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 PreshowReturn to index of stories... |
Coming up: a closer look at the 2 ballot questions facing voters this November. That's NOW on NH Outlook, where New Hampshire talks! |
| Hello/Intro Ballot #1 Return to index of stories... |
We're on the road this week at the New Hampshire Political Library -- housed in the State Library here in Concord. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. When NH voters head to the polls this November 7th they'll find 2 questions on the ballot one on eminent domain, the other on redistricting. To help you make an informed decision -- we've called in the experts to discuss the pros and cons of both measures. We begin with Question One which deals with Eminent Domain -- the government's ability to take private property for an overriding public need. Voters are being asked to decide whether or not the State Constitution should be amended to "limit" the government's eminent domain powers. The article reads: "No part of a person's property shall be taken by eminent domain and transferred directly or indirectly to another person. if the taking is for the purpose of private development or other private use of the property." NH is one of MANY states looking to TIGHTEN restrictions following last year's US Supreme Court ruling which allowed New London, CT to take a group of older homes along the city's waterfront for a private developer. Here to talk about Eminent Domain: Chuck Douglas, a former State Supreme Court Justice and former Congressman -- who supports question one. And, Cordell Johnston, a Government Affairs Attorney for the NH Municipal Association which opposes Question One. Welcome to both of you. Q CHUCK DOUGLAS: Why do we need Question One? Doesn't NH have one of the more stringent eminent domain LAW. Can you give us an example of Eminent Domain Abuses this Amendment is seeking to prevent?? |
| Ballot Question #1 Return to index of stories... |
Q CHUCK DOUGLAS: Why do we need Question One? Doesn't NH have one of the more stringent eminent domain LAW. Can you give us an example of Eminent Domain Abuses this Amendment is seeking to prevent?? Q CORDELL JOHNSTON: Why not PROHIBIT eminent domain TAKINGS for PRIVATE use? Q CORDELL: Just how common is the use of Eminent Domain for economic development purposes? Q Examples of TAKINGS that might be adversly impacted by the proposed RESTRICTIONS? Q CHUCK: Some might ask --Why such a SLEDGE hammer? Q CORDELL: Would this AMENDMENT impact HIGHWAY Projects? ** Forcing landowners to SELL their land BELOW market value with threats of eminent domain -- have we seen that??? Q CHUCK: Can you not envision ANY circumstance in which taking of property for private development might have at least a PARTIAL public benefit? Q CHUCK Douglas: The language is simple, direct.easy to understand. How important is that? ** you've been leading a campaign to publicize the measure? Q CORDELL: Few things are as emotional as property rights in NH ? What is the end result of Question 1 passes? CORDELL: Best case for NO on Question 1: eminent domain? CHUCK: Your best argument for A YES vote on Ques 1?? |
| Question #1 Conv Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Attorney's Chuck Douglas, and Cordell Johnston -- for arguing both sides of the case for us. Now, its your turn to decide. The amendment needs 2/3rds of the vote to pass. Both questions will appear on the bottom or back of state ballots. |
| Break 1 Return to index of stories... |
A break down of Ballot Question number two. |
| Intro Ballot #2 Return to index of stories... |
Question Two on the ballot deals with legislative House districts -- which could make a difference for those who live in small towns. It's of particular interest to those who are either in -- or, want to be in the Legislature. A Yes Vote would guarantee that every town or ward in the state with a large enough population would have its OWN representative at the State House. At more than 200 words, the question is at best, difficult to understand. Outlook's Richard Ager spoke to some voters in Portsmouth for their VIEW of Question 2. |
| Ballot Voter Reaction Return to index of stories... |
IN: 1:01:37 you want to know OUT: 1:01:53 that's a hell of a mouthful to read when you're in the voting booth.I understand it but only because of previous knowledge of it. IN: 1:04:50 . OUT: 1:05:19 My God, who wrote this. would you vote for this. not on a ballot like that. IN: 01;03:33 WELL, YES OR NO?1:03:46 do you get the gist of it. OUT: 1:043:58 not in time we have.laughs IN: 1:08:53 -1:09:11 My husband was a rep. OUT: 01:08:31 BECAUSE YOU LIVE WITH A STATE REP? Right, right. ---------------------- SNIPETS to look at for MOS 1:01:14 Richard: That's question #2 take a look at it: reads quietly 1:01:32 its about re-aportinoment. IN: 1:01:37 you want to know OUT: 1:01:53 that's a hell of a mouthful to read when you're in the voting booth.I understand it but only because of previous knowledge of it. 1:03:18.reading. non-floterial. IN: 01;03:33 WELL, YES OR NO?1:03:46 do you get the gist of it. OUT: 1:043:58 not in time we have.laughs 1:04:04-:05 it would be nice if it was easier to understand you know 1:04:16-:18 I would be more likely not to vote IN: 1:04:50 . cu of document 1:04:50 OUT: 1:05:19 My God, who wrote this. would you vote for this. not on a ballot like that. 1:05:25 It's about redistricting. 1:05:45 in a couple of minutes 01:06:38 As a voter, I don't think. 01:06;50 .and spell it out? That's what I have to say. 1:07:25 reads.can you give me the bottom line.come on guys 1:07:51 document IN: 1:08:53 -1:09:11 My husband was a rep. OUT: 01:08:31 BECAUSE YOU LIVE WITH A STATE REP? Right, right. .in a way George Washington. every person 2500 representative. 400 people.maybe House is a tad too many IN: 01:09:40 woman reads I don't know OUT: 1:09::56 Do you understand,.not really.would you vote for it probably not 1:06:10 reading 1:06:25 whats thrust of this. pretty long 1:06:38-:47 I don't think people will take time to analyze it.read page spell it out Richard CLOSER1:12:20 Apportionment.reads document. Vast Confusion 1:12:31 |
| Intro Quest #2 Conv Return to index of stories... |
Obviously, it's a tough one. Here to help us sort it out: Republican Representative Neal Kurk, a sponsor of the bill and Democratic Senator Peter Burling, an opponent of the amendment. Welcome to both of you. Q REP Kurk: You support Ques 2: How about a translation? Q REP KURK: WHY so complicated. Every voter we spoke was confused, only the wife of a Rep understood it. How can you expect VOTERS to understand it -- let alone vote on it?? |
| Question #2 Conv Return to index of stories... |
Q SEN BURLING: What would Question 2 actually DO ?? Why do you OPPOSE it?? Q SEN BURLING: Lets look at the NET effect of current MULTI-town districts. For example: Exeter and 2 other towns make up an 8-member District. 7 are from EXETER Wouldn't this amendment be in the interest of FAIRER Represenation? Q REP KURK: What is a floterial district? Q SEN BURLING: Is this a PARTISAN issue??? ** Does this give an advantage to one party over another??? Q SEN BURLING/ REP KURK: Give us a little background on how the issue of RE-DISTRICTING landed in the lap of the SUPREME COURT? Q REP KURK: Give us your BEST argument for voting YES???? Q SEN BURLING: Your BEST argument for a NO vote on Question 2??? ====================== Q SEN BURLING: Do you feel the exisiting system provides PROPORTIONAL representation? Q It's been said that NH has the largest state legislative body in the nation and the 3rd largest in the English-speaking world -- does it need to be even LARGER??? *** SOME have suggested a SMALLER House and LARGER SENATE.would be a better balance of power. =========================== Q In the words of one supporter: Smaller towns were being shoved aside in districts that had a dominant town. Incumbent reps from small communities became virtually unknowns in new, larger districts. VALID point? QREP KURK: Shouldn't redistricting be about ensuring local representation by creating the smallest, most common-sense districts possible. Q What is the ideal number of voters in districts? When you talk about PROPORTIONAL Representation -- What is the ideal figure Q Do you worry about GERRYMANDERING by Republicans The state Constitution requires the Legislature to redraw legislative districts every 10 yrs to assign House seats. Coincides with the release of the census count |
| Tag Ballot Questions Return to index of stories... |
My thanks to Rep. Neal Kurk and Senator Peter Burling for their perspective on the issue. Just a footnote on the ballot questions: The Secretary of State's office tells us -- 75-percent of those who vote in an election actually end up voting on the ballot questions. The last time a question passed on the ballot was in 19-92. |
| Thanks/Goodbye Return to index of stories... |
Before we close --special thanks to our hosts here at the NH Political Library in Concord. And, Thank you for watching NH Outlook.where NH talks. I'm Beth Carroll, I'll see you around NH. |
| emient domain info Return to index of stories... |
An Eminent Domain Amendment will go before NH voters in November. This, after the state Senate voted unanimously Thursday to limit the governments eminent domain powers. New Hampshire is one of many states pushing to tighten restrictions following a recent US Supreme Court ruling which allowed New London, Connecticut to take a group of older homes along the city's waterfront for a private developer. LANCASTER, N.H. - It's been a year since the U-S Supreme Court ruled to uphold a Connecticut city's right to take some homes to make way for private development. Opponents crying eminent-domain abuse -- including those in New Hampshire -- are planning to hold rallies throughout the country. One group is gathering at Rogers Campground in Lancaster, New Hampshire. CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire legislators are moving forward on tightening the state's eminent domain laws. One proposed constitutional amendment is expected to go before voters in November. It would prevent cities and towns from seizing property if it would go to a private owner. The House also voted to tighten existing laws on eminent domain yesterday. |
| Key: state / community politics Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 10/29/2006 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 13:00 NOW on New Hampshire Outlook, where New Hampshire talks: A closer look at the 2 ballot questions facing voters this November. We're on the road this week at the New Hampshire Political Library -- housed in the State Library here in Concord. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. When NH voters head to the polls this November 7th they'll find 2 questions on the ballot one on eminent domain, the other on redistricting. To help you make an informed decision -- we've called in the experts to discuss the pros and cons of both measures. We begin with Question One which deals with Eminent Domain -- the government's ability to take private property for an overriding public need. Voters are being asked to decide whether or not the State Constitution should be amended to "limit" the government's eminent domain powers. The article reads: "No part of a person's property shall be taken by eminent domain and transferred directly or indirectly to another person if the taking is for the purpose of private development or other private use of the property." NH is one of many states looking to tighten restrictions following last year's US Supreme Court ruling which allowed New London, CT to take a group of older homes along the city's waterfront for a private developer. Here to talk about Eminent Domain: Chuck Douglas, a former State Supreme Court Justice and former Congressman -- who supports question one. And, Cordell Johnston, a Government Affairs Attorney for the NH Municipal Association which opposes Question One. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Chuck Douglas\Ballot Question #1 Proponent, Cordell Johnston\Attorney, NH Municipal Association |
| key: national politics Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 10/29/2006 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 13:00 NOW on New Hampshire Outlook, where New Hampshire talks: A closer look at the 2 ballot questions facing voters this November. We're on the road this week at the New Hampshire Political Library -- housed in the State Library here in Concord. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. When NH voters head to the polls this November 7th they'll find 2 questions on the ballot one on eminent domain, the other on redistricting. To help you make an informed decision -- we've called in the experts to discuss the pros and cons of both measures. We begin with Question One which deals with Eminent Domain -- the government's ability to take private property for an overriding public need. Voters are being asked to decide whether or not the State Constitution should be amended to "limit" the government's eminent domain powers. The article reads: "No part of a person's property shall be taken by eminent domain and transferred directly or indirectly to another person if the taking is for the purpose of private development or other private use of the property." NH is one of many states looking to tighten restrictions following last year's US Supreme Court ruling which allowed New London, CT to take a group of older homes along the city's waterfront for a private developer. Here to talk about Eminent Domain: Chuck Douglas, a former State Supreme Court Justice and former Congressman -- who supports question one. And, Cordell Johnston, a Government Affairs Attorney for the NH Municipal Association which opposes Question One. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Chuck Douglas\Ballot Question #1 Proponent, Cordell Johnston\Attorney, NH Municipal Association |
| Key: state / national politics Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 10/29/2006 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 13:00 NOW on New Hampshire Outlook, where New Hampshire talks: A closer look at the 2 ballot questions facing voters this November. We're on the road this week at the New Hampshire Political Library -- housed in the State Library here in Concord. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. When NH voters head to the polls this November 7th they'll find 2 questions on the ballot one on eminent domain, the other on redistricting. To help you make an informed decision -- we've called in the experts to discuss the pros and cons of both measures. Question Two on the ballot deals with legislative House districts -- which could make a difference for those who live in small towns. It's of particular interest to those who are either in -- or, want to be in the Legislature. A Yes Vote would guarantee that every town or ward in the state with a large enough population would have its OWN representative at the State House. At more than 200 words -- too many to read out -- the question is at best, difficult to understand. Here to help us sort it out: Republican Representative Neal Kurk, a sponsor of the bill and Democratic Senator Peter Burling, an opponent of the amendment. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rep. Neal Kurk\ Weare, Sen. Peter Burling\ District 5 |
| Key: national politics Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 10/29/2006 HOST: Beth Carroll Length: 13:00 NOW on New Hampshire Outlook, where New Hampshire talks: A closer look at the 2 ballot questions facing voters this November. We're on the road this week at the New Hampshire Political Library -- housed in the State Library here in Concord. Hello, I'm Beth Carroll. Welcome to New Hampshire Outlook. When NH voters head to the polls this November 7th they'll find 2 questions on the ballot one on eminent domain, the other on redistricting. To help you make an informed decision -- we've called in the experts to discuss the pros and cons of both measures. Question Two on the ballot deals with legislative House districts -- which could make a difference for those who live in small towns. It's of particular interest to those who are either in -- or, want to be in the Legislature. A Yes Vote would guarantee that every town or ward in the state with a large enough population would have its OWN representative at the State House. At more than 200 words -- too many to read out -- the question is at best, difficult to understand. Here to help us sort it out: Republican Representative Neal Kurk, a sponsor of the bill and Democratic Senator Peter Burling, an opponent of the amendment. PRODUCER/REPORTER: Beth Carroll NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Rep. Neal Kurk\ Weare, Sen. Peter Burling\ District 5 |
| release Return to index of stories... |
have release form for Ques #1 for Charles Douglas have release form for Ques#2 for Neal M. Kurk and Peter Hoe Burling have release form for Ballot? talk show for Cordell Johnston |