Pasadena Star-News - News ARCADIA - The race for Arcadia City Council figured to revolve around Rick Caruso's plan to build the Shops at Santa Anita, the biggest development in city history.
But at a candidates' forum on Tuesday night, a sleeper issue seemed most troubling to the more than 250 in attendance: eminent domain.
"No eminent domain for private gain," said candidate Peter Amundson, to loud applause. "I believe the intent of our founding fathers was that eminent domain was only for public use."
Several other candidates issued similar philosophical proclamations, including even Mayor John Wuo, who was part of a 5-0 vote last week to start eminent domain proceedings in an effort to expand Rusnak Mercedes Benz.
"It's a very powerful tool," Wuo said, adding that he voted to proceed against Arcadia Self-Storage only because the vote was needed to pursue negotiations. "We should try to negotiate with all property owners."
The city has been engaged for more than a year in trying to expand the Rusnak dealership to the east on Huntington Drive. The expansion requires the acquisition of five parcels, including the Elks Lodge and Rod's Grill.
City leaders say the Rusnak expansion will bring in new sales tax dollars, which could help fix the city's deficit.
Manny Romero, the owner of Rod's Grill, has fought back. He is gathering signatures to stop the expansion and has appeared twice on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," which is running a series denouncing the use of condemnation to expand private businesses.
Where did this country go so wrong to think this was even
close to being a good idea? To TAKE property from one citizen and give it to a corporation? If you
need to expand a road, or build a highway.. Ok. Build a hospital and there are no other choices? Maybe.. But to expand a #$%^&*( car dealership?
-Jason
