Local Controversy

Washington Parish (the parish I have lived in most of my life) is in the middle of an ongoing controversy about the use of Eminent Domain by the government. While this case is definitely not equivalent to the recent ruling by the US Supreme Court that the government can seize property for use as private development, it is definitely related. The state and local governments want to create a reservoir in Washington Parish and use that land as a residential development area. Currently, the property is used by few and worth very little to the government or community. However, the people who own the land and have lived their all of their lives aren't going down without a fight.

While I have commented that eminent domain could be one of the greatest threats to personal liberty in our country, I have to say that I am on the side of the government on this case due to the compensations offered and the methods used for property selection and acquisition. The opposition is a extremely vocal group named the "Washington Parish Community Preservation Alliance" which I deduct is primarily made up of members of the Pittman family who's land would be seized in the development. They have made several good points about corruption at the state level, but absolutely fail to convince me that the project would not be beneficial to the community. Their video, which is nearly unwatchably bad quality, also omits a few things. The commission has been repeatedly halted by interruptions so much so that they had to eliminate public comments. They mention that the reservior could create horrible disasters in the event of a hurricane despite no precedent for such a statement. They also mention that the commission lacks scientific proof of statements, but then immediately follows with a statement that building the reservior next to a landfill doesn't "make sense". Remember that in viewing their side of the story, you will be getting a very emotionally charged argument.

I am also a little disappointed that they are personally attacking the members of the commission. Thus, the hesitation for people to comment during the footage. I know some of those committee members and they are only interested in the community. Beryl Schilling, Bob Bateman, and Mike Burris (my distant cousin) have used their time and resources for the community as a whole throughout their lives and I think they deserve a little respect from that community. When the video suggests Bill Durden is overpaid at $5,600 for accounting a project that has over $1 million in assets, they start showing their colors, but when they mention Sen. Thomas' personal problems, they cross the line with me.

Anyway, I hope that this wasn't a complete waste of your time. This is the first time I remember being as interested politically in something that was going on locally.