  We study dynamic properties of thin films near the superconductor - insulator
transition. We formulate the problem in a phase representation. The key new
feature of our model is the assumption of a {\it local} ohmic dissipative
mechanism. Coarse graining leads to a Ginzburg-Landau description, with
non-ohmic dynamics for the order parameter. For strong enough damping a new
universality class is observed. It is characterized by a {\it non-universal}
d.c. conductivity, and a damping dependent dynamical critical exponent. The
formulation also provides a description of the magnetic field-tuned transition.
Several microscopic mechanisms are proposed as the origin of the dissipation.
