For over a decade, my farmer friends in Clarke County have been battling to stop the abuse of eminent domain for a recreational lake along Coyote Canyon. This year, a bill that would provide some protection to landowners – SF 449 – passed and is now on Governor Branstad’s desk. SF 449 would hold developers responsible for the amount of acres actually needed for a water supply, and would also require them to investigate alternatives so eminent domain would not have to be used.

The Governor has not yet indicated if he will sign or veto the bill, but he’s receiving huge pressure from local lake developers to veto it. On top of that, this is a pet project of Lt. Gov. Reynolds, so perhaps she also is encouraging a veto.

Please call (yes, call, because the Governor does not have an email address) Governor Branstad and ask him to sign SF 449 to help farmers in Clarke County who do not want their land condemned for a lake. Call his office at (515) 281-5211, and remind him that last year he ran an attack ad implying his SUPPORT for private property rights. Let’s hold him accountable to what amounted to a campaign promise! Thanks – Ed