Nancy Stocksdale is on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and Economic Development, Subcommittee on Children, Youth and Families and is the
Deputy Minority Whip
39 Ridge Road
Westminster, MD 21157
410-840-8088
Fax 410-840-8088
Lowes House Office Building
Suite 322
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3371
800-492-7122
[email protected]
As I prepare for the 2006 Legislative Session which starts January 11, I want to share with you an issue which will be coming before the General Assembly.
I am sure many of my constituents are now aware of the Supreme Court decision regarding eminent domain (Kelo v. City of New London). This decision held that the U.S. Constitution does not prevent the transfer of property, seized through eminent domain, to private entities for private profit. I personally feel that this is wrong, and it will have terrible consequences on property owners.
You can imagine the level of concern this decision has created. Right now, a few states have written legislation to restrict the use of eminent domain to strictly public-use projects, banning government condemnation authority solely for economic development.
Many legislators, including myself, want to have legislation drafted to protect property owners in Maryland. In this effort, the Republican Caucus, in both the House and Senate, is working together to have one comprehensive bill that will address this issue on a State-wide level to protect property owners from government-taking of their property.
I would appreciate hearing your opinion on this matter and/or any other issue of concern to you where you think I might be of help.
Sincerely,
Nancy R. Stocksdale
Delegate, District 5-A