Ag foes support initiative on ballot
Both major party candidates for agriculture commissioner say they support a ballot initiative that would restrict the use of eminent domain for private economic development projects in Mississippi.
Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican from Brookhaven, and Democrat Joel Gill of Pickens face each other and a Reform Party candidate on the Nov. 8 ballot, which also will include the initiative.
Speaking Monday at a forum in Jackson, Hyde-Smith and Gill said they think the effort will protect property owners.
“If an individual or an enterprise wants your property for their development, let them pay for it,” Gill said. “It is your property.”
Said Hyde-Smith: “I’m very strong on private property rights, as many land owners are.”
Clarion Ledger
9/13/11
Magnolia Tribune
