HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO 8656RESOLUTION NO. 8656
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO TO OPPOSE PROPOSITION 90 -THE GOVERNMENT
ACQUISITION AND REGULATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY
INITIATIVE.
WHEREAS, Proposition 90 is an initiative on the November
2006 ballot which purports to be about eminent domain reform,
but would cost state and local governments billions and
undermine Palo Alto's ability to plan for and protect its
communities; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 90 would allow individuals to sue
claiming a new law or regulation has impacted the value of their
property or business, and would cost taxpayers millions in
litigation fees; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 90 would severely restrict the
ability of voters and local and state agencies to enforce laws
that protect the coastline, preserve open spaces and farmland,
protect air and water quality, and protect environmentally
sensitive areas; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 90 would discourage cities from
enacting new consumer protection and criminal laws, because the
initiative could require new taxpayer payouts for laws
protecting consumers from identity theft, fraud and other crimes
if the offending business claims that such laws harm their
business; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 90 would prevent local governments
from acquiring property for the purpose of cleaning up blight,
eliminating slum lords, building affordable housing and
potentially providing public facilities operated by private for-
profit agencies; and
WHEREAS, if local and state agencies had to spend
billions of dollars defending against lawsuits each time they
enacted public interest measures, such spending would
dramatically reduce resources available for local police and
fire protection, emergency response and other local services;
and
061004 jp 6050054
WHEREAS, after a similar law was passed in Oregon, more
than 2,200 claims were filed against the state, seeking over $5
billion in payments that Oregon taxpayers could ultimately have
to pay; and
WHEREAS, the League of California Cities and the
California Redevelopment Association are strongly opposed to
Proposition 90, because they believe it is misleading to say
that it resolves eminent domain concerns, when ultimately it
goes far beyond eminent domain and will enact constitutional
amendments that will cost taxpayers billions in added costs,
harm the environment, and hurt California cities' ability to
protect neighborhoods; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the Ci ty of Palo Al to does
RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby expresses its strong
opposition to Proposition 90, the Government Acquisition and
Regulation of Private Property Initiative, and urges local
voters to oppose the measure.
SECTION 2. The City Council and staff are authorized to
provide impartial informational materials on the initiative as
may be lawfully provided by the City's representatives. No
public funds shall be used to campaign for or against the
initiative.
SECTION 3. The residents of the City of Palo Alto are
encouraged to become well informed on the initiative and its
possible impacts.
III
III
III
III
III
III
III
061004 jp 6050054 2
SECTION 4. The Council finds that this is not a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore,
no environmental impact assessment is necessary.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
CORDE3LL,
MORTON
MOSSAR
October 10, 2006
DREKMEIER, KLEIN,
ABSENT: BEECHAM, KLEINBERG
ABSTENTIONS: BARTON
061004 jp 6050054 3
KISHIMOTO,