The city charter ballot issue has polarized residents.
By CRISTINA SILVA
Published October 22, 2006
It's getting harder to express a political opinion here these days.
Signs put up in front of homes and businesses about proposed changes to the city charter - from both pro and con growth camps - are being stolen on a daily basis.
Arguments have broken out over where signs legally can be placed.
Business owners say customers are threatening to boycott them if they have a sign with an opposing view, and residents are complaining about being harassed.
It is the latest outbreak of political mayhem as residents prepare to vote Nov. 7 on six ballot questions that will determine the future of development in St. Pete Beach.
One of the amendments would require voter approval on any changes to the city's land-use plan.
Two of the questions would essentially repeal the city's recent decision to allow 15-story hotels along a mile of Gulf Boulevard.
With election day nearing, "Vote No" and "Vote Yes" signs have popped up across the city, often spiked into the same street, as opposing sides have begun their fervent campaigns to convince voters.
Marlo George, a manager at the Oyster Shucker, said the restaurant began receiving nasty calls after they put up a "Vote No" sign outside a few weeks ago.
"This is supposed to be a democratic society," George said. "You should be able to have the right to express your opinion."
A few days later, he received an angry phone call from a customer who refused to return to the restaurant until the sign was gone.
"I told him we still have good food," Vartaskis said. "No more signs. We are not political anymore."
Patrick Slevin, a spokesman for the Alliance for a Balanced Community, a political action committee opposed to changing the city charter, said they have replaced about 10 to 15 "Vote No" signs a day in the past two weeks.
Linda Chaney, a member of Citizens for Responsible Growth, which started the petitions to get the city charter change on the ballot, said they have lost about 50 signs in the past month.
One resident became so concerned about political advertising, he filed a complaint with the Florida Elections Commission early last week.
Michael Cohen, founder of the citizens group, Support Your City's Future, said members of Citizens for Responsible Growth were passing out petitions and invitations to fundraisers that did not properly disclaim they were political advertisements.
"They have shown total contempt for the rules," he said. "I just decided it is time someone stood up to them."
Chaney, who was named in the complaint, said she knew nothing of the allegations and could not comment.
Cristina Silva can be reached at 727 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.
[Last modified October 21, 2006, 17:38:08]
