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Loxahatchee Groves Water Board Election Question (June 2011)
A Loxahatchee Groves Water Board Election Question was on the June 27, 2011 ballot in the town of Loxahatchee Groves, which is in Palm Beach County.
This measure was approved
- YES 154
- NO 85[1]
Background
This measure will change the current system of voting for members of the water control district board, allowing for a popular vote of at least two members of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.
The previous system allowed for one vote for each acre owned, the new system will be one vote per person. Those with smaller lots, advocates of the measure, noted that owners of the larger nurseries and farms in the area band together and keep those members in power, not allowing for fair distribution of power.[2]
Support
In response to arguments that elections of two board members may be too high, proponents said that the estimates were too high and that the actual cost may be much lower. In particular, proponents noted that the elections may be held in conjunction with county elections which would lower the total cost.[2]
Opposition
Opponents to the measure noted that the cost of holding the election is a waste and too high - an estimated $36,000. They also argued that unhappy residents should address their complaints directly to the board instead of changing the system.[2]
Mayor David Browning, however, argues that the measure is premature. According to Browning, there are current discussions to merge the water district and the town.[2]
Path to the ballot
This measure was brought to the ballot by a successful petition drive by local residents. The petitioners had collected 245 signatures, but only 97 were needed to allow for the referendum vote.[3]
See also
- Palm Beach County, Florida ballot measures
- June 28, 2011 ballot measures in Florida
- Local ballot measure elections in 2011
Additional reading
Footnotes
- ↑ The Palm Beach Post, "Voters pass new one landowner, one vote guidelines for Loxahatchee's water control district board," June 27, 2011
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 The Palm Beach Post, "Vote challenges Loxahatchee Groves' balance of power," May 25, 2011
- ↑ The Palm Beach Post, "One vote per resident plan gains ground in Loxahatchee Groves," March 16, 2011
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