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Discussion and debate continued. <br />Community Development Director Bob Keating gave a short PowerPoint <br />presentation in a Q & A (questions and answers) format. (copy on file in the backup) <br />In support of his proposal, Commissioner Wheeler claimed we are unique but are at <br />risk of becoming like south Florida. He thought the Board should work together with the five <br />municipalities to get this on the ballot. <br />Vice Chairman Neuberger commented that the cities wishing to expand through <br />annexation would not like this. <br />Commissioner Wheeler advised he would work on this initiative with or without the <br />Board’s support; he predicted he would get the citizens’ support. <br />Bruce Barkett <br />Attorney cited past acts of previous Commissions and elected <br />officials and other historic events in Indian River County, most of which could not have occurred <br />without a referendum. He also cited passages from the Constitution and the Federalist Papers <br />supporting representative government so that laws would not be based on the emotions of the <br />public, but by elected individuals who have been provided with facts in order to make informed <br />decisions. <br />Doug Bournique <br />, representing the Indian River Citrus League, opposed the <br />methodology. He supported representative government, the Commissioners, and the County’s <br />great staff. The County has done a good job and he urged them to keep the power here. <br />Nancy Offutt <br />, Treasure Coast Builders Association, learned of this at a meeting in <br />Martin County. She spoke against the proposal because of concerns that special interests would <br />prevail and that it could lead to a divisive community. <br /> <br />(Clerk’s Note: Chairman Lowther called for a 5-minute recess at 10:28 a.m. (closed <br />captioning). The meeting was reconvened at 10:38 with all members present. Discussion was <br />resumed on Item 13.E. and the Chairman called on State Representative Ralph Poppell.) <br /> <br />November 1, 2005 19 <br /> <br />