Eminent Domain and Home Rule

By Thomas G. Brown

Changes still need to be made.

I am opposed to the "absolute" prohibition of property seizures strictly for economic development. While some cities in Ohio have the physical room to develop land for economic purposes, many older cities are landlocked. With the enactment of the township preservation law in Ohio, older Ohio cities can no longer annex townships to expand their economic base. There needs to be a provision that will allow these cities to exercise the ability to recreate. If not, the only provision left would be to drastically increase taxes on property owners. This in turn will drive more homeowners and businesses out of landlocked cities making the situation even worse.

A major deterrent to my support for the current proposed Ohio Constitutional amendment is the provision that calls for removal of Home Rule in Ohio. Home Rule is a provision in the Ohio Constitution that allows cities and townships to control their own revenue. Without Home Rule, a city has no say on how to generate or spend its own revenue. The State can direct the funds without the wishes of the city.