Rights was founded in 2001 to provide a greater voice for property owners in Florida. CPR's mission is to educate the public and elected officials of the importance of property rights and to defend these rights from further erosion. The Coalition has members across the state including homeowners and property owners in Sarasota County.

"We believe property rights provide the foundation for individual freedom and economic opportunity," stated Saviak. "They are absolutely vital to the prosperity of our local, state and national economies."

According to CPR, excessive government regulation restricts the economic potential and constructive use of property; impedes the ability of property owners to respond to free market demands; and ultimately, impedes the ability of average American property owners to realize the American dream.

Saviak added "If you wouldn't support a supermajority vote on your own freedom of speech or freedom of religious worship, why impose it upon your own property rights?"

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

November 2, 2007

Interviews are available with Executive Director Carol Saviak. Telephone 407-481-2289 or 321-231-6085.

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Background Information on the Coalition for Property Rights:

_ The Coalition for Property Rights is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, but has members across Florida, from Key West to Jacksonville, from Naples to Tallahassee, including property owners in Sarasota County.

_ In 2005-2006, CPR was a leading voice in the call for state eminent domain reforms following the June 23, 2005 Supreme Court ruling in the Kelo vs. New London case. In 2006, Florida successfully passed significant statutory and constitutional protections which now restrict the use of eminent domain in Florida. Florida's reforms are considered the strongest Post-Kelo reforms passed nationwide.

_ CPR was a critic of City of Lake Worth's supermajority ballot measure, which failed, and has been a vocal critic of the statewide amendment proposed by the Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc., another measure aimed at deceiving the general public into voting away their private property rights.

_ CPR's website is http://www.proprights.com/

Coalition for Property Rights
2878 S. Osceola Avenue
Orlando, FL 32806
407-481-2289 Telephone
407-481-0834 Fax
http://www.proprights.com/