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A 'YES' vote on Measure 2 |
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Letters to the Editor
Oct. 23, 2006
To the editor:
Private property owners of North Dakota, both urban and rural, the C-RED (Citizens to Restrict Eminent Domain) thank the 32,761 individuals who signed the petition relating to the constitutional measure relating to the taking of private property. As a result, a "Yes" vote on Measure #2 in the general election will, once and for all, END THE TAKING OF PRIVATE PROPERTY from one private individual and giving it to another private individual in the name of economic development. Enhanced tax revenues and increased tax base can no longer be the basis for the TAKING of private property.
These 32,761 individuals represent a cross section of every walk of life. Property owners residing in every corner of the state are represented. Among these signers are individuals that have experienced the use of eminent domain. One individual stated that he did not even receive what he had been paid for property two years earlier because he was told "he had paid too much." His real estate taxes, however, reflected the price he had paid.
In Principle Number 7, N. Gregory Mankin's textbook Principles of Economics asks one question, "Why do we need government? Answer, "Markets work only if property rights are enforced." Hence, a free market does not exist when the possibility of the involuntary taking of private property is allowed.
The campaign has begun with the usual argument that blighted areas would no longer be improved. Nonsense. Laws protecting the public's health and safety are in place. This measure only returns fair play to the marketplace. The realtor's long-standing statement, "location, location, location," will once again have merit. A law-abiding, tax-paying property owner will be paid according to market forces. This is only right!
Let's return eminent domain use to legitimate public purposes such as schools, roads, flood protection, transmission lines, etc.
Don Berge
C-RED Chairman
Litchville |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 06 November 2006 )
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