Video Presentations: Fresno Chamber
Opposes Propositions 98 and 99 on the June 2008 Ballot
The Greater Fresno
Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council voted to
oppose Proposition 98 and Proposition 99, two controversial
ballot propositions regarding eminent domain that will appear on
the June ballot.
The Chamber heard testimony from both supporters and opponents
of Propositions 98 and 99, and realizes that these are complex
issues that are critically important to the Central Valley and
to California as a whole. We support clear and constructive
solutions and will continue to oppose ambiguous language and
divisive tactics that do not move us any closer to sound policy.
Proposition 98
Proposition 98 takes a solid approach at limiting the
government’s ability to invoke the use of eminent domain, but
the Chamber believes this measure goes too far. While
Proposition 98 has the potential to be great reform, ambiguous
language written into the ballot proposition threatens the
future building of needed infrastructure of water storage in the
state of California. Proposition 98 would increase the likelihood of
eminent domain battles ending up in long, drawn out legal
battles, which help no one. For these reasons and others the
Fresno Chamber opposes Proposition 98.
Kiran Black, Manager, Political
Affairs, Farm PAC
Proposition 99
The Fresno Chamber also opposes Proposition 99 because it does not
protect the rights of business owners. Proposition 99 only protects the
rights of homeowners, falling shy of the real eminent domain
reform that is needed in California. The Chamber would urge all
players to put forth positive solutions to the eminent domain
debate and to come to the table to get important reforms
accomplished.
Hilary Baird, Public Affairs Manager, League of California
Cities
Contact Amy Huerta,
the Chamber's Government Affairs Manager for more information at
(559)
495-4818
or
ahuerta@fresnochamber.com
