By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-868950.mp3
Dallas, TX – Texas voters have adopted all eleven ballot amendments by healthy margins, and spoken most loudly on the need to curb the use of eminent domain.
With nearly all the votes counted more than 81 percent supported Proposition 11. That amends the Texas Constitution to prohibit government from seizing private property for development just because the development increases the tax base.
Anger has been building over the expanded use of eminent domain since Arlington seized private property to build the Rangers Ballpark and homes were wiped out to make way for the Cowboys Stadium. In the 1990's Hurst forced familes out of their houses so North East Mall could build a parking lot.
Some anti-toll road activists say the amendmend didn't go far enough. But at a recent League of Women Voters forum in Richardson Glenda Pasley said Proposition 11 provides overdue protection for property owners.
Pasley: I would like to see the individual homeowner protected as opposed to a corporation or a shopping center
Don Lewellyn said the amendment will help curb government abuse.
Lewellyn: Sometimes they've taken more land than they've need so they can sell it for profit. I don't think that's what eminent domain is for.
Sixty-eight percent of voters also approved an amendment that now requires residences to be appraised for their value as homes. Some have been appraised at higher values because they're located near commerical development.
Texans also adopted amendments that protect public beach access and make it easier for the state to provide low-interest veteran home loans without frequent voter approval.
On an issue closely watched in North Texas, voters said yes to using $500,000 in state money to create a fund that will help seven Texas universities seek recognition as tier one research schools. The University of Texas at Dallas, the University of North Texas, and the University of Texas in Arlington are all competing to join the ranks of nationally recognized research facilities.
You can find links to more election results at kera.org on the Voters Voice page.