Perdue pledges support to rein in eminent domain

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Perdue pledges support to rein in eminent domain

Gov. Sonny Perdue pledged Thursday that he will do all in his power to ensure that the government's power to seize property for public use, commonly referred to as eminent domain, is not abused in Georgia.

The issue has come to the forefront after an opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court that a local government could seize private property even though the project would not be publicly owned. Critics have said the landmark case opens the door for governments to abuse eminent domain for projects of private developers, since the Supreme Court determined that such projects are for the public good if they increase the property tax base.

"Nothing in the court's opinion, however, prevents a state like Georgia from enforcing stronger restrictions on eminent domain than what the Supreme Court is willing to impose," Perdue said in a statement issued Thursday. "In fact, the court is essentially inviting state governments to become the protectors of property rights. We accept that invitation."

Perdue joins local legislator Sen. Ronnie Chance, R-Tyrone, and others who have decried the Supreme Court decision. Chance voted for a bill this legislative session that would have restricted local government's use of eminent domain, and the bill passed the Senate but didn't make it out of the House of Representatives.

"The right to own and enjoy private property creates the foundation for a free society," Perdue said. "This is a kitchen table issue - Georgians want to be sure they can hold on to their kitchen table."