Editor,
I recently became aware of a Rio Rancho City Council meeting for the blighting and eminent domain takeover of a portion of Unit 10 in Rio Rancho. The city plans to take land from existing landowners and sell it to Pulte Homes to redevelop the land using eminent domain to legalize the action.
With the utmost respect, I am adamantly opposed to such laws. Sen. Carrero plans to introduce legislation at the upcoming January legislative session that will oppose such blight and eminent domain law interpretation, to transfer land from a private landowner for redevelopment. I hope that all landowners in New Mexico can count on the introduction of said legislation to discontinue such abuse of blight and eminent domain law.
I sincerely believe, that as an individual, without proper legislation, such a precedent will ultimately result in reduced property values as well as reduced investment in New Mexico from any and all private property investors in New Mexico.
This action will benefit the Pulte corporation now, but how will individual investors react to the idea that any government body in New Mexico can blight - or bar private owners from building on - land and any private property, and use it for any desired interest of another private land owner.
I want to see Rio Rancho - as well as every part of New Mexico - prosper economically, as do many other individuals. There are alternatives, such as creating special assessment districts that install the infrastructure and assess individual property owners for such improvements as storm sewers, roads and utilities. This will not only begin the development process that I think everyone desires, but it will also foster positive and increased investment in the great state of New Mexico.
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Instead of forcefully taking land from private landowners, this will level the playing field and give everyone the opportunity to develop their land per their individual dreams. Our great country was founded on dreams: dreams of being an American; dreams of becoming a landowner; dreams of becoming a great businessman; dreams of being exempt from injustices prevalent in other parts of the world; dreams that forbid unreasonable search and seizure of land and private property.
I am looking forward to seeing our great state implement redevelopment reform.
Martin Fliss
Daily Lobo reader
