North Dakota Taking of Private Property Measure (2006)

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North Dakota Constitution
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North Dakota's Taking of Private Property (or Initiated Constitutional Measure 2) appeared on the November 2006 ballot in North Dakota as a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment, where it was defeated.[1]

  • Yes: 137,660 (32.5%)
  • No: 66,302 (67.5%) Defeated

Impact

If passed, the measures would amend section 16 of Article I of the North Dakota Constitution. This measure would provide that the taking of private property for public use or purpose does not include public economic development benefits and that private property could not be taken for private benefit unless necessary for conducting a common carrier or utility business.

Supporters

"This is great news for property owners and great news for what we believe to be the American way," Heitkamp said of the measure's success Tuesday.

"The eminent domain issue was a no-brainer," said Bob Hellekson, 72, of Bismarck. "Yes, all the way." [2]

Opponents

Jerald Hjelmstad, assistant director of the North Dakota League of Cities, said the eminent domain vote was "disappointing, but not surprising." He said his group opposed the eminent domain measure because it would hurt cities in efforts to clean up blighted areas.

"It was an uphill battle," he said. "Local governments will just have to adjust accordingly and try to keep the negative consequences to a minimum."[3]

Don Dabbert, Association of Builders President against Measure 2.

"I encourage the people of North Dakota to look closely at Measure No. 2, which would restrict the use of eminent domain. If passed, this law would negatively affect citizens in our state. It reaches far beyond the question of using eminent domain for economic development purposes. It would discourage urban renewal projects and hamper community efforts to improve our neighborhoods." [4]


See also

External links

References

  1. North Dakota 2006 General Election Results
  2. Voters agree to restrict eminent domain, USA TODAY
  3. Voters agree to restrict eminent domain, USA TODAY
  4. Measure No. 2 bad for economic development
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