Final Letter of Campaign

Dear Editor, The Daily Progress

I enjoyed Bob Gibson's article on the perception that public discourse is less civil than it used to be ("Former Texas official bemoans loss of honor," Oct. 22, 2003).   America has a tradition of harsh rhetoric beginning with Thomas Paine, who defined the art form.   I think we would be hard-pressed to outdo our predecessors.   But I'll give it a try.

I'd like to update your readers on my campaign to make people aware of urban renewal and how it influences us today.   I was uniquely suited for this task.   As a bright kid, growing up two houses north of the Ix textile factory, I am an eyewitness to Garrett Street urban renewal.   Frankly, I'm not sure I would believe it actually happened if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

What was the stated purpose for clearing this neighborhood?   Housing and redevelopment.   What have we today?   Garrett Square and parking lots.

What happened was, a city agency invoked eminent domain for the explicit purpose of reselling the area to private developers, who would grow the tax base by redeveloping the land, which would mean higher assessments and greater revenue to fund ever-expanding services for the public good.   Also, a federal grant was available to finance the project.   Problem is, few developers have been interested in this prime real estate.

As it turns out, this practice is widespread.   "Steal from the poor and give to the rich."   Today, it's more likely to be called abuse of eminent domain.   One study has documented 10,000 instances of this abuse nationwide in just the last five years (castlecoalition.org).   "60 Minutes" (CBS, Sep. 28, 2003) exposed the case in Lakewood, Ohio, where the mayor wants to condemn an old neighborhood of senior citizens so a developer can build condos.   Unlike a generation ago, the developer is likely to be already lined up today.

On November 4, since Mitch Van Yahres is unopposed for reelection and unable to condemn urban renewal, I'm asking people to exercise the write-in option to send a message.

If you think urban renewal is the issue we most need to deal with, write in Eminent Domain or any address you may know that was taken under eminent domain for private use.   If you think something else is the bigger issue, write that in.   If you are part of a voting block, write in your pivotal issue.

There's no reason to vote for an incumbent who is unopposed.   But vote anyway.   Think of something important and write it in.

Sincerely,
Blair Hawkins

The editor said she chose not to print the letter due to lack of space (Oct. 31).   Posted Nov. 2.

Timeline of Campaign       Healing Charlottesville