Post by mainedawg on Aug 13, 2012 11:52:23 GMT -5
For Immediate Release
August 13, 2012
Senator Thomas Calls for Suspension of East-West Highway Study
Submits legislation to protect property owners from eminent domain
Augusta - Senator Doug Thomas (R-Ripley) called on Governor LePage to place the East-West Highway study on hold until the legitimate concerns of local citizens are properly addressed. In a related action, Senator Thomas also announced that he has pre-filed legislation (LR-95) that protects private property owners from having their property taken through eminent domain for private purposes.
Senator Thomas has been an outspoken proponent of an East-West Highway study to determine whether or not such a proposal will create jobs and stem the steady out-migration of young residents from northern Maine. In the 125th Legislature, he sponsored LD 1671, "An Act To Provide the Department of Transportation for a Feasibility Study of an East-West Highway." Thomas introduced the bill to generate a public participation and discussion of the merits of an East-West Highway.
"I still believe that the study will reveal the economic benefits of an East-West highway. But I want it done in an atmosphere of trust and thoughtful deliberation. I am calling for a temporary suspension of the study until the legitimate concerns of my constituents about the highway are properly addressed. These include: eminent domain; the size of the right-of-way; and other potential uses of the corridor. I want an open and transparent public discussion of the pros and cons of the highway," said Thomas.
Senator Thomas referenced the input he has received on the issue while talking one-on-one with constituents. "I want the questions that have been raised to be fully addressed. Uncertainty has created an opportunity for misleading statements and false claims that diminish the process. It's important that this process be done right. I am asking that this study be delayed until we have safeguards in place to protect private property rights. That is why I have pre-filed LR 95 and am requesting that Governor LePage assure us that residents are protected in the meantime."
LR-95 changes Maine's Constitution to prevent the state from taking property through the use of eminent domain when it involves a private use. Because it involves a change to Maine's Constitution, it will require two-thirds approval by the Legislature and approval of voters through a referendum. In the meantime, Senator Thomas has also requested that the Governor promise to veto any proposal to take private property from Maine citizens through eminent domain for an East-West Highway.
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Senator Doug Thomas chairs the 125th Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government and serves on the Transportation Committee. He represents Maine Senate District 27 which includes the Penobscot County communities of Chester, East Millinocket, Medway, Millinocket, Mount Chase, North Penobscot, Patten, Seboeis, Stacyville, and Woodville. It also includes all communities in Piscataquis County and the Somerset County communities of Cambridge, Harmony, Hartland, Palmyra, Ripley, and St. Albans.
Mark J. Ellis
Technology and Communications Director
Senate Republican Office
(207) 287-1505
Mark.Ellis@Legislature.Maine.gov
SenateRepublicans.Maine.gov
August 13, 2012
Senator Thomas Calls for Suspension of East-West Highway Study
Submits legislation to protect property owners from eminent domain
Augusta - Senator Doug Thomas (R-Ripley) called on Governor LePage to place the East-West Highway study on hold until the legitimate concerns of local citizens are properly addressed. In a related action, Senator Thomas also announced that he has pre-filed legislation (LR-95) that protects private property owners from having their property taken through eminent domain for private purposes.
Senator Thomas has been an outspoken proponent of an East-West Highway study to determine whether or not such a proposal will create jobs and stem the steady out-migration of young residents from northern Maine. In the 125th Legislature, he sponsored LD 1671, "An Act To Provide the Department of Transportation for a Feasibility Study of an East-West Highway." Thomas introduced the bill to generate a public participation and discussion of the merits of an East-West Highway.
"I still believe that the study will reveal the economic benefits of an East-West highway. But I want it done in an atmosphere of trust and thoughtful deliberation. I am calling for a temporary suspension of the study until the legitimate concerns of my constituents about the highway are properly addressed. These include: eminent domain; the size of the right-of-way; and other potential uses of the corridor. I want an open and transparent public discussion of the pros and cons of the highway," said Thomas.
Senator Thomas referenced the input he has received on the issue while talking one-on-one with constituents. "I want the questions that have been raised to be fully addressed. Uncertainty has created an opportunity for misleading statements and false claims that diminish the process. It's important that this process be done right. I am asking that this study be delayed until we have safeguards in place to protect private property rights. That is why I have pre-filed LR 95 and am requesting that Governor LePage assure us that residents are protected in the meantime."
LR-95 changes Maine's Constitution to prevent the state from taking property through the use of eminent domain when it involves a private use. Because it involves a change to Maine's Constitution, it will require two-thirds approval by the Legislature and approval of voters through a referendum. In the meantime, Senator Thomas has also requested that the Governor promise to veto any proposal to take private property from Maine citizens through eminent domain for an East-West Highway.
###
Senator Doug Thomas chairs the 125th Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government and serves on the Transportation Committee. He represents Maine Senate District 27 which includes the Penobscot County communities of Chester, East Millinocket, Medway, Millinocket, Mount Chase, North Penobscot, Patten, Seboeis, Stacyville, and Woodville. It also includes all communities in Piscataquis County and the Somerset County communities of Cambridge, Harmony, Hartland, Palmyra, Ripley, and St. Albans.
Mark J. Ellis
Technology and Communications Director
Senate Republican Office
(207) 287-1505
Mark.Ellis@Legislature.Maine.gov
SenateRepublicans.Maine.gov
