True Agenda Hidden by California's Pro Proposition 98 Ads. Schwarzenegger and Feinstein Agree California's Proposition 98 is Bad News for State.

Even if you are a homeowner or don't otherwise need rent control, if you live in California it could bite you.

Pushed by the Howard Jarvis foundation, the measure parades as an hold on excessive eminent domain seizures, but it also is becoming known as the rent control killer. 

 Other people say it's wording, which will be placed in the California constitution as an amendment, can be used to prevent the state or local governments from enforcing a wide variety of laws to protect citizens or communities, or to improve neighborhoods or make sure California has the resources it needs for the future.

Pat Morrison on the deceptive advertising by the Jarvis Foundation in  "The Undead Howard Jarvis and Prop. 98" on the deceptive advertising mailers from the Jarvis group.

Schwarzenegger and Feinstein agree that Prosition 98 could prevent California from  being able to improve it's infrastructure and add to our water supply according to AP report "Calif. voters face rent control, eminent domain initiatives".

Excerpt:

Proposition 98 ...would greatly limit governments' ability to seize property, even when the intention is to improve blighted downtown business districts.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has criticized Proposition 98, saying its restrictions on the use of eminent domain would undermine the ability of government to build freeways, dams and other public works projects.

Schwarzenegger, a Republican, and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat, have issued statements opposing Proposition 98. They said they worry the initiative would prevent California from expanding its network of dams or building canals to transport water at a time when there is increasing concern about the state's long-term water supply.

"It is reckless and would tie the state's hands in dealing with a wide range of critical issues," Feinstein said.

 According to California League of Conservation Voters report "Prop 98 Guts Protections for Our Land, Air, Water, Species and Natural Resources ":

If passed, Prop. 98 could prohibit important environmental protections, including:

• AB 32 Regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other laws to limit climate change;
• Water supply and water quality protections that ensure adequate supply and quality for species protection, such as waterfowl, salmon, and delta fish; or for maintaining the beauty of natural treasures like Lake Tahoe;
• Regulations to protect sensitive wetland areas, including limiting development on or near wetlands;
• Urban limit lines and other growth control measures intended to stop sprawl and uncontrolled development, and to protect open space;
• California Environmental Quality Act mitigations that cities, counties and public agencies require of developers to mitigate environmental impacts of developments;
• Protections of endangered species and their habitats;
• Protection of coastal areas, farmland, and ranchland, as well as cultural and historic sites;
• "Smart growth" regulations designed to promote compact, walkable, and transit-oriented communities that combine residential and commercial land uses;
• Ordinary zoning regulations, such as restrictions on the development of polluting industries, adult businesses, and "big box" megastores; and
• Regulations intended to protect old growth forests by limiting timber harvests.

What to do. 

Okay, I'm late on this, but if you haven't voted yet today, go to the polls.

Better yet, call up everyone you know well and explain the dark secrets of Proposition 98, not just the rent control problems.  I believe a decent break for renters should be a right, but many times home owners who were about 70% of the voters -- the last I heard, sometimes don't care about renters.  So show them how this hurts them.  Then offer to help anyone who needs it a ride to the poll.  The big bucks land exploiters are counting on you, your friends, and members of your family to not vote in this small election.

 If they succeed they will ride our rights all the way to the bank.

Also remind everyone also that there is another eminent domain bill on the ballot that they can vote for. 

tags: eminent domain  property rights  california proposition 98  

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