Representative Charley Thomson released the following statement on Wednesday following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ veto of House File 639:
“Today is a dark day for Iowa’s citizens and their rights under the Iowa and United States Constitutions. Today, Iowa’s chief executive was faced with a choice between supporting legitimate private property rights and supporting a ruthless cabal of politicians intent on a reckless, unsafe, and illegal pipeline project. We now know that Governor Reynolds is solidly on board with Team Cabal.
Further, Iowans should not take heart from the soft, purring words in today’s veto message. The excuses trotted out about “insurance” concerns are just polite window-dressing for the real message: She will oppose and veto any bill that Summit Carbon Solutions dislikes, and if that means trashing the rights of every landowner in the state, that’s just too bad. In the Governor’s view, constitutional rights, such as eminent domain protections, should not be allowed to interfere with schemes to make money, especially if those schemes are being promoted by her friends, supporters, and contributors. The Constitution doesn’t matter, the safety risks to the public do not matter, and the weight of public opinion does not matter. The long-term economic interests of Iowans doesn’t even count in this equation, since this devil-may-care approach to property rights protections will make people less interested in holding and improving Iowa real property. For example, who in their right mind would consider putting in pattern tiling if politically connected developers can just seize the land with practically no due process or compensation?
I am proud to join with my colleagues in the House in calling for a Special Session of the General Assembly to override today’s veto. I am also looking forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to restore Iowans’ Constitutional rights, to reform Iowa’s corrupt utilities regulation system, and to investigate the circumstances surrounding all aspects of Summit scandal. I am also looking forward to helping the general public understand that the approach of “the cabal” to property rights protections does not represent the views of the vast majority of Republicans or Republican officeholders. The RockefellerRomney-McCain anything-for-a-buck “wing” of the party is tiny, albeit very loud.
Finally, I would like to correct the record on one point. In her veto message, the Governor made reference to the “intent” of the legislation. I find this interesting, since I drafted the bill, and neither the Governor nor any member of her staff contacted me about any provision of HF 639.”
