CYBER CITIZENS
FOR JUSTICE, INC.
TO: Marion County Legislative Delegation September 19, 2003 Dear Senators and Honorable Representatives, Our statewide organization, in conjunction with its current alliance, intends to continue to pursue issues we care about. One of our primary missions is to amend current laws re sale of land and real property in deed-restricted communities with/without a mandatory homeowners association We’re pleased to learn that Governor Bush heard our voices and those of many Florida citizens, expressing concerns. He was troubled by the experiences many of Florida's homeowners have had with their homeowners’ associations. Therefore, he asked his staff and Secretary Carr of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to look into these issues. Secretary Carr put together a Homeowners' Association task force that begins a series of meetings in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa. We’ve been invited and will attend the organizational meeting scheduled on September 24, 2003 in Tallahassee. Members of the task force will provide input and make recommendations for legislative change consistent with the vision of Governor Bush for appropriate governance and regulation. Our alliance members in the Miami/Dade area have been organizing town hall meetings with members of their delegation. It’s anticipated that three public meetings will be held in South Florida. House Speaker Johnnie Byrd created a Select Committee on Condominium Association Governance, appointing Representative Julio Robaina, (R-South Miami) to chair the committee. “Representative Robaina has the experience and leadership skills necessary to lead this important committee,” said Speaker Byrd. “Condominiums are a vital cog in Florida housing, and we must ensure they are being governed fairly and effectively, “ he said. This is ‘good news’ for consumer advocates, but we are unaware of a similar initiative by our esteemed delegate member and President of the Senate, Jim King. Tonight, we ask the good Senator to create a similar Committee, since the sale of property in other deed-restricted communities is part of the “vital cog” mentioned by the Speaker. Thank you, Senator King. We look forward to your announcement. The combination of these significant events, together with others, will be the basis for meaningful reform. Based on, but not limited to, the following discussions will insure that the rights of seniors and retirees enticed to relocate, and those already living in the Sunshine State, are protected from unscrupulous and abusive entities responsible for so many unnecessary problems in Florida.
We also expect members of the Legislature to amend U.S. Flag display provisions to permit the installation of a free-standing, portable, removable or telescoping FLAGPOLE, not to exceed twenty (20’) feet; in the front, side or rear yard of an owner’s lot regardless of where it’s located – period! My dear friends, in this day and age it’s inconceivable that we are not permitted to display the U.S. Flag on a free standing FLAGPOLE! Why are you allowing the stakeholders and industry partisans the power and influence to preserve the status quo they’ve enjoyed for more than twenty (20) years? It’s time for ‘ordinary Citizens’ with Legislative representation (our lobbyists) to have a final say in these matters. We know you’re able and, if you’re willing, together we can diminish and/or eliminate the power, influence, ongoing problems, expensive lawsuits, liens and foreclosures we’ve become aware of. To do so, we must remain steadfast in our advocacy for change and become beacons of light, while insisting upon full disclosure before and after contract for sale. To do otherwise is casting a dark shadow upon the ‘Sunshine State.’ Will you help us remove this dark cloud? Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your reply and support. Sincerely,
Robert E. Janauskas - CCFJ Area 3 Contact
([email protected])
Attached: JOINT RESOLUTION September 19, 2003 |
