Officials react to high court property ruling

VERNON-Local government officials are still reacting to the June U.S. Supreme Court decision on eminent domain. The court ruled 5-4 that local governments may appropriate private property for commercial development. Janet Morrison, deputy mayor of Vernon, said that she doesn't think the court ruling per se is the issue. Rather, she believes the issue is with the judgment and restraint that should be shown by town leaders. "It is outrageous to see small homeowners overpowered by strong business interests. People can't expect that a ruling by the court or action by the legislature would cure this problem. "People have to elect strong property-rights advocates and support them. Some of the people who are expressing outrage over this have supported the taking of property for open space. The knife cuts both ways. Eminent domain is a necessary power. "The electorate have to assure that they put people in office who will exercise good judgment and restraint and always look out for the protection of those who cannot protect themselves." Former Vernon Mayor John Logan said that he disagrees with the ruling because the court majority broadened the application of eminent domain from "public use" to "public purpose." "While I am in favor of a community taking the initiative to plan for the greater good via zoning, I have issues with the application of eminent domain to non-infrastructure-related projects "I believe government should allow market forces to dictate economic development in appropriately zoned areas. Having said that, I don't see this ruling having an impact in Vernon. It would seem to be something more targeted to urban renewal areas."