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to trust that he would do nothing to hurt Indian River County. He requested the Board <br />support this bill by encouraging Governor Jeb Bush to sign it into law. <br />Chairman Macht explained this bill gave him concern because of the perception and <br />sensitivity to bills that have watered down the County's authority. He was disappointed to <br />learn that FACo was not responsive to Representative Poppell's invitation. He predicted <br />our local representation at the Legislative Conference next week would see to this issue. <br />Commissioner Adams has a pretty good handle on that. He stressed the need for <br />communication from our Representatives when a bill is introduced or contemplated which <br />affects local governing authority. He stressed that our local delegation needs to give us a <br />'heads up'" on what they propose to give us a chance to respond and to give input. He <br />believed that would be productive and result in less discontinuity on matters such as this. <br />Representative Poppell responded that Chairman Macht's comments were Nvell-taken. <br />Commissioner Adams thanked Representative Poppell for coming and taking such <br />a keen interest in Indian River County and the agricultural business in Florida. She noted <br />that nurserN, sales have recently topped citrus sales primarily because of the boost in <br />competition from out of the country which is hurting our citrus growers tremendously. She <br />knew the State was trying to address that. She intended to visit closely with FACo next week <br />and she has spoken with others interested in this issue. She spent about 10 years on the <br />Board of FACo and about 4 vears as the Florida Counties' Foundation Chairman. The <br />policy established with FACo has been to stand very firm against any issue that may cause <br />erosion of a county's authority to govern locally. Indian River County has had difficulty <br />with the interface between agriculture and the suburban lifestyle, we continue to have <br />conflicts between the needs of the farmer and the aesthetics a new homeowner expects. The <br />non -response from FACo was a concern and she will check with Jonathan Steverson <br />(FACo. Government Liaison) as to what happened. She will support this bill and urged the <br />June 10, 2003 <br />18 <br />kir;(E 400 <br />Ut i i ...a .. 1 .- <br />