LETTERS: PROPERTY RIGHTS ACTION

To the editor:

Absolutely the most important action you can take to protect your private property rights is to immediately call or write Missouri Sen. Bond and Sen. Ashcroft and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and demand that the Senate vote on the Omnibus Property Rights Act, S605, before the August recess.

S605 is on the list for voting before the recess, but it is the last bill on the list. The Senate can kill the bill by procrastinating and then tell voters, "Sorry, we just ran out of time." The issue is far too important now and for generations to come.

S605 compensates property owners if federal action reduces property value. S605 prohibits government agencies from coming onto your property without your advance written permission. S605 allows appeal by owners of property affected by the Endangered Species Act. A government agency considering issuing regulations which may result in taking private property will be required to complete a takings-impact analysis before acting against property owners, will have to pay for regulatory takings from the agency's budget and must prove that each taking of private land is both in the public good and that such action will no increase the deficit.

Time is short. Please immediately call Bond, Ashcroft and Lott. Ask Bond and Ashcroft each to send a letter to Lott with a copy to you requesting a vote on S605 before the August recess. Keep our senators accountable to voters and property owners. Don't allow our senators to avoid taking a stand on property rights by letting the clock run out.

WILLIAM F. JUD

Fredericktown