HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/25/2006 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.G.RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA OPPOSING PASSAGE
OF 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 Palm Springs' ability to plan for and protect is
communities; and
WHEREAS, Proposition 90 would allow individuals to sue, claiming a new law
or regulation has impacted the value of their properly 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 initiate 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
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
ITEM NO. I-&-
will cost taxpayers billions in added costs, harm the environment, and hurt
California cities' ability to protect neighborhoods; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED [hat the Council of the City of Palm
Springs, California does hereby express its strong opposition to Proposition 90,
the Government Acquisition and Regulation of Private Property Initiative, and
urges local voters to oppose passage of this measure.
ADOPTED this day of 2006.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
W
City Clerk
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
REVIEWED AND ADOPTED AS TO FORM:
City Manager