Draw the line

South Florida CEO, March, 2005 by William Plasencia

In almost every facet of our lives, society steps in to form boundaries. From our decision to criminalize the use of certain narcotics while allowing the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, to the ban on high-stakes gambling even while the state promotes lottery ticket sales. The common thread of those examples is obviously addiction. But they also signal complacency.

Take for example the current distractions about extending Miami-Dade County's Urban Development Boundary (UDB) and the local push to allow Las Vegas-style slot machines at parimutuels.

Both ideas are poor ones that will have long-lasting repercussions for county citizens--though perhaps what bothers me most is the level of public discourse and opinion that's erupted lately.

The UDB issue is, perhaps, the most complicated and yet it's the one that proponents and critics alike seem intent on having the basest public debate on. Homebuilders point to the droves of people that move to South Florida every year and they say it's cheaper to build them housing out on the western and southern fringes of the county. Who would argue against affordable housing? Critics cry that we need to preserve the buffer between the Everglades and urban sprawl or risk environmental and habitat damage. Who would argue against protecting fluffy woodland creatures? And agriculture supporters say allowing more sprawl would mean the end of that sector in South Florida. Hey, I like mangos as much as the next guy.

The fact is, all these parties are right. But they miss the point entirely. These are distractions that take time and resources away from the broader debate our community should be having.

Our elected officials need to reflect their constituency's deep-seated concerns about over-development, job creation and affordable housing. Standing firm on the UDB issue would force builders to consider other, neglected areas of the county--urban areas where higher densities can be more easily sustained. We cannot be complacent if South Florida is to sustain its economic growth and that will require cohesive, efficient urban planning. Who would argue if you told a voter they could find a decent paying job, to pay for a roof over their heads, and be able to commute back and forth relatively easily? How much simpler does it need to get?

That must be why the backers of the slot machine referendums are couching their efforts as something that will help fund local schools. It's an insipid argument that somehow if you don't vote in favor of slots you're against kids. People like to gamble, so I won't attempt to argue why it's a waste of time and money. But if the need to better fund schools and create jobs is so pressing, then why seriously consider expanding an activity that has no track record of living up to its promised potential but has proven to be addictive.

Let's put an end to all these distractions and get down to fixing the root problems South Florida faces.

On a lighter note, CEO Publishing Group recently acquired the South Florida Legal Guide. It's just the latest in our company's expansion and it will not be the last. We welcome the legal guide's former publisher Nancy Moore, who will continue to oversee the book while launching CEO Publishing Group's new conference division.

William Plasencia

Editor