Veto SB 2080

Dear readers,

Please ask Gov. Crist to veto SB 2080, which would dramatically reduce the opportunity for public input into water policy decisions made by the water management districts. Below is the letter I sent. Please feel free to use it as a guide, but do add your own language. Failure to do so often reduces the weight given to your letter. If you e-mail your letter, please write: "Veto SB 2080" in the subject line. E-mails may be sent to: Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com.

Dear Governor Crist:

I am writing to ask that you please veto SB 2080. While the bill has some positive aspects, I am very troubled by an amendment that would reduce public participation in the creation of water policy.
Traditionally, the Board of Governors, whose members you appoint, hold public hearings on water policy that allow the citizens of Florida to express their views on these vital and sometimes controversial issues. SB 2080 does away with that process and vests the power to make sweeping decisions in the hands of a single administrator.
I believe this is counter to Florida’s tradition of encouraging public participation and your own prior support for such public involvement.
As Florida’s water supply problems become more challenging, it is critical that our water management districts have the opportunity to hear from citizens with diverse points of view and that a wide range of options be considered within the context of public forums.
I urge you to veto this bill and to send the legislature the message that public policies in Florida are best when the public is allowed to participate in their creation.

Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,

Steve Barnes
Vice Chair
Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District
407-417-1628
Steve@SJRmag.com