Citrus Chronicle
By: Mike Wright
Published: May 27, 2008

Citrus County commissioners are expected to decide next year whether the Suncoast Parkway will continue north through the county. Commissioners on Tuesday voted 4-1 against a November referendum on the parkway.

Citrus County commissioners will decide next year whether the Suncoast Parkway continues through the county and they’ll make that decision without a referendum.

Commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday against Chairwoman Joyce Valentino’s motion to have a non-binding referendum in November that would have asked the public’s opinion on whether the toll road should be built.

"I feel the public needed an answer up or down. It wouldn’t have cost the taxpayers anything,” Valentino said.

The other four commissioners said they believe the parkway extension will eventually be needed and that they wouldn’t be swayed by a public vote.

"The problem with a referendum is it’s going to be based on emotion,” Commissioner Vicki Phillips said. "What we are charged to do as representatives of the people is look out into the future.”

Former state Rep. Helen Spivey and two others asked for the referendum, saying the public should have a say in a project that will impact Citrus County for decades.

"Please give the people the right to speak,” she said. "Let us speak with our vote.”

Valentino said she favored a referendum, even though it held no more weight than public opinion. Commissioners, she said, would still have the final say.

Florida Turnpike Enterprise is developing a proposed route that it will present to the county commission in 2009. The project requires local support, which is defined as the county commission vote.

"That’s why they elected us — to make the decision for them,” Commissioner John Thrumston said, referring to voters.

Some in the audience said a referendum wouldn’t stop commissioners from making that call.

"At least you’ll know what the people want or don’t want,” Phil Jannarone, who lives in Crystal River, said.

Stuart Bozeman, who lives in Pine Ridge, said he is a parkway supporter. He said a referendum isn’t necessary.

"I applaud those of you who are still thinking ahead,” he told commissioners. "I’m fully in favor of the board making this decision.”