We Need Real Eminent Domain Reform, Not Hidden Agendas

Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Ron Faas
New Times SLO

Proposition 98 on the June 3 ballot would only deepen the water crisis that threatens California's economy now and in the future. Either intentionally or through negligence, Prop. 98 includes flawed language that could prohibit the acquisition of land or water needed to develop public water projects we desperately need to provide safe, quality drinking water for California's ever-growing population.

Prop. 98 is also one of the worst anti-environment measures in decades. Hidden in the definitions of Prop. 98 are provisions that would invalidate many of California's programs to protect the environment and our natural resources. These hidden provisions could jeopardize important environmental laws and regulations that protect our coastline, open space, forests, air quality, streams, and guard against climate change and global warming.

Promoted by wealthy landlords and mobile home park owners for their own financial gain, Prop. 98 is an attack on renters that would eliminate rent control and important protections for all California renters. More than 1 million Californians depend on rent control to survive. Prop. 98 would also jeopardize numerous laws that protect all 14 million California renters, including the fair return of rental deposits and laws protecting tenants from unfair and unjust evictions.

Proposition 99 is the only true eminent domain reform measure on the June ballot. This strong reform provides ironclad protections for California homeowners, and is a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court's outrageous Kelo decision that allowed government to take homes for private development.

Unlike Prop. 98 (the "Hidden Agendas Scheme"), Prop. 99 is honest and powerful reform that will prevent government from taking a home through eminent domain to be transferred to a private developer.

Don't take the bait on 98. We'll be just fine with 99! Vote NO on Prop. 98; YES on Prop. 99.

FAIR USE NOTICE. This document may contain copyrighted material the use of which may not have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Tenants Together is making this article available on our website in an effort to advance the understanding of tenant rights issues in California. We believe that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Help build power for renters' rights: