AGAINST ALL ODDS, KEAN AND CORODEMUS FIGHT FOR EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE

A poll released today, conducted by Monmouth University and Gannett New Jersey newspapers, reports that "...nine out of every 10 adults who know the issue [eminent domain] say it is wrong to take low-value homes to build a shopping center. A similar majority - 86 percent - say it is wrong to bulldoze a low-value home in order to replace it with a higher-value unit." [Source: Asbury Park Press 10-5-05]

AGAINST ALL ODDS, KEAN AND CORODEMUS FIGHT FOR EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE

EATONTOWN-A poll released today, conducted by Monmouth University and Gannett New Jersey newspapers, reports that "...nine out of every 10 adults who know the issue [eminent domain] say it is wrong to take low-value homes to build a shopping center. A similar majority - 86 percent - say it is wrong to bulldoze a low-value home in order to replace it with a higher-value unit." [Source: Asbury Park Press 10-5-05]

Despite this overwhelming evidence, however, Assemblyman Sean Kean and his running mate, Assemblyman Steve Corodemus, do not support a moratorium on eminent domain, instead supporting eminent domain abuse.

"No one should be shocked or surprised by Assemblyman Kean's position on eminent domain use," said 11th District Democratic Assembly candidate Jim Reilly. "After all, Assemblyman Kean spent years working as a Trenton lobbyist, representing developers and special interests groups, and was the general counsel for PMK Group, an engineering firm with contracts throughout Monmouth County and New Jersey. How could he turn around to his former co-workers, employers and campaign contributors and say that he was against them making a profit? The simple answer is that he cannot and has not."

Following the June 23, 2005 Kelo v. City of new London, Connecticut U.S. Supreme Court ruling, municipalities were given the power to utilize eminent domain for reasons of economic redevelopment. In a corruption rich county like Monmouth, under the Kelo decision, all a developer has to do is bribe the right officials and anyone could lose their home or business.

Doherty and Reilly have crafted an anti-eminent domain abuse platform that calls for a statewide moratorium on eminent domain; endorses proposed Assembly legislation A-4392; would prohibit government entities from seizing owner-occupied homes through eminent domain for reasons of economic development; and extends new protections and benefits to owner-occupied business owners who are the subject of eminent domain.

"It is obvious from their comments on eminent domain that, not only are Assemblymen Kean and Corodemus out of touch with the public, but they stand against the majority of residents in the 11th District and across New Jersey on this issue," said 11th District Democratic Assembly candidate Matt Doherty. "Nowhere is the difference between our candidacies more pronounced than on this issue. Jim and I stand with homeowners across the state in protecting their homes from eminent domain abuse. Our opponents stand with their former employers and the special interests in supporting eminent domain abuse."

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