THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Sugar Deal Opponents Say Voters Know Little About Plan

By KATHLEEN HAUGHNEY
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

http://www.newsserviceflorida.com

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, March 2, 2009… Opponents of a deal between U.S. Sugar and the South Florida Water Management District say Floridians know little of a state-proposed $1.34 billion purchase of 180,000 acres from U.S. Sugar.

A Mason-Dixon poll, paid for by Concerned Citizens of the Glades, Inc., concluded that 62 percent of registered voters know little or nothing about the Gov. Charlie Crist-backed deal that the governor hopes would be a step forward in Everglades restoration.

Concerned Citizens of the Glades, Inc., a grassroots group advocating against the deal, say that the numbers mean there is no clear mandate that a deal must be immediately inked between the water management district and U.S. Sugar. Of those polled, 45 percent said they are opposed to the deal, 44 percent are in favor and 11 percent are undecided.

Crist and other proponents have hailed the deal as a historic opportunity for the state to protect the Everglades. But the deal, opponents said, would “devastate” the surrounding community in a time when many Floridians are clamoring for economic relief.

“Don’t rush this, slow it down, listen to us and the rest of the people of Florida,” said Clewiston Mayor Mali Chamness.

The South Florida Water Management District is currently finalizing the $1.34 billion purchase of 180,000 acres from U.S. Sugar. But the company is also entertaining other bids while the water management district shores up the funding to make the purchase. The management district’s monthly meeting is next week.

The land would be paid for by a type of bond that does not require voter approval, something that has raised the ire of some state lawmakers.

State Sen. Michael Bennett, R-Bradenton has introduced a bill that would require voter approval of water management district purchases using the particular type of bond, known as a certificate of participation. The measure (SB 1436) would require a referendum before any water management district throughout the state could issue the certificates. If the measure passed, it could scuttle the deal.

Of those polled, 64 percent said the state did not have the money to enter into this type of deal after supporting and opposing arguments were explained to them.

“That was not terribly surprising because only 2 percent of Florida voters felt protecting the environment should be a top priority right now,” said Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker.

Chamness said the Concerned Citizens of Glades owe Mason-Dixon somewhere between $12,000 and $15,000. Concerned Citizens members said the group is paying for the poll largely by donations.

Mason-Dixon surveyed 625 registered voters statewide from Feb. 23 – Feb. 25 and the poll has a margin of error of about 4 percent.