Published: November 04, 2009 08:54 pm      

Texans appove Proposition 11

PALESTINE — Texans overwhelmingly stood in favor of private property rights in Tuesday’s Constitutional Amendment Election passing Proposition 11 by a roughly 81 percent to 19 percent margin.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry said, “By approving Proposition 11, the voters of Texas have sent a clear message: Don’t mess with private property rights. This measure provides needed protections for private property owners and builds a firewall between the misguided principles of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo ruling.”

Proposition 11 is a Texas constitutional amendment that prohibits the taking, damaging or destroying of private property for public use. It also bars the taking of private property for certain economic development purposes and limits the legislature’s authority to grant the power of eminent domain to certain entities.

Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples, of Palestine, said the vote spoke volumes.

“It shows Texans still value the heritage of this great state,” Staples said, noting private property rights. He also said the vote was an important opportunity to remind all Texans of the state’s heritage.

The people of Anderson County were even louder in their support for eminent domain as they supported the measure by a 86.55 to 13.44 percent margin. For the election 496 people voted early, with 2,656 voting on Election Day.

As for the other propositions, all 11 passed in the statewide election.

Voters went a different path, though, in Anderson County. Proposition 1 which created financial buffer areas adjacent to military installations failed to carry Anderson County by a 54.58 to 45.41 percent margin.

Also, Proposition 4 dealing with funds going to assist research universities failed to pass in Anderson County by a 61.64 to 38.35 percent margin. County voters also chose to go against Proposition 5 for a single appraisal review board for adjoining entities.

For more on the voting totals, go to the Texas Secretary of State’s Web site at www.sos.state.tx.us