Protect your property rights -- Call the Governor Now
From the Virginia Property Rights Coalition:
Dear Coalitionists,
I just learned that representatives of redevelopment housing authorities and local governments, who failed to stop Kelo protection in the General Assembly ARE USING A NEW TACTIC WITH THE GOVERNOR.
They are painting the picture that these bills only passed because Republicans are a majority in the General Assembly; when the facts show this is and should be a TRUE BI-PARTISAN ISSUE.
All one has to do, is look at the polls after Kelo (see attachment above) to know public outrage was almost universal. Reaction was so strong because well cared for, non-blighted property was taken from people who had done nothing wrong and made available to a private developer for a redevelopment. project. All Americans felt vulnerable after this ruling and there was good reason .
Housing authorities in Virginia were already involved in taking non-blighted property. This legislation simply says "NO," you can not take a person's property unless it is blighted. In Virginia this legislation is not necessary to prevent Kelo from happening it is necessary to stop abuses that are already occurring in Virginia under the banner of redevelopment. (will provide examples of abuses if requested)
Those of you who are Democrats please remind the Governor that ALL VIRGINIANS support this legislation because it provides "real Kelo protection" and if you have a friend or relative who is a also a Democrat please ask them to help. This goes of Republicans as well. Let your Democratic friends know what is happening in Richmond. Below is the needed.
Call or e-mail: preferably do both
Ask Governor Kaine to please sign the three identical bills,
HB2954, SB781, and SB 1296, with no changes
Phone: (804) 786-2211
Fax: (804) 371-6351
E-mail: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/AboutTheGovernor/contactGovernor.cfm
Click
Don't let the Governor weaken this legislation to appease redevelopment housing and local governments. If he does Kelo will continue.
Thanks for your help. I really do wish politics were more honest and issue focused.
Nancy
Nancy McCord, President
Virginia Property Rights Coalition