PLATFORM/Land of the free
In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled in June that local governments may seize private property through eminent domain to benefit private development. Proponents say the ruling is good for economic development. Opponents, such as Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, however, argue that cities should not have the authority to move families to benefit wealthy developers. American City & County asked readers of its weekly e-mail newsletter if they agree with the High Court’s decision. Here are a few of the responses:
“The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing the use of eminent domain for economic development means the ability of communities to increase economic activity remains in the hands of locally elected officials. The court’s statement that the pursuit of economic development is a ‘public use’ within the meaning of the Fifth Amendment is good news for community redevelopment, but that does not mean city officials will now act randomly and without balanced consideration.”
— Steve Budd, Chairman, International Economic Development Council, Washington
“A property owner cannot afford to hire experts to punch holes in what may be a very bad deal for the people of the city or town. It’s very expensive to put on a case and claim that what appears to be good in terms of taxes, is not so good, in fact. The developer, however, has experts on staff, or can hire them, and it can paint a rosy picture without worrying about a serious challenge. Local officials, at least in small cities and towns, are not business savvy, and they can be easily manipulated and fooled by slick developers and smooth presentations.”
— Mike Brodinsky, former town councilor, Wallingford, Conn.
“The decision goes completely contrary to a foundational pillar of the U.S. Constitution and a major catalyst for the Declaration of Independence — the right to own and control one’s own property. The United States has been called the Land of the Free because its citizens have been free from government intervention in personal affairs. Apparently we can no longer make this claim.”
— Mark Hansen, Treasurer, Bonneville County, Idaho