by State Rep. Jim Whorton
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Candidates for Missouri state and national elected positions in November have been sent a questionnaire on the issue of eminent domain. The questionnaire was sent to all 420 candidates running in the November election to educate the voters on how these candidates would treat their private property rights in the event a city and developers would work to take their property for private profit rather than for a public purpose.
Missouri Eminent Domain Abuse Coalition (MEDAC) is a non-profit citizens organization that sent out the survey and will report the results to the voters through the news media. The surveys of those candidates who respond, will be received by Oct. 10, and the results sent to the media shortly thereafter.
The new bill that was enacted in the state legislature, HB 1944, was supposed to protect property rights. It did help farmers and rural areas, but not urban and suburban ones. It also does not go into effect until Dec. 31, so no one is protected before that date.
Can “blight” be used as a way to deprive people of their property? What is “just compensation?” Can whole areas be taken rather than one house that may be a hazard to public health? Will development happen without the use of eminent domain? Will the candidate support legislation to do away with the abuses of eminent domain? These are a few of the questions being asked of the candidates.
The abuses of eminent domain have been a problem throughout the country. Thirty eight states have already made legislative and constitutional efforts to correct these problems. The Missouri legislature has made an effort, but MEDAC members know it has not been sufficient to do the job. They feel that more changes will have to be made. in the next legislative session or that constitutional changes will have to be considered.
Session in full swing…
The legislative process is finally in full swing at Jefferson City. Our House of Representatives meets “in session” from 10-12 and again from 2-5 (or later) on a daily basis, in addition to individual committee schedules. Those of us who serve on the Budget Committee are meeting every day from 8-10; 12-2 and 5-whenever in the evening. That schedule will persist during the next few weeks, so please forgive me if I’m not quite as accessible as usual.
About Director Ferrell’s resignation…
There has been much ado this past week surrounding the Governor’s office concerning one of his Cabinet appointees. Missouri Agriculture Director, Fred Ferrell, was identified about a year ago for alleged improprieties with his office staff; however, no details were made public at that time. Information finally surfaced this week that revealed; several instances of improper sexual harassment of women within the Department by Ferrell, a refusal to consider a promotional recommendation within the Department that would have resulted in “a woman supervising men” and the list goes on. My understanding is the situation escalated to a recent attempt at misuse of state funds in a plan to reach a “settlement.” Past Director Ferrell finally resigned from office this week and Matt Boatright has been appointed to serve as interim director.
Among those visiting the Capitol…
Missouri’s Community College Association converged on the Capitol Tuesday, Feb. 27, including exhibits throughout the 3rd Floor Rotunda, a legislative lunch, contacts with respective legislators and culminating with an evening legislative reception. Participating students from North Central Missouri College, accompanied by Dr. Neil Nuttall, were Lonny Farrington (Callao), Colin Brock (Lawson), Cara Williams (Linneus), Megan Schmidt (Laredo), and Kane Young (Unionville). Also, the Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organized a “job shadowing” day on Wednesday the 28th, which brought about 60 Missouri students to the Capitol. I was fortunate to share most of my day with Melissa Gay, who is active in Trenton’s FCCLA, while Katherine Hoffman, also of Trenton, accompanied the Governor’s office staff.
During the rest of the session, it will help us a great deal if you can share your interest in specific bills, including your position of for or against, along with a few thoughts about the issue. I won’t have the time to complete a background study on each one that comes before us so your input is very important. You can contact me at (573) 751-1649 or (660) 359-3988 or email me at jim.whorton@house. mo.gov.