Local Government Attacks Private Use
Representative of local governments across the state are criticizing a bill that limits the use of eminent domain in Delaware to public purposes.
The bill, sponsored by Laurel Democrat Robert Venables, was scheduled for a Senate vote later today. It would limit the power of governments to seize property through eminent domain to instances where the land would be taken for public use.
The bill specifically states that public use does not include increasing tax revenues, the local tax base, or jobs through private land owners or economic development.
Representatives of the Delaware League of Local Governments gathered at Legislative Hall today to voice their opposition to the bill, as well as others that they believe infringe on local authority.
George Wright, executive director the league, said the eminent domain bill is an attempt to take home rule away from local governments.
This article is an example of one of the few times a local government has been at the forefront of attacking private use takings. Generally, the local agencies look for some specific non-governmental agency to "carry the water".
