Old Drum

Commentary on Warrensburg, Johnson County and Missouri issues from a Libertarian perspective. View my earlier commentary at www.olddrum.net.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Stossel Column on Eminent Domain

A new John Stossel column addresses a specific case in Illinois where Target pulled out of a development due to opposition to the use of eminent domain to sieze th eproperty involved. The article also has very good arguments why eminent domain should not be used. See the column.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Zoning coming back

I was appointed as "alternate" representative for Montserrat Township in the latest attempt to put P&Z in Johnson County. I had asked to be placed on the committee - not because I support zoning, but because I want to make sure that we can live with what comes out, should it end up passing.

The first meeting was yesterday afternoon; I was assured the only thing that "alternate" reps lack is a vote. OK, I can live with that for now. Most of the township reps at the meeting are fairly large farmer/landowners; at 112 acres, I'm the small fry. That means there will be a lot of protection for agricultural enterprises. I hope it also means there'll be a lot of interst in protecting their ability to sell property for development if they so desire. We know that Cass & Jackson Counties have very restrictive urban-type zoning, while Lafayette County's zoning is anti-development. We shall see how things develop.

In any case, I will use my political website, www.olddrum.net, to keep everyone informed on what's happening, in case the county website doesn't.

BW