Posted on Sun, Feb. 12, 2006

CAPITOL NOTEBOOK: TIMES SACRAMENTO BUREAU

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/email/news/13854425.htm

PROP. 13 BACKERS TRY TO GET ISSUE ON BALLOT:

The forces behind Proposition 13 are trying to qualify a ballot measure for November that would limit the government's ability to seize private property for private development.

The drive is part of a nationwide backlash against a Supreme Court ruling in June that said local governments can force property owners to sell even if the property is not blighted, as long as the new project would benefit the public.

Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, said the Supreme Court decision has galvanized support for the ballot initiative and that his group, which raises money through direct mail, would have enough to qualify the measure.

"Here in California, it happens all the time where people's homes are taken for development."

Coupal said support for the measure crosses the liberal-conservative divide, uniting those who want to limit the power of government with minority groups that usually favor government programs, because the targets of redevelopment often live in poor neighborhoods.

"Let's face it," he said. "They're not condemning property in Bel Air."

Coupal said his measure would not eliminate the power of eminent domain and that governments still could condemn property that was blighted or posed other problems, such as a crack house.