Editor, Gazette-Journal:

A proposed amendment to Virginia’s constitution that would protect your land from eminent domain abuse is on the ballot.

Question 1 proposes amending Virginia’s constitution to protect private property owners from eminent domain abuse. The amendment has three provisions: that no more private property may be taken than is necessary to achieve a stated public use; the condemner will have to prove that the use is public, and that fair compensation is given to the property owner.

Condemning entities such as highway departments or utility companies would not be able to exercise eminent domain if the primary use for taking land is for private gain, private benefit, private enterprise, increasing jobs or boosting tax revenue or economic development. If you own property—or one day aspire to own property—I hope you will make time to vote on Nov. 6. Actually, I hope you were planning to vote anyway. Be sure to make yours count. Vote yes on Question 1.

Richard M. Kurtz

Vice President

Gloucester/Mathews Farm Bureau