Group aims to limit eminent domain

Rob Christensen and Wade Rawlins, Staff Writers

Former Raleigh Councilman Kieran Shanahan is creating a statewide organization to protect private property rights and fight abuse of eminent domain laws.

Shanahan, a Raleigh attorney, has created the N.C. Property Rights Coalition, which will push for a state constitutional amendment to restrict government use of eminent domain powers.

“The initial goal of this organization is to work toward a constitutional amendment to limit the use of eminent domain,” Shanahan said.

“My hope in doing a grass-roots organization is that it will serve as an umbrella organization for other groups and specific individuals who find themselves on the short end of eminent domain.”

The issue of government takings has been hot in conservative circles since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo decision a year ago, which allowed a Connecticut town to seize houses to make way for private development.

North Carolina law does not allow taking property for private development. But Shanahan said the law is too broad and should be narrowed. Shanahan cites as abuses the public taking of a marina at Topsail Beach and the taking of a Raleigh house to make way for Exploris, the private children’s museum.

Shanahan said the group would push for banning the use of eminent domain for economic development, shifting the burden of proof from the citizen to the government, and other restrictions.

Among those who have joined the new group’s board are former Raleigh Mayor Paul Coble, Raleigh Councilman Philip Isley, and Durham Councilman Thomas Stith. Frank Williams, a Raleigh public relations executive, will work as the group’s part-time executive director.

The coalition is a nonprofit group that will meet around the state to build support for a constitutional amendment.

Shanahan said he got involved because he has represented clients in takings cases. But Shanahan has previously expressed interest in running for the GOP nomination for attorney general in 2008.

Asked about a potential political run, Shanahan said, “I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Electronics’ second life

Lawmakers and legislative staff loaded about 50 old computers, monitors and other electronics into a Synergy Recycling truck Wednesday morning at the Legislative Building.

No doubt the electronics recycling day, organized by Democratic Sen. Janet Cowell of Wake County, helped free up some closet and shelf space.
Cowell hopes the event also will call attention to a bill she introduced to help launch permanent electronics recycling programs across the state.

“One of the best things about this is we had the truck parked right out front,” Cowell said. “It helps plant a seed that even if they didn’t take advantage of today’s drop-off, they do have options to do this.”

Currently, about a dozen counties and cities in North Carolina have permanent programs to recycle electronics, and some others have a drop-off day once or twice a year. In most places, obsolete computers go into landfills.

Cowell’s bill would ban electronics from landfills and add $5 to the price of computers and televisions to fund county recycling programs across the state. Cowell hopes to get a hearing on the bill next month. “Hopefully, we’ll get some better options for everybody,” she said.

Fundraiser for Miller

Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Miller is expected to kick off his fundraising for the fall campaign against Republican challenger Vernon Robinson in the 13th Congressional District with a reception June 25 at the Irregardless Cafe in Raleigh.

“You can expect two things from our opponent in this campaign: Vernon Robinson will raise serious money, and Vernon Robinson will spend it saying anything he can to unseat Brad,” an e-mail message from Miller’s campaign said.

By staff writers Rob Christensen and Wade Rawlins. Christensen can be reached at 829-4532 or robc@newsobserver.com