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ISSUE ALERT: Eminent Domain

April 05, 2006 - Santa Clara, California

In California, no less than four initiatives against eminent domain abuse were put forth this year. Impassioned speeches against eminent domain can be heard throughout the political spectrum and throughout the nation.

The crux of eminent domain is the issue and definition of ownership. Under current law, with precedent set by the Kelo vs. New London decision (see links below), anyone can be forced by the government to give up his or her property, at a price set by the government, for reasons decided by the government. Across America, the list of victims of eminent domain abuse includes homes and businesses, churches and schools, individuals, and entire communities.

Eminent domain destroys the concept of ownership. What else might someday be ruled to come under the grasp of eminent domain?

The two anti-eminent domain abuse initiatives that remain on the field in California are:

• People's Initiative

  The People's Initiative was put forth by Doug McNea, who is also President of the Silicon Valley Taxpayer's Association and is active in the Citizen's Coalition for Sensible Transportation. Mr. McNea, joined by Yolanda Reynolds of the Coalition for Redevelopment Reform , spoke about this and the other initiatives to attendees of the LP Mini-Convention of the Central Valley earlier this year.

• Protect Our Homes initiative

  Also known as the Anderson initiative, this initiative reportedly has significant financial resources, and is supported by the Americans for Limited Government . Kevin Spillane in Sacramento is organizing the effort for this initiative.

Help fight eminent domain abuse by signing one or both of the anti-eminent domain initiative petitions still in circulation. Act now, or it will be too late for either remaining initiative to make the ballot. If you need help finding or signing a petition, please contact me at .

Kelo vs. New London

• http://www.law.duke.edu/publiclaw/supremecourtonline/certgrants/2004/kelvcit.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_v._New_London
• http://www.slate.com/id/2113868/
• http://freestateproject.org/news/issues/eminent_domain.php

From the Front Lines

• http://www.ij.org/private_property/index.html

Perspectives

• Steven Greenhut - author and recent guest speaker at LP of Orange County Convention
• L.K. Samuels - author and Vice Chair of the LP of Monterey County
• Logan Darrow Clements - "developer" of the Lost Liberty Hotel

Full Text of Initiatives

• People's Initiative
• Anderson Initiative

Lois Garcia
Activities Chair, LP of Santa Clara County

(c)2006. All rights reserved. Used by sbclp.org with permission of author.