Was rent control change in Prop 98 a bad idea?
May 29th, 2008, 8:49 am · 2 Comments · posted by Scott Shackford
I received a press release from the No on 98 folks crowing about the latest polls that show the proposition losing and losing pretty badly next Tuesday.
Given that the entire campaign against the proposition is based on the rent control provision, I do have to wonder if it was a mistake to include it. We ran a guest commentary from Timothy Sandefur explaining in detail why the rent control issue isn’t a big deal, but sadly in some situations it is tough to fight emotional arguments with rationality.
Somebody needs to just suck it up and write a ballot initiative that restricts eminent domain and does nothing else, period. There’s too much mission creep going on. I understand the arguments for getting rid of rent control and keeping local government from abusing the zoning process to get what they want, and I agree, but this is a battle fought in increments. Let’s re-establish the proper use of eminent domain first and then wage the other battles.
I’m also disappointed in the number of newspapers who have fallen for the horrible arguments that have been presented to kill 98 and approve 99. You’d think an industry that requires government respect for the Bill of Rights in order to function would have a little more appreciation for property rights. But, sadly, for many newspaper editorial writers, the strength of your rights seems to weaken based on the amount of money you have. If you own a mobile home, you have all sorts of rights. If you own a mobile home park, well then, forget it.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
No matter how California voters decide on the fates of pops 98 and 99, both would require a 2/3rds vote in Sacramento. There is good chance that they both will not fly as there is a good majority who do not want to give up eminent domain, which I support as long as it is not abused.
May 31st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Not so long back the editor made the assumption that landlords were victims and were entitled to yes votes on props 98,99. These flawed propositions are just another bad dream of some whip cracking Republicans, they were recognized for what they are worth. The brand is thrown out dog food no ones buying Republican brands.