Lynn C. Woolsey: “today the House passed H.R. 4128, a bill that makes states and local governments ineligible for Federal economic…”

“today the House passed H.R. 4128, a bill that makes states and local governments ineligible for Federal economic development funds for 2 years if they exercise eminent domain in the name of economic development. Protecting the rights of individual property owners is of the utmost importance. However, there are certain circumstances when the best interest of a town is served by the responsible use of eminent domain. As a former City Council Member, I know how effective this tool can be when it is used judiciously. In my State of California there are restrictions on local governments' use of eminent domain to ensure that situations like that of Kelo v. City of New London do not happen. We have to trust local authorities to use this power responsibly and respectfully and only when it truly benefits the community at large and when property owners are fairly compensated. By restricting the use of eminent domain, we take away our local governments' ability to serve and improve their jurisdictions. As the leaders of our neighborhoods and towns, we must trust they know best how to use the resources and assets that are available. Mr. Chairman, by restricting the use of eminent domain we have in fact impeded our local governments' ability to make necessary progress.”