Representative Jones, please do not refuse to represent the people of District 2 by refusing to vote on the CO2 pipeline eminent domain bill. You have said that you think that because you rent land on Summit’s preferred route that this violates your personal moral code. That sort of thing would be a violation if you were on Summit’s Board or you worked for Blackrock, not simply being a part of the community where you do business. Even if you actually owned the land Summit wanted you would have a better case for abstaining. Can you vote on bills that address the food chain if you eat? Farming if you farm? On taxes if you pay taxes? Does renting a few farms on the proposed route really test your moral character?
All you are doing by refusing to vote is refusing to represent your constituents. Between 2013-2016 your constituents also fought the 500-mile Rock Island Clean Line. At that time, you also refused to vote for the same reason even though there were other Representatives with land on the route that supported us with their money and their votes. Maybe companies like this intentionally touch your business because they know they will silence your vote if they do.
It has also been noted you recently voted in favor of HF 2442. This bill also has to do with condemnation of private land. It would allow landowners to be charged with the court costs of those trying to condemn their land if they refuse to participate in the proceedings. Basically, if one refuses tyranny, one is charged with the costs the tyrannical motions accrue. Play the game or be charged for not playing.
Even the Palo Alto and Clay County Supervisor Boards have voiced their opposition to eminent domain and I am sure that a few, if not many of them rent land or own land on the land the pipeline wants.
Many bills pass without any public notice. This one has our attention. Help restore a bit of our faith in the system.
– Janna Swanson
Author: Janna Swanson
Janna Swanson helps her husband Paul farm in NW Iowa with their two young daughters. Since 2013 Janna has volunteered her time and energy for her community. She was a key member of the Preservation of Rural Iowa Alliance that protected landowners from the Rock Island Clean Line. From there she helped start and facilitated the grassroots group, The Coalition for Rural Property Rights to help protect community members from industrial wind installations. She is also a board member of National Wind Watch, a 25-year online collection of information of the industrial wind opposition from around the world. Most importantly Janna is a follower of Christ and seeks to help others to know and understand Him. Yet because she is also seeking deepening her own knowledge and understanding she welcomes critical, constructive debate. No one has the corner on truth, we all see “through a glass, darkly”. (I Corinthians 13:12)
Excellent article JANNA thank you.