All Aboard

One good thing that looks like will come out of the 2006 Legislative session is additional restrictions on the use of Eminent Domain. Any issue that brings together Democrats, Republicans, and the three major gubernatorial candidates is going to be under serious consideration. After Kelo v. New London, it became apparent that county and municipal governments in many localities were planning on using Eminent Domain laws in any way they saw fit, regardless of its intended use. This is the kind of issue on which Republicans and Democrats can stand together; Republicans in defense of property rights, and Democrats in defense of the disproportionately affected working classes.

Let us hope, however, that it does not get caught up in the minutiae of political posturing. Republicans are seeking a Constitutional Amendment, Democrats are supporting a less restrictive law. On an issue where support is this widespread, we need to make it happen.