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BOOK 109 PAGE+ <br />My purpose today is not to take a "for or against" position on the statistics that are <br />flowing on the very controversial subject of us buying out the Dodger facility. This has <br />become a significant public controversy involving numerous varied and extremely strong <br />opinions in the local Press Journal. My concern is for the eventual voice of the public <br />taxpayers on such a major public issue. <br />I mean the voice of those who are concerned but perhaps apprehensive about speaking <br />their thoughts, may feel unable, or cannot take the time from their livelihood to come <br />and speak to you. The voices that would like to consider a more complete and more <br />understandable fact sheet on the issue in their home, develop their personal evaluations <br />and hopefully vote in the privacy of the voting booth. <br />We know the word "referendum" can rattle the minds of- "some"- officials who believe <br />when we elect them, we give them the keys to our City, and to our pocketbooks, and <br />only they should make all the decisions. This is not democracy. <br />Required referendums are often used to approve funding for many public needs. <br />Elected officials can often convince the voters. and most often they achieve support. <br />When the use of a referendum looms as a possible stumbling block to ideas some <br />officials may be committed to— then the case against referendum can swing in gear and <br />we may hear that— government by referendum is no good. I do not agree with that. <br />Required or approved referendums on major Issues are a perfectly logical process. <br />The presence of the Dodgers has been a good thing for many. The recreation, and <br />pleasure some find in live baseball provides them a great outlet. and no doubt Vero <br />Beach's economy has some benefit. But let us also acknowledge that -Vero Beach has <br />been a great asset to the Dodgers, and Vero has also given the them special benefits. <br />Including a prestigious town to train in. <br />I do not necessarily agree with the Chamber letter saying a baseball club helped to <br />create and maintain the unique character of Vero Beach and Indian River County, and <br />defined the quality of life we came here for. This is an overstatement. I moved here <br />with many thousands for the primary benefit of the beautiful balmy winter weather, and <br />the beauty of all facets of nature Florida offers, and lower taxes. <br />The endless variety of unique character resources of Vero Beach do not require a <br />baseball club to continue economic growth. Dozens of other towns that do not have such <br />a facility do just Ane. <br />I have participated In 45 years of consistent growth of this county and know you will see <br />further very extensive growth In years to come, probably to an extent far in excess of <br />what many would prefer, even If you build a wall around us, and certainly with or <br />without any baseball club. <br />We are aware that without a change to charter government, this commission has the <br />privilege to approve a referendum- or resist one. One of the staunch supporters of the <br />Dodger site purchase casually mentioned to me that a referendum was not permitted. I <br />sensed this was his hope for helping getting this idea approved without real broad <br />taxpayer input. His statement was false- and I am here today to ask this commission <br />for the following: <br />Let's heed the Chamber of Commerce letter of May 21st. to let every one be informed <br />before we "jump to conclusions". Produce a white paper of easy to understand pro and <br />con purchase facts, including the multi million dollar economic claims that have been <br />made. Include documented opposition. Make it available to the taxpayers and of course <br />in our local media the Press Journal. Then let the taxpayers decide. <br />The mere fad the May 21st. Chamber letter states "We have no idea what the price will <br />be since negotiations are just now beginning." and then it further questions about the <br />unknown- of who will continue paying the property taxes, really points to the real need <br />for more precise details for a taxpayer review. <br />Finally our taxpayers decision can only come about with a county wide referendum. <br />Thank You. <br />MAY 25,1999 <br />40 <br />