Editor, Gazette-Journal:

When you vote in the election, vote ‘yes’ on Question One. This is a proposed constitutional amendment in Virginia which would help to correct Eminent Domain abuse.

The original purpose of Eminent Domain was for it to be used only when absolutely necessary, to take and pay a fair price for private property to be used only for essential purposes of the common good, such as building roads. But the rules have been stretched and it has been used for such things as building a mall, for example, which would greatly benefit financially a few involved citizens.

If a majority of voters approve the measure, the Virginia constitution will be amended effective Jan. 1, 2013, and this will go a long way in preventing the government from confiscating private property.

Sue Long

North, Va.

 
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