Eminent domain projections

Eminent domain became a major issue in Montana the day after the Supreme Court action in Connecticut (Kelo vs London) took private property as means for economic development. The "compelling public interest" requirement appeared to be minimized or absent. Several weeks ago Sen. Bob Keenan introduced a resolution to the Flathead County Commissioners concerning the eminent domain issue and it is being reviewed for implementation by them at this time.

Reps. Verdell Jackson, Dee Brown, Jon Sonju, myself and others have been active in developing and promoting Constitution Initiatives and changes in the Montana law. CI-152 and other proposed initiatives will be forthcoming and can be seen on the Montana Secretary of State Web site.

As a realtor and property owner, I appreciate those legislators whose top priority is to protect our private property rights with both legislation and a consistent voting record. It is comforting to see them at local public hearings speaking up for our property rights. We need consistency, especially for those long term Montana citizens so they can have peace about their family's future enjoyment, by retaining the same protections that were offered in the past. These hardworking citizens are concerned about loosing their farms, homes and property rights to those who would void such rights to enjoy their open space dreams or to the developer and the government officials whose collusion seeks to circumvent the law for monetary gains and influence.

Rest assured that we will have a fix in place at both the county and state levels before judges apply liberal interpretations to our constitution and eminent domain law. The Republican action plan "Republican's Handshake with Montana" states that if Republicans are in the majority next session they will "strengthen private property rights by passing strict sideboards to government confiscation via eminent domain laws."

George Everett

House District 5

Kalispell