Eminent Domain Hearing Approaches

Here's the reminder: Go to the Statehouse Wednesday to be seen in heard by a House study panel. The House seeks input on the issue of eminent domain. Many Libertarians, including myself, Mike Sylvester of Fort Wayne, and Margaret Fette of Bloomington will be on hand to make our case for restricting the use of eminent domain in the most severe way.

Kenn Gividen, former Libetarian candidate for governor, made his case on the pages of today's Indy Star.

The motive to abuse eminent domain is simple: It will increase revenue by reassigning real estate to those who will pay higher taxes. Low-income families are the logical targets.

One example was seen in New London, Conn., where local residents were forced to sell their modest homes. The city handed over its power of eminent domain to the New London Development Corp., a private body, to take the entire neighborhood for private development. One resident, Susette Kelo, sued NLCD for the right to retain her home. The case was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Kelo lost her case.

This decision threatens every property owner in Indiana. Local government can force you to sell your property to a private enterprise. Unless, that is, Gov. Daniels and the Indiana legislature take the necessary steps to prevent it. On Wednesday, your voice can help make the change.

It isn't just low-income families who could suffer. Sure, the high-end homes in the Lockerbie Square neighborhood are fabulous. But what if a developer came up with a mixed-use plan for higher density luxury condos and retail space- all of which would generate greater tax revenues? Poof! That's what would happen. The City of Indianapolis would gladly facilitate the theft of those older homes in favor of re-development. So, Kenn's right. This threatens every property owner in Indiana.

If you can't attend, make sure to email or call your state Representative. Follow this link to find out who your legislator is: http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/

Let you rep know that you oppose the use of eminent domain for any commercial purposes, and that you oppose the widespread abuse of eminent domain in general.

If they don't hear from you, they assume it doesn't matter to you.