Summary
Requires government to compensate landowners for value lost due to regulations.
Biblical Reasoning
We strongly agree. Private property is a basic Biblical freedom. The 8th Commandment prohibits theft. The case laws (Exo. 21-23) require restitution to owners of property stolen or damaged. Thomas Jefferson’s inalienable rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” were a restatement of John Locke’s “life, liberty and property.” Our happiness is tied to the right use of our property.
Election Results
Voters approved compensation for land use restrictions (61% Yes), though it was significantly modified by Measure 49 in 2007.
Full PEAPAC Analysis
PEAPAC Explanation: This would protect individual property rights, providing that property owners be paid back for economic losses caused by government land use decisions.
PEAPAC Comment: Civil governments are required to pay a property owner when it takes his land. This Measure says that government should also pay the owner for any reduction in value the government’s actions cause. We strongly agree. Private property is a basic Biblical freedom. The 8th Commandment prohibits theft. The case laws (Exo. 21-23) require restitution to owners of property stolen or damaged. Thomas Jefferson’s inalienable rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” were a restatement of John Locke’s “life, liberty and property.” Our happiness is tied to the right use of our property.
That’s why our laws mandate that when the government needs someone’s land, they must pay him for it. But by rezoning your land, or the property around it, the value of your property can be significantly reduced without it being actually taken. This Measure says you should be paid for the loss of value that you suffer at the hands of the government. We strongly recommend a Yes vote on Measure 37.
Dennis Tuuri 
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