Conservation in the 2008 vote

This week the nation will be looking at important decisions, and these decisions will come from you the citizens. From who will lead the nation to who is in charge of your local town, voting will cover every aspect of the average Americans life. And one of the more controversial and important items on the ballots in many states and communities will be the question of conservation.

Whether you have a save the earth position, or just want to see more of nature's beauty preserved, you will have the chance to use your most precious Right to have your voice heard. And many states and politicians are listening hard to what you have to say.

In Florida as an example there is this item on the ballot.

“NO. 4: TAX EXEMPTION ON CONSERVED LAND
This two-part amendment would create two tiers of property-tax breaks intended as incentives for landowners to protect tracts from development. A permanent conservation easement would earn total exemption. ''Temporary'' conservation status -- a classification the Florida Legislature would have to define -- would be assessed at a lower tax rate, likely similar to farm land. If passed, changes would apply to property taxes in 2010.”

I like this item. First because I agree with the thought that not every piece of land needs to be developed into a concrete structure of some sort. Sometimes just having a piece of land be just that is more valuable to the soul than another Dunkin Doughnuts or nightclub, or whatever have you. A few trees and some grass are relaxing on the eye and body, and society does not need to rip them out everywhere they exist.

Another reason I like this is the fact that it gives back to the landowners a financial benefit that can be used to weigh against further development. In these difficult times, money is hard to come buy. The difference between developing land and leaving nature be could be as simple as a tax break for those that are on the fiscal edge of hard times.

The problem I have with this though is the 'Temporary' classification. It will be determined after the voting, by the Florida Legislature when they have a more secure position. Politicians that fear losing an election say and do many things, what I call polispeak. After elections many are remiss to recall the promises made before the final vote has been counted.

In addition there is the question of what various lobbyists and special interest groups will do to pressure the Legislature to define temporary in a manner that best suits their needs. Will they push to make the temporary status unattainable, or of such short duration as to not matter? Will they look to ensure that landowners that might be on the edge of further conserving land but in need of a tax break or other financial benefit need to act against the conservation and take the money they have to offer?

As good as this item on the Florida ballot is, or those in many other States and communities, it means one thing. You must remain vigil of the results. You will need to keep on the elected officials to ensure they keep their word. That special interests don’t bend the wills and votes to gain an upper hand.

Politics, and legislative decisions, don’t start and end after you exit your voting booth. Politicians are obligated to live by your will as you have voted, but unless you remain concerned and active they will interpret your will from the eyes of those that may not have your best interest at heart.

You want to save the Earth, or just that lovely tree you like to sit under on hot sunny days off of work, vote. Then listen to what the politicians propose and say after the voting is done on Wednesday and every day til it’s time to vote again.