If Liz were Queen

I just came across a great review in BURNT ORANGE FOR ALL 11 AMENDMENTS.  Please read it.  Be an informed voter and then GO VOTE!

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Note: In regard to Iflizwerequeen’s opinion regarding a NO on amendment 11 the eminent domain legislation, I’m happy to report that the Austin Chronicle and the El Paso Times both agree with me.

Also I noticed that the Houston Tea Party Patriots don’t agree with me–always a good sign when you are on the other side of the fence from a tea bagger.

Austin Chronicle: NO. “While in general we don’t care for land seizures for private development, this is yet another poorly drafted attempt to amplify the current property-rightist wave of eminent domain hysteria and an invitation to endless court fights over rational public policy.”

El Paso Times: NO. “This proposition concerns eminent domain and the wording is much too broad. Eminent domain is a necessary governmental power, but it must not be used to victimize helpless property owners.”

Houston Tea Party Patriots: YES. “It would prohibit the government from taking property without a clearly stated purpose and would require the government to keep the property, not sell it to another buyer who might pay higher taxes.

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GET THE FACTS ON THE 11 AMENDMENTS AND THEM MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND!

FROM BURNT ORANGE

Background on Constitutional Amendments:

The Legislature proposes these amendments in joint resolutions in the House and Senate. They must pass each body by a two-thirds vote, and cannot be vetoed by the governor. The ballot wording of the amendment is specified in the joint resolution itself. The amendments, if approved by the majority of voters, take effect immediately following the official vote canvass, unless a later date is specified in the resolution. Examples of resolutions passed in 2007 include cancer funding, record votes in the Legislature, and property tax exemptions for work vehicles. For a truly comprehensive look at the amendments and arguments for and against them, I highly recommend the House Research Organization’s voter guide (PDF). It doesn’t endorse, but gives very solid background on each amendment.

Summary of Amendments and Previous Endorsements:

View excerpts from the League of Women Voters’ guide and compare endorsements from The Austin Chronicle, El Paso Times, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Houston Tea Party Patriots, and Senator Kirk Watson’s Watson Wire.

• Proposition 1: Military Buffer Open Space
• Proposition 2: Homestead Appraisals
• Proposition 3: Statewide Appraisal Process
• Proposition 4: National Research University Fund
• Proposition 5: Consolidated Boards of Equalization
• Proposition 6: Renewing Veterans’ Land Bonds
• Propostion 7: Texas State Guards in Civil Office
• Proposition 8: State Funding for Veterans’ Hospitals
• Proposition 9: Protect Open Beaches
• Proposition 10: Emergency District Term Lengths
• Proposition 11: Eminent Domain Restrictions

Early voting continues through Friday, October 30th. Election day is Tuesday, November 3nd.