THAT’S DEBATABLE:

Gov. Schwarzenegger recently argued Prop. 98 would hurt public works projects by restricting the government’s eminent domain authority. It would phase out rent control and make it harder for the government to force the sale of private property when it’s deemed in the public’s best interest. Where do you stand on Prop. 98, and why?

In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cities had the right to use eminent domain to take land from a private property owner and transfer it to private developers under the guise that developing the land would be a “public benefit.” Prop. 98 will strengthen the rights of property owners by ensuring that property claimed through eminent domain can only be used for public purposes such as building bridges and roads. It will prevent the government from abusing the eminent domain process and acting in concert with local developers. For all of these reasons, I support Prop. 98.

Tom Harman

Senator

The notion that private property rights will stop us from providing water infrastructure is ridiculous. Property rights are the keystone to liberty. What if the government can take away your home for any reason it chooses? Would you be more or less likely to criticize it? Suppose you criticize the government, and some angry bureaucrat or elected official takes your house: What will you say to your spouse when asked, “Was it worth it?” Prop. 98 stops local government from seizing homes, churches and small businesses from unwilling sellers for the sole purpose of giving it to a politically connected developer under the guise of redevelopment.

Van Tran

Assemblyman

(R-Costa Mesa)

I fully back Prop. 98 because it restores private property protections lost in the terrible U.S. Supreme Court Kelo decision. Prop. 98 reinforces property rights, including the right to set rents. Rent control should be ended, as it is a form of theft that reduces housing stock by discouraging new investment in housing.

I oppose Prop. 99, however, as it is a total sham initiative put on the ballot by the same people who want to take your property and sell (or give) it to boost tax revenue. Eminent domain should be reserved for a truly public purpose, such as a new dam, road or hospital.

Chuck DeVore

Assemblyman