[Winona Online Democracy] The Best Buy complex in the Twin Cities is a good example of what big business can do to small business in that the properties were taken by the city to enhance their tax base while small business that didn't want to sell were forced to sell. Property owners should be able to decide except for highways which have few choices on where to go. The government should pay over market rates for displacing business and homeowners.
Tom Severson Severson Oil Co. P.O. Box 736 Winona, Mn. 55987 507 452 3402 ext 214 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Double Sent: Friday, July 15, 2005 9:11 AM To: Online Democracy Subject: [Winona] Should Eminent Domain be used in Winona other than forroads & utilities? [Winona Online Democracy] The recent Supreme Court in New London, Connecticut opened the door for more government control over the rights of property owners. Now Washington DC wants big box stores and is willing to use eminent domain to achieve it --- see http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/11/AR2005071101 488.html The question is --- should it be used in Winona and what is acceptable? Should it be used to sell park lands to developers for residential or commercial developments? Should low taxable property be taken for the development of condos? Can the political will of any council be the controlling factor to preserve or destroy historic properties? Can and should it be used to shut down one business because it doesn't fit the image or that could be replaced by something which would generate higher property taxes? Can if be used to force a property owner to spend substantial funds to fit the picture or model and if you don't to seize your property to sell it to someone who will? This ruling opened a can of worms that could affect you and your vision of the potential power of local government that could be used to change a community into anything those in power desire and are pushed by a small but driven group of supporters. Do you see it coming to river city??? Are you a player, a pawn or a spectator? Paul Double _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
