MO-CPR press release: Arnold, MO Voters Say No to Eminent Domain Abuse

In Ward 2, anti-eminent domain abuse challenger Jerel Poor defeated
incumbent John Brazeal by a margin of 67% to 33%. In Ward 1, Matthew
Hay—who has publicly opposed private-to-private transfers of land
through eminent domain— won with 78% of the vote.

“The election results in Arnold and other jurisdictions around the
state emphasize that Missourians are fed up with eminent domain
abuse,” said Ron Calzone, chairman of Missouri Citizens for Property
Rights. “It's important to understand, though, that most of these
wins don't even give the pro-property rights forces a majority in
those cities. What's more, gains made in one municipal election can
be lost in the next. The people really need the constitutional
protection our ballot initiative provides .”

Days before the Arnold election, city officials circulated a media
advisory on official letterhead criticizing Dr. Tourkakis for
asserting his constitutional rights. The controversy arises out of
the City’s efforts to take Dr. Tourkakis’ office so private
developers can build big-box stores.

“It’s clear voters understood how wrong it was for the City to use
taxpayer money to denounce Homer Tourkakis for defending himself
against the abuse of eminent domain,” said his attorney, Tim Sandefur.
Meanwhile, citizens have collected the majority of the signatures
necessary for two proposed constitutional amendments that would
limit eminent domain to actual public uses.

“The response to our petitions has been overwhelming – the people
are hungry for real property rights protection.” Calzone added. “Our
projections indicate that we will have the signatures we need by the
May 4th deadline, but it's not going to be easy getting there – we
still need all the help we can get.”

*Contact:*
Ron Calzone, chairman
Missouri Citizens for Property Rights
33867 Highway E
Dixon, MO 65459
(573) 759-3585
ron@mo-cpr.org
www.mo-cpr.org