Following eminent domain issues

By Rep. Barney Fisher

I continue to receive much correspondence from district constituents regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's recent Kelo v. New London decision. All correspondence has opposed or criticized that decision and urged decisive legislation to protect Missouri's private property owners. I am absolutely confident that the sentiment to protect property rights is the prevailing attitude from the Governor's office and throughout the General Assembly.

Three questions exist regarding the Kelo decision: Is legislation the correct or best way to protect private property owners; or is a Missouri Constitutional Amendment necessary; or are both needed?Republican and Democrat legislators are preparing legislation (some of which may be pre-filed on December 1, 2005) to protect private property rights or are gearing up for the amendment route.

The Governor's Task Force is thoroughly studying the eminent domain issue and will publish their recommendations in early January, 2006.

Whatever course of action is taken to protect private property rights, I am confident that it will be decisive and private property ownership will be protected.

Congratulations are due the leadership of Rich Hill and Schell City.

The Missouri Department of Conservation recently awarded a $10,000 grant to Rich Hill for a Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance project for Park Place and Prospect Park. Statewide, 63 applicants competed for the TRIM awards and Rich Hill was one of the 40 successful recipients.

Schell City has been awarded a badly needed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $276,000 for water system improvement. Congratulations to Mayor Williams and Mayor Haddix and other city leaders in Rich Hill and Schell City.

Great News!

Since the landmark anti-meth bill went into effect, we have see a reduction in meth incidents for August and September. The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a 55 percent reduction in meth incidents in August and a 42.7 percent reduction in September.

Contact Barney Fisher at his capitol office at (800) 382-4123 or (573) 751-5388 or write to Representative Barney Fisher, State Capitol, Room 201B, Jefferson City, MO 65101.