Measure A Looking for Help

Eminent domain-- it's a simple issue, right?

Ever since last year's horrible Supreme Court decision (Kelo) that said goverment could use the power of eminent domain to take property from one private citizen to give to another-- rather than only for public use-- there has been a bi-partisan revolt around the country.

And while numerous ballot initiatives meant to prevent such abuses of power will pop up around the country this Fall, we in Orange County have a chance to lead the nation by voting Yes on Measure A this June.  A 'yes' vote on A prohibits county government from using eminent domain for anything other than a public use, preventing your home form being seized for the benefit of a big retailer or auto dealership.

Support for such protection is so broad, in fact, that all 5 Orange County Supervisors-- Democrats and Republicans alike-- unanimously voted to put this Measure on the ballot.

So what's the problem?  With crucial races for Supervisor on the ballot and a costly primary season just behind us, the county's biggest contributors are focusing their money elsewhere, figuring Measure A is a dead lock to pass and leaving it vulnerable to a last-minute ambush by one of the few groups with reason to see it fail.  The Yes on Measure A Committee is in such dire straits that it is having trouble even getting out one mailing or getting enough funds together to post yard/street signs in its support.

Don't let this one fail-- Measure A needs help NOW.  The committee has posted a simple website on the issue which is meant to serve as a portal for last minute contributions, www.SupportMeasureA.org.  If you can help out at all, go there and contribute right away (there is no maximum contribution in the case of this initiative, so one heavy hitter could make all the difference)... it's a small investment to make in defense of private property.

Comments

[Small Fry]

I don't have a lot of money, but I just contributed. Thanks for the informative article. I hadn't even heard about this one.

[Where's the Beef?]

I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the Freedom Communications Corp to put their money where their mouths are.

The Op Ed staff of the OCR is big on telling others what should be done about ED. There should be no problem with them sponsoring or supporting this issue.

[Where's the Beef?]

Sorry. I hit the 'Post' button too soon.

If the Freedom Communications Corp or at the very least the OCR doesn't get behind this, I believe it only shows they are full of hot air without much substance.

[Gustavo Arellano]

Who--or what--is Roark?

[Jubal]

Roark is the newest member of the OC Blogpen.

[calwatch]

Major oversight on the web site.... the actual text of the initaitive.

[MrWhipple]

The Yes on Measure A Committee is in such dire straits that it is having trouble even getting out one mailing....

I received a "Yes on A" four-color mailer yesterday.