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Governor's Task Force On Eminent Domain Discusses Issue in Rural Areas.

October 13, 2005
By: Tim Walker
State Capital Bureau

Rural Democrats criticize the Governors Task Force on Eminent Domain.

Tim Walker has more from Jefferson City.

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Representative Wayne Henke, a Democrat from Lincoln County, announced plans for future legislation that would stop the use of eminent domain for private development.

Henke said the Governor's Task Force has not done enough to address the dangers of eminent domain abuse in rural Missouri.

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"When I read them I thought there was very little testimony from people that had problems with this in rural areas."

Task Force member Representative Steve Hobbs a Republican from Mexico disagrees.

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"Today while their press conference was going on we had a panel of three land owners from different areas of the state talking about utility issues"

The Task Force will give its report to the governor at the end of the year.

Reporting from the state Capital, I'm Tim Walker.

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The Governors Task Force on Eminent Domain tackled rural issues in its meeting on Thursday.

Tim Walker has more from Jefferson City.

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Several Missouri farmers testified in front of the Task Force.

The farmers complained about the condemnation process.

Loren Jensen, a farmer from Macon says he worries farmers won't get enough for their land.

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"If a piece of ground here is worth five thousand dollars an acre, don't go down the road and tell the next guy his is only worth one thousand. There has got to be some happy meeting place in the middle somewhere."

An eminent domain lawyer testified on behalf of businesses.

Reporting from the state Capital, I'm Tim Walker.

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Rural Missouri was the latest topic for the Governors Task Force on Eminent Domain.

Tim Walker has more from Jefferson City.

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The Task Force tackled assessment and condemnation issues in rural Missouri.

Three farmers testified about their experiences with the process.

Farmer Bill McLaren says part of his land was condemned for a new highway.

McLaren says it's wrong for the state to allow businesses to condemn land.

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"They have an ultimate power of condemnation. That is an unbelievable power. They really don't have to negotiate."

The Task Force released its preliminary report in September and is scheduled to present its final report to the Governor at the end of the year.

Reporting from the state Capital, I'm Tim Walker.