Farm Bureau responds to governor's position on Proposition 98

» April 25, 2008 «

Emphasizing that property rights protection and water development go hand-in-hand, the leader of the state's largest farm organization said today he's disappointed that Gov. Schwarzenegger has decided to oppose the property-protection measure on the June ballot.

The California Farm Bureau Federation co-sponsors Proposition 98, the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act, which would add needed protection for homes, farms, businesses and churches from abuse of the government property-seizure process known as eminent domain. It also assures fair treatment of property owners when property is seized.

"It's not surprising that politicians and government would oppose Proposition 98," California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar said. "After all, it would take power away from government and give more power to people who have been victims of eminent domain abuse. Government wants to be able to take property for whatever purpose it wants, even to give it to private developers for their own personal gain. Proposition 98 would curb that power. No wonder politicians don't like it."

Mosebar noted that legal experts and water groups including the Institute for Justice, Pacific Legal Foundation, California Water Association and Family Water Alliance have all reviewed Proposition 98 and found that it protects property rights while allowing development of reservoirs and other needed public projects.

"Farm Bureau strongly favors water rights and strongly favors water development, and our support of Proposition 98 fits with both," Mosebar said. "Proposition 98 was written with a lot of thought and the best legal advice. It will protect property and water rights, while allowing government agencies to use eminent domain for legitimate public works such as water projects, roads and schools."

Proposition 98 will appear on the statewide ballot in the June primary election.

The California Farm Bureau Federation, the state's largest farm organization, works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of 91,000 members statewide.

For two sound bites with California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar, call 800-937-3565.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.