Eminent domain law must protect rights

Letter to NJ Supreme Court chief justice :

As a citizen of the United States and a resident of New Jersey, I would like to express my opinion on our New Jersey eminent domain laws and how they are being interpreted by the courts.

I believe our laws are, and should be, based on a basic moral foundation or they would not have existed for this length of time. I also believe they should be equitable for all citizens.

I am in favor of eminent domain used for its original intent to benefit all citizens. I am adamantly opposed to eminent domain being used to make private developers richer by using a convoluted interpretation of the law.

The taking of private property by the government goes against everything this country was founded on and promotes an environment of corruption and greed, a situation we especially in New Jersey are finding ourselves in the midst of.

The basic concept of individuals' rights makes up the foundation of our laws and society. Unfortunately, eminent domain abuse is eroding the very rights we were founded on.

I ask you as learned jurist, citizens and residents of this great state of New Jersey who are concerned about interpreting our constitution so all citizens' rights are taken into consideration, to make both a legal and moral decision when interpreting our eminent domain laws and include in any argument, the true intent of our forefathers and legislators when they originally passed the New Jersey eminent domain laws.

Harold Bobrow

Maplewood