[Vision2020] Proposition 2 Draws Wide Opposition

[Tom Hansen]

>From today's (November 4, 2006) Spokesman Review -

"Democrats and Republicans stood shoulder-to-shoulder Friday against
Proposition 2, and they were joined by everyone from conservation groups to
developers."

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the New
York development company that formulated and promoted Prop 2.  They have
accomplished something that President Bush has never even attempted.  They
have united the Idaho Democratic and Republican parties in common cause.

VOTE NO ON PROP 2 ! ! ! 

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Prop. 2 draws wide opposition 
Risch press conference highlights foes' diversity

Betsy Z. Russell 
Staff writer
November 4, 2006

BOISE - Gov. Jim Risch declared Friday that the broadest coalition he's seen
in his Idaho political career has come together to oppose Proposition 2, the
regulatory takings initiative on Tuesday's ballot. 

"I've seen strong coalitions put together before," Risch said, "but I've
never seen one, I don't think, that is quite as diverse as this group is. I
think that probably tells you something about this."

Risch stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Sen. David Langhorst, D-Boise; Nampa
Mayor Tom Dale; and Sen. Brad Little, R-Emmett, at a press conference in the
crowded governor's office to speak out against the initiative. The room was
packed with sticker-wearing Proposition 2 opponents, including
representatives of chambers of commerce, conservation groups, cities,
counties, developers, Realtors, big business, the League of Women Voters,
the Ada County Highway District and GOP legislators.

The initiative has been billed as a way to limit the government power of
eminent domain, but it actually doesn't change Idaho's eminent domain laws,
other than adding some definitions. That's because its language on eminent
domain mirrors legislation that already passed this year.
 
Instead, the operative part of the initiative is a sweeping new regulatory
takings law, which would require local governments to pay landowners if new
land-use restrictions prevent them from developing their property to its
"highest and best use." Similar initiatives, funded by New York real estate
investor Howard Rich, were proposed in seven states this year and are on the
ballot in four, including Idaho and Washington.

Risch said, "We're all Idahoans here - we really know what's good for Idaho
and what isn't."

Risch, a lawyer, said the initiative as drafted would add a "gray area" to
Idaho's land-use laws that would result in a multitude of lawsuits and
uncertainty over handling growth. 

Becky McKnight, spokeswoman for This House is My Home, the group sponsoring
the initiative, attended Risch's press conference and handed out fliers
calling Proposition 2 opponents "nothing but a front group for environmental
extremist groups like Greenpeace and left-wing billionaire George Soros."

When a reporter asked Risch about that charge, he responded amid laughter,
"Well, y'know, I've been accused of a lot of stuff, and now the list is
complete." He added, "In this particular instance, I think what you have to
do is look around this room, and you see some people here that are very
conservative, you see people here who own a considerable amount of property,
you see people who are strong environmental groups, and they've all come
together to say that this is a bad idea for Idaho."

McKnight said afterward that politicians oppose the initiative because it
would reduce their power.

Former Congressman Larry LaRocco, whom Risch faces in Tuesday's election in
the race to be Idaho's lieutenant governor for the next four years, accused
Risch of grandstanding and noted that he and Risch agree on Proposition 2 -
both oppose it.

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Seeya at the polls, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Vandalville, Idaho


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The right choice for the future of Latah County.

Linda Pike for County Commissioner

For details, go to http://www.LindaPike.com

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