April 4, 2008

News from the Villages

Republican Club hears talk on Proposition 98

By Gary Hill
Special to the Times

The Republican Club at the Villages held its monthly general meeting on Mar. 25 with a dinner in The Villages Clubhouse. The main speaker for the evening was Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association (HJTA). HJTA is the largest taxpayer association in California.

Mr. Coupal’s subject was Proposition 98, “Real Property Rights for Californians: The California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act of 2008.” A recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Connecticut city to use the power of eminent domain to take private property for the purpose of freeing land for a private business development. The purpose was to increase the tax base. The ruling also cleared the way for states to establish their own controls for property protection.

Bill Eckert, 1st Vice President of the Republican Club and Jon Coupal. Photo by Lou Rosenberg

Proposition 98 provides that (1) Private property cannot be taken for private use – just for public benefit, (2) Property cannot be taken for the same use, (3) Government cannot determine the price of the property and (4) rental authority controls are to be phased out.

Coupal also warned against Proposition 99. It is masquerading as a property rights advocate but in fact would take away all the protections afforded by Proposition 98 if it receives more votes. Both propositions will appear on the June election ballot.

During the business meeting, the Republican Club elected Eve Wright as its new treasurer and adopted its budget for 2008. The next general meeting will be held at Foothill Center on Apr. 28 at 10 a.m.