Does the City of Blaine abuse Eminent Domain?
“While the formal implementation of eminent domain has not been exercised by the City of Blaine on the Martin property yet, the eminent domain threat certainly looms, and this story is worth telling for several reasons. First, the Martin family is no stranger to eminent domain. This is the third time their family has experienced eminent domain (on other properties) – and past experience doesn’t make the current one any better. Secondly, there are some lessons both for current elected officials and those who might consider becoming an elected official in the future. These lessons include the unintended consequences of bad decisions by elected officials that echo years into the future. As usual, this story also highlights the significant negative impact of Washington State’s Growth Management Act on another community in our state. There are probably bad actors in this process, and there are debates in the City of Blaine about this situation, however, at the end of the day, it is the Martin family who suffers.”
Morgan, Glen. Freedom Foundation 21 March 2013.
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